Local News

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday evening at the fire station. After the roll call, the board went into closed session to discuss personnel and policies. No votes were taken during the closed session. After returning to the open session, the board approved the consent agenda and the minutes from the January meeting. The financial report was given showing an ending balance of $282,076.92 as of January 31st. Bills, payment and statements were reviewed along with the budget. The treasurer noted to the board that the repeater bill has not been paid for as the repeater is not yet installed. Insurance money has been received from Allied World, but the bill has not been finalized. This should be around $18,000.00. The repeater is still on order and has not been received. During the calendar review, it was noted that a representative from Scotts SCBA will be in Salem Thursday to demonstrate and give a quote for Scotts SCBA air bottles. In old business, MSA demonstrated and gave a bid of $118,036.20 for 12 SCBA packs. After some discussion, the board tabled a decision until the Scotts representative can bring their demo in and give pricing. The monthly reimbursement report for January showed a total of 22 calls for January bringing to 40 calls year to date. Of those 22 calls, six were for fires, four responding to alarms, four medical calls, two HazMat calls, and two classified as other. The department also responded to a public service call, utility problem and one accident. Treasurer Dave Wells reported that the tower lease from CTI Tower Assets would be due soon. This lease grows approximately 5% every year. In 2021 the lease price was $3,909.34 and the lease cost was $4,104.80. The lease needs to be investigated and President Craig Smith stated he would call and discuss this with CTI. In new business, after discussing and interviewing candidate, the board accepted three new firefighters into the department. Those new firefighters are Sarah Montoya, John Knight, and Hayden Lawler. The current lawn care service for the building is retiring and Mike Godi is searching for a new service. Also in new business, a pipe burst on a water fountain on a north wall of the station and Tri-Cat was called in to clean up and dry the station of water damage. The cost was $12,720.83 plus plumbing charges to date of $225.00. The will be some added costs to replace the plumbing fixtures and baseboards that were damaged or had to be removed due to the leak. The board made a motion and approved to pay the current bill. Chief Floyd was asked to get pricing for repairs and bring them to the next board meeting. Chief Floyd and Captain Thomas found a used truck that would work for the department to replace Engine 85. The price is $194,900.00. The board tabled the matter until they can investigate financing and payments before making a decision. The board also discussed allowing the use of the departments kitchen for Chamber luncheons once a month, but due to the water leak damage and short staff at present, it is not feasible. Chief Floyd reported to the board that Royal Oak has had five calls since January 23rd and asked the board to address the issue. Board member Mike Godi said he would speak to them about the issue. The Chief is also working on the department hosting a state class for vehicle firefighting. The class would be free, but 15 people would need to be signed up for the class. Before adjourning, the board set the date of March 12th at 6:00 for the next board meeting to be held at the fire station at #2 South Main Street and it will be open to the public.

This Saturday at 2:00, a field trip is planned by the Dent County Historical Society to visit the site of the old Boss Civilian Conservation Corps in what was at the time Clark National Forest, now the Mark Twain National Forest, in the Salem Ranger District. Participants are asked to meet in the Boss Assembly of God Parking Lot, and then follow the leader to the site. Wear appropriate clothing for hiking in this relic of history in Dent County. This event is being co-sponsored by the Salem Ranger District of the Mark Twain National Forest. This is a boots-on-the-ground event, so dress accordingly to explore the site that was abandoned at the start of World War II. Parents will need to supervise their children as they explore the site. The CCC was a volunteer work project created during the Great Depression and was active from 1933 to 1942. The men were trained to build fire towers, bridges, ponds, roads, and the housing where they lived. Reynolds County Road 903 that starts going east from Marcoot Tower is a Road that was rebuilt by the CCC Men. Dent County had four CCC Camps: Boss, Bunker, Indian trails Conservation and Montauk State Park. For more information contact Deloris Gray Wood, Society President on her landline at 573 729-2545.

A Date Night “Sign and Wine” class will be held this Friday evening at the Creative Arts Center from 6:00 to 9:00 with Danielle Norris where participants can celebrate Valentine’s Day with something new and fun! You and your partner will completely assemble and design an “Established” sign (or a design of your choice) from start finish together. All supplies will be provided as well as tools needed. Finished signs will be around 15×15 inches. The cost is $50 per couple/single, or you may bring your own boards for $25 per person. You can signup at salemcommunitybetterment.com and look for Programs under the Creative Arts Center.

