Local News

The Healthy Dent County Prevention Coalition presents a Communities Talk Event as a panel of students will discuss substance abuse affecting teens in the community in a Town Hall meeting to be held at the Salem Community Center@The Armory at 1200 West Rolla Road on Tuesday, June 11th from 12:00 noon until 1:00. The town hall meeting allows all in attendance to join in the discussion about local substance use prevention programs. Registration is required and lunch will be provided. The program is sponsored by the Prevention Consultants of Missouri, Healthy Dent County Prevention Coalition and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. To register, please call 573-729-8163.

During it’s May meeting, the Meramec Regional Planning Commission Board approved officers for Fiscal year 2024-2025. The Chairman is Mary Heywood, Vice-Chairman is Darryl Griffith, the Secretary is Joey Auxier and the Treasurer is Sean Wilson. They will all continue to serve in their current roles for an additional term. Other additional at-large appointments approved for another term included Crawford County’s “For Profit” Representative Erik Lowes, Gasconade County’s “For Profit” Representative Duane Kraettli, Dent County’s “For Profit” Representative John Smith, Industry Representative Jan Haviland and Transportation Representative John Casey. Bob Parsons, at-large for farming/ag-business, retired after serving nine years on the board. The Board also heard an update from MRPC Planning Manager Anne Freand on the Forward 44 project, which is the interstate improvements along 44 from the Franklin/St. Louis County line to the Oklahoma state line. She requested any specific traffic data and information on future developments such as large manufacturing facilities, large retail or housing developments along the Interstate 44 corridor in the region. They heard proposed changes to the MRPC bylaws that would change the title of the minorities at-large position to underrepresented at-large position. The proposed by-law changes will be voted on at the June 13th meeting.

The much-anticipated Friends of the Salem Public Library summer book fair is scheduled for 9:00 to 4:00 this Friday and 9:00 to 12:00 this Saturday. The sale will be held in the library’s north basement meeting room. Hardback books and even some new releases can be found for as low as $1.00 with paperback books priced as low as a quarter. Parking will be available in the lot located at the northwest corner of 5th and Jackson.

The Salem Creative Arts Center will be holding a two-day Clay Flower Workshop on Tuesday, June 11th and Monday, June 17th where participants will create a bouquet of three-dimensional flowers. The class will be taught by Wanda Nickles and Tana Kettner. The first class will work with slab building techniques and appling textures to create the flowers. The second class participants will apply glazes to the bisqued flowers. Finished pieces will have to be picked up later after the glaze firing. The cost of the class is $30 and includes all the supplies. At least four people need to sign up for the class and it will be limited to no more than 16. To register, go the SACBA website and find the Programs tab. Find the Creative Arts Center and click to register for the class. Registrations online are on a first come, first serve basis.

Take part in the upcoming Alley Spring glade hike on Saturday, June 8th starting at 10:00 in the morning at Alley Mill. Join rangers for a 1.3-mile hike through the glade management area around Alley Spring. This area has benefitted from prescribed fire management and should be bursting with colorful summer wildflowers, butterflies, and glade species. The park’s fire ecologist will discuss fire management practices, Ozark glade habitats, glade restoration, and glade inhabitants. Staff will identify wildflowers and other interesting features along the way. The hike is free to the public and no reservations are required. The hike will follow the Alley Overlook Trail, which departs behind Alley Mill and climbs to the overlook on the bluff above the spring. Hikers should wear sturdy footwear, bring water, and consider using insect repellent and sunscreen. The event is subject to cancelation based on weather conditions. Alley Spring is located five miles west of Eminence on Highway 106. For more information, contact Alley Spring at (573) 226-3945, visit the park’s Facebook page, or website at www.nps.gov/ozar.

The Dent County Sheriff’s office has released some reports. On Sunday, May 5th, deputies responded to the 100 block of Dent County Road 4240 for a reported attempted burglary. The victim, a 37-year-old Salem man, told deputies that a known subject was attempting to kick his door in. The suspect was then apprehended and the case was cleared. Then on Friday, May 24th, deputies took a report for a stolen battery charger from the 2600 block of Dent County Road 2070. The victim advised deputies that unknown subjects had stolen the item from his property. The investigation is ongoing. Then on Tuesday, May 28th, deputies arrested a 57-year-old Salem man on an outstanding arrest warrant. He was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated. If you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s office at 729-3241.

Want some free fun that gets family and friends outside in nature? Get hooked on fishing with the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Free Fishing Days June 8th and 9th. During Free Fishing Days, anyone may fish in the Show-Me State without having to buy a fishing permit, trout permit, or trout park daily tag. Free Fishing Days is an annual Department of Conservation event that takes place statewide during the Saturday and Sunday following the first Monday in June. Aside from not needing permits, other fishing regulations remain in effect, such as limits on size and number of fish an angler may keep. Special permits may still be required at some county, city, or private fishing areas. Trespass laws remain in effect on private property. Conservation makes Missouri a great place to fish, and Free Fishing Days encourages people to sample Missouri’s abundant fishing opportunities. Missouri has more than a million acres of surface water, and most of it provides great fishing. More than 200 different fish species are found in Missouri, with more than 20 of them being game fish for the state’s more than 1.1 million anglers. For information on Missouri fishing regulations, fish identification, and more, get a copy of Missouri Department of Conservation’s 2024 Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations, available where permits are sold, or online at mdc.mo.gov.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo will be held this Saturday morning from 9:00 until 11:00 at 1156 South Main Street in the Chamber parking lot. Many local businesses will have booths available where the public can find out more about them, and some will also have free samples or promotional items available. The event is free and open to everyone!

