Local News

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On Friday, December 29th, deputies received a report of items stolen from trucks belonging to Intercounty Electric Cooperative Association. The trucks were parked on Route JJ. The items include a back up camera, radio, harness for bucket work, air hose, rain suit, traffic cones, first aid kit, chipper battery, battery from truck, and various hand tools. This report is still under investigation. On Tuesday, January 2nd, deputies attempted to stop a vehicle on Route VV. After a short pursuit, deputies located the vehicle and the driver at a residence on Route VV. As a result of the stop, a 28-year old Salem man was arrested from driving while having his license revoked and for resisting arrest, traffic stop ands detention. He was fingerprinted, issued a summons to appear in court, and released. That same day, deputies took a report of two vehicles being damaged at a residence on Highway 19 North. This report is still under investigation. On Thursday, January 4th, a 30-year old woman from Black was being booked into the Dent County Jail and a plastic baggie containing methamphetamine was located in her bra. She was charged with delivery of a controlled substance to a jail and given a $10,000 cash only bond. That same day, deputies took a report of property damage to a vehicle at Highway 68 and Dent County Road 3305. It was discovered that a 19-year old Salem man had kicked the door to a vehicle at the intersection after an argument. He was arrested, fingerprinted, issued a citation for 2nd Degree Property Damage, and released. If anyone has any information regarding ongoing investigations, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

A new session of online core training to become a certified Master Gardener begins January 22nd. The popularity of the online classes has grown steadily since MU Extension began offering them in 2013. In the past, some people had to travel many miles to attend Master Gardener classes. State horticulture specialist for University of Missouri Extension David Trinklein and MU Extension regional horticulture specialist Sarah Denkler teach the 14 online sessions. Classes are delivered as a series of scripted and narrated PowerPoint presentations. To pass the course, participants need a composite score of 70 percent on chapter quizzes. Subjects include basic botany, soils and plant nutrition, vegetable gardening, fruit production, insects and diseases, landscaping and landscape plants, turf management, and pesticide safety. Core training is the first step toward Master Gardener certification. Trainees must also complete a minimum of 30 hours of volunteer service. Local Master Gardener chapters help online trainees find volunteer opportunities to meet the service hour requirements. The registration deadline for the online spring session is Monday, January 15th. For more information, call 573-729-3196. The course also may be taken for personal enrichment only (no volunteer requirement) for a higher registration fee.

The Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri Department of Transportation invite Missouri public, private, and home-schooled students in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade to help fight litter in a creative and fun way by participating in the 2018 “Yes You CAN Make Missouri Litter-Free” trash-can-decorating contest. The contest encourages school classes and school groups to join in the fight against litter by decorating and displaying a large trash can with the “No MOre Trash!” logo and a litter-prevention message using a variety of creative media. Schools may submit one entry in each competition category: K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. Entries are judged based on creativity, adherence to contest rules, and effective use of theme and logo. First-place winners from each competition category will receive $200 awarded to the sponsoring schools. All first-place winners are then eligible for a grand prize of a trophy and $600 awarded to the sponsoring school. There is no entry fee for the contest. Participating school groups must submit a completed entry form online with no more than three photos to nomoretrash.org by Friday, March 16. Contest rules, entry forms, logo, and past contest entries and winners can also be found at nomoretrash.org. There is no entry fee for the contest

It is the final full week where candidates can file for school board of education openings, the hospital board opening, the Dent County Health Board vacancy, the Dent County Fire Protection District Board as well as for offices for the City of Salem. Filing will continue through the close of business on Tuesday, January 16th. For those interested in filing, Monday will be Martin Luther King Day and almost all of the registration locations will be closed. As of Friday, January 5th, Oak Hill R-1 school had three persons sign up for the school board openings and they are James Terrill, Nathan Ragsdale and Amanda Dooley. Persons signing up for the Green Forest R-2 school board openings are Dee Moser and Michael Jones. At Dent-Phelps R-3, Alisha Brookshire is the only person to file, while three persons have filed for the Northwood R-4 school board openings and they are Dave Tiefenthaler, Dawn Ros and Chris Welch. For the Salem R-80 board openings, Chris Heavin, Carrie Snider and Kevin James have all filed. The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board has one seat available for a six-year term for District 5 and incumbent Ray Bruno has filed for that seat. For the Dent County Health Board of Trustees seat, Dennis Floyd has filed for the position. The City of Salem has one West Ward Alderman seat and one East Ward Alderman seat available as well as the Mayor’s position. Incumbent Kim Shelton has filed for the East Ward Aldermanic position, while incumbent Molly Zettel has filed for the West Ward Aldermanic seat along with former Aldermen Kenny Nash. Incumbent Brad Nash has filed for the mayor’s position. Those interested in filing for a position on any school board or the hospital board should file at each particular entity and there is no cost to file. Those wishing to file for a position on the Dent County Health Board need to go to the Dent County Clerk’s office to file. Those wishing to file for either Aldermanic position or the mayor’s position for the City of Salem should file at the City Administrative building and there is a $25 fee to file and you must be current with your city utilities. Again, the deadline to file for any of these positions is Tuesday, January 16th at the regular close of business.

