Local News

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning for their regular meeting in the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report District One Commissioner Keith Green said that brush would be cut on Dent County Road 6400, while work would continue on county roads 5670 and 5680, which are in the Bunker area. The work will involve adding rip-rap to the bridges as part of the FEMA work. Second District Commissioner Jimmy Williams was absent due to a prior commitment. Road Superintendent Travis Turner reported that brush was being cut on Dent County Road 4340 and rock was being added to county roads 3330 and 4230. Turner also reported that a culvert extension was being replaced on county road 4280 and a 15 inch culvert was being replaced on county road 4290. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said that on Wednesday he was in Jefferson City where as President of the Solid Waste Advisory Board he reported on the activities of the board. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that she balance with the collector and assessor on all monthly collections, abatements and add-ons for January. The commissioners reviewed her reports. She noted that absentee voting for the April elections will begin February 25th. Curley went on to say that the only entities holding elections in April are the City of Salem, Dent County Fire Protection District, Iron County C4, Bunker R3, Rolla #31, and Rolla Fire District. She clarified that citizens that do not live in these districts will not have anything to vote on. Curley said that anyone with election questions should call her office at 573-729-4144. The Commissioners approved quit-claim deeds transferring ownership of railroad rights-of-way to landowners whose property the railways cross. Dent County Assessor Jamie Homeyer and Dent County Collector Shannon Vankirk discussed the SB190 application and clarified the ordinance. The Commission clarified and agreed 2-0 that any “Homestead” real property occupied by an eligible taxpayer as the primary residence and surrounding real property up to 5 acres. An eligible taxpayer shall not claim more than one primary residence. Applications will be available beginning April 1st, with a deadline of June 30th. Dent County Health Center Administrator Zach Moser was in to discuss the illnesses in the community and the closure of Oak Hill R1 School due to the outbreak. Moser presented a resolution appointing the administrator of the Dent County Health Center as Health Officer pursuant to RSMO 205.100. The Commission agree 2-0 adopting the resolution. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will be meeting Tuesday evening at 6:00 at the fire station at #2 South Main. After the roll call and approval of the consent agenda including review of the minutes, the financial review and approval of bills, and the budget review followed by the monthly reimbursement report. In old business, the board will hear a bond issue update followed by new business. New business will include hearing of persons relative to annexation into the fire district. Also, the ice maker renewal will be considered. Chief Floyd will then give his report to the board. The date will be set for the March meeting, and a closed session may be held, if necessary, before the board adjourns. The meeting Tuesday evening will be open to the public.

The Salem Police Department responded to 295 calls for service between January 4th and January 24th.  Officers conducted 49 traffic stops for various traffic violations with 5 resulting in a summons or arrest. They also conducted 11 traffic accident investigations along with 7 informational reports. The calls for service generated the following reports. On Saturday afternoon, January 4th, at approximately 5:00 officers were dispatched to the intersection of Missouri Highway 19 and 32 for a report of an erratic driver believed to be intoxicated. Contact was made with the vehicle stopped at the intersection and an investigation was conducted. As a result of the investigation a 40-year-old Salem female was arrested and later released on summons for excessive BAC. Then on Sunday January 12th, at approximately noon, officers were dispatched to SEMO near the intersection of Third and Grand Street. It was reported that a patient was out of control damaging the inside of the building, causing approximately $3350 in damage. Contact was made with the reported suspect. The suspect was failing to obey lawful orders of police. While trying to make further contact with the suspect he resisted arrest and was subsequently taken into custody. As a result, a 45-year-old Jefferson City male was placed on a 24-hour hold pending the application of warrants. On Tuesday the 21st at approximately 5:00 in the afternoon officers were dispatched to the 1200 block of south Gertrude for a report of a disturbance. It was reported that a male subject was out of control and had kicked a door into the residence and threw an object through the kitchen window breaking it. The male subject had fled on foot prior to officers arriving. Contact was made with the suspect and an investigation was conducted. As a result, a 27-year-old Salem male was arrested for property damage and placed on a 24-hour hold pending the application of warrants. Finally on Wednesday afternoon, January 22nd, at approximately 2:30 an officer arrested a male subject on an active capias warrant for his arrest. While arresting the male he was found to be in possession of Methamphetamine. As a result, a 55-year-old Salem male was incarcerated on the warrants and an application for charges pertaining to the methamphetamine was forwarded to the prosecutor’s office for consideration of charges. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

