Local News

An accident happened Wednesday afternoon at 5:30 in Crawford County on Highway 19 about five miles south of Steelville. According to the highway patrol report, a 1995 Mercury Cougar, driven by 47 year-old Lloyd Bridges of Salem, failed to negotiate a curve, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. Bridges suffered moderate injuries and was transported by private vehicle to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. The report stated that Bridges was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Mercury sustained moderate damages and removed from the scene by Miles Towing.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams reported on the CART receipts for October and the amount received was $56,969.23. The October receipts are down from the 2016 October figure of $59,240.43, however the year-to-date total is still up by $10,006.33 or nearly 1.8%. In the road report, both District One and Two were a couple of crew members short. District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that grading would be done and materials would be added to Dent County Road 6370, while grading only would be done on county roads 6280 and 6283. Purcell went on to say that chip and seal repairs were being done on Dent County Road 5083. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 4270, 2160 and 2330, plus brush would be cut on county roads 2190 and 2195. County Clerk Angie Curley reported being the County Budget Officer and per RSMO 50.540.5 Section 3, she has starting work on the 2018 County budget and that her office will be sending budget forms to all County Department Heads. She went on to say that as Chair of the South Central County Clerks Region, she was preparing for the regional meeting in West Plains to be held November 8th. Curley added that Tuesday evening she attended the website revision meeting for the Chamber of Commerce, City of Salem, and Dent County. Amanda Sapaugh was in to request approval of the appointment of Grant Hamlet and Wendy Pryor to the SB40 Board. She said that Hamlet replaces Alicia Harris and Pryor replaces Marvin McDonald. Her request was approved 3-0. The next meeting of the Commission will be Monday morning in the Courthouse and it is open to the public.

Come join The Doe Run Company and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources tonight from 5:00-8:00 for an evening filled with fun activities that teach children about Missouri’s natural resources. The 13th annual Fall Rocks celebration will be returning to the MissouriMines State Historic Site Powerhouse Museum in Park Hills, Missouri. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public. Hard hat decorating, cookie mining, toothpaste making, and minerals trivia are just a few of the activities that kids and parents can both look forward to this year. Free refreshments will also be provided throughout the event. Additionally, the Powerhouse Museum will be open for guests to explore exhibits that teach about the history of mining technology. The Missouri Mines State Historic Site is located at 4000 State Highway 32 in Park Hills, which is on the south side of Highway 32 at the Flat River Drive overpass, 1.5 miles west of Highway 67. For more information, contact Art Hebrank at the Powerhouse Museum at (573) 431-6226.

Congressman Jason Smith reminded students that he is accepting applications for nomination to U.S. Service Academies. As a Member of Congress, Smith is able to make nominations for the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Young people interested in a nomination must meet the following eligibility requirements for admission to a service academy: they must be at least 17 years old, they must be a United States citizen, and they must be unmarried, not pregnant, and have no legal obligation to support children or other dependents. Students interested in a nomination should contact Heather Kamps at Congressman Smith’s West Plains’ office at 417-255-1515. The deadline for nomination applications to Smith’s office is October 31, 2017.

Ladies from the Daughters of the American Revolution will tell how you can be part a member on Sunday at 2:00 in the afternoon at the Salem Pizza Inn meeting room. Charlene Turner of Jerome is the current Regent of the Noah Coleman chapter DAR. She will tell about the DAR and the work it does in the Community. Their three pillars are historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Linda Mondy of Licking, will join Charlene in the presentation. She is the registrar for the Noah Coleman Chapter NSDAR and is the contact person for ladies wanting to join. Janet Bowles of Lake Spring is a DAR Member and will serve as the host for the Dent County Historical Society that is sponsoring the meeting. Everyone is welcome to hear the program which is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Dent County Historical Society president, Deloris Gray Wood at 729-2545.