Shannon County First Responders and the Birch Tree Volunteer Fire Department responded to a serious accident north of Birch Tree on Saturday May 30th. A vehicle carrying five underage persons overturned on Highway FF, coming to rest on its roof. The Birch Tree Fire Department used hydraulic tools to lift the vehicle off of one of the victims. The First Responders rendered immediate medical treatment to the injured youths. One victim, a thirteen year old, was transported to the hospital by helicopter, which landed on US Highway 60. The others had less serious injuries and were transported by Willow Springs Ambulance or by their families.

The Missouri Department of Transportation reports that Route KK in Reynolds County will be reduced to one lane with a 12-foot width restriction as contractor crews perform bridge maintenance now through August 30th, weather permitting. This section of roadway is located from Reynolds County Road 900 to Reynolds County Road 906 near Bunker. The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area. For additional information, please contact Resident Engineer Don Hills at (573) 472-9013, MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/southeast.

Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) is accepting public comment on its Title VI Plan from now to June 21st. MRPC is conducting a three-year review and update of the plan, consistent with the requirements outlined by the Federal Transit Administration. The purpose of the plan is to describe the non-discrimination efforts undertaken by MRPC to ensure its programs, policies, services and other activities are available to all interested individuals. The entire draft plan is available online at www.meramecregion.org/publications. For additional questions or to submit feedback, email MRPC Executive Director Bonnie Prigge at bprigge@meramecregion.org or call the MRPC office at 573-265-2993. Feedback can also be mailed to MRPC Attention Bonnie Prigge, #4 Industrial Drive, St. James, MO 65559 or individuals can stop by the office in person from 8:00 in the morning until and 4:30 in the afternoon, Monday through Friday. The MRPC board will include the Title VI plan on its June 13th agenda.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray was not in attendance due to a previous commitment. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk gave the report for District 1 and said grading was going to be done on Dent County Roads 6190, 6230 and 6280. He also said brush would be cut on county road 5015 and a truck was going to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal repair. Polk then gave the report for District 2 and stated grading would be done on Dent County Road 4437 while brush was going to be cut on county roads 2300, 2620, 2630, 2640, 5280 and 5290. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson indicated that Sheriff Bob Wells met with the transportation director of Royal Oak last Thursday afternoon after the commission meeting to help develop a plan for the larger truck traffic. The meeting was held to hopefully eliminate 90% or more of the large truck traffic from using the county roads. It was also hoped when the county receives and installs their new “no large truck traffic” international signs that will eliminate even more. Larson stated he would be attending a Meramec Community Enhancement Coproration meeting this afternoon in St. James. He also reported he continues to work with the insurance adjuster on the insurance claim on the courthouse from the hail storm. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the special election for the Bunker R-3 School Board will be held today from 6:00 AM until 7:00 PM. Voters from Reynolds, Shannon and Dent County will all be voting at the Bunker Firehouse. Voters will need to bring an photo ID with them when they vote. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday at 9:00 and it is open to the public.

A special waste collection for residential electronics, appliances, tires and media storage will be held from 8 a.m. until noon on June 8th at Brewer Science, 2401 Brewer Drive in Rolla. Brewer Science, the City of Rolla and Meramec Regional Planning Commission, with funding through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District, are partnering on the June 8th collection. The collection is for residential items only – no materials from businesses will be accepted and is open to residents from Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties. For the first time, media storage is also being accepted at the collection. Media storage includes records, 8-track tapes, VHS tapes, cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, floppy discs, external hard drives and flash drives. Stoves, washers, dryers, hot water heaters, and other appliances will be collected free of charge. Free electronics also include computer components, laptop computers, keyboards, hair dryers, VCR/DVD players, cell phones or anything that runs on a cord or battery. Oil and gas must be removed from tanks of any items such as push mowers, weed eaters, etc. All items must be free of debris. Tires on rims will not be accepted. Please note the following items will NOT be accepted: transformers, capacitors or ballasts not clearly marked “No PCBs”; smoke detectors; thermostats; medical waste; gas containers such as propane, oxygen, nitrous oxide; anything leaking oil or acid, such as batteries; broken ink or toner cartridges; alkaline batteries; light bulbs and fluorescent tubes; broken CRTs, TVs or monitors. Fees on certain items will be collected as follows: $25 for CRT TVs over 27 inches, projection screens and wood console TVs, $20 for CRT TVs under 26 inches, $15 for flat screen TVs, $10 for all computer monitors and refrigerated appliances with Freon and $5 for printers, scanners or copiers. Fees for tires are as follows: $2 each for passenger tires, $7.50 each for semi-truck tires and $35 each for tractor tires. Electronics,media storage and appliances are recycled by Midwest Recycling Center and tires are recycled through Champlin Tires. For more information on items accepted or the fee structure, please contact Kathryn Hawes at MRPC at 573-265-2993 Ext. 110. For those unable to participate in the Rolla collection, mark your calendars for collections on September 28th in Vienna and October 26th in St. Robert.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held a special meeting Monday morning at the district administrative offices. The board heard from Matt Patterson from HTK Architects who was in attendance to offer information on the bids and bidding process for the FEMA storm shelter while Billy Cobb representating Cahill’s Construction was in attendance to answer any questions. After some discussion, the board made the motion to approve the bid from Cahill Contruction for the FEMA storm shelter to be built at the Upper Elementary School. In closed session, the board accepted the resignation of Bekah Hayes as a high school physical education instructor and head girls softball coach, Amanda Hanger as the assistant softball coach, Makayla Schafer as a middle school art instructor and Kaylee Jay as the speech and language pathologist. The board then employed Lexi Wills as the speech-language pathologist and amended Rich Parks contract to 220 days before going back into open session and adjourning.

