Local News

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting at the courthouse. The commission saluted the Salem Marching Blue for their accomplishments this past weekend in competitions in Branson and Reeds Spring. In the road report, District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell indicated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 5510 and 5550. Purcell said workers would be servicing brush cutter #8 and a man went to Springfield to get oil for the chip and seal repair of county road 4253. Purcell said he would be attending the South Central Community Action Agency meeting tonight in Winona. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated grading would be done on a number of roads including Dent County Roads 2520, 2530, 2570, 3080, 3090, 3100 and 5325. Larson said materials would be added and grading done on county roads 5320 and 5323, while brush was going to be cut on Dent County Road 2570. Dent County Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended a Transportation Advisory Committee meeting last Thursday where it was reported fatalities in the central district in Missouri are down 28% from 103 last year to 74 this year. He also reported on the South Central County Commissioners Association meeting held last Friday in Houston that was attended by all three commissioners. Skiles said the guest speaker was Lt. Governor Mike Parsons. Also speaking at the conference on issues involving the state legislature were State Representative Robert Ross and State Senator Mike Cunningham. Skiles indicated that representatives from Senator Blunt and McCaskill’s office were in attendance as well a person from Representative Jason Smith’s office. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said her office and the treasurer’s office balanced on all accounts from September. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and it is open to the public.

The City of Salem Planning and Zoning Commission met Monday evening to discuss rezoning the vacant lot north of 701 South Main Street for the display and sale of industrial pipes. Many thought this would be a commercial business, but only the industrial classification deals with industrial pipes sales and storage. After some discussion, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved recommending the rezoning request of Gary Fiebelman from Commercial to Manufacturing/Industrial for a period of four years only to the Board of Aldermen by a 4-3 vote with Chairman Gary Brown breaking the tie with some reservations. He felt there should have been a better effort to discuss this with neighbors and get their opinions. In the regular Board of Aldermen, the board approved the bid from Strukel Electric to repair the airport lighting regulator for $15,383 with the necessary budget adjustment to the Capital Sales Tax Improvement Fund. This was originally in the budget to be done with the next MoDOT grant for 10% of the cost, but the lights have not worked correctly now going on two years and they need to be fixed for safety reasons. William Camm Seay presented the report form the Planning and Zoning Commission and the board approved their recommendation to rezone 701 South Main from Commercial to Manufacturing/Industrial for a period of four years. City Administrator Ray Walden presented information from the personnel manual and from other cities to the aldermen to review about considering a differential in pay for those who have a CDL endorsement. He would like to hear from alderman and come back with something at the November Board meeting. Walden wanted to let the Aldermen know that the current budget has $150,000 in it for the engineering of sidewalk work and another $75,000 for the engineering of street lighting on 4th Street downtown. This will be a multiyear improvement from Pershing to McArthur. The costs of the concrete and street lamps will stay have to be budgeted. Walden did say WCA Sanitation said they would begin distributing the new waste and recycling containers next week to residents. They will leave them curbside. If you currently rent a trash dispenser from WCA, that lease will cease when you get your new dispensers and they will pick up the old rented trash containers. The board approved two bills from Archer/Elgin Engineering: one for $3,320 for the LWCF Playground work and the other of $13,250.00 for the Wastewater Treatment Facility work. They also approved the bill from the Dent County Treasurer for $12,000 for the mailing of property and real estate tax statements, a bill from Dent County Collector Dennis Medlock of $5,500 for the collection of the city property and real estate taxes, and a bill from Tyler Technology of $11,357.64 for maintenance and support fees for the city’s computer payroll and bookkeeping software system. The board voted to go into closed session to discuss real estate.

