Local News

The Dent County Commission held their meeting Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road reports, both District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell and District Two Commissioner Gary Larson wanted to remind residents that with the amount of rain which has already fallen and with the anticipated amounts expected over the weekend, please do not drive through rising water at low water crossings, water flowing over the road, or areas that are ponding. The ground is already saturated and with any amount of rain received over the weekend, there could be several temporary road closures. If a sign has been posted, turn around: it is not worth risking your life or the life of anyone in your vehicle. They went on to say that as soon as the weather breaks, those roads that have had washouts problems will be addressed as soon as possible. Purcell then reported that his district had received several calls on removing downed trees. He reported a crew would be working on some electrical issue with the pup trailer as well as working on dump trucks #117 and #123. He also said that the order of polypropylene culverts that were ordered came in and would be separated for use. Larson reported crews were out checking roads for downed trees and washouts. He went on to say work was being done on the hydraulics on a brush cutter. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to remind folks about the Veterans Affairs Day today from 10:00 am until 2:00 at the American Legion/VFW Post in Salem. 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.

In closed session on April 18th at the SMDH Board of Directors meeting, they approved a contract with Rural Sleep Solutions to provide sleep studies at the SMDH Hospital. The hospital will have to be certified first, and they hope to be able to start offering these services in the outpatient area around July 1st. The board also approved a Nursing Scholarship for Samantha Smith from the LPN to RN Bridge Program. The board then approved providing a Pharmacy Internship through the St. Louis College of Pharmacy from May of 2017 to February of 2018. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Salem Police Department released reports involving a shoplifter, a fight, a domestic disturbance, a burglary and property damage. On Sunday, April 16th at 2:16 in the afternoon, an officer was detailed to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 30-year old male of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $38.71. He was issued a summons to appear in court and released. That night at 7:04, an officer was detailed to the parking lot at Missouri Highway 32 and 19 in reference to a fight that had taken place. The report revealed a 16-year-old male juvenile of Salem had been assaulted by a 16-year old male juvenile of Rolla. The report is under investigation. On Monday evening, April 17th at 5:30, an officer was sent to a residence in the 100 block of North Carty in reference to a domestic disturbance. The report revealed a 30-year old Salem male had assaulted a 26-year old Salem male. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was incarcerated pending the application for warrants. On Wednesday, April 19th at 8:34 in the morning, an officer was detailed to a building in the 700 block of South Grand in reference to a burglary. The report revealed someone unknown took a 2015 Honda Grom motorcycle valued at $4,500.00 and a 2004 Kawasaki ZX6R motorcycle valued at $3,500.00 from a building. The report is under investigation. There is a reward offered for the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for stealing the motorcycles. Later that night at 8:53, an officer was detailed to the Scenic River Center West building located in the 800 block of Highway 32 in reference to property damage. The report revealed someone unknown broke a window valued $465.00 with a rock. The report is under investigation. You are asked to contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

The National Day of Prayer will be held on Thursday, May 4th during the noon hour at the Grace Community Church on Water Street. Those who will be participating can envoy a light lunch at 11:45 and prayer time at 12:15 along with the National Anthem and the Pledge of Alliance. For more information, call 729-4573.

On Tuesday morning at approximately 10:00, deputies with the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Crabtree Rd. and the Huzzah Creek bridge for the report of a body found in the creek. Upon their arrival, deputies located the deceased and with the assistance of the Highway Patrol were able to recover the body from the creek. During the course of the investigation deputies were able to determine the person was involved in an ATV accident which led him being ejected from the ATV and into the creek. The person was later identified as 60-year old Franklin “Frank” Aaron of Steelville. The Crawford County Sheriff’s Department believes this to be just a tragic accident as there is no indication of foul play. They also want to thank everyone who assisted in the investigation and to the person who located the dead body and immediately called it in to authorities.