Friday night is basketball homecoming at the Salem High school when Salem will be hosting Ava. The 2024 Senior queen candidates include Riley Darby, Fatima Careaga and Neely Leathers. The three king candidates are Karsen Bared, Owen Hamilton, and Wyatt Martin. They will each be walking with their respective other. Junior attendants are Aspen Toman and Ronald Wadsworth. Sophomore attendants are Maggie Hogan and Dylan Parker. Freshman attendants are Allison Walters and Linkyn Atkinson. The coronation will be held between the JV and varsity basketball game.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting at the Salem Community Center@The Armory on Tuesday evening. The board heard a presentation from Scott Cason with the Missouri 9-1-1 Service Board. He gave an update on the state’s Next Generation 9-1-1 Enhancement Program. Dent County is part of a 13 county region that is working to create virtual consolidation that would merge all Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) to allow for enhanced 9-1-1 to include caller ID and 9-1-1 texting capabilities. There are grants available to pay for the upgrades for the next five years, then the City and County would need to sustain the equipment after that. The board approved Resolution No. 4-2024 that allows the mayor to enter into a lease renewal with Pitney Bowes for a postage meter machine. A Public Comment Policy was presented by Alderman Shawn Bolerjack. This new policy would provide a platform for citizens to express views and concerns at each board meeting. Citizens would sign up before the start of a meeting and then have three minutes to talk. This new policy was approved. Eleven bills were read for the first time creating a new section to the City Codes establishing a Clean Air Ordinance and prohibiting smoking on city properties, specifically in public parks. Each bill explained in detail the types of smoking devices, the types of city property and outdoor parks, the posting of signage, as well as fines and enforcement. The Park and Recreation Board recently reviewed and recommended approval by the Alderman. A second reading of all these bills will be held at the next meeting. The board then heard a second reading of Bill #3581 updating the Utility Committee definition which was approved. A second reading of Bill #3582 was heard by the board that updated the city utility deposit ordinance, changing the utility deposit from a flat rate of $200 to an average of the past 12 months per service address with new construction deposits to equal the one-month average of other accounts in the appropriate designation. Multiple utility account customers would remain at $500. This bill is for new customers only and will not affect current customers. The board also approved Bill #3583, clarifying the City Building Inspector’s power and duties, and Bill #3584, updating the Notice of Violations of the Housing Violations section of the Codes after the second reading. Also approved after a second reading was Bill #3587 making mid-year 2023-2024 fiscal year budget adjustments. Interim Public Works Director Joe Chase updated the board on several projects including the closure of part of Rolla Road between Highway 19 and MacArthur for today; the Frisco Trail signage will be completed soon and he has been working with the County Commissioners on electric at the Courthouse. City Administrator Sally Burbridge thanked staff and alderman who attended a recent Budget Priorities Workshop and presented a priority list of projects to be considered for the next fiscal year. The “Welcome Home” Project Extension has been awarded and the scope of the grant has been reduced from 25 homes to 15. Burbridge reported that there were two water leaks at the Civic Center with extensive damage to the Council Chambers and stage. She is working on quotes and repairs to the flooring and plumbing. She is working with a company to get all city records scanned and on a Laser Fish Program. The Downtown TAP Grant Project bid opening will be on Friday and city offices will be closed on Monday for President’s Day. After reports from the aldermen and city officials, the meeting went into closed session.

This Saturday morning at 10:00, the Dent County Historical Society will be holding an event to allow people to share their family history that will be preserved in a special project that will include video. At 10:00 in the morning, the Historical Society will have a workshop for the “Telling the story of the Upper Current River from the Road,” project at the James Family Center off Center Street in downtown Salem. This is an opportunity for people to start sharing their family stories, photos, maps, newspaper clippings. Bring your items to the workshop where they can be scanned on the spot. A worksheet will be provided that the contributor can fill out to accompany the contributions, plus sticky notes to identify people or places along the Upper Current River. There will be a project update. Everyone is welcome.

A Scrappy Fabric Journal Class will be held Thursday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 with Gail Phelan at the Creative Arts Center where students will create a lovely, tactile journal using scraps of fabric. NO SEWING needed. Students just use fabric, lace, string, paper and glue. The result is a nice size journal you will take home with you. All materials will be provided. Students must be age 18 and older with a minimum of three students attending with no more than 12 students allowed. The cost is $15 per student or if you come as a pair, two for $25. Class registrations are on a first come, first serve basis with online registrations under “Programs” at the Creative Arts Center at salemcommunitybetterment.com website.

