Local News

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees held their regular meeting Thursday, December 21st. The minutes of the December 18th budget meeting were approved followed by Administrator Zach Moser’s report. The Communicable Disease Report showed that there were 128 cases of COVID19 reported in November, plus 38 lead cases, 17 sexually transmitted infection screenings, nine cases of Influenza and three animal bites. In the diagnostics report, Moser said 164 blood draw appointments were completed in November, plus there were 41 COVID tests and six lead tests performed. COVID-19 vaccinations totaled 116, while there were 130 influenza doses and 60 other vaccinations administered. A total of 573 appointments were held during November, plus WIC appointments totaled 302. There were no Show-Me Healthy Women appointments, while there were seven Title X Family Planning appointments. Assistant Administrator Roma Jones gave the environmental report where nine total inspections were conducted. There was one recall, two sewer complaints and 13 environmental questions that were fielded. In the Administrator’s report, Moser reported that Miller Glass has tentatively scheduled January 19th for the installation of the new doors. Moser explained that he has signed up for Grantwatch Service to monitor for additional non-profit grants. He notified the Board that the regular WIC Audit is scheduled for January. The Health Center financial reports for November, including the review from H & R Block, were reviewed. Discussion was held on the balance sheet, income statement, and budget statements. After these questions were answered, the financial reports and the report from H & R Block were approved. In New Business, the Board discussed the election filings and Resolution 2023-R006 regarding the scope of services offered by DCHC. The resolution was approved by the Board. Moser presented the Board with the estimate for audit services to be provided by Maloney, Wright, and Robbins, LLC for 2023 in the amount of $11,700. He explained that due to DCHC receiving over $750,000 in federal funds, a federal single audit is required, which is a more expensive process. The next regular meeting of the Board was set for Thursday, January 25th at 5:00.

Today, Sheriff Bob Wells and Prosecutor Andrew M. Curley will present a check for the sum of $1,793.89 to Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams to be placed into the local school fund for Dent County. The money is the result of efforts by law enforcement involving the seizure of firearms from an investigation in 2017. In addition to the criminal conviction, the seizure is authorized by Missouri law as a punishment and deterrent to persons that commit a criminal offense. This money will be used for the benefit of the local school system.

If you did not apply for Medicare Part B (medical insurance) within three months before or after turning age 65, you have another chance each year during the General Enrollment Period. The period started January 1st and will run to March 31st. If you don’t enroll in Part B when you’re first eligible for it, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Part B coverage. Your monthly premium will increase 10% for each 12-month period that you were eligible for Part B but did not sign up for it. Your coverage starts the first day of the month after you sign up. To learn more about Medicare, please visit our Medicare Benefits page at www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows deer hunters in Missouri harvested 12,465 deer during the alternative methods portion of firearms deer season, December 23rd through January 2nd. Of the 12,465 deer harvested, 3,130 were antlered bucks, 1,450 were button bucks, and 7,885 were does. Top harvest counties were Callaway with 296 deer harvested, Franklin with 250, and Macon with 228. County totals in our area included Crawford with 160 deer harvested, Dent County totaled 184, Phelps County had 117 deer taken, Shannon County total was 158 and Texas County saw 207 deer harvested during the alternative methods season. The harvest total for last year’s alternative methods portion was 8,724. This year’s harvest total was eight-percent higher than the previous five-year average. For current ongoing preliminary harvest totals by season, county, and type of deer, visit the MDC website at extra.mdc.mo.gov. The archery deer and turkey season runs through Jan. 15. Find more information on deer hunting from MDC’s 2023 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available where permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors held a special meeting on Tuesday evening in the hospital library. Mike Swyers called the meeting to order while Chairman Ray Bruno attended via zoom. Interim CEO Jason Edwards presented a financial update through December 2023. The beginning balance for account activity in September was $368,394 with an ending balance of $398,878. In December, the beginning account balance was $38,300, with an ending balance of $212,209. The Operating Account activity for September was $2,247,600 and was down to $1,572,597 in December, which includes $800,000 in CDs. This is less than 21 days with cash on hand. CFO Doug Hoban presented an Accounts Payable history that showed the hospital has outstanding balances of $1,278,485 which is up from $690,543 in July. Some vendors won’t ship supplies until the hospital pays first, and others have the hospital on a credit hold. Current outstanding accounts payable are at $1,649,365. Some invoices were being paid 120-200 days late with interest being charged for late payments. Hoban is expecting to receive $200,000 from the 2019 Medicaid Rural Health Clinic Settlement and another $233,000 from 2020. Property tax payments have been recorded in December of $109,000 with more expected in January. Hoban expected to be able to meet the January payroll, but CDs might need to be cashed in to do so. The accounts receivables owed to the hospital for December totaled $3,392,957, with $1,155,526 being received. Edwards reported the hospital currently has a hiring freeze and they have eliminated and/or consolidated 14 positions in the last five months. The meeting was adjourned, and the board went into a closed session.

