Local News

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning in the Courthouse for their regular meeting. District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell was unable to attend due to a serious illness in his family. District One Road Foreman Rusty Chamberlain reported that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5360, 6080, 6110 and 5070, plus materials would be hauled to county road 5380. He noted that chip and seal patching would be done on county roads 4180 and 6380. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that brush would be cut on Dent County Roads 4480 and 4010. He said that due to a backhoe breakdown, the low water crossing work was not completed on Dent County Road 2300, the Commons Road, but he was hopeful work would be completed by Friday so the road would be open by the weekend. Larson also noted that materials were being hauled from county road 2300. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that Tuesday he and Commissioner Larson attended the County’s health insurance consortium meeting in Springfield. He said that Dent is one of ten counties that belong to the consortium. Skiles attended a feral hog program in Eminence Thursday night at their old gym. He noted that he had been contacted by a Dent County landowner who has a problem with feral hogs destroying his property. The landowner commented that he is unable to solve the problem and it may result in him having to sell his farm. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reminded voters that absentee voting continues through April 2nd in her office, that the last day to mail out a ballot is March 28th, and that her office will be open for absentee voting Saturday, March 31st, from 8:00 until noon. She also noted that the April 3rd election is the first one where voters are required to present valid photo identification. Curley said the photo could be a driver’s license, a non-drivers license, military identification, or passport. She also reminded voters that need to make an address change should come by her office and complete the change. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday morning at the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Scammers are yet again calling Intercounty members and impersonating employees in an attempt to collect financial information. Please do NOT fall victim to these attempts to rob you of your hard earned dollars. Members in the Rolla area are the latest target. The caller is claiming to be with a merchant company working on behalf of the co-op to collect unpaid electric bills. Members are threatened with power disconnection if they do not comply and make payment over the phone. Intercounty will NOT call and threaten to disconnect your power. Intercounty does NOT use a merchant company to collect payments. Intercounty does NOT even take payment information over the phone (payments are made through our secure, automated line). If you are unsure of the validity of a call, hang up and call us directly at 866-621-3679. Do not call them back at the number they provide, as they will only attempt to validate their scam call and collect your bank account information.

Healthy Dent County would like to invite everyone to the “Non Newlywed Game” Show. This event is a couple vs. couple hilarious version of the classic game show where you will discover just how much couples know (or don’t know!) about their spouses! This fundraising event will be held tonight at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory beginning at 7:00 PM. The “Non Newlywed Game” Show is an evening of laughter and fun that you will never forget. It’s called the Non Newlywed Game, because it’s not just for newly married couples. Four local married couples have been selected to play the game, they are: Max and Judy Dunn; Mike and Glenda Wofford; Clint and Barb Medlock; and Nathan and Nicole Miracle. These couples have graciously volunteered their time to play this fun game and entertain the audience. A total of less than 50 tickets remain for the event tonight and a VIP sponsored table can still be reserved by 4:30 today with a $300 donation, or you can get your individual tickets for $20 each. The individual tickets will not have reserved seating. The Salem Community Center @ the Armory is located at 1200 W. Rolla Road in Salem. To reserve your VIP table please call 729-8163. The event begins at 7:00 PM and doors open at 6:30 PM.