Dent County Assessor Jamie Homeyer wants to remind everyone your annual assessment forms that list your personal and business property for 2023 are due on Friday, March 1st. Those forms MUST be in the Dent County Assessor’s Office by that day or postmarked that day to avoid paying a penalty. You may drop off your assessment list at the assessor’s office at the courthouse and they are open from 8:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon, weekdays. There is also a drop box on the front lawn of the courthouse for your convenience if you can’t make it by until after hours. You can also mail in your assessment list forms but make sure you have the postal clerk postmark your envelope. You can also e-file your assessment list form online. Just follow the instructions on the assessment form you received in the mail. If you have lost your assessment list form or never received one, or you are new to the area, additional blank forms are available at the Dent County Assessor’s Office in the Dent County Courthouse. 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. A quick reminder for those wanting to file their form online, you can only e-file your assessment list form until April 30th. If you have any questions or need assistance with the online form, call Dent County Assessor Jamie Homeyer at the Dent County Courthouse at 729-6010 or stop by during regular business hours at the corner of Highway 19 and 4th Street in downtown Salem.

The City of Salem will be temporarily closing Rolla Road TOMORROW from 8:30 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon between North MacArthur Avenue and Main Street (or Highway 19,) in order to replace a storm water culvert that goes under the roadway. Local traffic will have access off of Rolla Road to Henderson, Jackson and Washington Streets, but will not be able to go through to MacArthur (J Highway) during these hours. Large trucks that normally use this section of Rolla Road, should detour to Highway 32/72 if they are coming south on Highway 72 or south on Highway 19. Signs and Barriers will be in place.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be meeting Thursday evening at 5:30 at the district administrative offices. After approval of the consent agenda, the board will hear the superintendents report followed by reports by the principals of William Lynch Elementary, the Upper Elementary, the Salem Middle School, and Salem Senior High School. Clay Moody will present a report to the board on activities and athletics to be followed by a report on special education, instructional coaches and technology. In new business the board will approve the 2024-2025 calendar, the board will discuss policy GCBA interpretation, approve the contract with HTK for the FEMA building, set the March Board meeting date, and hear the first reading of board policy updates. The board will hear resignations, if there are any, before moving into executive session. The meeting Thursday evening will be open to the public.

The Salem Board of Alderman will hold a regular meeting this evening at Salem Community Center@The Armory starting at 6:00. After the consent agenda, the board will hear a 9-1-1 presentation from Scott Cason before hearing about the 2023 Fiscal Year Audit from auditor Krista Deluca. In new business, the board will discuss Resolution #4-2024 authorizing the mayor to execute a lease agreement with Pitney Bowes for postal machine services. Alderman Shawn Bolerjack requested a public comment policy be discussed and adopted by the board to set the parameters of public comments addressed at the board. The board will hear the first readings of eleven bills that deal with the adoption of a new chapter to the Salem City Code and that will Chapter 240.010 called the Clean Air Ordinance. The next ten bills will refer to the new chapter and discuss the details associated with the bills. The board will also hear the reading of six other bills ranging from amending the Utility Committee definition, changing the way utility deposits on property will be calculated, two bill on amending the housing violation codes of the City of Salem, and an ordinance that amends the annual budget of the City of Salem for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1st, 2023. Those budget adjustments show an increase in revenues of $889,076, an increase in expenditures of $622,720 and an increase in intergovernmental transfers of $41,090. The board will then hear reports from city officials before the board goes into closed session to discuss personnel, contracts and litigation. The meeting of the Salem Board of Aldermen is open to the public.

