Local News

The Scenic Rivers Industries, Inc., also known as the Sheltered Workshop, celebrated their 40th anniversary Thursday at their location on Franklin and Grand Streets. The Sheltered Workshop was created in 1977 by a number of concerned citizens led by Libby Sanders to provide opportunities for those who had disabilities. Administrator Joe Bruno thanked all the employees for their dedicated service who provide quality work on the projects they take on. Bruno also thanked their customers including S & K Manufacturing, National Entertainment Technologies and a new local company called Tiny Paws in Licking. The celebration was made even more special as two employees, Curtis Pryor and Kevin Morton, were honored for having been there from day one and for never having missed a day of work. They were each warded an Award of Excellence Plaque by State Representative Jeff Pogue who also presented a resolution to the Scenic Rivers Industries, Inc. for the work they have done for the last 40 years and moving forward. City Administrator Ray Walden presented a City Proclamation naming June 22, 2017 as Scenic Rivers Industries, Inc. Day in Salem. It is the goal of the Sheltered Workshop to have their employees work hard and find gainful employment in the regular work force. One of those who used to work at the Sheltered Workshop but has moved into the regular work force is Jeanette Pickett who has been working at Royal Oak for the last nine months. She spoke to the crowd about the opportunities she was given at the workshop that allowed her to improve her skills to the point that Royal Oak employed her nine months ago. Ray Bruno thanked everyone for coming and refreshments were served to the crowd. The cake and cupcakes for the event were provided by Price Choppers in Rolla.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital will have a Blood Drive today from 9:00 this morning until 2:00 this afternoon. Current inventory levels indicate that several blood types are in short supply. Less than a two-day supply exists for A Positive, A Negative, O Positive and O negative blood types.

The Salem Park and Recreation Board met Thursday night at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. The purpose of the meeting was to make a decision to open the pool or not. The entire park board visited the pool and were shown the problems with the pool first hand from the leaks in the three seams in the pool, to the corners where the walls and floor met that held an expansion seam that had deteriorated, to the skimmer system that was full of rust and oxidation from the skimmer return pipe. Park Board President Stan Podorski discussed with the board the options of patching the pool for a possible short term fix for about $5,000 to $6,000 that would take at least three weeks to do, the option to use an epoxy three layer system that would seal the pool that would take about three weeks to do after sandblasting for about $25,000 that would last two-to three years, or close the pool and begin work on getting the pool updated and renovated and be open next year. He said that since the water level never got to the skimmer gutter as it was leaking out at a rate of 16-18 gallons a minute or about 22,000-24,000 gallons a day that the filter and pump had not yet been turned on. There was also the problem of possibly not having any lifeguards if the pool re-opened. The board also saw the pump room and the deterioration of the return pipe that was attached to the newer filter pipe. After returning to the Community Center, a long discussion was held on all the options as well as going over information from Westport Pools from St. Louis and Pool Renovations out of Kansas City of what would need to be replaced and what could be added to the pool. Costs to renovate the pool could be as much as one million dollars and City Administrator Ray Walden discussed the program the city is using to fund the improvements to the Wastewater Treatment Plan called Certificates of Participation. A motion was made to keep the pool closed this year, start working with pool professionals in creating a plan for updating and renovating the pool and have it open for the 2018 season. The motion was passed unanimously by the board. They also visited the area where the All-Inclusive Playground and splash pad in the park is going to go next to the current playground. Park and Recreation Director Tye Lydon reported the new waiting benches for the tennis courts have been built by the Volunteers for America and will be installed once the holes are augered, probably next week. They will then be painted. He went to say the Volunteers will be painting the basketball court next to the tennis court complete with lines, plus new nets will be put up. He said the wooden bleachers at Al Brown Field will be rebuilt by the Scenic Rivers Industries workers who will also stain the wood and paint the metal starting Monday. He said the swing set and teeter-totter at Carol Midyett Park have been painted and the rotten boards on the picnic table will be repaired by the Sheltered Workshop workers. He reported concessions at the City Park have done very well since the introduction of additional food items. Lydon stated another pitching machine is being purchased for the Parks and Recreation Department that should be more coach friendly. Also the Al Brown old concession stand will be repainted by the Sheltered Workshop personnel, especially the white wooden serving doors and trim. The meeting was then adjourned.