The University of Missouri Extension Dent County Council is currently holding their election for council members that will assist in the planning and the carrying out of extension programs in the county. They will also provide local extension governance and will represent the diversity of the county’s changing population. The University of Missouri Extension offers educational programs addressing high priority areas like agriculture, horticulture, nutrition, consumer and family economics, business and industry, community development and youth development including 4-H. There are three districts: the Central District (which includes those living in the City of Salem and close outlying areas); the Northern District (Watkins, Norma, Shortbend, Meramec and Osage Townships); and the Southern District (Texas, Franklin, Linn, Sinkin, Gladden and Current Townships.) On the ballot, only vote for the people who live in your district. If you do not know which district you live in, call the extension office at 729-3196. Ballots must be postmarked by Friday, January 12th, or you can drop them off on the second floor of the Judicial Building until 4:30 Friday afternoon. Ballots are available at the extension office, in Monday’s Your World Today, in Tuesday’s Salem News and at Vandivort Drug. You can also vote online at www.extension.missouri.edu/dent by Friday.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 10,025 deer during the alternative-methods portion of the fall firearms deer season, which ran December 23rd – January 2nd. Of the total harvest, 2,827 were antlered bucks, 1,312 were button bucks, and 5,886 were does. Top harvest counties were Howell with 249 deer harvested, Franklin with 215, and Oregon with 214. The harvest total for last year’s alternative-methods portion was 10,602 consisting of 2,787 antlered bucks, 1,496 button bucks, and 6,319 does. Deer hunting continues for this season with statewide archery hunting through January 15.

The Salem VA Clinic will have a DAV Van to provide transportation for local Veterans with appointments at the VA Hospitals in Columbia and Poplar Bluff. There is an immediate need for volunteer drivers. It is preferred that volunteers would be able to commit to a certain day or two per week. The van will be a valuable asset for Veterans traveling long distances due to the recent changes in reimbursements for travel. Anyone interested in helping should contact Richard LaBrash at (573) 729-1394.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell reported that the southern half of Dent County received about 3/5ths of an inch of rain and freezing rain on Sunday. He said crews were out treating roads that have been reported to be slick, especially the hills and curves to make sure they are passable. District 2 Commissioner Larson said his crews will also be out sanding slick spots that have been reported as well as the hills. Larson went on to report workers would be retrieving and installing a radiator in Loader #3. Other workers would be doing shop maintenance and would be stockpiling white rock at the shop if time allows. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles attended a SACBA Board meeting Monday night. Deputy County Clerk Crystal Pilkington indicated the treasurer and the county clerk balanced on all accounts for the month of December. The commissioners continue to work on budgets in all departments. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident happened in Phelps County Monday morning at 5:35 on Phelps County Road 3060 about 1/10th of a mile west of Glassphalt Road. According to the highway patrol report, a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer driven by 53-year old Lon Reising of Salem, was traveling eastbound when he lost control of the Trailblazer and it went off the north side of the roadway and overturned. Reising suffered minor injuries and was taken to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center by the Phelps County Ambulance. He was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Trailblazer was totaled in the accident and removed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing of Rolla. The highway patrol was assisted by the Rolla Police Department and Rolla Rural Fire Department.

