Local News

The Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting at the Salem Community Center@The Armory Tuesday evening. After the board heard public comments from three citizens, Mayor Greg Parker appointed Wanda Suhr as Assistant City Clerk and City Clerk Tammy Kohler gave her the oath of office. The board approved closing Fourth Street from Highway 19 to Jackson Street for the 100-Acre Wood Rally Park Expose for Saturday, March 16th. They also approved closing roads from SBU to the Salem High School for the Salem High School senior class parade on May 11th. Resolution No. 8-2024, a resolution to donate the Tenth Street property that formerly was the old Salem Middle School to the Salem Housing Authority after they secured adequate funding to develop a 24-unit low-income housing complex, was tabled with the Mayor breaking the tie vote. Several citizens who live in the neighborhood asked to hear more details about the proposal, and representatives from the Housing Authority will be asked to attend the next meeting and provide more details about the proposed development. The board approved Resolution No. 9-2024 allowing the mayor to execute the annual lease renewal with Wave Internet for the use of space on the top of the water tower. Resolution No. 10-2024 was approved as a change order with BCS Electric for the Al Brown Fields electrical work at a cost of $41,760.88 for labor and $13,147.58 for materials needed to finish the new lighting project. The board approved purchasing 50 dusk-to-dawn street lights at the cost of $6,937.50 from Fletcher-Reinhardt, and approved J&M Construction and Fencing’s bid for $29,950 to install fencing around the industrial park water tower and well #4 to secure the area and equipment. The board approved Bill No. 3601 to sell the property at 306 E. Second Street. This land was donated to the city as part of the demolition program. The board heard the first reading of Bill #3602 regarding the execution of a lease between the City of Salem and Healthy Dent County for the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois reported the soccer season has begun, with the first game being this Saturday with 302 youth participating. The restrooms at the parks will open on March 21st. Anyone wanting to reserve a pavilion this year will need to do so at the City Administration building. Interim Public Works Director Joe Chase updated the board on several projects, including Doe Run doing a no-cost peer review of the sewer treatment plant, and will report to the board at a later date. City Administrator Sally Burbridge reported that staff have been doing training on Encode, and with recent utility staff changes, the office could be short-staffed and asked the public to please be patient. Alderman Kyle Williams reported that the 100-Acre Wood Rally Park Expose would be held on Fourth Street from 8:00 to 11:00 Saturday morning. Alderwoman Kala Sisco reported that a Community Involvement meeting will be held on March 21st at 5:00 pm at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. She wanted to remind citizens they needed to call the city to put in a work order for $40 to get yard waste picked up. The meeting then went into closed session.

An accident happened Tuesday evening in Crawford County on Interstate 44 at the 221.4 mile marker that took the life of a St. James man. According to the highway patrol report, 44-year-old James Hendrickson of St. James, was driving a 2003 Ford F-150 eastbound, when he traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck the backside of a towed unit of a 2024 International semi-truck that was parked and stationary on the shoulder. Hendrickson was ejected from the Ford and was taken to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan by the North Crawford County Ambulance where he was pronounced dead at 8:42 Tuesday evening. The Ford F-150 was totaled and was removed from the scene by Chuck’s Towing while the International sustained moderate damage and it was also removed from the scene by Chuck’s Towing. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department as well as the Bourbon and Leasburg Fire Departments.

MoDOT wants to inform the public that Route TT in Reynolds County will be reduced to one lane as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs. This section of roadway is located from Route KK to Highway 72 near Bunker. Weather permitting, the work will take place TODAY and Friday from 8:00 in the morning to 2:00 in the afternoon daily. The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area. For additional information, contact MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/southeast.

The Phelps County Sheriff’s Department announced Wednesday morning that Amara Lynn Keyes was found safe and unharmed in Atchison, Kansas. A 20-year-old man has been detained in connection with this case. The investigation continues. The Phelps County Sheriff’s Department thanks everyone for their assistance in helping find the young girl safe.

AN AREA MISSING PERSON ALERT!! The Phelps County Sheriff’s Department has issued an Endangered Person Advisory for a missing person incident that occurred at Audubon Place in Rolla at 8:00 this morning. They report that 13-year-old Amara Lynn Keyes is missing. Keyes is described as a white female who is 5 foot, 7 inches tall and weighs 145 pounds. She has blonde hair, blue eyes and a medium complexion. Amara Keyes was last seen at her residence at approximately 9:00 Monday evening. She was not in her room this morning. Keyes is likely to be in the company of an individual she met online. Anyone seeing Keyes or anyone having any information related to the endangered missing person should immediately dial 911 to contact the nearest law enforcement agency or call the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department at 573-426-3860.