There will be a Hay Production program April 6th from 8:30 in the morning until 4:30 in the evening at the MU Wurdack Farm in Cook Station. Developed by MU Extension Specialists, this program will provide the fundamental knowledge to help you lower production costs and improve net returns per acre. The cost is $40 per person, or $60 per farm couple. To RSVP by April 2nd, stop by the Dent County MU Extension Office or call 573-729-3196, or you can go to extension.missouri.edu/dent. If you would like more information, please call Ted Cunningham, MU extension Livestock Specialist at 573-729-3196.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors met for the regular meeting Tuesday evening at the hospital library. Chief Financial Officer Monica Stogsdill gave the summary of operations for February that showed a gain from operations of $49,053 with an excess of revenues over expenses of $67,393 for the month. In February, 82 patients were admitted to the hospital as acute care patients per day for the month came in at 11.1. The cash flow statement showed an increase in cash of $72,796 for the month with days in accounts receivable shooting up to 71 due to the high volume of patients. Chief Nursing Officer Debbie Hines reported during the month there were 774 emergency room visits, 247 ambulance runs with 190 patients being transported to the hospital, 22 surgery services, 1,763 outpatient registrations, 166 home health visits, 8,539 lab tests, 981 radiological procedures and 596 rehab treatments. The days cash-on-hand for the hospital stands at 95 year-to-date and that is way over the Critical Access Hospital state average of 65. Hines went over the Quality Improvement report for the month of February for dialysis, radiology and SMDH Family Medicine. An updated risk management project was also reviewed. A flu update showed flu cases decreased at the hospital in February to 128 cases after peaking in January at 236 cases. Chief Operating Officer Chris Strickland reported on the hospital foundation and the golf tournament to be held on June 8th. He also discussed the possible change of the entity structure of the foundation to a 501 C 3 status. Hospital Attorney Mark Weaver, Strickland and the hospital accountants, BKD have discussed the change, but a few more issues need to be addressed before any change is made. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas showed the board the new patient whiteboards done by Kent Nichols sponsored by the hospital auxiliary. Strickland attended his first opening day at Montauk and handed out new marketing materials on the hospital. He said the hospital and SMDH Family Medicine will also have representation at the Ladies Night Out event this week with a new display. The board approved privileges for nine Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists from Phelps County including Billy Albertson, Christopher Black, John Byrd, Jason Corey, Angela D. DeLaria, Jeffrey Dean Heese, Michael F. Jones, Joe Meyerott, and Curtis Roberston. Courtesy Staff privileges for Charles Rasmussen, DO and Jacob Ballman MD from 360 degree Medicine for the Emergency Department were also approved by the board. The Finance Committee met March 6th and approved the market assessment and reviewed the capital budget. They plan on meeting again in April. The board approved the purchase of a deep fat fryer for dietary from US Foods for $5,594, approved the purchase of an E-Stim/Ultrasound Combo Unit for Rehab from Medline for $3,370, approved the purchase of a Glidescope for the Emergency Department from Salter Labs for $12,514, approved the purchase of a Lift Assist IV Pole for the Surgery Department from Bryton Corporation for $1,169, and approved the purchase of a Cautery Unit for the Surgery Department from Ethicon Megadyme for $6,171. The board then went into closed session.

Healthy Dent County’s 7th annual “Girls Night Out” event will be held on tonight from 5:00 to 8:00 at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Attendees will experience shopping with unique vendors, prize giveaways, FREE samples, door prizes, massages, food samples, wine tasting and many other exciting items. This event is limited to women and girls who are 12 years of age and older and the admission fee is $5.00. Over 54 vendors will display and sell their products and services. Bring your girlfriends for an evening of pampering, shopping and eating. Bring in a canned food or non-perishable food item for a chance to win a Amazon Gift Cards. You get one ticket per item, so the more you donate, so does your chance to win the gift cards. Food donations will be given to the Sacred Heart Food Pantry. For additional information call Sherry at 729-8163.

A ReproGene 2018 workshop will be held in Monday at 4:30 at the Recklein Auditorium in Cuba. The workshop will deal with the remarkable technology available to beef producers and how producers can use these tools to increase profits. The workshop will be led by MU Extension’s David Patterson and Jared Decker. The workshop will be coordinated by University of Missouri Extension Livestock Specialist, Ted Cunningham. Early registration for $20.00 ends TODAY which includes dinner. The registration fee is $25.00 at the door. For information contact Jared Decker at (573) 882-2504 or Ted Cunningham at (573) 729-3196.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday night at the Salem City Council Chambers. The board approved the chip and seal bid from Missouri Petroleum out of St. Louis for 30,000 square yards of chip and seal for $2.37 per square yard for a total of $71,100. The board made no decision on the purchase of a backhoe for the construction company before hearing from Parks and Recreation Director Tye Lydon. He was informing the board he will purchasing refrigerators, freezers, ice maker and other equipment through funds provided by Healthy Dent County for the Health Foods Initiative that will be in effect at the park. He also reported that SACBA will be paying $7,000 toward a new entrance sign for the city park that includes the materials, concrete pad and electric lights. Lydon also let the board know that he wanted to sell signs to businesses for the city park fences and offer team sponsorships if they wanted. City Administrator Ray Walden gave the traffic survey results of the study done on Grand Street by Officer Allan Kimrey that showed 36 cars parked on the east side of the street while another 12 cars parked on the west side. There were 262 private parking spaces available in the lot and very few were being used. The board decided to eliminate parking on both sides of Grand Street from 1st to 3rd Streets. Walden gave his report where he thanked Rob Benowitz and all those involved with this year’s 100-Acre Wood Road Rally for making it another success. He said the school will have another volunteer day on April 3rd, and another visioning meeting will be held April 9th from 5:00 to 7:00 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory which the public is invited to attend. The board approved Bill #3367 that corrected the fee for sewer inspections from $25 to $30; approved Bill #3368 that establishes a Commercial Plan Review Fee of 65% of the building permit fee for commercial projects; and approved Bill #3369 that allows the Mayor to execute an agreement between the city and Westport Pools, Inc. for a change order for the bath house renovations at the city pool. The board approved adopting a policy for Livable Streets as presented by Alderwomen Shelton that says any new street development would have to have sidewalks unless exempted by the aldermen. The board approved the appointment of Sarah Ziske Swindell to the Library Board and the re-appointment of Doris Stempniak to the Housing Authority Board. The board went on to approve setting a public hearing for the annexation of property into the city recently purchased by the Phelps County Regional Medical Center on Highway 32-72 West. The board then went into closed session.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On March 13th, deputies received a report of an identity theft. It was reported that a Verizon account had been falsely open in the victim’s name. This report is still under investigation. On March 15th, deputies responded to a residence on Dent County Road 5320 for a theft. It was reported that a black, singe axle, ten-foot trailer was stolen from a barn. The trailer has a metal frame with wooden boards on the sides and has white wheels without hubcaps and fender flares. It also has a lift gate and a toolbox on it. This report is still under investigation. That same day, deputies responded to call to the Seville Care Center parking lot for a verbal domestic. During the investigation, it was revealed that 43-year old Salem man involved had a felony warrant from Lafayette County. He was arrested, taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. If you have any information about an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

