Local News

The Salem Police Department has released their report for the month of August. The department responded to nine accidents during the month. Officers responded to 13 alarms sounding and addressed 28 animal calls, investigated six assaults or fights, two burglaries, performed 25 well-being checks and 32 area checks in August. Police investigated 15 domestic disputes, eight verbal and three physical disturbances, conducted 56 follow-up investigations, and provided 21 escorts. They investigated two harassment reports, two nuisance violations, three parking complaint calls, one intoxicated pedestrian report, one shoplifting report and offered assistance to eight motorists. The Salem Police wrote four property damage reports, made 11 stealing reports, wrote four trespassing reports and responded to four traffic complaints during the month. Officers responded to four reports of suicidal persons, 20 suspicious circumstance calls, ten suspicious person calls, and ten suspicious vehicle calls. Officers attempted to serve six warrants and conducted 105 traffic stops during the month. The police  responded to a total of 552 incidents in August with the average response time to calls being two minutes and nine seconds. The average time spent on the scene was 16 minutes and 47 seconds.

Make plans for the 12th Annual Smokin’ Hot Veterans Rib Cook-Off this Saturday, at the American Legion Post 99 on Highway 32, west of Salem. Judging will start at 3:00 and ribs and dinners will be available for purchase at 5:30. In memory of Clint Medlock, prepaid Yellow T-Shirts are available for purchase by calling 573-247-0154 or see the sign-up sheet at the Post. The Cook-Off competition will be for wet or dry rubs and contestants may enter one or both

categories. The Entry Fee is $35.00, and contestants are to provide their own ribs. The 1st Place Trophy, Apron and $200 go to the winner, while 2nd Place will receive an Apron and $150, and 3rd Place will win $100. To sign-up to cook ribs, get information, and a list of rules contact Raul Segovia at 573-247-5074 or Barb Medlock at 573-247-0154. Music will be provided by Moonshine Express from 4:00 until 7:00.

The Dent County Historical Society will sponsor a round table discussion about the Ashley area at 2:00 in the afternoon this Sunday. The event will be held at the James & Gahr Family Center in Downtown Salem. Speakers: Alex Primm, Justin Mutrux, and Deloris Gray Wood will share insights about the region, which spans parts of Dent and Texas Counties. Topics will include the historical Saltpeter Cave, its role in early commerce, and local family histories. The discussion will cover William Henry Ashley, Missouri’s first Lieutenant Governor, who had Saltpeter hauled from the cave to Potosi for gunpowder production during the War of 1812. Henry Rowe Schoolcraft’s 1818 documentation of the area’s flora and fauna will also be discussed. Primm, an oral historian and author, will bring a large painted mural map of the Ozarks for display. His recent book, “Ozark Voices: Oral History from the Heartland,” is currently being adapted into an audiobook by the Library of Congress. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Dent County Historical Society at 573-729-2545.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the courthouse. In the road report, District One Commissioner Wes Mobray said a culvert was being installed on Dent County Road 5690 as well as rock being added and grading done on that road. He said brush would be cut on county roads 5150 and 5170. District Two Commissioner Gary Polk reported that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2210 and 5280, while rock will be added and grading done on county road 5300. Polk said brush would be cut on county road 4380. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he was signing the Department of Agriculture Grant for the remonumentation of corners that allows for eight corners to be remonumented by the surveyor, and the county will receive $350 for each corner with a maximum amount returned to the county of $2,800. Larson also said tickets for the MRPC Annual Dinner, that will be held in Linn, Missouri on October 24th are now available for $40 each. Contact the MRPC at 573-265-2993 for more information. Commissioner Larson reported the commission would be discussing getting Coroner Ben Pursiful a different truck for the coroner’s office. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the last day to register to vote for the General Election will be on October 9th, absentee voting with an excuse begins September 24th, while “no excuse” absentee voting will begin on October 22nd. The last day to mail a ballot will be October 23rd and if anyone needs to update their voter registration, such as an address change or name change, the sooner that can be done the better, at the County Clerk’s office. Curley also said she balanced with the collector and assessor for the month of August on all abatements, add-ons, and collections. Shawn McGonigle from the MAC Trust stopped by to let the commission know the county will see a reduction between 25 and 30% in their workman compensation premiums for the next year. He said there is still one open claim, and that is about to be wrapped up. He also said MAC will be deciding during a Zoom call meeting to build an office and training center in Jefferson City for meetings and more. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning in the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Utility Committee held their regular meeting last night at 6:15 in the Auditorium. The board approved the agenda and the minutes from the last meeting. The Financial Report, was given by Stacy Houston. As of August 31st, the ending fund balance in all three electric funds is $2.9 million; the ending balance on all three water funds is $1.6 million; and the ending balance on all sewer funds is $872,000. During the building updates, City Administrator Sally Burbridge stated she reached out to BHNG, The company doing the unit rate study and audit on the utilities billing system, and they are expecting a presentation anytime between November and December. Utility director Steve Payne gave an update on water and sewer. During the discussion about water meter fees, Board Member John Hambacker asked for clarification about the consumption total with the new service availability fees. Burbridge and Board member Kyle Williams explained how those numbers are calculated. John talked about the fees he proposed at the last meeting that would be applied only to motels and hotels in the city only, not other businesses. Sally explained that they have to be careful about implementing changes that single out specific individuals and businesses. Kyle stated that overall meter rate based on size would be appropriate, but not to include any additional verbiage that singles out hotels and motels specifically. John then made a motion that the base rates be changed to service availability fees for sewer only where meters less than 3 inches is $12, 3 inches is $60, 4 inches is $120, 5 inches is $150, and 6 inches is $190 per month. The fee for meters outside the city would remain the same. The motion carried. During the Sewer Adjustment Policy portion, a motion was made to amend the policy to state the utilities department will adjust the most recent three months. Motion passed. During the question portion of the meeting, There was a question about postage. Sally stated they are in the process of trying to get a quote for outsourcing the printing and mailing of the bills, though there is no timeline on when that will be. The next utility meeting will be Wednesday October 9th. 