The American Legion Riders from Missouri will hold their Department of Missouri 2017 Legacy Ride starting this Friday at Fort Leonard Wood and stopping in St. James at the Missouri Veteran’s Home. The Riders will then come to Salem and stop at Mobil for a fuel stop before heading to the American Legion Walker-Roney Post #99 for lunch. Some roads may be blocked off by the Salem Police to allow the riders through to their destination. From there, they will make their way through Licking to Mansfield for a fuel and hydration stop. There will be over 100 motorcycles and they will be accepting donations for the Missouri ALR Legacy Fund. 2015 was the first year to do the Legacy Ride and they were able to donate over $64,000 (3rd largest in the nation) to the Legacy Fund. The Riders upped the ante in 2016 to collect and donate over $92,000 (2nd largest in the nation). They hope to top that in 2017!

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will conduct their June meeting on Thursday, June 22nd at the boardroom beginning at 6:00 pm. After
approval of the agenda and communications, Superintendent John McColloch will give an update on facilities and summer school. He will also update the Board with BOE committee assignments and school bus inspections. Principals from the William Lynch, Upper Elementary, Middle School and Senior High will give reports on each building. In old business, the Board will consider adoption of a 2017-2018 budget. Then in new business, the Board will address a resolution for a WADA transfer and then consider MSBA 2017 Policy updates. The Board will then approve the Food Service Procurement Plan and District Wellness Policy. Following resignations, the Board will vote go into closed session for the purpose of discussing personel. The June meeting of the Salem R-80 Board of Education is open to the public.

The Salem Park & Recreation Board will conduct a meeting tonight at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory located 1200 West Rolla Road beginning at 6:00 pm. After a review of the minutes from the previous meeting, Parks & Recreation Director Tye Lydon will update the Board on various items concerning the park and there will be a discussion on the Alice Craig Municipal Pool. The Board will discuss improvements to small parks as well as any other business that may come before the Board. The Salem Park & Recreation Board meeting is open to the public.