Highway 106 in Shannon County will be reduced to one lane with a 12-foot width restriction as the Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform bridge maintenance. The bridge over the Jacks Fork River is located at Alley Springs between Shannon County Road 308 and Shannon County Road 423. Weather permitting, work will take place Wednesday, March 21 through Thursday, March 29 from 7:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon. The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area. For additional information, contact MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636).

An accident happened in Texas County Monday afternoon at 12:25 on Route AT about six miles northwest of Licking. According to the highway patrol report, a 1995 Mercury Cougar driven by 33-year old Sarah Tow of Licking traveled off then roadway and struck a tree. Tow suffered moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to Texas County Medical Center. The Mercury sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by a family member. Tow was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met Thursday evening at the district administration board room. Superintendent John McCulloch reported summer school would be held for children from Kindergarten through 6th grade while credit recovery and drivers education will be offered in the summer for high school students. Summer School will be from May 22nd through June 12th. McCulloch talked about the school health insurance and said the consortium had not met their funding levels in three years and rates would be going up. For the same plan as last year, it would cost the school $423 per month per employee with a $3,000 deductible with 70-30 coverage after the deductible was met which would cost the district an additional $70,000. McCulloch said the school changed the base plan that now offers a $4,000 deductible and 100% coverage after the deductible is met that would cost $406 per month per employee. He said the school would offer two buy up options for the instructors where employees can even use a Health Savings Account. The budget update was tabled and the board heard from principals. William Lynch Principal Kriste Crocker reported that she had 241 students with 70 preschoolers, 85 Kindergarteners and 86 1st graders with three more 1st graders starting soon. She said kindergarten registration will be held March 20th and 21st as all the appointments for that day have been filled. She said parents should call the school if they need to get their child registered for kindergarten at 729-6611 as another registration day will be held in May. Children must be 5 years of age by August 1st. Upper Elementary School Principal Melanie Wisdom reported Quiz Bowl team Z placed first in the Dent County Quiz Bowl Tournament and that Mr. Schatz was recruiting 5th graders for the Middle School Band. Middle School Principal Scott Roberts congratulated 6th graders Lexi Delashmit and Denver Watson and 7th graders Brianna Mischke and Brooklyn Stenhoff for having their art work selected for the Youth Art Month Exhibit in the State Capitol. He also said enrollment is 202 students. High School Principal Marty Anderson said the school submitted the Construction Trade program grant on February 21st and are waiting to hear back. He said there were 562 students enrolled at the high school. This year’s testing day will be April 3rd and 50 students will test in Work Keys while 60 sophomores and 60 juniors have signed up for the ACT. The board approved their re-organizational meeting and regular meeting in April for April 12th at 6:00, approved the MSBA Policy Service Agreement for $3,479, and they also approved the MSBA 2018A updates that included rescinding the part-time participation rule that means students still need to attend school 80% of the time to play sports or participate in clubs. The board then went into closed session.