An accident occurred in Dent County Tuesday night at 11:40 on Highway 119 about twelve and a half miles southwest of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 1994 Chevrolet 1500, driven by 56-year old Karen Cooley of Salem, crossed into the opposite lane. Cooley overcorrected and the Chevrolet traveled off the right side of the roadway. The vehicle began to overturn and ejected Cooley and a passenger, 49-year old Curtis Getchman of Leslie, Missouri. The report stated that Cooley was not wearing her safety restraint and that Getchman was exempt. Cooley suffered serious injuries and was transported by Air Evac to Cox South in Springfield. Getchman suffered moderate injuries and was transported by Phelps Air to Cox South. The pickup was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitakers towing. The Highway Patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Department and the Montauk Fire Department.

An accident occurred in Crawford County Tuesday afternoon at 4:15 on Highway 49 about three miles north of Viburnum. According to the highway patrol report, a 2002 Chrysler Sebring, driven by 68-year old Barbara Capener of Davisville, traveled off the right side of the roadway. Capener overcorrected causing the Chrysler to begin skidding off the left side of the roadway and the vehicle overturned. The driver suffered minor injuries and was transported by Iron County Ambulance to Phelps County Regional Medical Center. According to the report, Capener was wearing a safety restraint. The Chrysler was totaled and removed from the scene by Blackies Towing of Viburnum.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office is currently seeking information on the location of 32-year old Travis Ivicsics of Salem. He showed up to the Dent County Circuit Courthouse for a scheduled court appearance on Monday, but left before his hearing. While leaving, Ivicsics cut his GPS monitoring bracelet. He was not an inmate and was not in custody. Ivicsics now has numerous felony warrants for his arrest. If you have any information of his whereabouts, contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 573-729-3241.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Sunday afternoon, October 15th at about 2:59, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a theft from a vehicle parked in the 1200 block of Missouri Highway 32. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown took change and a debit card from the vehicle. This report is still under investigation. Later that evening at approximately 6:31, an officer was sent to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. That investigation led to the arrest of a 33-year old male of Salem for attempting to make a fraudulent return of an item that had not been purchased. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. That same evening at approximately 8:30, an officer located a 34-year old male of Salem in the 1500 block of Highway 32 who had two active arrest warrants from Dent County and the State of Missouri. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrants and incarcerated pending a court appearance. On Monday, October 16th at about 8:30 in the morning, an officer was detailed to the Salem Water Department at 800 West Third in reference to property damage. The investigation of the report revealed person or persons unknown attempted to enter the machine that dispenses water to fill tanks damaging it. The value of the damage is approximately $25.00. The report is under investigation. On Tuesday night, October 17th at about 7:59, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of South Henderson in reference to a domestic disturbance. That investigation revealed a 29-year old male of Salem had assaulted a 24-year old female of Salem. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was incarcerated pending the application for warrants. On Wednesday, October 18th at approximately 12:46 in the afternoon, 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 9mm Ruger pistol valued at $375.00 from a vehicle parked in the 1100 block of West Coffman. The report is under investigation. On Thursday morning, October 19th at approximately 9:24, an officer transported a 29-year old male of Salem to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center due to a commitment order. Later that evening at approximately 7:57, an officer was contacted in reference to a missing juvenile. The investigation of the report revealed that a 13-year old male juvenile of Salem left his residence during the night and had not returned. The report is under investigation. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met last Thursday at the District Administrative Offices Boardroom for their regular monthly meeting. Superintendent John McColloch reported the September membership count was 1,343 students enrolled in Kindergarten through the 12th grade, and 1,434 students enrolled in the district from Pre-kindergarten through the 12th grade. Superintendent McColloch and all seven board members recently attended the MSBA/MASA Annual Fall Conference. The board members attended a myriad of informative sessions. In the individual school reports, principal Marty Anderson reported the high school has enrollment of 604 students which is 15 more than last year. His report showed there were 43 students inducted into the National Honor Society which is more than double the 2016 number of 20. The report showed there were 11 students on probation for Activities or Athletic participation after the first mid-term. That is down 19 students from the 2016 year. In Principal Scott Roberts report for the Salem Middle School, enrollment currently stands at 213 students. He also sent out congratulations to Mrs. Ritchey and Mrs. McKee for being awarded DonorsChoose.org grants for technology in the classroom. Each grant was for approximately $400 worth of supplies. At the Salem Upper Elementary School, no current enrollment numbers were given by Principal Melanie Wisdom, but she did report that there are 131 children with 100% attendance. Principal Kriste Crocker reported the William Lynch Elementary School enrollment currently stands at 240 students made up of 70 pre-kindergarten students, 83 kindergarten students and 87 first grade students. The board approved a bid from T & W Masonry for $112,000 for the demolition of masonry, and a bid from Auxier for $65,011 for construction of an EFIS system and framing work at William Lynch Elementary. The board approved a contingency budget of up to a total of $300,000 that includes the two accepted bids of $177,011 for the replacement of the parapet wall at William Lynch Elementary. The board also approved the job description updates as presented. The board went into closed session at 6:40 and after no votes were taken there, the meeting came back into open session and was adjourned at 6:54.

