Local News

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the courthouse. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson was not in attendance due to a family matter, but did call in his report. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley appointed 1st District Commissioner Wes Mobray as the acting Presiding Commissioner for the meeting. In the road report, Commissioner Mobray said rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 6460 while only grading would be done on county roads 6400 and 6220. He said brush would be cut on county road 2480 and a new grader blade was being installed on Dent County Grader #39. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk reported rock would be added and grading done on county road 4030 while only grading would be done on county roads 4020 and 4380. He said brush would be cut on county roads 3020 and 3030. Presiding Commissioner Larson said at the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting last Thursday, the Route TT Bridge over Crooked Creek near Sligo was voted the top priority in the Meramec Region capturing 83 votes. Scoping for this project was in the latest 5-year STIP, and this vote reinforces the need for the bridge improvement to occur. Larson said the Huzzah Creek Bridge on Highway 32 at Boss came in 1st in the medium priority category with 31 votes. County Clerk Angie Curley said she balanced with the treasurer on all monthly accounts for November. She also said vendors need to submit their invoices to the county by noon December 28th to be paid this year. No bills can be paid by the county in January, except for payroll, until the budget is approved. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education regular meeting was held last Thursday at the district administrative offices. The board recognized Alex Diehl for being All-SCA Conference in Cross Country and finishing 30th in the state competition which qualified him for the All-State status. Superintendent Lynne Reed said most of the Construction Trades building shell will be completed by Friday with the other minor improvements still to be made in January. Assistant Superintendent Nathan Wills said the Annual Progress Report was released to schools and shows Salem R-80 needs improvement in English Language Arts, Mathematics and attendance, but the full report will be discussed at a later date. Will said the water testing continues at the school for lead. Right now the school is in the middle of mitigation with the next testing to be done in mid January. After the reports from the building principals and Athletic Director Clay Moody, the board discussed the list of capital improvements the school needs and the list came to 27 items totaling 7.1 million dollars. Not all of the items on the list are critical, but a number of them will need to be addressed soon before further deterioration. The board discussed a bond to get there repairs made as well as the residual balance amount on the FEMA addition at the Upper Elementary. The board agreed a six million dollar bond issue would cover much of the needed work and passed a resolution calling for a bond election for the school district for the April election. If passed, the increase in the debt service levy would be an additional 34 cents on top of the current 45 cents for 79 cents total per $100 assessed valuation. It was also brought out in the discussion that the schools proposed purchase of the SBU building is contingent on the passing of the bond. The board also talked about how the district would be able to afford keeping the teachers salaries competitive at the $38,000 mark that this year is being subsidized by the state and that would only be by an operating tax levy increase. This also would help cover expenses at the school that continue to rise. The board discussed the amount of a permanent increase they thought would be needed and finally decided on asking the voters to pass an additional 90 cent operating tax levy. This would raise about an additional $700,000 for the schools General Revenue Fund. The board passed the resolution calling for the election in the April election of increasing the district’s operating tax levy from $2.75 per $100 assessed valuation by 90 cents to $3.65 per $100 assessed valuation. They also passed a resolution authorizing the appropriation of not more than $115,000 for the purpose of prepaying a portion of the districts outstanding general obligation bonds or other actions in connection with that payment. The board approved the job description of the Director of Operations position that would deal with mostly non-academic issues, approved the FFA out-of-state trip, and approved the revised FEMA building design at the Upper Elementary school. The board tabled the CEP for the high school and the January meeting date will be January 18th. The board accepted the resignation of Kristi Steelman as freshman and middle school volleyball coach before going into closed session where the board employed Rich Parks as the Director of Operations for the 2024-25 school year. The meeting was then adjourned.