Twenty-three communities, 11 youth groups and 8 community leaders were honored at the Missouri Community Betterment Conference in Columbia Monday. Houston won the Gene Speichinger Community of the Year award. This award recognizes the outstanding community among the 23 communities entered in this year’s Awards program. The community of Salem came in third place in Category Five. The Steelville Youth Group took 1st Place in Category 3. Also at the banquet, Judy Apperson of Salem received the Ambassador Award, Marilyn Sweitzer of Salem received an Adult Leadership Award, and Jacob Stotler of Salem took home a Youth Leadership Award. Congratulations to all the winners in all the categories and to those individuals and communities who competed.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams presented sales tax revenues received in October for the General Revenue Fund. Williams said the county received $64,197.70 which is down form the 2016 figure of $67,993.67, and year-to-date, general revenue is down $1,759.19. She said the Law Enforcement Sales Tax figures are roughly the same as general revenue for October. Williams also presented the Road and Bridge Fund collections for October that came in at $30,477.25 which is down from the 2016 figure of $31,427.87 and the year-to-date total is up $2,693.45. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said all full grading practices in the southern part of Dent County have been suspended due to dry conditions. He did say patch grading would be done on Dent County Road 6240 while materials would be added and grading done on county road 5170. Purcell also said workers would be cleaning out crossover pipes and culverts also on county road 5170. Purcell reported the chip and seal surface on Dent County Road 4253 was being repaired as well as on county road 6510 that will also have edge work done. Purcell indicated the graders #24 and #33 would be getting their required regular maintenance service. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said his district has received enough moisture to keep grading roads. He stated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 3300, 5330 and 5335. Larson indicated a man went to Springfield this week for a load of oil for the Durapatcher so that two men could repair the chip and seal on Dent County Road 3210. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles gave the numbers for the electronics and tire recycling held in Dent County on September 30th. Skiles said there were 90 vehicles that came through and dropped off 4.67 tons of electronics and 1.8 tons of tires for a total of 6.47 tons of recyclables. Skiles compared that to the last collection in Salem in 2014 that brought in a total of 2.92 tons dropped off by 59 vehicles. Skiles said this year there were four collections held by the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District that collected a total of 26.03 tons of electronics. Skiles announced the Dent County Commission would be attending the South Central County Commission Association Regional meeting today in Houston. Skiles said according to a statewide report, the state of Missouri in arrears in paying the counties their per diem payments for housing prisoners in their jails. He said the state owes Dent County $91,000 in per diem charges as of September. Skiles wanted to remind everyone the Meramec Regional Planning Commission’s Annual Awards Dinner and Banquet would be held October 26th at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. A social hour will begin the banquet at 5:30 followed by dinner at 6:30 with the awards presentation to follow. There will be silent auctions held for products specific to the Ozark Region. Two Salem residents will be recognized at the banquet and they will be Ted Ziske and Baylee Bilyeu. Tickets for the banquet are available for $30 and you must purchase your tickets by Monday, October 16th. Contact the MRPC at 573-265-2993 to purchase your tickets. Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley came in with a request for the county to issue a Quit Claim Deed for railroad right-of-way in Crawford County on property that adjoined the Wishon Farms. Curley reported that everything was in order and the commission signed the Quit Claim Deed. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

What are you doing this Saturday? The Salem Community Garden will be hosting an end-of-season work day to “put the garden to bed” for the winter! The work day will be held Saturday from 9:00 in the morning until noon at the Salem Community Garden located at 801 Doss Road, behind Salem United Methodist Church. All volunteers are welcome!!! Coffee and donuts will be provided. This is also a good chance to stop by and visit if you’ve always wanted to check it out and learn more about what goes on in the community garden! Call Sarah at 729-3196 with any questions.

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways will bring the Ozark past to life during the Haunting in the Hills event tonight and tomorrow at Alley Spring. This free event features storytelling tonight from 6:00 to 9:30 as illuminated pathways will guide your way through Ozark legends, folktales, mysteries, superstitions, and natural wonders with spellbinding age-old storytelling. On Saturday, local skilled crafts people will demonstrate their skills from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM with traditional bluegrass music and dancing featured throughout the day. Food vendors will be on site with cash sales only. Alley Mill is six miles west of Eminence on Highway 106.

An accident occurred at 12:30 Wednesday afternoon in Phelps County on Interstate 44 at the westbound 188 mile marker. According to the highway patrol report, a 2004 Dodge Neon driven by 21-year old Treyson Miller of Rolla, collided with a 2009 Kia Spectra, driven by 22-year old Tanner Orr of St. James. After the collision, the Dodge Neon ran off the right side of the roadway and overturned, ejecting Miller, who suffered serious injuries and was transported by Phelps County Ambulance to Phelps County Regional Medical Center. According to the report, both drivers were wearing their seat restraints. The Dodge was totaled and removed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing, while the Kia sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene.