The Salem High School Chamber Choir will have concessions available at the Halloween Nightmare haunted house October 27th and 28th. They open at dark and continue on until midnight. Cheddar brats, jalapeño brats, hot dogs, fried potatoes, and all kinds of sweets will be available, so come on out for a good scare, or just to eat some good food! Take Highway 32 west to Route F, then onto Dent County Road 6400. Watch for signs!

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) needs the help of deer hunters to keep the deadly deer disease called chronic wasting disease (CWD) from spreading to more deer in more areas of Missouri. MDC will be conducting mandatory CWD sampling of harvested deer in 25 counties opening weekend of the fall firearms deer season, November 11th and 12th. Hunters who harvest deer in any of these select counties of MDC’s CWD Management Zone during opening weekend MUST present their harvested deer at one of the Department’s 56 CWD sampling stations so staff can collect tissue samples to test the animals for CWD. The 25 mandatory CWD sampling counties are: Adair, Barry, Benton, Cedar, Cole, Crawford, Dade, Franklin, Hickory, Jefferson, Knox, Linn, Macon, Moniteau, Ozark, Polk, St. Charles, St. Clair, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Stone, Sullivan, Taney, Warren, and Washington. The 25 mandatory sampling counties include ones recently added to the CWD Management Zone after cases of CWD were found there in 2016-2017, counties with previous CWD positives, and counties very near where cases of CWD have been found. Find mandatory sampling stations online and in MDC’s 2017 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available where permits are sold. Voluntary samples can also be done by hunters. To find those stations, again check the 2017 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information Booklet for their locations. You can also find outmore information on CWD from the MDC website at mdc.mo.gov/cwd.

Healthy Dent County and The Salem United Methodist Church will present their Fall Festival this Friday night from 6:00 to 9:00 at the Salem Upper Elementary. The Festival is free for all ages and will include a bounce house, crafts, face painting, music, pumpkin decoration, bean bag toss and apple bobbing. Healthy food of apples bananas and clementines will be provided, plus apple cider and water to drink. From 8:00 until 9:00 pm you can walk the Tiger Trail to see what scary things come out after dark. Bring your best decorated or carved pumpkin from home for the carving/decorating contest. One winner will be selected from each of the following age groups; 0-7, 8-10, 11-13, 14-17 and 18 and over. Each age group winner will receive a $50 gift card. No registration is required and if you need more information about the event call (573) 729-8163.