An accident happened Thursday morning at 10:40 on Highway 68 about 12 miles south of St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer driven northbound by 62-year-old Catharina Pot of Salem, crossed the center line and struck a 2021 Ram 4500 driven southbound by 49-year-old Raymond Hamlich of St. Clair. Pot suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Phelps Health by the Phelps Health Ambulance. Both drivers were wearing their seat restraints. The Chevy sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing of St. James. The Ram sustained moderate damage and was driven from the scene.

The Salem Utility Committee met Wednesday evening at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. The Utility Committee heard a presentation from ServLine that protects both the city and consumers when it comes to large water leaks or sewer leaks on the customer side of the meter that create large water or sewer bills for customers. Those large bills usually end up in a contract with the city which takes some time to be paid off and in some cases, never get paid off. With the Servline program, the customer would only pay their normal average bill for their water service, while the ServLine program would pay the city for the extra water and sewer charges from the leak up to $1,000. This program can be voluntary or mandatory. The utility committee will recommend to the board of Aldermen to go with having a voluntary program with a $1,000 limit of protection that would cost the utility customer an additional $2.00 per month for water and an additional $2.00 for sewer, pending legal review. These costs will be added to the users bill and there is a maximum of one claim per year. Since the program is voluntary, utility customers can opt out of the program if they wish. The other program ServLine offers is insurance on your external water and sewer lines as well as indoor plumbing that will be marketed locally by ServLine. Individuals can choose external water service and sewer service protection as well as in-door plumbing protection. Customers can choose one service, two services, or all three and each service comes with its own price and there is no discount to get all three. The utility committee elected not to take the municipal fee of $.50 per account from ServLine for those who sign up which reduces the monthly service cost for the utility customer. This service is similar to an insurance policy and is totally separate of your city utility service. Persons would pay the service charge directly to Servline. After City of Salem Finance Director Stacey Houston reviewed the financial report which looked in line with the expected budgeted numbers, Jennifer Cochran from the Utility Department said the city was able to e-mail sample bills successfully and will try to send e-mail bills to ten volunteers this month. If that works, the city will open up sending e-mail utility bills the following billing cycle to customers. As for Excleron, she said the city has two to 12 people daily paying their bills online. The 24-hour phone bill pay system though is not yet working. City Administrator Sally Burbridge gave the MPUA and MMMPEP meeting updates before the utility committee voted to change the wording of the ordinance defining committees.

They agreed to remove the reference to the “street department construction, maintenance and repair” from the Utility Committee description. This will also be recommended to the Board of Aldermen. The board discussed changing the deposit rates from the current flat rates to 1/12th of the historic utility costs at each specific address. The committee eventually came around to agreeing to recommend this to the alderman after they heard about Online Utility Exchange services that perform soft credit checks and can also do online collections of past due accounts. The meeting was then adjourned.

