Local News

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. Donnie Gray was in inquiring about the Dent County Jail Project. County Clerk Angie Curley went to her office and got a Request for Qualifications packet for Gray. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams was in with the sales tax receipts for May which were $52,699.28 for General Revenue and $25,718.61 for Road and Bridge. Williams indicated that GR was up $9,104.95 or 2.8172% and R&B was up $6,449.45 which is 4.3624%. In the road report District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that grading would be done on and materials would be added to Dent County road 5080, while grading only would be done on county roads 5460, 5440, 6670 and 6650, plus patch grading would be done on county roads 5100 and 5103. Purcell went on to say that a crew was replacing tires on dump truck #117 and that crew would be continuing to remove the landslide on county road 6660, after which they would move to county road 6635 to work on repairs and make it more passable. Purcell also asked that county residents be patient as some low lying roads are still too wet and soft to grade, but they are passable. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson interjected that residents need to understand that it takes considerable time to deal with over 630 miles of county roads. Larson said that if a resident can’t get out they just need to get word to the Commissioners and they will get the road passable. In the District Two report Larson said that materials would be added to and patch grading done on Dent County roads 4283 and 4290, while grading only would be done on county roads 3020, 3220 and 2530 depending on how wet the roads are due to Wednesday nights rain which ranged from one to eight tenths of an inch. Larson went on to say that materials would be added to county roads 3160, 2540 and 2530, while brush would be cut on county road 2330. Presiding Commissioner Skiles said that Wednesday he attended the County Commissioners Association board meeting in Jefferson City. He said that major discussion centered on what could be done to help Carter County after their devastating flood. Skiles went on to say that the counties will be receiving information about what their specific needs are. Skiles added that Thursday afternoon he would be in St. James attending the Public Housing Authority meeting and the MRPC Board meeting Thursday night. Sally Lonning was in to complain to Commissioner Larson about what she felt was a safety issue on Dent County road 2240. Ellen Baum of the Scenic Rivers Industries Board was in to invite the Commissioners to the 40th Anniversary Celebration in June. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that bills were being approved by the Commissioners for payment. She went on to say that she balanced with the Dent County Treasurer on all accounts for April, as well as with the County Collector and Assessor on all add-ons, abatements and collections for April and the Commissioners approved her reports. Curley added that on Tuesday she attended a productive website meeting at The Salem Community Center @ The Armory with City Administrator Ray Walden, Salem Chamber Director Tabitha Utley, and Cory Crocker of the Salem Initiative. Bids for the grader financing for five years were received from Bank of Salem at 2.55% with no fees stated, from Town and Country Bank at 2.24% with no fees stated, and from US Bank at 2.17% with no fees. The Commissioners voted 3 to 0 to accept the US Bank bid. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday morning in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Dry Valley Creek Bridge on Highway 32 in Dent County is set for replacement this summer under a contract approved by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission. The commission awarded the contract to KCI Construction Company, after the company submitted the lowest bid of $1,194,449. The bridge, located east of Salem, will be wider when work is complete by the fall. Work on the bridge will require the road to be closed. For more information about this project or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636).

An accident occurred at 4:25 Tuesday afternoon in Shannon County on Highway 19 about ten miles north of Eminence. According to the highway patrol report, a 2002 Suzuki Verona motorcycle driven by 40-year old William E. Sweigard of Salem was traveling southbound on highway 19. The accident occurred as Sweigard lost control of the motorcycle and overturned. Sweigard suffered moderate injuries and was transports by ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital in Salem. He was wearing a safety device at the time of the accident. The Suzuki Verona motorcycle sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing of Salem.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation shows that turkey hunters checked 39,239 birds during Missouri’s 2017 regular spring turkey season April 17th through May 7th. The top harvest counties were Franklin with 932 birds checked, Texas with 843, and Callaway with 697. Young turkey hunters harvested 4,100 birds during the 2017 spring youth season, April 8-9, bringing the overall 2017 spring turkey harvest to 43,339. The 2016 overall spring turkey harvest was 48,374 birds with 4,167 harvested during the youth weekend and 44,207 during the regular spring season. He added that the number of birds harvested this spring wasn’t too far behind last year’s harvest total going into the second weekend of spring turkey season, but the heavy rains that blanketed much of the state shortly thereafter caused the harvest to drop rapidly. In the local area, there was a total of 631 turkeys checked in Dent County while Phelps County had 606 birds harvested followed by Crawford County with 479 birds taken. The 2017 spring turkey season included two non-fatal hunting incidents. One involved a shooter who mistook another hunter for a turkey and the other was a self-inflicted shooting injury.