The “Haunting at the Mill” event is held on the Saturday before Halloween, October 28th and presents history from a unique perspective. Bring the entire family to experience this unique, non-scary, night time tour of the historic Montauk Mill located across the road from the picnic shelter. You may see bats, hear voices and see ghosts from the past at the old grist mill as the history of Montauk comes to life. Join rangers for one of three tours starting at 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Only the first 80 visitors will be allowed in for each tour. Please bring appropriate clothing in case you have to wait outside for the next tour. This free event is sponsored by Missouri State Parks.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning for their regular meeting at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 6090, while only grading would be done on county roads 5530, 6380 and 6400. Purcell said a man would be picking up old tires left on a road. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson indicated that his district received about 8/10ths of an inch of rain that allows for grading to be done on Dent County Roads 2620, 2630, 3180, 4280, 4283, 4287 and 4290, while materials will be added and grading done on Dent County Road 4285. He also said brush would be cut on county road 2300. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles attended a special transportation meeting at the Salem Community Center@The Armory to address transportation needs citizens in Dent County have to get the proper medical attention they need. Skiles said the Missouri Foundation for Health funded a pilot project in 11 counties called HealthTRAN that is administered by the Missouri Rural Health Association. HealthTRAN partners with existing transportation services to provide a convenient travel mode for individuals who can’t afford transportation on their own for medical needs. This would include low-income individuals, those with disabilities and senior citizens. The project is available in Shannon County, but it currently does not serve Dent County. The Missouri Foundation for Health is looking at assessing needs in other counties including Dent County to expand these services. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she would be attending the Salem Chamber, City and County website meeting today at the Salem Community Center@The Armory as they continue to work on the new site. The commission also approved renewing their current insurance policy through MO-PERM for 2018. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors met for the regular meeting Monday afternoon at the hospital library. Chief Financial Officer Monica Gargus gave the summary of operations for September that showed the hospital had a loss from operations of $17,567 with an excess of expenses over revenues of $14,262. Much of that loss came from additional expenses to the 340B program and hospital foundation. Inpatient admissions were below budget, while outpatient registrations were almost right on budget. The cash flow statement showed a decrease in cash of $204,276 for September with days in accounts receivable rising to 63. Gargus said there was an issue with Medicaid not paying for some specific services that is system wide that caused the days in accounts receivable to go up 10 days from last September. Statistics for the month of September showed inpatient admissions at 47 with impatient census days at 193. There were 802 emergency room visits, 217 ambulance runs with 162 patients being transported to the hospital, 27 surgical procedures, 1,963 outpatient registrations, 183 home health visits, 9,232 lab tests, 914 radiological procedures and 580 rehab treatments. This month, the quality improvement committee reviewed and discussed projects for Surgery, Human Resources, Long Term Care, Pharmacy and Medical Records. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas reported the dates for the Health Screenings at the Salem Community Center@The Armory for 2018 and they are February 7th and 8th, May 23rd and 24th, and September 19th and 20th. It was also announced that balcony tickets for the Dancing with the Salem Stars presented by the Hospital Foundation are now available for $15 in advance. They will be $20 at the door. It was also reported there are four 4-top tables and four 6-top tables that are still available for groups that are on the floor. The 4-top tables are $200 and the 6-top tables are $300. Please contact Ruth Ann Parker at 729-5414 or 247-8600. Lucas said the hospital auxiliary meeting had 11 members attend on October 3rd and the last fund raiser for the season is the holiday wreath sales that are going on until Halloween. He then went over the Emergency Department quarterly surveys for July through September of 2017. A total of 156 surveys were returned and the results were at least 96% and 100% in most categories from being treated professionally as were the explanation of the findings by the doctor. The SMDH Family Medicine Clinic Survey results for the same time period were also reviewed and they were excellent with 100% in almost every category. A total of 89 surveys was returned for the period. The board approved the annual bylaw review with no changes needed. The board set the next meeting for Tuesday, November 14th at 6:00 at which time the annual Hospital Audit Report will be given before going into closed session.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released reports from last week. On Monday, October 16th, deputies responded to a call from 8-up Ink to report a theft. They reported that tattoo equipment and ink had been taken from the business. This report is still under investigation. On Friday, October 20th, deputies responded to Dent County Road 4155 for a report of domestic assault. After a short investigation, it was discovered that a 29-year old Salem man had assaulted a family member. He was arrested and charged with Domestic Assault in the 3rd Degree. He was incarcerated in the Dent County Jail on a $10,000 cash only bond. On Saturday, October 21st, deputies responded to the 2000 block of Dent County Road 6220 in reference to a report of a trespasser. Dent County deputies made contact with a 40-year old Salem man matching the description of a trespasser. He was arrested on a Capias warrant and was incarcerated in the Dent County Jail. If you have information regarding any ongoing investigation, contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