Today is Lincoln’s Birthday and many state and local offices as well as courts will be closed including the Dent County Courthouse. The banks and postal services will be open today.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a report for the week starting Friday, February 2nd and ending Thursday, February 8th. On the 2nd, deputies conducted a traffic stop at intersection of Highway 72 & Route J. During the course of the stop, the operator of the vehicle who was a 47-year-old Salem woman, was found to be in possession of a controlled substance. She was taken into custody without incident and charges are pending. On Monday, February 5th, deputies responded to the 4200 block of Dent County Road 6220 for a report of a cow that had been shot. The owner of the animal, a 57-year-old Salem man, advised someone had shot the cow in the head while it was in his field. Possible suspect information was provided by the man and the investigation is ongoing. On Wednesday, February 7th, deputies responded to the 400 block of Route H for a reported domestic assault. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that a physicalassault occurred between two family members. Neither party wished to pursue charges against the other and they were dispersed to separate locations. The deputies explained Ex-Parte procedures to the parties involved. On Thursday, February 8th, a deputy responded to the Salem Memorial Hospital for a report of a dog bite. The victim, a 21-year-old Jadwin woman, advised she had been bit on the arm by a known dog. Information was taken from the victim for the report and the dog was placed on mandatory quarantine. That same day, a deputy took a report for a property damage that occurred in the 9400 block of Route H. The victim, a 28-year-old Salem man, advised the deputy that a woman caused damage to the door of his residence. The investigation is ongoing. If anyone has any information regarding an ongoing investigation, call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at (537) 729-3241.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will be meeting at 6:00 tomorrow evening 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 the tower lease program and quotes on SCBA bottles and other information. In new business the board will discuss lawn care, a building repair from frozen pipes and information as well as pricing on the purchase of a new truck. 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.

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.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams gave the sales tax figures the county received from the state this month. In the General Revenue Fund and the Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund, the county received $84,554.26 which is down around $6,677.56 dollars from the February 2023 receipts of $91,226.82. Year-to-date, those funds are down $11,514.45. For the Road and Bridge Fund, the county received $39,154.40 and that is down $2,446.32 from the 2023 February figure of $41,600.72 received. Year-to-date, that fund is down $5,055.00. The Jail Operating and Trust Funds each received $78,730.38 this February and that was down $4,471.17 than the February 2023 receipt of $83,201.55. Year-to-date, those funds are each down $9,226.93. The amount received in January and February in 2023 was before the agreement was reached between the commissioners and Missouri Department of Revenue on how Dent County was to pay back the money received from the Department of Revenue by mistake. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated Dent County Road 5510 had been fixed. He also said rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 6350 and 6370 while only grading would be done on county road 6320. Mobray also reported a loader would be moving the chips at the county road and bridge department. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 2160, 5300 and 5305 while rock only would be added to county road 2150. Polk said grading would be done on county roads 2165 and 2170 while brush would be cut on county road 4060. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he attended the TAC and MRPC meeting Thursday evening in St. James and that the courthouse would be closed on Monday, February 12th for Lincoln’s Birthday; and on Monday, February 19th for President’s Day. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she balanced with the collector and assessor on all collections, add-ons and abatements for the month of January. At the last meeting, the commission agreed to put out a construction bid request to build a new salt shed with dimensions of 45 feet by 30 feet with 16 foot high walls. The commission also put out a notice to submit bids to provide the county road and bridge department with eighty 15-inch by 20- foot polypropylene culverts, and thirty 18-inch by 20-foot polypropylene culverts, as well as 30 heat treated grader blades for the Cat graders and 60 grader blades for John Deere graders, delivered to the Road and Bridge Department. The specs for all the bid notices are available at the Dent County Clerk’s office in the courthouse. Bids for the salt shed construction will be due by 10:00 in the morning on Monday, March 11th; bids for the culverts will be due by 10:30 that same morning, and finally bids for the grader blades will be due by 11:00 Monday morning, March 11th in the commissioner’s office. For questions on the grader blade or culvert specs, call 729-4144, and for questions on the salt shed construction, call Commissioner Wes Mobray at 729-7770 or 573-247-2788. The bids will be opened in the offices of the Dent County Commission on Monday, March 11th at the time due as established by the commission. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Have you been dialing 573 before your local numbers? Most people haven’t but beginning February 24th, you will have to dial the 573 area code as well as your local seven digit number to complete a call. This is because a new area code of 235 is being added in our area as an “overlay” of the existing 573 area code and not replacing it. The overlay does not require customers to change their existing area code, but it will require them to dial the area code to complete local calls. The six-month permissive dialing period began back in August to give consumers adequate time to adjust to the dialing changes from seven to 10 digits. So starting Saturday, February 24th, all local calls made within the 573 area code must be placed using 10 digits (area code + the 7-digit telephone number). Calls placed using just seven digits will not be completed. Starting on March 24th, new telephone services may be assigned numbers using the new 235 area code as well as the old 573 area code.