An accident in Phelps County Sunday night at 8:28 on Route B about 1.8 miles north of St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 Ford F-250 driven by 49-yaer old Steve Lorts of Rolla, traveled across the center of the roadway when Lorts overcorrected and the truck traveled back across the center of the road before going off the right side of the Route B striking several trees. Lorts suffered minor injuries and was taken to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center by a Phelps County Deputy. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing. Lorts was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports for the early part of the new year. On New Years Day at approximately 4:48 in afternoon, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 59-year old male of Salem on an active arrest warrant from Dent County. The suspect was later released after paying all fines and court costs associated with the warrant. Then on Wednesday morning, January 3rd at 7:06, an officer located a 28-year old male of Salem at a residence in the 300 block of North Walker who had an active arrest warrant from Dent County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending a court appearance. That same m,orning at about 10:30, an officer was detailed to Phil-Mart in reference a theft. That investigation revealed that a person or persons unknown took $3,450.00 cash from the business. The report is under investigation. That afternoon at about 1:37, an officer located a 75-year old female of Salem in the 600 block of South Elmer who had an active arrest warrant from Texas County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending extradition. That evening at approximately 9:56, an officer was sent to a residence in the 1000 block of West Hunt for a possible theft and drug activity. The investigation of that report led to the arrest of a 30-year old female of Black for the possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. The suspect was incarcerated pending the application for warrants. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

An accident happened in St. Francois County Thursday afternoon at 3:05 at the intersection of Loughboro and Rock Road. According to the highway patrol report, a 2002 Chevy Malibu driven southbound by 18-year old Steven Wirey of Bismarck was traveling southbound on Rock Road when Wirey failed to stop for a posted stop sign. The Malibu struck the right side of a 2008 GMC Savanna G3500 Van driven westbound on Loughboro Road by 40-year old Richard Champney of Salem, sending the van off the left side of the roadway where the van struck a fence, ejecting Champney from the vehicle. Champney suffered serious injuries and was transported by Air Evac Helicopter to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Wirey and a passenger in the Malibu, 16-year old Michael Bass, Jr. of Bismarck, suffered minor injuries and were taken to the Parkland Health Center in Farmington by a private vehicle. Another passenger in the Malibu, 17-year old Emma Simonton of Bismarck, suffered moderate injuries and was taken to the Parkland Health Center by the St. Francois County Ambulance. No one in either vehicle was wearing a seat restraint. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage and were towed from the scene by Buckley’s Towing.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports for shoplifting at Wal-Mart before the end of 2017. The first incident occurred on Thursday, December 28th at 9:28 in the evening. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 19-year old male of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $0.99. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. The on Saturday afternoon, December 30th at about 1:35, an investigation led to the arrest of a 27-year old male of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $71.60. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Another report came in on New Year’s Eve at about 8:19 in the evening. That investigation led to the arrest of a 21 year-old male of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $0.78. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released.

Schools, churches or charitable organizations contemplating a small community project that needs funding should apply for a small grant from the Meramec Regional Community Foundation (MRCF). For the last six years, MRCF has awarded grants to further local projects through its community grant program. An estimated six grants of $250 each will be available to nonprofit, 501(c)3 organizations, schools, faith-based organizations and governmental entities looking to address local needs that will enhance the quality of life within the community. 2012 marked the inaugural year for this grant program, and in the last six years, $9,400 in grant funds have been awarded to 34 community projects throughout the region as a result. Awardees in 2017 included the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History in Salem, Esther’s House of Redemption, Newburg Community Revitalization Program, Owensville Chamber of Commerce, Pulaski County Salvation Army and the Washington County Community Partnership. Applications for the 2018 grant round will be accepted online only until 5:00 PM on January 31st. Organizations, schools and governmental entities must be based in the Meramec Region to qualify. This includes Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties. For more information, contact Maria Bancroft at mbancroft@meramecregion.org or 573-265-2993 extension 114. Online applications may be found and submitted at www.formstack.com/forms/CFO-mrcfgrantapp.

Wondering what the GRO Salem economic development project is all about? Come out to support the Salem High School basketball team at their January 12 home game against the Thayer Bobcats and hear about student internships at local businesses, downtown streetscape improvement plans, old city hall improvements, “I Heart Salem” and more! Representatives from GRO will be in attendance starting at 6:00 at informational tables will be located in the lobby of the high school to provide with you with details and more information, and you can buy “I Heart Salem” t-shirts, decals and signs that evening to show your support!