The Salem Police has released some recent reports. On Thursday morning, September 28th at about 5:56, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1200 block of Iron Mountain Road in reference to someone taking a vehicle without permission. The investigation of the report revealed that a 15-year old male and a 16-year old female, both juveniles of Salem, had taken a black 2001 Mercury Mariner from a residence. Further investigation revealed the vehicle had been driven off the road and struck a tree. The vehicle was recovered in Bunker, Missouri. The two juvenile suspects were detained for tampering with a motor vehicle and later released to parents. The report will be forwarded to the Juvenile Office. On Monday, October 2nd at approximately 5:42 in the afternoon, an officer was sent to a residence in the 800 block of West Glendale in reference to a broken window on a vehicle. Thte investigation of the report revealed that a 43-year old female of Salem had damaged a passenger door glass valued at $120.00 on a vehicle with a BB gun. he suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Tuesday morning, October 3rd at approximately 10:59, an officer was detailed to a traffic crash at the Salem Post Office. That investigation revealed a 74-year old male of Salem had driven into the building striking the framed glass wall and inner door. When the framed glass wall collapsed after being struck, it hit a 65-year old male of Salem causing minor injuries. Further investigation led to the arrest of the driver for driving while being intoxicated. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. There were no other injuries reported. The building sustained extensive damages. On Wednesday morning, October 4th at about 2:47, an officer located two subjects at a residence in the 700 block of South Sligo who had active arrest warrants. A 24-year old female of Edgar Springs was taken into custody on an active arrest warrant from Licking. The suspect was incarcerated pending extradition. A 32-year old male of Licking was taken into custody on an active arrest warrant from Rolla. The suspect was released to Dent County Sheriffs Department for extradition. That same evening at approximately 8:50, an officer was detailed to a residence in the 800 block of East Hawkins in reference to a domestic disturbance. The investigation of the report revealed an intoxicated 38-year old male of Salem was being aggressive and threatening to kill people at the residence. The suspect was taken into custody for disorderly conduct, issued a summons to appear in court and incarcerated on a 12-hour hold. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

There is no better way to spend a wonderful autumn weekend than attending Old Iron Works Days. The two-day event will be held October 14th and 15th at beautiful Maramec Spring Park, which is located six miles southeast of St. James. Craftsmen will be demonstrating skills of the 1800s era. You can see an antique tool display, apple head dolls, basket making, beekeeping, blacksmiths, chair caning, civil war display, cornhusk dolls, crocheting, herbs, kettlekorn, music, painted dolls, pottery, quilting, ropemaking, soap making, stained glass, storytelling, tinsmith, twinning, wagon wheel weaving, walking sticks, weaving, wheat weaving, woodworking and wool spinning and dyeing. Bluegrass music will be performed on the stage. Performers from the Rolla and St. Clair areas will be entertaining with some great and interesting sounds. Cloggers will also be performing. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the fine entertainment along with the fresh autumn air. There is something for everyone at Old Iron Works Days. The cost is still $15 per car or free with a Maramec Spring Annual Parking Pass. So pack your automobile full of family and friends and come on down to Maramec Spring Park. For more information please call 573-265-7124, Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Each year Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) honors residents of the Meramec Region who give to their communities by volunteering their time, talents and support. This year, 10 awards will be presented at MRPC’s 2017 Annual Dinner October 26th at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory at 1200 West Rolla Road. MRPC will recognize the following volunteers for contributions to their communities and will include Henry and Mary Wansing of Vienna, Bill Reynolds of Loose Creek, Sean Wilson of Waynesville, and th late Neil Richards of Potosi. Youth nominees are Tyler Roberds of Meta, Baylee Rebecka Bilyeu of Salem and Maxwell Butler of Belle. The Community Organization nomines are Ya Ya of Belle and City Administrator Harold Selby of St. James. The Eugene E. Northern award, the highest honor given by MRPC for volunteers and community service, will also be announced at the annual dinner. The award recipient is kept secret until announced at the Annual Dinner. The public is invited to attend the event at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory in Salem. A reception, featuring wine from Red Moose Vineyards, will be held prior to the event at 5:30 p.m. and will include a silent auction and exhibits. Dinner, catered by Country Seasons Catering, will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a program and awards presentation to follow. Tickets for the event will cost $30. For reservations, contact MRPC at (573) 265-2993. The deadline for reservations is October 16th.