An accident occurred Monday morning at 10:10 in Crawford County off of Highway YY on private property. According to the highway patrol report, a 2004 Honda 450 being operated by 20-year-old Dawson Hajek of Steelville, was travelling up a steep incline causing the Honda to rollover. Hajek suffered serious injuries and was flown to Mercy St. Louis. Hajek was not wearing any safety equipment at the time of the accident. The Honda was left at the scene.

An accident happened in Dent County Sunday afternoon at 12:15 on Route H about four miles west of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2021 Kia Forte driven eastbound by 26-year-old Katelynn Mathes of Salem, traveled off the left side of the roadway, went down an embankment and struck a creek bed. Mathes and a passenger, 41-year-old Wesley Parsons of Newburg, suffered serious injuries and were both flown to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. The report states that neither Mathes or Parsons were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. The Kia was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

An accident occurred Friday evening around 6:25 in Phelps County on Highway 63 about a half mile north of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu driven by 42-year-old Robert Anderson of Rolla, was traveling southbound and slid on the wet roadway. The Chevrolet traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a rock bluff. Anderson suffered moderate injuries and was transported by the Phelps County Ambulance to Phelps Health. The report goes on to say he was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevrolet was totaled and removed from the scene by D and D Towing.

An accident occurred Friday morning around 11:15 in Texas County on Highway 32 about seven miles west of Licking. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe driven by 59-year-old Susan Supple of Licking, was traveling westbound and traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck an electric pole. She suffered minor injuries and was transported by the Texas County Memorial Ambulance to Texas County Memorial Hospital. The Chevrolet was totaled and removed from the scene by Jay’s Towing at the officers’ request.

The City of Salem Airport Board will be meeting this evening at 6:30 at the Salem Community Center at The Armory at 1200 West Rolla Road. At the meeting, the board will hold an election of officers before discussing the airport budget for next fiscal year. They will discuss land lease agreements and prices for new hangars, get an update on the new hanger project, get an update on the fuel pump card reader, discuss airport security and the gate opener, get an update on the pilot lounge and courtesy car policy before discussing any other business. The meeting of the airport board is open to the public.

Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) is accepting public comment on its Title VI Plan from now to June 21st. MRPC is conducting a three-year review and update of the plan, consistent with the requirements outlined by the Federal Transit Administration. The purpose of the plan is to describe the non-discrimination efforts undertaken by MRPC to ensure its programs, policies, services and other activities are available to all interested individuals. The entire draft plan is available online at www.meramecregion.org/publications. For additional questions or to submit feedback, email MRPC Executive Director Bonnie Prigge at bprigge@meramecregion.org or call the MRPC office at 573-265-2993. Feedback can also be mailed to MRPC Attention Bonnie Prigge, #4 Industrial Drive, St. James, MO 65559 or individuals can stop by the office in person from 8:00 in the morning until and 4:30 in the afternoon, Monday through Friday. The MRPC board will include the Title VI plan on its June 13th agenda.

The Salem Creative Arts Center will be holding a Farm Dayz Paint N Sip with Danielle Norris this Friday from 6:30 to 8:30. Grab your favorite beverage and best fal pal for this cute farm painting. The artist will take you step by step through the whole process. It will be a hee-haw good time. At least six people need to sign up for the class to be held and it will be limited to 20 attendees. The cost is $25 per person and all supplies are provided. To register, go the SACBA website and find the Programs tab. Find the Creative Arts Center and click to register for the class. Registrations online are on a first come, first serve basis.