The City of Salem Board of Alderman will conduct their regular meeting on Monday night at the City Hall Council Chambers beginning at 7:00 pm. Bids will be heard for Chip and Seal Paving from NB West and Missouri Petroleum, plus the board will hear a bid on a Backhoe for Construction Department from Erb Equipment. In unfinished business, the requested traffic survey of Grand Street will be reviewed. Park and Recreation Director Ty Lydon will seek permission to purchase equipment for the concession stands and discuss banner sales. City Administrator Ray Walden will update the Board on various items and projects concerning the City of Salem followed by a report by Mayor Brad Nash. The board will discuss Bill #3367 that corrects a mistake in the posted fee for a sewer inspection fee. Bill #3368 will amend the rate schedule for the issuance of permits and collection of fees to include a commercial plan review fee that is 65% of the building permit fee. The board will also discuss Bill #3369 that allows the mayor to execute an agreement between the City of Salem and Westport Pools, Inc for a change order for the bath house renovations. In new and miscellaneous business, a proposed Livable Streets Policy will be reviewed, and appointments will be made to the Library Board and Salem Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. City Attorney William Camm Seay will present a petition for annexation by Phelps County Regional Medical Center. The Board will then vote to go into closed session for the purpose of discussing real estate and personnel. The regular meeting of the City of Salem Board of Alderman is open to the public.

Zachary Perkins ran away from the Salem High School on February 23rd. He has not been seen since. Perkins is a 17-year old white male standing 5′ 6″ and weighs about 130 pounds. His hair is brown and his eyes are blue. Perkins is a ward of the State of Missouri and was to be picked up by social workers and taken to a drug treatment facility on February 23rd. When the workers arrived to pick him up, Perkins fled the school. If you have any information please contact your local law enforcement or the Salem Police Department at 573-729-4242.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles was unable to attend due to a previous commitment and Dent County Clerk Angie Curley appointed Commissioner Dennis Purcell as Acting Presiding Commissioner. The commissioners heard from Don Hagler and Brad Turner about concerns with the jail project and how long it is taking to get it moving forward. The commission would like to have these gentlemen attend their next meeting with the architect and project manager. They both stated they would like to attend. In the road report, Purcell indicated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 4080 and 6580, while only grading would be done on county roads 5400 and 5490. Purcell went on to say workers would be installing a driveway culvert and adding materials to Dent County Road 5013. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2320 and 2330 while brush would be cut on county road 3330. Larson did say he had two men delivering materials to the fishing ponds at Howes Mill through an agreement with the U.S. Forest Service. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported the county was undergoing a Workman’s Comp audit Thursday morning. She went on to say absentee voting continues up to April 2nd, in her office on Saturday, March 31st from 8:00 in the morning until noon; and the last day to mail out a ballot will be Wednesday, March 28th. Curley also said she would be testing the electronic voting machines on Friday, March 23rd at 9:00 at the courthouse. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol wants to remind everyone that boating season is upon us and according to state statutes, every person born after January 1, 1984, or as required pursuant to section 306.128, who operates a vessel on the lakes of this state shall possess, on the vessel, a boating safety identification card issued by the water patrol division or its agent which shows that he or she has successfully completed a boating safety course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and certified by the water patrol division. The boating safety course may include a course sponsored by the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary or the United States Power Squadron. The water patrol division may appoint agents to administer a boater education course or course equivalency examination and issue boater identification cards under guidelines established by the water patrol. If you have to have a boater ID card, there will be an upcoming boating safety course on Saturday, March 24th from 8:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon at Troop I Headquarters in Rolla at 1301 Nagogami Road. Only 20 people may attend this class. You can register online by going to the MSHP website at www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov. Once there, scan down the left side of the page and find Boating Safety and Education Certification and click on it. Find the Rolla location, click in the circle to the left of the class and go to the bottom of the page and click register. You can find out more information by calling (573) 368-2345. Any class with less than 10 students registered two days prior to the class being held may be cancelled. In the case of a class being cancelled, attempts will be made to contact the registered students in a timely fashion but not guaranteed. Check the MSHP website the day of the class or call to make sure the class is still being held. You can also take the course online, but there is a cost to do it that way.

There is currently a petition drive to have a state funeral for the last Medal of Honor recipient from World War II that would honor all 16 million of those courageous men and women who fought to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. Of that sixteen million, only 464 received the Medal of Honor, of which only four recipients remain alive today. Back in September of 2017, a nationwide petition drive was launched to convince the President of the United States to designate a state funeral in Washington D.C. for the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. This single state funeral would provide special recognition for all Medal of Honor recipients, and serve as a final salute to the “greatest generation” of men and women who served during World War II. Petitions are located in various business locations in Salem, Dent County and surrounding counties. Signers of the petition must be a registered voter. If you have questions or concerns feel free to contact Richard LaBrash, State Chairman of the World War II Salute Initiative in Missouri, at (573) 729-1394 or people can go online at WorldWar2Salute.org to sign the petition.