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday evening at the fire station at #2 South Main Street. The minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed and approved. The financial report was reviewed with an ending balance of $162,732.83. All bills, payments, and statements were reviewed and signed. The budget was reviewed and approved as presented. The monthly reimbursement report showed a total of 12 calls for the month of August bringing the total calls year to date to 185. Some of those calls included one building fire, carbon monoxide incident, and a medical assist. In old business grants for the AFG radios open next week. They are also looking at Harris radios. Chief Floyd will put information together to compare the two. In new business the draft audit results were discussed as sent by KD Audit, Kristen Deluca. It was noted that internal control of financial statements was weak due to the limited number of people working in the office. The recommendation was for the board to thoroughly review the monthly financial statements and supporting documentation as a mitigating control. The board discussed having a predetermined amount of time at each board meeting to review and discuss the finances. Also, each quarter the board will spend more time looking at finances. They will look for further ways to make the finances better. In the Chiefs report to the board, he asked that Greg Thies be paid for the smoke machine Thies purchased for the department. Also, a Basic Firefighters class is being held and graduation will be in about three weeks. Chief Floyd stated that the bays are striped for the trucks and the department is in need of a nozzle for 8020 at approximately $300.00 to $900.00. The date for the October board meeting was set for 6:00, Tuesday evening, October 8th at the Dent County Fire Station. 

Healthy Dent County will be hosting an informational meeting to help women learn how to navigate their way to hormonal happiness and maintain a healthy and happy life through menopause on Tuesday, September 17th at the

Salem Community Center at the Armory. April Greener, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, with the Dent County Health Department will be the guest speaker. The cost to attend this meeting is free and this event is open to the public. The meeting will begin in the evening at 5:30 and last until 6:30 in the Rotary Conference Room. For more information, call the Healthy Dent County Fitness Center at 573-739-1127 or email susie@salemcommunitycenter.org. 

