Local News

Three Salem High School students will be performing at the MSHSAA Music Festival in Columbia on Friday. They are junior Xander During who will play the Bass Clarinet, sophomore Thomas Harris who will play the Euphonium and freshman Mason Tomnitz who will also play the Euphonium. The event will include 4,199 individual and group performances representing 358 schools. The state-level festival has an evaluative purpose during which students perform before some of the nation’s top music adjudicators who provide critiques and ratings of the students’ musical abilities. Festival participants qualified by earning an Exemplary rating at their respective district-level festival. Congratulations to these students!!

The City of Salem’s Park and Recreation Board met Monday to consider a property trade. The trade was requested by members of the Salem Board of Aldermen. They wanted the Salem Parks and Recreation Board to consider trading the “old fairgrounds property” for the five acres on 10th Street known as the “old middle school property.” With all Park and Recreation Board members present, they voted to not make the trade. The Park board members felt it was not in the best interest of the Park and Recreation Department to trade the property that was originally obtained to be the future soccer field site. They felt the current “old fairgrounds property” is still best property to be developed for a soccer complex.

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees met April 18th for their monthly meeting. Administrator Zach Moser presented the Service and Statistics report. In the Communicable Disease Report, he stated that there were ten COVID-19 cases reported, 39 lead cases, 13 screenings for sexually transmitted infections, 31 cases of Influenza and six animal bites. The environmental report by Assistant Administrator Roma Jones showed two total inspections conducted, one recall, no sewer complaints, and nine environmental questions were fielded. A town-hall meeting and informational session is being planned for May 30th to provide information and to answer questions about the new Consumer Food Safety Regulation. The Maternal-Child Health (MCH) statistics showed there were three car-seats distributed, one CPR Course held, no consultations for Childcare Health, no Show-Me Healthy Women appointments, 22 Title X appointments, one Presumptive Eligibilities (Temporary Medicaid) and 339 WIC appointments. The Community-Specific Services Summary showed 518 total appointments other than WIC, 132 Nurse Practitioner appointments, 97 treatment court visits, 220 lab appointments and 65 immunization appointments. Nurse Practitioner Service Details showed no Show-Me Health Women appointments, seven family plannings, no well-child visits, 15 online appointments, three other physicals, 17 SEMO physicals, seven other visits, and 82 acute illness appointments. Laboratory details showed 253 individual patients, 16 appointments for Rapid Test for COVID, Flu, RSV or Strep, one pregnancy test and three lead tests. Immunizations for February totaled 15 for COVID-19, 11 for Influenza, and 92 other vaccines, including the new RSV vaccine and new formulations of pneumonia vaccine. In the Administrator’s report, Moser noted letters will be going out to all food establishments soon about the May 30th town-hall meeting. The new regulations and fees will become effective July 1st. He also reported that the DCHC will conduct a Health Fair May 3rd from 7:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon. Moser presented his final report on the feasibility of the staff created revenue generating ideas. The Health Center financial reports for March, including the report 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 City of Salem water quality was discussed. Moser reported on the timeline of the water quality issue. DCHC involvement started last summer. Given the importance of water quality to public health, the complaints were taken seriously and investigated. DCHC conducted tests of samples and evaluated the results according to federal standards. Moser discussed the results with concerned citizens and with the Salem News, generating two news articles on the topic. Though occasional cloudiness and deposits continue to be an issue in some areas, these have been determined to be primarily iron and aluminum, which do not pose a significant threat to public health. DCHC will continue to monitor the situation. The Board went in to closed session at 6:21 and returned to open session at 7:50, having discussed personnel matters and authorized the administrator to enter into a retention agreement. After returning to open session a motion was passed to increase the consulting fee budget by $4,500.00. The next regular meeting of the Board was set for Thursday, May 16th at 5:00.

Unused or expired medications will be able to be disposed of safely during drug “Take Back Day” this Saturday, April 27th from 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon. You may bring unused or expired medications to either Country Mart or Wal-Mart parking lots for them to be disposed of properly and safely. “Take Back Day” is sponsored by a partnership with the Salem Police Department, the Dent County Sheriff Department, and Healthy Dent County Prevention Coalition.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams presented the CART receipts for the month of April. Williams reported monies received in April totaled $71, 534.88 which is down from last April by $4,543.34. She said year to date, CART Funds are down from $301,489 in 2023 to $298,652. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said grading was being done on Dent County Roads 5015 and 6470 while brush was being cut on county road 6460. Mobray said two trucks were helping District 2 crews by hauling conservation rock. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk stated rock would be added and grading done on county road 2550 which is a Missouri Department of Conservation road, while only grading would be done on county roads 4050 and 5260. The commissioners also reported at least six county vehicles had windows damaged from the hail storm. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson had nothing to report. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the county received a packet from NACO which is the National Association of Counties containing two booklets called, “ The Marvelous Adventures of Countyland.” This booklet was written and illustrated using new generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) apps! They are available to the public at NACO.org. She also said there was a tie in the Bunker School Board election and a special election will be held on June 4th. To help the school district save money, Curley said everyone from Dent, Shannon and Reynolds counties will vote at the Bunker Firehouse. She said letters will go out to voters to let them know. Dent County Assessor Jamie Homeyer said 2023 Assessment Forms were due March 1st, but she is giving those who have not turned in their forms yet until May 1st to submit the form without any penalties. Forms MUST be in the Dent County Assessor’s Office by that day or postmarked by that day to avoid paying a penalty. You may drop off your assessment list at the assessor’s office at the courthouse and they are open from 8:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon, weekdays. There is also a drop box on the front lawn of the courthouse for your convenience if you can’t make it by until after hours. You can also mail in your assessment list forms but make sure you have the postal clerk postmark your envelope. You can also e-file your assessment list form online until April 30th. If you have any questions or need assistance with the online form, call Dent County Assessor Jamie Homeyer at the Dent County Courthouse at 729-6010 or stop by during regular business hours at the corner of Highway 19 and 4th Street in downtown Salem. Delbert McCarter came in to ask about the condition of Dent County Road 3210 and was told by Commissioner Polk that road will be getting some work done to it before it is rechipped and sealed this year. He also asked about the speed limit which is currently at 45 mph saying it is too fast for the road. A petition to request a lower speed limit would be needed to be submitted to the commission in order to reduce the speed limit. The county approved the low bid of $12,500 from Deidiker, Alvarado & Associates from West Plains for a one-year financial audit. The commission will meet again Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and it is open to the public.

