Local News

A private property accident happened in Phelps County Sunday evening at 6:35 on Private Drive 17365 just south of Highway 8. According to the highway patrol report, 13-year old Andrew Hennigh of St. James was backing up a 2001 Dodge Ram when the pickup struck 27-year old Cassandra Robbins of St. James. Robbins suffered serious injuries and was transported by Phelps Air to the Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur. There was no damage to vehicle and it was driven from the scene.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles was not in attendance due to a prior commitment. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson was appointed by Dent County Clerk Angie Curley to preside over the meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated grading was being done on Dent County Roads 6080, 6083 and 6085, while materials would be added and grading done on county roads 5080 and 5085. Purcell did state that only materials would be added to Dent County Road 4150. Larson said in District 2 that materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 2270. He also said brush would be cut on county road 2050. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said payroll would be done. At the last meeting, the commissioners unanimously agreed to renew the 2018 health insurance through the consortium and to keep the deductible the same as it was in 2017. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 94,977 deer during the opening weekend of the November portion of the fall firearms deer season November 11th and 12th. Of the 94,977 deer harvested, 54,027 were antlered bucks, 9,535 were button bucks, and 31,415 were does. Top harvest counties for opening weekend were Howell with 2,095 deer checked, Franklin with 2,060 and Texas with 1,855. In Dent County, 1,484 deer were harvested while Crawford County reported 1,363 deer taken. Shannon County hunters harvested a total of 1,169 deer while Phelps County totals came in at 1,084 deer taken and Reynolds County had 838 deer harvested. Last year hunters checked 96,131 deer during the opening weekend of the 2016 November portion of firearms deer season. The November portion of fall firearms deer seasons continues through November 21st.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors held their November meeting Tuesday evening at the fire station. Bills were reviewed and approved and the Board also reviewed their calendar of upcoming events at the fire station. In the monthly reimbursement report, there were a total of 15 calls for September, as the October statistics were not available yet, that included: one structure fire, four brush fires, one car fire, five calls for first responders, one call for a vehicle accident, two calls for training and one other call. Total calls to date for the year are 208, with an average cost per call of $80.02, which totals $16,645.00 reimbursement year to date. In old business, it was reported that the USDA wanted changes and those will be sent to the engineers for update and then be returned to be approved by DCFPD Board and the USDA. It was also reported that the CDBG Grant is still pending. During new business, it was noted that ladder inspections are done and no official report has been received, but it appears all have passed. It was brought up that due to current events it is possible that the firefighters may need training in new areas, such as clean up and equipment needed after mass tragedies. Chief Nash was directed to put something together relative to the issue for review. The Board then set their next meeting for Tuesday, December 5th at the fire station beginning at 6:00 pm and the meeting was then adjourned.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will hold a November meeting tonight in the hospital library beginning at 6:00 PM. The meeting will begin with the annual audit report for the fiscal year 2016-2017 from BKD. Once the audit report is complete, the regular meeting will commence. The Board will approve the minutes from the October 23rd regular meeting. Chief Financial Officer Monica Gargus will update the Board with the summary of operations and statistic reports for the month of October followed by the Chief Nursing Officer’s report. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas will then report on the hospital foundation and give a report on the hospital auxiliary as well as presenting the Chief of Staff’s report. Lucas will update the Board on any new purchases before the board elects to go into closed session. The November meeting of the Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors is open to the public and will be held Tuesday, November 14th in the hospital library at 6:00.