Join a Park Ranger and a nature photographer for a guided nature photography lesson this Saturday, June 24th at 9 in the morning. The hike will begin at Big Spring, and participants can expect to explore the nearby area for scenic views. Participants should plan to hike approximately ½-mile. There are few places that offer as many unique photographic opportunities as Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Hiking with a camera gives you a chance to capture unexpected natural wonders and is sure to bring out your creative side. Bring your own camera equipment and try out techniques used by professional nature photographers. Capture picturesque views and learn about the area’s natural history. Participants should come prepared with sturdy hiking shoes and appropriate clothing for the weather, including rain gear in case of light rain. In the event of heavy rain or lightning, the hike will be canceled. In addition, hikers may wish to bring water, sunscreen and insect repellent. This event is free and will be enjoyable for all ages. For more information, call Park Ranger Cathy Runge at 573-323-4806 or go online at cathy_runge@nps.gov.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) continues work on evaluating and repairing river and stream accesses damaged by flooding earlier this spring. Most flood damage occurred to MDC accesses in the Ozarks on the Current River, North Fork of the White River, and the Gasconade River. MDC reports most accesses have already been repaired by removing debris, filling in scour holes, and repairing and replacing ramps, parking pads, and other structures — but some remain closed due to extensive damage. Safe passage to the river is still limited at Myrtle, Hebron, Warren Bridge, Cook, Blair Bridge, and Jerome accesses due to extensive flood damage to roads, parking lots, and ramps and for public safety, these accesses remain closed at this time. To get updates on access closures along with information on other MDC “Places to Go,” log in to this website: nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors met for the regular meeting Tuesday evening at the hospital library. In the summary of operations for the month of May, inpatient admissions, census days and emergency room visits were all down from the previous year and budgeted amounts, and the hospital showed a loss from operations of $62,965 with an excess of expenses over revenues of $59,685. There was still an increase of cash for the month of $250,917 that left the hospital with the days cash on hand standing at 93 which may be higher than the hospital has ever had. Days in accounts receivable dipped to 50 days from 55 last month due to a large Medicare payment and self-pay patients reducing their balance by over $112,000. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas discussed the MHA Leadership Conference as did George Gruendel, Ray Bruno and Judy Thompson who also attended. They all agreed it was a positive experience that focused on quality versus volume for hospitals and also on provider shortages. During the month there were 49 acute care admissions and 747 emergency room visits with an average turnaround time of 133 minutes. Also during the month, there were 186 ambulance runs with 133 patients being transported to the hospital, 38 surgery cases, 2,129 outpatient registrations that included the health fair, 222 home health visits, 9,026 lab tests, 1,108 radiological procedures, 184 CT scans, 36 MRI scans, three nuclear med scans, 595 rehab treatments, 154 dialysis treatments and 251 clinical visits. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas said the Mobile Mammography unit made two visits during the month of June. Lucas said the hospital foundation golf tournament was held June 9th at the Spring Creek Golf Club with 19 teams participating. Things went very well and the hospital raised between 13,000 to $14,000 dollars. The hospital auxiliary will take the summer off but they will hold their Shoe Roads Productions shoe sale on June 27th in the hospital library. Lucas said the Air Evac ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the new flight base will be held Tuesday, June 27th at noon followed by an Open House at the SMDH Campus Physicians Office Building 2 from noon until 6:00 PM. The board approved a change in the safe deposit box signature card that removed L.J Cottrill who took a full time position elsewhere. The board approved the purchase of a 2017 Ford Fusion and a 2017 Ford F-150 pickup from C&E Auto for the combined price of $44,760 beating three other new car dealers. The board then went into closed session.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released reports on recent arrests. On Friday, June 9th, deputies conducted a search warrant in the 1000 block of County Road 4300. Located were a marijuana pipe in the toilet tank and a grinder in a safe. As a result, 37-year old Asha Kirker of Salem was issued a summons for the unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. While leaving the residence, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 8000 block of Highway 32 East. The passenger was 28-year old Levi Cardwell of Salem, a resident at the house that was just searched and deputies knew him to have a copias warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail. On Saturday, June 10th, a female subject called 9-1-1 to report a domestic incident in the 8000 block of Highway K. Upon the deputies arrival, the reporting party advised them there had been an ongoing event with her intoxicated son. After an investigation, 27-year old Phillip Ledesma of Kansas City, Kansas was arrested for Peace Disturbance. He was transported to the Dent County Jail, placed on a 12-hour sober hold, and issued a summons to appear in court. On Thursday, June 15th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on South Jackson near Franklin Street. As a result, 38-year old Tonya Allen of Salem was arrested for driving while having her license suspended. She was taken to the Dent County Jail, fingerprinted, issued a summons, and was released. If you have any information on these or any other incident reports, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

An accident occurred at 5:14 early Monday evening in Texas County on Highway 63 about two miles south of Licking. According to the
highway patrol report, a 1997 Dodge Ram driven by 38-year old Loyd Decker of Licking was stopped in traffic to turn and was struck from behind by a 2016 Ford Siesta driven by 19-year old Abegayle Sprouse of Licking. Sprouse and a passenger in the Ford 15-year old Gwendalyn Sprouse of Licking suffered minor injuries. Both were transported by a private party to the Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston. Everyone involved was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Dodge Ram was totaled and removed by the owner. The Ford Siesta was totaled and was removed by Jays Towing of Houston.

An accident occurred Monday night at 7:35 in Phelps County on county road 3120 about one mile east of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 1995 Ford Mustang driven by 20-year old Kendra Gordes of Salem was traveling westbound and failed to stop at a stop sign, crossed the intersection and struck a street sign and a fence and came to rest against a stump. A passenger, 19-year old Krista Hudspeth of Salem suffered minor injuries and refused medical treatment at the scene. Hudspeth was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford Mustang sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released reports on recent arrests. On Wednesday, June 7th, deputies were traveling on Route K near Dent County Road 6350 when they met a vehicle, driven by 32-year old Kristopher Schafer of Salem. Deputies knew Schafer to have a probation violation warrant and they turned their patrol vehicle around to stop the car. The deputies were able to locate the vehicle on County Road 6350, but the passenger was now driving the vehicle as Schafer was no longer in the vehicle. A canvass of the area was conducted and Schafer was located walking on Route K. He was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail. He has received the additional charge of resisting arrest by fleeing and had bond set at $5,000. On Thursday, June 8th, deputies traveled to the 1000 block of County Road 4110 to check for an individual with a warrant. Deputies located 19-year old Terrisa Beyer of Salem and she was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail on a Warren County warrant for 1st degree child molestation. She was later released to Warren County. If you have any information on these or any other incident reports, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