An accident happened Sunday afternoon at 3:30 in Miller County on Blue Springs Drive just south of Hicks Road. According to the highway patrol report, a 2018 Ford F-150 being driven north by 19-year-old Charlton Lerma of Salem, ran off the right side of the roadway. The Ford thereturned to the roadway, crossed the center line and went off the left side of the roadway and struck several trees before coming to rest in a ditch. Lerma, who was wearing a seat restraint, suffered minor injuries but refused treatment at the scene. The Ford sustained moderate damage and was towed to the drivers residence by Wood’s Towing.

The Salem Area Community Betterment Association, better known as SACBA, is accepting nominees for the their “Gift of Time” volunteer awards to recognize volunteers who have made a significant contribution to Salem and Dent County. Individuals or organizations who have volunteered or made a significant impact for our community for the years 2022 and 2023 are eligible. Nomination forms are available online on the Salem Area Community Betterment Association Facebook page. Nominations must be submitted by Friday, April 26th. This year’s nomination categories are: Education & Youth, Community Enhancement or Preservation, Arts & Culture, Humanitarian, and Outstanding Youth Volunteer for those who are 18 and under. Only one category nomination per submission may be accepted. You can submit separate nominations if nominating a nominee for more than one category. Refer to the Nomination Form for additional eligibility information and nominee questionnaire. An awards banquet to honor the category winners will be held May 16th at 6:00 at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center at 202 S. Main St. As always, SACBA values the support of the community, and looks forward to honoring those who support our community.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education in closed session last Tuesday approved student appeals on the condition that they achieve 90% attendance by May 10th or attend school everyday until May 17th. The board approved the employment of Sydney Hulbert as an Upper Elementary School 4th grade teacher, Diana Welch as the 7th grade English Language Arts instructor, Kaitlin Benson as a 6th grade math teacher, Christopher McSwain as a 6th grade science teacher and Howard Hawkins as a middle school social studies instructor. The board approved Deanna Atkinson to return as the head volleyball coach as well as approving assistant coaches and extra duty assignments for Shelby Botkin, Robbie Owen, Calvin Malone, Bella Jadwin, Terrie Welch, Rocky Wade and James Tomnitz. The board also approved Dr. Herman Blau to be the Federal Programs Director before going back into open session.

Congratulations to the Salem Chamber Choir and instructor Elaine Russell for taking 1st place in their class and category at the Chamber Choir Nationals held in Washington, DC. this past weekend. The choir has once again been invited to sing at Carnegie Hall in New York.

The City of Salem Park and Recreation Board will be meeting this evening at 5:30 at the Salem Community Center at The Armory. After the roll call the Parks and Recreation Board will consider a property trade for a park on the east side of Salem. Members of the board of aldermen are requesting the Parks and Recreation Board consider trading the “old fairgrounds” property for 5 acres on 10th Street known as the “old middle school”. The meeting was called by Parks and Recreation Board President Carlos Lopez. The meeting will be open to the public.

An accident occurred early Sunday morning around 12:05 in Dent County at 1101 Dent County Road 6120. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Arctic Cat 500 4 Wheeler driven by 20-year-old Garrett Mueller of West Salem, Wisconsin, lost control while crossing a cattle guard and overturned. Mueller was ejected from the vehicle and suffered serious injuries. He was flown to Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur by Air Evac. Mueller was not wearing any safety equipment at the time of the accident.

An accident occurred Friday evening in Phelps County at the intersection of Phelps County Roads 7360 and 7380. According to the highway patrol report, a 2019 Polaris Razor driven by 53-year-old Richard Barr of Rolla, was traveling westbound when he attempted to make a left turn and traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned. A passenger. 33-year-old Austin Fann of St. James, suffered serious injuries and was flown by Phelps Air to the University Hospital in Columbia. Neither Fann or Barr were wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident. The highway patrol was assisted by the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office.

