Local News

The City of Salem Utility Committee was unable to meet last night for their regularly scheduled meeting, citing poor weather conditions.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors held their meeting Tuesday evening, February 11th, the consent agenda and minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed and approved. The financial report was reviewed with an ending balance of $401,763.43. All bills, payments, and statements were reviewed and approved. The monthly reimbursement report was presented with a total of 21 calls for the month and a total of 40 for the year. Of the 21 calls for the month, 15 were fire related with seven of those being building fires and two mobile home fires; three calls were classified as Hazmat related, one call was a motor vehicle accident with injuries, and two calls were classified as other. In old business, board member Leigh Ann Price stated that several events had been planned to make sure that all the facts were given so that voters could make a valid decision on the Fire District bond at the next election. The board then heard from Bret Bailey to annex his property into the Dent County Fire Protection District. Bailey lives approximately eight miles east of Salem and would like to become a part of the district. After answering questions and some discussion, the board gave Mr. Bailey the state statutes and paperwork for review. The board discussed the lease of the ice maker currently with B&B distributors out of St Louis. After the discussion, board approved to not renew the contract with B&B. The board also discussed the current Cintas Service they receive and elected not to discontinue that service. In  the Chief’s report, Chief Dennis Floyd reported Ladder Truck 8012 was back in service after being repaired in St. Louis at a cost of $12,679.00. He also stated four people attend the Winter fire training school at the Columbia MU Fire and Rescue Training Institute. Floyd went on to report that he and Jeff Stokes would be meeting with the IDA Board on Wednesday, February 19th in the library basement. Floyd also reported that on Saturday, April 12th the department will hold training on propane tank fires. It is a state sponsored class and other departments will be invited to participate. Before adjourning, the next meeting was set for Tuesday, March 11th at 6:00 in the evening.

An accident happened in Maries County at the Highway 63 and 28 Junction at 9:52 Wednesday morning. According to the highway patrol report, a 2001 Buick LeSabre driven southbound by a 23-year-old woman from Licking, lost control on the snow-covered road and crossed over the center line where the Buick was struck by a 2023 Peterbilt driven northbound by a 69-year-old man from Rosebud, Missouri. The woman suffered serious injuries and was transported by an EMS to Phelps Health. The Buick was totaled and removed from the scene by Plaza Towing, while the Peterbilt sustained extensive damage and was taken from the scene by Patriot Towing. The woman from Licking was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by the Maries County Sheriff’s Department and Vienna Fire Department.

An accident happened in Texas County at 3:40 Wednesday morning on Highway 32 about four miles east of Licking. According to the highway patrol report, a GMC Sierra driven eastbound by a 36-year-old man from Licking, traveled off the roadway and struck a tree. The man suffered moderate injuries and was transported to the Texas County Memorial Hospital by the Texas County Ambulance. The GMC was totaled and removed from the scene Jay’s Towing at the request of the officer. The man was wearing his seat restraint at the time of the accident. 

The Dent County Chapter of “Sleep in Heavenly Peace” has received a $4,000 grant from Intercounty Electric’s Charitable and Education Foundation. Chapter President Patti McKeown said the chapter applied for the Intercounty Round-Up grant and then interviewed with Intercounty on Thursday, February 6th, before receiving the news they had been awarded the grant Tuesday, February 11th. Congratulations to Patti and the Dent County Chapter of “Sleep in Heavenly Peace.” If you are not familiar with what they do, they are an international non-profit 501(C)(3) organization that builds, assembles and delivers new beds to children in need who do not have a bed. Anyone can apply for a child on the SHPbeds.org website. For more information about “Sleep in Heavenly Peace,” contact Patti at 703-964-6495. You can also e-mail Patti at patti.mckeown@shpbeds.org.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen were unable to meet last night for their regular monthly meeting, citing poor weather conditions.

The Salem Police Department has recently released their report for the month of January. The department responded to 11 accidents during the month. Officers responded to four alarms sounding and addressed 37 animal calls, investigated three assaults or fights, two burglaries, performed nine well-being checks and five area checks in January. Police investigated five domestic disputes, four verbal disturbances and one physical disturbance, conducted 17 follow-up investigations and provided 27 escorts. They investigated four harassment reports, a fraud report, two parking complaint calls, an intoxicated pedestrian and one intoxicated driver report, and six property damage reports. The Salem Police wrote six stealing reports, responded to seven traffic complaints and assisted nine motorists. Officers responded to three reports of suicidal persons, eight suspicious circumstance calls, eight suspicious person calls, and two suspicious vehicle calls. The Salem Police in January investigated an overdose call, a sex offense call, and checked out two abandoned vehicles. Officers attempted to serve five warrants and conducted 75 traffic stops during the month. The police responded to a total of 417 incidents in January with the average response time to calls being two minutes and 48 seconds. The average time spent on the scene was 29 minutes and two seconds. If you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation, contact the Salem Police Department by calling their non-emergency phone number at (573) 729-6550 or speak with them in person at 500 N. Jackson Street in Salem. 