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse for their regular meeting. Richard LaBrash from the American Legion was in to remind the public about adopting a veteran from the St. James Veteran’s Home. The cost to sponsor a veteran is $50 and the money goes to providing them a banquet with a Christmas dinner that they can invite their loved ones to along with live entertainment from the band Second Time Around, a baseball cap with the words “United States Veteran” with an American flag on it, a grab bag with camouflage gloves, soft chocolate and a letter of Honor. Labrash said for the last three years, Dent County has adopted all 150 veterans at the home. If anyone would like to sponsor a veteran this year, call Richard at 729-1394. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams brought in the sales tax dollars received by the county from the state in November. She reported that the jail sales taxes brought in $7,839.47 for each fund for a total of $15,768.94. The Road and Bridge Fund sales taxes received were $29,127.14 which is up form the 2016 November figure of $24,314.51. Year-to-date, the Road and Bridge Funds tax receipts are up $7,506.08 or about 2.16%. The General Revenue Fund sales tax receipts came in at $59,048.75 and that is up from the 2016 November figure of $53,545.27. The year-to-date increase in the General Revenue Fund is $3,744.20 or about a one-half of one percent increase. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell indicated that grading would be done and materials would be added to Dent County Road 6020 and 6040, while only grading would be done on county roads 4122, 4124, 5050 and 5060. Purcell said workers were continuing to work on patching the chip and seal on Dent County Road 6510 also known as the Cedar Grove Road. He is asking anyone using that road to use caution and be aware of the road crews on the road. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said grading was being done on Dent County Roads 3250 and 5240, while brush was being cut on Dent County Road 2160. Larson stated that two men were doing maintenance on Dent County Truck #124 and other crew members were picking up a mattress with sheets on county road 3250. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said her office balanced with the collector’s office and the assessor’s office on all collections, abatements and add-ons for the month of October. She also reported on her meeting with the South Central County Clerks Regional meeting in West Plains Wednesday. District Ranger Thom Haines and US Forest Hydrologist Kelly Whitsett from the Rolla office were in attendance to discuss the Cooley Bridge on Dent County Road 5610. Whitsett said there are three preliminary options to replace the low water crossing on the road. The first option has the least changes to the road, but it is the least preferable for stream health, aquatic life and water quality. The 3rd option was the best for the stream but had the most changes to the road alignment. The second option was in between the first and third option. Whitsett said the Conservation Department and her office prefer Option 3, but it would be the most expensive with the need for additional right-of-way. She said the engineers have provided a full conceptual design and a NEPA analysis would need to be done to make the sure the changes would not negatively impact the environment. One problem is funding as Whitsett said there are no federal funds for 2018 with all the federal disaster money being used and she wasn’t sure when funds would be available any time soon from the US Forest Service as their budget has been reorganized. They will keep the commission posted on any funding changes or possibilities. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Catch and Release Trout season in Missouri begins today and goes through February 28th, 2018. The second Friday in November marks the opening of the annual winter “Catch and Release” no creel trout season at Montauk State Park. The Dorman L. Steelman Lodge restaurant, snack bar, and store will be open on Friday through Sunday for limited hours of each weekend during the winter season to accommodate visitors. Some housekeeping cabins, motel rooms and a meeting room will be available throughout the winter season. Fishing is allowed Friday through Monday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For more information, call 548-2201.

The Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center, located at 202 S. Main here in Salem is currently accepting applications for exhibits for the 2017 Trees and Trains. Trees and Trains has been a time-honored tradition in Salem for the past 12 years and is visited each year by over 4,000 people. This year the exhibit begins with an open house on November 19th, and will remain open through December 24th. Applications and guidelines can be picked up at the ONCRC or by calling 729-6384, or 453-6091. They can also be requested by emailing mbcook16@gmail.com. The deadline for submission is TODAY. There is no charge to exhibit a tree or display, and all are invited to do so.

The City of Bunker is no longer under a Boil Water Order. The order was issued last Wednesday when the city’s routine bacteriological water samples resulted in total coliform positive samples. The appropriate measures were taken and the latest tests have all come back negative coliform samples.

The Dent County Sheriffs office released some reports. On Sunday October 29th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Route H near Dent County Road 2315. As a result, a 31-year old Salem woman was arrested for driving while being intoxicated. She was fingerprinted, issued a citation and released. On Monday, October 30th, deputies conducted traffic stop at Casey’s on Highway 32 East. After a consented search of the vehicle, a 33-year old Salem man was arrested for driving while being intoxicated and possession of a controlled substance. He was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. Later that same day, deputies conducted a well-being check at a residence on Dent County Road 5070. After a consented search was conducted, a 24-year old Salem woman was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. She was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Tuesday October 31st, deputies responded to a residence in the 38000 block of Highway 72 for a report of a domestic assault. The primary aggressor, a 50-year old Salem man was arrested for 3rd Degree Domestic Assault. He was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Friday November 3rd, deputies responded to a residence on County Road 3090 for a report of a missing mailbox. Deputies discovered that the mailbox had been completely taken and the cedar post had been pulled from the ground. This report is still under investigation. On Saturday November 4th, deputies responded to the Enrichment Services on Highway 19 South for a male subject sitting in vehicle and acting strange. After a short investigation, a 23-year old from Mayther, California was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. He was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. If you have information regarding any ongoing investigation, please call the Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The Salem R-80 Quiz Bowl Team held their annual fall meet on Saturday with the Salem Varsity taking 4th place in the competition. The Salem JV Team placed in the varsity bracket and took 5th place. Individual medals were given to three Salem players: Arley Gale who took a 4th Place Individual Medal, Richard Parks who captured a 6th Place Individual Medal and Sam Swindell who earned a 7th Place Individual Medal. Thayer won the varsity division while Rolla captured 1st place in the JV Division. This was the first tournament of the year for the Salem Teams who are coached by Susan Sheeley and Will Hobbs.

Denise Rea Barner of Rolla was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 15 months in the Federal Bureau of Prisons for fraudulently using her employer’s debit card for personal gain. Barner was further ordered to pay restitution to the victim in the amount of $125,576.80. According to court documents, Barner was an employee of the Robert L. Kyle Center Home for Semi-Independent Living Inc. from July 1991 to February 25, 2016. She was named as a “Director” of the Kyle Center in about November of 2004 and her duties included general accounting. Beginning in about November 2007 and ending in February 2016, Barner falsely and fraudulently used the Kyle Center debit cards to make unauthorized personal purchases and ATM withdrawals. The Kyle Center sustained a loss of between $95,000.00 and $150,000.00. The 54-year old Barner pled guilty in July to one felony count of access device fraud and appeared for sentencing before United States District Judge Rodney W. Sippel. Access device fraud carries a maximum penalty of 10 years and/or a fine of up to $250,000.00 or both. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges. This case was investigated by the Rolla Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Roy handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

An accident happened in Dent County at 7:10 Tuesday morning on Highway 32 about two miles west of Salem that took the life of a Dent County man. According to the highway patrol report, a 1995 Chevy Lumina driven westbound by 40-year Jamie Hatcher of Salem, crossed the centerline and struck a 2005 Honda Goldwing driven eastbound by 54-year old Ron Caraway of Salem head on. Caraway was pronounced dead at the scene at 7:47 in the morning by Dent County Coroner Gina White. His body was taken to the Wilson Mortuary in Salem. Hatcher suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Mercy Hospital St. Louis. Caraway was wearing his safety gear at the top of the accident while Hatcher was not. The Lumina sustained extensive damage while the Goldwing was totaled. Both vehicles were towed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