The Dent County Sheriff’s office has released some reports. On Sunday October 1st, deputies responded to a residence on East Roosevelt for an intoxicated subject repeatedly calling 911. Deputies made contact with a 38-year old Salem man and discovered that he had a misdemeanor warrant in Dent County. He was arrested, transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Monday October 2nd, deputies conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Center and Pershing. After a short investigation, a 27-year old Salem woman was arrested for the possession of a controlled substance. She was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. Later that same day, deputies responded to Dent County Road 6490 for a report of someone passed out in a vehicle. After a short investigation, a 31-year old Salem man was arrested for the possession of a controlled substance. He was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Tuesday October 3rd, deputies conducted a traffic stop at Highway C and County Road 2580. It was discovered that the driver, a 46-year old Edgar Springs woman, had a Phelps County warrant for her arrest. She was taken into custody and was later extradited to Phelps County. That same day, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Highway UU. The driver, a 43-year old Salem man, was arrested for driving while having his license suspended. He was taken to the Dent County Jail, fingerprinted, and released on a summons to appear in court. On Wednesday October 4th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Franklin Street near Highway 72. After a short investigation, a 25-year old Salem man was arrested for the possession of a controlled substance. He was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Friday October 6th, deputies responded to a residence on County Road 4170 in reference to a subject with a warrant. Contact was made with the 22-year old Salem woman and she was taken into custody. She was incarcerated in the Dent County Jail. If you have any information about any ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

I Heart Salem is an effort to clean up the appearance of our town, build community pride, and connect community volunteers to local service projects. On Sunday, October 8th, ten volunteers assisted with a clean-up project at a home on Water Street. The group removed a broken fence, moved trash to the curb for clean-up week pick up, and cleaned up the yard of leaves, branches and walnuts! Could you use a hand with a home project? Call I Heart Salem at 453-2500 to request assistance. I Heart Salem is a project of the GRO Salem Initiative.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On Sunday September 24th at approximately 5:00 in the afternoon, an officer was detailed to the Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health Center in reference to a disturbance. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 29-year old female of Branson on an active arrest warrant from Taney County. The suspect was incarcerated pending extradition. Then at approximately 6:38 that evening an officer was dispatched to Casey’s General Store on Highway 32 in reference to credit card fraud. The investigation of the report revealed a 33-year old male of Salem used the credit card of another to make purchases valued at $100.00. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Monday, September 25th at 4:11 in the afternoon, an officer located a 21-year old male of Salem near Henderson and First Street 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. Then at 8:51 that evening, a vehicle was stopped for a warrant investigation.
During the investigation, a 31-year old male of Salem was taken into custody on active arrest warrants from Dent County and Texas County. The suspect was incarcerated pending a court appearance. At approximately 10:09 am Tuesday, September 26th, an officer was detailed to the Fourth Street Mall in reference to a burglary. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown entered the building by force causing damages estimated at $57.00 and took items valued at $272.59. The report is under investigation. Just a little later that night at approximately 10:47, the occupant of a residence in the 600 block of South Jackson was issued a summons to appear in court for maintaining a public nuisance. The residence had been central to numerous calls of drug activity where arrests have been made, and an overdose of illegal drugs had occurred. On Wednesday, September 27th at approximately 7:17 in the morning, an officer was dispatched to the area of Forest Hill Drive in reference to someone getting into vehicles. Officers located a 34-year old male of Salem on Butler Street, believed to be the suspect. The investigation led to the arrest of the suspect for unlawful possession of a firearm. The suspect was incarcerated pending the application for a warrant. That afternoon at approximately 4:37, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a stolen electronic balance transfer card known as an E.B.T. card. The investigation of the theft revealed that a person or persons unknown used the card in St. Louis for unauthorized purchases totaling $156.23. The report is under investigation. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways announces that the Sinking Creek access, including the campground and gravel bar, will be temporarily closed to the public to allow for highway construction associated with the new Sinking Creek bridge project on Highway 19. The temporary closure is expected to begin on October 16 and be completed by November 3. The construction will involve connecting the new Sinking Creek bridge to Highway 19. As part of this project, the entrance road into Sinking Creek access will be modified to connect to the new highway alignment. The old road leading onto the temporary bridge over Sinking Creek will also be removed at this time. The Missouri Department of Transportation will install temporary signal lights to manage one lane of traffic around the work zone. The Sinking Creek bridge and river access are located near Round Spring, approximately 15 miles north of Eminence on Highway 19. The Sinking Creek campground will only be closed for as long as necessary to complete the project and will be reopened as soon as the road construction is complete. For more information, visit the park’s Facebook page, the park’s website at www.nps.gov/ozar or phone (573) 323-4236.

