Local News

An accident occurred at 11:20 Tuesday night in Dent County on Dent County Road 6490 about a mile north of Jadwin. According to the highway patrol report, 26-year old Richard Hutchings of Salem driving a 2017 Chevy Impala swerved to miss a deer in the road and went off the right side of the roadway and struck two trees. Hutchings suffered minor injuries and was taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by a private vehicle. Hutchings was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Impala was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

According to a report from the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, 40-year old Michael Garrison was arrested Tuesday afternoon in St. Clair and was charged with the abandonment of a corpse. Garrison’s charges came from a Phelps County Sheriff’s Department investigation from the discovery of a female body on January 17th, in a ditch at the intersection of Phelps County Roads 3000 and 3220 that was called in to Central Communications by a citizen. The woman was later identified as 25-year old Kayla Wilson of Cuba, formerly of Salem. After an autopsy it was determined that the cause of death was due to an accidental overdose. The investigation later revealed Garrison and another male subject were responsible for abandoning the body in the ditch on January 17. He was transported to the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department where he later posted a $15,000.00 bond. The charge is merely an accusation and is not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has granted Missouri an extension through October 10th, 2018, to satisfy requirements of the REAL ID Act and its regulations. During this extension, federal agencies may accept Missouri-issued driver licenses and identification cards for official purposes, including air travel. Joel Walters, director of the Missouri Department of Revenue, the state agency that oversees the issuance of driver licenses stated he was pleased that the Department of Homeland Security has recognized the State’s efforts on this issue. With this extension, Missourians will not be inconvenienced while they continue their work to improve state-issued identification.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that young hunters ages 6 through 15 harvested 3,056 deer during Missouri’s late youth portion of the 2017 deer hunting season, which ran November 24th through 26th. Top counties for the late youth portion were Franklin with 72, Douglas with 71, and Howell with 69 deer checked. During the late November portion of the youth season Dent County totaled 60 deer, while Crawford County checked 39, Iron County recorded 9, Phelps County checked 46 and the number for Shannon County was 27. Last year’s harvest total for the late youth portion was 2,944. For the latest deer harvest totals by county and portion, visit MDC’s website. Archery deer hunting continues through Jan. 15, 2018. Up next for deer hunting in Missouri is the antlerless portion of firearms deer season which runs December 1st through 3rd. Lastly, the alternative methods portion will run December 23rd through January 2nd, 2018. Get more information on deer hunting in Missouri through MDC’s free 2017 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet available where permits are sold, from MDC regional offices and nature centers, and online at MDC’s website.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, deputies took a report of a red 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe stolen from a residence in the 2000 block of County Road 3300. The owner stated that inside the vehicle was a Browning Automatic .22 Rifle and misc. tools. The vehicle was recovered in Franklin County Monday, the 27th. This report is still under investigation. On Friday, November 24th, deputies received a report of property damage on Dent County Road 2050. The victim showed deputies their mailbox, which appeared to have been blown up. This report is still under investigation. If anyone has information regarding any ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

An accident occurred at 6:08 in the evening on Wednesday, November 15th. According to the Salem Police Report, a 2010 Ford F-150 driven by David Ard of Salem was stopped at a red light on Highway 32 when a 2001 Buick Laser driven by Rita Miller of Salem stopped behind him. At that time, a 1999 GMC 1500 driven by Ryan Purcell was traveling south on Highway 19 toward the Ford and the Buick and failed to slow. The GMC collided with the Buick, which caused the Buick to collide with the Ford. Purcell suffered no injuries, and the GMC sustained minor damage. Miller and a passenger suffered minor injuries and were transported by Ambulance to Salem Memorial District Hospital. The Buick sustained minor damage. Ard suffered no injuries, and the Ford sustained no damage.

