Local News

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning for their regular meeting. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams came in to request a transfer from the Senior Citizens Fund to holding to pay the Nutrition Center $12,500 and the SMTS Bus Service $6,250. This is the second of four payments that will be made through the year for these services. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said rains from Sunday night affected all Dent County 2400 roads. He said about 2.5 inches of rain fell in less than an hour in that area and crews are out grading, hauling materials and repairing washouts. Purcell said grading would be done on county roads 5610, 5620, 6410 and 6420, plus a driveway culvert will be installed on Dent County Road 4170. Sam Gorman, filling in for Commissioner Gary Larson who was not able to attend, reported grading would be done on county road 4437, brush would be cut on county road 4050, and rock was being hauled to county roads 3223 and 5340. Gorman said crews would be checking roads for washouts and they would also be working on a diesel fuel pump on truck #70. Presiding Commissioner Darrel Skiles said Dent County was included in the Federal Disaster Declaration for public infrastructure, but not individual reimbursement. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported June 1st was the first day for the new photo voter ID law. If you have questions about the law, contact the Missouri Elections Division at 1-866-868-3245. Also at the meeting, Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley discussed the county’s desire to utilize the right-of-ways on Water Street and Iron Street in between 5th Streets and Rolla Road for the new jail project from the city. Skiles will present the request to the Board of Aldermen. 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.

An accident occurred at 4:00 pm on Sunday, June 4th in Iron County on Highway 32 about a half mile west of Bixby. According to the highway patrol report, a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado driven by 56-year old Gail Turner of Boss was traveling westbound on Highway 32. The accident occurred as the Silverado ran off the left side of the roadway and struck the ditch. Turner suffered moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. She was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevrolet Silverado sustained moderate damage and was towed by Blackies Towing.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will conduct their next meeting tonight at the fire station beginning at 6:00 pm. After approval of the agenda the Board will review and minutes from the previous meeting as well as review and approve bills. There will be a review of upcoming events on the calendar and the monthly reimbursement report. The Board will then address any old of new business followed by reports on various items. The Board may vote to go into closed session for the purpose of discussing personnel is necessary and will set their next meeting. The June meeting of the Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors is open to the public.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released some reports. On Monday, May 29th, deputies conducted a traffic stop at Cedar Grove. While speaking with the driver, deputies could smell of odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle. A consent to search the vehicle was granted and deputies found a small plastic baggie containing marijuana, a glass pipe emitting a burnt marijuana odor, a partial box of “Great Value” sandwich bags, and a digital scale containing marijuana residue. As a result, 19-year old Brandon Mendenhall of Salem was arrested for possession of under 10 grams of marijuana. He was transported to the Dent County Jail, fingerprinted and released. On Wednesday, May 31st, deputies assisted the Missouri State Highway Patrol with a vehicle accident on Highway 19 South near County Road 6240. It was discovered that a passenger, 47-year old Jeffrey Bailey of Columbia, had a warrant for his arrest from the Rolla Police Department. He was arrested and taken to the Dent County Jail. That same day, deputies responded to the 1000 block of Highway ZZ in reference to a burglary. It was discovered that a large Craftsman rolling toolbox, two hand toolboxes, PSE compound bow, a 3-ton floor jack, a 30-gallon air compressor, and a bright orange “Bad Boy zero turn” mower with a 42″ cutting deck were missing. This report is still under investigation. On June 1st, deputies responded to the New Harmony Church in reference to a camper being damaged. Deputies discovered that a 1978 Jayco pop up camper had been damaged and vandalized. This report is still under investigation.

The Ozark Artisans Exhibit at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center (ONCRC) continues at 202 South Main. 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.