An accident occurred Friday morning at 10:40 in Texas County on Highway 137 two miles south of Raymondville that took the life of a Salem man. According to the Highway Patrol Report a 1998 Toyota 4Runner, driven by 65 year-old Milford Blair, traveled off the left side of the roadway after overcorrecting, overcorrected again and ran off the right side of the roadway. The Toyota then overturned multiple times ejecting Blair. He was pronounced deceased by Texas County Coroner Marie Lasater. The body was transported to Wilson Mortuary in Salem. The Toyota was totaled and removed from the scene by Jay’s Automotive.

An accident occurred Friday morning at 10:42 in Crawford County on Lakeshore Drive at Sanchez Drive that took the life of a Cuba infant. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Jeep Commander was being driven southbound on Lakeshore Drive by 21-year old Abagail Edgar of Cuba, when two-year old Chandler Werley fell out of the front right door of the Jeep while it was moving. The infant was taken to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan by the North Crawford County Ambulance, but the child was pronounced dead at 11:30 by Dr. Richard Draper. There was no damage to the Jeep and it was removed by the owner.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Tuesday, September 19th at approximately 7:37 in the morning, an officer was dispatched to the Salem City Park in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown took tools from a work trailer valued at $890.00. The report is under investigation. That afternoon at about 12:02, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 30-year-old male of Salem for driving while being intoxicated and on active arrest warrants from Shannon County. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and incarcerated pending extradition. That same afternoon at approximately 12:50, an officer was detailed to a residence in the 100 block of North Park reference property damage. That investigation of the revealed a 31-year old female of Salem damaged the back door of a residence attempting to enter the residence. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was issued a summons to appear in court and released. That evening at about 10:21, an officer transported a 38-year old male of Dixon from Phelps County Sheriffs Department to the Dent County Jail due to an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. The suspect was incarcerated pending a court appearance. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

This week is “Fall Cleanup Week” where you can place your extra items that you want disposed of out on your normal trash day starting TODAY. This includes washers, dryers, refrigerators, old furniture, etc. You cannot put out tires, paint, oil, transmission fluid (or any other type of petroleum product) batteries. The “Fall Cleanup Week” is THIS WEEK ONLY so don’t forget!

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Tuesday, September 19th at approximately 7:37 in the morning, an officer was dispatched to the Salem City Park in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown took tools from a work trailer valued at $890.00. The report is under investigation. That afternoon at about 12:02, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 30-year-old male of Salem for driving while being intoxicated and on active arrest warrants from Shannon County. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and incarcerated pending extradition. That same afternoon at approximately 12:50, an officer was detailed to a residence in the 100 block of North Park reference property damage. That investigation of the revealed a 31-year old female of Salem damaged the back door of a residence attempting to enter the residence. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was issued a summons to appear in court and released. That evening at about 10:21, an officer transported a 38-year old male of Dixon from Phelps County Sheriffs Department to the Dent County Jail due to an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. The suspect was incarcerated pending a court appearance Wednesday morning. On September 20th, at approximately 8:10, an officer was contacted at the Department in reference to a theft from a vehicle. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown entered a vehicle parked in the 800 block of East Ellis and took twenty dollars in cash. The report is under investigation. Later that day at approximately 2:13 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to the Salem High School in reference to a student in possession of tobacco. That investigation led to the detention of a 15-year old juvenile male of Salem for possession of tobacco. The student’s parents were notified and the report was forwarded to the Juvenile Office. At approximately 2:58 that same afternoon, an officer was dispatched to the 800 block of East Ellis in reference to another theft. That investigation revealed that a person or persons unknown took a purse and its contents valued at $798.00 from a silver 1996 Ford Ranger that was parked near a residence. The report is under investigation. On Friday, September 22nd, an officer located a 34-year old male of Salem at the Salem High School football field who had an active arrest warrant from Dent County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending a court appearance. On Saturday night, September 23rd at approximately 8:28, an officer was dispatched to the Salem Community Center @ The Armory in reference to an assault. The investigation of the report revealed that a 30-year old female of Salem had assaulted a 50-year old female of Rolla. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was issued a summons to appear in court and was released. On Sunday afternoon, September 24th, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 51-year old male of Salem for driving while having his license revoked and resisting arrest as well as a 30-year old Salem male for possession of a controlled substance. The 51-year old suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and released. The 30-year old suspect was incarcerated pending the application for warrants. Later that same afternoon at approximately 4:01, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 24-year old female of Salem on an active arrest warrant from Dent County. The suspect was released to the Dent County Sheriff’s Department. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

Next week is “Fall Cleanup Week” where you can place your extra items that you want disposed of out on your normal trash day starting on October 9th. This includes washers, dryers, refrigerators, old furniture, etc. You cannot put out tires, paint, oil, transmission fluid (or any other type of petroleum product) batteries. The “Fall Cleanup Week” is only for one week so don’t forget!