Missouri hunters should note several changes for the upcoming deer and turkey hunting seasons, as announced by the Missouri Department of Conservation. These changes affect hunting dates, permits, and regulations aimed at managing wildlife populations and controlling Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Archery deer and turkey seasons open September 15 and run through November 15, reopening November 27 until January 15, 2025. For deer, the firearms season kicks off with the Early Antlerless Portion on October 11-13, followed by various portions throughout November and December. Turkey hunters will need to purchase a new fall turkey-hunting permit, as it’s no longer included with the archery deer-hunting permit. The harvest limit for turkeys has been reduced to two birds for both archery and firearms portions combined. Several counties, including Dent, Phelps, and Shannon, have been added to the CWD Management Zone. This expansion removes the antler-point restriction in these areas to help control CWD spread. During the November portion opening weekend (November 16-17), hunters in CWD Management Zone counties must take harvested deer to mandatory sampling stations. Other notable changes include increased antlerless permit limits in some counties and the allowance of drones for tracking wounded deer and turkeys. Hunters are strongly encouraged to review the full regulations at mdc.mo.gov/CWD before the season begins.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly half of all car seats are used incorrectly. To address this, They are hosting several free car seat check events to be held during Child Passenger Safety Week, September 15-21. Certified technicians will inspect car seats, review expiration dates, and provide installation guidance at several locations, including Licking and West Plains. Other participating cities are Cape Girardeau, Marble Hill, Mountain Grove, Perryville, Poplar Bluff, Sikeston, and Van Buren. Each 30-minute check could make a crucial difference in your child’s safety. Key safety tips include use of age and size appropriate car seats and boosters. Children under 13 are safest riding in the back seat. Remember to never leave a child alone in a vehicle, as temperatures can quickly rise to a very dangerous level. Always set a good example and wear your seatbelt. For more information visit www.savemolives.com or contact Emily Church at (573)339-6365.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting last night in the old auditorium at 6:00. The agenda was approved with the addition of a review for an emergency purchase of a new UV Control Panel. The board then approved the consent agenda. During public comments, John Heimbecker approached and spoke about the Frisco Trail Sign located on West 3rd Street and Grant Intersection. He extended his gratitude toward Chief Joe Chase, and Utility Director Steve Payne for their assistance on the project. The board then presented University of Missouri Extension office representative, Brandi Richardson with a proclamation recognizing their involvement in promoting Missouri Good Neighbor Week. Ms. Richardson then spoke briefly about the extension office and thanked everyone involved in cultivating a successful 4-H program in the area. The Board then approved adding Kyle Williams as a member to the Salem Public Library Board of Trustees. City Administrator, Sally Burbridge read a bid for Pool Media Approval. The bid came in from WestPort Pools and includes removing and disposing of the old pool media, sand, and replacing it with a glass media. Using glass in the pool filtration system will catch much smaller particles than sand, allowing for cleaner water. Glass media also has an estimated life expectancy of up to 10 years as opposed to the 5-7 years life expectancy for sand. The cost of the project is $25,500. Alderwoman Sisco asked if the bid included any kind of warranty. Burbridge was unable to answer that question. The bid approval was tabled, until further information can be obtained, in a 3-1 vote with Alderman Whelan dissenting. The Board then approved resolution No. 22-2024; a resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement between the City of Salem and the Meramec Regional Planning Commission for membership services. This will be paid out of Non-Departmental Memberships. Line item 100-512-50315. With a budget of $5,500. Before the City Officials Reports, the Board approved the emergency purchase of a new UV Control Panel for the Wastewater System. The old system has stopped working, and there is no time to open up for bids. The new system is estimated to cost around $7,500. During the Reports of City Officials, Mayor Parker stated the Fall City-wide Yard Sale date will be held on October 5th with the city wide cleanup on October 21 through 25. He also wanted to remind citizens that if they are experiencing issues with their water or sewer they need to contact the city before they contact the DNR. Steve Payne gave the utility report in his report he mentioned signing an easement for the construction of a new water tower and pump over by the hospital. On this, Sally Burbridge stated, they are set to start accepting bids as early as next week. Steve said they also opened bids for the Fire Hydrant Maintenance Project. This project will repaint and add reflectors to hydrants throughout town, making them much easier to locate by the fire department, at night. He stated that there is no estimated time of completion for this project, as finding contractors has been difficult. He gave an update on the new backhoe that was recently purchased and delivered by the city. He said it is a great machine and is working wonderfully. Alderman Bolerjack, in his report, stated that the Missouri Good Neighbor Week will take place September 28 through October 4th. For more information, please visit the missourigoodneighborweek.com Alderwoman Sisco stated the Fireworks Committee met last week to discuss upcoming fundraising events for next year’s Fourth of July Fireworks display. She explained that the Fireworks Committee is not operated by the city in any way. For more information and updated event times, please visit the Salem Missouri Fireworks Facebook Page. The meeting then adjourned. 