Late Friday, the White House approved Governor Eric Greitens’ request for a federal disaster declaration for historic flooding that began in Missouri on April 28th. A total of 48 counties were included in the disaster declaration. A total of 27 counties were included in the program that assists individuals and families. They include in our area Franklin, Maries, Oregon, Phelps, Pulaski, Reynolds, Shannon, and Texas counties. Dent County was NOT included for damages to individuals and families. A total of 46 counties were included in the program that assists local governments and non-profits with damage to roads, bridges and public infrastructure along with response costs. They included the already mentioned counties in our area as well as Iron and Dent. Those persons eligible for individual assistance have 60 days from the date of the disaster declaration to contact FEMA. The quicker you register, the quicker you can get FEMA assistance. To register for FEMA assistance, call FEMA’s toll-free number: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), from 6 a.m.-10 p.m. seven days a week, or go to www.DisasterAssistance.gov. In addition to the disaster declaration, the Department of Natural Resources has extended until August 3rd its storm waiver, which gives residents and communities in flood-affected counties additional flood cleanup flexibility. Further information on the waiver is available at dnr.mo.gov/disaster.

An accident occurred at 8:29 Saturday evening in Phelps County on Highway 72 about 9 miles southeast of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2008 Pontiac G5 driven by 79-year old Mary Emory of Salem was traveling eastbound when she crossed the center line and traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck a ditch and overturned. Emory suffered moderate injuries and was transported by the EMS to Phelps County Regional Medical Center. She was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Pontiac G5 sustained
extensive damage and was towed by Dishman’s Towing in Rolla.

An accident occurred at 2:02 Thursday afternoon in Crawford County on Route TT about three miles northeast of Steelville. According to the highway patrol report, a 2009 Toyota Matrix driven by 16-year old Katilyn Bourgeois of Steelville was traveling southbound and traveled off the right side of the roadway. Bougeois overcorrected and the Toyota returned to the roadway, crossed the centerline. Bourgeois overcorrected and the Toyota traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a tree and overturned. Bourgeois and a passenger, 15-year old Hayli Davis of Steelville both suffered minor injuries. Bourgeois was transported by the Steelville ambulance to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan while Davis was transported by personal vehicle to Missouri Baptist in Sullivan. Everyone involved was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Toyota Matrix was totaled and removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing.

Highway 32 in Dent and Iron Counties will be reduced to one lane as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs. This section of roadway is located from Highway 72 in Dent County to Route KK in Iron County. Weather permitting, this work will take place Tuesday, June 6th and Wednesday, June 7th from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.

The City of Salem Board of Alderman will conduct a regular meeting tonight at the City Hall Council Chambers located 202 North Washington beginning at 7:00 pm. During the hearing of persons, Chris Garman wants to know why the rules and guidelines are not being followed on dog bites and that the City’s ordinances need to be changed. Teresa Stark wants to talk to the Board about the solar lights and flower holders that were approved in the new cemetery rules and regulations and the county is interested in obtaining a partial release of the City’s interest in the roadway easement commonly known as Iron Street as the counties interest is with the Justice Center project. City Administrator Ray Walden will update the Board on various projects current and future as well as update the Board on the Insituform Technologies USA/Sanitary Sewer CIPP project and the Emergency Utility Reconnect Policy. Mayor Brad Nash will then discuss various items concerning the City of Salem. During the introduction and reading of bills and resolutions, Bill #3332 an ordinance approved by the Board at a previous meeting to initiate a 10-year lease with Healthy Dent County will be presented. In new and miscellaneous business, Parks & Recreation Director Tye Lydon is requesting approval to purchase baseball uniforms for the summer ball program in the amount of $3,272. This is a budgeted item and Progressive Ozark Bank is sponsoring in the amount of $2,000. Mayor Nash wishes to appoint members to the Tree Commission with the Board’s approval and with the Board’s approval he will appoint a committee to evaluate the qualifications for consultants for the old middle school property. 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.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5630, 5650, 6370, and 6400, plus the backhoe would be removing debris and repairing rip rap on county road 5670. He went on to say that crews were cleaning culverts on county roads 5680 and 5550. Purcell noted that his district experienced very few downed trees from Saturday’s storm. He also stated that his crew continues rebuilding and repairing flood damaged roadways. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson said that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5280 and 2150, plus patch grading would be done on county roads 3220, 4010, and 2083. He noted that materials would be added to county roads 2083, 2150, and 3220, while brush would be cut on county road 4050. Larson said that his crew was out Saturday evening and all day Sunday opening up closed roadways and all roads are now open, but they do have to go back and complete some of the openings. Larson noted that the debris is not the county’s property since the trees blew down off of private property. Larson went on to say that it is very, very difficult to determine who the property owners or lessees are in order to notify them of downed fences. He said that when possible his crews will notify people, but it is difficult and time consuming when public safety is the priority. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to compliment City of Salem utility crews and Intercounty Electric crews for their dedication and commitment to getting power restored. He added that on Wednesday he attended the business and economic round table with Congressman Jason Smith. Skiles said that the primary topics were the rural need for broadband, frustration with the lack of cell phone service, and health care availability and costs. Deputy County Clerk Crystal Pilkington noted that the Commissioners were approving bills for payment. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams came in to report CART receipts for May at $59,008.06. She noted that year-to-date receipts are up $6,358.63, which is a 2.34% increase. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