An accident occurred at 12:15 on the afternoon of Thursday, April 13th on the MFA parking lot in Salem. According to the Salem Police report, a 2004 Chevy Blazer driven by Larry Newby of Centerville was parked in the MFA west parking lot facing north. While backing, Newby accelerated rapidly and struck a 2010 Ford Fusion owned by Mary Pax of Salem that was parked and unoccupied facing east. Newby continued backing, veered off the Ford and struck a Dodge Ram 1500 owned by Vernell Botkin of Boss that was parked and unoccupied facing west. The impact of the Dodge Ram 1500 caused it to slide striking a 2004 Ford Ranger owned by Shirley Lewis that was parked and unoccupied facing east. The Chevy Blazer continued backing across Babb Lane and struck a 2003 Chevy Silverado owned by Jeremy Schwebel of Salem that was parked and unoccupied facing south. The Chevy Blazer came to a it’s final resting position facing east in the ditch on the west side of Babb Lane. No injuries were reported. The Chevy Blazer, the Ford Fusion and the Chevy Silverado sustained extensive damage and were towed from the scene. The Dodge Ram 1400 sustained moderate damage while the Ford Ranger sustained minor damage.

How do I get help for my preschooler in Dent County???? This Friday at 11:00 am, there will be an informative meeting about the DEVELOPMENTAL PRESCHOOL and the services it has to offer children in Dent County. You will find out how to refer a child for testing, what services such as Speech/Language Therapy and Special Instruction are available for each child, how does the Developmental Preschool coordinate services with other local agencies such as Parents As Teachers, First Steps, and the Salem Headstart, and more. The meeting will be held at the Developmental Preschool at 102 North Jackson St in Salem in the old Salem Library building. For more information please contact Stephanie Floyd at 729-2578. This meeting is open to the public, both professionals and parents are encouraged to attend.

An accident occurred at 6:43 Wednesday morning in Maries County on Highway 63 about three miles north of Vienna. According to the highway patrol report, a 1998 Honda Civic driven by 25-year old Trevor McCallister of Rolla was traveling northbound on highway 63 and failed to negotiate a curve. The Honda Civic slid off the roadway and struck several trees. McCallister suffered minor injuries and was transported by the Maries Osage ambulance to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center. He was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Honda Civic was totaled and removed from the scene by Plaza Towing.

Come to the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History on Monday, May 1st at 7:30 p.m. to experience exciting views of the solar system and the galaxy. Joe Shuster and friends will be on site using powerful telescopes, including the Bonebrake Center’s kid/adult-friendly telescopes, dubbed “Charles” and “Shirley,” to explore the spring sky. The event will start at 7:30 p.m. when there is still a bit of light so the presenters can explain the telescopes and allow kids to operate them to view the planet Earth. All are welcome to bring personal binoculars or telescopes as well. This program is appropriate for the whole family and will be mostly outdoors, so come prepared for the night air. There will be access to the house and light snacks. The suggested donation is $1.00 per person or $5.00 for the whole family, but no one will be turned away. Registration is not required, but you can leave a message at the Bonebrake Center 729-3400 or e-mail at bonebrakecenter @embarqmail.com for more information. If it appears the night sky will be too cloudy, the program will be rescheduled, if possible. Registrants may call or text 247-0279 on the afternoon of Monday, May 1st if there is a question about a possible cancellation.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On Wednesday, April 12th at 11:03 in the morning, an officer was contacted at the station in reference to property damage. The report revealed someone unknown caused damage valued at $400.00 to the driver’s side door on a black Mitsubishi Eclipse that was parked in the 1400 block of South Water. The report is under investigation. On Thursday, April 13th at 5:54 in the afternoon, an officer located a grey 2016 Nissan Sentra that had been reported stolen from a rental corporation. The vehicle was recovered and will be returned to the owner. Late that night at 11:32, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The stop led to the arrest of a 22-year old male of Salem Friday, April 14th at 4:46 in the afternoon, an officer was detailed to Aaron’s Rental in reference to a theft. He report revealed that a for driving while having their license revoked. He was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On person or persons unknown took a refrigerator valued $845.00 from the back dock of the business. The report is under investigation. On Saturday, April 15th at 10:59 pm, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The stop led to the arrest of a 25-year-old male of Salem on an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. He was released after posting bond and given a new date to appear in court. You are asked to contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

The Missouri State Board of Nursing will conduct a site visit this Friday at the SBU Campus in Salem. The visit will be about the expansion of the Bridge-RN program at the University’s Salem campus. The Mercy College of Nursing & Health Sciences of Southwest Baptist University have named the program the Dr. Tracy and Debbie Dobbs Department of Nursing of Mercy College of Nursing and Health Sciences? Southwest Baptist University LPN/Paramedic Bridge – RN Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) Program. The availability of the program will be contingent upon board’s approval.