Filings are continuing for the City of Salem Board of Aldermen and mayoral positions through December 26th. As of Thursday, here is the list of candidates who have signed up to run for the east and west ward alderman positions and for mayor. For mayor, incumbent Greg Parker has refiled and he is being challenged by Lisa Elliot, Grover Whitley and Eddie Fleetwood. For the East Ward Alderman seat, incumbent Kala Sisco has filed as has James Vance; and for the West Ward Alderman position, Catherine Dent and Richard LaBrash have filed. To file for the mayor’s position, you must be at least 25-years of age, have lived in Salem for at least one year at the time of the election, and must be current on all taxes owed and up to date on all utility payments. Those who want to file for an alderman seat, there is a $25 filing fee, you must be at least 21-years of age, must have lived in Salem in the ward for which you are running for at least one year at the time of the election, and must be current on all taxes owed and up to date on all utility payments. Sign ups are held at the City Administration Building at 400 North Iron Street. If you have any questions, contact City Clerk Tammy Koller at 729-5211.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met at the fire station Tuesday evening. The board reviewed the financial report showing an ending balance of $88,550.54 as of November 30th. Bills, payments, and statements were reviewed with all accounts being reconciled before a review of the budget took place. The monthly reimbursement was presented which showed a total of 36 calls for month of November and 279 total calls year to date. Some of the calls included in that monthly total included seven building fires, five brush or brush and grass mixture fires, five calls to assist police or other governmental agencies, three grass fires, three vehicle accidents with injuries, and three vehicle accidents with no injuries. In old business it was reported that Engine 85 is still out of service and is still being repaired. The board needed more information on what to do with the truck since it has been out of service now for over a year. A grant for the department was recently approved and an officer is now working on finalizing the grant. During new business it was noted the department has had no one sign up to run for a board position for the 2024 April election. Chief Floyd then made his report to the board and said officers were working to reorganize the trucks for better use with the goal being to have the trucks in a position for any emergency. Floyd also stated that the department is looking to re-number the trucks to have four numbers instead of the current three to meet the approval of FEMA. The Chief also announced they are working on maintenance for the trucks to get them serviced and in shape. The board asked Floyd to get them a list of the cost of filters, oil, fluids, and other maintenance items. Chief Floyd presented a list of tools put together by the firefighters that the department needed due to old tools being worn or broken and asked for board approval to replace them. The cost would be around $3,200.00 which was approved by the board. The training officer is also working on a training program to get personnel trained on safety and better fire fighting techniques. The date was then set for the next meeting which will held Tuesday evening, January 9th at 6:00 at the fire station. The board then went into closed session.

Santa’s Workshop with Greg & Karen Lough will be held at the Creative Arts Center this Saturday from 10:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon, and again on Sunday from 1:00 until 4:00. The workshop is open to all ages so bring the whole family! Come enjoy the holiday celebrations by bringing your kids and family to the Creative Arts Center for some fun, free activities! You can get pictures taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy a fun craft and snack! New this year, SACBA has added Secret Santa’s Shopping. See the SACBA website for all the details on how to participate in that program.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated rock would be added by two trucks and grading done on Dent County Road 6590 while only grading would be done on county roads 4245 and 6220. Mobray said brush would be cut on country road 2480.District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk indicated rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 3370 and 4480, while only grading would be done on county road 4380. Polk said brush was going to be cut on county road 3050. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported he attended the SACBA board meeting Monday night where they approved their budget for 2024, and he attended the TAC and MRPC Board meetings held Thursday night in St. James. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she continues to work on the budget. At the last meeting, Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk gave the November monthly report and her turnover was $2,403,662.24. Commissioner Larson indicated he would not be at the Monday meeting which will be at the Dent County Courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Board of Alderman met Tuesday night at the City Hall Council Chambers. After they approved the consent agenda, the board heard from Lisa French regarding the city’s policy on Hearing of Persons and Communication. She asked for a copy of the ordinance that gives Chief Joe Chase the authority to remove citizens from meetings at the request of city officials. She was also concerned that the city was not addressing citizens concerns but only allows them to speak at meetings but not have a discussion or resolution. She claimed this is taxation without representation. She was also concerned that her personal information was released in the board material packet and this should have been redacted. The board approved purchasing a transfer switch for Well #4 at a cost of $17,968 from Aesthetix Electric. This will allow the city to have water if there was a natural disaster and prolonged electrical outage. At the request of staff, the Board denied two bids that were received for a new sign at the entrance to the Industrial Park. New signage is needed to replace the former sign that blew down in 2019. The sign would list all current and future businesses in the park. The budget for this sign as well as new signage at the Airport totals $50,000 and the project will be rebid with updated specs. The board approved board members for the Enhanced Enterprise Zone. This committee is a partnership between the City of Salem and Dent County. Re-appointments for a five-year term are Willie Strader with Farm Bureau and Jamie Homeyer, County Assessor. Appointments due to vacancies include Jeff Dodson, Superintendent of North Wood R-4 and Nathan Wills, Assistant Superintendent of Salem R-80 School. Other members of this board include Dean Jones from Salem Wood Products, Dustin Howard with the Bank of Salem and Daniel Salyer from Phil-Mart. The board approved Bill No. 3579 to change the name of the Community Services Committee to the Community Involvement Committee with a new vision and responsibilities. Chairman Kala Sisco will seek appointment of new members tho this committee at the next meeting. Kyle Williams reported there will be a Utility Committee meeting tonight at 6:15 at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. He will attend the Transportation Priorities meeting at MRPC this week and the Youth Vaping Town Hall meeting on Thursday, December 14 at 5:30 pm at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. He is researching possible MoDOT transportation grants to get a city bus. He stated that Houston, MO has this service that offers free rides at a cost of $60,000 per year to the city. The board then went into closed session.