An accident happened Thursday afternoon at 2:15 in Laclede County on Route F about a mile north of Sleeper. According to the highway patrol report, a 2021 Caterpillar skid-steer being operated by 54-year-old Douglas Sidwell of Rolla, was working on the roadway in a construction zone. At that time, a 1993 Freightliner being driven by 73-year-old Marion Bishop of Urbana, was unable to stop due to a mechanical problem and struck the skid-steer. Sidwell suffered serious injuries and was taken by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Springfield. The Caterpillar and Freightliner both sustained extensive damage. The Freightliner was towed by Bledsoe Towing. The Caterpillar was secured at the scene.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held their re-organizational meeting Tuesday evening at the R-80 Administrative Board Room. The board certified the election results and Assistant Superintendent Nathan Wills swore in newly elected board members Steven Patterson and Jason Green. New officers of the Salem R-80 School Board are Dru Howard as board president, Sammi Parker as board vice-president, Andrew Wynn as the board secretary and Philip Mercer as the board treasurer. Marjorie Pyatt was elected the MSBA delegate and Jason Green was elected the MSBA delegate alternate. The re-organizational meeting was then adjourned with the regular board meeting being held. Superintendent Lynne Reed gave an update on the FEMA building and a per-bid meeting was held with bids due by April 30th. She said the administration and previous board president Steven Patterson stopped by a practice of the wrestling club and found good attendance and much enthusiasm by the students. Dr. Reed reported a staff meeting was held with five teachers from the senior high, four from the upper elementary, three from the middle school and two from William Lynch as well as three principals, the SPED process coordinator and two board members to discuss how the school moves forward with the budget after the bond issue and tax levy increase failed. That discussion lasted over an hour. It was reported the school principals have submitted master schedules with class size each hour to Dr. Wills and Dr. Reed. They are working on creative solutions to filling open positions from within. Dr. Wills attended a meeting of the Salem Public Schools Foundation and updated the board on their plans to support Dent County schools. It was reported that surveys for students, staff and parents will be distributed that are aligned with the CSIP plan. The school developed exit interviews for departing staff to gather data. After the building principals gave their reports, the board approved the Opaa! food contract, approved the revised head lice policy and heard the first reading of an MSBA policy. The board accepted the resignations of Jordan McLaurin as a high school social studies teacher as well as head golf and assistant boys basketball coach, assistant high school principal Lacie Kolbe, middle school special education teacher Kathleen Cole and kindergarten teacher Emalee Wiseman. They also accepted the retirement of Karen Jones who was the William Lynch Title Teacher and Tracy Leathers in high school math. The board also accepted the resignation of two custodians: Brittany Steelman and Aaron Steelman. The board then went into closed session.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. During public comments, Lancer Blair said he had been part of discussion in Crawford County where he learned the Central Bank of New York was issuing digital currency starting in December and wondered if the Commissioners had heard anything about the issue. First District Commissioner Wes Mobray stated that according to state stature, it is illegal for the county to deal in digital currency. In the road report, Mobray said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5460, 6370, and 6570, plus brush would be cut on county roads 6460 and 6470. He also said that steering tires were being replaced on one dump truck, plus a flat tire on it was going to fixed. Mobray also noted that another dump truck is down and being worked on. Second District Commissioner Gary Polk reported that grading would be done and rock would be added to Dent County Road 2540, while only grading would be done on county roads 4403, 4480, and 5260. He also reported that his district was hauling conservation rock and his district also has a truck down. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported that MRPC has asked him to submit names for the Eugene E. Northern Award and Outstanding Youth Award. Deputy Dent County Clerk Melissa Piatt reported that the commissioners were approving bills for payment. Bank bids were opened for the lease/purchase agreement for a new backhoe for three years. The Bank of Salem bid was 6.25%, Progressive Ozark bid was 4.50%, and the bid from Town & Country Bank was 5.15%. The commissioners approved the bid from Progressive Ozark with a 3-0 vote. An Intercounty Electric Cooperative representative was in to share that they have increased their rates by 2%. Corky Stack with AEA Engineering was in and they did a walk around with the commissioners on the Courthouse renovations. They noted that the east door needs painted, the roof was still leaking as of April 11th, and the torn screens need to be replaced. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident occurred Wednesday afternoon at 2:07 in Phelps County on I-44 about three miles west of Doolittle. According to the highway patrol report, a westbound 2023 Harley Davidson FLHTP, operated by 54-year-old Patrick Rippy of Owensburg, Indiana, began to reduce speed due to traffic conditions. At that time, a 2019 Ford F-350, driven by 30-year-old Mitchell Lawrence of Salem, struck the rear of the Harley Davidson causing Rippy to be ejected. Rippy suffered serious injuries and was flown to University Hospital in Columbia. According to the report, Rippy was not wearing safety equipment, while Lawrence was wearing a seat restraint. The motorcycle went off the left side of the roadway and struck the cable barrier sustaining moderate damage. The Ford had minor damage and was driven from the scene.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors held their regular meeting at the hospital library Tuesday evening. For the month of March, the hospital showed a loss from operations of $239,214. After tax revenues are included, the hospital had an excess of expenses over revenues of $118,129. The SMH Family Clinic also showed a loss during March of $66,079.80 as revenues were over budget, but less than in March of 2023. The hospital had a decrease in cash of $121,258 in March but CFO Doug Hoban said the hospital did receive $428,000 in state funds in April. Another payment from the state is expected of over $288,788. The board discussed a strategic plan meeting to be held May 10th working with the University Extension to pull some numbers together. The board did pass an amendment to the board bylaws for a small group voting resolution. The board elected new officers and they are Mike Swyers as the President with Leigh Ann Price Vice-President and Karen Brown as Secretary. The Finance Committee will be made up of new board members Frank Barnitz, Leigh Ann Price and Karen Brown. Zach Moser will be the alternate to the finance committee. The board then went into closed session.