The Missouri Department of Revenue is announcing the upcoming Request for Proposal (RFP) of the license office in Salem located at 1104 South Main Street in the Crossroads Shopping Center. Bids will start being accepted January 10, and must be submitted by January 24. For a list of bid opportunities and bid response instructions, please visit Missouri’s statewide electronic procurement system, MissouriBUYS, at missouribuys.mo.gov. Interested groups or individuals who wish to bid to operate the Salem License Office must have an active Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) and must submit the proposal under the legal entity name for which the FEIN was assigned. The Missouri Department of Revenue, through the Office of Administration, is posting an RFP for the Salem License Office contract, since the current contract is close to expiring. Interested bidders will have approximately 10 business days to submit their proposal for the operation of the license office in the competitive bid process, as outlined in the RFP. A scheduled tour of the current location may be requested by emailing the procurement contact listed on MissouriBUYS. Proposals will be evaluated on items as outlined in the RFP. All of the proposals will be evaluated by a review team at the Department of Revenue, and the proposal that scores best in the areas outlined in the RFP will be selected to operate the office.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, provides the following preliminary statistics related to the New Year’s holiday weekend. Five people died and 59 were injured in 115 traffic crashes during the 2024 New Year’s holiday counting period, which began at 6:00 Friday evening, December 29th and ended at 11:59 Monday night, January 1st, 2024. There were 139 DWI arrests. There were no boating crashes and no drownings over the 2024 New Year’s holiday counting period. During the 2023 New Year’s holiday counting period, six people were killed and 345 injured in 925 traffic crashes statewide. In 2023 Troopers arrested 105 people for driving while intoxicated. There were no fatalities on January 1st, 2024. The fatality statistics in this news release could change if late deaths occur, or if other departments report fatal traffic crashes after this news release is sent to the media.

Live Christmas trees after the holidays are a win-win for fish and angers if you have a pond or lake. They can create an underwater condominium for fish to take a load off. In turn,they can also be popular spots for anglers who are searching for their next big fishing jackpot. The trees benefit some of the most popular fish that anglers like to reel in, including large mouth bass, bluegill, red ear sunfish and crappie. If you don’t have a pond or lake, and your community does not offer a tree-recycling program, there are several creative ways to make further use of your tree. You can place the tree in the backyard to offer cover for wildlife, or under bird feeders to provide nesting locations in the branches. Your tree can also be shredded or chipped for mulch. If you used a live evergreen and your ground is still soft enough to spade up, add your tree to your home landscape for years of enjoyment and wildlife cover.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports trooper Aaron M. Cunningham, a member of the 118th graduation class from the Patrol Academy, will report to duty on January 8th and will be assigned to Zone 3 in Crawford County. Trooper Cunningham’s field training officer will be Corporal Nick Summers. Trooper Cunningham is a 2018 graduate of the Rolla High School. Trooper Cunningham’s father is Sergeant Steve Cunningham who is a 21-year veteran of the Missouri State Highway Patrol and serves the Phelps and Maries county area.

The Salem Police Department Friday released the following information. On Thursday, December 28th, 2023, law enforcement officers from Salem and Dent County concluded a six-week investigation into allegations of Sexual Abuse. An arrest was made, and a probable cause statement was submitted to Prosecutor Andrew Curley on the subject identified as 47-year-old Bradley J. Nash of Salem. The investigation began after it was learned that two minor children had disclosed the allegations against Nash. An investigation was started at that time and was concluded on December 28th, when officers executed two search warrants in Salem on two separate residences where Nash was known to stay. The warrant sought to locate electronic media storage and access to areas mentioned in the victims’ original disclosures. Nash was located and placed under arrest without incident and he was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office to await formal charges and a bond setting. On Friday, December 29th, charges were announced. Nash was charged with two counts of Statutory Sodomy in the 1st degree and one count of Child Molestation in the 2nd degree. Nash’s warrant was capias no bond. The charges for which Nash has been arrested are only accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction, whose duty it will be to determine his guilt or innocence.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors will be holding a special meeting this evening at 5:00 this evening at the hospital library. On the agenda will be a discussion on finances. The meeting may be attended in person or via other electronic means by the public. If you wish to attend by phone or other means, please call the hospital administration office to obtain access information at 729-6626, extension 4005.

An accident occurred Saturday evening around 10:25 in Dent County near the intersection of Route E and Route K. According to the highway patrol report, a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan driven by 28-year-old Dillon Harrison of Salem, traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck the ditch and overturned. Harrison was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident and suffered moderate injuries. He was transported by EMS to the Salem Memorial Hospital. The Dodge was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. The Dent County Sheriffs Office assisted the highway patrol with the accident.

An accident happened late Thursday afternoon at 5:10 in Texas County on Horse Shoe Drive about four miles south of Houston. According to the highway patrol report, a 2017 Honda Rancher being operated by a 16-year-old male juvenile of Licking, failed to negotiate a curve, traveled off the right side of the road and struck a tree. The juvenile, who was not wearing any safety equipment, suffered moderate injuries and was taken by a private vehicle to the Texas County Memorial Hospital for treatment. The Honda was not damaged and was later driven from the scene.

On Friday, January 5th, from 5:00 until 7:00 in the evening, a Ceramics Paint Party will be heldat the Creative Arts Center with Isabella Knaack. All ages are welcome! Come spend a relaxing few hours of painting fun! There will be holiday ceramic figurines, plates, bowls, cups, etc. What better way to stay in the uplifted holiday spirits, than to paint some pieces and memories to pass down from generation to generation! The cost is $1 per ticket and you will pay by the piece to paint. At least four people need to register and no more than 20 will be allowed in the class. Class registrations are on a first come, first serve basis with online registrations. Interested persons can sign up at salemcommunitybetterment.com for activities under “Programs” at the Creative Arts Center.