The Friends of the Salem Public Library will conduct an open meeting on Monday, May 1st at the library building at the corner of 4th Street and Jackson Street beginning 5:00 pm. Interested individuals are welcome to attend the meeting.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse and they received the CART tax report from Dent County Treasurer for money received in April. According to her report, CART receipts this month came in at $54,767.10 which is down from the 2016 figure for April of $55,686.11. Year-to-date the CART stands at $218,786.31 which is up $4,465.32 over 2016 which is an increase of 2.08%. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated his district received around 2.9 inches of rain Friday into Saturday. Because of the rain, a call was received Friday evening at about 6:30 for three trees down on Dent County Road 6633. Workers were called out to remove the road blockage. Purcell said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5080, 5085, 5015 and 6500. He went on to say brush would be cut on county road 5610 while materials would be added to county roads 4160 and 5460. Purcell did say a man would be checking the roads in the Bunker area for any downed trees or limbs from the rains. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said his district received anywhere from about 2.5 to 3.2 inches of rain from the rains Friday and Saturday. He said he would have men out checking the condition of the roads in the continual problem areas. Larson stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2210, 3180 and 4290. He went on to say materials would be added to county road 4030 and brush was going to be cut on county roads 2330 and 2360. Dent County Presiding Commissioner Darrel Skiles wanted to remind anyone who wanted to attend a free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, that it would be held June 3rd and 4th at the MRPC located at #4 Industrial Drive in St. James. Seating is limited for the class and priority will be given to individuals or groups within Region I which is made up of Crawford, Dent, Laclede, Maries, Phelps and Pulaski counties. The class aims at providing citizens with skills to perform essential lifesaving functions while waiting for the professional responders to arrive following a disaster. The class will be held Saturday, June 3rd from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday, June 4th from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The deadline to register is Friday, May 19th. To register or for more information, contact Anne Freand at 573-265-2993 ext. 105. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley had nothing to report as their computer system was down due to some electrical work. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

Winners of the KSMO Radio giveaways at the 2017 Business Expo this past Saturday were: Karen Frizzell & Ron Brown each won 4 tickets to go see the Springfield Cardinals. Joyce Conway and Clyde Hyde were the winners andeach will receive a children’s bucket of goodies. Congratulations to the winners and a special thank you to all who stopped by the booth and took the time to register.

The Salem Police Department released reports involving assault, theft, traffic violation, possible child neglect and property damage. On Thursday, April 6th at 8:45 at night, an officer was contacted at the station in reference to an assault. The report revealed a juvenile male had been assaulted by two other juvenile males. The report is under investigation. On Friday, April 7th at 4:48 in the afternoon, an officer was contacted at the station in reference to a theft. The report revealed someone unknown had taken $1,334.42 in cash from a green 1996 Jeep that was parked near the 600 block of South Walker. The report is under investigation. Later that night at 11:26, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The stop led to the arrest of a 25-year old Salem male for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He was issued a ticket and released. On Saturday, April 8th at 4:04 pm, an officer took a 51-year old Rolla male into custody at the Salem Police Department on an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. He was incarcerated pending a court appearance. That night at 8:08, an officer was conducting an investigation of possible child neglect at a residence in the 700 block of South Jackson. During the investigation, an officer located a 36-year old Salem male who had an active arrest warrant from Wayne County and another from Missouri Probation and Parole. He was taken into custody on the warrants and incarcerated pending a court appearance and extradition. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have some information regarding any ongoing investigation.

An accident occurred at 8:00 Monday morning in Phelps County on Highway 72 about four miles east of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 1998 Chevrolet S-10 driven by 20-year old Austin Crooks of Rolla was traveling eastbound on Highway 72. Crooks fell asleep and the S-10 traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. Crooks suffered minor injuries and was transported to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center. He was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevrolet sustained minor damage and was towed by C&C Towing.

Once again, congratulations go out to the Salem Chamber Singers for winning Gold at the National Competition in Nashville this past weekend!! They took 1st place in their class and category, and received a 3rd straight invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York. The Chamber also received the Spirit of Nashville Award! Congratulations to instructor Elaine Russell and the entire choir.