The National Association of Letter Carriers, (NACL) is once again conducting a “Help Us Stamp Out Hunger, Spread The Word” campaign and it will be held this Saturday, May 13th. All you have to do is fill a bag and place healthy non-perishable food donations near your mailbox and the local mail carriers will pick those items up. All items collected will be distributed to local food pantries for distribution.

“Old Mill Days” will be held Friday May 12th and Saturday May 13th at Montauk State Park from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. This annual event celebrates the historic Mill and rich Ozark heritage. Each year, the valley comes to life with historical re-enactors, historical artisans and other local Ozark crafters. Step back in time and explore lost traditions of a time many have forgotten. Friday is an educational day for students and the public alike. On Saturday, the event doubles in excitement as local artisans will be selling their wares in front of the mill. Contact the park naturalist for more information at (573) 548-2225.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a number of reports. On April 27th, deputies received information that a stolen vehicle was in the area of 3rd Street and Pershing. Deputies responded and found the vehicle in the 800 block of East 3rd Street. After a short investigation, 34-year old Mitchell Warren of Salem, was arrested. He was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. Warren has since been charged with 1st degree tampering with a motor vehicle and was given a $10,000 cash only bond. On April 29th, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the Burger King parking lot. As a result, 45-year old Sherry Elgin of Salem was arrested for driving while her license revoked. A consent search of the vehicle was then conducted and a loaded syringe with liquid that field tested positive for methamphetamine was found. Elgin was transported to the Dent County Jail, given a summons for driving while having her license revoked, and was incarcerated. She was charged with possession of a controlled substance and given a $20,000 cash only bond. On May 2nd, deputies responded to the 600 block of County Road 2360 for a report of a burglary. Upon deputies arrival, it was discovered that a rear door had been kicked in and several items were stolen. Items that were stolen included a red Dolmar-Sachs 16-18″ chainsaw, a FS36 Stihl weed eater, and a jewelry box with jewelry inside. This report is still under investigation. On May 3rd, deputies received information that a stolen Jeep was located on Route AB in Dent County. Deputies traveled to the area and located the vehicle at the intersection of Route AB and Dent County Road 6580. After a short investigation, it was discovered that the vehicle was reported stolen by the Cabool Police Department. The vehicle was secured and removed from the scene for the Cabool Police Department to process. On May 4th, deputies observed 35-year old Marvin Remster of Salem walk into Country Mart. Deputies knew Remster to have a felony capias warrant for his arrest. He was arrested, transported to the Dent County Jail, and incarcerated without incident. If you have any information about any ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The Doe Run Company announced that Genevieve Sutton of Bunker, was inducted into the Missouri University of Science and Technology’s (Missouri S&T) prestigious Mines and Metallurgy Academy on April 20, along with 10 other alumni. Sutton has nearly 17 years of experience in the mining and environmental, health and safety (EHS) fields, and is currently an EHS technical supervisor for The Doe Run Company. Employment in occupations related to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is projected to grow to more than 9 million between 2012 and 2022, faster than most other occupations. In some cases, there will be more jobs than eligible employees. The mining industry estimates 50,000 new employees will be needed to meet a shortage of skilled mine workers as the result of retiring employees over the next several years. In addition to her new participation with the Mines and Metallurgy Academy, Sutton is part of a team of several Doe Run employees charged with managing Doe Run’s ongoing partnership with Missouri S&T to provide funding and resources to support students pursuing degrees in mining and STEM fields. Funding from Doe Run has helped build the recently completed Kennedy Mine Building on campus, and provide equipment and tools for students to practice skills they will need in the industry. Sutton has a special personal relationship with Missouri S&T as well. Both she and her husband studied mining engineering at Missouri S&T and were the first couple to be married in the Missouri S&T Experimental Mine in Rolla.