This St. Patrick’s Day weekend, make sure your luck doesn’t run out by planning ahead for a sober ride home should you choose to take part in the celebration. The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety reminds motorists of the various options available to get everyone home safe. Designating a sober driver, or staying home and celebrating are just a few of those options. Preliminary 2017 data indicates that 185 people were killed and 592 were seriously injured in crashes involving at least one substance-impaired driver. Fifty-one of those drivers were under the age of 21. Missouri’s Zero Tolerance Law states that drivers under 21 years old caught with even a trace of alcohol in their system will have their licenses suspended. Besides driving completely sober, motorists are advised to put their cell phones down while driving and always buckle up..everyone, every trip, every time. Buckle Up, Phone Down.

Do you have your table reserved for the SACBA “Trivia Night” this Friday night at the Salem Community Center@ The Armory? Time is running out to be a part of the fun that starts at 6:00 with the doors opening at 5:30. The cost is $100 per team for a table which can be made up of as many as eight players. Test your trivia knowledge in ten categories with ten questions in each category. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams as well as the team with the cleverest name. The 1st place team will receive $200 cash and take home the annual traveling trophy. Soft drinks and popcorn will be served. Teams are welcome to bring food for your team at your table. Reserve your table today by calling Judy at 729-8163 or e-mail her at judy@salemcommunitycenter.org. “Trivia Night” will again be hosted by David Massengale. Everyone is welcome to be a part of the fun!

Congressman Jason Smith presented James “Dave” Pace with his second Bronze Star with Valor this past Monday that he earned during the Vietnam War, but his discharge documents only listed one Bronze Star and no Valor was recognized. Pace was concerned his military records weren’t complete and he reached out to Congressman Smith’s office for help. Pace worked with Smith’s office to submit evidence of the second incident for which he was awarded his second Bronze Star with Valor. Representative Smith was able to successfully share this information with the Army, prompting them to recognize Pace’s rightfully earned medals, amend his discharge documents and update his VA benefits. Smith’s office has helped hundreds of Veterans navigate the often cumbersome and complex VA process. Any veteran in need of assistance is encouraged to contact Representative Smith’s office so that ‎help can be provided as quickly as possible. If you have issues with the VA, contact Jason Smith’s office in Rolla at 573-364-2455 or stop by at 830A South Bishop.

There will be a meeting for those interested in becoming vendors at the Salem Farmers Market this year tonight at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce office starting at 7:00. Stop by if you are interested, but if you can’t make it to the meeting, call Tom at 247-7952 to get all the details about becoming a vendor.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold their regular board meeting at 6:00 this evening at the Salem District Administrative Offices Boardroom. At the meeting, the Board will hear from Superintendent John McColloch who will report on Summer School for 2018, give a health insurance update, and a budget update. The principals from all the schools will also give their reports. In new business, the board will set an organizational meeting date and April regular meeting date, approve MSBA Policy Service Agreement and consider MSBA 2018A updates. The board will accept resignations before adjourning and going into closed session. The Salem R-80 Board of Education meeting Thursday will be at the District Administrative Office Boardroom at 6:00 and the regular meeting is open to the public.

This month, a ReproGene 2018 workshop will be held in South Central Missouri. The workshop will deal with the remarkable technology available to beef producers and how producers can use these tools to increase profits. The workshop will be led by MU Extension’s David Patterson and Jared Decker. Topics will include overviews of AI synchronization protocols for heifers and cows, evaluation of protocols for two-year-old cows, split-time AI and use of sex-sorted semen, Expected Progeny Difference (EPD) and Genomic prediction basics, plus using genetic and Genomic predictions for increased profitability. The South Central Missouri workshop will be held March 26th at 4:30 pm at the Recklein Auditorium in Cuba, Missouri and will be coordinated by University of Missouri Extension, Livestock Specialist, Ted Cunningham. Cunningham can be contacted by phoning (573) 729-3196. Early registration is $20.00, which includes dinner. Registrants are asked to register a minimum of one week prior to the workshop. The registration fee is $25.00 at the door. For information contact Jared Decker at (573) 882-2504 or online at DeckerJE@missouri.edu.