City Clerk Tammy Koller has announced that Alderwoman Amanda Duncan has submitted her resignation Wednesday from the Salem Board of Alderman effective Tuesday, December 12th.

To mark this year’s most spectacular meteor shower known as the Geminids Meteor Shower, Elephant Rocks State Park will be open to the public for a rare after-dark event this Friday evening. Park representatives will be available to direct guests to the best and safest areas to view the shower. Participants should remember that it is December and should dress for cold temperatures. No campfires will be allowed. In the event of rain, it will be moved to Saturday, December 16th. The event runs from 5:00 in the evening to midnight at Elephant Rocks State Park on Highway 21 in Belleview.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be holding their regular meeting this evening at 5:30 in the R-80 Board Room. At the meeting, Alex Diehl will be recognized as for being All-State Cross Country. Dr. Reed and Dr. Wills will give their report to the board before the building principals and Athletic Director Clay Moody give their reports. New business to be brought before the board include a resolution calling for a bond election in the Salem R-80 school district, a resolution calling for an election in the Salem R-80 school district for the purpose of increasing the districts operating tax levy, and a resolution authorizing the appropriation not to exceed 115,000.00 for the purpose of prepaying a portion of the districts outstanding general obligation bonds, and authorizing other actions in connection with those bonds. The board is also expected to approve the Director of Operations job description, approve an out of state FFA trip, the FEMA building design and consider CEP for the high school. The board will then hear resignations, if any, before setting the date for the January meeting if different from January 18th before adjourning. The board will going into executive session to discuss personnel. The meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released some reports for the first week of December. On Saturday, December 2nd, a deputy responded to Dent County Road 2470 for a report of littering. During the course of the investigation, some information on the suspect was developed and charges were submitted to the Dent County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. On Monday, December 4th, deputies responded to the Salem Wal-Mart for a reported wanted subject. The suspect, a 32-year-old Salem man, was arrested without incident and transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated on multiple warrants. That same day, a deputy responded to the Dent County Jail for a report of an inmate being in possession of a controlled substance. According to the investigation, a jailer was searching the clothes of a 46-year-old St. Louis man when what was suspected to be methamphetamine was discovered. The suspect was questioned and the investigation is ongoing. The next day, deputies responded to the 1000 block of Dent County Road 6370 for a reported domestic dispute. According to the victim who was a 41-year-old Salem woman, her 47-year-old husband had broken a vehicle window, causing a small cut on her arm. Both parties agreed to separate for the night and the Missouri 12-Hour Rule was invoked. Finally onThursday, December 7th, deputies observed a 32-year-old Salem man who was known to have an active felony arrest warrant. The suspect was arrested and found to be in possession of what appeared to be methamphetamine. He was taken to the Dent County Jail on the warrant and additional charges are pending. If you have information regarding an investigation, contact the Dent County Sheriff’s office at 729-3241.

A one vehicle accident happened Monday morning at 11:50 in Reynolds County on Highway 49 about four miles north of Black. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Sterling L9500 being driven by 60-year-old Keith Kramer of Bixby, ran off the of the road. The driver then overcorrected, crossed the center line and ran off the left side of the road and overturned in a ditch. Kramer, who was not wearing safety equipment, suffered moderate injuries and was transported by Life Net to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. The Sterling sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Buckeys Towing.