The Salem Police Department released their report for the month of March. During the month, they wrote 11 equipment repair orders, 13 summons to appear in court, 11 warning tickets, and 15 traffic tickets. The Salem Police Department investigated 16 accidents, five assaults, two burglaries, two reports of disorderly conduct, one report of dogs at large, one report of domestic assault, eight reports of domestic violence, one report of driving while being intoxicated, one report of driving while having a license revoked and/or suspended, one report of failure to obey a lawful order of a police officer, one report of forgery and one report of manufacturing and/or possession a Fictitious and/or forged identification. The department also investigated one report of a peace disturbance, one report of probation and/or parole violation, six reports of property damage, one report of statutory sodomy, 14 reports of stealing, one report of tampering with a victim, one report of a towed vehicle, and two reports of unlawful use of a firearm and/or weapon. They also investigated three reports of possession of amphetamine, one report of Possession of a controlled substance, three reports of possession and/or delivery of marijuana and one report of possession of drug paraphernalia. The police department received 1,156 calls for service during the month, handled 130 walk-ins to the station, redirected 57 calls to the animal control officer and they conducted one death investigation. They spent 20 hours in court testifying. The Salem Police Department drove a total of 7,280 miles and arrested 21 males and 8 females during the month of March.

If you are having problems with your septic system and don’t know how you can pay to correct the problem, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and the Missouri Association of Councils of Government (MACOG) have partnered to create a grant-loan fund to address failed or failing on-site wastewater treatment systems throughout Missouri, with the objective of improving the state’s water quality. The Department of Natural Resources has set aside $1 million dollars for the fund. Roughly $250,000 is still available, and regional planning commissions are spreading the word and helping homeowners complete the grant-loan application. The Boonslick Regional Planning Commission in Warrenton is overseeing the project on behalf of MACOG, and will process the grant-loan requests. The program will provide grants and loans to homeowners seeking to repair or replace their on-site private wastewater systems. Eligible recipients include homeowners with a failing or failed on-site wastewater treatment system. Homeowners will be required to document that their system is failing, provide evidence of financial need for a grant and must have a sufficient income to make the loan payment and maintain the system. Additionally, the value of the septic improvement cannot exceed the value of the home. Grants and loans can be made for repair or replacement of private wastewater treatment systems for single-family houses and multi-family housing consisting of four units or less. Contractors approved by each county’s respective health department must install new septic systems. Costs related to the installation of an approved system (such as soils investigation, engineering services and surveying) are allowable expenses. Funds cannot be used to connect homes to a cluster system or public sewer system or install an on-site system for new construction. The maximum grant amount is 50 percent of the project, not to exceed $12,500, based up the total project cost and income eligibility. Loan terms will be based on the borrower’s ability to repay, not to exceed $25,000 or 10 years per connection. Participating homeowners must certify they will provide appropriate system maintenance over the life of the loan, complete an online training on operating and maintaining the system and periodically have the system inspected. Those living in Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties should contact Maria Bancroft at MRPC at (573) 573-265-2993 Ext. 114 or by email at mbancroft@meramecregion.org for more information and an application packet.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department released a couple of reports. On Tuesday, April 11th, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the McDonald’s parking lot. As a result, 19-year old Abby Ray of Salem was arrested for driving while having her license suspended. She was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. On Thursday, April 13th, Dent County Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 2410. The passenger, 24-year old Michelle Munson of Salem, was arrested on a probation violation warrant on the original charge of possession of a controlled substance. She was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated on no bond. If you have any information on ongoing investigations, call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning in the Courthouse for their regular meeting. In the road report, District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that he had a man out sick with pneumonia. He said that grading would be done and materials would be added to Dent County Road 5080, while the patching of chip and seal would take place on county roads 6380 and 4210. Purcell noted brush would possibly be cut on county road 5610 if the exhaust regeneration problems with the tractor could be resolved. He added that Monday evening he attended the Tourism Committee meeting where three reimbursement requests were approved and one project proposal was denied. Purcell went on to say that on Tuesday he attended the South Central Missouri Community Action Agency meeting in Winona where he learned that Dent County has preschool openings for the 2017-2018 year and that those interested should contact Sarah Givens at (573) 729-3500 extension 10. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported grading would be done on Dent County Road 4280, while materials would be added to and was cleaning limbs from the bridge on county road 2500. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that Thursday of last week he presided over a HUD hearing and again reminded participants to read their contracts carefully and make sure they are in compliance. He noted that if a participant in the program has a question they should call the Public Housing Authority at (573) 265-2993. Skiles stated that there will be a Community Emergency Response Team Training Saturday June 3rd and Sunday June 4th for anyone interested in assisting with local emergencies. Skiles noted that bills were being approved. Deputy County Clerk Crystal Pilkington had nothing to report. City of Salem Administrator Ray Walden and Marybeth Cook were by to inform the Commissioners about the grant from Community Foundation of the Ozarks for a part-time Dent County Foundation Coordinator. Cook has been named to the position and will be working 20 hours per week. At 9:55 Commissioner Larson left to go by a funeral home to pay his respects. Special Investigator Wayne Becker was in for the opening of bids for a new copier for the Sheriff’s Department. The Commissioners approved the bid 2-0 from Advanced Business Products for a Xerox copier at $226.05 per month on a 60 month lease. The other bid submitted was from ABS was for $635.08 per month for a Kyocera machine. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident occurred at 4:43 Wednesday afternoon in Phelps County on Highway BB about two miles east of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2013 Apache Field Sprayer driven by 36-year old Travis Bahr of Rolla was traveling eastbound. Bahr applied the brakes, crossed the center of the roadway and traveled into the oncoming lane of traffic. A 2013 Toyota Tacoma driven by 27-year old Mark Meirink of Maryland Heights was traveling westbound when he saw the Field Sprayer traveling towards him. Meirink attempted to go in reverse to avoid impact but was struck by the Field Sprayer. Bahr suffered minor injuries and refused treatment at the scene. Meirink suffered moderate injuries while a passenger, 49-year old Richard Hendershot of Rolla suffered serious injuries and both were transported by the Phelps County ambulance to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center. Hendershot was the only one wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Toyota Tacoma was totaled and removed by Ron Dishman Towing. The Field Sprayer sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene.