This Saturday at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center on Highway 19 at the exhibit called “Crossroads: Change in Rural America,” there will be a discussion of ”One Book” about Edgar Lee Masters’ Spoon Rivers Anthology at 9:00. At 10:30, Becky Imhauser presents “More than Money – Being Rich During the Depression. The exhibit is open Monday through Saturday and there is no charge to visit the exhibit. The “Crossroads” exhibit is part of the “Museum on Main Street,” a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and state humanities councils nationwide. Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the United States Congress.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors held their regular meeting at the hospital library Tuesday evening. The Statistical Summary of Operations showed the hospital inpatient admissions were 79, of which 49 were for Medical and Surgical, 5 for Swingbeds, and 25 for Observation. These admissions totaled 280 inpatient census days. Notably, the average length of stay for both Medical/Surgical, and Swingbeds were up significantly compared to March 2023. There were 1,400 Outpatient Registrations, 1,560 Cardiopulmonary Procedures, 6,731 Lab Tests, 1,301 Radiology Procedures, 680 Rehabilitation Treatments and 39 Surgical Procedures. There were 639 Emergency Room visits with 57 patients being admitted. A total of 226 ambulance runs were made with 166 patients being transported. The Chief Nursing Officer report from Ashley Owens stated that there are openings for five night nursing positions as well as a full time EMT. The Mandatory Annual Nursing Skills Lab is scheduled for May 9th. The recognition for the Nurse of the Year will follow on May 10th. In Human Resources there were three new hires while six employees left. According to the First Quarter Report this totals, 10 new hires, while 29 have left, nearly half of those who left were from the Nursing Department.

An accident occurred in Crawford County Saturday night at 10:20 on I-44 at the 220 mile marker. According to the Highway Patrol report a 2002 Ford Explorer, driven by a 16-year-old female juvenile, ran off the left side of the roadway, struck the cable barrier, and overturned. She suffered moderate injuries and was transported by North Crawford Ambulance District to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Patriot Towing. The Highway Patrol was assisted by the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office and the Bourbon Fire Department.

A recent investigation of illegal tree harvesting on the Mark Twain National Forest that led to the indictment of a southern Missouri man used an uncommon form of evidence—DNA from an illegally harvested log. This case marks the first time that tree DNA was used to investigate a federal timber poaching case in the eastern United States. Timber theft is a common crime on public lands. Black walnut—the tree in this case—is among the largest and longest-lived hardwood tree species growing on the Mark Twain’s 1.5 million acres. Its wood is sought after for veneers and furniture, which makes it an attractive target for timber poaching on federal and other lands across Missouri and neighboring states. In October 2019, witnesses notified a law enforcement officer of a potential illegal harvest on the forest near Siloam Springs, Mo. After identifying eight freshly cut walnut stumps at the site, a Forest Service special agent was assigned the case. He investigated a nearby hardwood lumber mill, where he found one log with dimensions matching one of the stumps. An off-cut from the end of the suspect log showed a near-perfect fit to one of the freshly cut stumps at the theft site. To convincingly prove that this stump and log represented the same tree, the special agent contacted Richard Cronn, a USDA Forest Service research geneticist based in Oregon, who studies forest tree genetics and has pioneered the use of tree DNA in illegal logging investigations. Cronn’s lab evaluated the stump and log samples utilizing the new test, and results showed that the samples were identical across 80 genetic markers. For Missouri black walnut, that DNA database was built by Forest Service law enforcement and timber staff and Adventure Scientists, a citizen-science volunteer organization. The group’s volunteers collected leaf and wood samples across the species’ range, and Forest Service geneticists analyzed the samples to determine the “DNA profile probability’—or the chance that two random walnut trees would share the same DNA fingerprint. Using this database, the research team determined that the DNA profile probability for the illegally cut tree was less than one in a million-trillion-trillion. The combination of physical evidence and DNA testing proved irrefutable. The defendant pled guilty in July 2023 to one felony count of depredation of Government property, and was sentenced to five months of time served, a 3-year supervised release, and restitution for the value of timber and ecological damage to the forest.

Meramec Regional Planning Commission is hosting a Second Chance Job Fair from 10:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon on Tuesday, April 23, at 202 North Smith Street in Cuba. The job fair focuses on employers willing to hire individuals who are justice involved or in recovery from substance-use-disorder. Employers attending include Walmart, Aerofill, Aspeq, Imperial, Manchester Packaging and Cohen Woodworking with other employers still reserving spaces to attend. The Missouri Job Center, Missouri Baptist Hospital of Sullivan and Invent Yourself, LLC will also be at the event to provide resources to potential employees. This event is open to the public and attendees will be eligible to win a door prize. This project is funded through a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, totaling $1,000,000 awarded to MRPC in 2021. Employers and prospective job candidates needing information, can call 573-265-2993 ext. 141 for more information.