Intercounty Electric has releases the names of essay contest exclusive for area high school juniors that gives the grand prize winner a chance to go on an all expense paid trip to Washington DC. The other two juniors have the opportunity to go on the CYCLE program that sends them to Jefferson City on an all expense paid tour. Three students from the nine schools served by Intercounty were announced and they include from the KSMO listening area Jaelynn Walker, Khloe Baldwin and Gunner Mahurin from the Salem High School; Ethan Domenech, Timothy Norris and Nicole Paolella from the Likcing High School; Olivia Park, Katherine Arnold and Mohamed Algraiw from the Rolla High School; and Ava Ennis, Kaytee Forister and Cat Lillis from the St. James High School. Congratulations to these students who will be attending an in-person interview at the Intercounty Electric offices in Licking on Saturday, March 23rd to determine which of the three students from each school will win the grand prizes.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control arrested of 51-year-old Bradley T. Colvin of Rolla on March 11th for the possession of child pornography and promoting child pornography. The arrest was made following investigations by the Special Victims Unit of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control. The State Technical Assistance Team (S.T.A.T.) assisted in the investigation. According to a release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, in February while conducting an on-line child pornography investigation, investigators with the Special Victim’s Unit of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control identified a device associated with the internet account of Bradley T. Colvin, which had distributed digital files identified as child pornography. On March 11th investigators executed a Phelps County search warrant at the home of Colvin which is located in Rolla. During the search, investigators found hundreds of files of child pornography, located on computers and storage devices, inside the residence. Colvin was arrested and transported to the Phelps County Jail, where on March 12th, the Phelps County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged Colvin with five counts of possession of child pornography and one count of promoting child pornography. He is being held in the Phelps County Jail with no bond. These charges are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it will be to determine Colvin’s guilt or innocence.

The Phelps County Sheriff’s Department has issued an Endangered Person Advisory for a missing person incident that occurred at Audubon Place in Rolla at 8:00 Tuesday morning. They report that 13-year-old Amara Lynn Keyes is missing. Keyes is described as a white female who is 5 foot, 7 inches tall and weighs 145 pounds. She has blonde hair, blue eyes and a medium complexion. Amara Keyes was last seen at her residence at approximately 9:00 Monday evening. She was not in her room this morning. Keyes is likely to be in the company of an individual she met online. Anyone seeing Keyes or anyone having any information related to the endangered missing person should immediately dial 911 to contact the nearest law enforcement agency or call the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department at 573-426-3860.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On Friday, March 1st, a Dent County Deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 1100 block of Route B. During the stop, a 38-year-old Salem man was found to be driving on a suspended license. The driver was taken into custody and transported to the Dent County Jail. The next day on Saturday, March 2nd, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 1100 block of South Louise Street. During the stop, a 38-year-old Bunker man was found to be driving without a valid license. It was reported that a probable cause statement will be submitted to the Dent County Prosecutor’s Office. Later that same day, a deputy responded to the 15000 block of Route C for a reported burglary. The victim, a 35-year-old Lenox woman, told deputies that a suspect had entered her home and stolen several items. Suspect information was obtained and deputies questioned a male juvenile. A report will be forwarded to the Dent County Juvenile Office. Then on Wednesday, March 6th, a deputy responded to the 400 block of Dent County Road 5015 in reference to a wanted subject. A 56-year-old Salem woman was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail where she was incarcerated on the arrest warrant. Finally on Friday, March 8th, Dent County Deputies responded to the 3900 block of Dent County Road 5170 on a report of trespassing. During the investigation, a 37-year-old Salem man was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail where he was placed on a 24-hour hold pending the issuance of any formal charges. If anyone has any information regarding an investigation, call the Dent County Sheriff’s office at 573-729-3241.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District One Commissioner Wes Mobray said that grading would be done and rock would be added to Dent County Roads 2430 and 2440, while grading only would be done on county road 5650. Mobray also stated that brush would be cut on county road 6580. District Two Commissioner Gary Polk reported grading would be done and rock would be added to Dent County Roads 2110 and 4290, plus brush would be cut on county road 4055. He said only grading would be done to county road 2115. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported that he and Dent County Clerk Angie Curley attended the South Central Missouri Commissioner’s meeting at Houston last Friday where they were updated on Senate Bill 190, plus they heard comments from various representatives of several federal and state legislators. The group heard a MoDOT update and the report from Kevin Crider on the Feral Hog Program. The commissioners decided they would be going to Jefferson City Wednesday to visit with legislators. Larson noted that he would attend the Tourism Tax Committee meeting Monday night. County Clerk Angie Curley said payroll was being paid and the Commissioners were approving bills for payment. She said that absentee voting continues in her office and no-excuse absentee voting would begin March 19th and continue through April 1st. Curley also noted her office will be open for absentee voting Saturday, March 30th, from 8:00 until noon. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk was in to report that her monthly surtax and interest totaled $563,558.17 and has been distributed to the various entities. She also reported that the Collectors Annual Settlement, Form 205, which totaled $9,429,286.03, has been completed, certified by County Clerk Curley, and sent to the state. VanKirk said that the Form 205 was available for review in her office, plus she noted that anyone needing a copy of their personal property and real estate taxes can obtain them online from the Dent County portal. Bids were opened at 10:00 Monday mroning for the contruction of the new Road Salt Shed at the County Maintenance Department. Thomas Excavating bid $71,900.00, Alexander Construction bid $88,690.80, and Cahill Construction bid $145,905.00, which was their base bid. The commissioners noted that they would be comparing bids before making a decision on the salt shed. At 10:30, bids were opened for culverts. Roberts-Judson Lumber Company bid $37,150.00, Welborn Sales, Inc. bid $30,704.00, and the bid from Viebrock Sales and Service, LLC was for $35,720.00. The Commissioners accepted the Welborn bid by a vote of 3-0. The last bids were opened at 11:00 were for grader blades. The Fabick bid was for $14,472.90, Viebrock Sales bid $15,934.50, Woolf Equipment bid $11,963.00, McCoy Construction and Forestry bid $13,860.00 and Pull Scrapper Parts Warehouse, LLC bid $14,328.00. The commission voted 3-0 to accept the Woolf Equipment bid. The commissioners voted 3-0 to advertise for bids to purchase a used 3/4 ton pickup truck 4 door with four wheel drive and mileage between 100,000 and 150,000 for the Road & Bridge Department. Bids are due by Monday, March 25th at 10:00 and will be opened at that time. Jason Jones came in to visit with the Commissioners. At last Thursday’s Commissioners meeting Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams reported on the sales tax receipts for this month. General Revenue and Law Enforcement each received $90,392.17, which is down year-to-date 5.4%, the Road and Bridge Fund received $38,648.23 and is down 7.6%, and each Jail Fund received $77,588.54 and they are down 7.1%. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at 6:00 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. After the consent agenda, the board will hear public comments, hear Mayor Greg Parker make an appointment, hear the new Assistant City Clerk take the oath of office, and hear two requests for road closures. The board will hear and discuss Resolution #8-2024 regarding the donation of property to the Salem Housing Authority to benefit the community, discuss Resolution #9-2024 that would renew the lease with Wave Technology for the use of wireless broadband on the water tower; and discuss Resolution #10-2024 that would authorize he mayor to execute a change order between the city and BCS Electric for work at the Al Brown Fields on the lighting system. The board will hear bids for replacement bulbs for streetlights and then address the table bid for the chain-link fence from last meeting. Also the board will hear the first reading of Bill #3601 regarding the selling of a piece of real estate donated to the City of Salem, and they will hear Bill #3602 regarding a memorandum of understanding to execute a lease with Healthy Dent County for the lease of the Salem Community Center@The Armory. After reports from city officials, the board will go into closed session to discuss personnel and contracts.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will be meeting at 6:00 on Tuesday, March 12th at the fire station located at #2 South Main Street. After the roll call, the board will go into closed session to discuss personnel, policies and procedures before they approve the consent agenda which includes the financial reports, minutes and the budget review. The board will review the scheduled events on the calendar, discuss the monthly reimbursement report and talk about old business including SCBA bottle purchase, lawn care service, the tower lease program, repair of water damaged rooms, audit request for the department, new truck purchase, and other information. In new business the board will discuss policy and procedures, interview new firefighter candidates, and discuss personnel in closed session. After Chief Floyd give his reports, the board will set the date for the next meeting. The meeting will then be adjourned. the meeting of the Dent County Fire Protection District Board is open to the public.