Missouri State Parks values the tremendous contributions and sacrifices made by members of the military and their families. To show appreciation to active service members, Missouri State Parks is joining the nationwide Blue Star Museums initiative, a program that offers free admission to currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families. The program will end on Labor Day, Monday, September 2nd.The Blue Star Museums program is a collaborative effort of the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the U.S. Department of Defense and more than 2,000 museums across the nation. Those currently serving in the United States military and their families receive free admission to museums and historic sites that are part of the Missouri State Parks system by showing their military ID. In addition to the Blue Star Museums program, Missouri State Parks also offers a military camping discount. Military members and veterans receive a $2 discount year-round at state parks campgrounds. The military discount will be given to retired, veteran and active-duty military personnel, as well as family members of active-duty military personnel, by showing a military I.D. During July, visitors to Missouri’s state parks and historic sites will have the opportunity to “round up” their purchases to be used for veteran programs, such as the Hero Deer Hunt and Veterans’ Deer Hunt. For more information on the Missouri State Park system, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray indicated rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 6230 and 6435 while only grdaing would be done oncounty road 6280. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 4380, 5310, 5330 and 5333. He went on to report rock would be added to county ropad 4290 andbrush was going to be cut on county roads 3210 and 4340. He said crews would be welding a patch on dump truck #116, working on the water system on the ashpalt roller and also work on the steering mechanism on grader #37. Polk said a man would also be going to get parts from Caterpillar in Rolla. He also said the county would be receiving the new road groomer at the road and bridge department this week. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said the CEO of Royal Oak Charcoal would like to come to a commissioner meeting on Monday, June 10th between 9:30 and 10:00. This stems from a conversation that Sheriff Bob Wells had with Tim Jones at Royal Oak about the increase in semi-truck traffic on Dent County Roads 3290 and 3300. Jones told the sheriff he would be speaking with the Royal Oak dispatch as well to reroute the trucks. Sheriff Wells said deputies will continue to patrol the area. The commission reviewed a draft ordinance proposed by Sheriff Wells that would give the Dent County Sheriff’s Department a law the deputies could enforce when dealing with the large trucks who violate state laws. Commissioner Larson said he would like to discuss the ordinance further with the sheriff before having the commission vote on it. Larson also brought up a request from Four Rivers Community Health Center for a letter of support to the state to provide certain health services to the residents of Dent County. The letter was approved by a 2-0 vote with Commissioner Mobray abstaining since his wife Kendra is an employee of Four Rivers. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said sample ballots for the August Primary would be available in her office after June 25th. Citizens could stop by and pick one up or contact her office and she could e-mail them a sample ballot. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday mroning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Today is the last day to apply for the Energy Assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Energy Assistance is designed to provide financial assistance to help pay primary fuel source heating bills for Missourians during the months of October through March. Eligibility requirements for this assistance are based on income, family size, available resources and responsibility for payment of home heating costs. The assistance is offered to eligible low-income Missourians for bills from November 1st through May 31st for elderly and disabled households, and from December 1st through May 31st for all other households. Other assistance available is the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) funds. These funds can be used to prevent or restore disconnected service, assist with emergency repairs and furnace replacements and even purchase wood stoves and air conditioners. To qualify for the ECIP assistance, households must provide a notice of disconnect for energy payments. Applications are availbale. For more information or to learn how to apply for LIHEAP, call the South Central Community Action Agency in Salem at 800-325-4633 or call 729-3500. You can also get the application online at scmcaa.org/energy-assistance.

Embark on a journey through history in the Mark Twain National Forest in the Salem Ranger District this Saturday morning starting at 9:00. The American Hiking Society’s National Trail Days® is the host for the annual event. Explore an Old Trail, an unofficial Trail Segment of the National Park Service (NPS) Hildebrand Route of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, going from Reynolds County into Dent County. The adventure begins on Reynolds County Road 903 at the Trail of Tears “To Original Route – Next 31 Miles” NPS Brown sign across Highway 72 from Marcoot Tower. Hikers will traverse Highway 72, heading west, go past the scenic Marcoot Lookout FireTower, to the locked gate. Beside the gate, hikers will enter MTNF “Forest Road 2795,”on the old Centerville Road. The hike will be in the Scotia-Marcoot Walk-in Spring Turkey Hunting Area. It is free to hike in the Mark Twain National Forest, and parking is free in the Marcoot Lookout Tower area. You hike at your own risk on public lands. One should consider wearing long pants, light-colored clothes, a hat, and boots. Bring bug spray, water, snacks, and maybe lunch. No food is available on or near the premises or restroom facilities. The Missouri Chapter Trail of Tears Association, and the DentCounty Historical Society are the local organizations that meticulously planned the local National Trails Day® event. Contact Deloris Gray Wood, President of the Dent County Historical Society at (573) 729-2545.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education has called for a meeting Monday morning, June 3rd, at 8:15 in the R-80 Administrative Board Room. After approval of the agenda, the board will consider the acceptance of bids for the FEMA construction project. The board will then move into Executive Session to discuss personnel. The board will return to open session and adjourn the meeting. The meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Board of Alderman met at the City Hall Auditorium on Tuesday evening for their regular meeting. The board approved the request by Burgendee Lytle to have 4th, 5th and Iron streets around the courthouse square closed for Summerfest on June 8th. Summerfest will be from noon until 6:00 PM and the streets will be closed starting at 10:30 that morning. The board approved allowing Josh Kotschedoff to spend no more than $20,000 each on transformers and electric poles when ordering them as market conditions are changing daily. There was no motion made by the board on the TAP Downtown Project bids and it died for lack of a motion. In new and miscellaneous business, the board approved Resolution #12-2024 allowing the mayor to execute a one-year memorandum of understanding between the City of Salem and Missouri State Universtity-West Plains Adult Education and Literacy program allowing for AEL Education to be held at 202 North Washington Street in the old city hall basement. The board approved Bill #3609 amending the city code of Salem regarding the creation and membership of the Airport Advisory Board. City of Salem Finance Director Stacey Houston stated sales tax revenue receipts in May were up nine percent and year-to-date, the sales tax numbers are up about one percent. She stated that water and electric consumption were down in April. The cost of power in April to the city was $3.852 million dollars as revenues billed from electric usage were $6.055 million dollars. At the end of April, the total of the fund balances of all city funds was $10,134,925. Houston said the city has received 72% of their budgeted revenues and have expended 62% of what was budgeted. The board then went into closed session.