The National Weather Service (NWS), the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) have joined together to promote Missouri Summer Weather Safety Week 2017, now through Saturday, June 24th. Two of the biggest weather hazards that affect the United States typically occur during the summer months: lightning and excessive heat. Today’s tip is on lightning safety tips. Remember, there is NO safe place outside in a thunderstorm. Your first and only truly safe choice is to get to a safe building or vehicle. If you are camping, climbing, on a motorcycle or bicycle, boating, scuba diving, or enjoying other outdoor activities and cannot get to a safe vehicle or building, follow these last resort tips. They will not prevent you from being struck by lightning, but may slightly lessen the odds. If camping, hiking, etc., and you are far from a safe vehicle or building, try to avoid open fields, the top of a hill or a ridge top. Stay away from tall, isolated trees or other tall objects. If you are in a forest, stay near a lower stand of trees. If you are camping in an open area, set up camp in a valley, ravine or other low area. Remember, a tent offers NO protection from lighting. Stay away from water, wet items (such as ropes) and metal objects (such as fences and poles). Water and metal are excellent conductors of electricity. Remember, lightning can strike up to 10 miles from the rain area. Plus the current from a lightning flash can easily travel for long distances. If indoors: Stay there! The best protection from lightning is a house or other substantial building. However, stay away from windows, doors, and metal pipes. Do not use electric appliances during the storm. Turn off sensitive equipment such as televisions, VCR’s, and computers. Telephone use is the leading cause of indoor lightning injuries in the United States. Do not make a call unless it is an emergency.

The Salem Police Department released a number of reports. On Wednesday, June 7th at 5:32 in the afternoon, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation that led to the arrest of a 33-year old male of Viburnum for driving while having his license suspended. He was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Friday, June 9th at 2:39 in the afternoon, an officer located a 28-year old Salem female in the 900 block of South Pershing who had an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. She was taken into custody on the warrant and was incarcerated pending a court appearance. On Saturday, June 10th at 12:51 in the early morning, officers were conducting a narcotics investigation at a residence in the 600 block of South Jackson. The investigation led to the arrest of a 46-year old Salem male for the possession of methamphetamine. He was incarcerated pending an application for a warrant. That afternoon at 2:29, an officer was detailed to a residence in the 900 block of South Carty in reference to an intoxicated male who was causing a disturbance. The report led to the arrest of a 37-year old Salem male for disorderly conduct. He was issued a summons to appear in court and incarcerated on a 12-hour hold. That night at 6:49, an officer was called at the station in reference to a stolen I phone 6. The report revealed that someone unknown took the I-phone 6 valued at $650.00 while the victim was at Wal-Mart. The report is under investigation. On Sunday evening, June 11th at 11:05, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 400 block of East Second in reference to a female stealing from a vehicle that appeared to be on drugs. The report led to the arrest of a 25-year old Salem female for trespassing, possession of methamphetamine and stealing. She was incarcerated pending the application for warrants. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