An accident occurred at 10:40 Thursday morning in Dent County on Highway 32 about two miles east of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 1994 Ford Ranger driven by 71-year old John Connell of Salem was traveling eastbound on Highway 32. The Ford Ranger was stopped to make a left turn and was struck from behind by a 2004 Dodge Ram driven by 16-year old Samuel Ball of Salem. A passenger in the Ford Ranger, 55-year old Tania Connell of Salem suffered minor injuries and was transported by private conveyance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. Everyone involved was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Dodge Ram and the Ford Ranger sustained minor damage and both were driven from the scene.
The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a number of reports. On Friday, April 7th, a subject walked into the sheriff’s office to report a chainsaw stolen. After a short investigation, the chainsaw was located at a residence on East Fourth Street. As a result, 33-year old Albert Terrill of Salem was arrested and charged with misdemeanor stealing. He was also found to have two City of Salem warrants. He was issued a summons for the stealing and incarcerated in the Dent County Jail on the warrants. On Sunday, April 9th, deputies responded to the 600 block of Private lane 601 for a report of a disturbance. Upon arrival at the residence, deputies made contact with 30-year old Joseph Duff of Licking. It was discovered that Duff had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. Duff was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated with a bond of $7,000 cash only. If you have any information on ongoing investigations, feel free to call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors met for the regular meeting Tuesday evening at the hospital library. After reviewing the April 4th election results, Attorney Mark Weaver administered the oath of office to Sue Terry and George Gruendel. The Board heard a proposal from City of Salem’s City Administrator Ray Walden and Sewer and Water Supervisor Jack Emory on attaching the hospital to the city’s sewer system. Walden described the DNR mandated sewer upgrades that the city will be implementing over the next couple of years. These upgrades will cost $1.1 million. To try and recoup some of the construction costs the city is looking at ways to add more customers to the city’s water and sewer system. The city is offering the hospital an opportunity to get connected to the city’s sewer system with no upfront costs. The current sewer rate is .0003 cents per gallon and the water rate is .00027 cents per gallon. This would allow the hospital to stop using the current lagoon system that has tremendous DNR regulations and oversight. Connecting the hospital, and then potential future customers near the hospital, would mean that the water and sewer lines would need to be located across private property and easements would need to be obtained. The city was asking for a written confirmation that the hospital would agree to connect to the services once they were built and made available. No decision was made at this time. Chief Financial Officer Monica Gargus gave the summary of operations for March that the hospital had a gain from operations of $108,333 with an excess of revenues over expenses of $144,549. Chief Nursing Officer Debbie Hines reported during the month there were 75 acute care admissions plus 857 emergency room visits with an average turnaround time of 127 minutes. Also during the month, there were 229 ambulance runs, 23 surgery cases, 1,700 outpatient registrations, 2431 home health visits, 8,575 lab tests, 1,073 radiological procedures, 197 CT scans, 335 MRI scans, 6 nuclear med scans, 798 rehab treatments, 173 dialysis treatments and 371 clinical visits. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas reported the Hospital Auxiliary met this month and is working on future fundraisers. Their next meeting will be May 5th at noon at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. The Foundation will have a Golf Tournament on May 5th at the Spring Creek Golf Club. The next health screening dates will be May 10th and 11th at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Lucas reported on the Patient Satisfaction surveys for the Emergency Department. All surveys results were very good if not excellent in all areas. Gargus gave the Finance Committee report and reviewed the proposed 2018 fiscal year budget with the board. The committee is proposing a total budget of $22,138,082 in revenue and $21,975.112 in expenses. The budget includes a 4% increase in rates as well as salary increases with and $320,200 for new capital expenses. The board approved updating several bank signature authorizations by making Lucas, Gargus and Hines as the authorized signers on the accounts. The Board approved the budgeted purchase of a heat press for the materials management department at a cost of $1,755 from Penn Enterprises and 25 IV pumps to be used hospital wide for a total of $92,422 from BBraun. The board then went into closed session.