A project is in the planning stage to rehabilitate the U.S. Route 63 Little Piney Creek Bridge in Phelps County. The bridge deck has deteriorated to the point of needing replacement, but the supporting structures are in good condition. The current plan involves temporary traffic signals keeping the bridge open but narrowing it to one lane with a 10 foot lane. Learn more about the $1.3 million bridge project on the website: https://www.modot.org/us-route-63-bridge-rehabilitation-phelps. While there, sign up for project updates. MoDOT asks all motorists to work with us by buckling up, putting your phone down, obeying all traffic signs, and slowing down and moving over in work zones. Motorists are advised to use extra caution through work zones, obey all traffic signs, and avoid any distractions. For traffic updates or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit our Traveler Information Map. Information is also available 24/7 via social media. Follow the MoDOT Central Missouri District on social media.

An accident occurred in Dent County Tuesday morning at 6:51 on Route Z 4 miles south of Salem. According to the Highway Patrol report a southbound 2000 Chevrolet Blazer, driven by an 18-year-old Salem Female, traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned. The driver was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident and did suffer minor injuries. She was transported to Salem Memorial Hospital by Salem EMS. The Chevrolet was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing.

Due to illness Oak Hill R-1 Schools will be closed February 5th through 7th. Classes are scheduled to resume on Monday February 10th.

The Dent County Commissioners held conference calls Monday morning with Courtney Wegman of LJ Hart and Company and MAC Attorney Travis Elliot. During the call at 11:00 with Wegman the commissioners were joined by Bev Irons, Secretary to Judge Seay and Sheriff Bob Wells. The commission reviewed the written demand from Circuit Court Judge Megan Seay regarding the installation of a courthouse elevator. Wagmen provided insight into the ballot language of the two sales taxes approved for jail construction and funding. She noted that using these funds for a chair lift or elevator in the courthouse would be a stretch. However, the county could allocate the funds toward constructing a new courtroom in the jail facility, which would fully comply with ADA requirements. Wagmen also addressed financial matters, including the transfer of $1.1 million from UMB Bank to the certificate fund for jail payments in 2024. Due to IRS restrictions on earned interest, this transfer was necessary. The commissioners agreed to move the funds for 2024. The 2025 jail payment will be $994,807.50, depleting the certificate fund. Beginning in 2026, payments will be drawn from the County Jail Construction Fund, which generates a little over $1 million annually in sales tax revenue. Looking ahead Wegman requested a rough estimate for constructing a new courtroom to assess funding options, including direct payment for the jail construction fund or financing alternatives. She noted that the sales tax funding jail construction is set for 20 years and will expire in 2038. Judge Randazzo joined the discussion and highlighted the lack of planning in older courthouse designs. Sheriff Wells was concerned that chair lifts might not meet ADA compliance standards. Randazzo agreed that funds should not be wasted on non-compliant attempts and emphasized the need for proper permitting and engineering for any courthouse elevator project. The commissioners thanked Courtney Wegman, participants in the discussion and agreed to continue working on the issue. The commissioners were joined by Dent County Collector Shannon Vankirk during the conference call with MAC Attorney Travis Elliot about SB190 ordinance and its application process. Elliot recommended freezing applications for 2024 and applying credits in 2025 due to reassessment. He clarified that homestead eligibility follows the Circuit Tax Breaker definition, covering homes on up to five acres. He also noted that tax credits do not apply to new construction, improvements, the Blind Pension Fund, or passed bonds. The commissioners will continue to refine the application process.