The Missouri Highway Patrol has released preliminary reports which indicate there were seven traffic fatalities, no boating fatalities, and no drownings over Memorial Day Weekend. The 2024 Memorial Day weekend counting period began at 6:00 Friday evening and ran through 11:59 Monday night. During the counting period the State Highway Patrol troopers investigated 275 traffic crashes resulting in 161 injuries and 7 fatalities. The Patrol made 128 DWI arrests. Boating statistics indicate that there were 7 crashes resulting in 7 injuries and the Patrol made 6 BWI arrests.

The draft Fiscal Year 2025 through 2029 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program or STIP, from the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission, is wrapping up its 30-day public review and comment period. In the past 10 years, MoDOT and its construction partners have completed 4,206 projects with a program value of $11.1 billion, but it wasdelivered $536 million below budget and 93% on time. The draft FY 2025 through 2029 STIP lists transportation projects planned by state and regional planning agencies for fiscal years 2025-2029 and reflects the transportation needs of communities across the state. In Dent County, there are four projects in the STIP including pavement preservation on Route K from Highway 19 to Route KK, and also on Route J in Salem from Highway 32 to Highway 72; bridge improvement on Route B over Dry Creek; bridge improvement on Highway 19 over Spring Creek; and the upgrading of the pedestrian facilities to meet the ADA transition plan on Highway 32 and 19.Those interested in offering comments can contact MoDOT by email at STIPcomments@modot.mo.gov, by calling customer service at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636), or by mail to Transportation Planning, Program Comments, P.O. Box 270, Jefferson City, MO 65102. The program is also available on MoDOT’s website: modot.org/DRAFTSTIP. The formal comment period ends TODAY!!

The Creative Arts Council is offering a Summertime Front Porch Sign & Wine this Friday from 6:30 unti 9:00 with Danielle Norris. It’s a great time to decorate your front porch!! For those who did Spring porch signs (or prior fall or winter signs), come back and decorate the back of your sign for Summertime! Or you can do this as a stand alone event, and make your very own front porch sign! They use stencils and tracing paper to create their very own one of a kind design to match your decor and tastes. So get those ideas together and come learn how to create your sign step by step. The artist is very hands on, and will help you make it yours!  If you are a repeat attendee, bring your board back or if you have your own board, the cost of the class is $20. If you are a new attendee and will be needing a board, the class cost is $35. A minimum of six people are needed to hold the class and it will be limited to 16. Signup at the Salem Area Community Betterment Association website, go to the Creative Arts Center link and look under programs.

The City Salem’s Capital Improvements will hold a workshop tonight at 6:00 at the Salem Community Center@the Armory. The meeting has been called for the introduction of City of Salem budgets and to review proposed FY24-25 Capital Improvement Projects. The meeting was called by Alderman Shawn Bolerjack, Chairman.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley has released information on a number of cases heard in front of Judge Michael Randazzo on Wednesday, May 22nd. In the first case heard, Ronald Breeding of Salem pleaded guilty to felony resisting arrest as a persistent felony offender. Breeding was sentenced to seven years in the Missouri Department of Corrections as requested by the prosecutor. The case of Kristin Thompson of Salem was heard and she pleaded guilty to the unlawful use of a weapon. Thompson made the plea after serving 24 days in jail. Prosecutor Curley sought a four-year suspended execution of sentence due to the nature of the incident with the standard terms of probation and no contact provisions with the victim and his family. Thompson sought a suspended imposition of sentence with probation. Over the objection of the state, Thompson received a suspended imposition of sentence and was placed on probation for five years. The probation case of Bobby Oller of St. Louis was heard as he was on probation for felony driving while having his license revoked and the possession of a controlled substance. Prosecutor Curley requested his probation be revoked and Judge Randazzo agreed, sentencing Oller to serve seven years in the Missouri Department of Corrections. In the case of Isaac Ghormley of Salem, he pleaded guilty to the possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine. Judge Randazzo sentenced him to a seven years suspended execution of sentence with five years of probation and parole after serving a jail sentence as requested by the prosecutor. The next case heard was that of Trevor Elrod of Salem who pleaded guilty to a Class E felony for domestic assault in the 3rd degree after serving 45 days in the Dent County Jail. Elrod was sentenced to a four-year suspended execution of sentence with five years of probation and parole with no contact with the victim or the victims’ father. In the last case heard that day, Britta Botkin of Salem pleaded guilty to the possession of a controlled substance-fentanyl. She was sentenced to serve seven yeas under the RSMO Section 559.115 program as requested by Prosecutor Curley.

The Mudbugs will be meeting this Thursday from 2:00 until about 3:30 at the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History to find out how many different wildflowers they can find. Maybe enough to win the color scavenger hunt? The Mudbugs will do a little flower pounding art and the Muslin cloth will be provided. Mudbugs can bring their own white T-shirt to decorate! They may even try their hand at making dandelion tea. The Mudbug activity is geared toward children age 6-12 or so, but all ages are welcome. They will do their best to accommodate younger children. A donation to the Bonebrake Center of $2.00 per child is appreciated. Contact Janet Price for more info at moonshadowmomentsllc@gmail.com.