Have you made your appointment yet with the Volunteers from AARP who are conducting free tax filing assistance at the Salem Community Center@ the Armory again this year on Fridays? Spaces are filling up fast!! This free tax filing assistance will continue every Friday until April 5th. Appointments can be made by calling the Salem Community Center at 729-8163. This is the 20th year that Healthy Dent County has partnered with AARP to provide this free tax service to our community and it is provided entirely by AARP trained volunteers. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers are trained in filing certain tax forms and schedules, including the Form 1040. However, the Volunteer Protection Act requires that our volunteers stay in the scope of the program. If counselors feel they do not have adequate knowledge or your return is too complex, you may need to seek another qualified counselor or paid tax assistance. Items you will need to bring with you to have your tax returns prepared include: Proof of identification such as a picture ID; Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents; or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration. You should also bring birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return. Also needed are wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099- Misc from all employers; year-end Social Security Statements showing total SS received and Medicare payments; and interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099). You should bring a copy of last year’s federal and state returns if available; plus proof of bank account routing numbers and account numbers for Direct Deposit, such as a blank check or deposit slip. To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms. The Salem Community Center @ the Armory is located at 1200 West Rolla Road. Appointments can be made by calling 729-8163.

An accident happened at 12:00 noon Tuesday in St. Charles County on Highway 79 at the Cuivre River Bridge. According to the highway patrol report, a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe driven north bound by 66-year-old Cynthia McCleary of Pocahontas, Illinois, was passing in a “No Passing” zone when the Hyundai went off the left side of the roadway before returning to the road. At that time, a 1994 Chevrolet S-10 driven southbound by 69-year-old George Norvell of Louisiana, Missouri, attempted to avoid the Hyundai by swerving to the left. The front of the Santa Fe struck the front of the S-10. Suffering serious injuries were both drivers. Cynthia McCleary was taken by the Lincoln County Ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis while George Norwell was taken by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Two passengers in the Hyundai also suffered serious injuries including 54-year-old Carol Johnson of Steelville, who was flown by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, and 28-year old Jeana Holland of St. Charles, who was taken by the St. Charles County Ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Only Holland was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage and were removed from the scene by B&B Towing.

A “Puppy Love” Kids Paint Party will be held at the Creative Ars Center on Friday, February 9th from 6:00 yo 8:00 with Danielle Norris. Get a head start on Valentines Day by bringing your kiddos age 5 and up for a paint party, while you and your significant other get dinner! Kids under 5 must have a guardian present. Or join your kiddo(s) for a fun night of painting. They will be taken step by step through this cute painting. All Supplies and light snacks will be provided! The cost of the paint party is $10 for kids and $15 for adults. Six people need to sign up for the class to be held and no more than 20 attendees will be allowed. Class registrations are first come, first serve basis with online registrations. Interested persons can sign up at the salemcommunitybetterment.com website for activities at the Creative Arts Center under “Programs.”

Mayor Greg Parker has called for a budget workshop to be held tonight at 5:30 with the Salem Board of Aldermen and the Finance Committee at the Salem Community Center@The Armory at 1200 West Rolla Road. They will discuss budget priorities and a mission statement if time allows. The budget workshop is open to the public.

Healthy Dent County and Curt’s Mobile Homes will be sponsoring a Valentine’s Dance Friday night at the Salem Community Center@The Armory at 6:30. The doors will open at 6:00 and the cost is $5.00 per person and the event is open to everyone who is 18-years-of-age and older. Candy and The Cowboy will provide the entertainment featuring country and pop music. Concessions will be available so come out and enjoy a fun night of food and dancing. For more information, call 729-8163.