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 at 202 S. Main or by calling 573-729-6384, or 573-453-6091. They can also be requested by emailing mbcook16@gmail.com. The deadline for submission is November 10th. There is no charge to exhibit a tree or display, and all are invited to do so.

An accident happened in Phelps County Friday afternoon at 3:50 on Highway 63 about two miles north on Route W. According to the highway report, a 2017 Nissan Versa driven southbound by 53-year old Pamela Barnum of Rolla, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck several mailboxes before hitting a tree. The Nissan then overturned and caught fire with Barnum trapped inside. She was removed from the Versa by passing citizens. Barnum suffered serious injuries and was flown by Arch Helicopter to the University Hospital in Columbia. It is unknown if Barnum was wearing a seat restraint when the accident happened. The Versa was totaled and removed from the scene by Dishman’s Towing of Rolla. The highway patrol was assisted by the Rolla Rural Fire Department.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Friday October 13th at about 2:12 in the afternoon, an officer was sent to the Salem Middle School in reference to a weapons violation. The investigation of the report revealed that a 12-year old male juvenile of Salem had brought a knife to school. The juvenile was detained and the knife was confiscated. It was later released to his parent. The report will be forwarded to the Juvenile Office. Later that evening at 6:30, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to the theft of two bicycles. That investigation revealed that a person or persons unknown took two 20-inch bicycles valued at $140.00 from the yard of a residence in the 700 block of South Pershing. The report is under investigation. Earlier that same day at approximately 5:54 in the afternoon, an officer was detailed to Wal-Mart in reference to a fight that had occurred in the store. The investigation of the report revealed that a 34-year old male of Salem had assaulted a 32-year old male of Salem. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspects who were issued a summons to appear in court and released. That evening at 11:26, an officer was conducting a narcotics investigation at a residence in the 1800 block of South Oak. As a result of the investigation, a 22-year old female of Salem was taken into custody for possession of a controlled substance and a 26-year old male of Salem was taken into custody for possession of a controlled substance and delivery of marijuana. The two suspects were incarcerated pending the application for warrants. On Saturday, October 14th near 12:34 in the morning, an officer made contact with the driver of a suspicious vehicle near Carty and Highway 32. The driver of the vehicle, a 26-year old male of Salem, was taken into custody for driving while being intoxicated. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and was released. That same evening at 8:25, an officer was sent to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 32-year old female of St. Louis for the possession of methamphetamine, stealing merchandise, and trespassing. The suspect was incarcerated pending the application for warrants. About 30 minutes later that same night at about 9:00, an officer transported a 35-year old female of Salem to SSM Behavioral Health in De Paul, Missouri due to a commitment order. On Sunday afternoon, October 15th at about 1:54, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1500 block of Highway 19 in reference to a burglary. That investigation revealed a person or persons unknown took items from a residence valued at $1700.00. The report is under investigation. If you have information regarding any ongoing investigation, you are urged to call the Salem Police Department at 573-729-4242.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors will hold their regular board meeting this afternoon at noon at the hospital library. In the administrator’s report, the board will receive information on the summary of operations for the month of September followed by the Chief of Nursing report. There will be a report on the Hospital Foundation followed by the auxiliary report. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas will go over the Patient Satisfaction Survey results for the Emergency Department and the SMDH Family Medicine. In old business, the board will discuss the Annual Bylaw Review before discussing purchases for the hospital in New Business. They will also announce the Hospital Annual Audit report will be presented on Tuesday, November 14th. The board may then vote to go into closed session. The regular board meeting of the Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will be this afternoon starting at 12:00 noon at the hospital library and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Area Arts Council invites everyone to their meeting Tuesday night at the Creative Arts Center to help develop, plan and coordinate arts activities in Salem starting at 7:00.