An accident occurred last Wednesday afternoon at 2:38 in Phelps County about two miles east of Rolla on Phelps County Road 3060. According to the highway patrol report, a 1983 Buick Regal, driven by 42-year old Eric Ours of Rolla, was traveling eastbound when the vehicle struck 30-year old Roger Beer who was crossing the roadway. Beer suffered moderate injuries and was flown by Phelps Air to University Hospital in Columbia. The Buick sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Salem welcome all to participate in this year’s “Sights and Sounds of Christmas” Parade of Lights that will be held this Saturday at 5:30, December 2nd. The parade route will run from the corner of South Grand and Franklin Street to the Dent County Courthouse. You can pick up your entry forms at the Chamber office at 200 South Main. Entry forms must be retuned by this Friday to the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. You can drop them off, fax them in at 573-729-6741 or scan them and send them by e-mail to chamber@salemmo.com. ATV’s are NOT allowed to participate in the parade. If you have questions, call 729-6900.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kaleb D. Martin graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Martin is the son of Amy and Douglas Martin. He is a 2015 graduate of the Bunker High School.

The Sons of the American Legion Post 99 are conducting the fourth annual adopt a vet program to provide resources for 150 American Veterans so they can enjoy Christmas. While the Veterans at the St. James Veterans Home receive the finest medical care and attention they do not have money for the things that we all take for granted at Christmas time. Money raised goes to provide a banquet that each Veteran can invite their loved ones to for Christmas dinner, complete with all the trimmings. Each Veteran will also receive gifts that they may enjoy their Christmas. As in the past, local representatives collect donations on behalf of the 150 Veterans residing at the Veterans home. Thanks to the generosity of the citizens of Dent County each veteran has been sponsored for the last three years. The cost to sponsor a Veteran is $50.00. The Veterans will also receive a small gift of a custom “United States Veteran” hat, letter of honor, and a pair of camouflage jersey gloves. All are provided with soft candies as well. Saturday evening, December 23rd at 2:00, there will be live music by Second Time Around and everyone is encouraged to come and enjoy the company of these fine Veterans. Kids are needed to serve as Santa’s helpers. To donate to the Adopt a Vet Program, contact Richard LaBrash at 573-729-1394 or call John at 573-729-3710.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the courthouse. At the meeting, Dent County Collector Dennis Medlock announced the Collector’s Office will have extended hours on December 27th, 28th and 29th from 8:00 until 5:30 for those who want to pay their taxes in person. Berniece Lea was in asking the commission to look into a tax issue she has where she is being charged a well tax but she is on county water and says she doesn’t have a well. She said she has discussed this with the Assessor’s office but has not gotten anywhere. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he would look into it and get back with her. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 5610 which is part of the Title 2 Project that will be completed soon. Purcell said a man would be cutting brush on Dent County 5600 better know as the Turtle Loop and another man would be replacing road signs that have been vandalized or stolen. District 2 Commission Gary Larson indicated that materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 2020 while only grading would be done on county road 5240. Larson said brush would be cut on county road 2130 while another man would be going to Springfield for oil for chip and seal repair. Commissioner Skiles reported that he along with the other commissioners, treasurer, recorder and county clerk attended the Missouri Association of Countries Conference from Sunday through Tuesday of last week. Skiles said 104 of 114 counties were represented at the conference. Discussions were held on medical marijuana, prevailing wage, prescription monitoring program and more. Skiles did say a resolution was adopted by MAC for the repeal of the Prevailing Wage Law in Missouri. Skiles stated he and Commissioner Larson would be attending an Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District Awards Dinner and meeting tonight at the MRPC offices where they recognize those people who are moving forward with waste reduction and recycling efforts. After payroll was approved, Commissioner Skiles signed the renewal for 2018 Health Insurance, MAGIC, which is a Cox Health Plan. Bids were then opened for the Road and Bridge Department sale of surplus property. After some discussion on the bids, the commission agreed 3-0 to accept the bid from Schwartz Sales, LLC for the 1998 Ford Dump Truck $3,500. He also won the bid for the 2001 Dodge 1500 Truck for $550.00. Other bid winners included JasonTuttle who won the bid for the 1995 Ford Dump Truck for $5,000.00, Ron Anderson who won the 16-foot Utility Trailer for $333.33, and Rusty Chamberlain who won the small lot of Owners Manuals for $9.50 and the small lot of N.O.S. Miscellaneous Filters for $10.50. Prosecutor, Andrew Curley came in to discuss a Burlington Railroad Right-of-Way. The property owners are Pete Kraus, Jr and Kathleen Kraus and they requested the county do a quit claim deed to a portion of the property. Property is in the Cook Station area. The Commission agreed 3-0 to sign the Quit-Claim Deed. The commission also agreed to sign the 2018 contract for Healthy Dent County, Rural Addressing for $12,000. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and it is open to the public.