The City of Salem Utility Committee meeting will be held tonight at 6:15 at the Old City Hall Auditorium at 202 North Washington. At the meeting, the committee will hear financial updates, billing updates and hear work reports  from utility crews. The committee will also discuss water meter fees, discuss a sewer policy adjustment, and hear public comments before adjourning. The meeting, called by Alderwoman Catherine Dent, is open to the public. Those unable to attend the meeting in person, may watch the live broadcast on the City of Salem Missouri Youtube channel.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 5100 and 5400 while only grading would be done on county road 6350. Mobray said a man would be going to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal repair. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 5300 where work crews will also be cutting out some curves to straighten the road. He said brush would be cut on county roads 2390 and 4380. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson had nothing to report and Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported on the MAC Conference she attended last week. She said she has been appointed to the mentoring committee, the legislative committee and scholarship committee. She said they heard reports on A.I., cyber security, the opioid health settlement, mental health, and their group took a tour of the St. Louis County Election Warehouse near Westport Plaza. She said it was very impressive with all the information they have and the layers of data they have on every voting district. She said she will have a zoom meeting with the MAC Board this Thursday. The commissioners accepted bids for propane for the courthouse for the winter at 10:00 and received three bids: Chilton Oil in Salem, Ferrellgas in Salem and MFA Oil from Rolla. The Commission elected to go with the the bid from Ferrellgas for $1.659 per gallon. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk brought in the August turnover and said her office collected $87,583.39 during the month which has been distributed to the tax entities. She also said her office issued the Collector’s Deeds to the properties sold in 2023 on the courthouse steps for unpaid taxes. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will hold their regular meeting this evening at 6:00 in the Old City Hall Auditorium. After the call to order and roll call, the Board will approve the agenda and the consent agenda, followed by public comments. The University of Missouri Extension will make a presentation followed by a Library Board appointment. Bids for Pool Media will be considered for approval. In new and miscellaneous business the Board will hear Resolution No. 22-2024, a resolution authorizing the mayor to executed an agreement between the City of Salem and the Meramec Regional Planning Commission for membership services. City officials will then report followed by adjournment. The City of Salem Board of Aldermen meeting tonight, is open to the public, and will also be live streamed through the City of Salem Missouri Youtube Channel.

In a letter from the Salem R-80 District Superintendent, Nate Wills talks about the importance of open and transparent communication between students, parents, teachers and staff. In his letter he explains that clear communication for students is crucial to their success and well being as they have access to the resources they need to thrive. Parents and guardians also benefit from clear communication about their child’s progress and school activities, allowing them to be more engaged and supportive partners in their child’s education. By sharing ideas and concerns openly the school can address challenges more efficiently and develop innovative solutions. Superintendent Wills would also like to invite families to Coffee Connections, an event that will take place several times throughout the school year, where the school district will share what is happening at the schools and get feedback from community members, parents, and friends of Salem R-80. Wills will be present at the Coffee Connections meetings. The first meeting will be held on the morning of Wednesday September 25th from 8-9 at William Lynch Elementary. Future dates will be posted to the Salem R-80 District Facebook Page. To read this letter in its entirety, please go to the KSMO Radio/Your World Today Facebook page.

In November 2023, the Missouri Department of Conservation received a report of a mature bull elk found shot dead and left to rot near Klepzig Mill in Shannon County. Shannon County agents led the nine month investigation. The investigation ended recently with 15 charges of multiple violations of the Wildlife Code of Missouri being filed in court against three Missouri men from the Bonne Terre area. Poaching is the taking of wildlife outside of season, without the proper permit, or in other violation of the Wildlife Code of Missouri, and hurts Missouri wildlife and those who appreciate it as hunters, anglers, and nature watchers. The Operation Game Thief (OGT) hotline allows Missourians to protect nature by reporting poaching. Please report possible violations of the Wildlife Code to your local conservation agent or call OGT at 800-392-1111. Callers may remain anonymous and may be considered for a reward. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/about-us/about-regulations/operation-game-thief.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will be meeting tomorrow evening at 6:00 at the fire station at #2 South Main Street. After the roll call and approval of the consent agenda which includes the budget review and financial reports, the monthly reimbursement report will be heard. In old business, the board will discuss the AFG grant for radios before the board reviews the audit results in new business. Chief Floyd will then give his report to the board. The date will be set for the October meeting before the board adjourns. The meeting Tuesday evening will be open to the public.