There will be an informational meeting held at Montauk State Park on Saturday June 3rd. The meeting will be held at the campground amphitheater from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Input from the public is important to the department. These informational meetings give staff the opportunity to let people know the current status and future plans for the park or site, and they offer visitors the opportunity to comment on the facilities. Staff from the park will be on hand to provide information about the park and answer questions. The public is invited to share comments about the park and its operations.

The Salem Police Department released reports involving counterfeit money, assault, property damage, and a fight in progress. On Monday, May 22nd at 1:52 in the early morning, an officer located a 37-year old Salem male in the 800 block of South Water who had an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. He was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending a court appearance. That same morning at 4:30, an officer located a 28-year old Salem male in the 600 block of South Jackson who had an active arrest warrant from Dent County. He was taken into custody on the warrant an incarcerated pending a court appearance. At 5:20 that same morning, an officer located a 39-year old Salem male in the 700 block of South Orchard who had an active arrest warrant from Dent County. He was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending a court appearance. Then at 11:46 that same morning, an officer was detailed to the Mobil convenience store located at the junction of Highways 32 & 19 in reference to counterfeit money. The report revealed an unknown male passed a counterfeit fifty-dollar bill when paying for merchandise. The report is under investigation and will be forwarded to the United States Secret Service. On Tuesday, May 23rd at 3:38 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to the Misdemeanor Probation Services in reference to a 40-year old Salem male who had violated the terms of his probation. He was taken into custody and incarcerated for 5 days shock time. On Wednesday, May 24th at 11:29 in the morning, an officer responded to the 300 block of East Fourth in reference to an assault. The report revealed a 71-year old Salem male had assaulted a 33-year old Salem male. Later that afternoon at 5:21, an officer was contacted at the station in reference to property damage to a vehicle. The report revealed an 18-year old Salem male had punched a 1994 Ford truck several times causing damage totaling $934.40. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was issued a summons to appear in court and released. That night at 10:44, an officer was detailed to the McDonald’s restaurant in reference to a fight in progress. The report led to the arrest of three males of Salem for disorderly conduct. The 19, 20 and 22 year-old suspects were issued summonses to appear in court and released. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any investigation ongoing.

On May 31st, Dent County Deputies with Dent County Sheriff’s Office, Police Officers with the Salem Police Department, troopers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Agents with FBI began investigating a possible abduction in Dent County. This investigation revealed a 13-year old female juvenile left with two males from a residence in rural Dent County. Family members became concerned that she had not left with the party she told them she was leaving with and contacted the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation identified two males, 19-year old Gregory Barton of Bunker, MO and his grandfather. The investigator’s determined that the juvenile and Barton were in a continuing romantic relationship that began on the Internet. At approximately 6:40 in the morning, deputies with the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and Troopers with Missouri State Highway Patrol located the juvenile at a residence in the 500 block of 5th Street in Bunker in Reynolds County, MO. Both subjects were transported back to the Sheriff’s Office for questioning. The juvenile was later released to her parents. As a result of this investigation, Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley has filed a complaint against Gregory Barton charging him with 1 count of Statutory Rape in the 1st Degree. Barton is being held in the Dent County jail in lieu of a $100,000 cash only bond.

The City of Salem has announced they are in the process of picking up downed limbs, branches and trees from the straight line winds from May 27th. City Administrator Ray Walden said the city is waiving its limb bundling policy due to amount of tree damages in the city. He did ask citizens to please drag their limbs to their curb for pickup as city crews cannot come on private property. Walden said the city crews will continue to pick up limbs through June 16th. At that time, he will re-evaluate the situation to see if the deadline needs to be extended. If you have limbs at the curb, please be patient and let the city workers get to your streets. If they still haven’t been removed by Monday, June 12th, please contact the city administrative offices at 729-4811. This service by the City of Salem is for the residents of the city only.