The Salem Police have released a number of reports. On Thursday morning, November 16th at approximately 7:52, an officer was sent to the Salem High School in reference an assault. The investigation of the report revealed a 14-year old male juvenile of Salem had punched a 13-year old male juvenile of Salem. The suspect was detained and later released to his parent. The report will be forwarded to the Juvenile Office. The early morning Friday, November 17th at 2:51, officers were conducting a narcotics investigation at a residence in the 300 block of North Park. The investigation revealed a 33- year old female of Salem and a 23-year old male of Rolla were in possession of numerous controlled substances. The investigation is ongoing. On Monday, November 20th at 9:22 in the morning, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. That stop led to the arrest of a 71-year old female of Salem for failing to maintain financial responsibility. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Thanksgiving Day at about 12:33 in the early morning, an officer was contacted in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown stole 50 gallons of fuel from a semi truck parked near Missouri Highway 19 and Rolla Road. The report is under investigation. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

The Salvation Army Dent County Service Unit has announced they have partnered with Healthy Dent County to ensure that the annual Angel Tree program will be available this year. The Angel Tree will be located at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Sherry Lea, the Welfare Secretary for the Dent County Service Unit, hopes that the community will rally together to help make a local child’s Christmas brighter this year. The Salvation Army Dent County Service Unit would like to thank the citizens of Salem and Dent County for their overwhelming response to the report that Wal-Mart would not be allowing an Angel Tree this year. Local residents have always enjoyed adopting a child, shopping for clothing, coats, hats, and toys. Some families use this time of year to teach their children the importance of giving during the holiday season. Because of the different location, citizens will have to come to the Salem Community Center@ the Armory to adopt a child, purchase the gifts, and then bring the gifts back to the Community Center. In recent years, there have been over 200 children’s names on the tree and all were adopted by the very generous citizens in our community. The Angel Tree will be available starting this Wednesday, November 29th with access to the tree Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory, located at 1200 W. Rolla Road in the front lobby. Sign-ups for families wanting to participate in the Angel Tree will be held Monday through Friday at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory starting TODAY and running through Tuesday, December 5th. For several years, Wal-Mart has partnered with the Salvation Army for its Angel Tree program. Recently the Salem Wal-Mart informed the local service unit that due to a directive from their corporate offices, Wal-Mart will not participate by allowing the tree and angels to be displayed at their Salem store. It was not the local manager’s decision but a corporate mandate. The familiar red kettle will still be located outside Wal-Mart as well as at Country Mart and Dollar General. For information about the Angel Tree program, please call 729-8163.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met Monday evening, November 20th. Health Center Director Kendra Mobray reported that building renovations were being completed. Improvements included new guttering on the south side of the office building, interior painting, and new flooring in the reception area. New privacy fencing will be installed on the west side of the Health Center parking lot during the next few weeks. These improvements were made possible through a grant obtained by the Health Center. Mobray reported that High Dose and Quadrivalent influenza vaccines are still available and that the Health Center bills Medicare, Private Insurance and children’s Medicaid. A Memorandum of Understanding with Oak Hill R-1 to provide school nurse services had been previously approved by the Board and had been signed. Health Center nurses have been in the school several times providing consultation and updating equipment. Mobray provided contract updates and noted that the Rabies Alert for Dent County was lifted November 15th. The Health Center still encourages pet owners to keep Rabies vaccinations up to date and avoid contact with stray and wild animals. Mobray reported that influenza activity in Missouri has been sporadic with two cases reported in Dent County in September and none in October. The updated administrative manual was reviewed and approved by the Board. A staff Christmas dinner on December 14th was approved and the Health Center offices will close at noon on that date. The next regular meeting of the Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees was set for December 18th at the Health Center and the meeting is open to the public.