An accident occurred Friday afternoon at 3:30 Route U, about five miles northwest of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 1998 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 18-year old Corree Downs of Salem, was driving westbound when he failed to negotiate a curve, traveled off the left side of the roadway, impacted a sign, and overturned before the Silverado struck a fence and came to rest. The report stated that Downs suffered minor injuries and sought his own treatment. Downs was wearing a safety restraint when the accident occurred. The Chevrolet was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said workers were servicing grader #26 before it was to grade Dent County Road 6020. He said grading would also be done on county road 5170. Purcell stated that Fabick Cat Trainer Jim Masters was in town to work with a grader operator to show him exactly what the machine can do. Purcell went on to report work was being done on truck #121 as it had an air leak, plus they were going to fix the brakes and do general maintenance on the truck. Work will also be done on Loader #920. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said two trees were down in his area on county roads 4380 and 2540 that were being removed. He stated brush was being cut on Dent County Road 3210 while materials were being added to county roads 2050, 2160 and 5320. Larson said a backhoe was out on county road 5320 removing trees and cleaning out the ditches. Larson reported general service was being done on truck #70 as they will also change a pump in the diesel truck. Larson said he attended the Meramec Regional Development Corporation meeting Wednesday in St. James and they do have money available for new startup businesses or those businesses ready to expand. They have a Revolving Loan Funds, SBA 504 loans, Missouri Action Loan Funds and more available. For more information about the funds available, call 573-265-2993. Presiding Commissioner Darrel Skiles reported the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District grant packets will be available in July. He said there will be a grant workshop on Wednesday, July 26th and the grants will all be due at noon on Friday, August 18th. Skiles said that since June of 2007, the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District has awarded over $2.4 million dollars in grants. Skiles also stated the MCEC and Naturally Meramec are applying for another round of financing or trying to extend their financing to help continue programs like the county’s Work Ready program. These are federal funds issued through the Delta Regional Authority. Skiles indicated the county has received a letter from Drug Court Commissioner Jon Kaiser that pretty much demanded the county increase the Drug Court budget from their pool of funds from the $7,500 at the start of the year which was requested to $20,000 due to an error. Skiles said the county does not have to amend the budget according to the state auditor’s office if they don’t want to. The commissioners voted 3-0 to hold a Public Hearing for amending the drug court budget request as they feel they do good work and also to adjust the General Revenues budget. The hearing to amend the budget was set at 10:00 at the courthouse on July 3rd. The Board of Equalization will be meeting on July 6th at 1:00 in the commissioners’ office. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley attended the South Central Clerk’s Association meeting at West Plains and wanted to let voters know that as long as you are registered in the county you live then you are eligible to vote. She said the new Photo ID Bill that passed means voters will now have to show a Missouri Driver’s License, a Missouri Non-Drivers License or a State ID, a military ID or a passport when they vote. 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 City of Salem’s Finance Committee will be holding a meeting, called by Alderman Haydn Powell, on Monday, June 19th at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory, located at 1200 West Rolla Road beginning at 6:30 pm. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the 2017-2018 budget. The meeting of the City of Salem’s Finance Committee is open to the public.

A special Current River cleanup will be held this Saturday to help keep the river and Montauk State Park near Salem clean and attractive. Registration will be held from 8:00 to 9:00 AM at the park’s Dorman L. Steelman Lodge near Salem with cleanup activities lasting from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The cleanup will take place from the start of the Current River at Montauk Spring down to Baptist Camp. That night at 6:30, all registered participants will have a barbecue supper at Current River State Park followed by a drawing for prizes. Montauk State Park is located 22 miles southwest of Salem on Highway 119 in Dent County. For more information about the event, call the park at (573) 548-2225.

The Current River Car Cruisers will hold their annual car show this Saturday at the Courthouse Square in Downtown Salem. Registration begins at 8:00 and judging starts at noon using the 100 point system. There will be 20 First Place awards, 20 Second Place Awards and 20 Third Place Awards presented. The registration fee is $20 and the proceeds raised from the car show will go to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital, the American Cancer Society relay for Life, Project Win Cancer Support, Veteran’s Home and local scholarships. For more information, call Gary Cook at 247-0530, Ginny Chase at 729-6405 or Gary or Mary Jo Cook at 729-7859. The show will be held rain or shine!

If you need to find a job, develop a resume or need help with funding to attend training to get a better job, it is now available locally! Missouri Workforce Development Board has a MO Job Center Affiliate office at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory at 1200 West Rolla Street in Salem. Sue Nardi, Career Consultant and a local resident of Salem, is available Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Sue will assist customers with resume development, access to job leads, job referrals and connection to needed resources. Workshops to improve skills and increase employment opportunities can be scheduled, just ask Sue for the “list of workshops”. Career assessment and access to training is also available. Employers can contact Sue for assistance posting job vacancies in Missouri’s jobs.mo.gov system; connection to Business Services for recruitment, access training programs for new employees and scheduling “Special Hiring Events” to fill job vacancies. Contact Sue if you would like to make an appointment at 573-578-5573 or stop by the Salem Community Center@The Armory Wednesday or Thursdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Veterans Representatives are also available to provide case management services to help Veterans eliminate barriers to employment and gain access to resources by appointment only. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act youth staff are available (by appointment) to assist youth 14 to 24 years of age with education and job related programs. To schedule an appointment to see a Veterans Representative or a Youth Career Manager, call 573-364-7030.