The Meramec Regional Emergency Planning Committee (MREPC) in conjunction with Missouri Emergency Response Commission (MERC) is offering training this month about Chemical Suicide: Information for Emergency Responders. The training will be held March 28th at Missouri S&T’s Havener Center in the Carver Turner Room in Rolla from 8:00 until 11:30 in the morning. The course will provide background on the history of chemical suicide in the U.S; as well as, provide a detailed look at the chemicals most commonly used during chemical suicide, their effect on the victim and precautions the responder should take to protect themselves during the response. Several case studies of chemical suicides within the United States will be discussed, and finally, the class will discuss basic emergency response practices that a first responder should take into consideration when faced with a chemical suicide response. Due to the subject matter of the course, participants are suggested to 18 years or older. Those interested in participating should register on the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) training webpage at training.dps.mo.gov. For more information contact Lisa Jobe at 573-526-9241.

The 100-Acre Wood Road Rally is back with 64 entries as of March 13th. This year the race format has changed considerably with Stages 1 through 7 being run in both Dent and Crawford Counties on Friday with the Stages 8 through 17 scheduled to run Saturday in Dent, Crawford and Washington Counties. In Dent County, the Scotia South Stage 4 is expected to begin 5:00 Friday afternoon and return for Stage 6 starting at about 7:30 in the evening that will feature Spectator Points 4 and 6. The Southern Loop in the Gladden area includes Stage 5 starting at about 5:25 Friday afternoon with Stage 7 returning later that evening 7:55. The only Saturday Stage in Dent County will be Stage 8 at the intersection of Dent County Roads 4330 and 4370 at about 10:30 in the morning which is Spectator Location 8. Another spectator location close to Dent County is at Stages 2 and 9 at the intersection of county road 4020 and Camel Hump Road Friday at about 2:00 and Saturday morning at 11:10. This is Spectator Point 2 and 9. The public is invited to join in the festivities, see the cars up close and meet the teams at the Parc Expose on Fourth Street in Salem on Saturday morning from 8:30 until 10:00. Spectators are also welcome at the service sessions at the Dent County Commons Friday and The Huzzah Valley Resort Saturday as well as the Victory Celebration at The Commons at 7:20 Saturday evening. There is no admission charge for any of these events. Race brochures are located in various locations in town and in Tuesday’s edition of the Salem News. For more information on the course, spectator points and a list of the participants, visit www.100aw.org. Spectators can also sign up for email and text alerts by going to www.rainedout.net and signing up or by texting 100AW to 84483.