The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds hunters and anglers that squirrel and black bass seasons opened this past Saturday, May 25th. The hunting season on eastern gray and fox squirrels runs now through February 15th, 2025. Allowed methods include shotguns, rifles, and other legal firearm methods, as well as archery equipment, and slingshots. Squirrels may also be harvested with cage-style traps during the hunting season as long as hunters have a valid small game hunting permit. Traps must be labeled with the hunter’s full name and address, or Conservation Number, be attended daily, and have an opening of 144 square-inches or smaller. The daily limit for hunting, including the use of cage-style traps, is ten and the possession limit is 20. Hunters must have a permit valid for hunting small game or be exempt. If you are a fisherman, anglers may catch-and-keep black bass, such as largemouth, smallmouth, spotted or Kentucky bass, now through February 28th, 2025. Black bass can be found statewide but have a closed season part of the year in most streams south of the Missouri River. Black bass can be caught and released legally throughout the year anywhere in Missouri, and legal-sized bass may be kept all year long from impoundments and streams with no closed season. In most state waters, the daily limit on black bass is six. Fish taken from most rivers and streams must be 12-inches long. Additional regulations may apply to specific waters or areas. Anglers must have a valid fishing permit or be exempt.

There is a collection box at Salem Public Library for old, damaged, or soiled American flags. Anyone may leave a flag there now through Saturday, June 8th. The library will deliver these flags in need of retirement to the American Legion Post 99. The Legion will properly dispose of them in accordance with the United States Flag Code.

During the week of May 4th through the 10th, officers with the Salem Police Department were dispatched to a total of 80 calls for service. Officers conducted eight traffic stops for various traffic violations with two resulting in a summons or arrest. Officers also conducted five traffic accident investigations and wrote four informational reports. Here are some of the arrest reports: On the evening of Monday, May 6th at around 5:00, officers arrested 39-year-old Khira Longacre of St Louis, for active warrants for her arrest out of Jasper County, Missouri. The arrest was made following a traffic stop of a vehicle near the intersection of Hickory Street and Highway 32. On Thursday afternoon, May 9th close to 2:00, officers arrested 42-year-old Matthew Lewis of Leasburg, for an active probation and parole warrant with no bond out of Crawford County. The arrest was made following a short term investigation into the location of Lewis. Finally, during the afternoon of Friday, May 10th near 4:00, officers arrested 32-year-old Ryan Knight of Salem, for two active no bond warrants out of Dent County. The arrest was made following officers on patrol identifying the Knight walking near the intersection of Hickory Street and Highway 32. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

An accident happened in Dent County Monday morning at 2:29 on Highway 119 at Route E that took the life of a Salem teenager. According to the highway patrol report, a 2008 Pontiac G6 driven westbound by a 16-year-old male juvenile from Salem, experienced a mechanical failure causing the Pontiac to travel off Highway 119 from Route E into the wood line, striking a tree. According to the report, a passenger in the Pontiac, 18-year-old Danny Luebbers of Salem, was pronounced dead at the scene by Dent County Deputy Coroner Gina White. His body was taken to the Wilson Mortuary in Salem. Another passenger, a 15-year-old male from Salem, suffered moderate injuries as did the juvenile driver. The 15-year-old boy was taken to the Salem Memorial Hospital by the Salem Ambulance while the 16-year-old driver was taken by a privately operated vehicle to the hospital. It was unknown if the juveniles were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident while the report indicated that Luebbers was not. The Pontiac was totaled and removed from the scene by American Automotive. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by the Dent County Sheriff’s Department and the Salem Police Department.

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees held their regular meeting Thursday, May 16th. Administrator Zach Moser presented the Service and Statistics report. In the Communicable Disease Report, he stated that there were four COVID-19 cases reported, 40 lead cases, 19 screenings for sexually transmitted infections, two cases of Influenza and nine animal bites. The environmental report by Assistant Administrator Roma Jones showed there where seven total inspections conducted, no recalls, no sewer complaints, and 23 environmental questions were fielded. A townhall meeting and informational session was planned for May 30th at 7:00 in the evening to provide information and answer questions about the new Consumer Food Safety Regulation. The Maternal-Child Health (MCH) statistics showed there were 3 CPR Courses, no consultations for Childcare Health, one Show-Me Healthy Women appointemnt, 33 Title X appointnments, two Presumptive Eligibilities (Temporary Medicaid) and 340 WIC appointments. The Community-Specific Services Summary showed 512 total appointments other than WIC, 144 Nurse Practitioner appointments, 125 treatment court visits, 185 lab appointments and 52 immunization appointments. Nurse Practitioner Service Details showed one Show-Me Healthy Women appointment, nine family plannings, two well-child visits, 10 online appointments, nine other physicals, 21 SEMO physicals, 12 other visits, and 75 acute illness appointments. Laboratory details showed 195 individual patients, nine appointments for Rapid Test for COVID, Flu, RSV or Strep, four pregnancy tests and no lead tests. Immunizations for April totaled four for COVID-19, three for Influenza, and 90 for other vaccines, including the new RSV vaccine and new formulations of pneumonia vaccine. In the Administrator’s report, Moser reported that letters and invoices for the first food inspection fee have been mailed out and regulations and fees become effective July 1st. Moser recapped recent events including the Health Fair which had 64 attendees, five total trainings that sent staff around the country, at no cost to DCHC, plus two vaccine clinics in April. He discussed a number of maintenance issues which included replacment of a toilet, the completed installation of a larger generator, and the expectation of an insurance claim due to the April 18th hail storm which damaged the outdoor electronic sign and possible parts of the building. Moser also discussed progress on the Strategic Plan. The Health Center financial reports for April, including the overall results from H & R Block, were reviewed. Discussion was held on the balance sheet, income statement, and budget statements. After these questions were answered, the financial reports and the report from H & R Block were approved. In new business the draft of the Financial Audit was presented. The Board requested time to review the audit befoe granting approval. The preliminary report was an unmodified opinon with no material weaknesses or findings. Moser made the Board aware of a list of changes that could be made to the building and potential long-term facilities planning. Board member Bob Gravely asked about the opioid settlement money for Dent County. Moser confirmed that Dent County, through the Commissioners, has received money, but has not spent it. The Commission will be using MRPC to evalute uses of the money. The Board went in to closed session to discuss personnel. The only motion in closed session was the approval of the April 18th closed session minutes. The next regular meeting of the Board was set for Thursday, June 20th at 5:00.