Intercounty Electric Cooperative Association announced Monday afternoon it is negotiating to purchase a major internet provider in Texas County. The Texas County Rural Area Information Network would become an Intercounty subsidiary as the organization says it plans to eventually offer broadband service within the 10 counties where the cooperative currently provides electric service. The two sides are working out the details of the agreement. The Texas County Rural Area Information Network current employees will join Intercounty. Intercounty says the focus of 2018 will be the “integration, planning and strengthening while continuing to serve TRAIN’s existing customers and establishing future operating procedures.” Both organizations said there won’t be rate changes for current TRAIN customers, although additional service options and pricing structures may be available in the future. In their release, the interest for Intercounty is not revenue driven, but to eventually provide high speed internet services to their rural communities. Intercounty said it will begin focusing on underserved areas beyond 2018.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met for their regular meeting at the City Hall Council Chambers Monday evening. At the meeting, the board heard from Greg and Jason Rowden of County Fuels of Eminence who opened the Sinclair Gas stop on Highway 32-72 West. They wanted to introduce themselves to the board and let them know they were interested in putting up a convenience store at their location. They would like to get started after the first of the year. Currently they are working with the Corp of Engineers on rerouting the drainage ditch on their property as well as their engineers on getting the property designed for a throwback 1920’s version Sinclair Station. They were asking the city for any help they could provide and said the investment would be between 700,000 and 900,000 dollars. They are waiting on a permit and hope to hear from the Corp of Engineers in a week or so. After the consent agenda was approved, City Administrator Ray Walden told the board WCA has put out the new trash carts as well as recycling carts for each residence as per their new contract, and Walden said he is asking for the publics patience as the city is trying to get as much information out as quickly as possible to answer the most frequently asked questions. He is hopefully that will clear up some of the misconceptions. Walden said Westport Pools is now on site and working on the Alice Craig Municipal Pool in getting ready for next year. He said the offices would be closed Friday for Veteran’s Day and the Salem Community rezone the property on Highway 19 South from Commercial to Manufacturing owned by Gary Fiebelman, approved Bill #3347 that allows the mayor to execute an agreement with Foraker Center@The Armory had 5,894 participants in October. The board approved Bill #3346 to Enterprises, Inc d/b/a My Splash Pad for the installation of a splash pad in the city park; and approved Bill #3348 that allows the mayor to execute an agreement between the city and Hellmuth & Bicknese, Drury University, Archer-Elgin Engineering and Environmental Operation, Inc. for a comprehensive visioning for the old middle school and related tasks for the city. The groups will work with Drury University as Spring Semester Project that would allow the conceptual vision to match with the engineering necessities to provide options for the property. There is $35,000 budgeted in this years budget for the work, and based on their findings in the spring, the board will have a platform from which they can use for the 2018-2019 budgeting process. Walden also brought invoices to the board of $18,079 for the down payment on the Splash Pad installation in April which the board approved, and numerous invoices totaling $350,000 for the construction of Billie’s Playground at the Salem City Park. Those dollars were all budgeted in a previous year’s budget. Walden said he along with Park and Recreation Director Tye Lydon and Park and Recreation Board President Stan Podorski will meet soon to discuss the financing for the new pool as well as the playground and possibly the pool house. Once that is done, Walden said a budget adjustment recommendation will be brought back to the board for their approval. The board then went into closed session.

Two men lost their lives in an accident Sunday morning at 8:25 in Phelps County on Highway 68 about one and a half miles south of Highway 8. According to the highway patrol report, a northbound 2004 Ford Pickup, driven by 78-year old Richard Brown of Cook Station, crossed the center line and hit a southbound 2001 Dodge Pickup, driven by 34-year old Adam Peck of St. Peters, Missouri. After impact the Ford traveled off the right side of the roadway, while the Dodge traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. Both men were pronounced deceased at the scene by Phelps County Coroner Andy Davis and their bodies were transported to Rolla Cremation by Phelps County Coroner. According to the report, Peck was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident, but Brown was not. The pickups were totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing.

Two Salem residents were involved in an accident Sunday afternoon at 3:45 in Crawford County on Highway 19 about five miles south of Steelville. According to the highway patrol report, a northbound 2004 Ford F-150, driven by 35-year old Jessica Busbey, lost traction causing it to cross the center line and travel off the left side of the roadway where it rolled on the passenger side before coming to rest after striking a tree. The report stated that the driver, along with a passenger, 17-year old Jay Busbey, were both wearing their safety restraints. They suffered minor injuries and were transported by Steelville Ambulance to Phelps County Regional Medical Center. The Pickup was totaled and removed from the scene by Miles and Son Towing.

The Salem Police Department has released the report on an accident that occurred October 20th at 1:44 in the afternoon. According to the report a 2016 KIA Sedona, owned and operated by Daniel Pewitt of Salem, was northbound on Jennifer Boulevard pulling a home made trailer with two juveniles riding on the back of the trailer. The trailer came unhooked from the KIA and traveled across the left side of the roadway colliding with a 1994 Chrysler Concord owned by Rhonda Beyer of Salem. B. McDonald and T. McDonald were ejected from the trailer and thrown into the middle of the street. B. McDonald suffered moderate injuries and was air lifted by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, while T. McDonald suffered minor injuries and was transported by private vehicle to Salem Memorial District Hospital. Both the trailer and the Chrysler sustained extensive damage and were towed from the scene.