The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will hold another blood drive in Salem today at the First Baptist Church at 201 N. MacArthur from 1:00 to 6:00 PM. Successful donors will receive a warm CBCO Hoodie while supplies last. To help avoid wait times, appointments are strongly encouraged. Donors can schedule an appointment at www.cbco.org/donate-blood/ or by calling 417-227-5006.

The Salem Police Department has released the following information. On Thursday, December 28th, 2023, law enforcement officers from Salem and Dent County concluded a 6-week investigation into allegations of Sexual Abuse. An arrest was made, and a probable cause statement was submitted to Prosecutor Andrew Curley on the subject identified as Bradley J. Nash; 47 of Salem, MO. The investigation began after it was learned that two minor children had disclosed the allegations against Nash. An investigation was started at that time and was concluded on December 28th, 2023 when officers executed two search warrants in Salem on two separate residences where Nash was known to stay. The warrant sought to locate electronic media storage and access to areas mentioned in the victims’ original disclosures. Nash was located and placed under arrest without incident and transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office to await formal charges and a bond setting. On Friday, December 29th, 2023 charges were announced. Nash was charged with 2 counts of Statutory Sodomy 1st degree and 1 count of Child Molestation 2nd degree. Nash’s warrant was capias no bond. The charges for which Nash has been arrested are merely accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before the court of competent jurisdiction, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, the superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, encourages everyone to make good decisions regarding their New Year’s celebration. No one wants to start 2024 with a traffic crash or DWI arrest. During the 2023 New Year’s period, six people were killed and 345 injured in 925 traffic crashes in Missouri. The 2024 New Year’s holiday counting period begins at 6:00 this evening and ends at 11:59 Monday night, January 1st, 2024. If your plans to welcome the new year include alcohol, please designate a sober driver to ensure you arrive home safely. The roadway is no place for a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you kill or injure someone, you’ll pay the price for the rest of your life. If you plan to drive this New Year’s, remember to buckle up and make sure all your passengers do the same. Pay attention, obey all traffic laws, and when in doubt, yield the right-of-way. Be sure to use your turn signal to communicate your intentions. Download the MoDOT Traveler Information app to your smart phone, and check road conditions before you travel. Allow extra time during inclement weather or consider staying home. Missouri law states if you’re using your windshield wipers, your headlights must be turned on. The public is encouraged to call the Patrol’s Emergency Assistance Number (800) 525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone if they witness criminal activity or experience an emergency.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday at the courthouse. First District Commissioner Wes Mobray was not in attendance and Supervisor Jason Akins gave the road report. He stated brush was being cut on Dent County Road 6020 while crews were out checking for missing road signs and replacing them. He also said shop work was being done. Second District Commissioner Gary Polk indicated brush was going to be cut on Dent County Roads 2070, 2080 and 2083, while other workers would be making and hanging new signs. Polk reported the graders would be moved once the weather improved. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson wanted to let everyone know the courthouse, judicial building and Dent County Annex would be closed on Monday for New Years Day, but also wanted to let people know the judge closed all judiciary offices on Tuesday, January 2nd, so some offices in the Annex and the Judicial Building will be open like the Extension office. Larson also said the installation of the Christmas lights on the courthouse had still not been completed as of December 27th. Trimlights was supposed to have a representative at the courthouse to complete the work by end of the year. Larson said some people were not happy with the lights on the courthouse not being white this year for Christmas, as they were set to red and green but those lights can be programmed to be any color. They will be white to celebrate the New Year. There was a problem with the lights at the very top where they were multicolored and that was due to a malfunction in the system. Once fully installed and operational, the commission will be able to program the lights on the courthouse different colors for special occasions such as the 4th of July parade, Christmas, etc. Larson said the courthouse lights will have two individual zone areas of control, the north and south sides of the courthouse. The commission did approve to advertise their surplus property that will be available for the public to look at next week at the Dent County Road and Bridge Department shed on Highway 32-72 West during regular business hours. Bids on the surplus property will be received in the Dent County Clerk’s office until 10:00 in the morning on Thursday, January 18th at which time the bids will be opened. If you are bidding on surplus property, please indicate on your envelope which product you are bidding on. It doesn’t matter if you drop it off personally or mail it in, but it MUST be received by 10:00 Thursday morning, January 18th. Mike Elliott, the representative with T&C Insurance Co, came in to visit about rates through Tokio Marine HCC regarding the county building, property and auto insurance. Larson signed the application declaration. Corky Stack with AEA Engineering was also in to talk about the Christmas lights. At the last meeting, Nick with the 42nd Circuit Juvenile Division Steelville Office, came in to speak with the commission about a budget request for 2024. Also present was Kevin Randazzo and Judge Michael Randazzo. They were asking for a $6,900 increase due to the need of adding a full-time employee in Wayne County. The increase would be spread out over the five counties. The next commission meeting will be January 4th.