A project is in the planning stage to rehabilitate the U.S. Route 63 Little Piney Creek Bridge in Phelps County. The bridge deck has deteriorated to the point of needing replacement, but the supporting structures are in good condition. The current plan involves temporary traffic signals keeping the bridge open but narrowing it to one lane with a 10 foot lane. Learn more about the $1.3 million bridge project on the website: https://www.modot.org/us-route-63-bridge-rehabilitation-phelps. While there, sign up for project updates. MoDOT asks all motorists to work with us by buckling up, putting your phone down, obeying all traffic signs, and slowing down and moving over in work zones. Motorists are advised to use extra caution through work zones, obey all traffic signs, and avoid any distractions. For traffic updates or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit our Traveler Information Map. Information is also available 24/7 via social media. Follow the MoDOT Central Missouri District on social media.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning in the courthouse. In the road report District One Commissioner Keith Green said that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 6250, 6400, and 6670, plus rock would be added to those roads if needed. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 3360, 3370, 4270 and 4480, plus brush would be cut on county roads 4040 and 4330. He also noted that rock would be added to county roads 2405 and 4280. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said that he attended the Opioid Committee meeting last week where several applications received tentative approval and were forwarded to MRPC for review and to determine if they met the requirements. The applications will be returned to the committee for awarding of funds to those meeting the criteria. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the commissioners were approving bills for payment. At 10:00 representatives from Mike Keith Insurance were in to introduce themselves and let the commission know that they would like to be on the RFQ list if the commission puts it out for auto, property and liability insurance RFQ’s this fall. At 11:00 the commission held a conference call with Courtney Wagmen from LJ Hart & Company to discuss jail bonds and funding. David Messenger was in and inquired about the commission’s procedures for transferring a railroad right-of-way back to a landowner. He also asked about load limits for chip-and-seal roads. The commissioners clarified that low-water crossings have weight limits and that chip-and-seal rads can typically withstand 5 to 10 tons, depending on the materials used. Then at noon they had a conference call with MAC Attorney Travis Elliott to discuss an SB 190 ordinance and its application process. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the Dent County Courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

Thursday evening at the Judicial Building, the Dent Count Opioid Settlement Committee met to discuss applications for funding from the opioid settlement monies being received by the county. The committee prioritized that funds will be used to treat or serve those in Dent County first, and that applications have no minimums or maximums. Deputy Rick Letchworth led the committee discussion which was focused on the nine applications received for funding. The fund currently has $325,609.22. The board heard about Parted Waters who requested funding for residential housing, the Healthy Dent County Prevention Coalition who requested funding to expand their “Too Good for Drugs” classroom instruction to include 7th through 9th graders as well as create a mentoring program, and the Dent County Health Center who submitted three applications to provide additional meeting space in the community, provide transportation for mostly non-medical needs in the community, and wanting to create a review board for reports on opioid abuse or overdose. The board also heard about two applications from the Salem Memorial Hospital with the first concentrating on three Lucas Devices for chest compression and the creation of harm prevention kits, with the other application being the purchase of a new ambulance; an application from the Dent County Sheriff’s Office for two Lucas devices, a new TruNarc analyzer and compensation for officers being taken off the road to work narcotics; and the last request was from Four Rivers Community Health Center. The total amount of the applications for funding came to $1,068,368.85. Letchworth said the committee will discuss the applications and submit their recommendations to the MRPC. Once he gets them back from the MRPC, he will present them to the Dent County Commission for their approval to be funded. He said the process should take about a week or so.

The Creative Arts Center will hold group Crafting every Sunday through February 23rd from 2:00 until 6:00 with Nicole Curtis. If you need a place to spread your crafts out or don’t like to do crafting alone, bring your supplies to the Creative Arts Center and hang out, spending time with other crafty people. You do have to have all your own supplies and only the front room and bathrooms will be available. The class is open to all those 16 years of age and older with a suggestion donation of $5.00 that goes towards utilities. No children without an adult please. On Thursday night, from 5:00 until 8:00, students can learn to make Chunky Knit Blanket with Danielle Kissir. This is a beginner’s class and is fun for all ages, open to those 10 years of age and older. Crochet or knitting experience is not required. The cost of the class is $75 with yarn and supplies included. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center.

Thursday evening at the Judicial Building, the Dent Count Opioid Settlement Committee met to discuss applications for funding from the opioid settlement monies being received by the county. The committee prioritized that funds will be used to treat or serve those in Dent County first, and that applications have no minimums or maximums. Deputy Rick Letchworth led the committee discussion which was focused on the nine applications received for funding. The fund currently has $325,609.22. The board heard about Parted Waters who requested funding for residential housing, the Healthy Dent County Prevention Coalition who requested funding to expand their “Too Good for Drugs” classroom instruction to include 7th through 9th graders as well as create a mentoring program, and the Dent County Health Center who submitted three applications to provide additional meeting space in the community, provide transportation for mostly non-medical needs in the community, and wanting to create a review board for reports on opioid abuse or overdose. The board also heard about two applications from the Salem Memorial Hospital with the first concentrating on three Lucas Devices for chest compression and the creation of harm prevention kits, with the other application being the purchase of a new ambulance; an application from the Dent County Sheriff’s Office for two Lucas devices, a new TruNarc analyzer and compensation for officers being taken off the road to work narcotics; and the last request was from Four Rivers Community Heatlh Center. The total amount of the applications for funding came to $1,068,368.85. Letchworth said the committee will discuss the applications and submit their recommendations to the MRPC. Once he gets them back from the MRPC, he will present them to the Dent County Commission for their approval to be funded. He said the process should take about a week or so.