An accident occurred in Shannon County Monday afternoon at 2:20 on Highway 19 four miles south of Eminence. According to the Highway Patrol report a 2017 Nissan Altima, driven southbound by 34-year-old Ashley Lewis of Bunker, crossed the center line of the roadway and struck a northbound 2011 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 37-year-old Jessica Sartin of Eminence. Lewis suffered serious injuries and was transported by ambulance to Mercy St. Francis in Mountain View. Sartin suffered moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to Cox South in Springfield. A passenger in the Nissan, 30-year-old Nicole Holly of Bunker, suffered minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to Cox South in Springfield. It was not know whether Lewis was wearing a safety restraint, while Sartin was not and Holly was. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Baker’s Towing of Birch Tree.

Yesterday the Missouri House of Representatives announced the passage of HB 1886, a comprehensive legislative measure sponsored by State Representative Rudy Veit, that encompassed a wide range of legal reforms in Missouri. It introduces significant changes to Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), broadening reasons for court dissolution and establishing a non-binding alternative dispute resolution process. It updates definitions in legal proceedings, adjusts provisions for spousal trusts, and introduces procedures for electronic wills and estate documents. The bill raises the age limit for admissible statements in criminal proceedings and expands the definition of “vulnerable person.” It sets minimum compensation for jurors and allows counties to adjust compensation. It establishes procedures for out-of-state subpoenas and shields individuals exercising constitutional rights from certain civil actions. It makes adjustments to court fees, modifies guardianship proceedings, fee payments, and excludes criminal proceedings from privileged information protections for probation and parole officers. It raises the age limit for certain offenses and adjusts penalties based on the ages of individuals involved. The legislation now moves to the Missouri Senate for further consideration.

The Creative Arts Center will be holding a Pokemon Painting Party with Isabella Knaack on Friday evening, April 19th from 4:00-6:00. If you are a PokeFan, come create your own Fakemon or replicate an existing character. While this painting is geared towards a younger audience, but all ages are welcome to come and paint. This class will be a step-by-step format. The cost is $15 for with all supplies provided. Class registrations are first come, first serve basis, with online registrations. Interested salemcommunitybetterment.com website for have at least two people sign up to hold the persons can sign up under “Programs” at the class which will topped out at 15.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse. 120th District legislative candidate Lance Blair was in attendance and Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson asked about his campaign. Blair responded that voters have concerns over inflation, uncertainty about their future, and paying their bills. He said he feels his campaign is going well. In the road report District One Commissioner Wes Mobry said that grading would be done and rock would be added to Dent County Roads 5410 and 6020, plus grading only would be done on county road 6380. Furthermore, brush would be cut on county road 6470. District Two Commissioner Gary Polk indicated that grading would be done and rock would be added to Dent County Roads 2500 and 2540, while grading only would be done on county roads 4030, 4400, 4403, and 5245. Larson said he attended the TAC Committee meeting last Thursday in St. James and learned from Preston Kramer information that corrected some inaccuracies in last week’s release about the Standing Rock Bridge. He said the state has purchased adequate property for the entire bridge to be built during Phase 1. Then during Phase 2 signage will be established, the roadway route to the new bridge would be completed and there would be temporary traffic signals during Phase 2. Larson also reported that at the MRPC meeting last week he was appointed to the Meramec Regional Community Foundation. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that bills were being approved by the Commissioners for payment. She said she balanced with Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams on all county accounts for March. It was reported that the Commissioners took phone bids for 7,500 gallons of diesel. The winning and lowest bid was from County Fuels for $2.93 per gallon. At 10:00 bids were opened for chip and seal this summer. Blevins Asphalt bid was $1.91 per unit single coat, double coat was $3.65 per unit, and $.91 per unit for primer only on double coat and they can begin in June. West Contracting of Pacific bid $2.24 per unit on single coat and $4.86 per unit on double coat with no extra cost for primer. The Commissioners voted 3-0 to go with the low bid by Blevins Asphalt. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Phelps County Public Housing Agency (PHA) will host a public hearing to accept comments on the PHA’s annual plan this afternoon at 2:00 during the Meramec Regional Planning Commission, #4 Industrial Drive in St. James. The Phelps County PHA provides HUD Section 8 rental assistance to persons in Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps (outside the city of Rolla) and Washington counties. The plan is a comprehensive guide to PHA policies, programs, operations and strategies for meeting local housing needs and goals. The annual plan is submitted to HUD every year. The plan is available for review at MRPC/Phelps County PHA through April 16th. Written comments will be accepted through April 17 and can be submitted to MRPC, attention Donald Keeney, Housing Program Manager. For more information contact Kenney at, dkeeney@meramecregion.org or call 573-265-2993.