Five people died in traffic crashes over the 2017 Memorial Day weekend. Last year, 13 people were killed during the three-day weekend. During the counting period of 6:00 pm on Friday, May 26th, through 11:59 pm, Monday, May 29th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated 345 traffic crashes which included 128 injuries and all five fatalities. Troopers also arrested 107 people for driving while intoxicated and made 125 drug arrests. During the 2016 Memorial Day holiday weekend, the Patrol investigated 347 traffic crashes which included 128 injuries and six of the 13 fatalities. Last year, troopers arrested 135 people for driving while intoxicated. There were zero boating fatalities over the 2017 Memorial Day weekend. Marine operations troopers investigated 14 boating crashes involving seven injuries. Three people drowned over the 2017 Memorial Day holiday. Marine operations troopers arrested 20 boaters for boating while intoxicated and made six drug arrests. There were zero boating fatalities over the 2016 Memorial Day weekend. Troopers investigated 13 boating crashes involving eight injuries. There were no drownings. Troopers arrested 21 people for boating while intoxicated and made 71 drug arrests. Of the five traffic crash fatalities investigated by the Patrol, one occurred in the Troop A, Lee’s Summit, area and the Troop B, Macon, area. Three fatalities occurred in the Troop C, Weldon Spring area.

The Dent County Open Youth Market Animal Jackpot Show will be held Saturday, June 3rd at the Commons on Highway 72 in Salem. Hogs weigh in starts at 7:00 am, goats, lambs and steer will follow and the show will begin at 9:00 am. The show is open to all youth age 5 to 21-years of age. Four Montana Silversmith Signature Trophy Buckles will be awarded for Grand Champions, Reserve Champions, Senior Showmanship and Junior Showmanship as well as a 1st place ribbon in each weight division class. For late entries, a list of rules or for more information, contact Bambi Merrifield at 729-2234 or Marsha Fenton at 739-4563.

The Salem Police Department released their report for the month of April. During the month, they wrote three equipment repair orders, two summons to appear in court, 23 warning tickets, and 22 traffic tickets. The Salem Police Department investigated 14 accidents, two assaults, one burglary, one report of counterfeiting, one report of domestic assault, four reports of domestic violence, two reports of driving while intoxicated, five reports of driving while having a license revoked and/or suspended, one report of endangering the welfare of a child, one report of failure to appear, one report of harassment, and one report of leaving the scene of an accident. The department also investigated four reports of property damage, one report of resisting and/or interfering with an arrest, 12 reports of stealing, and two reports of tampering with a victim. They investigated one report of possession of a controlled substance, one report of possession of heroin, five reports of possession of marijuana, one report of possession of methamphetamine, and one report of possession of drug paraphernalia. The police department received 1,124 calls for service during the month, handled 105 walk-ins to the station, and redirected 36 calls to the animal control officer. They spent 26 hours in court testifying, and 10 hours as court bailiff. The Salem Police Department drove a total of 7,206 miles and arrested 20 males and 4 females during the month of April.

The City of Salem and Dent County received extensive damage from high winds that were in the 85-90 miles per hour range Saturday afternoon according to the National Weather Service as determined from the damages. They determined that only straight line winds caused the damage in Salem with some intense down bursts. Numerous electric and utility poles were knocked down along with a tremendous amount of large branches and some trees. The First Baptist Church Family Life Center sustained extensive damage with some of its roof blowing to near 3rd and Jackson Streets. A part of the roof of First Baptist Church Chapel also sustained damage. Damages also occurred to buildings and trees on Route C, Route DD, Highway 72, Highway 68, Highway 19, and Highway 32 by these intense straight line winds. The Oak Grove Baptist Church served as a shelter for people who needed oxygen and other medical assistance who were without power. One estimate had over 70% of the city without power Saturday including a large contingent south of Center Street. Many businesses were closed the rest of the night Saturday and into Sunday as the utility crews worked throughout the night and day including the city electric crews, CenturyLink, Fidelity and Intercounty. The Dent County Fire Protection District cleared numerous roads that were blocked by downed trees and also responded to other calls. The city utility crews are still out there working and they want to know if your electric service has been restored at your home or business. If not, contact the utility office at 729-4117 during regular business hours and after hours, please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.