Between February 17th to March 1st there were a total of 180 calls for service to the Salem Police Department. Officers conducted 20 traffic stops for various traffic violations with three resulting in a summons or arrest. Officers also conducted seven traffic accident investigations. On Monday evening February 19th at 6:00 officers on patrol noticed a male subject who had active warrants walk into Wal Mart. Officers searched for the man and were able to locate 32 year Terry Storm of Salem who was incarcerated on three capias warrants for a parole violation, possession of a controlled substance, and property damage. Early Thursday morning February 22nd at about 5:00 officers conducted a traffic stop near Franklin Street and Highway 72 on a vehicle having malfunctioning lights. During the stop, it was found that the driver of the vehicle had an active warrant out of Dent County. Robert Lewis, age 35 of Salem was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail on a capias warrant for possession of a controlled substance. During the evening of Monday February 26th at approximately 6:00 officers concluded a short-term investigation into the location of a female with capias warrants out of Texas County. As a result, Amy Jackson, age 40 of Salem was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail on two capias warrants for burglary and stealing. Finally, on the afternoon of Wednesday February 28th close to 2:00 officers located a male subject who had an active warrant for his arrest. 26 year old Jacob Bussey of Salem was arrested on his warrant for possession of a controlled substance. Bussey was later released on his an own recognizance. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an investigation.

The Salem Public Library and Dent County Astronomers will host an “Eclipse Exploration” on Tuesday evening at 6:00 PM. This is a chance to learn about the upcoming total solar eclipse next month. The program is free and will be in the library’s north basement meeting room. A limited number of eclipse glasses will be available for those who attend. No library card is required to attend.” 

The Missouri Invasive Plant Council in partnership with Forest ReLeaf of Missouri, Forrest Keeling Nursery, and the Missouri Department of Conservation, will host a Callery pear, also known as Bradford pears, “buyback” program in locations around the state on April 23rd. On this date, citizens who complete event registration will receive a free native tree when they show a photo of a cut down Callery pear tree from their property. Registration for the Callery Pear Buyback event is open from March 15 through April 15. On the registration form, participants will choose their event location, select a native tree, and upload a photo of the cut-down Bradford pear tree. One free, non-invasive, native tree will be given to registered participants at the selected location on the day of the event from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Participants will receive potted native trees, donated by Forest ReLeaf and Forrest Keeling Nursery, in 3-gallon containers that stand between 2- and 4-feet tall. To register or for more information about this event, including a full list of native tree species offered and how to identify Callery pear trees contact Missouri Invasive Plant Counci Coordinator Emily Render, (573) 569-8659, at info@moinvasives.org.