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning for their regular meeting in the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell said his crew was replacing a seal in a pump on the spreader box for Truck #119, plus servicing Cat Loader #24. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that part of his crew was responding to a call from the Dent County Sheriff’s Department about a water line break on Dent County Road 6680. He said since 6680 is chip and sealed, his men would be putting sand on the icy roadway instead of salt. Larson went on to say that some of his crew would be doing maintenance at the Road and Bridge Department. In relation to the county possibly adopting the recycling program that the City of Salem had, Larson said he was contacting Jill Hollowell with the Ozark River Solid Waste Management District about possible funds for the program. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles credited and complemented county office holders for staying within their budgets and that at year’s end all funds were in good financial shape. Larson noted that it had been a challenge for Road and Bridge due to the spring floods and the wait on FEMA reimbursement funds. Skiles again reminded vendors that, according to state statues, only payroll can be paid until the 2018 budget is approved. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she was continuing to work on the budget and that a notice would be posted in next week’s paper as to when the tentative budget would be available and when the budget hearing would be. The Commissioners set January 18th for the tentative budget to be available by 3:00 pm and the budget hearing to be held at 10:00 am on January 29th. Richard LaBrash was in to report that the Adopt-A-Vet program was a huge success with all the veterans at the St. James Veterans home being sponsored. He expressed his gratitude to Dent County residents for their support of the program. LaBrash also reported that the Salem VA Clinic would be getting a van for transporting veterans to the VA Hospitals in Poplar Bluff and Columbia. He noted that volunteer drivers are needed and those interested in volunteering could contact him at (573) 729-1394. The next meeting of the Commission will be Monday morning in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Health Center will be holding the “Billion Step Challenge” again this year starting January 8th and ending April 8th. Last year’s challenge was a great success with over one billion steps walked and Dent County captured national recognition for the effort of their citizens. They hope to do even better this year! In this year’s competition, teams cannot consist of more than four members and you will also be responsible for turning your steps in as no one will be calling to get step counts. The weekly step counts will run from Monday through Sunday and all steps must be reported by the following Wednesday or they will not be counted. To register for the “Billion Step Challenge,” call the Dent County Health Center at 729-3106 or stop by the health center at 601 South McArthur. You can also register by going to the Dent County Health Center Facebook page or their twitter account, access the “Billion Step” link and enter your information. You can also submit your step totals each week this way as well. For any questions you may have or if your need more information about the “Billion Step Challenge,” call 729-3106.

Volunteers for AARP will be conducting free tax filing assistance at the Salem Community Center@ the Armory computer lab this year. This free tax filing assistance will begin on Friday, February 2nd and continue every Friday until April 13th. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers are trained in filing certain tax forms and schedules, including the Form 1040. However, the Volunteer Protection Act requires that our volunteers stay in the scope of the program. If counselors feel they do not have adequate knowledge or your return is too complex, you may need to seek another qualified counselor or paid tax assistance. Items you need to bring to have your tax returns prepared include: Proof of identification – Picture ID; Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration or; birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return. Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-Misc from all employers; Year-end Social Security Statements showing total SS received and Medicare payments; Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099). A copy of last year’s federal and state returns if available; Proof of bank account routing numbers and account numbers for Direct Deposit, such as a blank check or deposit slip. To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms. The Salem Community Center @ the Armory is located at 1200 West Rolla Road. Appointments for the AARP can be made by calling the Salem Community Center at 729-8163.

The vendor who provides the Missouri State Parks online survey services will be performing maintenance this Friday beginning at 7:00 that will last approximately 12 hours. During this time, citizens will be unable to submit comments about the proposed Jay Nixon State Park in Reynolds County through our online surveys. Therefore, Missouri State Parks is extending the comment period through January 6th. They apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Missouri State Parks held a series of public meetings in early December to discuss the future of three different state park properties. The three properties, which have not been developed and are currently closed, are Ozark Mountain State Park in Taney County, Bryant Creek State Park in Douglas County and Jay Nixon State Park in Reynolds County. The meetings also kicked off a month-long comment period originally set to close on Friday, but it has now been extended through Saturday at midnight. For more information and to complete an online survey, go to mostateparks.com.