The weekend of October 7th and 8th, Round Spring will be the host site for the Ozark Trail Association (OTA) Mega Trail Building Event on the Round Spring Spur of the Ozark Trail. Volunteers can report to the Round Spring Visitor Center between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the Mega Events. OTA Mega Events can attract 100 to 200 volunteers and yield close to one mile of new trail. Mega Events are a wonderful trail celebration with free camping, delicious outdoor meals, and entertainment for volunteers. The Round Spring Spur will connect to trails in the Roger Pryor Backcountry Area and the Blair Creek Section of the Ozark Trail. When completed, the trail will provide new hiking options for visitors along the upper Current River and will also offer an opportunity for a mulit-day hiking/floating adventure between Round Spring and Powder Mill. A second OTA Mega Event is scheduled for October 28-29 at Round Spring. Visit the Ozark Trail Association website at www.ozarktrail.com for more information about the Ozark Trail and the upcoming Mega Events. For additional information about National Park Service activities contact Park Ranger Dave Tobey at (573) 323-8093 or dave_tobey@nps.gov, visit the park’s Facebook page, or website at www.nps.gov/ozar.

GRO Salem is asking “What can YOU do to help clean up our town this month?” Here are some ideas! Sell unneeded items during the City Wide Yard Sale this Saturday and you may find some extra cash for what you may have considered trash! The week of October 9th through the 13th is “Fall Cleanup Week” in the City of Salem. That means on your regular trash pickup date, the city will do free curbside pick-up of yard waste, old appliances and other big items. Now’s the time to get rid of some of those things in your yard or home you’ve been meaning to get rid of. If you can’t move some of those items and need help, call GRO Salem at 453-2500 to request assistance. Also, just walk around your neighborhood or town pick up any trash you come across. You can also help out a neighbor by raking leaves in their yard or pulling leaves out of their gutters! There are lots of volunteer events already scheduled for October, but if you have a need at your home, call GRO Salem at 453-2500 for some help with clean-up projects or tasks. Watch the GroSalem.MO Facebook page as they share information about volunteer happenings around our community and how to get involved! By working together on the little things, we can accomplish big things!

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Monday, September 18th at approximately 10:15 in the morning, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a theft from a vehicle. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown took a Garmin GPS unit valued at $100.00 from a gray 2008 Chevrolet Impala that was parked on Ray Lane. The report is under investigation. That afternoon at about 1:20, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 46-year old female of Viburnum for driving while being intoxicated. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Later that afternoon at approximately 4:31, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a theft. That investigation revealed that a person or persons unknown took a birdbath valued at $150.00 from a residence in the 300 block of South Warfel. The report is under investigation. That evening at about 6:06, an officer located a 31-year old male of Salem in the 600 block of South Elmer who had an active arrest warrant from Missouri Probation and Parole. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending extradition. Contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have information about any ongoing investigation.

The Missouri Department of Conservation has announced that Hunter Education Skills Session for this area will be held in Salem at the Salem Community Center@The Armory on Friday, October 13th from 5:30 to 9:30, in Bunker at the Bunker High School on Eagle Pride Drive on Saturday, October 14th starting at 8:00 in the morning, and again in Salem on Monday, October 16th from 5:30 to 9:30 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Certification is limited to those who are 11 years of age or older. Students should be sure to bring either a completed workbook or a copy of the certificate verifying the completion of the online portion. Missouri’s hunter education course is required for any hunter born on or after January 1, 1967. There is no cost for the class but you must register online at mdc.mo.gov/hunt/huntered.