A Water media En Plein Air (pronounced “on’ plen air”) class with Lexie Mutch will be held March 18th from 9:00 in the morning until 12:00 noon starting at the Creative Arts Center at 204 South Main before caravaning over to the Shawnee Mac Lakes Conservation Area around 10:00 to the fishing dock. Once there, the group will settle into the nature-scrape, choose subjects for study and hone our drawing and painting skills through direct observation. Join us for an art adventure! Participants will learn an accessible method of painting outdoors with minimal supplies. We will discuss various methods of rendering subjects materially and technically. The class is for those 18 years of age and older. The cost of $30 covers all the supplies. Register online at the SACBA website. Under programs, find the Creative Arts Center, and registrations are on a first-come, first served basis.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning in the courthouse. In the road report Jason Akins reported for First District Commissioner Wes Mobray. Akins said brush would be cut on Dent County Road 6580 and that Truck #125 was in the maintenance shop for servicing. He also reported that the District One crew was replacing missing road signs. District Two Commissioner Gary Polk said that rock would be added to Dent County Road 2110 and that his crew was checking roads. He also noted that they were replacing stolen signs. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said that Friday he would be attending the South Central Commissioner’s meeting in Houston. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that she would be attending the South Central Commissioner’s meeting, which the clerks have been invited to. Curley said the voter registration at Salem High School went well with 16 new registrations occurring. She went on to say that she balanced with the county treasurer on all accounts for February, plus she balanced with the collector and assessor on monthly collections, add-ons, and abatements. Curley said that absentee voting ends April 1st for the April 2nd election, no excuse absentee voting will begin March 19th, and the last day to mail out an absentee ballot is March 20th. She also asked that voters who need to update their voter information can do so at their earliest convenience in her office at the Dent County Courthouse. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

Want to see Missouri state parks from a new perspective? Join the Learn2 Climb program and learn the basics of outdoor rock climbing from a certified instructor and then try it out on real rock. This beginner-level course will allow you to enjoy nature from new heights! From 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon Saturday, April 6th and Sunday, April 7th, Missouri State Parks is hosting an introductory rock climbing program at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park. This opportunity allows participants to try a new activity while experiencing some of Missouri’s vertical attractions. All equipment (harness, helmet and climbing shoes) and expertise is provided; participants just need to provide enthusiasm and eagerness to discover nature and a new skill. They should wear appropriate clothing and footwear for hiking and rock climbing activities, and bring a packed lunch and enough water for the day. This program is free, but preregistration is required. Registration online is open and participation is limited. Participants must be at least 10 years of age; children ages 10-14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout the entire program (parents or guardians are not required to climb). To register, visit icampmo.usedirect.com/MSPWeb/Default.aspx. If you have questions, please email taylor.ratcliff@dnr.mo.gov. This program is made possible by the Bronco Wild Fund, whose mission is to support agencies and organizations that are devoted to the great outdoors. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is located at 148 Taum Sauk Trail in Middle Brook. For more information, contact 573-546-2450. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Experience two rare events at once on Monday, April 8th when the Smokey Bear Balloon and a total solar eclipse will both be visible in the sky above Big Spring —and visitors can get much, much closer to the Smokey Bear Balloon than the sun or moon! This unique hot air balloon will be traveling to Ozark National Scenic Riverways in early April from Albuquerque, New Mexico, courtesy of Mark Twain National Forest and the National Park Service. Its destination will be Big Spring, the largest spring in Missouri, located approximately three miles south of Van Buren, down State Highway 103. Weather permitting, the Smokey Bear Balloon will be set up in the field near Big Spring for about two hours on the mornings of Saturday, April 6, Sunday, April 7, and Monday, April 8. While fuel lasts, some visitors will get a chance for a short ride, approximately 50 feet in the air and back, in the balloon’s basket. In conjunction with the Smokey Bear Balloon, the Ozark National Scenic Riverways will be hosting a special event at Big Spring on April 8th to celebrate and view the total solar eclipse. Join us at “The ‘Zark Side of the Moon” for fun and educational activities, information booths, Junior Eclipse Explorer badges, celebrity photo opportunities (Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl!), food vendors, and free eclipse glasses. Though the total eclipse won’t occur until 1:55 in the afternoon at Big Spring and lasts just under four minutes, plan to arrive early to beat the traffic, view the Smokey Bear Balloon while inflated, snag your eclipse glasses, and enjoy activities on the grounds. Pack lawn chairs or blankets so you can grab a spot to watch the sky when the partial eclipse begins at 12:39 pm. For more information, call (573) 323-4236 or check out the website: www.nps.gov/ozar/planyourvisit/2024-eclipse.htm.