An accident happened Monday afternoon just before 4:00 in Phelps County at Pine Forest Drive and Lake Mont Drive. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Mercedes C280 being driven by 57-year-old Martin Bohner of Rolla, failed to yield to a 2018 Infiniti Q70 being driven by 61-year-old Francisca Oboh-Ikuenobe, also of Rolla. After the accident, a pedestrian, 51-year-old Johnny Rhodes of Rolla, was attempting to assist the driver of the Infiniti and became trapped between the vehicle and its door as the driver was attempting to put the vehicle into park, but instead put the vehicle in reverse and accelerated. Rhodes was taken to Phelps Health with minor injuries. Oboh-Ikuenobe also suffered minor injuries and was taken by ambulance to Phelps Health hospital. The Infiniti sustained minor damage while the Mercedes had moderate damage. Both vehicles were removed from the scene by D & D Towing. The report went on to state that both drivers were wearing seat restraints.

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.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse for its regular meeting. In the road report, District One commissioner Wes Mobray stated rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 6010 while only grading was going to be done on county roads 4235, 4237 and 5480. Mobray also indicated brush would be cut on county road 2470. Mobray reported the road and bridge department updated the CART tax maps from MoDOT with the road improvements or closures from the previous map from 2017. District Two Commissioner Gary Polk said rock was being added and grading was being done on Dent County Roads 4403 and 5260 while only grading was being done on county roads 3080, 3090, 3100 and 3110. Polk said brush was being cut on county roads 3080 and 3090. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported he would be attending a SACBA Board meeting Monday night. Deputy County Clerk Melissa Piatt said that County Clerk Angie Curley had balanced with the collector and assessor on all collections, abatements and add-ons for the month of November. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams was in to present the sales tax monies received this month. The General Revenue Fund and Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund each received $88,614.48 which is about $4,103.31 less than for November of 2022. Year-to-date, the General Revenue Fund and the LEST funds are down about $70,823. The Road and Bridge Fund received $41,712.16 this month, down $2,281.02 from November of 2022. Year-to-date, that fund is down $31,878.12. The Jail Operating and Trust funds each received $83,846.07 and that is down $4,140.13 from November 2022 receipts. Year-to-date, those funds are down $58,549.77. Curt Faigle from the 100-Acre Wood Rally was in to request approval of the commission for the roads they intended to use for the rally in 2024 which will be held on March 15th and 16th. The roads that will be raced on that Saturday will be Dent County Roads 3180, 4040, 4330, 4340, 5380, 5360, 5520, 5530, 5600 and 5690. The commissioners approved his request. Faigle said after three fatalities occurred on different rally courses this past year, he wasn’t sure as many rally drivers will be involved in 2024 as in years past. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday at 9:00 AM at the courthouse and it is open to the public.