An accident happened Saturday afternoon at 4:35 in Phelps County on Route BB and Phelps County Road 3130. According to the highway patrol report, a 2106 Ford Fiesta driven eastbound by 22-year-old Hope Olguin of Rolla, stopped to make a left hand turn and was struck from behind by a 2007 Toyota Yarris driven eastbound by a 16-year-old female juvenile of Rolla. Olguin suffered minor injuries as did two passengers in her vehicle: 20-year-old Jason Archuletta and 20-year old Miahann Warrick of Rolla. Everyone was taken by a personal vehicle to Phelps Health for treatment. Everyone involved was wearing a seatbelt. The Ford Fiesta had minor damage and was driven from the scene while the Toyota Yarris sustained moderate damages and was towed from the scene by the owner.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning for their regular meeting. Numerous landowners from Dent County Roads 3290 and 3300 were in attendance to discuss problems with the truck traffic primarily from Royal Oak since their expansion a couple years ago. The landowners say the truck traffic on a daily basis now is unbelievable. The drivers are following GPS instructions which is taking them down county roads with tractor-trailer units and semi-trucks which are doing major damage to the county roads, both gravel and chip and seal. Many of these drivers actually have to back up on the roads for miles to get back out on a highway, while other drivers are getting stuck when they realize they can’t turn around and are actually driving through residents yards leaving deep ruts and damaging their property, knocking down signs, and destroying ditch lines. Many of the concerns of the residents were that when these events happen, they can’t get a quick response from the Dent County Sheriff’s Department or the highway patrol when they call to report an incident or write a ticket. Dent County Sheriff Bob Wells produced dispatcher records that showed deputies responded to some 11 calls in that area in about an 18 day stretch, but they have no authority to write tickets for the truck using the road as use of the road is controlled by the state. The commission has discussed this with MoDOT Central District Engineer Michelle Watkins about putting up signage, but she said MoDOT won’t do that as they say they would have to do that for every road in the county and City of Salem. The county had put up 10-ton weight limit signs on the roads, but they have either been knocked down or stolen, plus the Dent County Sheriff’s Department would have to have portable scales to enforce that restriction which they do not. The commission has ordered some new signage for the roads prohibiting large truck traffic on some roads, but they have not yet arrived. The commission felt the best thing to do was to try to get a meeting with Royal Oak and find a solution to the truck routing problem that currently exists. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams gave the CART Tax report and said the county received $81,593.77 this month which is $15,857.26 more than for May of 2023 when the county received $65,736.51. Year-to-date, the county is up $13,857.26 in CART funds. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 4220, 5490 and 6660 while brush would be cut on county road 5080. He said workers would also be patching pot holes on chip and seal roads with the Ultimate Paving Material. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 3200 and 5260, while only grading would be done on county road 6123. He said brush would be cut on county road 4290. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he attended the Tourism Tax Committee meeting where five proposals were received and all five were approved. They also had five requests for reimbursement with one being rejected for the lack of paperwork. The county clerk’s office balanced with the Dent County Treasurer on all accounts for the month of April. The courthouse will be closed for Memorial Day Monday and the next meeting will be Thursday morning at 9:00 and it is open to the public.

The Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to the boating season. During the 2023 Memorial Day weekend, there were 10 boating crashes which included no fatalities and two injuries. No one drowned over last year’s Memorial Day weekend. Last year, troopers made 137 driving while intoxicated and eight boating while intoxicated arrests. This year’s Memorial Day holiday counting period begins at 6:00 Friday evening and ends at 11:59 Monday night. Every available trooper will be on the water, enforcing Missouri laws and assisting people. Expect an increase in boating traffic on the state’s lakes and rivers. Always wear a life jacket when near, on, or in the water. Be courteous and pay attention, whether you’re operating a vehicle or a vessel, and choose to be a sober driver on land and on the water. A safe, fun weekend is the result of planning and making good decisions. 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). Have a safe and prosperous Memorial Day weekend!

An accident happened Wednesday afternoon at 5:15 in Texas County on Route BB about four miles west of Highway 63. According to the highway patrol report, a 1997 Polaris Express 300 being operated by 43-year-old Norman Jackson of Licking, was traveling westbound when he was struck from behind by a 2006 Hyundai Elantra being driven by 36-year-old Victoria Waldrop of Houston. Both Jackson and Waldrop suffered moderate injuries and were both taken by Texas County EMS to the Texas County Memorial hospital. The Polaris was totaled and removed from the scene by Jay’s Towing at the request of the responding officer. The Elantra sustained moderate damage and was able to be driven from the scene. The report went on to state that Waldrop was wearing a seat restraint while Jackson was not using any safety equipment.