The State Fire Marshal Tim Bean recommends Missourians use the return of daylight saving time this weekend to test home smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. At 2:00 this Sunday morning, clocks spring forward one hour. Bean also urges families to practice their fire escape plans. Safety experts recommend families practice their home fire escape plans at least twice each year. Getting into the habit of checking them when changing your clocks takes very little time and makes a tremendous difference to your family’s safety. Working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a fire by one-half. About one-half of home fire deaths occur at night between 11:00 at night and 7:00 in the morning when most people are asleep. That is why it is important for all family members to be able to act react quickly and get out. Each family member, including children, should know two escape routes from every room in their residence. This information should be shared with overnight guests, too. Bean also reminds Missourians that they should have carbon monoxide alarms for their homes. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, invisible gas that results from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, which can be deadly if undetected. The fire marshal makes these recommends checking smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly by pushing the test button and replacing smoke alarms every 10 years because they lose their effectiveness over time. Install additional smoke alarms if you do not have a minimum of one alarm on every level of the home, inside all bedrooms, and outside bedrooms. Plan two different escape routes from your home and practice the routes with the entire family. Families should also select a safe gathering place outside the residence in the event of a fire. For more information on fire safety, go to https://dfs.dps.mo.gov.

Children of all ages are invited to the Owl Moon and More Story Time and Craft Collaboration this Saturday morning from 10:00 until noon to create paper owls inspired by the beloved book “Owl Moon” by Jane Yolen. An interpreter from Montauk State Park will also have fun facts and more to share about owls! The owl crafts made will be loaned to the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center for display with their special Smithsonian exhibit, “Crossroads: Change in Rural America.” Please make plans to join us for this exciting opportunity at Salem Public Library in the north basement meeting space. Call (573) 729-4331 with questions.

The Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital and the Columbia Vet Center are teaming up to provide area Veterans with services that includes Veteran’s Administration health care enrollment for those who are eligible, as well as counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder and military sexual trauma through their Mobile Vet Center at the Wal-Mart Supercenter at 500 South Bishop in Rolla on Tuesday, March 19th. The Mobile Vet Center will be at the Rolla Wal-Mart that day from 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon. The Mobile Vet Center is a 37-foot-long mobile resource unit where veterans can receive assistance in dealing with bereavement issues with marriage and family counseling also available. Additional resources for Veterans through the MVC include VA benefits information and suicide prevention referrals. The customized MVC vehicle is equipped with confidential counseling space to extend access to VA services for Veterans, service members and their families, especially those living in rural or remote communities. The MVC also provides readjustment counseling and information resources to assist Veterans in the difficult transition between military and civilian life. For more information, call (573) 814-6206.

The group called the “Concerned Citizens for Salem” is inviting the public to attend a “meet and greet” on Monday, March 11th to meet the candidates for Mayor as well as East and West Ward Aldermen who will be on the ballot on April 2nd as well as incumbent officials who will not be running in this election. The “meet and greet” will be held Monday at 7:00 at the Wilson Family Center at 1000 West Scenic Rivers Blvd. Following the introductions, there will be a question and answer session that will allow all the candidates to speak on the numerous issues concerning the public. The “meet and greet” is free and open to everyone with coffee and light refreshments provided. It is an opportunity for anyone who wants to get acquainted with the people that want to serve as representatives of the City of Salem who are on the April 2nd ballot.

The Rolla Rural Fire Protection District has released an update regarding the fire that took place on Saturday March 2nd at the 10000 block of Phelps County Road 2120. According to the Phelps County Coroner the victims of the fire were identified as Jessica Sager, age 35, Caydence Sager, age 14, and Savannah Sager, age 9. Fire Chief Hayes expressed his gratitude to the many first responders and emergency personnel that responded to the fire. At this time, the cause of the fire remains under investigation, currently no criminal activity is suspected. He asks that we keep the Sager Family in our thoughts and prayers.

The 100 Acre Wood Rally will be held Friday March 15th in Potosi and Saturday March 16th in Salem. If you would like to meet this year’s drivers, while they’re in Salem, and view the high performance machines they’ll be driving, you can do so Saturday morning at 9:30. Drivers and their vehicles will line 4th Street until their departure to the first stage at 11:40. This is a rare opportunity to meet world class, regional, and local rally sport drivers in one of the Ozark’s premiere motorsport events.