The 54th Annual Rose Holland Trout Derby will be held at Montauk State Park Friday through Sunday. Nature Bingo will be held on Friday at 6 p.m. at the campground amphitheater. An Old Time Cruise-In Car Show will be held at the Searcy Building parking lot on Friday night at 4 p.m. The Derby itself begins at 7:30 Saturday morning until 6:30 that evening and again Sunday morning at 7:30 until 11:30. Those who participant will have the opportunity to fish for tagged trout during this fishing derby. Anglers catching tagged trout will receive prizes awarded on Sunday just after the derby ends at noon. On Saturday, the Salem Memorial District Hospital will offer free health screenings, there will be a Country Store open across from the lodge, plus there will be food available and kids activities, live entertainment and an auction. “Hikes for Your Heart” will be also held on Saturday including a night hike. All the proceeds will benefit the American Heart Association.

Highway 19 in Shannon County has been reduced to one lane with a 10-foot width restriction as contractor crews continue the construction on the bridge and pavement tie-ins over Sinking Creek. The bridge over Sinking Creek is located approximately 3 miles south of Route EE. Weather permitting; work may begin as early as Monday, Oct. 9th through Friday, Nov. 10th. The work zone will be set-up for 24-hours a day. Work will be completed under one-lane traffic using temporary signals. Signals will be utilized to shift traffic away from the work area and will remain one-lane through the work zone. The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use caution while traveling in the area. For more information, the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636).

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. Cheryl Parker, the Dent County Court Advocate from the Russell House in Rolla, was in to ask the commission if she could put a banner up on the courthouse lawn for Domestic Violence Month. She said she would also be placing small purple flags in the ground in honor of those who have suffered domestic abuse in Dent County. This has been done the last few years and the commission approved her request. In the road report, District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell said patch grading would be done and materials added on Dent County Road 5610. He said brush would be cut on county road 5400 and two men will be doing chip and seal repairs on Dent County Roads 4220 and 5220. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported patch grading would be done on county roads 4430 and 5300 while brush was going to be cut on Dent County Roads 2580, 2610 and 2613. He went on to say two men would be replacing a serpentine belt on Dent County Truck #124 and doing other maintenance, and two men would be installing pipes on Dent County Roads 2510 and 2560. Dent County Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles asked residents in Dent County to refrain from any type of outdoor burning during this extremely dry stretch of weather. He is asking people to please not burn any trash or do any open burning as winds are expected to gust over 20 mph the next couple of days that could lead to a widespread fire quickly. He also is reminding people to be careful when cutting high grass or bushhogging where a spark could set fields on fire. The commission was expecting a visit from Steve Davis from Shive-Hattery on the jail and justice center project. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday in the City Hall Council Chambers. The board approved a bid from C&E Auto Sales of $24,788 for a pickup for the street department, approved a $10,009.04 bid from Roberts Judson Company of Salem for materials to replace the roof on the Salem Police Department, and approved the recommendation of the Salem Park and Recreation Board to enter into contract negotiations with Westport Pools, Inc for the renovation and repair of the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Pool. After the consent agenda, Salem Parks and Recreation Director Tye Lydon gave his report from the Park and Recreation Board meetings held last week. This included program updates on Flag Football that begins this Saturday, and the Youth Basketball Program that will begin on December 2nd. Signups will begin soon for children 3-12 years of age for $25 per child. He also went over the numerous improvements made including new trash dispensers, new and refurbished picnic tables at all the parks, the repaired teetor-totter at Midyett Park, new benches at the Salem Tennis Courts, the basketball court being painted Carolina Blue, the main pavilion being painted blue and the chimney cleaned. He also said new equipment is going into the park restrooms including new louvered metal doors, soap dispensers, towel dispensers, grab bars and an exhaust fan. He said the new splash pad will be installed on April 16, 2018 by My Splash Pad and the board approved the donation of a new concrete box with ledges for the skateboard park that was donated by the Salem Skateboarders. City Administrator Ray Walden thanked everyone for attending the ribbon cutting of Billy’s Playground at the City Park, and stated the electronics and tire collection in Salem Saturday went well. He said he attended an MPUA meeting where they discussed concerns about cyber security of utility systems. Walden said the City Administrative Offices would be closed on Monday, October 9th for Columbus Day. The board approved Bill #3343 to establish a policy for net metering in the City of Salem, and approved Bill #3344 that allows the mayor to enter into a contract with Westport Pools, Inc. for professional consulting services for the repair and renovation of the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Pool. Mayor Brad Nash then appointed Harold Tubbs to the airport board and the aldermen approved his recommendation before the board went into closed session.