The Dent County Sheriffs office has released some reports. On Saturday, April 6th, deputies responded to the 600 block of County Road 2480 for a theft report. The victim, a 61-year-old Iowa man, told officers that an ATV had been taken from his property by an unknown suspect or suspects. The investigation is continuing. On Monday the 8th deputies responded to the 4500 block of County Road 2050 for another theft report. A 77-year-old Salem man, told deputies that a known suspect had taken a 2006 Ford F-150 without his permission. The investigation is ongoing. Thursday the 11th, deputies responded to the 1100 block of West Scenic Rivers Blvd. for a wanted subject. The suspect, a 40-year-old Salem woman, was arrested on an outstanding warrant and transported to the Dent County Jail where she was incarcerated. The next day deputies responded to the 600 block of County Road 2075 for a domestic disturbance. A 29-year-old Salem man and a 29-year-old Rolla woman, had assaulted one another. Neither party wished to pursue charges and the Missouri 12 Hour Rule was invoked. If you have any information regarding an investigation please the sheriffs office at 729-3241.

The spring season brings blooms, sunny skies, warmer temperatures, and a variety of newborn animals. Young wildlife can pull on our heartstrings as they look to be abandoned, but that’s rarely the case. The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds the public that the best place for wildlife is in the wild. A common newborn species we may encounter in the spring is young birds. When you see newborns alone, that means the parents are likely out searching for food and will return. If you see a chick with feathers hopping on the ground, leave it alone because it’s a fledgling and its parents are nearby keeping watch. Fledglings can spend up to 10 days on the ground learning to fly. If you find one that has no feathers, it likely fell out of its nest and you can return it to the nesting area if possible. Another animal you shouldn’t interfere with is young rabbits. Rabbits seldom survive in captivity and can actually die of fright from being handled. A common myth is that human scent does will cause wild mothers to reject their young but that’s not true. It takes a lot of knowledge to care for and rehabilitate wild animals and it requires special training, permits, and facilities. Not to mention, it’s illegal to possess many wild animals without a valid state or federal permit. Wildlife can become dangerous as they mature, and can carry disease, parasites, and cause property damage. People have good intentions, and it can be tempting to take these cute, young animals in our homes, but the best thing we can do for wild animals is to leave them in the wild.

The City of Salem Park and Recreation Board will be meeting this evening at 5:30 at the Salem Community Center at The Armory. During a previous meeting of the board, they had approved the acquisition of a 5.6 acre parcel of property known as the “old fairgrounds” on Franklin Street. In the current budget year, the parks and recreation department is budgeted to make the final 25,000.00 payment to complete a loan from the capital improvement fund to the parks and recreation fund for the purchase of the property. Members of the board of aldermen are requesting the parks and recreation board consider trading the “old fairgrounds” property for 5 acres on 10th Street known as the “old middle school”. This would meet the previously discussed need for a park on the east side of town and could potentially provide a connection between the city park and the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History. The meeting will be open to the public.

The Dent County Fire Protection district board of directors met Tuesday evening. After approval of the consent agenda and approval of the March minutes the financial report was heard showing an ending balance of 222,902.27 as of March 31st. Bills, payment, and statements, along with the budget were reviewed and approved. During the calendar review it was noted that on April 15th there would be a walk through at the R-1 school for a fire safety inspection. The monthly reimbursement report showed a total of 33 calls for the month of March and 105 calls year to date. Of those calls for service 16 were fire calls, along with responding to four accidents, three alarm calls, two agency assist, two medical calls, and one each public service and utility problems. Four calls were listed as other. In old business, the lawn care service bids were presented with a 150.00 bid from Scenic Rivers and a bid of 80.00 from Larry Lundy. It was suggested that Chief Floyd take care of getting the lawn mowed. The tower lease information was tabled until after a statement is received as well as bids for the repair of water damage. It was reported to the board that the repeater has been installed and working properly. After a 2nd reading of a bylaw change for closed sessions, a vote was made and carried to accept the latest changes to page 7 of closed sessions and was made a permanent part of the bylaws. The board also discussed the truck and SCBA financing. The bid from the bank of Salem was 9% for five years, Progressive Ozark Bank at 5.49% for 7 years, Community Leasing Partners was 5.99% for 7 years and Town and Country Bank, 5.25% for 10 years. The bid was approved from Town and Country Bank. In new business, Vince Murdock came in to talk to the board about a bill he had received for a fire on his property on March 13th. He had received a bill for 6,636.00. After he explained the situation on how the fire started and that it involved more that just his property, it was decided to rescind the bill. He also offered to make a 500.00 donation to the department which was accepted by the board. A bid from the Darrell Hayes was presented to 12,270.00 for the repair, sealing, and re-striping of the parking lot. Due to the cost being over 3,000.00 the board will need to obtain more bids before a decision can be made. The board also discussed a handicap ramp on the north side of the building but no action was taken. Chief Floyd then gave his report to the board and said that SCBAs are on order but no delivery date has been given. He also mentioned that the vehicle fire training class hosted by Missouri State University of Columbia was a success with 19 attendees present. Floyd also reported that the department is updating the new software with inventory items and that filters and items to service the trucks has been ordered. The date was then set for the next meeting to take place on Tuesday, May 7th at 6:00 at the fire station which will be open to the public. The board then went into closed session where they approved probationary firefighter Mason Blair be added to the roster, and approved to move Assistant Chief Dennis Floyd to the position as Chief and Lieutenant Derrick Thomas to the position of Assistant Chief. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors will hold their regular meeting at 6:00 in the hospital library Tuesday evening. At the meeting, Interim Administrator Jason Edwards will give his report before the board hears the summary of operations for the month of March as well as statistics for the month. The board will hear about the 340B program, receive the Chief Nursing Officer report from Ashley Owens and be updated on Human Resources. In old business the Board will be updated on State and Match Funding, plus receive a Strategic Planning update. In new business the Board will review a Governing Body Bylaw amendment and conduct the election of officers. The board may then vote to go into closed session. The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors meeting Tuesday night is open to the public. To attend the meeting electronically, contact the hospital administration office at (573) 729-6626, extension 4005.