On Monday, January 27th, a Rolla man pleaded guilty and admitted transporting a minor across state lines for sex in the US Eastern District Court in St. Louis. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dianna Collins prosecuting the case against 48-year-old Scott M. Arnold-Micke. He pleaded guilty to one count of transportation of a minor to engage in a criminal sex act. He admitted in his plea agreement that in 2021, he took the 17-year-old victim to Chicago, where they used drugs and engaged in sexual acts. Arnold-Micke met the victim that summer and they began engaging in drug use on an almost daily basis after Arnold-Micke moved from Sullivan, Missouri to Rolla. Arnold-Micke is scheduled to be sentenced on April 30th. Both the U.S. Attorney’s office and Arnold-Micke’s lawyers have agreed to recommend 230 months in prison. The case was investigated by the FBI, the Rolla Police Department, and the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dianna Collins is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.

Healthy Dent County is excited to introduce the Circuit30 Program, a full-body workout designed to fit into even the busiest schedules, by hosting a public Open House for the first two weeks of February. This is a fantastic opportunity to check out the new program, tour the facilities, and get a feel for the new machines. The Open House will be from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday, now through February 14th, at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. This innovative program features 15 brand-new, state-of-the-art machines, all available in a private and welcoming environment, making fitness approachable for all. Three group orientation sessions are being held each day from 9:00 – 9:30 AM, 12:00 – 12:30 PM, and 5:00 – 5:30 PM where participants can learn more about the program and how it can work for them. This program is just the latest in several programs available at the facility, other notable classes and programs include; Yoga, Kickboxing, Spin Classes, and Zumba, just to name a few. For more information or to sign up for an orientation session which is open to anyone, please contact them at 573-739-1127 or via email at susie@salemcommunitycenter.org.