Once the water recedes, there will be damage not covered by insurance or other resources. Meramec Regional Community Foundation stands ready to help its Meramec counties during this devastating flood disaster. After flooding in 2015, Meramec Regional Community Foundation in partnership with the Meramec Regional Planning Commission, Community Foundation of the Ozarks and the MRPC’s eight counties established separate disaster funds to help with local recovery efforts. Those funds are still in place and stand ready to help with recovery from the flood of 2017. Disaster relief funds are ready to accept financial donations to benefit Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties. Distributions from the funds collected will be made only to local governments, nonprofit organizations and religious institutions participating in immediate and long-term recovery efforts within the designated community with oversight provided by the regional planning commission. Donations are tax-deductible. Contributions by check should be made payable to the fund of choice, as there is a fund setup for each of the eight counties in the region, and those can be mailed to the MRPC located at #4 Industrial Drive, St. James, MO. 65559 or CFO P.O. Box 8960, Springfield, MO. 65801. Online donations can be made at cfozarks.org/Meramec.

The City of Salem Utility Committee will conduct a meeting, called by Alderman Chad Heithold, Chairman of the Committee, tonight at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory beginning at 7:00 pm. The purpose of the meeting will be the reviewing of rates for 2017-2018. The meeting of the City of Salem Utility Committee is open to the public.

An accident occurred at 3:45 last Tuesday afternoon on South Washington Street at Highway 32 in Salem. According to the Salem Police report, a 2006 Ford Taurus SE driven by Serina Cottrell of Salem was southbound on South Washington stopped at a stop sign. The Ford started to make a right turn onto Highway 32 and made contact with a 2006 Ford F-150 driven by Hugh Plumley and owned by Nancy Caldwell of Salem that was traveling westbound in the outer lane of highway 32 approaching Washington Street. The Ford Taurus SE sustained minor damage. The Ford F-150 sustained moderate damage. A rear passenger sustained minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment. The driver and a front passenger in the Ford F150 sustained probable, not apparent injuries and were transported by private transportation to the Salem Memorial District Hospital for examination. The crash was not investigated at the scene.

An accident occurred at 2:00 on the afternoon of Thursday, May 4th on Babb Lane in Salem. According to the Salem Police report, a 1999 Toyota Tocoma driven by Albert McCarter of Salem was traveling east on Highway 32 approaching Babb Lane. A 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Vanessa Downing of Boss was also traveling east on Highway 32 approaching Babb Lane and was slowing for an incident ahead on Craig Industrial Drive. McCarter failed to see the Jeep slowing for the incident ahead and made contact with the Jeep. The Toyota Tacoma sustained moderate damage and was towed from the scene with no injuries reported. The Jeep Gran Cherokee sustained moderate damage. Downing complained of a slight neck injury and south her own medical treatment. Both vehicles were moved prior to the officer’s arrival.

Today is the day some Dent County non-profits – Riverways Pregnancy and Family Resource Center, Bonebrake Center, and Salem Public Schools Foundation – will be participating in “Give Meramec”, a one-day, online fundraising event for agency partners of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. To donate, please visit givemeramec.giveozarks.org.

On May 4th, Dent County deputies with assistance from troopers from the Missouri State Highway Patrol recovered the body of 69-year old William Floyd of Salem who was reported missing on May 3rd and was last seen on April 30th. Floyd’s vehicle was found overturned in a waterway approximately 800 feet from the nearest county road, County Road 2430. The vehicle was still mostly underwater and the back wheels and bumper were the only portions visible. The vehicle was removed from the waterway and Floyd’s body was discovered inside the vehicle. His body was released to Dent County Coroner Gina White. The Dent County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank David Ponzer and Herb Jones for their assistance in this case.