A fire destroyed the firehouse for the Eminence Area Volunteer Fire Department early Tuesday morning after being called in at 5:45. Fire Departments from Winona, Ellington, Summersville and Timber assisted the Eminence Area Volunteer Fire Department in fighting the fire. After the fire was extinguished, Eminence Fire Chief Jim Bay reported the fire department lost three pumpers, a tanker and three brush units and all the equipment. The original firehouse and the newer section of the firehouse that was built about six years ago was a total loss. Investigators have not released what caused the fire. The fire station will take up temporary quarters at a County Fuels building. Chief Bay said many surrounding districts as well as the Missouri Department of Conservation are helping and will assist the firefighters on area calls until they can recover. Other fire departments are loaning the district equipment and Ellington has offered to loan them a ladder truck. Chief Bay said the good thing was no one was injured from the fire.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has announced the top ten most common consumer complaints handled by his office in 2023. Advocates in the Complaint Unit of the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) take reports and work to mediate complaints between consumers and businesses or individuals. When mediation efforts are unsuccessful, the AGO’s investigators will look into alleged fraud and attorneys will file lawsuits or charges when applicable. The AGO’s Consumer Protection Division obtained $32,177,058.47 in judgments/settlements for the State of Missouri, recovered $12,653,836.14 in restitution for Missouri citizens, and handled 59,822 consumer complaints and inquiries in 2023. The number 1 top form of complaints submitted to the AGO in 2023 was ‘No Call’ complaints. This typically deals with illegal telemarketing calls and No-Call violations. Number 2 was numerous complaints from consumers regarding automobiles, automotive dealers, and automotive repair shops. Real Estate and Construction were number 3 where complaints involved home repair contractors. Fourth was Retail/Wholesale complaints. Most of the complaints regarding retail and wholesale companies dealt with purchases made through the internet, telephone, or mail, and involved late deliveries or products that were never delivered. Coming in 5th was financial complaints typically involving foreclosures, debt collection, loan servicing, and other products, services, and practices by banks, mortgage companies, debt collectors or other financial institutions. Attorney General Bailey said to report fraud or deception, visit the Attorney General’s website at www.ago.mo.gov or call 800-392-8222.

The Salem FFA Alumni will be holding their 14th Annual Scholarship Fund Labor & Dessert Auction this Friday at the Smith Valley Angus Event Barn. The no charge meal will be provided starting at 5:30 with the auction to follow at 6:30. Students from the Salem FFA Chapter will be providing labor in increments of 4, 6 or 8 hours, which will include various services such as farm labor, wood cutting, hay hauling, babysitting, cooking, cleaning, gardening, etc. Plus, there will be an abundance of homemade pies, cakes, and other desserts that will be auctioned off. For 2024 there will be a new activity. The Salem FFA Chapter and FFA Alumni Chapter are working to create a basket of donated items and gift certificates from local businesses and individuals. Tickets will be sold prior to the event and during the auction. The winner will be drawn at the end of the auction Friday night and they will receive the basket full of goodies and items. All proceeds go to the Salem FFA Alumni Scholarship Fund. For information please call 573-739-2016 or 573-729-6641, Extension 5164. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Healthy Dent County has announced the lineup for the fun community event called the “Non-Newlywed Game” Show. This will be the 6th year Healthy Dent County has held this fundraiser and you won’t want to miss this event as it is “couple vs. couple” in this hilarious version of the classic game show. You will discover just how much our couples know (or don’t know!) about their spouse! This fundraising event will be held next Friday, April 12th at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory beginning at 6:30 PM. The four local married couples who have been selected to play the game are: Tom and Traci Wulff, Matt and Rachel Moncrief, Jon and Danielle Roos and Luke and Hannah Heithold. These couples have graciously volunteered their time to play this fun game and entertain the audience. VIP sponsored tables can be reserved with a $300 donation. The VIP Tables includes reserved seating for eight people as well as numerous table refreshments. A concession stand and cash bar will be open during the evening. A limited number of individual tickets will be sold for $25 per ticket. The individual tickets will not have reserved seating. Lei’s will be sold throughout the night to support your favorite couple. This event sells out every year with tickets not being available at the door so get your tickets now by calling 729-8163 or stopping by the Salem Community Center @ the Armory at 1200 W. Rolla Road in Salem. The actual event will begin at 6:30 PM and the doors will open at 5:30 PM. Business sponsorship’s are also available that will get you a table for eight as well as your name posted on the big screen at the event center, and being recognized on social media as well.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. Grant Wilson from Representative Jason Smith’s Rolla office was in attendance and wanted to let the commission know that Smith filed for re-election for the 8th District. Currently there are two Democrats who have also filed for the 8th District seat for the Primary. Besides that, Wilson wanted to let the commission know Smith is working on keeping the government open for business and not letting it shut down. In the road report, Jason Akins filled in for District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray and stated rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 5610, plus only grading would be done on county roads 2450 and 5220. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk reported rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 2120 and 2150, while only grading would be done on county road 2155. Polk also said brush would be cut on Dent County Road 4050. He went on to report that road signs would be installed on Dent County Roads 2210 and 3355 including new truck crossing signs on county road 2210. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported on the commissioner training attended by all the commissioners last week that featured updates on the Missouri Association of Counties, University of Missouri Extension, Sunshine Law requirements, how to properly run a meeting, and received updated information on what to do with the opioid settlement funds. Larson said the commissioners also went to the capital to visit with their legislators. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the last day to register for those who want to vote in the Municipal Election this April is Wednesday. She said the “no excuse” absentee voting will begin March 19th and last through April 1st, and the last day to request a mail-out ballot will be March 20th. The commission took fuel bids for 1,000 gallons of unleaded gas by phone and the low bid was MFA Oil at $2.485 per gallon. Phil-Mart and County Fuels each bid $2.85 per gallon. The bid was awarded to MFA Oil. It was announced the County Commissioners of central Missouri will be holding a meeting this Friday in Houston and have invited the Central Region County Clerk’s to join them. It was also announced there will NOT be a commission meeting Thursday due to the lack of a quorum as two commissioners are going to be absent. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident happened Sunday afternoon just before 3:30 in Crawford County on Route H about four miles south of Leasburg. According to the highway patrol report, a 2010 Harley Davidson ridden southbound by 69-year-old David Honea of Cuba, failed to negotiate a curve. The Harley went off the right side of roadway, struck an embankment, and overturned. Honea suffered serious injuries and he was flown by Arch 6 to Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur. The Harley sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Chris and Sons Towing. The report stated that Honea was wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident.