The Salem Police Department has released a couple of reports. At approximately 10:43 in the morning on Friday, December 22nd, an officer was sent to a residence in the 900 block of North Park reference a theft. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown took $1900.00 cash from inside the residence. The report is under investigation. On Thursday morning, December 28th at about 1:06, an officer was contacted in reference to a theft from a storage unit located at Highway 32 and Sligo. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown broke into a unit and took items valued at $750.00. The report is under investigation. If anyone has information about any ongoing investigation, please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.

The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) will hold a blood drive in Salem TODAY from 8:30 this morning until 2:30 this afternoon at the Salem High School Agriculture Building. O negative, A negative and B negative blood is in short supply, with less than a two-day reserve level for those types. To be eligible to give blood, you must weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health, and present a valid photo ID. For more information, contact Heather Johnson (573) 729-6641.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Tuesday night at the city hall council chambers with Alderman Shelton attending via video. After approval of the consent agenda, City Administrator Ray Walden reported that the city has removed the recycling bins that were located at the Salem Upper Elementary School since the City residents now have curbside recycling service. The city is still looking for a local source to continue the recycling program for county residents. Walden noted that future utility bills will list the recycling dates for the east and west side. Walden reported that he would like to include any CDL license requirement into the appropriate job descriptions and not have it included in the differential pay schedule. He will bring proposed position descriptions at a future meeting. The next alderman meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 16 and city offices will be closed because of the MLK holiday. Walden recommended and the board approved moving the February 5th Alderman meeting to the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. This meeting will immediately follow a public meeting that is being held with the Drury Visioning project. The board approved Bill No. 3356, an ordinance authorizing the mayor to executive a memorandum of agreement between the city and the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. They also approved Bill No. 3357, an ordinance authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement between the city and the Salem High School 2018 Project Graduation. The board also approved a payment of $5,000 to the Chamber. The board then adjourned.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that there were seven fatalities during the New Year’s holiday counting period from 6:00 Friday evening, December 29th until 11:59 Monday night, January 1st. Troopers investigated 229 traffic crashes, which included 77 injuries and five of the seven fatalities. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and Sullivan Police Department each investigated one traffic crash fatality during the counting period. In addition, troopers made 129 arrests for driving while intoxicated and 49 drug arrests during the 2018 New Year counting period. There were no boating crashes or drownings during the 2018 New Year’s holiday counting period. There were no fatalities in the Troop I area. Last year over the New Year’s holiday counting period, Missouri law enforcement agencies reported 539 traffic crashes, which injured 302 people. There were eight fatalities during the 2017 New Year’s holiday counting period. In addition, troopers made 103 arrests for driving while intoxicated and 67 drug arrests. There were no boating incidents or drownings during the 2017 New Year’s holiday counting period.

If you have a need for infant and toddler size gloves, mittens, hats, and children’s blankets during this bitterly cold weather, feel free to stop by the Dent County Health Center at the corner of Franklin and McArthur. The health center will have available a “Warming Tree” loaded with those items in their foyer and they are free to those who need them to stay warm. The tree will stay up through February. If you would like to help restock the items people have already taken from the tree, you can donate gloves, mittens, all sizes of hats and children’s blankets to the “Warming Tree.” For more information about the “Warming Tree” or about donating items to the “Warming Tree” at the Dent County Health Center, feel free to call them at 729-3106 or stop by Dent County Health Center at 601 S. McArthur.

Healthy Dent County is unrolling its first ever Dent County Youth Community Calendar. This calendar will consist of events and programs that are designed for children 18 years of age and younger in the Salem area. There will be a physical calendar released to the community and the schools every four months. In addition there will also be an online calendar. The online calendar will be continually be updated as events and programs get added throughout the year. All you have to do is visit this website: dentcountyyouthcalendar.org. If you would like more information about adding events and/or programs to the Dent County Youth Community Calendar, please contact Kelsey Schatz at kelsey@salemcommunitycenter.org or call 729-8163.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will hold their regular meeting this evening at 7:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers. At the meeting, the board will hear from City Administrator Ray Walden about the CDL and differential pay topic before Walden discusses different days for select meetings in 2018. Mayor Brad Nash will give his report before the aldermen hear Bill #3356 for an agreement between the City of Salem and the Salem Chamber of Commerce for services, and also Bill #3357 for an agreement between the city and 2018 Project Graduation for services provided to the city. After the board hears any bills that come in over $3,000, the meeting will be adjourned. The City of Salem Board of Aldermen meeting Tuesday night is open to the public.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will conduct their January meeting tonight at the fire station beginning at 6:00 pm. After approving the agenda and the minutes from the previous meeting, the Board will review financial reports and approve bills. The Board will go over their calendar of upcoming events and discuss the monthly reimbursement report. The Board will address any old or new business that may come before the Board before hearing reports on various items concerning the district. The Board may vote to go into closed session if necessary and they will set their next meeting date. The January meeting of the Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors is open to the public.