An accident happened in Iron County at 9:45 Saturday evening on Conservation Road 2754 about five miles east of Viburnum. According to the highway patrol report, 28-year old Isaiah Henseler of Bixby was riding his Yamaha Rhino UTV eastbound when the vehicle overturned ejecting Henseler and a passenger, 23-year old Skyler Westrup of Cherryville. Both suffered moderate injuries and were transported by ambulance to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center. The Yamaha had minor damage by was towed from the scene by Blackie’s Wrecker of Viburnum.

An accident occurred at 2:00 Thursday afternoon in Dent County on Highway 68 about one a half miles north of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2003 Pontiac Sunfire driven by 16-year old Sarah Burrus of Salem was traveling southbound on highway 68. The accident occurred at the Pontiac crested a hill and Burrus lost control on wet pavement. The Pontiac slid off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. Burrus suffered minor injuries and was taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by the Salem EMS. She was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Pontiac Sunfire sustained moderate damage and was removed by the owner.

The Salem Police Department released reports involving traffic violations, property damage, vehicle theft, and shoplifting. On Sunday, April 23rd at 10:03 at night, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The stop led to the arrest of a 24-year old Salem male for driving while having his license suspended. He was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Monday evening, April 24th at 10:38, an officer was detailed to the McDonalds parking lot in reference to property damage. The report revealed that a person or persons unknown broke the door glass valued at $400.00 out of a 1985 Ford Bronco and took a backpack valued at $60.00. The report is under investigation. On Tuesday, April 25th at 4:54 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1400 block of South Gertrude in reference to a vehicle theft. The report revealed that a person or persons unknown took a blue 2010 Chevrolet HHR valued at $4,500. The report is under investigation. On Wednesday, April 26th at 1:00 in the afternoon, an officer located a 28-year old Salem male who had an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem at Missouri Probation Services. He was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending a court appearance. That same afternoon at 2:25, an officer responded to Phil Mart in reference to shoplifting. The report revealed an unidentified female took merchandise from the store without paying for it. The report is under investigation. You are asked to call the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

The Dent County Commissioners held their regular meeting Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In road reports, District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell reported that crews have been working to get all roads open, but there are still a couple roads closed, but have at least one way in and out. Crews are monitoring low water crossings and that they now have an additional backhoe to help with the situation. He wanted to thank the road crews for diligently working 13 hour days in trying to cope with the damage from the weekend rains, plus the latest additional rain of anywhere from 2-3 inches. He stated that it would take several dry days before some of the softer roads could even begin to have any form of reconstruction work done on them. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that crews were out repairing roads. He stated that patching as well as materials would be hauled to Dent County Roads 2150 and 2120 while materials only would be added to county road 2313. Dent County Road 2300 has been temporarily closed off of DD Highway until the water goes down whereby at that time the safety of the road can be assessed. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to remind everyone to please be careful driving over low water crossings. Skiles reported that he and Commissioners Purcell and Larson along with Dent County Sheriff Wells went to the Texas County jail in Houston for a tour of the facility. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that bills were being approved. The Road and Bridge Department had taken phone bids for fuel and Phil Mart was awarded the bid of $1.63 a gallon for 7,000 gallons of diesel fuel while County Fuels LLC was awarded the bid of $1.75 per gallon for 1,000 gallons of regular fuel. Steve Davis with Shive-Hattery came in to visit about the jail, proposed design and stated that he would like to have a CM (construction manager) on board before June. The Commission discussed and agreed 3-0 to seek RFC’s (Request For Qualifications) for a CM. Requests are due by May 24th at 4:30 pm in the County Clerks Office. Those requests will be opened on Thursday, May 25th at 10:00 am. Betty Gettemier stopped with a signed petition of residents on Dent Count Road 6350 requesting a speed limit sign of 25 MPH be posted on the road. The Commission voted 3-0 to approve the request and signs will be posted. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The City of Salem’s Capital Improvement Committee will be conducting a meeting, called by Alderman Haydn Powell, Chairman of the Committee, on Monday, May 8th at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory beginning at 7:00 pm. The purpose of the meeting is to review 2016-2017 projects and proposed projects for 2017-2018. The meeting of the City of Salem Capital Improvement Committee is open to the public.