A one vehicle accident happened Friday afternoon at 3:50 in Phelps County on Phelps County Road 2290, about two miles west of St. James. The report from the highway patrol states that a 1997 GMC Jimmy being driven west by 19-year-old Trevor McFadden of St. James, traveled off the right side of the roadway, then over corrected and overturned. McFadden suffered minor injuries and was taken by the St. James ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla. The GMC was totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeon’ s Towing. The report went on to state the McFadden was wearing a seat restraint.

This week is Severe Weather Preparedness Week and the Statewide Tornado Siren warning will be done at 11:00 Wednesday morning, weather permitting. The day of the tornado drill, NOAA Weather Radios set to receive the Routine Weekly Tests (RWTs) will alert listeners that the tornado drill has begun. Outdoor warning sirens will also sound across participating Missouri communities. At that time, participants should practice taking cover in a designated shelter area or an interior room on the lowest level of a secure structure. Schools, businesses and families are all encouraged to participate in the drill. Educators are also encouraged to use the tornado drill as an opportunity to incorporate tornado facts, meteorological information and safety tips into their lesson plans. Create a family emergency plan to stay safe, and remember to include all pets when building an emergency kit and stocking up on supplies. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is also important to know how to contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find. A tornado watch means tornadoes are possible in the area. Therefore, it’s important to be ready to act quickly if it becomes necessary. A tornado warning means seek shelter immediately because a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar causing imminent danger to life and property. The safest shelter location for tornadoes is generally an interior room without windows on the lowest floor of sturdy structure, preferably in the basement. Do not seek shelter in a cafeteria, gymnasium or other large open room because the roof might collapse. Immediately leave a mobile home to seek shelter in a nearby building and never seek shelter under an overpass – the dangerous wind tunnel effect combined with flying debris can be deadly. You can learn more about Missouri’s annual Severe Weather Preparedness Week and other weather-related resources at stormaware.mo.gov.

The Cosmopolitan Club held their annual Variety Show and Miss Salem Pageant Saturday night at the Salem Community Center @The Armory. The Miss Personality Award went to Scire Goodson who was sponsored by the Village Gallery, Inc., the Second Runner-Up was presented to Bailey Howard sponsored by Bottorff’s Southtown Furniture, the First Runner-Up went to Kylie Parks who was sponsored by AD-PAR Construction, and Miss Salem 2024 was presented to Neely Leathers who was sponsored by Inman Insurance. Congratulations to all the girls who competed and a big thank you to all the acts that participated in the event.

A fatality accident happened Friday evening at 9:30 in Texas County on Highway 137 about three miles north of Raymondville. According to the highway patrol report, a 1995 Dodge Laramie being driven southbound by 50-year-old Michael Naylor of Licking, failed to negotiate a curve. The Dodge then traveled off the roadway before returning to the road before becoming airborne and overturning, ejecting Naylor who was not wearing a seat restraint. Naylor was pronounced dead at the scene by Texas County Coroner Marie Lasater at 10:25 Friday evening. His body was taken by the coroner to the Fox Funeral Home in Licking. The Dodge was removed from the scene by Jay’s Towing. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by the Texas County Sheriff’s Department and the Raymondville Fire Department.

At least three people are dead following a house fire that started Saturday night near Rolla in Phelps County. According to the press release from the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, a call was received to the 10,000 block of Phelps County Road 2120 at 10:46 Saturday night and, upon arrival, deputies confirmed the house was fully involved with a nearby off-duty Phelps County Deputy discovering and taking care of a young boy who was outside of the house. Deputies also believed other people were trapped in the home but firefighters from several districts or departments could not initially gain entry because of the conditions. The fire was eventually brought under control with three fatalities confirmed. Their identities have not been released. An investigation into the cause of this fire was initiated by the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, Rolla Rural Fire Department, and the Missouri State Fire Marshall’s Office.

The Opening Day of catch-and-keep trout season started Friday morning at 6:30 at Montauk State Park. There were 1,825 adult trout tags and another 207 youth tags sold as of 5:00 Friday afternoon. A number of lunkers were caught during the day with the largest being a 7-pound, 7-ounce rainbow by Nicholas Scheel of St Charles followed by a 6 pound, 15-ounce rainbow caught by Ed Yount of Festus. Three other rainbow trout were caught on opening day were at six pounds or above: a 6-pound, 9-ounce trout caught by Tom Rutledge of Winona of O’Fallon; a 6-pound trout caught by Matt Boyd of Park Hills and another six-pounder caught by Easton Brown of Rolla. The largest lunker caught by a woman was a 3-pound, 12-ounce rainbow by Pam Iverson of Licking The catch-and-keep season will be in effect until October 31st.