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 191,368 deer during the November portion of fall firearms deer season, November 11th through the 21st. Of the 191,368 deer harvested, 99,431 were antlered bucks, 20,148 were button bucks, and 71,789 were does. Top harvest counties were Howell with 4,564 deer checked, Texas with 4,374, and Franklin with 4,095. In Dent County, a total of 3,072 deer were harvested while Crawford County checked 2,767 deer, Shannon County had 2,395 deer taken, Phelps County harvested 2,226 deer and Reynolds County hunters took 1,529 deer. Last year hunters checked 185,062 deer during the 2016 November portion of firearms deer season with 95,381 being antlered bucks, 18,888 being button bucks, and 70,793 being does. Deer hunting in Missouri continues with archery deer hunting from November 22nd through January 15th, 2018.

The Salvation Army Dent County Service Unit volunteers will be ringing bells starting today to help raise funds locally with the familiar red kettle at Christmas time. The red kettles will be located at Country Mart, Dollar General and Wal-Mart today and then every Friday and Saturday until December 23rd. A number of counter kettles are also located at various locations throughout the community. With the generous help of our community from bell ringers to those who donate, the Dent County Service Unit hopes to reach their 2017 goal of $30,000. The kettles are the primary way that funds are raised to continue to meet the emergency needs as well supplementary needs of individuals and families struggling to make ends meet in Dent County. Volunteer bell ringers are needed each year to help raise these funds. To volunteer to ring the bell at the red kettle, please call Jan at 729-6355. For additional information about the local service unit, please call Sherry Lea at 573-729-8163. The Salvation Army..doing the most good.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday night for their regular meeting. In Bids, the board approved the bid from R & B for three walkie talkies for $1,935 each with an extra battery and the added upgrade that mesh these radios with the state and sheriff’s department radios. The money used to pay for the walkie talkies will come from the money left over from the repeater of about $6,700. After the consent agenda was approved, City Administrator Ray Walden told the board about a workshop held on sidewalks in the city where a full audit assessment was done. Also discussed at the workshop were the downtown streetscape and the TAP grant. Walden went on to say the Airport Board met as well as the Park Board. Walden wanted to thank Marilyn Sweitzer and Shaun Bolerjack for all their hard work on the Heroes Marathon that took place last Saturday. Walden reminded everyone the city offices would be closed Thanksgiving Day and Friday. He also handed out an information packet to the aldermen concerning a CDL Policy and differential pay. Currently the city has two workers who have the classification to haul a 5th wheel. He is looking for feedback from the aldermen on the information at the next meeting. Mayor Brad Nash said the city had advertised for a new Economic Development Director and received seven applications. Nash said there has been one interview and they are scheduling more. He hopes to have a recommendation by the end of the year for the aldermen. The board passed Resolution 5-2017 calling for the Municipal Election on April 3rd for a mayor, one east ward and one west ward aldermen. They also approved Bill #3349 that amended the City of Salem Budget by $300,000 on the income and expense side going from revenues of $12,642,369 to $12,942,369 and expenses from $12,519,474 to $12,819,474. The board went on to pass Bill #3350 that allows the city to enter into a lease purchase transaction from which the proceeds will pay for the improvements to the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Pool. The bill further approves the execution of the certain documents in association with the transaction. The board also approved Bill #3351 that authorized Mayor Nash to execute an agreement between the City of Salem and H.W. Lochner to provide engineering services for the Salem Memorial Airport clearing and the grub trees project. The board approved the holding of a public hearing by the City of Salem Planning and Zoning Commission concerning the petition for annexation from Max and LaWanna Inman, the trustees of the Inman Living Trust. The board went on to approve leaving the salaries of elected officials the same so no new ordinance is needed. Any increase or decrease in salary would have only affected the newly elected officers. The board then voted to go into closed session.