The Dent County Commission met for their regular meeting at the courthouse Thursday. Attending the meeting was Grant Wilson from 8th District Representative Jason Smith’s office who wanted to let people know Smith would be at the Dent County Republican Lincoln Days on Thursday, April 18th. Also in attendance was Mike Swyers who was asking as a concerned citizen what the status was of the broadband situation in Dent County. He is seeing all the surrounding counties receiving funding from the state for improved broadband but is not seeing anything for Dent County. The commission told Swyers they have been to numerous meetings on this and Presiding Commission Gary Larson said it is brought up at every MRPC meeting. Currently, the Missouri Department of Economic Development has a window open where citizens can challenge what the Missouri Broadband Map shows as having adequate, little or no service. Challengers will be able to provide information that would indicate the locations that should or should not be available for funding. Time is running out as the window for filing challenges will close on Tuesday, April 23rd. If you currently do NOT have broadband, you will need to go to a location that offers public access to a computer or to a location that has Internet service with your phone and go to this website: ded.mo.gov/office-broadband-development and click on the Broadband Availability Challenge and enter the requested information. Candidate for 120th State Representative Lancer Blair was also in attendance at the commission meeting and said he attended the Crawford County Lincoln Days and a meeting of “We the People” in Crawford County. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams gave the sales tax figures the county received from the state this month. In the General Revenue Fund and the Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund, the county received $98,610.46 which is up from April 2023 receipts by $19,157.38. Year-to-date, those funds are up $3,610.28. For the Road and Bridge Fund, the county received $43,386.02 and that is up $8,857.85 from April of 2023. Year-to-date, that fund is down $1,173.18. The Jail Operating and Trust Funds each received $87,193.68 in April and that was up $17,770.96 over last April. Year-to-date, those funds are each down $1,155.95. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said the work crews would be digging up a soft spot on the chip and seal county road 4185. They will be solidifying the base and rebuilding the road at that location. Once done, the county will rechip and seal that part of the road and finish chip and sealing the rest of the roadway. Mobray also said brush was cut on county road 6470. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said workers were stockpiling gravel at the road and bridge department, plus maintenance was being done on grader #40, a new fuel tank was being put on truck #82 and work was being done on the exhaust of truck #122. Commissioner Larson said he and the commissioners attended the MAC Legislative Day and heard from Governor Mike Parsons. He also attended the TAC, HUD and MRPC regular meeting Thursday night. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she attended the MAC Board Meeting on Monday where they discussed numerous issues. She went on to say that she balanced with the collector and assessor on monthly collections, add-ons, and abatements. She said she is also getting preliminary work done for the August Primary election. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Police department has released their report for the month of March. The department responded to 13 accidents during the month. Officers also responded to six alarms sounding and addressed 35 animal calls. Officers investigated eight assaults or fights, one burglary, performed nine well being checks and ten area checks during the month. The department investigated six domestic disputes, five verbal disturbances, conducted 59 follow-up investigations and provided 16 escorts. They investigated five nuisance violations, four reports of fraud, and offered assistance to seven motorists. The Salem Police wrote six property damage reports during March, plus made seven stealing reports and responded to three traffic complaints. Officers investigated 20 suspicious circumstance calls, seven suspicious person calls and eight suspicious vehicle calls. Officers responded to a trespassing call and attempted to serve seven warrants in March. Officers conducted 50 traffic stops during the month. The police responded to a total of 452 incidents in March with the average response time to calls being 2:12. The average time spent on the scene was 15:57.

The Doe Run Company and Missouri Department of Natural Resources will be hosting a free, family fun event at the Missouri Mines State Historic Site in Park Hills on Saturday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The event is called “Spring Rocks ’N Roll” and celebrates minerals, music and memories. The event is an expanded and reimagined version of a former event, “Fall Rocks,” previously held annually in October. Doe Run and its employees will provide indoor and outdoor activities, including a children’s battery-operated, ride and drive mine equipment obstacle course, a drone flying station for adults, “gold” panning, a mineral trivia game, cookie mining, and more. . Doe Run will also host a job recruitment booth for those looking to learn more about working in the mining and metals industry. Visitors are encouraged to register to win one of four free bicycles that will be given away toward the end of the event. This year marks Doe Run’s 160th anniversary and the company has much to celebrate. It recently announced it won a $7 million grant from the Department of Defense to build a demonstration plant that will extract cobalt and nickel from Missouri resources.