An accident occurred at 9:45 Wednesday morning in Iron County on county road 86 about 43 miles south of Viburnum. According to the highway patrol report, a Kawasaki Brute Force ATV driven by 64-year old Ricky Dotson of Bixby was traveling southbound and the ATV overturned, ejecting the driver. Dotson suffered serious injuries and was taken by Air Medical to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. He was not wearing a safety device at the time of the accident. The ATV sustained minor damage and was removed by the owner.

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22. Worldwide, various events are held to demonstrate support for environmental protection. The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970. There were Earth Day events in more than 193 countries. The Earth Day Network now coordinates events globally. Earth Day’s goal is to bring awareness to pollution. Back in the 1970’s when Earth Day was founded it was legal for industrial plants to release huge clouds of black smoke into the air or to dump chemicals into water sources. There was no EPA to monitor these factories, and it was not promoted to take these business’ to court for the damage they were doing to the environment. Earth Day was founded to celebrate clean air, water and land. To learn more about Earth Day you can visit epa.gov/earthday.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday evening at the Council Chambers for their regular meeting. After approval of the consent agenda, the board canvassed the election results of the April 4th election and approved Resolution No. 3-2017 declaring the results valid. City Clerk, Mary Happel, then administered the oath of office to Dr. Haydn Powell for East Ward Alderman and Chad Heithold as West Ward Alderman. The board then approved Dr. Powell as President of the Board of Alderman. Mayor Brad Nash nominated and the board approved Mary Happel as City Clerk and Camm Seay as City Attorney. Three bids were presented to replace the roof at the Al Brown Concession Stand and the board approved John Woods Roofing, the lowest bid, for a total of $3,280. City Administrator Ray Walden reported on a recent Planning and Zoning Workshop where the committee is currently assessing all parcels inside the city limits for zoning classification. After this assessment is complete, a map can be created of all classifications of zoning in the city. The Salem Community Center @ the Armory assisted 6,742 people at their facility for the month of March. The Chamber of Commerce Business Expo will be held this Saturday from 9 am-12 noon at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. A GRO Economic Development meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 25th at 5:30 PM at the Bank of Salem Courtesy Room. The City Wide Yard Sale will be held on May 6th and spots are still available at the City Administrative building parking lot. Spring Clean-Up days will be the week of May 1st thru 5th and May 8th thru 12th. Healthy Dent County will be selling lanterns for $10 each with a Lantern Lift-Off to be held at the Commons on the Fourth of July prior to the fireworks display. All proceeds from the Lantern Lift-Off will go towards next year’s fireworks fund. Walden stated that a Request for Proposals will be published in the local paper asking for proposals for the future development of the former high school located on 10th Street. An architectural consulting firm will be retained to help evaluate the proposals. Water/Sewer Superintendent, Jack Emory, requested approval to repair 2 Flygt Mixers at the Waste Water Treatment Facility. The board approved the repairs at $2,903.50 and $3,514.78 before going into closed session to discuss contracts, litigation and real estate.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a number of reports. On Tuesday, April 4th, deputies responded to the 6400 block of Route K in attempt to locate a fugitive with an active warrant. A consent to search the residence was granted by the home owner. Once inside, deputies located Jeanne Bourbon of Salem. Bourbon was wanted out of both Crawford and Texas Counties for probation violation warrants. Bourbon was arrested without incident. Upon arrival at the Dent County Jail, Bourbon was found in possession of suspected methamphetamine and prescription pills. Bourbon was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance. She is currently incarcerated on a $50,000 cash only bond as well as her charges from Crawford and Texas Counties. On April 5th, deputies responded to the 3200 block of south Highway 19 and arrested Josh McAfee who had an active felony warrant for his arrest. McAfee was arrested without incident. Also arrested was Bethany Knight of Salem. During a consent search of Knights purse, deputies located suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Knight was transported to the Sheriff’s Office, issued a summons to appear in court, and released. McAfee was incarcerated at the Dent County Jail on no bond. On April 6th a subject walked into the sheriff’s office to report fuel missing from a storage tank located at Indian Trail Park. They reported that 142 gallons of fuel has gone missing from the tank. This report is under investigation. If you have any information on ongoing investigations, feel free to call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. Dent County Presiding Commissioner Darrel Skiles was unable to attend due to a prior commitment. Commissioner Dennis Purcell after reviewing the minutes stated that at the last meeting, the Commissioners actually approved the purchase of polypropylene 20-foot pipes in the amount of $8,168.40 from Viebrock & Sales. The purchase had been approved 3-0 by the commissioners. The commission did not make any decision on the purchase of the metal culverts after receiving the bids as the bids now exceed the budgeted amount for culverts. In the road reports, District 1 Commissioner Purcell said crews would be checking the Bunker area for any rain damage to the roads or washouts. Another crew will be installing tires on the pup trailers and another crew would be out checking roads and cleaning out culverts. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said he was sending a man to Springfield to get the oil for the Durapatcher to do chip and seal road repairs. He said a man would go to the Boss area to check for any damages, plus other crew members would be checking culverts, trimming back brush and checking for washouts. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported on an electronics collection sponsored by the MRPC on May 20th at the Brewer Science Parking Lot from 8:00 in the morning until noon. She also reported she balanced with the collector and assessor on all collections, abatements and add-ons. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be held Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