The counting period for the 2017 Thanksgiving holiday weekend is from 6:00 tonight until 11:59 Sunday night. During the 2016 Thanksgiving holiday weekend, 14 people were killed and another 553 were injured in 1,426 traffic crashes. That means one person was killed or injured in a traffic crash every 10.8 minutes in Missouri over last year’s Thanksgiving holiday weekend. It is also important that you are well rested before you start driving. Remember to buckle up — seat belts save lives! Obey all of the traffic laws—all of the time. There is never a reason to speed, drive aggressively, or drive impaired. The Patrol will participate in Operation C.A.R.E (Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort) during this Thanksgiving holiday weekend. As part of this operation, all available troopers will be assigned to Missouri’s roadways to enforce traffic laws, especially those related to impaired driving, driving over the speed limit, and seat belt/child restraint use. Troopers will also be available to assist motorists as needed. This Thanksgiving weekend will include 20-Mile Trooper enforcement projects on November 22 and November 26, 2017. Troopers will be assigned at 20-mile intervals along Interstates 29, 44, 55, and 70, as well as U.S. Highways 60 and 63. The Highway Patrol’s Emergency Assistance number is 1-800-525-5555 (or *55 on a cellular phone). Motorists should use this emergency assistance number to report traffic crashes, crimes being committed, or other emergencies on Missouri’s highways. When you dial this number anywhere in the state, it rings directly into the closest Patrol headquarters.

The Salem Park Board met Thursday night at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Parks and Recreation Director Tye Lydon reported that last year, 85 boys and girls signed up for youth basketball for the 2016-17 season. As of meeting time on Thursday, 77 children had been registered. Late registration will run through November 30th. Participants will be charged an additional $10/participant. Lydon updated the board on the inventory of baseball and softball equipment and supplies. Lydon stated Don Smith fixed the jugs machines saving the Park Board about $3,000 to $5,000 for a new machine. Lydon then proposed a special opening ceremonies event for all the kids that participate in the baseball/softball leagues. He proposed switching our shirt sponsors from one major sponsor to having different business sponsor the teams. At the City Fields, a Park and Recreation Board member would announce every child and the team they are on. The team would then hold the banner of the sponsor representing their team to get team pictures taken with a representative of the business in the team photo if they want. The board liked the idea and Lydon will finalize the plans. Lydon updated the board on the improvements at the park including new LED lights in the bathrooms, in the concessions stand, the two rentable pavilions along with new GFCI fixtures. Lydon showed the board pictures taken with his drone of the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Pool that showed a lot of the work that had been done. He also explained that Westport Pools had removed some of the piping in the pump and filter room as they were redoing the pool drainage area. The Park Board reviewed color options for the amenities that are being added to the pool and made suggestions that will be presented to Westport Pools. The board discussed the proposed work to be done on the bath house and how the pool and bathhouse would be financed. City Administrator Ray Walden was in attendance and discussed the Certificates of Participation that would have to be secured to pay for the work at the pool. Park Board President Stan Podorski discussed the impacts of each possible scenario on future projects on the Park and Recreation Budget from this financing. With all the information presented, the board approved to recommend to the Board of Aldermen to finance the work on the pool and pool house with funds received from the Certificates of Participation for 1.7 million dollars and be paid back over a 25-year period. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Missouri Department of Transportation is holding an online public meeting to share information about an upcoming project that will replace two bridges on Dent County Route F –MoDOT is seeking input from the public about this project online at: www.modot.org/central. At the webpage, area residents can find out information and make comments about the project. The online public meeting will run now through December 1st. The Dry Fork Creek bridge is located approximately one mile north of Route E and the Holt Creek bridge is located approximately a mile south of Highway 32. Construction is scheduled to take place between mid-March and mid-August of 2018. During construction Route F will be closed at each bridge location. The Holt Creek bridge will be constructed first, followed by the bridge over Dry Fork Creek. Construction will not begin on the Dry Fork Creek bridge until the Holt Creek bridge is completed. Signed detours will direct traffic to alternate routes around each closure. The roadway will be closed to traffic from Highway 32 to Route E near the location of each bridge during construction. The total project cost is an estimated $871,000. If you would like more information or to comment on the project, please contact Transportation Project Manager Danica Stovall-Taylor at (573) 526-8099.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports for Monday, November 13th. The first report deputies responded to was in the 4000 block of Dent County Road 2050 for a report of a burglary. It was reported that a residence had been broken into and drawers and cabinets had been gone through. This report is still under investigation. Later that day, deputies responded to the 45000 block of Highway 72 for a report of property damage. Deputies met with the property owner and were shown the inside of a rental property that had been damaged, including several fists sized holes in the wall and doors ripped off the wall. The property owner valued the damage at $4,650. Charges are being sought on the renter. If you have any information regarding any investigation, call the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met Thursday night for their regular meeting. Superintendent John McCulloch allowed the building principals to report on the parent-teachers conferences and they all said they went very well. Assistant Superintendent John Smith gave the report on the Annual Performance Report and Salem scored a 98.6% which is the highest in the SCA Conference and the highest ever at Salem. That is up from the 97.1% score set year. This is the second straight year Salem has led the SCA Conference with their APR score. Keith McCarty from RTI in Rolla was in attendance to present an award to Salem High School junior Scilar Gibbs, a student at RTI in the Health Science Academy. Gibbs created a logo for the Health Organization Student Association (better known as HOSA) that was entered in a statewide contest. It was voted on and received over 50% of the votes and was chosen to represent the logo for the state of Missouri. The logo will be on the state pins, t-shirts and banners. It will also be utilized to represent Missouri in the national contest. The building principals all gave their building reports before High School Principal Marty Anderson discussed with the school board about creating a Construction Trades Program at the Salem High School. The program would be funded from donations, state grants and fundraising projects and would not receive money from the school general revenue funds. This would be relevant technical training that would be done on existing community housing projects that are determined by an advisory committee for students to learn and perfect their skills. This could also create post-secondary pipelines for the student. Anderson said the program startup costs would $25,000 for tools that can be increased to $100,000 as the school could apply for a grant for another $75,000, $30,000 for a truck and trailer, and $55,000 for a teacher and their benefits. The total set up costs comes to $115,000. Anderson said he is looking for six students the first year. This program would not change the contract with RTI, but those construction students currently at RTI would move to the Salem campus allowing students interested in other courses to take their place. Anderson reported there has already been a gift of $150,000 for the first year with other commitments for three to five years from other sources. Donations could also be made to the program where scholarships could be established in people’s name. The school board approved the program pending all needed funding was secured. The board approved the audit report for the last school year from Matt James that showed the schools finances in good shape. The board also approved board of education candidate filing dates of December 12th through January 16th. The board approved policy update 2017C and accepted the resignation of the ECSE director, Stephanie Floyd at the end of the 2017-2018 school year. The board went into closed session where they discussed student discipline issues before adjourning.