An accident happened in Phelps County Sunday morning at 12:50 on County Road 3060 about a mile east of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, 25-year old Ashley Godinez of Salem was driving a 2003 Jeep Liberty eastbound when she traveled across the center line of the road, overcorrected and then the Jeep went off the right side of the roadway where it struck a tree and overturned. Suffering serious injuries were Godinez and a passenger, 37-year old Michael Gamblin of Salem. Both were taken to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center by ambulance. It is unknown if either were wearing seat restraints when the accident occurred. The Jeep was totaled and removed from the scene by I-44 Towing.

An accident occurred at 9:25 Thursday night in Texas County on Highway 32 about two miles east of Licking. According to the highway patrol report, a 1984 Chevrolet Flatbed truck driven by 23-year old Devin York of Licking was traveling eastbound on Highway 32. The Chevrolet was then stopped in the roadway due to a mechanical malfunction. A 1992 Buick Le Sabre driven by 17-year old Joy Grover of Licking was traveling eastbound and came upon the Chevrolet, in a corner and collided with the rear of the Chevrolet. York suffered minor injuries and was transported by the Texas County ambulance to the Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston. York was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevrolet sustained minor damage while the Buick sustained extensive damage and both were towed by Jay’s Automotive of Houston.

The Ozark Solid Waste Management District has announced that two Salem R-80 students were among the 34 first and second place winners and 41 honorable mentions earning prizes in the 25th Annual Earth Day Poster, Trash and Graphic Art contest. The contest required participants to re-purpose trash into three-dimensional pieces of art or create posters, which could be hand drawn or graphically designed, based on this year theme of “Be Earth Wise.” Winners from Salem R-80 were Kelsey Stienbarger, 7th grader from Salem Middle School who won 1st Place Trash Art and Kaycee Ditch, 6th grader from Salem Middle School, who earned Honorable Mention Trash Art. The Salem R-80 students participating in the contest were under the direction of teacher Angela Dingess.

The Ozark Artisans Exhibit at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center (ONCRC) opens today at 202 South Main. 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 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

Salem Parks and Recreation Director Tye Lydon has announced that due to some emergency concrete repair work needed on the Alice Craig Municipal Pool at the Salem City Park, the tentative opening date for the pool has been moved from this Saturday back to at least Thursday, June 1st. The Parks and Recreation Department apologizes for the inconvenience this delay may cause and hopes you have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.

The Dent County Commissioners met for regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. Dent County Collector Dennis Medlock was in to share information about merchant and business licenses. He said that according to Chapter 150 of the Missouri State Statutes anyone that collects sales tax must have a Missouri Sales and Use Tax License, irregardless of whether it is a brick and mortar or internet business. Medlock said the business must have a Dent County Merchants License, plus if they conduct business within the city limits they must have a Salem Business License, which can be obtained at the City of Salem Administrative Offices. Medlock said that the number on the Missouri Sales and Use Tax License appears on the county merchant’s license and if there are any questions, stop by his office or consult the Missouri Statutes. In the road report, District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 6580 and 6190, plus materials would be added to and grading would be done on county roads 6010, 6460 and 5630. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson said that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5320 and 5280, while materials would be added to county roads 2110, 2530, and 2370. He added the brush cutter would be finishing up on county road 4050 and then moving to Dent County Road 3340. Larson noted that he had two men finishing the repairs on low water crossings on county road 2110. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said that on Tuesday, the Commissioners and Sheriff Bob Wells had toured the jail in Dunklin County. The Commissioners and Steve Davis, architect with Shive-Hattery, reviewed the pros and cons of the Dunklin County facility. Skiles also noted that he wanted to compliment the National Park Service for getting the upper part of the Current River open for this very busy weekend. Sheriff Wells joined the meeting and Davis then lead a very lengthy discussion of various tentative plans, sketches, options, possible changes, etc. Bids for a Construction Management Agency were opened and the only two bidders were Cahill Construction and Septagon Industries of Sedalia. The Commissioners decided to conduct interviews the afternoon of June 1st. In a 3-0 vote, the Commissioners approved signing an amended agreement for geotechnical exploration. Mike Swyers was in to observe the Jail Project discussion. At the Monday meeting on May 22nd, the Commissioners voted to seek bids on a truck for the Road and Bridge Department and Jim Kostchedoff came in to talk to the Commissioners. Also on Monday Kelly Jamison Smith was in to discuss the Drug Court Budget and the Commissioners suggested she speak to Judge Pearson and they will work with her to get the issue fixed. There will be no meeting of the Commission Monday due to the Memorial Day Holiday so their next meeting will be Thursday June 1st in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident happened in Dent County Thursday afternoon at 2:55 on Route K about two miles west of Highway 19. According to the highway patrol report, 19-year old Nathan Cook of Salem was driving a 2007 Sterling Dump Truck westbound went he drove off the right side of the roadway, returned to the road, over-corrected and overturned. Cook suffered moderate injuries and was flown by Air Evac to the Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. He was wearing a seat restraint. The dump truck sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