At the Dent County Commission meeting Thursday morning, 42nd Judicial Circuit Court Judge Megan Seay presented a “formal demand” letter to the commission requiring them to make the old courthouse ADA compliant with the installation of an elevator. The letter says the elevator must be installed to accommodate those with disabilities as soon as possible. Seay said in her letter that all litigants and citizens who need to access a courthouse should have the right to do so unencumbered and without embarrassment. She goes on to say that the associate courtroom in the Judicial Building cannot accommodate a jury trial, and trials held off site do not have the same sense of decorum and respect for the court proceedings if a jury is involved. She cited that is the case with the Salem City Hall which has numerous exits and entrances. Seay indicated it is the duty of the commission to make certain litigants and court staff are kept safe as possible during court proceedings. In her letter, Judge Seay says that as the Presiding Circuit Judge, she is going to bring the courthouse into compliance with the American with Disabilities Act as it is the right thing to do. Knowing this undertaking will take some time to accomplish, Seay is giving the County Commission 90 days to begin the installation of a chairlift; and to request for bids for the installation of an elevator in the Dent County Courthouse that will need to be published in the Salem News within the next 90 days. Sheriff Bob Wells and the commission discussed an elevator at the old courthouse which could be very costly with the age of the building, and also discussed a new courtroom and judicial offices next to the old jail at Iron and 5th Streets. Commissioner Gary Larson said he has been a proponent of an elevator as well as handicapped accessibility, and at one time had found a grant to help pay to install an elevator at the courthouse for $350,000, but said he was voted down at the time. The cost of an elevator added to the courthouse is expected to exceed one million dollars, not to mention where to add it at the courthouse, and how it will be incorporated into the current historical structure. A new courtroom and judicial center was proposed at the time of the new jail construction, but was deemed too expensive at the time. Dent County citizens passed two jail sales taxes to support the new jail, one for the operation of the jail and the other to pay for the construction. It was discussed, if possible, to extend those sales taxes to help pay for the new courtroom, but that information would need to be presented to L.J. Hart and Company who worked with the county on the jail project who could determine any additional financial costs. The issue would then have to be brought before the people for a vote to extend the sales tax. This could be allowed as the initial bond issue ballot language included the new courtroom and associated judicial offices as being supported by those funds. They will have a conference call with L.J. Hart and Co on Monday morning at 11:00. The commission was going to get updated prices on the chairlift to see if they needed to go out for bid, which it must do if the cost exceeds $12,000. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said the new box spreader was taken to Knapheide where the motor and gearbox had to be replaced, but the box had been recalled and there should not be any charge to the county for the repairs. He said the box spreader was going to be picked up, then tested at the road and bridge department. He said crews were repairing the brush cutter and were still working on FEMA roads. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said crews were in the Sligo area replacing a culvert and working on FEMA road repairs. He also said workers are installing new grader blades. Commissioner Gary Larson had no report and County Clerk Angie Curley said the county was paying bills. Prosecutor Andrew Curley visited with the commission about any future claims and procedures. He wanted to add that he appreciated the commission, the whole budget process, them allocating funds for each office holder and felt all office holders try to stay under those allocated funds approved each year. Sean McGonigle with Missouri Association of Counties Workers Compensation Trust came in to discuss the MAC Trust, what they do, and also updated the commission on resources available to them. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident happened in Dent County Wednesday afternoon at 1:12 on Highway 119 at Dent County Road 6460. According to the highway patrol report, a 2001 GMC Savana driven eastbound by a 31-year old female of Rolla, failed to yield to a 2015 Dodge Ram 2500 driven northbound by a 59-year-old male from Leasburg, causing the Dodge to travel off the right side of the roadway and overturn. Suffering minor injuries from the Savana were the driver and a 59-year-old male passenger from Leasburg; while the driver of the Dodge and another 59-year-old male from Leasburg, suffered minor injuries. The female from the Savana was treated by the EMS at the scene, while the man from the Savana was transported by a private vehicle to the Salem Memorial Hospital. The two men from the Dodge were taken by a private vehicle to Phelps Health in Rolla. Only the driver of the Savana was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting Tuesday evening at 6:00 at 202 N. Washington in the Old City Hall Auditorium. After the Call to Order, the Board approved the agenda and the consent agenda. Rob Benowitz approached the podium, during Public Comments, and asked if the Park Exposé portion of The 100 Acre Wood Rally Race, hosted yearly by the City of Salem, could be moved from 4th Street to the area surrounding the Courthouse, due to the ongoing construction on the sidewalks. The Board agreed to add this topic to the agenda for the next regular meeting. During New and Miscellaneous Business, the Board approved the bid from Sunbelt Solomon in the amount of $17,500.00, to replace the old transformer at the Al Brown Fields that was damaged by the flood in November. This money will come out of the Parks and Recreation Fund. The Board heard the first reading of Bill #3640, which would create an ordinance to amend the 2024-2025 annual budget for the City of Salem, increasing revenues by $731,260.60 and increasing expenditures by $360,002.29. Finance Director Stacy Houston explained that the quote for the City’s General Liability insurance came in after the budget was approved and was much higher than what they had originally budgeted for; the budget adjustment will also reflect some insurance reimbursement funds received from claims submitted after hail and storm damage, and funds that were approved, by the Board, from the previous year’s fund balance. The Board also heard the first and second reading of Bill #3639 that would establish an ordinance to allow the board the option to waive fees to collect yard waste by the city after a storm. This bill was approved, however, at this time, there is no set date for when the yard waste pick up will be. After hearing the first and second readings of Bill #3641, the Board approved the contract with Midstate Pipeline Maintenance, LLC for the Salem Waste Water Treatment Facility Phase 2A improvements in the amount of $4,204,916; The Board approved Bill #3638 for a change order for the cost of the elevation storage tank for the new tank and well project with a cost increase of $12,765. Bill #3630, establishing a service availability fee for sewer services provided by the city, and a payment structure based on the size of the meter, failed due to lack of motion. During the reports of city officials, Public Works Director Steve Paine stated he has put out a request for bids to replace the fencing around the plant that was destroyed in the November flood, and he is working with Houston to collect the necessary documentation to submit the claim for FEMA reimbursement. Paine stated the recent DNR inspection went well; the City’s water loss is at 11%, which is down from 17% at the last inspection. Paine stated they continue to work on finding and repairing leaks. Stacy Houston presented the finance report, in which she stated that the 2024 audit results will be presented at the next Board of Aldermen meeting. With no other reports, the meeting went into executive session to discuss contracts and personnel before adjourning.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital board of directors held their regular meeting Tuesday evening at 7:00 in the Doctors’ Library. After roll call and approving the agenda and past minutes, Chief Executive Officer Brooke Bollman gave her report, in which she stated that due to the current presidential administration’s freeze on federal spending, most grants to the hospital will be halted, and the subsequent effects on the Hospital’s income will remain to be seen. (Since this meeting, however, a federal judge has temporarily blocked the presidential administration’s freeze on federal grants). Bollman stated they are still in active negotiations agreements with Phelps Health with no projected timeframe for completion. The Board approved the monthly financials. In the month of December, inpatient admissions, outpatient registrations, and ER visits went up slightly, and there were 213 ambulance runs. Total operating revenue for the month of December was about $2.4 million. Bollman noted a marked decrease in salary expenditures and a rather large increase in the hospital’s health insurance, and stated it may benefit the hospital to discuss implementing an employee health program. Total operating expenses were around $2.4 million for a net profit of $199,308.85. In December, the 340B program saw a net profit of $26,670, and the hospital currently has 24 days cash on hand. During the Chief Nursing Officer’s report, Amber Hogan stated there are many nursing positions open, they are providing IV push education to LPNs, and have submitted two applications for the Dent County Opioid Relief Settlement. The hospital hired one new employee but lost 11. New changes to the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) will be implemented in 2025, including: changes to several questions, the ability to fill out the survey by proxy, and the method of contacting patients. Thanks to ToRCH funding, which is not part of federal grants and should not be affected by the spending freeze, the hospital’s MO Kiosk Pilot Project has been implemented. Services include: applying for benefits, requesting new EBT and Medicaid cards, and checking case statuses. The Board approved privilege requests for three doctors within the Telepsychiatry and Teleradiology departments, and approved funding for the new PFT Machine through the Bank of Salem at 7% for 5 years with a monthly payment of $1341.67 with no early payoff penalties. The total cost for the new machine will be $67,756.95. The Board voted to create a subcommittee to review the hospital’s various policies and procedures and make recommendations for board approval. Before adjourning, the meeting entered into executive session. The next regular Board of Directors meeting will be held the evening of Tuesday February 25th at 7:00 in the Doctors’ library. The regular meetings are open to the public.