On Tuesday, May 9th, a Dent County non-profits – Riverways Pregnancy and Family Resource Center, Bonebrake Center, and Salem Public Schools Foundation – will be participating in“Give Meramec”, a one-day, online fundraising event for agency partners of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. Using the power of the Cause Momentum crowd-funding website, nonprofits from Meramec Region will have the chance to raise funds, compete for matches and prizes and be a part of a one-day, 24-hour period of giving across the state. Give Meramec is from midnight to midnight on May 9th. Riverways hopes to raise $2,000 for their parenting education programs and baby supplies to at-risk families in our area. Bonebrake hopes to raise $5,000 to “glam” the bathroom in their facility. The Salem Public Schools Foundation is a way to donate back to Salem Public Schools and school organizations. On May 9th, donors can log onto givemeramec.giveozarks.org and search for these local nonprofits to complete a basic credit-card donation. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by the IRS. Over the past two years, the region-wide online giving day, known as “Give Ozarks”, has raised more than $2 million for more than 150 non-profits across the region. Thousands of donors made online gifts ranging from $5 to $10,000 to support non-profits. For those wishing to donate in person, they may come to the Bonebrake Center at 601 North Hickory Street between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm and if you chose to donate prior to the event, call the Bonebrake Center at 729-3400 or the Riverways Pregnancy and Family Resource Center located at 1600 Doss Road. For more information about the organizations participating or how to donate, please visit givemeramec.giveozarks.org or call Meramec Regional

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors held their May meeting Tuesday evening at the fire station. After approval of the minutes from the April meeting, bills were reviewed and approved for payment and there was a budget review as well. During a review of the district calendar it was noted that personnel will participate at Serendipity May 11th from 8:00 am to noon, a hazardous mitigation meeting from 2:00 to 4:00 at the old city hall on May 15th and conducting several tours of the station for elementary age students during the month of May. The monthly reimbursement report for April showed that there were 15 calls that included: three calls for structure fires, three calls for brush fires, one call for a landing zone, three calls for vehicle accidents, three calls for mutual aid and two calls for training. Total calls for year to date are 111. There was no old or new business but during reports, Fire Chief Brad Nash reported that he had been in contact with the McLiney Company and they are willing to work with the fire district for money to finish the station upgrade projects. Nash asked the Board to sign the underwriting, which does not bind the district to anything but will allow the McLiney Company to go forward. The Board approved his request. Nash then presented the Board with a copy of the invitation to bid for items that the district has to be sold and the Board approved the list and asked Chief Nash to go forward. For more information about the items stop by the fire station, call 729-3250 or find them on Face book. The Board then set their June meeting for Tuesday, June 6th at the fire station beginning at 6:00 PM and the meeting was then adjourned.

The Salem Police Department released some reports. On Thursday, April 20th at 8:03 in the morning, an officer was detailed to the 600 block of East Roosevelt in reference to a theft. The report revealed that a person or persons unknown took 8′ x 18′ plastic loading runners valued at $600 from a demolition site. On Friday, April 21st at 10:00 in the morning, officers of the Salem Police Department and the Dent County Sheriffs Department served a search warrant at a residence on county road 4180. Officers recovered a 2015 Honda Grom motorcycle that had previously been reported stolen. A second motorcycle that was stolen during the theft with the Honda Grom, a 2004 Kawasaki ZX6R, was recovered in Viburnum. On Saturday evening, April 22nd at 9:17, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The report led to the arrest of a 26-year old Salem female for stealing merchandise valued at $76. She was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Sunday, April 23rd at 2:23 in the early morning, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The stop led to the arrest of a 28-year old Salem male for driving while being intoxicated and driving while having his license suspended. He was issued summonses to appear in court and released. At 7:32 that night, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The stop led to the arrest of a 32-year old Salem male for driving while having their license suspended and on an active fugitive arrest warrant from Laclede County. He was issued a summons to appear in court and was incarcerated on the warrant pending extradition. That same night at 8:47, an officer responded to a residence on Ray Lane in reference to theft of a vehicle. The report revealed a 28-year old Salem male took a 2002 black Pontiac Aztec with out having permission to take it. On the same date, the suspect and vehicle were located near North Grand and Rolla Road. He was taken into custody for 1st degree tampering with a motor vehicle, possession of a controlled substance and no operator’s license and was incarcerated pending warrant applications. You are asked to call the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