In closed session, the Salem R-80 Board of Education hired James Joynt as a high school business instructor; Jessica Haberman as a high school special education instructor; Jerry Adkins as a middle school social studies teacher; Nick Frillman as the middle school girls’ basketball coach; Kim Cooper as the assistant high school volleyball coach; Kristi Steelman as the middle school volleyball coach; Travis Sampson as the cross country coach and Sherry White as the middle school cheerleading coach. The board also approved moving Lane Howard from a 7th/8th football coach to an assistant high school football coach and also to employ Chelsie Tune for the high school student council. The meeting was then adjourned.

An accident occurred at 7:45 Monday morning in Dent County on Highway VV about 20 miles west of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica driven by 21-year old Zachary Thurman of Houston was traveling westbound. The crash occurred at the Pacifica traveled off the right side of the roadway to avoid a deer. Thurman overcorrected and returned to the roadway. The Pacifica then crossed the centerline and traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck an embankment and trees and then overturned. Thurman suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene. He was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Chrysler Pacifica was totaled and removed from the scene by Kinder’s Towing of Licking.

Replacing the deck on the Missouri Route 68 Bridge over Coppedge Creek east of Route H in Maries County is now underway. One lane of the bridge will be closed, while the work is taking place. A temporary traffic signal will be installed on both sides of the bridge to guide traffic through the work area. The work is scheduled to be completed in early June. MoDOT appreciates the patience of motorists while the work takes place. For more information about this project or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636).

The 2017 Business Expo will be held Saturday morning from 9:00 until noon at Salem Community Center @ the Armory, located at 1200 West Rolla Road. The Business Expo is an excellent opportunity for businesses to advertise their products and services and many of them will be giving away promotional items or have their own drawing. There are six star giveaways this year and they are provided by the Aaron’s Inc., Town & Country Bank, A-1 Tech of Rolla, The Auto Connection, Schwartz Salvage and Salem News/Action Graphics. There is no cost to attend the annual Expo, it’s FREE and open to the public. It is organized by the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Salem Publishing Company and KSMO Radio. For more information about the 2017 Business Expo, contact the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce by calling 729-6900.