The Dent County Sheriff’s office released these reports. On Friday January 17th deputies responded to the 500 block of County Road 5200 for a wanted subject. The suspect, a 33-year-old Rolla woman, was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Dent County Jail. The next day on Saturday January 18th deputies responded to Montauk State Park for a reported trespassing. Deputies discovered two males’ suspects had moved barriers and entered the park, which is closed to the public due to flooding damage. Charges are pending against 50-year-old St. Louis man and 70-year-old Byrnes Mill man. The next week on Monday January 20th deputies responded to Salem Memorial Hospital for a wanted subject.  The suspect, a 38-year-old Salem woman, was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Dent County Jail. Later in the week on Thursday January 23rd deputies responded to 500 block of County Road 6303 for a forgery complaint. The victim, a 45-year-old Salem woman, alleges a check she had mailed was altered. The investigation is ongoing. If you have any information on an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s office at # 573-729-3241.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture has suspended all poultry and waterfowl auctions, shows, and swap meets in counties with confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) cases. Federal officials have identified HPAI in commercial poultry flocks in Newton, Jasper, McDonald, and Lawrence counties. Missouri State Veterinarian Steve Strubberg stated, “The Missouri Department of Agriculture is working hard to contain and eliminate the HPAI virus. Restricting the comingling of poultry is crucial to stopping the spread of avian influenza in Missouri.” Poultry can still be sold and exhibited in unaffected counties with strict biosecurity measures in place. Producers should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds; and report sick birds or unusual death increases to the state veterinarian’s office at (573) 751-3377. HPAI is a contagious viral disease known to be deadly for domesticated poultry. It has impacted poultry in all 50 states since first confirmed in the United States in 2022. The suspension will extend to other counties if additional cases are confirmed in the coming weeks. More information is available at Agriculture.Mo.Gov.

The Mark Twain Beekeepers will be holding a beginner’s beekeeping class on Saturday, February 22nd at the Salem Senior Center located 604 N McGrath Lane from 9:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon. The cost is $55 per person or $90 for couple or a duo. You will learn all facets of starting your own bee colony and hear from a number of speakers. Lunch will be provided, and you won’t leave hungry. Please register by Saturday, February 1st by calling Gregg at 573-689-2254 or e-mailing marktwainbeekeepers@gmail.com. Your registration will include the name, address and phone number of all who are attending.