An accident occurred Sunday morning in Phelps County at 9:20 on Phelps County Road 7210 and County Road 7240 about nine miles south of Rolla that left a 13 year old juvenile in serious condition. According to the highway patrol report, the juvenile, was driving southbound in a 1995 Honda Fourtrax 300 failed to yield at the intersection and was struck by Emily Arthur, of Newburg, driving westbound in a 2016 Jeep Wrangler. The minor was flown by Phelps Air to St. Louis Children’s Hospital. The juvenile was wearing a safety device at the time of the accident. The Fourtrax sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by the owner. The Jeep sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene by Arthur.

The Missouri Department of Transportation has announced several road maintenance projects for this week, affecting nearby areas. In Dent County: Missouri Route 32 will have pothole patching from the Texas County line to Route F. Route CC will undergo pavement repair from Route C in Texas County to Route H. Route H will see pothole patching from Route 63 in Phelps County to Missouri Route 72. Route K will have roadside work from Route KK in Shannon County to Route E. In Phelps County: Route BB will have a seal coat operation from St. James to Rolla, today through Wednesday. Route F will undergo a seal coat operation from Route 68 to Route 72, beginning on Wednesday to conclude on Saturday. Routes 8 and DD in St. James will have ongoing pedestrian facility upgrades until October 2024. In nearby Reynolds County, Route KK will be closed for paving on Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. between County Roads 900 and 906. The bridge will remain reduced to one lane until September 30. All projects will maintain one open lane with flaggers directing traffic through work zones. Motorists should expect delays and are advised to use caution when traveling through these areas. Weather may affect scheduled work. Drivers are encouraged to plan accordingly and stay alert for slow-moving equipment in these areas.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds hunters of regulation changes for the upcoming turkey hunting season. The changes include a new fall turkey permit, allowing drones for tracking wounded turkeys, and more. The fall turkey season is now divided into archery and firearms portions, and the harvest limit for both portions combined has been reduced from four to two birds of either sex. Archery turkey hunting in Missouri opens Sunday the 15th and runs through November 15th. It reopens November 27th and runs through January 15th, 2025. Fall firearms turkey hunting runs October 1st through the 31st in open counties. MDC has created a new fall turkey-hunting permit, so turkey permits are no longer included with an archery deer-hunting permit. Both fall firearms turkey hunters and fall archery turkey hunters must purchase this new permit to be able to harvest turkeys during fall seasons.

A new National Park Service report reveals that Ozark National Scenic Riverways had a significant economic impact on local communities in 2023. The park attracted 1.3 million visitors who spent $66.8 million in nearby areas, supporting 908 jobs and generating $76.8 million in economic benefits. Superintendent Jason Lott highlighted the park’s role in supporting the local economy, noting that visitors come to enjoy the Current and Jacks Fork rivers while contributing to area businesses. The report, titled “2023 National Park Visitor Spending Effects,” shows that nationwide, 325.5 million visitors to national parks spent $26.4 billion in surrounding communities. This spending supported 415,400 jobs and provided $55.6 billion in economic output across the country. Lodging and restaurants were the top beneficiaries of visitor spending, with $9.9 billion and $5.2 billion in economic output respectively. For more information about national parks in Missouri and their impact, visit  ww.nps.gov/missouri.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5400, 6170, 6175 and 6240 while the Mannis brush cutter is being serviced. Mobray said rock will be hauled to a number of locations. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 2403, while only grading will be done on county road 4437. Polk said brush would be cut on county roads 4380 and 6150. Polk said workers were repairing a radio on a tractor, and a crew would be installing new speed limit signs on Dent County Road 2070. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said the county has received the hail damage insurance check from Tokio Marine HCC in the amount of $584,537.88, and will begin to put bid specs together so the repair projects could be put out for bid. Assistant County Clerk Melissa Piatt said she would be working on the handicapped and elderly applications that will need to be sent out soon in order for the elderly and handicapped unable to go to the polls the chance to vote in the November election. At the last meeting, Dent County Coroner Ben Pursiful told the commission he needs a vehicle with an eight-foot bed. He has been under budget the last four years and doesn’t take the county insurance that saves the county money. They would like Pursiful to look at used vehicles that may be available, but the commission will also check the state bid and compare. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Military veterans can trout fish for free at Montauk State Park Saturday which is sponsored through the partnership of “Hooked on Vets,” the Missouri Department of Conservation and Missouri State Parks. Veterans must pick and display a fishing tag that will be given to them at the “Hooked on Vets” tent/booth by their personnel that will be set up in the park. Veterans can also find out more about all the “Hooked on Vets” projects and services at the tent/booth.