An accident occurred at 1:00 Thursday afternoon in Shannon County that took the life of a Salem man. According to the highway patrol report, a 1999 Ford Explorer driven by 64-year old Kevin Richards of Salem was traveling eastbound on Shannon County Road 258 about ten miles north of Round Spring. Richards entered a turn too fast and left the right side of the roadway. The Ford Explorer overturned into a pond. Richards was pronounced dead by Shannon County Coroner Tim Denton at 1:15 Thursday afternoon. He was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford Explorer was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing of Salem. Richards body was taken to the Wilson Mortuary in Salem.

An accident occurred Saturday afternoon at 4:10 in Phelps County on Route F about 1 1/2 miles south of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2016 Nissan Sentra, driven by 30-year old Milan Koirala of Rolla, crossed the center line of the roadway on a hillcrest and struck an oncoming 2007 Chevrolet 2500,
driven by 72-year old James D. Fullerton of St. James. Koirala sustained serious injuries and was transported by Phelps County Ambulance to Phelps County Regional Medical Center Helipad and airlifted by Arch Air Ambulance to UMC-Columbia Hospital. Fullerton, along with a passenger 62-year old Patricia L. Fullerton, sustained moderate injuries and were transported by Phelps County Ambulance to PCRMC. According to the report all occupants were wearing safety restraints. Both vehicles were totaled and the Chevrolet was removed by C & C Towing, while the Nissan was removed by Ron Dishman Towing.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held a re-organizational as well as their regular meeting Thursday evening at the boardroom. The Salem R-80 Board had three seats available and incumbents Holly Erway, Drew Whitaker and Larry Maxwell each re-filed for those positions and were unopposed, thus an election was not needed. Bernie Sirois was re-elected as President and Dustin Howard was re-elected as Vice President, while Holly Erway was elected as Secretary and Chris Heavin was re-elected as Treasurer. The Board also voted to re-elect Larry Maxwell as the MSBA delegate and Carry Snider as the alternate. The Board voted to move into their regular monthly meeting. After approval of the agenda, McColloch discussed with the Board in length a facilities need for a new restroom facility at the football field, storage for equipment, lockers $7,417.68. The Board then approved a request from Project Graduation for two busses and two drivers. After a discussion, the Board considered and voted to hire another IT person. It was and an update to the press box. In new business, the Board voted to leave the tuition for 2017-2018 school year at noted that as many as 450 Chrome Books will be added each of the next three years that the district will totally be maintaining on site. The Board then addressed changes to the support staff employee manual, most of which were just the wording, but McColloch noted that one was to reduce the probation period for support staff from 90 to 30 days the same as for the certified staff and the Board agreed. The Board received numerous 2017A MSBA updates and agreed to accept them. Based on the facilities update earlier in the meeting, and much discussion, the Board voted to go with McKinstry for a detailed engineering study agreement for the cost of $20,000. The initial items that are most pressing that need immediate attention are a new restroom facility at the football field, followed by storage and lockers and then down the line to update the press box. The Board declared surplus property consisting of 12 bus radios 6 tires and accepted the one bid that came in for each. The Board then voted to go into closed session for the purpose of discussing personnel.

The City of Salem Board of Alderman will conduct a re-organizational meeting after canvassing the election results electing a new president of the boar, as well as appointing a City Clerk and City Attorney. They will then hold their regular meeting tonight at 7:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers. In bids, the City had requested bids to tear off the existing roof, clean up and haul away all trash, install felt,
new pipe boots, two black turbines, one black flat air vent and white roof edging on the Al Brown Field Concession Stand. The three bids
received will be presented to the Board for consideration. City Administrator Ray Walden will then update the Board on various present and future issues and projects concerning the City of Salem, followed by reports from Mayor Nash. In new and miscellaneous business, Water/Sewer Superintendent Jack Emory will request approval to repair 2 Flygt Mixers that need to be repaired at the Waste Water Treatment Facility. One repair is in the amount of $2,903.50 and the other is $3,514.78. The Board will then vote to go into closed session for the purpose of discussing real estate, litigation and contracts. The meeting of the City of Salem Board of Alderman is open to the public.