The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will have a blood drive in Salem today from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Salem. O negative, A negative and B negative blood is in short supply, with less than a two-day reserve level for those types. To be eligible to give blood, you must weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health, and present a valid photo ID. For more information about the blood drive, contact Cindy Sachs (573) 729-4241.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Thursday, December 14th at approximately 9:36 in the evening, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 33-year old female of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $20.52. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Friday, December 15th at approximately 5:44 in the morning, an officer was dispatched to a one vehicle accident near the bridge at Tenth and Walnut Hill. The investigation of the accident led to the arrest of a 37-year old male of Salem for driving while being intoxicated. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Saturday, December 16th at approximately 12:28 in the afternoon, an officer located a 23-year old female of Salem who had an active arrest warrant from Dent County at a residence in the 800 block of South Oak. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and released to the Dent County Sheriff’s Department. On Monday, December 18th near 11:30 at night, a vehicle was stopped for an investigation of an active arrest warrant. The investigation led to the arrest of a 29-year old female of Salem on an active arrest warrant from Dent County. The suspect was released to the custody of the Dent County Sheriffs Department. On Tuesday, December 19th at approximately 6:52 in the evening, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. That investigation led to the arrest of a 40-year old male of Salem for driving while having his license revoked. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, Commissioners Dennis Purcell and Gary Larson reported the ground was too frozen to grade, so workers were doing general shop maintenance. Purcell also said he had a team replacing and repairing some road signs. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to remind all vendors that by state statute, no bills received after Thursday by the county can be paid until the 2018 budget is approved which will be late January. The only money the county can spend until the budget is approved by law is for payroll. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams brought in the bank deposit bids at 10:00. She reported Town and Country Bank and US Bank did not submit bids. The Bank of Salem one year bid stated the county would not have to pay fees on services from the bank and would receive 1.05% on their deposits. Progressive Ozark Bank, who is the current bank the county uses for the deposits with an interest rate of 0.65%, proposed an interest rate of 1.26% on county deposits for 2018. The commission unanimously approved the bid from Progressive Ozark Bank. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said there were bills to approve and pay, and she continues to work on the 2018 County Budget. City of Salem Mayor Brad Nash came in to discuss the possibility of the county looking into using the city’s recycling bins and trailers that would provide a service to the county residents. After some discussion about the current city program between the commissioners and a location for the sorting of the recyclables, Commissioner Larson said he would get with Jill Hollowell from the Meramec Regional Planning Commission and talk with her about any funds that might be available to assist with paying for the recycling program. Nash also talked with the commission about a visit from Brett Hendricks from the State Emergency Management Agency and he said the Dent County Emergency Management Plan met all the states guidelines. Nash said Hendricks had told him there may be some changes coming next year that could affect the plan, but he was not certain when or if that would occur. Commissioners Larson, Purcell and Skiles, and the county clerk wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year and remind everyone the courthouse will be closed on New Years Day. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday, January 4th at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to anyone.

The Dent County Service Unit of The Salvation Army would like to announce that they have successfully surpassed their $30,000 goal during this year’s Christmas Kettle Campaign. The total raised was $37,363.42 to date. Along with the monetary donations received this year, 181 local children were adopted at the Angel Trees located at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory; 20 Christmas food baskets were distributed to homebound elderly clients of the Central Missouri Area Agency on Aging and lap blankets, socks, gloves, scarves and hats were distributed locally to the nursing homes. The local Salvation Army Board would like to thank everyone who made monetary donations and/or adopted an angel. They also extend their greatest appreciation to the dedicated volunteers that took time out of their busy holiday season to ring the bells at the kettles. The community’s continued generosity will be distributed throughout 2018 to those less fortunate in Dent County. Thank you Dent County!