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated chip and seal repair would be done on Dent County Roads 4235, 4255 and 5610. He said maintenance would be done on county dump truck #121. Purcell said he attended a Tourism Tax Commission meeting Monday night where two proposals were submitted and one reimbursement was approved. He also attended a South Central Missouri Community Action Agency meeting on Tuesday at Winona. Purcell said funds are again available to Dent County residents in the LIHEAP program which stands for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Applications are now being accepted for the LIHEAP program and you must fall within the income guidelines to qualify. Purcell went on to say funds were still available in the Home Repair Program through the SCMCAA for persons in Dent County, but those applications are due by November 1st. For more information on either of the programs, please call Sarah at 6729-3500 ext 10. Again, there are income parameters for each program that must be met. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said workers would be grading on Dent County Roads 2090, 3160 and 4290, while materials would be added and grading done on county road 2240. Larson went on to say that brush would be cut on county road 2330. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles attended a Transportation STEP meeting at the Salem Community Center@The Armory Thursday morning. Skiles did indicate the commissioners had signed off on the September Collectors Report. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she participated in the discussion Wednesday on the new website for the city, county and chamber. There is still some work being done before the new website is unveiled. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports from last week. On Monday morning, October 9th at about 3:46, officers were in the 400 block of South Askins in an attempt to arrest a subject with an active felony warrant. The subject, a 33-year old male, was located and arrested without incident. He was released to the custody of the Dent County Sheriff’s Office on the warrant, which had a $10,000 bond for the charge of tampering with a motor vehicle in the 1st degree. On Wednesday, October 11th, Salem Police Officers were detailed to the Fourth Street Mall in reference to a burglary report. Upon arrival, officers investigated the scene. The reporting party said that entry was gained into the building and that property valued in excess of $900.00 was reported stolen. Salem Police were able to gather evidence of a possible suspect. The report remains under investigation at this time. That same day, officers were dispatched to Wal-Mart, in reference a shoplifting report. A 77-year old female subject was subsequently arrested after stating that she had taken items that she thought were cute and could be given to her grandchild. The woman was arrested and processed and released on summons for a misdemeanor theft charge. On Thursday evening, October 12th at about 8:52, an officer was sent to an apartment on Oak Street in reference to a stealing report that occurred in the 1000 block of West Coffman. Officers spoke with a 24-year old male subject that reported two phones and two blue tooth speakers as being stolen. The value of the property was in excess of $300.00 dollars. A suspect was identified and the report remains under investigation. On Friday, October 13th at 1:00 in the afternoon, Salem Police Officers were detailed to the 100 block of North Park Street in reference to the theft of prescription drugs. Officers arrived and conducted an investigation. A 31-year old female subject was arrested for her part in the theft and on a related assault that had occurred after the theft. A 30-year old male subject fled the scene, but was located by the Salem Police Department K-9 Unit. He was tracked to an abandoned house in the 800 block of West Center Street where he was arrested as well. Both subjects were transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where they were incarcerated pending warrant applications from the Dent County Prosecutor. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigations. Any information provided to the police will be kept confidential.