The Salem Police Department has released a report for the week of January 20th through the 26th. On Saturday afternoon, January 20th at around 2:00, officers responded to a male subject that was acting under the influence near the intersection of First and Warfel streets. After investigating, the man was found to be in possession of capsules suspected to be fentanyl. As a result, the 37-year-old Salem man was incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Later that evening near 6:00, officers were dispatched to the Truman Trailer Court for the report of an out-of-control subject. After arrival of officers, a 39-year-old Salem man was found to be uncooperative and under the influence. He was placed on a 12-hour safekeep. On Sunday, January 21st at approximately 4:00 in the afternoon, an officer concluded an investigation into shoplifting from Wal-Mart on more than one occasion. During the investigation, it was found a male subject had been previously charged and trespassed from Wal-Mart. As a result, a 44-year-old Salem man was arrested and issued a summons for Burglary in the 1st degree charges. On Monday, January 22nd around noon, officers arrested 24-year-old Deseray Fish of Salem for an active capias warrant for her arrest. Fish was then incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. On Thursday afternoon, January 25th at approximately 3:00, officers responded to an accident involving a school bus. It was reported that a vehicle crossed the center turn lane near the intersection of Center Street and Highway 19 and struck the school bus which was able to get stopped and sound its horn. After an investigation was conducted, and it was found the operator of the vehicle was intoxicated. As a result, a 56-year-old Salem woman was arrested and placed on a 24-hour hold pending the application of warrants. No injuries were reported or apparent in the crash. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors has a vacancy for the Director of Election District one. The hospital bylaws and RSMO Section 206.090.1, provide that a vacancy on the board shall be filled by appointment by the remaining Board of Directors. The appointee will hold office until the municipal election to be held in April 2025. Candidates for director of the hospital district shall be citizens of the United States, voters of the election district one and who have resided within the state for one year preceding the election and who are at least 30 years of age. Persons interested in being considered by the Board of Directors shall complete and file a Request for Appointment. The Request for Appointment Form may be obtained in person at the Administrative offices of Salem Memorial Hospital located at 35629 Highway 72 in Salem between the hours of 8:00 in the morning and 4:00 in the afternoon, Monday through Friday, through February 16th, 2024. Applicants are expected to appear at the SPECIAL Board of Directors meeting that will be held on Friday evening, February 16th at 6:00 for a brief interview. District boundary information may be obtained at the Administrative Office of Salem Memorial District Hospital during regular business hours.

The Creative Arts Center is offering a Photography Fundamentals class on “Getting to know your camera better.” The class will be held on February 8th and 15th from 6:00 until 8:00 with Bob Phelan. Learn the fundamentals of how your camera does what it does, and how to interpret the information it gives you so that you can produce images that make you happy. Film or digital, it doesn’t matter. Want to take better pictures of your kids? Learn wildlife photography techniques? Shoot high school sports? Can’t figure out why you aren’t getting the results you want? That will all be covered. Class includes handouts and a camera cleaning kit! The class is open to persons 12 years of age and older. At least three students are needed for the class with a maximum of 20. The cost is $30 for both sessions and that includes all the supplies. Class registrations are on a first come, first serve basis with online registrations. Interested persons can sign up at the salemcommunitybetterment.com website by looking under “Programs” for activities at the Creative Arts Center.

An accident happened in Maries County Sunday afternoon at 4:34 on Highway 63 about two miles south of Vienna. According to the highway patrol report, a 2004 Honda Accord driven southbound by 19-year-old Lillie Register of Rolla, traveled off the right side of the roadway and went through a fence before coming to rest facing southbound. Register suffered minor injuries and she was taken by the Maries County EMS to Phelps Health. The Honda sustained minor damages and was removed from the scene by Plaza Towing. Register was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse. At the meeting in the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said his crew are hoping to finish the work being done on the new salt spreader box hangers. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk reported rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 3180 while only grading would be done on county roads 3120 and 3135. He also indicated brush would be cut on county road 3310. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson had nothing to report and County Clerk Angie Curley said the first day to vote absentee would be February 20th for the Municipal Election in April at the courthouse. The next meeting of the Dent County commission will be Thursday at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Public Library reminds City of Salem residents and Dent County communities to participate in their 2024 Community Survey. The information they collect will be used to identify top priorities for the Library and used to develop strategic, long term plans for the future. The survey should take no longer than 5-7 minutes, and all responses will be kept anonymous. You can access the survey from a link that is pinned at the top of Salem Public Library’s Facebook page. Individuals who wish to complete a paper copy of the survey will be able to do so at the Library during normal business hours. The Library is located at 403 N. Jackson Street in Salem. The survey will close after this Friday, February 9th. For questions about the survey or the Salem Public Library, its services or current programming, please contact Kate McBride, Library Director at salemmopubliclibrary@gmail.com or by phone at (573) 729-4331.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports for the week of January 29th. On Monday, January 29th, a deputy took a report for a 9mm Ruger handgun that was stolen from the 300 block of Dent County Road 3360. The victim, a 37-year-old Salem man, provided suspect information and the investigation is ongoing. On Tuesday, January 30th, a deputy took a report for property damage to multiple vehicles located in the 3000 block of Route P. The victim, a 27-year-old St. James man, provided suspect information and that investigation is ongoing. on Wednesday, January 31st, deputies responded to a call to Dent County Road 4170 for a report of a suspicious subject. Upon locating the person, it was determined the 35-year-old Salem man had an active warrant through Missouri Parole & Probation. The man was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated. On Thursday, February 1st, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 200 block of South Main St. During the course of the stop, it was determined the operator of the vehicle had an active arrest warrant through Stoddard County. The suspect, a 49-year-old Salem man, was taken into custody and transported to the Dent County Jail to await transfer to Stoddard County. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at (573) 729-3141 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