The Meramec Hills Chapter of the Missouri Master Naturalists is offering their ninth initial training course on Wednesday evenings beginning with an orientation evening June 14th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the DNR Mozarkite Conference Room, 1251 Gale Drive off Fairgrounds Road in Rolla. The orientation is an overview at which you determine whether this program is a fit for you. If you decide to join, classes begin July 26th and run from 6:00 to 9:00 PM for 12 weeks. Four Saturday field sessions are included. The Missouri Master Naturalist program is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation and University of Missouri Extension. This community service group is focused on engaging Missourians in the stewardship of our state’s natural resources through science-based education and volunteer service. The program is designed for those who want to learn about and become involved in the management and protection of Missouri’s natural resources. The Meramec Hills Chapter of Missouri Master Naturalists is based in Rolla, with members involved in volunteer projects throughout Dent, Phelps, Pulaski and neighboring counties. Members meet monthly in Rolla for an educational program and business meeting. Chapter membership begins with the 12-week initial training course taught by field scientists, other professional naturalists, and university professors. Certification as a Master Naturalist is then maintained with 40 hours of natural resource-related volunteer service and eight hours of advanced training each year. You must be 18 years or older to enroll. The class is limited to 25 participants and is first come, first served. The fee is $100 to cover materials you will take home throughout the course. To enroll visit our website and complete the online enrollment or pick up a form at the University Extension office in Rolla. For more information, contact Lorely Lather (573) 265-4034 or visit the website: http://www.meramechills.org.

Representatives of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and State of Missouri agencies will participate in public meetings to explain various types of flood-recovery assistance available to landowners and units of government. During the meetings, representatives of the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Service Agency (FSA), Rural Development (RD), and Risk Management Agency (RMA) will describe the federal programs that they administer that could assist those whose property sustained damages from flooding that occurred in April and May. A representative of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources also will speak, and other state agencies could also be represented. A meeting will be held from 9:30 AM to noon on Tuesday, June 20th at the Phelps County Courthouse located at 200 North Main Street in Rolla, Room 149. For more information or to request accommodations to participate in this meeting call (573) 876-0901. Requests for accommodations must be made by Friday, June 16th.

For the first time ever, the Missouri Department of Conservation in partnership with the Show-Me Games will host a Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program Archery Tournament at the Battle High School in Columbia. The Tournament is open toany 4th through 12th grader who attends school that offers the NASP program. Salem Schools will have Irvin Johnson as their lone representative this Saturday in Columbia, MO. Good luck Irvin!

A Painting with Oil Pastels Workshop will be held tonight from 6–8 PM at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center in Salem in the old teachers closet building. The Salem Area Arts Council is hosting the workshop for $25 per person and that includes all materials. Stop by the ONCRC at 202 South Main or call 247-0279.