The Ozark Artisans Exhibit at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center (ONCRC) opens May 30th at 202 South Main (Hwy 19) in Salem. Sponsored by the Spring Creek Artisans of Salem and the Current River Artists of Licking, it will feature works by artists and artisans from the Ozarks. The beauty and resources of the Ozarks have inspired artists and artisans since settlers first came to Missouri. Here in the Salem Plateau area, we are blessed with talented individuals who are skilled in wood carving, quilting, pottery, basket weaving, engraving, fine arts and other time honored skills. The exhibit is free to the public. There will be a Meet the Artisan Reception at the ONCRC on Monday, June 5th from 6-8pm. To participate in the exhibit, contact the ONCRC by calling 573-729-0029 or emailing them at oncrc@salemmo.com. Registration to reserve an exhibit space closes May 22nd. Again, the deadline to provide your input is Wednesday, May 31.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday night at the city hall council chambers. The Executive Director of Healthy Dent County Sherry Lea discussed with the alderman they would like to apply for another NAP grant through the MRPC to add a gymnasium to the Salem Community Center@The Armory. The NAP grant would provide $500,000 worth of tax credits and they have already been awarded a $250,000 grant that would go toward the project. The total cost of the gym would be about 1.2 million dollars, but the initial amount would be enough to construct the basic gym with other amenities to be added as they raise the money. In order to apply for the NAP grant, Healthy Dent County had to have a current lease running through five years after the expected completion date which would be 2024. So Lea asked to extend the lease between the City of Salem and Heathy Dent County for another ten year through 2027, and that Mayor Brad Nash be allowed to sign the NAP form that states the construction would not be in conflict with any city ordinances or policies. The board approved the request for the new lease and also to allow Nash to sign the form by a 3-0 vote with Alderwoman Shelton abstaining. The board approved the request from Chris Raulston for the Current River Cruisers to close off the streets around the courthouse square with the exception of an area around the Corner Café for the annual car show. Mayor Brad Nash says that a booklet has been prepared for those who want a buy a plot in the Cedar Grove Cemetery as well as the upkeep of the property and the gravesites. There was a discussion on mausoleums and Mayor Nash will review other policies from other cemeteries to bring before the board. These booklets would be available at the city hall, cemetery and funeral homes. The board approved the quote to purchase $16,000 worth of fireworks for 4th of July that will be paid for by $7,400 left in the fireworks fund, a $4,000 request from the tourism tax commission, $1,500 from the CFO Fireworks fund plus possibly a budget adjustment. The board approved renewing the current health insurance policy that features the same rate as last year with a few minor changes in deductibles and the prescription plan. If the city wanted to bid health insurance policies before renewing, there would be an additional rate increase of 2.57% for their current plan. City Administrator Ray Walden said a meeting has been set up to discuss and implement the plans for the TAP Grant and the Unlimited Play All Accessible Playground grant. He also said that a kickoff event for GRO will be held on Wednesday, May 10th with volunteers meeting at the Farmers Market at 6:00 to then disperse to different service events. Walden also said the city would be updating the Economic Development position information in their search for an Economic Development Director. Mayor Brad Nash said the city crews were out taking pictures of any damages from storms this weekend in case Dent County would be included in a Federal Disaster Area. Nash said individuals should also take pictures and document any flood or storm damages in case the area is included as a disaster area. People who would like to submit a damage report with an estimated dollar value to Nash should call him at the fire station at 729-3250. He said there is nono guarantee that anyone will receive funds. The board approved a number of board and committee nominees from Mayor Nash to fill openings. The board also approved the purchase of a Rascal MVP infield machine for field prep from ABI for $4,963 as requested by Parks and Recreation Director Tye Lydon. The board then went into closed session to discuss real estate and contracts.