An accident happened Wednesday night at 8:30 in Franklin County on westbound Interstate 44 at the 254.8 mile-marker. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Chrysler Town and Country being driven by 60-year-old Lisa Saes of Steelville, traveled off the left side of the highway and struck a concrete traffic barrier. The Chrysler then traveled off the right side of the road and struck a guard rail. Saes, who was wearing a seat restraint, suffered moderate injuries and was taken by Meramec Ambulance personnel to Mercy Hospital in Washington. The Chrysler was totaled and removed from the scene by Johns Towing.

A Christmas Eve pursuit in Phelps County on Route V has led to the arrest of two Salem men Sunday night. Owen White and Zachary Perkins of Salem were eventually taken into custody when the Audi they were operating failed to stop at a stop sign on Phelps County Road 3110. They continued onto Dillon Outer Road before the Audi turned onto Route V where an officer attempted to pull the Audi over only to have them speed away on Route V close to 80 miles an hour. The probable cause statement indicates the engine of the Audi died in the 12000 block of Route V allowing officers to apprehend White and Perkins. Each man was charged with the possession of a controlled substance, 2nd degree trafficking of drugs and the unlawful use of weapon; while White had additional charges of the unlawful possession of a firearm and resisting arrest by fleeing creating a substantial risk of serious injury or death to any person. According to the statement, six grams of suspected fentanyl, a burnt glass tube and a bag of what was suspected to be methamphetamine were located during the arrest, plus a .22-caliber rifle was found in the Audi. The charges are only accusations and 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 the accused guilt or innocence.

Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk said her office in the Dent County Courthouse will have extended hours for those wanting to pay their tax bills in person today and tomorrow from 8:00 in the morning until 5:30. She reminded everyone that the post office is only open until noon on Saturday the 30th. Payments mailed in must be postmarked NO LATER than December 30th. She recommends if you wait until that day to take your envelope inside the post office to have it hand stamped at the window. There is also a drop box in the front of the courthouse at the southwest corner of the courthouse square where you can leave your payments through midnight on Sunday, December 31st. Payments can also be made online by following the instructions on your real estate and person property tax bills.

Celebrate the new year with fun, fresh air and scenic views by participating in a First Day Hike in one of America’s state parks. Several Missouri state parks and historic sites are participating in this national initiative again. This year there are more than 1,000 hikes available in state parks around the country. The distance and rigor of the hikes vary from park to park, but they all aim to create a fun experience for the whole family. Savor the beauty of the natural, cultural and historic resources our state parks offer, and be inspired to take advantage of these local treasures throughout the year. Hikers can choose guided hikes that fit their comfort level, including mountain and hill climbs, walks along lakes, exploring trails that wind through forests, and wildlife expeditions. The following hikes in our area that are planned for January 1st include the Meramec State Park in Sullivan which is holding a three-mile hike at 11:00 in the morning at the Visitor Center; the Missouri Mines State Historic Site on Highway 32 in Park Hills where their one-mile hike starts at 9:00 in the morning; and Montauk State Park in Salem where people can meet 10:00 in the morning at the Nature Center for this two mile hike. Preregistration is required for all hikes, as some have a maximum number of hikers who can be accommodated. To register, visit icampmo.com. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

Beginning January 2, 2024, Big Spring Campground will be closed for approximately 30 days to complete utility upgrades. The work is being completed by Blinderman Construction in conjunction with the ongoing renovation of the Big Spring Lodge and Cabins. During this time, while water and electric are unavailable at campsites and restrooms, we encourage visitors to camp at Alley Spring, Round Spring, or other nearby campgrounds. There are locally-owned campgrounds and lodging near Van Buren, and the park offers primitive camping south of Big Spring. For updates on the closure , call (573) 323-4236 or visit park’s Facebook page or website at www.nps.gov/ozar.

The Missouri Department of Conservation recently set turkey and deer hunting dates for the 2024-2025 seasons. The hunting dates were approved by the Missouri Conservation Commission at its December 8th open meeting in Jefferson City. Spring Youth Portion of the 2024 turkey season will be April 6th and 7th. The regular Spring Turkey Season is slated for April 15th through May 5th with the Fall Firearms Turkey Season to run October 1st to October 31st. 2024-2025 deer season will include an early antlerless portion in open counties will be October 11th through the 13th. Early youth portion running November 2nd and 3rd. November regular portion set for November 16th through November 26th. CWD portion in open counties will be November 27th through December 1st. The late antlerless portion in open counties will be December 7th through December 16th and the Firearms alternative methods portion with be December 28th, 2024 through January 7th, 2025. Detailed information on the upcoming seasons and portions will be included in the MDC 2024 Spring Turkey Hunting and Regulations booklet and the MDC 2024 Fall Deer & Turkey Regulations and Information booklet, available closer to the seasons. The booklets will be available where permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov.

This Sunday, there will be a New Year’s Eve Ball at the Salem Community Center@The Armory at 7:00. The event is brought to you as a partnership between Healthy Dent County and the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Agent Jonah Schafer with American Family Insurance. The event is for adults only and will feature a dinner at 7:30 followed by dancing with the band “Misfire” and DJ-Kim Steelman. There will also be a champagne toast at midnight with party favors as well. Tickets for individuals will be $55 and $100 per couple, or a group can reserve a table of eight for $400. Tickets are available at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Salem Community Center@The Armory. For more information, contact the chamber at 729-6900 or Healthy Dent County at 729-8163.