The Salem Police Department released their report for the month of September. During the month, they wrote 5 equipment repair orders, 11 summons to appear in court, 11 warning tickets, and 19 traffic tickets. The Salem Police Department investigated 7 accidents, one assault, one burglary, four city warrants, one report of domestic assault, two reports of domestic violence, two reports of driving while being intoxicated and/or drugged, two reports of driving while being intoxicated, two fraud reports, seven fugitive warrants, and one report of harassment. The department also investigated one leaving the scene of accident report, four reports of possession of a controlled substance, six reports of property damage, one resisting and/or interfering with an arrest, 10 reports of stealing, 3 reports of tampering, five reports of a towed vehicle, and one 96 hour commitment. The police department received 1,280 calls for service during the month and handled 88 walk-ins to the station. They spent 23 hours in court testifying and ten hours as court bailiff. The Salem Police Department drove a total of 6,945 miles and arrested 28 males and 16 females during the month of September.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold their regular board meeting at 6:00 this evening at the Salem District Administrative Offices Boardroom. At the meeting, the Board will hear Superintendent John McColloch’s report, the September membership count, and the MSBA Annual Conference update. The principals from all the schools will give their reports and the Board will consider job description updates. The board will then go into closed session to discuss personnel. The Salem R-80 Board of Education meeting is tonight at 6:00 at the District Administrative Office Boardroom and the regular meeting is open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will hold a public auction of various used Department vehicles and equipment this Saturday morning starting at 10:00 at its Salem Maintenance Center, located at the junction of Highway 72 and Highway 32. The auction will include boats, outboard motors, trailers, farm equipment, vehicles, and more. Potential bidders can view auction items this Friday at the Salem Maintenance Center from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. with auction pre-registration starting at 9:00 a.m. Registration the day of the sale begins at 7:30 in the morning. A complete lot listing and terms of sales will be available at the registration desk the day of the auction. Accepted methods of payment include cash, check, and credit/debit cards. As required by state statute, the Department must charge a processing fee to all customers who pay by credit or debit card. For more information, including a list of auction items and procedures, go online to mdc.mo.gov/auction.

The Missouri Department of Transportation and the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety are challenging you and those you know at home, work, school, or in your community to buckle up and put your phone down. This Friday is slated as “Buckle Up Phone Down Day”. The challenge is simple: when you get into any vehicle, buckle up your safety belt. If you are a driver, put the cell phone down. Turn it off if you have to. No texting and no talking unless hands free. Six out of 10 people killed in 2016 Missouri traffic crashes were unbuckled. Since 2014 there has been a 20 percent increase in crashes involving cell phones. All week long, employees and safety partners will be making special efforts to reach out to businesses and individuals alike. The simple task of everyone wearing their seat belt and choosing not to use your cell phone while driving can help save your life, the lives of your passengers, and occupants of other vehicles.

The 54th Rose Holland Trout Derby, held October 7th and 8th, raised $14,364 to benefit the American Heart Association at Montauk State Park. A total of 1,248 tags were sold with 774 tags sold on Saturday and another 474 tags sold on Sunday. A total of six lunkers were caught with local fisherman Doyle Hood hooking the largest Rainbow trout at 4 pounds, eight ounces. The Car Show held Friday night with the Current River Car Cruisers raised a total of $756.87. The proceeds will go to the American Heart Association.

An accident occurred Wednesday in Phelps County on Highway 63 about four miles south of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2012 Toyota Prius, driven by 55-year old Kari Craun of Rolla, went off the right side of the roadway before returning to the roadway and then overturning. The report stated that Craun was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident and suffered minor injuries. She was to seek her own treatment. The Toyota sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing of Rolla.
Sports