On April 27th, the Missouri Conservation Commission named Leo A. Drey as the 43rd member of its Hall of Fame for his lifelong advocacy for conservation. Drey’s induction ceremony was held at the L-A-D Foundation’s annual barbeque in Salem. Conservation Commissioner David Murphy was on hand to bestow the honor to Drey’s family. Drey passed away in May 2015 at age 98. His conservation efforts focused on acquiring parcels of land to establish the 150,000-acre Pioneer Forest, which covers parts of Dent, Carter, Reynolds, Ripley, Shannon, and Texas counties. He then donated the land to the L-A-D Foundation, which he established as an organization dedicated to preserving areas of outstanding natural or cultural resource value. Drey was dedicated to preserving areas of outstanding natural or cultural resource value. Over the years, he purchased and donated more than a dozen such areas to the Foundation. These sites include state-designated natural areas leased to MDC, areas leased to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for state parks, 35 miles of frontage on the Ozark National Scenic Riverways under scenic easement to the National Park Service, lands transferred to Mark Twain National Forest, and other special designations within Pioneer Forest.

The Doe Run Company is asking its neighbors for input. Now through Wednesday, May 31st, Doe Run will be collecting feedback from community members about the company, its operations and its contributions to the community. They do these surveys every couple of years to gauge how they are doing in the eyes of the community and they ask that you consider sharing your thoughts in a short survey. You can access the survey online at www.doerun.com. The survey consists of a short set of questions that’s estimated to take about five minutes. Again, the deadline to provide your input is Wednesday, May 31.

The Dent County Commission held their regular meeting Monday morning at the courthouse. At the meeting, Casey and Renee Hemken, Chris and Patty Shaver, and Randy and Judy Wilmont from the Adams Subdivision were in attendance to discuss the improper drainage of water coming through their subdivision and flooding people’s basements and crawl spaces. They say the ditches on the east side of the roadway have filled in over time and the culverts are clogged forcing the water onto private property and into the lagoon that serves the property that is regulated by DNR. Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that the county could pull the ditches but the culverts needed to be replaced, and the counties long standing policy is the landowners would have to buy the new culvert where the county would replace the old ones at no cost. The group felt that the county was responsible to maintain those culverts, but many have been in there for 30 to 40 years and Purcell said those culverts have deteriorated and need to be replaced. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles suggested that Purcell meet with the landowners to review and discuss what can be done to alleviate the water problem. Dent County Emergency Director Brad Nash was at the meeting and had been in contact with SEMA and he told the commission that there was not any official federal designation of a disaster area yet as there must be at least 8.5 million dollars in damage in the state and he sees no problem with Missouri reaching that level. He told the commission to just continue to have the work crews take pictures and document the damages to all the bridges, roads and low water crossings. He also said individuals who have suffered losses can contact him at the Dent County Fire Station at 729-3250 or by going to the fire department’s Facebook page. Those people should also take photos and document any damages to their property, and then figure an estimated dollar amount of the damages. In the road report, Commissioner Purcell reported there was a landslide on Dent County Road 6660. He said between 9 and 12 inches of rain had fallen and numerous roads and low water crossings are impassable. He along with Commissioner Gary Larson reported that it will take a number of days and in some cases weeks to get the roads back in regular condition. Larson said that right now crews are just trying make the roads passable so that people can get to work and students can go back to school. He did mention the commission would be taking bids on diesel and regular unleaded fuel, and that the county will be looking to rent an additional backhoe from either Fabick or John Deere to aid in the cleanup. Presiding Commissioner Skiles stated that between 80% and 90% of all Dent County Roads sustained some damage and with 600 miles of roads in Dent County alone, it will take some time to get all the problems taken care of. At the last meeting, the commissioners signed Ordinances 2017-1 and 2017-2 regarding the passing of Propositions 1 and 2 sales tax issues for the building of the new jail. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On Monday, April 24th, deputies took a report of a theft from the 31000 block of South Highway 72. Taken from the residence is a black fiberglass “Roll A Home” motorcycle camper and is 4 feet wide by 6.5 feet long. The camper and its contents were valued at $6,000. This report is still under investigation. That same day, deputies responded to the Shawnee Mac Lakes a reported fire. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that someone had set an archery target on fire destroying the target. The Dent County Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire. The investigation continues by the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. On Wednesday, April 26th, deputies responded to the 4100 block of Highway 68 for a well being check. After deputies made contact with the individual that they were checking on, it was discovered that he had a warrant for his arrest. As a result, 21-year old Samuel McDaniel Jr. of Salem was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail. He was incarcerated after being unable to post bond. That same day, deputies assisted the South Central Drug Task Force with executing a search warrant in the 100 block Route O. As a result of the search, 40- year old Kathy Eplin of Edgar Springs was arrested and taken to the Dent County Jail. She was charged with possession of a controlled substance and is currently incarcerated on a $50,000 cash only bond. If you have any information on any ongoing investigations, please call the sheriff’s office at 729-3241.