The Dent County Sheriff’s office has released some reports. On Sunday, December 17th, deputies investigated a “road rage” incident involving the discharging of a firearm on Dent County Road 3260. The victims, a 17-year-old Salem juvenile and an 18-year-old Salem man, stated that a subject had fired a weapon after being involved in a road rage incident with them. A further investigation revealed the 17-year-old juvenile had fired a weapon into the air. The case will be forwarded to the Dent County Juvenile Office. The next day, deputies took a report of a firearm being stolen from the 5500 block of Route K. Suspect information was provided and the firearm was recovered. Due to the circumstances of the call, the victim, a 40-year-old Salem man, declined to prosecute. On Tuesday, December 19th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 4070. As a result of the stop, a 32-year-old homeless woman was found to have an active warrant for her arrest. She was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Dent County Jail where she was incarcerated on her warrant. And finally, on Friday, December 22nd, a deputy was on North Pershing Street when he observed a 32-year-old Salem man who was known to have an active warrant for his arrest. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated on the warrant. Please call the Dent County Sheriffs office if you have any information regarding any investigation at 729-3241.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley reported that on Wednesday, December 13th in Dent County in front of Judge Michael Randazzo, Tabitha Bruder of Springfield pleaded guilty to the possession of methamphetamine. Bruder had prior felony convictions and Judge Randazzo sentenced her to serve five years in the Missouri Department of Corrections as requested by the prosecuting attorney.

Two people died in traffic crashes during the 78-hour Christmas Holiday counting period, which began at 6:00 Friday evening and ended at 11:59 Christmas night. Troopers investigated 124 traffic crashes involving 71 injuries including 2 fatalities. There were also 81 DWI arrests. Last year during the 78-hour Christmas counting period, there were 1,017 traffic crashes statewide. In those crashes, four people were killed and another 318 were injured. Troopers arrested 52 people for driving while impaired in 2022. There were no boating crashes or drownings over the 2023 Christmas holiday counting period.

Healthy Dent County is planning to begin another Project RISE program that will empower individuals and offer support as they strive to lead their families out of poverty.  The goal is to have a new cohort of families begin this spring. This program will address issues that keep families in poverty and work toward developing strategies to overcome these challenges and sustain long-term change.  Project RISE will help provide the tools to improving financial health and empowerment as well as providing a support system of community connections to help with long term thinking and time management. Families accepted in the program will work on money management including budgeting and improving credit scores, employment and career development, setting goals and relationship building. Only 4-7 families will be selected for this 16 week program, and they must meet these requirements: must have stable housing; they must reside in Dent County; and most importantly, the participants must be ready, willing and open to make changes to find new opportunities. To make this project a success, Healthy Dent County will work with social service agencies, churches, health care and employment specialists and community leaders. The wealth of knowledge from these professionals will be invaluable to improving the lives of these families for generations to come. Participants can earn gift cards and other financial incentives throughout the program. Meals and childcare will be provided during the meetings. If you are interested, pickup and turn in an application at the Salem Community Center@The Armory at the Healthy Dent County office at 1200 West Rolla Road.

Beginning January 1st, the USDA Forest Service will be adjusting fees at Mark Twain National Forest’s developed recreation sites. A vast majority of the forest is free for visitors to access and enjoy, but fees are needed to maintain the sites that offer amenities—things like fire rings, trash service, potable water, electricity, paved parking and more. In 2004, Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act which allows the Forest Service to retain 95% of revenue collected at recreation sites and use the funds locally to operate, maintain and improve the sites. Revenue is reinvested into Forest recreation sites in the form of trash pickups, septic and toilet pumping, painting, cleaning, addressing the backlog of deferred maintenance, conducting patrols, and maintaining highly used trails and campsites. Local areas that will be affected by the price changes include the Red Bluff Campground and day use, Council Bluff Campground and day use and Loggers Lake Campground and day use. For a list of the all the different fee increases at each of these campgrounds, go to www.fs.usda.gov.

There will be a Community Blood Center of the Ozarks Blood Drive at the Salem Memorial Hospital Library from 9:00 this morning until 2:00 this afternoon. For the successful donors, they will receive a free cozy blanket while supplies last. Then on Tuesday, January 2nd from 1:00 until 6:00 at the First Baptist Church, the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will hold another blood drive. This time, successful donors will receive a warm CBCO hoodie while supplies last. To help avoid wait times, donors should call to make an appointment at 417-227-5006 for either location, or you can go online at www.cbco.org/donate-blood.

An accident happened Thursday morning just after 9:45 in Cass County on southbound Interstate 49 at the 167 mile-marker. According to the highway patrol report, a 2019 Freightliner being driven by 46-year-old Lee Sutton of Houston, Texas, pulled onto the roadway from the shoulder. The towed unit of the Freightliner was then struck by a 2016 Hyundai Elantra being driven by 27-year-old Alicia Hendrix of Salem. Hendrix suffered moderate injuries and was taken by the West Peculiar EMS to the Belton Regional Hospital. Sutton received minor injuries and was transported by a state trooper to Cass County Regional Medical Center in Harrisonville. The Elantra was totaled and removed from the scene by J’s Southland Towing. The Freightliner was able to be driven from the scene. Both drivers were wearing seat restraints. The highway patrol was assisted on the scene by the Peculiar Police Department.