An accident happened Monday evening at 8:30 in Crawford County on Highway 19 about 4 ½ miles south of Steelville. According to the highway patrol report, a 1999 Chevy S-10 Pickup driven westbound by 24-year old Amanda Sneed of Steelville, was turning onto Highway 19 from a private drive and turned into the path of a 2010 Chevrolet Suburban driven north bound by 49-year old John Davis of Steelville. The Suburban struck the S-10 and both vehicles traveled off the left side of the roadway. Sneed, who was not wearing a seat restraint, suffered serious injuries and was flown by Air Evac to Barnes Hospital in St. Louis. Davis, who was wearing a seat restraint, was not injured in the accident. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage and were removed from the scene by Miles Towing.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On Friday, October 6th at about 11:44 in the morning, officers were sent to the 1000 block of West Franklin Avenue in reference to a domestic disturbance and a verbal dispute. Upon arrival, officers observed a 31-year old male subject who was acting in a threatening manner towards another male subject who was at the scene. The man was subsequently arrested for disorderly conduct after numerous attempts to get the male subject to cease and desist. The subject was transported to the Salem Police Department where he received a summons and was released. That afternoon at about 5:00, officers made contact with a 28-year old female who had an active warrant for her arrest. The woman had failed to appear in court on an original charge of shoplifting. She was unable to post bond and was released to the custody of the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. Later that evening at about 7:22, officers were detailed to the 1000 block of East Pace Street in reference to a domestic dispute. Upon arrival, officers separated the parties and one female was allowed to leave the residence. Prior to the female leaving, a 33-year old female did actively assault another woman who was present at the scene by pushing her out of a bedroom into a hallway, causing her to fall to the ground. The woman who was assaulted received minor injuries. The victim wished to pursue charges and the 33-year old female subject was arrested and processed. She was issued a summons and released. On Saturday, October 7th at about 2:00 in the afternoon, officers were detailed to the area of Hunt and Carty Streets to investigate a report of drug use. Upon arrival, Salem Police located a 34-year old male subject and a 38-year old female subject and both were arrested. The female subject faced additional charges through the sheriff’s office on an un-related event. The male subject was arrested and warrants were requested from the prosecutor’s office. On Sunday, October 8th at 5:35 in the morning, Salem Police were dispatched to the Oak Grove Baptist Church in reference to a burglary that occurred. Persons unknown had gained entry to the church and several items of property were stolen. Those items included a Dell Computer, an Apple i-Pad and two guitars. Officers processed the scene and were able to obtain evidence of possible suspects. The investigation remains open at this time. That same afternoon at about 12:50, Salem Police officers were sent to the intersection of Highway 32 and Askins Street for a two vehicle accident report. A driver failed to stop for a red light and collided with another vehicle in the intersection. The driver, a 36-year old female driver who failed to stop, received two summons to appear in court. There were no injuries reported to either driver. That same evening at about 11:35, officers made contact with a 28-year old female subject in the 1100 block of West Ellis Street. The woman provided officers with a fake identification and was released at the scene. Further investigation revealed who the woman really was and officers located her at a residence in the immediate area where contact was first made. The woman was arrested on an outstanding warrant and was released to the custody of the sheriff’s office on a no bond warrant. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573)-729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigations. All information will be kept confidential.

This week is the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) Operation Safe Driver Week. Throughout the week, enforcement personnel will identify and issue warnings and/or citations to commercial motor vehicle drivers and passenger-vehicle drivers exhibiting unsafe driving behaviors on our roadways. Examples of dangerous driver behaviors that enforcement personnel will be tracking are speeding, texting, distracted driving, failure to use a safety belt while operating a CMV or in a passenger vehicle, traveling too closely, improper lane change, failure to obey traffic control devices, etc. Commercial motor vehicles are an important part of our nation’s economy. They carry goods from coast to coast and make up 20 percent of all traffic on Missouri’s interstates. When vehicle crashes involving tractor trailers occur, the disproportionate size of a truck versus a car means those crashes can often involve serious injuries or worse. Last year, there were 132 people killed and 4,034 injured in Missouri traffic crashes involving a commercial motor vehicle in 2016. Here are some safety tips to help keep everyone safe when sharing the road with large commercial vehicles. Don’t cut off large trucks or buses when passing. A good rule is to make sure you can see the top of the truck or bus in your rearview mirror before moving back into your original lane. Also, stay out of the “No Zone.” Big trucks have large blind spots on either side and up to 200 feet behind a vehicle. Pass only on the left side. You should also watch your following distance. Another good rule is to keep a 20 to 25 car length distance around trucks. If you can’t see the driver in the truck’s side mirrors, then the driver cannot see you. For additional information regarding roadway safety, contact the MoDOT Customer Service Center toll free, at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636).

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.