The Missouri Department of Transportation reports that Highway 72 in Reynolds County will be reduced to one lane for pavement repairs from Route TT to Route A near Bunker, starting this morning and lasting until Friday from 8:00 in the morning until 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 Creative Arts Center will host a “Hearts and Love Knots Wheat Weaving” class tomorrow from 5:30 until 8:00 with Suzanne Douglass. In this class you will learn how to create both a traditional woven wheat love knot and a heart called a Modiford. Love knots and Mordifords have been made and given for hundreds of years as a token of love and affection. The class is open to students 15 years of age and older. At least one student is needed for the class with a maximum of six. The cost is $25 and that includes all the supplies. Class registrations are on a first come, first serve basis with online registrations. Interested persons can sign up at the salemcommunitybetterment.com website under “Programs” for activities at the Creative Arts Center.

In an arrest warrant served last Thursday, February 1st, 23-year-old Jacob Stotler of Salem, was charged with three felony counts of the possession of child pornography. The probable cause statement indicates the investigation by the Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force began in 2021 from a cyber tip received about an online file storage account set up Stotler. He was interviewed that year and admitted it was his account and that he knew its content. The probable cause statement says there were initially five videos discovered before the accounts was deleted, with additional videos later identified from files that were submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. His bond was set at $50,000. The charges against Stotler are only accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it will be to determine his guilt or innocence.

A man from Boss was arrested Monday, January 29th in St. James on Highway 68/8 on two felony charges: one for second degree drug trafficking and the other for the possession of a controlled substance. According to the probable cause statement, James E. Dixon of Boss, was riding in the backseat of a vehicle that was pulled over for a traffic stop after leaving the MPC parking lot in St. James. The driver gave consent for officers to search the vehicle where they found a large bag of a white crystalline substance next to where Dixon was seated. They also found a bag of capsules that had been kicked under the vehicle by Dixon according to other passengers in the vehicle. Further, officers found a syringe on Dixon with clear white liquid. Later, officers identified the white substance as 30 grams of meth and the capsules contained fentanyl. Dixon’s bond was set at $250,000 cash or surety. The charges against Dixon are only accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it will be to determine his guilt or innocence.

The Dent County Sheriffs office has released some reports. On Tuesday, January 23rd, a deputy took a report for a stolen ATM card. The victim, a 22-year-old Rolla woman, wasadvised an unknown suspect had made unauthorized withdrawals from her bank account using her debit card. The investigation is ongoing. Later that same day, deputies responded to the 400 block of Dent County Road 3270 for a wanted subject. The suspect, a 50-year-old Salem man, was taken into custody without incident. He was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated on the arrest warrant. Also on Tuesday January 23rd, a deputy took a report for the unauthorized use of a credit card. The victim, a 48-year-old Salem man, advised the deputies that a former employee had made unauthorized fuel purchases using a company credit card after his employment had been terminated. The investigation is ongoing. The next day Wednesday, January 24th, a deputy took a report of a stolen firearm. The victim, a 34-year-old Salem man, reported a .40 caliber Taurus pistol had been stolen from his vehicle by an unknown subject. The firearm was entered into a national database as stolen property. Then on Friday, January 26th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 1400 block of W. Scenic Rivers Blvd. During the course of the stop, it was determined the vehicle operator had an active Shannon County arrest warrant. The suspect, a 57-year-old Salem man, was taken into custody and transported to Dent County Jail where he awaits transfer to Shannon County. If you have information regarding an investigation please contact the Dent County Sheriffs office at 729-3241.