The Salem Memorial Hospital will hold a special board meeting Sunday at 2:00 in the hospital library to swear in newly elected board members and discuss a proposed policy and a pledge of confidentiality. The board may then go into closed session before they adjourn. The meeting is open to the public. Any person wanting to attend by phone or electronic means should contact the SMDH administration office by Friday at 573-729-6626, ext 4005 to obtain access information.

This Saturday at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center on Highway 19 at the exhibit called “Crossroads: Change in Rural America,” there will be a panel presentation about the area on forestry, farming and tourism beginning at 10:00 called “In What Ways do we use our Land?” Also available for sale at the exhibit will be Salem Walking Tour Books. The exhibit is open Monday through Saturday and there is no charge to visit the exhibit. The “Crossroads” exhibit is part of the “Museum on Main Street,” a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and state humanities councils nationwide. Support for the “Museum on Main Street” exhibit has been provided by the United States Congress.

The Salem Middle School students did well in the Middle School Contest for solos and ensembles at Camdenton held last Saturday. Receiving a #1 exemplary rating for a vocal solo were 8th graders Autumn Culp, Cullen Edwards, Brooklyn Letchworth, Mayrin Ramirez-Briceno, Jane Roberts and Phoebe Taylor. Seventh graders that received a #1 rating were Kelsey Lansing and Kavan Toman; and 6th graders receiving the #1 rating were Emmerson Dillon, Morrison Gregg and Grace Taylor. Ensembles who received a #1 exemplary rating were the 6th grade girls ensemble made up of Emmerson Dillon, Grace Taylor, Emmalee Camden, Serenity Drury, Izarie Torres, Eva Schlag and Kimberly Sanchez. Two 7th grade ensembles were given a #1 rating. The girls ensemble was made up of Clara Ball, Madison Mercer and Hannah Prugh; and the boys ensemble was comprised of Chase Dahms, Caleb Ouzts and Kavan Toman. There was one 7th grade girls duet that received the #1 rating and that was Kelsey Lansing and Katlyn Mendenhall. Three 8th grade girl ensembles were honored with a #1 rating. One ensemble was made up of Aleaha Hofer, Deanna Moore and Kylee Smith. Another was comprised of Autumn Culp, Jane Roberts, Brooklyn Letchworth, Phoebe Taylor and Mayrin Ramirez- Briceno. The third 8th grade ensemble was made up of Calyssa Parks, Ellie Hogan, Emma Schlag, Addyson Summers, Gracie Mendenhall and Grace Kerr. Other middle school students received a #2 outstanding rating included one 8th grade soloist, Aleaha Hofer, and five 7th grade soloists. They were Kristal Bluhm, Charlotte Granowski, Hannah Prugh, Alice Salyer and Jacen Triplett. Also receiving a #2 rating were the 7th grade girls ensemble made up of Sophia Decker, Brinkley Tripp, Alice Salyer and Aubrey Widner; and the 8th grade boys ensemble comprised of Bentley Loughridge, Aiden Summers, Maison Sanders, Cullen Edwards and Alex Woodward. Receiving a #3 rating was the 7th grade girls ensemble that was made up of Grace Ballard, Charlotte Granowski and Kaylin Jackson. Congratulations to all of the students on their achievement!

An accident happened Tuesday morning just before 6:00 in Phelps County on Interstate 44 westbound at the 182 mile-marker about two miles west of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2014 Dodge Ram 3500 being driven by 47-year-old Bryon Poe of Rolla, and a 2023 Peterbilt being driven by 57-year-old Timothy Clark of Springfield, were both traveling westbound when they entered a construction zone. Concrete dust in the air obstructed the vision of both drivers. The Peterbilt slowed because of the limited vision and the towed unit was struck from behind by the Dodge Ram. Poe suffered moderate injuries and was taken by Phelps Health ambulance to the Phelps Health hospital. Clark received minor injuries but chose to seek his own treatment. The Dodge was totaled and removed from the scene by D&D Towing. The Peterbilt had minor damage and was able to be driven from the scene. The report went on to state that both drivers were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

An accident happened Tuesday afternoon at 3:40 in Iron County at Route Y and Highway 49. According to the highway patrol report, a 2016 IC Bus being driven by 41-year-old Lynnita Asher of Boss, was stopped at a stop sign when she was struck from behind by a 2008 Ford Taurus being driven by 18-year-old Chassitty Williams of Fort Clinton, Ohio. A passenger in the Taurus, 20-year-old Jasmine Frost, from the state of Colorado, suffered minor injuries and was taken by EMS to the Salem Memorial Hospital for treatment. The Ford sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Abney’s Towing. The bus was able to be driven from the scene. Williams and Asher were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident while Frost was not using a seat restraint.

Danielle Norris will be leading a “Sign & Wine Spring Front Porch Welcome Sign” workshop this Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:30. They will supply the stencils and supplies. You can bring your own board which needs to be eight inches by 34 inches, or buy one from the Creative Arts Center. You can hand letter it yourself, or add pre-cut vinyl lettering. Then for the summer class, you can bring the sign back and paint your Summer sign on the back. This class is ages 12 and older. If you are a new participant and need a sign, the cost is $35 per person. If you bring your own board, the cost is $20. Interested persons can sign up under “Programs” at the SACBA website for activities at the Creative Arts Center.