The Salem Police department has released some reports. On Sunday night, October 29th at approximately 9:22, an officer located a 39-year old female in the 300 block of East Third who had an active arrest warrant from Dent County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and released to the Dent County Sheriffs Department. Later, that night at about 10:25, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. That investigation led to the arrest of an 18-year old male of Salem for possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Monday morning, October 10th at 9:30, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a stolen firearm. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown took a 25-caliber semi-automatic handgun valued at $200.00 from a residence in the 700 block of North Pershing. The report is under investigation. On Wednesday, November 1st at approximately 10:20, an officer located a 43- year old male of Salem who had an active arrest warrant from Dent County at a residence in the 200 block of East Margaret. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending a court appearance. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Monday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 6580, 5180 and 5130, plus patching would be done on county roads 6380, 4122 and 4185, while brush would be cut on county road 5360. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 4480 and 4010, plus brush would be cut on county road 2070. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles had nothing to report. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that bills were being approved and that she balanced with the Dent County Treasurer on all accounts for the month of October. She added that she would be attending the South Central County Clerk’s Regional meeting in West Plains on Wednesday. It was noted that the Dent County Courthouse will be closed Friday in observance of Veterans Day Saturday, November 11th. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Thursday morning in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

A Santa Gourd Painting party will be held at the Creative Arts Center (formerly know as the Teachers Closet) this Friday night from 6:00 to 8:00. You can paint an adorable Santa on a gourd for a one-of-a-kind Christmas decoration for your home or as a gift. Led by Sally Haines, all materials are provided including the gourds for only $25. You can pay and register at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center at 202 S Main in Salem.

An accident occurred at 3:41 Thursday morning in Phelps County on Route CC about two miles west of Highway 63. According to the highway patrol report, an unknown vehicle and driver was driving eastbound on Route CC and struck a pedestrian who was walking in the east bound lane with the front left of the vehicle. The vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a ditch and some trees. The vehicle then left the scene. The pedestrian, 60-year old Bobby Cooley of Rolla, was transported by Phelps County Ambulance to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead by Dr. Olusan at 4:50 that morning. The highway patrol was assisted by the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department. Captain James W. Remillard, commanding officer of Troop I in Rolla, is requesting the assistance of the public for any information pertaining to this accident. The suspect vehicle that left the scene will have damage to the left front fender and bumper area, undercarriage and the right side. Video surveillance from a local business close to the crash scene is being reviewed. Troopers are interested in speaking with an unidentified white male who reportedly stopped at the crash scene approximately ten minutes after the incident. If you have any information pertaining to this incident, please call the Missouri State Highway Patrol at (573) 368-2345.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell reported that grading would be done on and materials would be added to Dent County Roads 6600 and 6633, while grading only would be done on county roads 6620, 5220, and 5100. He said that brush would be cut on Dent County Road 5360. Purcell noted on Tuesday, the Road and Bridge Department ran out of diesel fuel and that phone bids were taken. The low bid of $2.11 per gallon for 7,000 gallons of diesel by Phil Mart was approved, along with the low bid of $2.065 per gallon for 1,000 gallons of no-lead by MFA Oil. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 4030, 2150, and 2303, plus materials would be added to and grading done on county road 2360. Larson added that brush was being cut on Dent County Road 2090. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles had nothing to report. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley noted that her office was continuing to work on the 2018 budget, plus bills were being approved by the Commissioners for payment. Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley was in to discuss the Burlington Railroad right-of-way between Dent County and Larry and Linda Branson. Larry Hart of L.G. Hart & Company was in to visit about a preliminary financial analysis for Dent County and Lease Certifications of Participation. Due to the timing differences between the sales tax revenue collections and purposes of constructing a new jail, they recommended the commissioners have a private financial audit of the county to get a better rate plan. The commissioners took no action on the recommendation. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday morning in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The City of Bunker is under a Boil Water Order until further notice by the Department of Natural Resources. The order was issued on Wednesday when the city’s routine bacteriological water samples resulted in total coliform positive samples. DNR recommended to the city of Bunker to overflow their storage tank and monitor the overflow screen for insects and /or bird feathers to determine if there was a potential problem with the storage tank. After the tank was overflowed, the city discovered bird feathers in the overflow pipe. Ozark Applicators out of Van Buren have been contacted to inspect the storage tank for deficiencies and to disinfect the tank. Once that has been done, the city will be collecting bacteriological samples to be sent to DNR. Residents should continue to boil any water used in drinking, food preparation, teeth brushing or for ice for at least three minutes. Let water cool sufficiently before drinking. Water used for bathing does not need to be boiled.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On Sunday, October 22nd at approximately 12:08 in the afternoon, an officer was detailed to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 23-year old male of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $10.54. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Monday morning, October 23rd at approximately 9:12, an officer was sent to Casey’s General Store on Highway 32 in reference a theft of fuel. The investigation revealed the driver of a passenger vehicle pumped fuel valued at $25.00 and left without paying. The report is under investigation. That same day at approximately 3:11, a vehicle was stopped for a warrant investigation. The investigation led to the arrest of a 35-year old female of Salem on an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. The suspect was incarcerated pending a court appearance. Later that evening at approximately 6:23, an officer located a 38-year old male of Edgar Springs in the 100 block of West Fourth who had an active arrest warrant from Dent County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending a court appearance. A little later that evening at approximately 7:17, an officer located a 21-year old male of Salem in the 1800 block of South Oak who had an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending a court appearance. On Tuesday afternoon, October 24th at approximately 12:59, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to credit card fraud. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown made unauthorized credit card purchases online valued at $615.59. The report is under investigation. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