A drowning occurred in Phelps County Saturday at 2:58 in the afternoon on county road 5285 about five miles south of Rolla at Fugitive Beach. According to the highway patrol report, 18-year old Kalon D. Green of Belleville, Illinois failed to surface after traveling down a water slide. Green was located by life guards and CPR was performed on the scene. Green was later transported to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased by Dr. Abusbeth at 4:15 that afternoon. Green’s body was then transported to the James and Gahr Mortuary in Rolla.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning for their regular meeting. In public comments, Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley was in to inform the Commission that the Prosecutors Office has taken a more active role when a convicted felon is found in possession of firearms. The firearms are seized and then sold. Curley presented Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams with a check for $2,192.40 less expenses of $300 which is in accordance with statute 542.301. He stated that there would be future checks and that depending on the judges ruling in each case that would determine if the monies would go to the Dent County General Revenue or the Sheriff’s Revolving Fund. In road reports, District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated that he had two operators out. He went on to say that grading as well as ditch work would be performed on Dent County Roads 6070 and 6460. He went on to say that crews would be patching chip and seal on county roads 4170 and 6300. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2115, 2120, 4330, and 5335 while materials would be hauled to county roads 2120 and 2130 and brush would be cut on county road 4060. While Larson was on vacation last week he did receive some calls and took care of those calls. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that he attended the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting last Thursday. He noted that crews have started on the temporary bypass on Highway 32 East over Dry Valley and the project is expected to completed by October 1st. Future projects will include bridge replacement on “F” Highway and two-foot shoulders on Highway 19 from Salem to Highway 8 in St. James. He stated that work continues for the Annual Awards Banquet to be held October 26th at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory in Salem. The Commission would be attending a Hazard Mitigation Planning meeting Monday afternoon and the Salem Area Betterment Association meeting Monday night. Skiles stated that he would be attending a Meramac Community Enhancement Corporation Board meeting and the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District meeting today. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that payroll was being approved and that she balanced with the Dent County Collectors Office and the Dent County Assessors Office on monthly collections for May as well as balanced on abatements and add-on’s and the Commission would review the reports. The Commission then voted 3-0 to accept the bid from Heavin Motor’s for a 2011 Ford F-150 Super Cab with 146,000 miles in the amount of $9,700 for the Road and Bridge Department that came in last week. Donald Dodd came in to visit with the Commission about the need for a City Economic Development Director and would like the county to help with the cost. 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 Police Department released reports involving a physical assault, a stolen wallet, a harassment complaint, a stabbed male and a traffic stop. On Tuesday, May 30th at 6:09 pm, officers were detailed to the Salem Chamber of Commerce in reference to a physical assault that had occurred. Officers arrived and discovered that a 43-year old male had been assaulted by a 35-year old male. The 35-year old male fled the scene on foot, but was located a short time later and was placed under arrest and was incarcerated at the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. On Wednesday, May 31st at 8:17 pm, officers were dispatched to Wal-Mart, in reference to a stolen wallet report. Officers conducted an investigation and were able to identify a female suspect. The female suspect was located in Dent County. The Dent County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Salem Police Department with the investigation, which led to the recovery of the wallet, cash, and assorted cards. A 45-year old female was arrested and charged in the theft. On Thursday, June 1st at 7:35 pm, Officers responded to the 700 block of North Henderson Street in reference to a harassment complaint. Upon arrival officers spoke with the reporting party and learned that a 47-year old male was intoxicated and acting aggressively towards his neighbors. Officers contacted the male subject and he became combative and non-compliant. The male was arrested for a peace disturbance, harassment, and resisting arrest and was incarcerated in the Dent County Jail. On Friday, June 2nd at 11:08 pm, officers responded to the 100 block of Highway 19 in reference to a male subject that had been stabbed. Officers arrived on scene and rendered aid to the 31-year old male of Salem. The victim was flown from Salem to the St. Louis for treatment. The case remains under investigation at this time. On Saturday, June 3rd at 2:10 pm, officers contacted a male subject during a traffic stop in the 1100 block of West Highway 32. During the traffic stop it was revealed that the 17-year old male driver did not possess a valid license and was placed in custody, processed and released on a summons. Anyone with any information regarding any investigation ongoing is asked to call the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.