Dent County Assessor Jamie Homeyer wants to remind everyone that you should have received your annual assessment form that lists your personal and business property for 2024. These forms were mailed just after the first of the year and they are due on Saturday, March 1st. Those forms MUST be in the Dent County Assessor’s Office by that day or postmarked that day to avoid paying a penalty. You may drop off your assessment list at the assessor’s office at the courthouse and they are open from 8:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon, weekdays. There is also a drop box on the front lawn of the courthouse for your convenience if you can’t make it by until after hours. You can also mail in your assessment list forms but make sure you have the postal clerk postmark your envelope. You can also e-file your assessment list form online. Just follow the instructions on the assessment form you received in the mail. If you have lost your assessment list form or never received one, or you are new to the area, additional blank forms are available at the Dent County Assessor’s Office in the Dent County Courthouse. The penalty for not getting in your assessment form on time is determined at $10 per every $1,000 of assessed valuation with a maximum penalty of $100 if you have assessed valuation of $10,000 or more.  If you have any questions or need assistance with the form, call the Dent County Assessor’s office at the Dent County Courthouse at 729-6010 or stop by during regular business hours at the corner of Highway 19 and 4th Street in downtown Salem.

The National Forest Service has scheduled a controlled burn this morning starting at 11:00 in Reynolds County about seven miles east of Bunker. The burn will cover approximately seven hundred acres. Controlled burns are only held when conditions allow, and should winds or humidity change before 11:00, the burn could be postponed.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse where Amanda Sapaugh from the SB 40 board was in to ask that Phil Christensen, Ron Hutson and Stephanie Floyd be re-appointed to the board. Her request was granted unanimously by the commissioners. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams reported on the CART taxes received by the county in January. This month, Dent County received $85,533.40 while last January, the county received $78,575.56. Stan Podorski from KSMO Radio informed the commission of the visible deterioration on the cap on the gazebo in front of the courthouse. The commission said they would check on it. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said workers continue to service a dump truck. He also stated that if they can get the brush cutter started, they will begin to start cutting brush in District 1. Green said rock would be added and graders would be out working on select FEMA roads. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 3355, while only grading would be done on county roads 3350, 4020 and 4260. Williams went on to say brush would be cut on county road 4320, and a different dump truck would be sent to Gahr Equipment in St. James for repairs. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson had no report, and County Clerk Angie Curley said taxing entities have until end of business today to get in their certification for the April Municipal Election. She said she attended and sworn in on the Missouri Association of Counties board last Thursday in Jefferson City. She said they heard from Trent Watson, Steve Hobbs and attorney Travis Elliott, plus the board was updated on the NACO activities. She hopes to be able to attend the NACO Conference in July. Curley said she is finishing the financial statements that will need to be published in the Salem News by March 1st. Commissioner Williams wanted to thank the public for the good turnout at the budget hearing last Thursday which he felt went very well. Questions from the public were answered and he said he was glad to see previous commissioners in attendance at the hearing. Commissioner Larson also said the 2% COLA increase for office holders was investigated and found that it was allowable as that was approved in 2023 for 2024, and with no salary commission meeting held to change any salaries, that same approval carried on to 2025 budget. At the last meeting after the budget hearing, the commission agreed to put out bids for culverts and grader blades that will be due in the commissioner’s office by March 3rd. The culvert bids will be opened at 10:30 and grader blade bids will be opened at 11:00. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley detailed four criminal cases heard by Judge Michael Randazzo in the 42nd Judicial Circuit Court. Jeff Wakenight of Summersville, previously convicted of felony driving while revoked, violated his probation by breaking state laws. Prosecutor Curley recommended a 4-year sentence under RSMO 217.362, a long-term treatment program involving at least 12 months of incarceration. Wakenight initially sought continued probation but was instead sentenced to 4 years in the Department of Corrections under RSMO 559.115, including a 120-day shock incarceration program. Christopher Black of Salem faced probation revocation on two felony charges: tampering with a motor vehicle and possession of methamphetamine. Specific violations included two instances of methamphetamine use and failure to complete court-ordered community service. Prosecutor Curley sought concurrent 7-year sentences under RSMO 559.115. Despite the state’s objection, Black was continued on probation with a suspended sentence, resulting in felony convictions and a mandatory 5-year probation term through the probation and parole department. Hunter Meade of Salem, on felony probation for heroin possession, was previously ordered to complete the Dent County Alternative Treatment Court. After unsuccessfully terminating from the program, Meade was sentenced to 7 years in prison, as recommended by Prosecutor Curley. Amber Good of Davisville pleaded guilty to distributing 0.2 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover taskforce officer. During her January 22nd sentencing hearing, Good was sentenced to a 10-year suspended sentence. With no prior criminal history, she was placed on 5 years of probation and will serve approximately 90 days in Dent County Jail.