To reflect estimated changes in the wholesale cost of natural gas as well as a change in the company’s Actual Cost Adjustment (ACA) factor, Ameren Missouri natural gas customers in its Rolla service area will see natural gas rates change under a filing that took effect on Wednesday, November 1st. The ACA factor is a mechanism which tracks any over-collection or under-collection of actual natural gas costs over a 12 month period. The net over- or under-collected balances are subsequently either refunded or collected the next year. Residential customers in Ameren Missouri’s Rolla service area that includes the towns of Rolla, Salem and Owensville, will see natural gas rates increase by approximately $0.08 per hundred cubic feet of natural gas, going from approximately $0.68 per Ccf to approximately $0.76 per Ccf. Approximately 55% to 60% of a customer’s current natural gas bill reflects the cost of natural gas from wholesale suppliers. The wholesale cost of natural gas (the cost your local natural gas company must pay to its suppliers for natural gas) is not regulated by the Missouri Public Service Commission. The wellhead cost of natural gas is unregulated and is primarily driven by supply, demand and the weather. The Missouri Public Service Commission does conduct an annual regulatory review to ensure that regulated natural gas companies make prudent decisions in securing natural gas supplies for their customers. Ameren Missouri serves approximately 3,800 natural gas customers in its Rolla service area.

The Missouri Department of Conservation and the Conservation Federation of Missouri encourage deer hunters around the state to share their harvests through the state’s Share the Harvest program. Share the Harvest coordinates the efforts of thousands of deer hunters, numerous participating meat processors, many local supporting organizations, and a handful of statewide sponsors to help feed hungry Missourians. The program works by deer hunters donating their extra venison, from several pounds to whole deer, to participating meat processors throughout the state who grind and package the deer meat. The packaged venison is then given to food banks and food pantries for distribution to Missourians in need of food assistance. Processing fees are covered entirely or in part by numerous local sponsors, along with statewide sponsors that include the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Conservation Federation of Missouri, Shelter Insurance, Bass Pro Shops, Missouri Chapter Safari Club International, Missouri Chapter National Wild Turkey Federation, Midway USA Inc., Missouri Food Banks Association, and United Bowhunters of Missouri. Hunters should contact individual processors to determine what funds are available. The cost of processing is the hunter’s responsibility when funds to help cover the full cost of processing are not available. Nearly 4,300 Missouri deer hunters donated more than 198,000 pounds of venison to the program last deer season. Since the program was started in 1992, Share the Harvest has provided more than 3.6 million pounds of lean, healthy venison to help feed hungry Missourians. Find participating processors in the MDC’s “2017 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information” booklet, online at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov or by calling 573-751-4115 or 573-634-2322.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On Wednesday, October 25th, deputies observed a male subject at Phil-Mart sitting by the stations gasoline storage. Deputies told staff about this and they requested contact to be made with him. Deputies approached him and he fled on foot. Deputies were able to catch him and it was discovered that he was 24-year old Salem man who had a warrant from Texas County for Domestic Assault in the 2nd Degree, Endangering the Welfare of a Child in the 1st Degree, and a DWI – Prior Offender charge. He was incarcerated with a $500,000 cash or surety bond. That same day, deputies responded to Dent County Road 4170 for a report of property damage. Deputies observed a blue Chrysler mini van parked in