Raccoon season is here! Our ancestors utilized animal fur for making clothing, blankets, hats, and more. The Missouri Department of Conservation will be holding a clinic on historic and primitive skills on raccoon hides at the MDC Salem Maintenance Center on Highway 32 West from 9:00 in the morning until 2:30 in the afternoon on Saturday, February 22nd. Your instructor will be Dwight Warnke. For this clinic, you are encouraged to bring two raccoon hides to class to scrape and salt. They will have demonstration hides in various stages for you to learn from as well. By the end of the clinic, you’ll have enough knowledge and fur to finish tanning your hides and to make a hat or other small item. In this hands-on clinic, you will bring along one or two raccoon skins (preferably partially frozen) to scrape and salt. At the clinic, they will review how to skin a raccoon, then you will flesh your raccoon hide(s) and salt them to take home and process further. They will provide fleshing beams and knives to use during the class, but feel free to bring along your own. After your raccoons are scraped and salted, you will see and assist with the remaining steps of hide preparation and learn how to lay out a simple hat pattern to make from your hides once you finish processing them over the next few days (or whenever you have time, since hides are paused once they are well salted.) Wear old clothes, rubber or muck boots, and bring a rubber apron (if you have one); a heavy trash bag can be used in place of an apron. If you have a fleshing knife, bring it along. We will have fleshing knives and beams available for use during the program. You will take home plans to build a simple fleshing beam and frame. Please bring a sack lunch, drinks, and snacks. Dress in layers to adjust between indoor and outdoor portions. Participants 16 years of age and under must be registered and accompanied by an adult that is also registered. You can register for the clinic on the MDC.mo.gov/events, or by calling 1-888-283-0364, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Months after a devastating flood, Montauk State Park will reopen to day-use guests February 24th, and overnight guests will be welcomed back starting February 25th. The monumental flood on November 4th, 2024, left the entire park with substantial damage, including loss of electrical service in Campground Loop 4. Therefore, campsites in the 400 loop will reopen only as basic campsites. The Division of State Parks will notify customers with reservations in February for loop 4 with reservation options. The park is working to fully resolve the problem and will restore electric service as soon as possible. If further reservations are affected, the division will notify customers. This change involves only Campground Loop 4. Campers should note that generators are only allowed to be used outside of designated quiet hours. While the park will reopen in time for opening day of catch-and-keep trout season, guests should note that the park will look somewhat different than before the flood. Layers of sand remain throughout the park, covering the grass and area woodlands. Team members will be reseeding areas of the campground and other day-use areas in an effort to re-establish the grass. Justin Adams, Ozarks regional director said that Missouri State Parks team members and volunteers have been working hard to get the park opened and cleaned up, but there is still work to do. More than 70 volunteers converged on Montauk State Park on Saturday, February 1st, to help Missouri State Park team members with cleanup efforts following a historic flood. Volunteers from as far as St. Louis came for the day to lend a hand in getting the park ready for opening day of trout season March 1st. Missouri State Parks Director Laura Hendrickson said that well over half of the volunteers drove more than two hours to help and it turned out to be a great day. 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.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning in the courthouse. In the road report, District One Commissioner Keith Green said crews were getting the equipment ready for this week’s expected storm and they were also screening sand. He also said brush was being cut in the area of Dent County Road 6400. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported grading was being done on Dent County Roads 4050, 4055 and 4290. He said crews were getting the equipment ready for the impending bad weather by adding a spreader box and blade on County Truck #122. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said an Industrial Development Authority Board meeting would be held at 6:00 on Wednesday, February 19th in the basement of the Salem Public Library. Larson said that long time IDA board member Donald Dodd will not be seeking re-appointment when his term expires in April. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said her office balanced with the Dent County Treasurer on all accounts for the month of January. Curley also said the commissioners were approving bills for payment. Dent County Coroner Ben Pursifull was in attendance and brought in reporter Hannah Schuh from the Missourian who is doing a story on county commissioners and their relationships with their coroners. Pursifull updated the commission on some impending legislation that may require more education to qualify to be a coroner, and other legislation that may increase the pay of the coroner to $45,000 per year which is $26,000 more than Pursifull now receives. Again, that legislation is all still pending. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will meet this evening at 6:00 at 202 N. Washington in the Old City Hall Auditorium for their regular meeting. After the Call to Order will be the approval of the agenda and the consent agenda. Public Comments will then be heard followed by a request for road closures for the Parc Expose for the 100-Acre Road Rally from Rob Benowitz. In new and miscellaneous business, Public Works Director Steve Paine will request the city surplus a transformer with the intent of selling it. The board will then hear and discuss Resolution #4-2025 that would be a change order for the “Welcome Home Project” Property at 403 East Hunt Street for a contract reduction of $3,600; and they will discuss an amendment to the City of Salem Hazard Mitigation plan to reduce the risks of service interruption due to flooding events. In the first and second reading of bills, the board will hear Bill #3642 that would establish an ordinance to authorize the mayor to execute contract change order #1 between the City of Salem and Archer-Elgin; and hear Bill #3643 to authorize the execution of Task Order 20 for the Bonebrake Sewer Realignment Project between the city and Archer-Elgin. In the second reading of bills, the board will consider Bill No. 3640, which would create an ordinance to amend the 2024-2025 annual budget for the city of Salem increasing revenues from $23,163,056.00 to $23,894,316.60 and increase expenditures from $21,043,249.00 to $21,403,251.29.  Reports from City Officials will then be heard before the board goes into closed session to discuss litigation. The meeting tonight of the City of Salem Board of Aldermen is open to the public.