Mid-Day 10 Minute closures are planned on I-44 now through June 23rd at noon each weekday between mile markers 182 and 185 (Rolla). For safety reasons, all traffic must stop when contractors on a private construction project conduct controlled blasts in nearby rock.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. County Treasurer Denita Williams was in with tax receipt amounts and school payment figures. She reported that General Revenue receipts for June were $77,741.50, which leaves the year-to-date total down by $5,780.06. Williams was asked what the June 2016 amount was and she said it was $97,626.51. She also reported that the Road and Bridge Sales Tax receipts were $35,180.93, which makes the year-to-date in that fund up by $91.82. It was noted that the June 2016 receipts for R&B were $41,538.56. Williams stated the transfers from the School Fines Savings Account would take place based on Department of Elementary and Secondary Education percentages and the total amount dispersed would be $165,743.43. Salem R-80 will receive $75,976.80, the Oak Hill R-1 check will be in the amount of $13,226.33, the Green Forest R-2 check amount will be $19,391.95, Dent-Phelps R-3 $28,275.84, while Northwood R-4 will receive $20,933.40. Iron County C-4 will receive $3,596.64 while the Bunker Schools check will be in the mount of $4,342.47. Williams noted that the fines account total was up by $50,024.18 when compared to 2016. In the road report District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell reported that grading would be done on and materials would be added to Dent County Roads 6240, 5140, and 6230, while grading only would be done on county roads 6083, 6110, and 6070. Purcell went on to say that ditch work was being done on county road 5140 and that his crews would be caught up on road repairs from the last storm event and they are making progress on repairs from the big storm. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson was absent due to a prior commitment so Road Foreman Sam Gorman was in and reported that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 3190, 5330, 5335, 3200, 2550, 2530, and 2533, while materials would be added to county roads 4430, 5330, and 3190. He added that patching of chip and seal pot holes would be done on county roads 3260, 3280, and 2300. Gorman noted that his crews were still working downed trees from the latest storm. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said that Thursday afternoon he would be attending the MRPC Transportation Advisory Committee, as well as committee meetings and the board meeting during the evening. Skiles added that on Monday he attended the City of Salem Board of Alderman meeting to discuss street right of ways around the Justice Center and learned he would have to present the proposal to the City Planning and Zoning Committee before it would be presented to the Board of Aldermen. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley was attending the Urban Board Conference in St. Louis. Deputy Dent County Clerk Crystal Pilkington reported that the Clerk’s office balanced with the County Treasurer and County Collector. She said the Commissioners were reviewing those reports as well as approving bills for payment. One bid for a pickup for the Road and Bridge Department was received from Heavin Motors. The bid was for a 2011 Ford F-150 Super Cab with 146,600 miles for $9,700.00. The Commissioners decided that a decision would be made at a later date. 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.

An accident occurred in Dent County Saturday evening at 5:57 on National Park Service Road 154 approximately on tenth of a mile from Dent County Road 6510. According to the Highway Patrol Report a 1999 Ford Taurus, driven by 28-year old Jessica Olinger of Raymondville, ran off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. Olinger suffered moderate injuries and was transported by private conveyance to Texas County Memorial Hospital. According to the report passengers 10-year old Ashton Glass and 26-year old Michael Glass, also of Raymondville, along with another passenger, 18-year old Zachary Fultz of Republic, suffered no injuries. The report stated that none of the occupants were wearing a safety restraint. The Ford Taurus sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing of Salem.

The Salem Police Department released reports involving a narcotics investigation, a physical assault, stealing, and a stolen i-Phone. On Sunday, June 4th, officers conducted a narcotics investigation in the 1800 block of South Oak Street. During the course of the investigation a 33-year old male was discovered to have a quantity of methamphetamine is his possession. The male subject was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. Later that night at 11:20 pm, officers responded to a complaint of a physical assault that occurred in a parking lot in the 200 block of North Jackson. A 38-year old female was arrested for assaulting a 20-year old male subject. The female allegedly struck the 20-year old male with a closed fist after slapping him several times. The female subject was arrested and issued a summons for court. On Monday, June 5th at 12:30 in the afternoon, officers were detailed to Wal-Mart in reference to a stealing report. Upon arrival a 25-year old female was found to have concealed merchandise, and had left the store without paying for the items. The female subject was placed under arrest and processed for the theft charge and was issued a summons and released. On Wednesday, June 7th, officers responded to a domestic dispute in the 200 block of East Center Street. Officers arrived and made contact with a 33-year old male and 32-year old female subject. The subjects had been involved in a loud verbal dispute. Reports that the incident had become physical were not able to be substantiated. The subjects were advised of the Missouri 12-Hour Rule and directed to avoid contact with each other. Also on Wednesday, June 7th at 7:31, a 19-year old male subject reported a stolen i-Phone 6 Plus form his vehicle in the Wal-Mart Parking Lot. An investigation is ongoing at this time. Anyone with any information regarding any investigation ongoing is asked to call the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.