An accident happened Thursday evening in Dent County around 8:10 on Dent County Road 3220, about a quarter mile south of Dent County Road 3240. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado being driven north by a 17-year-old male juvenile, swerved to avoid a deer in the road. The driver then over-corrected, traveled off the right side of the road and the Chevy overturned. Two occupants that were in the vehicle were 16-year-old female juveniles. They both suffered minor injuries and were taken by a private conveyance to the Salem Memorial Hospital. The report stated that all three involved were wearing seat restraints. The Silverado sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

A one vehicle accident happened last Tuesday afternoon at about 1:30 in Texas County on Dixon Road, four miles south of Licking. According to the highway patrol report, a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer being driven west by 24 year old Skye Marler of Licking, traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a utility pole, and overturned. A passenger in the vehicle, 28 year old Stephanie Riedl-Rivara, suffered minor injuries and was taken by a private vehicle to the Texas County Memorial Hospital. Neither the passenger nor driver wearing seat restraints. The Trailblazer was totaled and removed from the scene by Jays Towing.

An accident happened Friday afternoon at 4:40 on Interstate 44 westbound at the 216.8 mile-marker. According to the highway patrol report, a 1998 Kenworth T600 being driven by 59-year old-Randy Hutmacher of Springdale, Arkansas, changed lanes and and struck a 2007 Ford Focus being driven by 34-year-old Joseph Myskiew of Cuba. The Ford then ran off the roadway and struck the cable barrier. Myskiew suffered serious injuries and was transported by North Crawford ambulance to Missouri Baptist Hospital. Both drivers were wearing safety restraints. The Kenworth had moderate damage and was able to be driven from the scene. The Ford sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Chris and Sons Towing.

Today is the last day to file for the Municipal Election that will be held in April that will determine all school district board seats, the city of Salem Mayor and an East and West Ward Aldermen positions, Salem Memorial Hospital Board positions for District 4, 5 and 6 with varying terms; two Dent County Health Center Board positions, and a board position on the Dent County Fire Protection District Board. In Bunker, the mayor’s position as well as two alderman seats will be determined in April as well as the city tax collector’s position. Two board positions for the Bunker R-3 School District Board will be voted on. People will need to register at the office of the political subdivision that they are wishing to run for by the close of business TODAY! If you are unsure what time that may be, please contact those offices by phone to be sure.

During December 9th to December 15th there were a total of 114 calls to the Salem Police Department for service. From those calls, these reports were generated. On Sunday night, December 10th at approximately 7:30, officers were dispatched to the 1200 block of South Gertrude for a report of a disturbance. It was reported that a male subject was causing issues with others by acting aggressive. The man was uncooperative and causing others in the area to feel threatened. As a result of the investigation, a 25-year-old Salem male was arrested and issued a summons for disorderly conduct. Then on Tuesday,. December 12th around 2:30 in the afternoon, officers were dispatched to the intersection of Highway 19 and Franklin for a report of a motor vehicle crash. During the investigation of the crash, officers found the driver of one of the vehicles had an active capias warrant for their arrest. As a result, 36-year-old Nicky Stringer of Salem, was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. On Thursday, December 14th at approximately 3:00 in the afternoon, officers were dispatched to the 1800 block of South Oak for a report of a fight. It was reported that a fight had broken out for unknown reasons and a male subject punched another in the face. After further investigation, a 26-year-old Salem man was arrested for assault. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

According to a report on KY3, authorities have arrested William Robbins who was wanted in a deadly hit-and-run pedestrian crash in Dent County. Robbins faces charges of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and tampering with physical evidence. David Davis died in the crash that happened on Highway 32 about three miles east of Salem on December 7th around 5:00 in the afternoon. According to the highway patrol report, Robbins did not stop after hitting Davis. The victim died at the scene of the crash.

The Dent County Commission met for its regular meeting Thursday morning in the courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams was in to share information on the CART receipts for December. She said Dent County received $79,382.35, which was down $756.24 from December of 2022 receipts of $80,138.59. Williams said that year-to-date the CART receipts are up $116,230.32, which is an increase of 14.23%. She also noted that the 2023 CART receipts total was $933,170.96. Sherry Lea was in from Healthy Dent County to present the annual Rural Addressing Contract in the amount of $15,000, which had no change from last year. The Commissioners approved the contract 3-0. She and the Commissioners also shared information about the 911 ARPA Grant to upgrade the system. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said that it was decided at the meeting he attended in Van Buren the five counties in the 911 region, which includes Dent County, would be splitting the counties share. Bob Parsons was in and he shared his resignation as alternate to the MRPC Transportation Advisory Committee, which he had been appointed to about eight years ago by the commission. The Commissioners re-appointed Willie Strader and Jamie Homeyer to the Enhanced Enterprise Zone and appointed Jeff Dotson and Nathan Wills to fill the two vacancies on the EEZ. In the road report, First District Commissioner Wes Mobray said his crews were out checking for downed or missing road signs. District Two Commissioner Gary Polk said grading was going to be done on Dent County Roads 3333 and 3335, plus brush was being cut on county road 2080. Polk also noted that some of his crew were checking for downed or missing road signs in the Boss area. Presiding Commissioner Larson emphatically reminded Dent County citizens of Missouri State Statute 137.130 which authorizes the county assessor to enter on to any property that they deem necessary to be re-assessed. An incident occurred last week where a property owner refused the assessor’s personnel to access the property, and used their vehicle to actually strike the assessor’s vehicle. As a result the assessor’s office personnel were taken to the hospital to check for injuries. Larson reminded everyone that the courthouse will be closed Monday and Tuesday in observance of Christmas. Larson reported on last week’s MRPC meeting where the External Relations Committee he serves on discussed the 2023 annual awards banquet and learned that it returned a profit of nearly $1,000. He also shared again the results of the TAC meeting where the Route TT Bridge over Crooked Creek near Sligo was voted the top priority in the Meramec Region and the Huzzah Creek Bridge on Highway 32 at Boss came in 1st in the medium priority category. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that bills were being approved for payment and she wanted to remind businesses that their statements must be in to the commission by noon December 28th for payment this year. Any statements submitted after that date will not be paid until after the 2024 budget is approved. Curley also said her office was very busy with budget preparations and end of the year paperwork. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday December 28th and the meeting is open to the public.