The Missouri Department of Conservation has announced it will now offer used department vehicles, boats, motors, tractors, trailers, farm equipment, office equipment, and other items for sale through the online auction website Govdeals.com. GovDeals.com is an online auction exclusively for government and educational agencies. The new online auction is available 24/7 from the convenience of a computer or smart device. It will replace the semi-annual live auctions the department has held in June and October at its Maintenance Center in Salem. According to the General Services Supervisor Jeff Arnold, who coordinates the Department’s auction activities, the all-online auctions with offerings posted throughout the year makes it easier and more convenient for many people to see, bid on, and buy items offered by the Department. He went on to say it also provides significant time and cost savings for the department by eliminating the need to transport and store auction items from throughout the state to the Salem Maintenance Center, then prepare each item, advertise, and staff the live auctions. To find out what auction items are available from the Missouri Department of Conservation, go to www.govdeals.com and enter “Missouri Department of Conservation” in the search box. Auction items are posted throughout the year as they become available. Each auction item listed will include pictures and detailed information on what is being offered, where it is located, inspection information and options, bid dates and other bidding details and payment methods. The site will also privide information on the removal or collection of the item by the buyer, any special instructions, and the availability to submit questions about the item.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a number of reports. On Thursday March 8th, deputies responded to a residence on Route ZZ for a burglary alarm. A rear door appeared to have been forced open. This report is still under investigation. Later that day deputies responded to a residence on Route WW for a report of a theft. It was reported that $1,500 was taken from a safe inside of the residence. This report is still under investigation. On Friday March 9th, deputies conducted a search warrant at a residence in the 8000 block of Route K. Deputies discovered a 47-year old Salem man with a Capias warrant hiding under furniture. He was found to be in possession of a glass pipe with blue electrical tape in his pocket. The pipe tested positive for methamphetamine. Also located was a baggie that field tested positive for methamphetamine. A 45-year old Salem woman was arrested for the baggie. They were taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. If anyone has any information regarding any ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Monday morning, March 5th at about 11:41, an officer was dispatched to a traffic accident near the 1300 block of South Macarthur. The investigation of the crash led to the arrest of a 54-year old male of Salem for driving while being intoxicated and leaving the scene of an accident. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and released. That evening at about 6:08, an officer was detailed to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 36-year old male of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $42.08. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Even later that evening at 7:20, an officer located a 24-year old male of Salem at the Salem Hospital who had an active warrant for his arrest. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending a court appearance. On Wednesday morning, March 7th at 8:31, an officer was detailed to the Salem High School in reference to a theft from a student. This investigation revealed a male juvenile had stolen $400.00 from another juvenile student. The suspect was detained and released to a parent. The report will be forwarded to the Juvenile Office. If you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation, please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams brought in the sales tax money received in March. For the General Revenues Fund, a total of $101,118.66 was received which is $19,904.33 more than March of 2017, and year to date the sales taxes for general Revenue are up $42,607.39 which is a 20.35% increase over last year. The Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund echoed that of General Revenue for monies collected. The Road and Bridge Fund received $44,525.15 in March compared to $34,814.99 received in March of 2017. That increase from 2017 to 2018 is $9,710.16 which is a 14.65% increase. The Jail Operating Fund received $87,163.49 while the Jail Building Trust took in $87,163.50. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 6420 while only grading will be done on county roads 5400, 5615 and 6040. He said materials would be added to county road 6410 while a crossover pipe and materials are added to Dent County Road 2470. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson indicated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2360, 4020 and 4410, while materials would be added and brush will be cut on county road 4060. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles stated he attended the MRPC meeting where a lot of discussion was centered on President Trump’s federal Focus on improving infrastructure. Skiles said he and Commissioners Larson and Purcell attended the South Central County Commissioners meeting in Houston last Friday. He said they heard from Mike Pace from the Missouri Highway Commission who discussed funding issues to get road work done. Skiles said the group heard from State Senator Mike Cunningham and State Representatives Robert Ross and Jeff Pogue as well as representatives from 8th District Representative Jason Smith’s office and Senator Clair McCaskill’s office. All three commissioners agreed it was a good meeting. Skiles updated those in attendance on the jail project saying the commission is still working with Shive/Hattery on design work. He also said the county has been working with the city on getting title to Water Street that helps move the footprint of the project to help with parking issues. Skiles said the decision on when to put out bids has been delayed a bit as the county and Shive/Hattery watch to see what is happening with the state legislature on the topic of prevailing wage. He said bids would likely be going out late this summer on the project. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she balanced with the treasurer on all accounts, and her office also balanced with the collector and assessor on collections, add-ons and abatements. Curley said absentee voting continues at her office and that the last day to mail out an absentee ballot is March 28th. She went on to say her office would be open on Saturday, March 31st from 8:00 until noon for those who want to vote absentee. Curley wants to remind those that you must have a photo ID to vote in the April 3rd election. If you have questions, please call 729-4144. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a number of reports. On Friday, March 2nd, deputies took a theft report. It was reported that mail had been stolen from a mailbox on Dent County Road 6580. This report is still under investigation. On Sunday March 4th, deputies conducted a traffic stop at Dent County Road 6480 and Route YY. The driver, a 42-year old Salem man, was arrested for driving while having his license revoked. During the arrest, a metal smoking device with marijuana residue was located on him. He was fingerprinted, issued citations, and released. Later that day deputies responded to Dent County Road 6460 for a report of property damage. It was discovered that a gate and gate post were damaged. This report is still under investigation. After that deputies responded to the 10000 block of Route H for a property damage report. It was discovered that a mailbox had been damaged. On Monday March 5th, deputies took a report of a vehicle being broke into on Highway 119. It was reported that a 2001 Ford Ranger was broke into and a blue mag flashlight, jumper cables, a socket set and miscellaneous wrenches were stolen. Later that day deputies traveled to a residence on Dent County Road 4155 to look for a runaway juvenile. A consent to search the residence was obtained and conducted and the juvenile was not located. What was located inside the residence was a silver metal tray with two pipes with burnt marijuana residue, a metal grinder and four plastic baggies with green leafy plant matter (marijuana). A 27-year old Salem woman was arrested, fingerprinted, issued citations, and released. If anyone has any information regarding any ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

The Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) and Phelps County Public Housing Agency (PHA) Family Self-Sufficiency program will host a free workshop this Friday in St. James on “Tackling the Tough Skills: Problem Solving.” This workshop is the fourth in a series of five that will cover topics such as attitude, responsibility, communication, problem solving and preparing for the workplace. All workshops are held from 10:00 in the morning until to noon at Phelps County PHA located at #4 Industrial Drive in St. James presented by Christy Saylor, the Missouri Ozarks Community Action (MOCA) county projects coordinator. These free training workshops are a part of MRPC and PHA’s efforts to help prepare families by making them aware of the resources available to assist with self-sufficiency. Free training classes are a part of MRPC and PHA’s efforts to help prepare families by making them aware of the resources available to assist with self-sufficiency. Each participant who attends will receive a $25 Wal-Mart gift card, as long as they meet income qualifications. For information or to RSVP, call Savannah Vandegriffe at 265-4200 ext. 132.