There will be an informational meeting held at Montauk State Park on Saturday June 3rd. The meeting will be held at the campground amphitheater from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Input from the public is important to the department. These informational meetings give staff the opportunity to let people know the current status and future plans for the park or site, and they offer visitors the opportunity to comment on the facilities. Staff from the park will be on hand to provide information about the park and answer questions. The public is invited to share comments about the park and its operations.

Here is an Ozark National Scenic Riverways update as they have opened some land-based areas for day use. Park staff and the Midwest Region Incident Management Team have been working to assess conditions and identify areas that are safe to open as we continue to address the large tasks ahead. Teams are working daily to clean up debris, repair extensive damage to facilities, and prioritize areas that can be opened. Full amenities are not available yet in the re-opened areas. Plan to pack out whatever you bring to the areas as trash collection and restroom cleaning will be limited, and areas will not be mowed. Patience is appreciated while recovery efforts continue. Now open are the Round Spring and Pulltite Campgrounds. Reduced rates will be posted at campgrounds where all amenities, such as showers and flush toilets, are not on line yet. Some parts of the Jacks Fork and Current River are now open. Floating is now available on the Upper Current from Tan Vat to Round Spring, and the Jacks Fork is now open for floating from Buck Hollow to Alley boat launch; but closed from Alley boat launch to Two Rivers until safety hazards can be mitigated. The Lower Current River is open for power boating but closed to floating due to persistent high water. These launch areas are now open: Tan Vat, Baptist, Cedar Grove, Akers, Pulltite, Round Spring, Buck Hollow, Rymers, Alley and Big Spring. Open are the Alley Mill parking area, grounds around Alley Mill and Storys Creek School, Alley General Store 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Alley Mill is closed due to flood damage, restrooms – due to issues with the sewage system. Devils Well is open for day use and picnicking. Akers Ranger Station public restrooms will be open. For public information and status updates information desks will be staffed at Round Spring Contact Station, Alley Spring General Store, and Park Headquarters in Van Buren, daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

In some ways, Memorial Day weekend is the gateway to summer fun. The long weekend is an opportunity to visit family or friends, go to one of Missouri’s lakes, or enjoy any number of recreation opportunities in our state. Colonel Sandra K. Karsten, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like the public to make safety a priority this holiday weekend. Use a seat belt and pay attention when you drive, and wear your life jacket when you’re on or near the water. Know where work zones are located along your route, and if alcohol is part of your holiday, make sure driving a vehicle or a vessel is not. The Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort) during the long holiday weekend. This means every available trooper will be on the road enforcing traffic laws and assisting motorists. In addition, the Patrol will assign troopers to 20-mile intervals along Interstates 29, 44, 55, and 70, and U.S. Highways 60 and 61 tomorrow and Monday, May 29th. Troopers taking part in the holiday peak travel crash reduction enforcement project will be alert for all traffic offenses, and be especially vigilant to aggressive driving violations. Motorists or boaters in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use the Highway Patrol’s Emergency Assistance number 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. For road condition reports, travelers can visit our web site at mshp.dps.mo.gov. Click on the Road Condition icon to view road construction areas throughout the state or call 1-888-275-6636. Over the 2016 Memorial Day holiday weekend, 13 people died and 451 were injured in 1,045 traffic crashes. Last year, troopers made 135 DWI arrests. This year’s fatality counting period for the holiday weekend begins at 6:00 pm on Friday, May 26th, and ends at 11:59 pm on Monday, May 29th. Troopers will focus their attention on seat belt use, use of child safety seats, impaired drivers, and speed violations. Motorists are encouraged to be safe and courteous drivers. Speed, inattention, and impaired driving are leading causes of traffic crashes. Please do your part. Obey all traffic laws and make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. The only 100 percent survivable traffic crash is the one that never happens. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Every day as we travel on Missouri’s roadways, we trust that every driver on the road is going to obey the speed limit, pay attention, and drive sober. “Don’t Violate The Trust.”