A Missouri man appeared in U.S. District Court in St. Louis Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to charges related to a carjacking and a gun store burglary in Phelps County. According to the report, 19-year-old Martavious Jones of Phelps County, was indicted September 27th on one carjacking charge and a charge of stealing a firearm from a federally licensed dealer. Jones pleaded not guilty Tuesday. The indictment accuses Jones of stealing a 2013 Nissan Altima on March 1st in Phelps County. It also accuses him of stealing firearms from a Rolla gun store on September 11th of 2022. A motion seeking to have Jones held in jail until trial says two men took four guns, including an AR-style pistol, as well as a large quantity of ammunition and firearm accessories from the store. The carjacking charge carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or both prison and a fine. The stealing charge carries a penalty of up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. The Rolla Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Szczucinski is prosecuting the case. Charges set forth in an indictment are just accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol wishes everyone a merry and safe Christmas. One way for it to be merry is for everyone to arrive at their holiday celebrations safely. Remember to wear your seat belt, obey all traffic laws, pay attention, and please, don’t drive impaired. Over the 2022 Christmas holiday, there were 1,017 traffic crashes statewide. In those crashes, four people were killed and another 318 were injured. This year’s traffic crash counting period begins at 6:00 Friday evening, December 22nd, and will ends at 11:59 Monday evening, December 25th. Travelers are reminded that holiday drivers will affect traffic patterns. If you’re planning a trip during the holiday, please keep this in mind. Drivers are encouraged to make sure they are well rested, no matter how short their driving distance. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Downloading the MoDOT Traveler Information app to your smart phone allows you to check road conditions before you travel. Be proactive! Make sure your vehicle is in good operating condition and allow enough time to reach your destination safely. Winterize your vehicle before bad weather arrives, but realize that sometimes, it’s safest to stay home. If faced with a traffic emergency, motorists can contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. This emergency number will ring into the nearest Highway Patrol headquarters. Motorists should use this number if they are in a traffic crash, witness a crash or crime, or pass a stranded motorist in need of assistance, etc. Troopers encourage motorists to protect themselves from all types of hazardous drivers by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Please obey all traffic laws, and if alcohol is part of your holiday, designate a sober driver. Every driver can help make our roadways safer this holiday season.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office released these reports. On Saturday, December 9th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at Hunt and Hickory Streets in Salem. During the course of the stop, the passenger, a 34-year-old homeless man, was arrested for the possession of a controlled substance. The suspect was taken to the Dent County Jail where charges are pending. On Wednesday, December 13th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at Iron and First Streets. During the stop, a 44-year-old Salem man was found to be operating a motor vehicle with a revoked driving privilege. The suspect was released to attend a scheduled court hearing and additional charges are pending. Later that same day, a 43-year-old woman and 37-year-old man, both of Salem, reported that known suspects had stolen multiple firearms from their address in the 1600 block of Highway 68. This incident remains under investigation. If anyone has any information regarding an on-going incident, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The Missouri Department of Conservation announces changes to turkey hunting regulations for the spring season and has proposed regulation changes for the fall seasons. The Missouri Conservation Commission approved the changes for the spring season at its December open meeting in Jefferson City and also gave initial approval on proposed regulation changes to fall turkey hunting. Spring shooting hours for private land only will be extended from a half-hour before sunrise to sunset. Shooting hours on public land will remain a half-hour before sunrise to 1:00 in the afternoon. These changes will be effective for the Spring 2024 turkey season. Proposed changes to fall turkey hunting season would require both fall firearms turkey hunters and fall archery turkey hunters to purchase a fall turkey-hunting permit. Turkeys would no longer be included in the archery deer permit. The bag limit would be reduced from four to two birds. These proposed changes will be open for public comment from February 2nd through March 2, 2024. According to the MDC, the primary motivation for the regulation changes is to increase opportunities during the spring season for youth hunters and hunters who work during the day and to reduce the fall harvest while maintaining as much opportunity for hunters as possible. MDC noted that 93% of land in Missouri is privately owned and 88% of Missouri’s annual spring turkey harvest is done on private land. The Missouri Conservation Department added that keeping the shooting hours to end at 1:00 in the afternoon on conservation areas and other public lands would continue to support multiple afternoon activities by a variety of users on these areas. The 1:00 closure during the spring season was originally seen decades ago as a way to help Missouri’s turkey population rebound from a few thousand birds to the several hundred thousand wild turkeys we have today. The current fall turkey season allows hunters to harvest up to four birds of either sex without a beard requirement. The proposed changes will reduce the number to two birds of either sex. Learn more about turkey hunting in Missouri at mdc.mo.gov.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held a special meeting, called by Mayor Greg Parker, on Tuesday evening in the Council Chambers. The board approved Parker’s appointment of John Whelan to fill the West Ward seat that was formerly held by Amanda Duncan. Duncan resigned effective December 12th. Whelan will serve the unexpired term until 2025. The board approved Bill No. 3580, which is an ordinance authorizing the mayor to sign Task Order No. 18 pertaining to an agreement between the city and C.M. Archer Engineering Group for engineering services related to the Lead Service Line Inventory Project. This project is part of the $150,000 ARPA funds received with a local match of $30,000 for total project funding of $180,000. The Service Line Inventory project is to meet EPA’s mandate for an initial inventory of lead service lines in the city. The city is expected to perform the initial inventory and submit a database to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources by October 16th, 2024. The board approved canceling the December 26th City Council meeting. The next meeting will be held on January 9th. City Administrator Sally Burbridge requested a joint budget workshop be held between the Aldermen and the Finance Committee members January to begin the budget preparation process for next year. The board then went into closed session.