Due to the flooding in the area and the uncertain condition of rural roads in the area, all Salem and Dent County schools cancelled their classes for today including Salem Headstart and the Ozarks Hills State School #61.

With Dent County receiving unofficially anywhere from seven to ten inches of rain, numerous roads were closed in Dent County over the weekend with a number of county roads closed due to the flooding. Roads that were closed by MoDOT in Dent County were Highway 119, and Route TT, A and EE. It is also worthwhile noting the Interstate 44 was closed Sunday from Lebanon to Rolla and Highway 63 near Vienna was closed. The highways and routes will reopen once the water recedes and the highways are checked for structural damages.

An accident happened in Pulaski County on Route D about five miles west of Jerome Sunday at 12:20. According to the highway patrol report, a 2004 Buick Rendezvous driven southbound by 31-year old Casey Ousley of Rolla, went off the right side of the roadway. Ousley overcorrected causing the vehicle to return to the road before it ran off the left side of the road and overturned several times before coming to rest on its top. Ousley suffered moderate injuries and was transported to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center by the Dixon Ambulance. Ousley was wearing a seat restraint. The Buick was totaled in the accident and was removed from the scene by Davis Towing.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a number of reports. On Thursday, April 13th deputies responded to the 3000 block of Route VV for a report of a disturbance. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with 29-year old Amber Webster of Rolla. It was discovered that Webster had three active warrants, one from Dent County for probation violation, one from Rolla Police Department for traffic offense, and one from Phelps County for theft. She was arrested, transported to the Dent County Jail, and incarcerated. On Thursday, April 20th, deputies conducted a traffic stop at Highway 19 and 32. As a result of the stop, 23-year old Michael Schum of St. James, was arrested for driving while having his license revoked. Schum was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. That same day, deputies responded to a call for a reported theft. Upon arrival, deputies were informed that a John Deere 468 Mega Wide baler, valued at $25,000, had been taken from under a carport at the residence. This report is still under investigation. If you have any information on any ongoing investigations, please call the sheriff’s office at 729-3241.

The City of Salem Board of Alderman will be conducting their meeting tonight at the City Hall Council Chambers beginning at 7:00 pm. During the hearing of persons, Sherry Lea, the Executive Director of Healthy Dent County, wants to discuss extending the lease at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory and the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) grant that Healthy Dent County is writing to build a new gymnasium. Also during the hearing of persons, Gary Cook with the Current River Cruisers is requesting permission from the Board to close the streets around the courthouse for the Annual Car Show on June 17th. In bids, the City had requested bids to purchase a used backhoe and City Administrator Ray Walden will present the bids. After approval of the agenda, Mayor Brad Nash will present to the Board of Alderman proposed rules and regulations for the cemetery for the Board’s approval. Walden will update the Board on various projects both current and future concerning the City of Salem including fireworks for the 4th of July, a health insurance update and other issues concerning the city. Mayor Nash will follow with his report on various issues. In new and miscellaneous business, Mayor Nash will present his nominations to City Board’s and Committees with the Board’s approval. Parks and Recreation Director Tye Lydon will then be requesting permission to purchase equipment to help maintain the park’s ball fields. The Board will then vote to go into closed session for the purpose of discussing real estate and contracts. The regular meeting of the City of Salem Board of Alderman is open to the public.