Each February, the state of Missouri observes Earthquake Awareness Month to emphasize the chance of a major earthquake occurring in the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) and the importance of being prepared. Located in Southeast Missouri, the NMSZ generated some of the most powerful earthquakes to ever jolt the nation. A series of major quakes occurred in 1811-1812, destroying buildings, ringing church bells hundreds of miles away and briefly causing the Mississippi River to run backward. The area is still active today with an average of more than 200 earthquakes each year, though most are too small to be felt. No one can predict exactly when an earthquake will occur, but scientists agree that large earthquakes in this zone still pose a risk. Experts estimate there is a 25 to 40 percent chance of a large earthquake occurring in the next 50 years. State Emergency Management Agency Director Jim Remillard said Missouri faces a variety of severe weather threats and hazards each year, but a large earthquake could potentially be the worst natural disaster the state has ever experienced. There is no warning for earthquakes, which is why it’s so important to learn about the risks and how to protect yourself before one occurs. When shaking starts, the best way to stay safe and protect yourself from falling debris is the “Drop, Cover and Hold On” technique. Drop to your knees, cover your head, get under a desk or table if possible and hold on until the shaking stops. Experts say that in developed countries with modern structures, falling debris is the most common source of injury. Several resources for families, schools and businesses are available on SEMA’s Earthquake Preparedness website.

A fatal accident occurred Saturday morning around 2:05 in Pulaski County on Interstate 44 in the westbound lane around mile marker 167. According to the highway patrol a 2014 Ford Escape driven by a 47-year-old St. Robert female struck the guardrail. Then a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado driven by a 20-year-old Buffalo male struck the rear of the Ford. Causing a 2025 Kenworth driven by a 26-year-old male to strike the front of the Ford and then the guardrail. The female driver of the Ford was pronounced deceased at the scene by Pulaski Coroner Roger Graves at 2:44 in the morning and was transported to Waynesville Memorial Funeral Home. The male in the Silverado suffered minor injuries and refused treatment. All three vehicles in the accident were totaled and removed from the scene by Big Boys Towing.

An accident occurred Saturday afternoon around 1:40 in Reynolds County on Hwy HH about 7 miles south of Ellington. According to the highway patrol report a 2002 Ford F250 driven by a 52-year-old male from bunker was traveling eastbound and ran off the left side of the roadway and struck a guardrail. A 57-year-old female passenger from Bunker suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center by Washington County Ambulance. The report goes on to say she was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford sustained minor damage and removed from the scene by private conveyance.

These reports were released from the Dent County Sheriff’s office for the first week of February. On Thursday January 30th deputies arrested a 61-year-old Salem man on an active arrest warrant. The subject was transported to the Dent County Jail without incident. The next day Friday January 31st deputies responded to the 5000 block of Highway F for a reported weapons violation.  A 44-year-old Salem woman was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail pending issuance of formal charges. On the following day Saturday February 1st deputies responded to the 1700 block of County Road 6320 for a reported theft. The victim, a 20-year-old Salem man, advised a known subject took an engine without the owner’s permission. This investigation is ongoing. Then on Sunday February 2nd deputies arrested a 43-year-old Salem man on an active arrest warrant. The subject was transported to the Dent County Jail without incident. The next day Monday February 3rd deputies responded to the 6000 block of Highway K for a report of elder abuse. The victim, a 76-year-old Salem woman, advised she was not being properly cared for by her caregiver. This investigation is ongoing. The following day Tuesday February 4th deputies responded to the 3000 block of Highway OO for a harassment complaint. A 29-year-old Lecoma man was taken into custody and this investigation is ongoing. If you have any information about an ongoing investigation, please contact the Sheriff’s Office at 573-729-3241.

Friday night at the 2025 Salem High School Courtwarming, Senior Chloe Baldwin was crowned the Courtwarming Queen. She was escorted by Corby Ball. The other Senior candidates were Reagan Dubois escorted by Roy Stevens, and Madison Flores who was escorted by Cayden Moody. The Freshman attendant was Gracie Mendenhall who was escorted by Alton May, Krista Dooley was the sophomore attendant escorted by sophomore Brody Ray, and the Junior attendant was Heather Easter and she was escorted by Hayden Ragsdale. Neely Leathers, the 2024 Courtwarming Queen, was unable to attend due to a previous commitment. Congratulations to all the girls and their escorts.

The Creative Arts Center in Salem will hold a “Sign N’ Wine” class on Friday, February 28th  from 6:30 until 9:00 with Danielle Norris. Participants can come and paint a new front porch welcome sign which will cost $30, or bring your sign from a previous class and paint the back of it for $20. Guests may bring beverages and snacks! All supplies are included. There must be 5 people sign up to hold the class and it will be limited to 16. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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