The Salem Memorial Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday evening in the hospital library. In the Administrators Report, Interim CEO Jason Edwards reported that they are working on getting a payment plan for the accounts payable totaling $365,292. An additional four tags were added to the deficiency list after the lab was inspected by CLIA. The plan of correction has been submitted and the lab will be reinspected by CLIA at a later date. Edwards reported that 340B policies have been updated and an optimization implementation plan will begin January 1st. The hospitals initial annual fiscal loss presented was $317,000 in fiscal year 2023. The pre-audit loss to date shows the actual loss of $2.5 million. The Dialysis and Home Health Departments have been closed in an effort to cut expenses. The final audit report is expected to be completed in February. CFO Doug Hoban reported hospital admissions in November were 83 which included six Swingbed admissions with a total of 250 patient census days. In November, there were 1,520 Outpatient Registrations, 1,474 Cardiopulmonary Procedures, 6,940 Lab Tests, 1,194 Radiology Procedures, 556 Rehabilitation Treatments, 34 Surgical Procedures, and 167 Home Health Visits. There were 637 Emergency Room visits with 56 patients being admitted. A total of 228 ambulance runs were made with 150 patients being transported. The hospital had expenses over revenues in November of $417,086 with a loss from operations of $421,925. The 340B plan showed revenues over expenses for the month of $49,068. Edwards reported that he is working with the state to get reimbursement for capital expenditures to match what the hospital has spent from July 1st to May 31st. With no new business, the meeting was then adjourned.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows deer hunters harvested 18,904 deer during the late antlerless portion of firearms deer season, December 2nd-10th. Top harvest counties were Callaway with 565 deer harvested, Pike with 513, and Lincoln with 385. Harvest numbers for counties in our area included Crawford with 237 antlerless deer harvested, Dent harvest was 209, Maries County was 134, Phelps County had 128 harvested, Texas County total was 354, and Shannon County saw 200 antlerless deer harvested. Last year’s antlerless portion harvest total was 16,241. For current ongoing preliminary harvest totals by season, county, and type of deer, visit the MDC website at mdc.mo.gov. The archery deer and turkey season runs through January 15th, 2024. The alternative methods portion runs December 23rd through January 2nd, 2024. Find more information on deer hunting from MDC’s 2023 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available where permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov.

Now is the time to start planning what you’d like to plant in your 2024 garden and gathering up your seeds. Master Gardeners Charley Grimm, Pam Bierman, Katyann Sullivan, and Thom Haines are prepping the Community Garden for the 2024 gardening season. The Community Garden was started in 2009 and is located at the Salem United Methodist Church. If you are interested in having plot at the Community Garden in 2024, please contact Charley Grimm at 573-368-9902. Garden plots are open to anyone who wants to have one, and your first plot is free. Gardening tools and water are available for gardeners, and all you need to provide is your love of gardening and seeds. The Dent/Phelps Master Gardeners and Dent County Extension provide classes throughout the growing season on such topics as “When to Plant,” “Seed Saving,” “Canning,” and other topics you may have questions about. If there is a subject you would like to have addressed at one of the classes this upcoming summer, contact Charley Grimm or call Dent County Extension at 573-729-3196.

Do you love Missouri’s state parks and historic sites? Are you looking for a way to introduce the fun to someone else? Now is the perfect time to purchase a Missouri State Parks gift card for yourself and receive another you can use as a holiday gift. A Missouri State Parks gift card is a convenient way to make camping reservations or purchase state park merchandise. Through the month of December, purchase a gift card of $75 or more and receive a free $25 e-gift card free! This offer can only be found online at https://mostateparks.com and click on the gift card button. Purchased gift cards or e-gift cards will be mailed or emailed to the address on your customer account. Promotional e-gift cards are emailed to the email address listed on your customer account.