Salem High School Principal Marty Anderson released a statement that Friday night, March 9th, the school received a report of a possible threat to the Salem R-80 School by a high school student. A comment was posted on Snapchat and was forwarded to district officials by students, plus they received messages from parents with concerns. Law enforcement was immediately contacted and an investigation followed. The student was identified as 17-year Manual Lee of Salem. He was arrested Saturday and has been charged with a felony in the 1st Degree for issuing a terrorist threat. The threat came after supposed incidents involving Lee occurred at the school on Friday. Anderson in his statement said that although the school does not believe there is an existing threat, a police presence will be in and around school today for precautionary purposes as student safety is a top priority.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has a report from Wednesday March 7th. Dent County Deputies conducted a search at a residence on West Franklin Street. A small child was located in the residence seated in a “Johnny Jumper” next to a mattress on the floor. A glass-smoking device with a crystalline substance was on a small table next to the bed. The glass-smoking device was approximately 5 feet from the child. A baggie containing a clear crystalline substance (methamphetamine) and cigarette pack with a green leafy plant matter was located on the same table. All within easy reach of the child. The parents to the child were located in a bedroom. Arrested and incarcerated were 35-year old Charles Martin of Salem on a 1st degree Class B felony charge of drug trafficking, 1st degree Class D felony charge of endangering the welfare of a child and a Class D felony possession charge of a controlled substance (methamphetamine). His bond was set at $150,000 cash only. Also arrested was 28-year old April Brawley of Salem on a 1st degree Class D felony charge of endangering the welfare of a child and a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine). Her bond was set at $20,000 cash only. If anyone has any information regarding any ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Thursday, March 1st at 11:51 in the morning, an officer was dispatched to a traffic accident at Highway 32 and Macarthur. The investigation of the accident led to the arrest of a 51-year old male of Salem for driving while being intoxicated. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Saturday evening, March 3rd at 6:18, an officer was sent to the Mobil service station located at Missouri Highway 32 and Highway 19, in reference to the theft of fuel. The investigation of the report revealed an unknown female pumped fuel valued at $30.13 and left without paying. The report is under investigation. Earlier that morning at about 3:10, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. That investigation led to the arrest of a 34-year old male of Salem for driving while being drugged, possession of methamphetamine and driving while having his license revoked. The suspect was released pending an application for a warrant. On Sunday afternoon, March 4th at about 3:48, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 28-year old female of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $26.55. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. If you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation, please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.

Captain James W. Remillard, commanding officer of Troop I, announces that sometime during the month of March, troopers assigned to Troop I will be conducting a DWI saturation patrol in Phelps County. Troopers assigned to these special enforcement operations will patrol those highways where in the past a higher number of alcohol-related arrests and traffic crashes have occurred. Captain Remillard would like to remind motorists that they can report highway emergencies and serious traffic offenses to the nearest troop headquarters by dialing *55 on a cellular telephone.

Salem High School hosted the SCA Quiz Bowl Tournament on Thursday, March 8th. Salem took Second Place in both Varsity and Junior Varsity divisions. Thayer took first place with 390 points to Salem’s 360 points, a matter of three questions. Meanwhile, Salem JV took on Thayer JV in the JV Finals. Salem took second place with Thayer winning first place by only 20 points. Several Salem players earned Individual Medals. In the Varsity Division, Richard Parks took the Third Place medal, Jacob Stacy took the Fourth Place medal, and Olivia Erway took the Sixth Place medal. In the Junior Varsity Division, Katrina Parks took the First Place Individual medal, Emma Schott took the Third Place medal, and Martin Jones took home the Sixth Place medal. The Varsity Team is comprised of Jacob Stacy, Richard Parks, Olivia Erway, Sam Swindell, Jordan Fulton, and Quin Blankenship. Playing for the Junior Varsity team are Katrina Parks, Emma Schott, Martin Jones, and Kaylee Avery. Salem will next travel to Houston in April for the District Quiz Bowl Tournament.