An accident happened in Phelps County Saturday evening at 5:05 on Route DD about a mile from St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a 1997 Ford Escort driven westbound by 64-year-old Brenda McCormack of St. James, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. McCormack suffered serious injuries and was taken to Phelps Health by the Phelps Health Ambulance. McCormack was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will be meeting at 6:00 this evening at the fire station located at #2 South Main Street. After the roll call and approval of the consent agenda, the board will hear the financial reports, approve the bills and review the budget. The board will also review the calendar and hear the monthly reimbursement report. Any old business will then be addressed before the board discusses the 2024 election in new business. After hearing a report from Interim Chief Dennis Floyd, the board will set the date will be set for the January meeting before adjourning. The meeting tonight will be open to the public.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors held a special meeting on Friday, December 8th. At the meeting, auditor Jean Nyberg with FORVIS, presented the Board with preliminary findings to include a significant change what was previously reported was the end of year financial findings. The Board was previously presented with a loss of $317,000 for the end of the 2023 fiscal year, but after the preliminary audit adjustments and corrections were made, the Salem Memorial Hospital was showing an actual loss of 2.5 million dollars from operations. This is not the final audit report, but the significant difference in loss brought about an extended board discussion and some hard choices for the Board to consider in order to continue to keep the hospital operational for the long term. After much discussion, the Board of Directors voted to make necessary changes. Reduction in certain service lines including the dialysis and home health departments will begin in the coming months allowing patients involved with those services to be presented with options for continuity of care by transferring to surrounding area services. No consideration was made to enact a reduction in force, therefore employees affected by discontinuing these service lines will be offered a transfer to other areas of the hospital. Other motions were made to review all contracted service agreements and to explore affiliations with other Health Systems.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will meet tonight at 6:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers for their regular meeting. After the consent agenda is approved, the board will hear from Lisa French in the hearing of persons. The board will then hear and discuss bids on the Well #4 service upgrade and the bid for a new sign at the Masters Industrial Park. The board will then vote to appoint new members to the Enhanced Enterprise Zone as well as accept those who want to continue to serve on the board. The board will then hear Bill #3579 changing the name of the Community Services Committee to the Community Involvement Committee. After reports from the city officials, the board will go into closed session. The meeting tonight is open to the public.

A fatality accident occurred in Dent County Thursday evening around 5:15 on Highway 32 about three miles east of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, 83-year-old David E. Davis of Salem, was crossing the roadway when he was struck by an unknown vehicle. The unknown vehicle left the scene. Davis was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:15 by Dent County Coroner Ben Pursiful. The body was transported by the coroner to the Wilson Mortuary in Salem. The highway patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Department and the Major Crash Team #5.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces additional criminal charges have been filed in the investigation of 42-year old Justin B. Durham of Rolla. On September 14, 2023, Durham was formally indicted by a Phelps County Grand Jury with first degree rape, first degree sodomy, possession of child pornography and sexual trafficking of a child, following an investigation by the Troop F/I Criminal Investigative Unit of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control, the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. On December 6th, the Phelps County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged Durham with first-degree rape and first-degree sodomy, due to additional information discovered in the ongoing investigation. On August 7th, the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office requested the assistance of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control with an investigation into allegations against Durham. Durham was alleged to be in possession of child pornography, based on information provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigations. During the joint investigation, a victim was identified who reported she was sexually assaulted by Durham. The investigation led to Durham being arrested and indicted on September 14th by a Phelps County Grand Jury, with first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy, possession of child pornography, and sexual trafficking of a child. After these charges were filed, another victim contacted law enforcement to report she had been sexually assaulted by Durham. This new information led to the Phelps County Prosecuting Attorney formally charging Durham on December 6th with first-degree rape and first-degree sodomy. In addition to state charges, a federal grand jury indicted Durham in October of 2023, with one count of producing child pornography, two counts of possession of child pornography, and two counts of altering or destroying records. The investigation is being conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the ongoing assistance of the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office. Durham is currently being held in the Crawford County Jail on state and federal charges, stemming from the joint investigation. The Missouri State Highway Patrol encourages anyone with information related to Durham to call Missouri State Highway Patrol Corporal Jonathon Fariole at (573) 368-2345, ext 3950, or the FBI, using tips.fbi.gov or 1-800-225-5324. The charges 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 guilt or innocence.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. Ben Johnson, Salem News Reporter, announced that he is resigning from the Salem News December 31st. He said he’ll still be around and will do some articles. Jeff Bandaret with Great Rivers Engineering was in to discuss the Flap 077 project which will be reimbursed 100% up to $800,000. He discussed the TAP Grant 9901 for the courthouse sidewalks. This is an 80% reimbursable project up to $393,283. Dent County would be responsible for up to $94,896.69. These projects would begin in 2024 and continue through 2025. The commissioners discussed the project contracts, but made no decision waiting until after the budget numbers are put together. In the road report District One Commissioner Wes Mobray said his crew would be grading Dent County Roads 5130 and 5450. He said grading would be done and materials would be added to county road 6080. He also noted that brush was being cut on county road 2460. District Two Commissioner Gary Polk said his crew would be grading Dent County Roads 2075, 3170 and 3173. He said that county road 3070 would be graded and would have rock added to it. Polk also noted that brush would be cut on county roads 3090 and 3120. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported that Tuesday he went to Van Buren with Sheriff Bob Wells and a couple of deputies to learn about the 911 ARPA Grant. Larson said he also attended the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District annual banquet on Tuesday. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that bills were being approved for payment and she signed the Election Security Assessment Agreement work authorization. This is a Cyber security assessment she must have done every 2 years in her office with the last one being completed in 2022 and the next to be completed next year. Curley said there is no cost to the county since the Secretary of State pays for it. Dent County Collector Shannon Vankirk announced extended hours to 5:30 on December 21st, 22nd, 27th, 28th, and 29th. She reminded everyone that the post office is only open until noon on Saturday the 30th. Payments mailed in must be postmarked by December 30th. Corky Stack with AEA Design came in to talk about the Christmas lights. He is meeting with Casey, the owner of the lighting company, to discuss the project. At 10:00 the Commissioners and Clerk Curley went to the Fire Department and met with Bret Hendricks, State Department of Public Safety Coordinator Region I, and interim Fire Chief Dennis Floyd. They reviewed the inventory of the property of the Emergency Management District. The next meeting of the Commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Seaman Brian Cahill, a native of Salem, Missouri, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center, the largest diving facility in the world. Cahill graduated from Rolla High School in 2021. The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Salem. Cahill said that working multiple jobs, with multiple skill sets and working well with others translates well into the military, plus the military has set rates, but you have to be well versed in other skills.