Congressman Jason Smith congratulated Congressional Art Competition finalists and announced the winner during a reception at Mineral Area College on Saturday. Makayla Cahill from Salem R-80 High School won the 8th Congressional District Competition with a mosaic of a young girl from Salem entitled “Reflections of Youth.” Cahill stated she chose to do a mosaic because it was something she had not tried before and thought it would be a good medium to present her artistic vision. Cahill’s piece “Reflections of Youth” will be displayed in the United States Capitol for a full year and she will receive two round trip tickets to Washington, D.C. to attend the Congressional Art Competition reception with other art competition winners from across the country. There were six finalists from across the 8th Congressional District. In addition to Cahill, Baylee Bilyeu from Salem R-80 High School was also a finalist. The Congressional Art Competition is an annual event for high school students held each spring.

The Salem Park and Recreation Board held a meeting last Thursday at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. After a closed session, Parks and Recreation Director Tye Lydon said 191 children participated in the City Soccer program this spring and it was a success. Lydon stated 415 children had signed up for the softball, baseball and T-Ball leagues. He also discussed the opening of the pool is scheduled for May 27th, but there had been some issues with the pool leaking that could delay the opening. Lydon did report there would be some slow pitch tournaments and baseball tournaments this year. Lydon did say the city had hired Don Smith as a part time Field Supervisor for field prep and in getting the fields ready for games. Guest Stevie Seay asked Lydon if he had a protocol for hiring umpires for the baseball and softball leagues and he said not really except that they need to know the game and be of good moral character. Park President Stan Podorski reported on the budget status and that the budgeted amount of sales tax revenue was reached in 11 months at $375,271.65 received over the $375,000 that was budgeted. Over the first 11 months of the fiscal year, revenues exceed $412,000 while encumbered expenses came in at $225,813.00 with many purchases still to be made in June. Podorski also said a launch meeting was held May 10th for the TAP grant for the new trail at the city park and the LWCF grant for the All Accessible Playground. The engineers now have the designs to work into a plan for the city to move forward. Lydon reported on the Pool House shower improvements and the tree planting and flower bed gardening done at the city park with help from the Spring Creek Garden Club. Lydon also said the “Volunteers for America” cleaned the stream ditch in the city park and he also wanted to thank the high school for the “cleanup day” that allowed students to put down rubber chips in the Al Brown Playground. Podorski reported work is still expected to be done on the Al Brown Fields for a new concession stand with a handicapped accessible bathroom, sidewalks and more. The old concession stand has been cleaned and may have to be used until the new concession stand can be put in, but it still needs a new roof. He also mentioned the city is looking at replacing five light poles with metal standards and new lights in the future. Podorski told members he verbally committed the Park Board to providing $50,000 over two fiscal years to a NAP project submitted by Healthy Dent County for a new Gym on the back lot of the Salem Community Center @The Armory. Without a quorum, a vote on this will have to wait until the next meeting which should be in a couple of weeks. On a request from the Salem News about adding the old middle school property as another park, President Podorski indicated the Salem Park and Recreation Department was not in a fiscally responsible position to look into adding another park. They have long term commitments already established including the work at Al Brown, the City Park’s All-Inclusive Playground and the new Soccer Park that would have to be done first. He said he was speaking personally for the board since there was no longer a quorum where a vote could be taken. The meeting was then adjourned.