The Scenic Rivers Industries, Inc. at 601 South Walker Street is holding an Open House this Tuesday from noon until 2:00 where people can tour the facility and meet the employees! Also known as the Sheltered Workshop, the Scenic Rivers Industries employs an average of 30 special needs adults with the guidance of five staff members. As a team, they set high goals and accomplish all that they set out to do. For example, in 2023 the Scenic Rivers Industries recycled 328,000 pounds of cardboard, 40,000 pounds of office paper, 25,000 pounds of newspaper, built 18,000 bird houses, assembled 300,000 pill crush cups and much more. This not-for-profit organization has a mission to provide excellent services, produce quality products while at the same time providing productive and fulfilling employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The Open House is for everyone and they will be providing hot dogs, chips and drinks. They would love to show Salem just what they do. Should you have any questions about the Open House or Scenic Rivers industries, call 573-729-6264.

The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO), the sole supplier of blood, platelets, and plasma to patients at 45 area healthcare facilities, is partnering with four area attractions to offer free admissions to four attractions ins southwest Missouri and Northern Arkansas for those who donate blood in March and April. They are hopping to boost the region’s blood supply this spring. Those who successfully donate blood will receive an ‘Ozark Adventure Pass” that is worth of $150 in free admissions to the Discovery Center in Springfield and Beyond the Lens in Branson, and in Arkansas, the Scott Family Amazeum in Bentonville and to the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refugee in Eureka Springs. The next CBCO Blood Drive will be held Tuesday from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall located at 201 N. MacArthur. To help avoid wait times, appointments are strongly encouraged. Donors can schedule an appointment at www.cbco.org/adventure or by calling 417-227-5006.

An accident happened in Dent County on Highway 19 at Dent County Road 3283 about three miles south of Salem Wednesday afternoon at 2:45. According to the highway patrol report, a 2012 Toyota Camry driven southbound by 66-year-old Susan Wilson of Salem, traveled off the right side of the roadway where the Camry struck two trees before coming to a rest. Wilson suffered serious injuries as did a passenger in the vehicle, 73-year-old Michael Moser of Franklin, Missouri. Wilson was transported by Air Evac Helicopter to the Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur, while Moser was transported by the Salem Ambulance to the Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla. It was unknown if Wilson was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident, but Moser was wearing his restraint. The Camry was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing of Salem.

Nine girls will vie for the title of Miss Salem 2024 this Saturday evening at the Cosmopolitan Club Variety Show/Miss Salem Pageant to be held at 7:00 at the Salem Community Center at the Armory at 1200 West Rolla Road. The girls and their sponsors include Scire’ Goodson sponsored by Village Gallery, Inc.; Bailey Howard sponsored by Bottorff’s Southtown Furniture; Neeley Leathers sponsored by Inman Insurance; Cierra Richardson sponsored by Jessie-Lynn Photography; Brooke Yates sponsored by US Bank; Kylie Parks sponsored by AD-PAR Construction; Riley Darby sponsored by Curt’s Mobile Homes; Constance Stephens sponsored by Steel Magnolias; and Nikki Bottoms sponsored by Lake Road Steel. Other acts in the show will include the Kingdom Kids Praise Dance Ministries, dancers from Stonecrest Dance in Rolla, ATA Martial Arts, Ozark Spirit Cloggers, Salem Freedom Guard, Ben Pursifull, Marlee Somerville, and Salem Avatar Guard. Admission to the Cosmopolitan Club Variety Show/Miss Salem Pageant is $5 for adults, children ages 5 and up are $3.00; and children under 4 are free.

A five-week Beginners Stained Glass class will be held on Tuesdays starting March 5th and lasting through April 2nd from 1:00 until 4:00 in the afternoon. Jennifer Curry will be instructing the class at the Creative Arts Center. Students will learn the fundamentals of the stained glass foiling technique during this 3-hour, once-a-week workshop. In this class you will create your very own glass project using the foiling technique, while learning to score, break, grind, foil, and solder. You will select a pattern from one provided, upon arrival during your first workshop. At least two people need to sign up and class will be limited to no more than five. Walk-ins welcome up until the end of the first session with a $5 extra charge. The cost is $ $165 for the five week class with all supplies and safety equipment included. Regsiter online at the SACBA website. Under programs, find the Creative Arts Center, and registrations are on a first come, first served basis.

Dent County Assessor Jamie Homeyer wants to remind everyone your annual assessment forms that list your personal and business property for 2023 are due TODAY!!!!. Those forms MUST be in the Dent County Assessor’s Office today or postmarked today to avoid paying a penalty. You may drop off your assessment list at the assessor’s office at the courthouse. They are open from 8:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon. 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 a postal clerk postmark your envelope by taking it to the desk inside at the post office. You can also e-file your assessment list form online until April 30th. Just follow the instructions on the assessment form you received in the mail. The penalty for not getting in your assessment form on time is determined at $10 per every $1,000 of assessed valuation with a maximum penalty of $100 if you have assessed valuation of $10,000 or more. If you have any questions or need assistance with the online form, call Dent County Assessor Jamie Homeyer at the Dent County Courthouse at 573-729-6010 or stop by during regular business hours.