An accident occurred in Dent County Sunday morning at 2:20 on Highway 19 four miles north of Salem. According to the Highway Patrol report a northbound 2021 Nissan Versa, driven by a 22-year-old Salem man, traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. The man suffered minor injuries and sought his own treatment at Salem Memorial Hospital. The report stated that the driver was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Nissan was totaled and removed from the scene by Hayes Auto Salvage.

The Dent County Commission held their 2025 budget hearing Thursday morning at the Dent County Judicial Building. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson presided over the hearing. The General Revenue Fund ended 2024 with net cash available at $2,583,638.27. The estimated revenues for 2025 are $2.505 million dollars while estimated expenses for 2025 are expected to be $2.960 million dollars. This would result in an estimated ending balance of $2,128,313.58 as of December 31st, 2025. Former county commissioner Darrell Skiles questioned the proposed cost of living increase for elected officials without a salary commission meeting in 2024 which is required by state statute to determine an increase, if any. The statute says that without a salary meeting being held, officer’s salaries will be the same as before. The commission said they would check that out and see if the COLA increase based upon previous salary commission meeting minutes is permissible. The Road and Bridge Fund ending cash balance in 2024 was $368,939.36. The commissioners have estimated revenues in 2025 at $3.054 million dollars, and estimated expenses of $3.031 million dollars. This would result in an estimated ending balance of $391,454.36 at the end of 2025. Major expenses will include the road repairs from the November flood of which many will be reimbursed through FEMA, but in what time frame will the money arrive. The Assessment Fund ending balance for 2024 was $110,370.76. The estimated revenues for 2025 came to $237,516.00, and with estimated expenses of $297,327.42, an estimated ending balance at the end of 2025 of $50,559.84 would be expected. The Law Enforcement Sales Tax (LEST) Fund ending balance in 2024 was $889,803.90. With estimate revenues in 2025 expected to be $1.232 million dollars and estimated deductions of $1.410 million dollars, this should leave an estimated ending balance of $711,046.92 at the end of 2025. The 9-1-1 fund had an ending balance of $57,441.13 in 2024. With expected estimated revenues of $35,001 in 2025 and estimated expenses of $45,500, there would be an expected ending balance at the end of 2025 of $46,942.36. The Jail Construction and Operations Fund finished the 2024 year with cash available of $2,442,035.45. The fund is expected to have revenues in 2025 of $2.383 million dollars, and with estimated expenses of $2.674 million dollars, that would leave an estimated ending balance of $2,150,892.19 at the end of 2025. The Jail Construction Trust Fund finished 2024 with an ending balance of $1.672 million dollars. The commissioners estimated revenues of $1.145 million dollars, and with anticipated expenses of $1.360 million dollars, that would leave the fund with a projected ending balance of $1,457,644.37 at the end of 2025. The budget for 2025 was then approved unanimously by the commissioners with the salary increase contingency for the elected officials. The hearing was then adjourned. 

On January 24, 2025, Sheriff Bob Wells and Prosecutor Andrew M. Curley presented a check for the sum of $415.60 to Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams to be placed into the general revenue fund for Dent County. The money is the result of efforts by law enforcement involving the seizure of firearms and prosecution of a James M. Larson for an arrest that occurred on April 30, 2024. James Larson was prosecuted for unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. In addition to the criminal conviction, the seizure is authorized by Missouri law as a punishment and deterrent to persons that commit a criminal offense. This money will be used for the benefit of Dent County Government.

MoDOT has scheduled road work. In Dent County, roadside work is planned for Routes 32 and H. The Route 19 bridge replacement project at Standing Rock Creek continues, with intermittent lane closures expected through May 2025. In Crawford County, Interstate 44 will undergo pavement repairs from mile marker 224 to 214. Route 49 roadside work is planned from Route 19 to Route Y during the same period. In Phelps County, projects include bridge maintenance on Route 63 at Yancy Mills, culvert replacement on Routes H and M, and roadside work on Routes E and CC. Outer Road 44 will see bridge maintenance starting this week until February 7.