a driveway with the rear side window on the driver’s side shattered and pieces of the window lying on the ground. This report is still under investigation. On Thursday October 26th, Dent County Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Highway 68 at Dent County Road 3250. As a result of the stop, the driver, a 59-year old Salem man, was arrested for driving while being intoxicated. He was fingerprinted, issued a summons to appear in court, and released. On Friday, October 27th, deputies responded to Dent County Road 6630 for a burglary. Deputies discovered a lock had been broken off a shed and the back door to the residence had been found forced open. This report is still under investigation. If anyone has information on any ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On Sunday morning, October 8th at approximately 5:35, an officer was dispatched to the Oak Grove Baptist Church at 700 South Missouri in reference to a burglary not in progress. The investigation of the premises revealed that a person or persons unknown had entered the church and stole items valued at $4,250.00. On Wednesday, October 18th at 7:50, officers investigating the burglary located a suspect they believed to be connected to taking the property from the church. Further investigation led to the arrest of a 17-year old male and detention of three male juveniles all of Salem for the burglary and theft. All the property stolen during the burglary was recovered. The 17-year old suspect was incarcerated pending the application for warrants. The juvenile suspects will be referred to the Juvenile Office. On Thursday afternoon, October 19th at about 2:35, an officer was investigating a theft at Wal-Mart. During the investigation, the officer found that a 33-year old male of Salem had three active arrest warrants from Dent County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrants and incarcerated pending a court appearance. Later that night at approximately 10:28, an officer was detailed to McDonalds in reference to an assault. The investigation of the report revealed that a 17-year old female of Salem had assaulted an 18-year old female of Salem. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect for assault. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Friday morning, October 20th at approximately 2:00, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. That investigation led to the arrest of a 38-year old female of Salem for driving while being intoxicated. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Later that night at approximately 7:24, an officer was detailed to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 38-year old female of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $139.00. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. A little later that same evening at 7:55, an officer was detailed to Wal-Mart in reference to another shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 17-year old male of Salem for stealing merchandise and possession of marijuana and a 21-year old male of Salem for stealing merchandise. The two suspects were issued summonses to appear in court and released. . Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that young hunters ages 6 through 15 harvested 17,222 deer during Missouri’s early youth portion of the 2017 deer hunting season, which ran this past weekend, October 28th and 29th. Top counties for the early youth portion were Osage with 380, Howell with 377, and Franklin with 354 deer checked. Last year’s harvest total for the early youth portion was 11,171. In the local area, Texas County had the most deer checked with 273 followed by Dent County with 232 deer harvested. Crawford County reported 221 deer checked followed by Shannon County with 211 deer taken and Phelps County with 152 deer harvested. The late youth portion of deer season will be held November 24th through the 26th. Currently, Archery deer hunting continues through November 10th and again from November 22nd through January 15th, 2018. The firearm portion of deer hunting in Missouri will run from November 11th through the 21st.