Meramec Regional Community Foundation will be awarding two $750 community grants. One grant will be made to a project that focuses on community or economic development and the other will assist at-risk children and/or low-income families. Any nonprofit, 501(c)3 organizations, schools, faith-based organizations and governmental entities looking to address these needs are encouraged to apply. Organizations and governmental entities must be based in the Meramec Region which encompasses Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties to qualify. For the last 12 years, MRCF has awarded grants to further local projects through its community grant program. Programs in the past have included city beautification, illiteracy, supplies for homeless populations and more. 2012 marked the inaugural year for the grant program, and in the last 11 years $17,400 in grant funds have been awarded to 64 community projects throughout the region. The grants are made possible through the Meramec Regional Community Foundation Community Grant-making Fund, which was created by a $30,000 donation from Meramec Regional Planning Commission. A portion of the fund’s earnings are distributed each year through grants. Awardees in 2023 included the Pulaski County Salvation Army, Hope Alliance of Missouri and the Belle Community Betterment Association. Applications for the 2024 grant round will be accepted online only until 5 p.m. on January. 31st, 2024. For more information on the grant opportunity, contact Bonnie Prigge at bprigge@meramecregion.org or call 573-265-2993.

An accident occurred Wednesday afternoon in Phelps County at 1:15 on Highway 63 at Keeton Road. The report stated that it was an injury patrol car crash. According to the Highway Patrol report a 2023 Ford F150, driven by 22-year-old Jacob Hutchings of Rolla, was attempting to make a U-turn to initiate a traffic stop. A 2013 Nissan Sentra, driven by 54-year-old Dawn Vankirk of Rolla, attempted to avoid the Ford and struck it in the center turn lane. Both vehicles traveled off the left side of the roadway. The report stated that Hutchings was wearing a seat restraint while Vankirk was not. Vankirk suffered minor injuries and was taken by ambulance to Phelps Health. The Nissan was totaled and removed from the scene by D&D Towing. The Ford sustained moderate damage and was towed by Ron Dishman Towing.