The Missouri State Highway Patrol encourages everyone to make good decisions regarding their New Year’s celebration. A traffic crash would be an unfortunate way to begin 2018. Last year over the New Year’s holiday counting period, eight people died and 302 people were injured in 539 traffic crashes during the 2017 New Year’s holiday counting period. Thus, a person was killed or injured every 15.1 minutes during that time frame. The counting period will begin tonight at 6:00 and last until Monday, January 1st at 11:59 PM. If inclement weather is expected, allow extra time for traveling or be flexible with your plans. The Road Condition Report number is 1-888-275-6636. Depending on the weather, staying home might be your best option. Remember: Missouri law states if you’re using your windshield wipers, your headlights must be turned on. It takes only a second to turn on your vehicle’s headlights. That second could make you more visible to other drivers and prevent a traffic crash.

A meeting was held Wednesday afternoon at the Salem Community Center@The Armory to discuss the future of the recycling bins and trailers that have been at the Salem Upper Elementary School for years. Since the City of Salem included in their new contract with WCA to offer recycling to residents within the city, they have decided to eliminate the use of the recycling bins effective Wednesday, December 27th. With that decision, the bins will no longer be at the Upper Elementary School. The city received the bins and trailers from the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District through grants and they really want to keep the bins and trailers in this district to help local folks with their recycling needs if at all possible. The bins accepted #1 and #2 plastics that included clear or opaque plastic as well as the colored bottles like laundry detergent or bleach jugs, tin cans and glass. The city has a number of bins. The items collected had to be re-sorted by workers as sometimes people would include non-recyclable materials where they had to be separated before being taken to the Rolla Recycling Center. The city workers during peak times would take the bins to Rolla two to three times a week. City Administrator Ray Walden said the new contract with WCA allows for more items to be recycled and put into one provided cart at the home where the items can be taken to Lebanon and separated by a machine. The new contract does not allow for the recycling of glass. Walden said the Scenic Rivers Industries will be taking two of the bins and a trailer for their aluminum can collecting. The Scenic Rivers Industries does NOT and never did recycle glass, only the city provided that service with the bins. No one at the meeting was ready to commit to offering the same recycling services the city had in the past, but discussions will continue to see if something can be done to help county residents with their recycling needs, possibly at a different location or on a part time basis.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held a special meeting at the City Hall Council Chambers Wednesday night. The board approved Bill #3354 that authorized the Mayor to execute and the City Clerk to attest to a quit claim deed for the old railroad right-of-way between the City of Salem and the Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health, Inc. that is a non-profit corporation of the County of St. Francois, and the board also approved an ordinance that authorized the mayor to execute a public improvement funding agreement with Ridge Properties 1, LLC for commercial improvements on Highway 32-72 West. The board then adjourned.

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways and Missouri State Parks will be hosting a Winter Paddling Clinic on Sunday and a First Day Float on Monday, January 1st. The Winter Paddling Clinic will be held at Echo Bluff State Park on Sunday in conjunction with their New Year’s Eve Celebration. On Monday, January 1st, paddlers will celebrate the New Year with a float on the Current or Jacks Fork Rivers and gather at Current River State Park in the afternoon for a bonfire and warm beverages. Millions of floaters enjoy Missouri rivers each year from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Experienced paddlers continue to visit our rivers in September and October, but paddling activity can continue during the winter months with the right equipment and a few simple precautions. Winter paddling offers several advantages, including the opportunity to experience solitude on the river and the ability to more easily view wildlife and other river features often blocked by heavy vegetation during the summer. For the First Day Float, experienced paddlers are welcome to float any section of the Current or Jacks Fork River that is open. Less experienced paddlers are encouraged to float the Current River between Pulltite and Round Spring. An instructional float will be conducted from Current River State Park to Round Spring, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Space is limited to 20 participants for this free, guided activity. Reservations can be made by contacting Ranger Dave Tobey at (573) 323-8093 by Friday, December 29th. Once the First Day Float is filled to capacity, participants may sign up for the guided Last Day Float to be held on Sunday, December 31st. Instructors for the guided floats are ACA-certified. A First Day Hike will be offered at Echo Bluff State Park at 8:00 a.m. Current River State Park will provide a bonfire complete with warm beverages for paddlers and hikers throughout the day. Echo Bluff State Park is located 14 miles north of Eminence on State Highway 19. The Current River State Park is located approximately 1 mile north of Echo Bluff State Park.