“Ladies’ Day Trout Fishing Event” is set for this weekend at Maramec Spring Park. Women anglers of all ages are invited to a free trout-fishing event this Saturday, September 7. The Missouri Department of Conservation is hosting the event from 7:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m., with no fishing license or daily trout tag required for women participants. A special area of the spring branch will be reserved for event anglers, where 100 tagged prize fish will be stocked. Catching one of these fish could win anglers prizes such as fishing rods, vests, tackle boxes, and nets. MDC staff will provide instruction on basic trout fishing tactics, casting, cleaning, and cooking. Fly tying and casting demonstrations will also be available for those interested in fly fishing. While the event focuses on women anglers, men are welcome to fish other areas of the park with the purchase of a daily tag. The park entrance fee will be waived for all female participants. Maramec Spring Park is located about six miles east of St. James on Highway 8. For more information, contact Hatchery Manager Tyler Edwards at (573) 265-7801 or tyler.edwards@mdc.mo.gov.

Healthy Dent County is hosting an informational meeting on navigating menopause on Tuesday, September 17 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. April Greener, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, from the Dent County Health Department will be the guest speaker. The event is free and open to the public. Those interested in attending should RSVP by contacting Susie at the Salem Community Center at 573-739-1127 or susie@salemcommunitycenter.org.

MoDOT inspectors have discovered quality problems with new concrete on the 8-mile eastbound section of Interstate 44 between Rolla and St. James. This is part of a $50.5 million project that began in April 2022. The issues, found in concrete joints, will require corrections and delay the project’s completion. MoDOT is requiring the contractor, Capital Paving & Construction, to analyze the full 8 miles of concrete and develop a remediation plan. The current traffic pattern for eastbound drivers will remain in place while the issue is addressed. A new completion date has not been set. For more information, visit modot.org/I44phelpscrawford or call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT.

Monday afternoon at 1:35 in Dent County on Highway 68 about three miles north of Salem, an accident happened that left a Salem man in serious condition. According to the highway patrol report, a 2023 Kia Seltos was being driven eastbound by 47-year-old Nicholas McGraw of Salem, when he traveled off the right side of the roadway where the Kia struck an embankment and overturned. McGraw suffered serious injuries and was transported by Air Evac Medical Helicopter to Mercy Hospital in Springfield. The Kia was totaled and removed from the scene by American Muffler. McGraw was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by the Dent County Sheriff’s Department, the Salem Memorial Hospital EMS, and the Dent County Fire Protection District.

An accident happened Saturday evening in Phelps County at 6:23 on Phelps County Road 2110 about five miles north of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, 21-year-old Sebastian Jones of Rolla, was operating a 2006 Honda Motorcycle and was being pursued by the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, when he traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned. Jones was ejected from the motorcycle and suffered serious injuries. He was Mercy Life Flighted to the University Hospital in Columbia. Jones was wearing safety equipment when the accident occurred. The Honda was totaled and removed from the scene by C&C Towing.

An accident happened Monday afternoon at 4:20 in Phelps County on Phelps County Road 3000 at Phelps County Road 3190, about four miles east of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, an Arctic Cat All-Terrian Vehicle driven eastbound by 45-year-old Derek Willison of Rolla, swerved to miss another vehicle and overturned. Suffering moderate injuries was Willison, while a passenger on the ATV, 35-year-old Jennali Chasteen of Rolla, suffered minor injuries. Both were taken to Phelps Health by the Phelps Health Ambulance District. Neither were wearing any safety equipment at the time of the accident. The Arctic Cat sustained moderate damages and was towed from the scene by a private party.

An accident happened in Dent County Wednesday morning at 7:04 on Route P about two miles west of Highway 32. according to the highway patrol report, 55-year-old Brian Miller of Salem was driving a 2006 Chevrolet 2500 northbound, when the side mirror of the truck struck 25-year old Owen Ramey of Salem, who was was walking along the edge of the roadway. Ramey suffered minor injuries and was transported to the Salem Hospital for treatment. The Chevrolet truck sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene. 