A press release from City Administrator Sally Burbridge states that the intersection of West Dent Street and South Henderson Street will be temporarily closed this morning at 7:30 to repair a water main. The city does apologize for any inconvenience and asks that you keep the safety of our crew in mind if you are in the area.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will celebrate the arrival of their new apparatus with a “Push-in Ceremony” tonight at 6:00, weather permitting. Any and all community members that might like to witness such an event here in Dent County all welcome to attend. This type of ceremony dates back to the days of horse-drawn equipment when members had to push the equipment into the bay. Over time, with the invention and adoption of motorized apparatus, the need to manually move the equipment was gone. However, the legacy of the push-in was secured. Now in honor of those crews, many fire departments hold a push-in ceremony when taking delivery of a new apparatus or in this case, new to the Dent County Fire Protection District.

The Salem Memorial Hospital held their monthly board meeting this past Tuesday. Prior to the regularly scheduled meeting, a presentation by Carmen Cooper and Tabitha Stone of the National Rural Health Resource Center was given to the board. The presentation covered SMH’s progress through the Delta Region Health Systems Development Program since their entry in September of 2021. Carmen lead the presentation as she praised SMH’s progress and outlined SMH’s remaining modules required for program completion. The board, lead by Interim CEO Wes Murray, reassured her that while the hospital is in a leadership transition they’re committed to completing the program and will schedule the remaining project modules after the new CEO Brooke Bollman is on-board July 1. Tabatha Stone then spoke primarily to newer board members summarizing the Delta program and answered questions. Following the presentation, the regular board meeting was held with the exception of Wanda Tatom who was not present. In the Administrator’s Report, Interim CEO Wes Murray commented that Hospital Week went very well as he toured and visited several departments. He also said the foundation golf tournament will be held June 7th at the Spring Creek Golf Club. Chief Financial Officer Kayla Chamberlain reported the hospital had a gain from operations of $385,630 with an excess of revenues over expenses of $396,583. Chamberlain reported hospital admissions in April were 73 which included five Swingbed and 34 observation admissions with a total of 218 patient census days. In April, there were 1,468 Outpatient Registrations, 801 Cardiopulmonary Procedures, 6,835 Lab Tests, 1,169 Radiology Procedures, 763 Rehabilitation Treatments and 23 Surgical Procedures. There were 596 Emergency Room visits with 54 patients being admitted. A total of 212 ambulance runs were made with 158 patients being transported. She said days cash on hand at the end of April was 27. The clinic had a profit from direct operations for the month of $104,297, and the hospital cash flow statement showed an increase in cash for April of $560,800. In the Chief Nursing Officer report, Emily Hunter was named the “Nurse of the Year” with Stephanie Cooper the runner-up during Nurses’ Week. A number of nursing positions are open including Chief Nursing Officer and anyone interested should check out the availabilites at SMDH.net. In April, there were eight new hires and one person left the hospital employment. The board approved new staff privileges for Andrew Smith, MD in telepsychology; and Christine Orsmby, MD and Selasi Naakhaima, MD in teleradiology. In new business, the organizational chart was updated, discussion on a tax levy increase was tabled, and discussion about an employee salary increase was tabled until after the finance committee meets which will be on June 14th at noon. The board then went into closed session.

Memorial Day weekend brings Missouri to life with busy state parks, lakes, and attractions, along with sporting events, barbecues, and gatherings of friends and family. Our state has a lot to offer, especially when the weather is nice. A little planning will go a long way to making your Memorial Day weekend activities a success. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds everyone to include safety when they plan their holiday weekend. Everyone should expect more travelers on Missouri’s roadways. Drivers are reminded to follow all Missouri’s laws and be courteous. Always wear a seat belt when traveling in a vehicle. This year’s Memorial Day holiday counting period begins at 6:00 this Friday evening, and ends at 11:59 Monday night. Every available trooper will be on the road enforcing Missouri laws and assisting people. Troopers on our roadways will focus their attention on hazardous moving violations, speed violations, and impaired drivers. The Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort) during Memorial Day weekend. Over the 2023 Memorial Day holiday weekend, 13 people died and 403 were injured in 990 traffic crashes. (Troopers worked 287 traffic crashes involving 12 fatalities and 117 injuries.) For road condition reports, travelers can call 1-888-275-6636. Motorists are encouraged to do their part to make Missouri’s roadways safer. Speed, inattention, and impaired driving are leading causes of traffic crashes. Please obey all traffic laws and make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint.

As Americans fire up their grills for Memorial Day celebrations, a new study by US Foods settles the age-old hot dog debate and reveals the secrets to crafting the perfect hot dog. This all-American summertime staple has fueled barbecue debates nationwide, especially over ideal toppings. According to survey data, the perfect hot dog is grilled on a white bun, topped with mustard, ketchup, onions, relish, and chili. The study shows 93% of Americans love hot dogs with Chicago-style reigning supreme. Americans are eating an average of 2 hot dogs a month and are willing to spend $5.88 on a hot dog. The most popular sides are French fries, potato salad, potato chips, baked beans, and macaroni and cheese.