An accident occurred Saturday afternoon at 12:29 on Dent County Road 6190 about 3½ miles south of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 Ford F-150 driven by 23-year old Jesus Frausto of Salem, failed to negotiate a curve and traveled off the right side of the roadway. The Ford struck a tree and came to rest. Frausto suffered minor injuries and was transported to Salem Memorial Hospital by Salem Ambulance. Frausto was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford was totaled and towed from scene by Whitakers Towing of Salem.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report both District One and District Two said they are operating short men on their crews due to vacations. District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell reported that grading would be done and materials would be added to Dent County Roads 6410 and 6420, while grading only would be done on county road 6110 and 2400. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that grading would be done and materials would be added to Dent County Road 4030, plus brush would be cut on county road 2020. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that at last Thursday’s MRPC meeting Angela Rolufs, from Missouri Science and Technology, and Pete Karnowski, of Burns and McDonald, presented information about the wood waste study they are conducting on behalf of the Missouri Forest Products Association. The study is looking at possible uses of surplus sawdust, with the foremost use being conversion to natural gas for electricity generation. They presented information and a map noting that Dent County had the most surplus sawdust in South Central Missouri. They pointed out that South Central and South East Missouri’s surplus sawdust piles are actually limiting the expansion of milling operations. They also noted that Fort Leonard Wood, DOE Run mining, and municipalities are potential users of the electricity. Skiles also reminded Dent County residents of the comment period for the Ozark National Scenic Riverways Roads and Trails Management Plan, which closes December 15th. There are three options, and they propose the closing of some roads and trails. Interested citizens can go online to http://parkplanning.nps.gov/OZAR_RT to view the proposed plan options. Detailed maps can also be viewed at the Salem Public Library. Skiles noted that there will be no Commissioners meeting next week due to the Commissioners and several office holders attending the Missouri Association of Counties Conference on Monday and the Thanksgiving Holiday Thursday. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that bills were being approved for payment and that her office would be receiving an Election Efficiency Grant for $2,645.16 from the State of Missouri as part of the Help America Vote Act. The grant is to be used for election equipment maintenance and election activities. FEMA representative Amanda Narey was in to assist the Commissioners in closing the process on the two grants from last springs flood damage in District One and District Two. Curt Faigle was by to visit about the 100 Acre Wood Rally next spring. Due to the Missouri Association of Counties Conference and the Thanksgiving Holidays the next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday, November 27th at the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident happened at 6:35 Wednesday morning on Route F about six miles southwest of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2011 Peterbilt 379 driven southbound by 74-year old Delbert Boester of Ashley, Illinois, traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a tree and then overturned. The Peterbilt came to rest on its right side. Boester suffered minor injuries and was transported to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by a Dent County Sheriff’s Deputy. Boester was wearing a seat restraint at time of the accident. The vehicle was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing of Salem.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors received their audit report from the BKD CPA’s and Advisors Tuesday night at their regular board meeting. The auditors reported the hospital had an increase in their cash and investment position of 1.9 million dollars from the last fiscal year while the hospital’s net position increased by $859,500 or 10%. This past fiscal year, the hospital had an operating income of $308,417. The hospital’s operating margin went from -4.5% in 2015-2016 fiscal year to 1.5% in the 2016-2017 fiscal year and they have 94 days operating cash on hand which is outstanding for a critical access hospital. They credit these numbers to the very good collection policy from the Accounting Department and the increase in rates from last fiscal year that were necessary to provide the cash flow. The auditors did report that with increase in income, the Medicare Supplemental Charge for the hospital for this past fiscal year will be near one million dollars and that will be shown as a liability on the balance sheet. They also reported that hospital received $63,000 from the Electronic Health Records Incentive Program they have been in for the least few years. The auditors said additional compensation payments may be needed to be made to Medicare and Medicaid once they have been computed by those governments using the rates they develop. The auditors said there was a significant amount of journal entries and reconciliations that took place during the year as a weakness although they did qualify many of those as a timing issue. The standard segregation of duties and internal controls was also mentioned, but that can’t be helped with smaller hospitals as they just don’t have the financial capabilities to hire that many people. Overall, the Salem Hospital was above the average in all the categories for US Critical Access Hospital and Missouri Critical Access Hospitals in and was in solid financial condition.