Healthy Dent County is thrilled to invite the community to its 13th Annual Girls Night Out, taking place on Thursday, September 12, from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory, located at 1200 W. Rolla Road in Salem. This highly anticipated event promises an evening filled with fun and excitement for women and girls aged 12 and older. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore over 50 unique vendors showcasing a diverse range of products and services tailored to women’s interests. Highlights of the event include shopping with an array of unique vendors, prize giveaways and door prizes, FREE samples of various products, food samples for a delightful culinary experience, exciting activities and more. Admission is just $5.00, and all proceeds support Healthy Dent County’s initiatives. As a special incentive, attendees who bring a canned or non-perishable food item will receive a ticket for a chance to win a gift card. Each item donated increases the chance of winning, with all contributions going to the Sacred Heart Food Pantry and Grace Harbor. Healthy Dent County Executive Director Sherry Lea said this annual event is a fantastic opportunity for women to enjoy an evening of shopping and socializing while supporting a great cause. We’re excited to bring together a diverse group of vendors and offer a range of activities that promise to make this Girls’ Night Out a memorable experience. For more information or to inquire about becoming a vendor, please contact Jackie at 729-8163 or via email at jackie@salemcommunitycenter.org.

The Missouri Department of Conservation will host a hunter education certification course on September 16 from 5-9 p.m. at East Central Community College’s Rolla North Campus. The course is for participants 11 and older. Attendees must complete the knowledge portion beforehand, either online (for a fee) or via the free student manual. Those who choose to complete the student manual chapter review questions must bring the booklet to the class for the instructor to review at no cost. Student manuals can be found on MDC’s website. For more information on hunter education requirements and to register for the course visit mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/hunter-education.

Seven people died in traffic crashes, two people died in a boating crash, and one person drowned during the 2024 Labor Day holiday weekend. The 2024 counting period for the Labor Day holiday was from 6:00 Friday evening August 30th, through 11:59 Monday night, September 2nd. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the following enforcement activity during 2024 Labor Day holiday. These are preliminary statistics. There were 233 crashes resulting in 115 injuries which resulted in 7 fatalities. There were 108 DWI arrests and 5 Drug arrests. Preliminary MSHP Boating indicate there were 3 crashes, resulting in 8 injuries and 2 fatalities. There was 1 drowning and 8 Boating While Intoxicated arrests. The fatality statistics in this news release could change if late deaths occur, if other departments report fatalities after this news release was sent out, or if a fatality is determined to be caused by a medical condition rather than a traffic/boating/drowning incident.

The Maries County Public Water Supply District No. 1 has been awarded a $30,000 grant by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. This Drinking Water Engineering Report Grant will enable the district to evaluate its drinking water system and identify necessary improvements. The grant is part of a program designed to help communities assess their public drinking water systems. With this funding, the district will be able to pinpoint any upgrades needed to maintain reliable service and meet drinking water quality standards. Department officials stressed the importance of water infrastructure in supporting community health and economic vitality. This evaluation will allow the district to address current needs and plan for future growth. The project is funded in part or whole by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources, through its Financial Assistance Center, offers various funding opportunities for communities with water infrastructure needs. For more information on water-related funding opportunities, interested parties can visit the department’s website at dnr.mo.gov.

Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) is accepting public comment on its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) until September 7th. A CEDS is designed to identify regional priorities for economic and community development. An effective plan allows the region to maximize its economic development potential, as well as engage with the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and other federal partners to receive infrastructure and technical assistance grants. MRPC Planning Manager Anne Freand said that the CEDS is important to the region because it identifies locally grown strategies that will guide regional economic development, encourage partnerships and collaboration and improve economic outcomes and overall quality of life in our region. The CEDS document is the result of a year-long planning process, which included data gathering and input from people who live and work in the Meramec Region. The draft plan can be found online at www.meramecregion.org. For additional questions or to submit feedback email Freand at afreand@meramecregion.org or call the MRPC office at 573-265-2993. Feedback can also be mailed to MRPC Attention Anne Freand, #4 Industrial Drive, St. James, MO 65559 or individuals can stop by the office in person between 8:00 and 4:30, Monday through Friday.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways will offer free, one-day fly fishing workshops for youth ages 12-16 on September 8, 15, and October 6 at Mt Zion Church north of Akers. Park Ranger Mark Van Patten, a 2023 National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame inductee, will lead the sessions. The workshops will cover casting techniques, catch and release methods, fly presentation, aquatic entomology, equipment, and water reading. Each session is limited to 10 youth participants, with a required parent or guardian for each. Participants should bring a valid Missouri fishing permit (if 16 or older), trout permit, waders, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, lunch, and water. Some equipment will be provided. For reservations, contact Round Spring Ranger Station at (573) 858-3297. 

The Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) is accepting applications for the Show-Me Entrepreneurial Grants for Agriculture (SEGA) Innovation Grant Program until October 4, 2024. The program offers grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 for Missouri entities seeking to add value to agricultural products. Recipients must provide a minimum 25% cash match. Eligible projects include facilities, equipment upgrades, services, and cooperative marketing efforts related to value-added agriculture. For application forms and more information, visit www.masbda.com or contact MASBDA at (573) 751-2129 or masbda@mda.mo.gov.

The Dent County Commission met last Thursday morning at the courthouse. District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray was not in attendance due to a prior commitment, so Road Supervisor Jason Akins gave the road report. He stated rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 6370, while only grading would be done on county roads 5380 and 6280. Akins also said brush would be cut on county roads 5130 and 5150. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said rock would be added and bridge maintenance would be done on Dent County Road 4060, while limbs would be trimmed on county road 4280, new blades would be put on grader #37, a brush cutter will be picked up at Heritage Tractor, and a snow plow will be taken to Knapheide in Jefferson City to make sure it works for the winter. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said the county will put out for bid the purchase of 3,500 gallons of propane for the winter. The bids need to be submitted to the county clerk’s office by 10:00, Monday morning, September 9th, to be considered. He also said the county received a notice from their insurance company that they county received a notice from their insurance company that they will pay up to $584,537.88 for hail damage to county buildings. He said bids will have to be let out for that work to be done. Larson said there is a grant opportunity through the MRPC for the centennial celebration of Route 66. Details can be found on the MRPC website or call 573-265-2993. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the commission received a petition to set the speed limit on Dent County Road 2070 to 25 MPH and the commission approved the request. Also, the road and bridge department did phone bids for diesel fuel and received bids from Phil-Mart, County Fuels and MFA Oil. Phil-Mart had the lowest price at $2.49 which was accepted by the commission. Curley said she would be gone part of next week for a county clerk’s meeting and wanted voters to update their voter information for the General Election in November. She said the first day for an excused absentee ballot will be September 24th, and the first day for a no-excuse absentee ballot will be October 22nd. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk said she sold eight parcels of property on the courthouse steps Monday in the tax sale and turned over $102,456.69 plus $250 in advertising fees to the county treasurer. She said the original owners of the property sold still have one year and one day to pay the back taxes to recover their property. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday, September 5th, at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley has released information on a number of cases heard in front of Judge Michael Randazzo. Dawn Smith of Salem, pled guilty to two counts of second degree drug trafficking, two counts possession of meth, one count possession of suboxone, one count maintaining a public nuisance, and one count of felony resisting arrest. Smith was sentenced to 15 years in the Department of Corrections pursuant to RSMo Section 217.362, long term drug treatment program, as recommended by Prosecutor Curley. Jen Moller of Salem, was sentenced to seven years in the Department of Corrections as requested by Assistant PA James Weber; due to failing to register as a sex offender. Brianna Nichols previously pleaded guilty to possession of fentanyl. A sentencing hearing was held, and the defendant sought probation. Nichols was sentenced to serve seven years in the Department of Corrections under RSMo Section 559.115, as requested by Prosecutor Curley. Hope Bell of Salem, pled guilty to possession of meth and felony stealing. Bell’s sentence was suspended and required to complete the Dent County Alternative Sentencing Court, a.k.a. drug court, with five years’ supervised probation.

There will be a Community Blood Center of the Ozarks blood drive at the First Baptist Church at 201 North MacArthur today from noon until 6:00. Successful donors will receive a voucher to the Dickerson Park Zoo, valid through July of 2025. Donors may also receive a limited-edition zoo themed T-shirt, while supplies last. Appointments can be made at cbco.org/donate-blood or by calling 417-227-5006.