The Missouri Department of Transportation plans to improve some bridges in Texas County. Three bridges on Highway 137 will be replaced. The bridges to be replaced include the Highway 137 bridge over Pine Creek, located north of Texas County Road 3780; the bridge over Big Creek between Boster Road and Big Creek Road; and the bridge over the South Prong Jacks Fork between Route U and Route AZ. Construction to replace the bridges could begin as early as spring 2025. The roadway will be closed in the vicinity of each bridge for approximately three months during this time. Maps, plans, and other information prepared by the Missouri Department of Transportation, or interested agency, will be available for public inspection and copying at the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Regional Office located at 3956 East Main St. in Willow Springs. Any person affected by these projects may request that a public meeting be held in regard to the proposed improvements. For more information. please contact MoDOT Project Manager Pete Berry at (417) 469-6242 or MoDOT Area Engineer Elquin Auala at (417) 469-6286. Comments and questions may also be submitted online at https://www.modot.org and in the search bar look for Texas County bridges. Please submit any comments by February 11th.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. Amanda Sapaugh with the SB 40 Board brought in the appointments to her board for commissioner approval. The appointees are Wendy Pryor, Cathy Diehl and Phil Christensen and the commission approved all three. Thom Haines was also in attendance and told the commissioners that in his research on the Gladden Bridge replacement (or Standing Rock Bridge), he said that MoDOT is only planning to make it a 26-foot wide bridge instead of a 30-foot bridge like the one on Highway 32-72 East near MFA. He wanted to know if the county knew anything different or talked with MoDOT about the bridge and they have not. Haines said he would continue to call Senator Brown and Representative Copeland and plead his case in his efforts to try to expand the width of the bridge that would allow for hikers and those riding bikes to be able to cross the bridge safely with shoulder room. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 6240 while only grading would be done on county road 6630. Mobray said work on the hangers for the salt spreaders continues when workers are available as there is a lot of welding to be done. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 2260 and 5340 while only grading would be done on county roads 2240 and 3220. He also reported brush would be cut on county roads 3300 and 3310. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported that the Meramec Regional Planning Commission will be working with the county on the distribution of the opioid settlement funds. More information will be released on that once all the agreements are in place. Zach Moser with the Dent County Health Department came in to talk about RSMO Chapter 205.100 where the county commission appoints a County Public Health Officer, so the Health Center can perform their duties following the law. Moser said it is just a formality. The commission then unanimously approved appointing Moser as the County Public Health Officer. Moser also discussed the new food safety regulations and those will go into effect July 1st. The Health Department also has hired a lead inspector to go into houses and see where citizens are being exposed to lead. Corky Stack from AEA Engineering brought in a pay request from Alexander Construction Co for $10,018.99. This was for the change order the commission approved last week. At the last meeting, Commissioner Larson signed the LLEBG Grant with the Missouri Department of Public Safety for the Dent County Sheriff’s Department. This is for a Law Enforcement Block Grant of $9,505.97. 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.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey reported that Iron County Sheriff Jeffrey Burkett resigned from office Wednesday which is the day he was to appear in court to be impeached. Bailey had filed the petition of quo warranto to remove Iron County Sheriff Burkett from office last summer. The quo warranto alleged that Burkett “has knowingly or willfully failed and refused to perform official acts and duties with respect to the execution or enforcement of criminal laws of the State, and has engaged in willful acts of misconduct, malfeasance, misfeasance, and nonfeasance in office.” The petition alleged that Burkett was unfit to hold office after allegedly helping Rick Gaston, an Iron County resident, with a plot to kidnap Gaston’s children from their mother after a domestic dispute. After the quo warranto was issued, the Washington County Prosecutor criminally charged Sheriff Jeffery Burkett with one count of participating knowingly in criminal street gang activities, a class B felony; one count of tampering with a victim, a class D felony; one count of attempted kidnapping in the third degree, a class B misdemeanor; one count of stalking in the first degree, a class E felony; one count of stalking in the second degree, a class A misdemeanor; one count of unlawful obtaining of criminal history information, a class A misdemeanor; one count of unlawful disclosure of criminal history information, a class A misdemeanor; one count of misuse of emergency telephone services, a class B misdemeanor; and one count of making a false report, a class B misdemeanor. The Attorney General’s Office argued that Burkett “abused his power and authority as an elected sheriff by encouraging two deputies to make illegal arrests and detentions, knowing that he had no jurisdiction or authority, and knowing that the arrests and seizures lacked any probable cause or reasonable suspicion.”

A beginner’s beekeeping class will be held Saturday, February 17th from 9:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon at VIP Properties at 102 East 4th Street. The cost is $55 per person or $90 for a couple. A traditional lunch will be provided and payment is due on Monday, February 5th. To register or more information, contact Gregg at 573-689-2254.