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On Sunday, November 5th, deputies responded to the 3000 block of Highway 68 for a burglary. Deputies on the scene discovered that a hot water heater was taken from a trailer. This report is still under investigation. On Monday, November 6th, deputies responded to the 6000 block of Highway 19 North for a report of theft and burglary from Frizzell Saw Mill. This investigation has revealed that someone unlawfully entered a building on the property and stole five chainsaws and other items totaling approximately $5,000. The victim in this case has offered a reward of $1,000 to the person who can provide information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of the parties involved. This report is still under investigation. On Tuesday, November 7th, deputies responded to a minor one vehicle accident on Highway 32 East, just past the Meramec Bridge. After a short investigation, it was discovered that the driver, a 42-year old Jadwin woman, had a Phelps County warrant for her arrest. She was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail. Then on Wednesday, November 8th, deputies investigated a report of a child walking on Highway 32 East at Route MM. Contact was made with the parents at a residence in the 10000 block of Highway 32 East. After a short investigation and consent search of the residence, a 28-year old man and a 24-year old woman, both of Salem, were arrested for possession of a controlled substance and four counts of endangering the welfare of a child. They were incarcerated in the Dent County Jail with each person having a $50,000 cash only bond. On Friday, November 10th, deputies conducted a traffic stop at South Askins and West Franklin. As a result of the stop, the driver, a 42-year old Salem man, was arrested for driving while having his license revoked. He was fingerprinted, issued a citation, and released. On Saturday, November 11th, deputies responded to the 3000 block of Highway VV for a report of a stolen vehicle. A black 1995 Nissan Pathfinder had been stolen from a residence that afternoon between noon and 3:30 pm. This report is still under investigation. If you have information regarding the burglaries or thefts, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at (573) 729-3241.

Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway has released a progress report for the City of Viburnum in Iron County. The report shows improvement after an audit identified more than $100,000 in potentially fraudulent activities over a number of years and outlined a series of steps the city can take to better protect public dollars. Following the issuance of the audit report this summer, the former clerk, Dana Mayberry, was charged with a felony. The previous report found when citizens made cash payments, the former city clerk would pocket the money, and then instead of marking their accounts as paid, she would adjust the accounts to show they owed less than they actually did. The follow-up review found that city officials are now reviewing some utility adjustments and are working to institute additional reviews. The progress report also found the city is working to improve accounting practices and increase oversight of the utility and property tax system. In total, auditors identified 11 areas of concern to evaluate during the follow-up review. Five recommendations were fully implemented. For six other recommendations, progress has been made or recommendations were partially implemented. You can view the entire report by going to state auditor’s website at www.auditor.mo.gov.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Thursday, November 2nd at approximately 2:07 in the afternoon, an officer located a 30-year old male of Salem near Park and Center who had an active arrest warrant from Dent County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending a court appearance. Late that night near 10:29, an officer was detailed to Highway 19 and Rolla Road in reference to a fight in progress and a vehicle parked in the middle of the road. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 29-year old male of Salem who had assaulted a 23-year old male of Salem. The suspect was also charged with unlawful use of a weapon, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and driving while being intoxicated. The suspect was incarcerated pending the application for warrants. On Friday, November 3rd at approximately 10:45 in the morning, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to credit card fraud. That investigation revealed a 30-year old male of Salem used a credit card to make several unauthorized purchases with an approximate value of $1,685.01. The report is under investigation. Later, at approximately 11:55 in the morning, an officer was sent to a residence in the 900 block of East Pace in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed a person or persons unknown took a game system from the residence. This report is under investigation. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

Missouri State Parks have announced that because of its ongoing popularity across the state, the Centennial Passport program has been extended until April 9th, 2018. The original deadline was October 31st, 2017. The new deadline date commemorates the state park system’s founding on April 9th, 1917, and gives Passport participants an additional six months to complete the program. The extension applies to both the printed passport and the digital passport formats. All of the rules remain the same, except for the deadlines. For printed passports, completed passports must be presented to the park or historic site staff for verification by close of business on Monday, April 9th, 2018; and if digital, passports must be completed by close of business on Monday, April 9th, 2018. Grand Prize drawings will now be held on May 15th, 2018. To find out more information, go to mostateparks.com/passport.