An accident occurred Wednesday night at 7:45 in Phelps County on I44 eastbound 7 miles west of Doolittle. According to the Highway Patrol report a 2023 Volvo Tractor Trailer, operated by 70-year-old Stanley Mason from St. Louis who suffered a medical emergency, causing the Volvo to travel off the left side of the roadway where it overturned, collided with an embankment and caught fire. Mason suffered moderate injuries and was flown to University Hospital in Columbia by Phelps Air. The Tractor Trailer was totaled and towed from the scene by D&D Towing.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office released these reports for the last week of November. On Wednesday November 22nd deputies responded to the 500 block of County Road 5070 for a disturbance call. During the course of the investigation, a 29-year-old Salem man was found to have an active arrest warrant. The man was taken into custody and transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated on the warrant. Then on Sunday November 26th a deputy responded to the 3700 block of Highway F for reported property damage. The victim, a 38-year-old Salem woman, advised that an unknown suspect(s) had damaged her mailbox during the overnight hours. The investigation is ongoing. The next day Monday November 27th a deputy took a stealing report. According to the victim, an 80-year-old Salem man, numerous checks were stolen and written to unauthorized subjects. The suspect information was developed and the investigation is ongoing. Then on Tuesday November 28th a deputy conducted a traffic stop for an equipment violation. During the course of the stop, consent to search was given and the passenger was found to be in possession of Methamphetamine. The suspect, a 58-year-old Lonedell woman was taken into custody and transported to the Dent County Jail where she was placed on a 24 Hour Hold. If anyone has any information regarding an on-going incident, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

Grace Harbor invites you to have breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus this Saturday from 9:00 until noon. Admission includes breakfast, a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, story time, singing of Christmas songs, and face painting with breakfast being servied until 11:00. The event will be held at the Salem United Methodist Church at 901 East Scenic Rivers Blvd. All proceeds raised will go to the Grace Harbor Homeless Shelter. Admission is $15.00 if purchased by December 8th or $20.00 per person at the door. Tickets may be purchased at Town and County Bank, The Bank of Salem, Riverways Credit Union, Progressive Ozark Bank, Vandivort Drug, and the Salem United Methodist Church or by calling Kathy, Linda, or Jan at 573-453-2000.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley has released a number of reports from cases heard in the 42nd Judicial Circuit Court Thursday in Dent County in front of Presiding Circuit Judge Michael Randazzo. In the first case heard, James Cole of Salem was on probation for failing to register as a sex offender when he was found in his vehicle at the local park parking lot while dropping off his son. The law prohibits offenders from loitering within 500 feet of a public park with a playground. Cole sought to continue his probation while Curley sought up to 120 days in the Department of Corrections. Judge Randazzo sentenced the defendant to four years in the Department of Corrections under the RSMO Section 559.115 program. In the next case, Alexandria Blackwell of Salem was on probation for the possession of drug paraphernalia. Judge Randazzo revoked her probation and sentenced her to serve 22 days in the Dent County Jail. In the next case of the day, Joseph Pridemore from Alma, Georgia, pleaded guilty to deviate sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 14. The victim testified at the sentencing. Pridemore was sentenced to 18 years in the Department of Corrections as requested by Prosecutor Curley.

The Dent County University Extension is still looking for candidates who want to want to make a difference in their community through the University of Missouri Extension Council of volunteers that make Dent County a better place to live through Extension programs. Applications to be a candidate are still available by calling 573-729-3196, or by going online at extension.missouri.edu/dent. You can also request an application by sending an e-mail to dentco@missouri.edu. Representatives will be elected in a non-partisan election from January 8th through the 12th. Candidates must be at least 18-years-old and reside in the county they want to serve. Individuals interested in serving on the council may contact Ray Walden, County Development Specialist, at the Dent County Extension office at 729-3196 or find it on the web at extension.missouri.edu/dent.

It’s the holiday season and that means baking and candy making this Saturday or Sunday at the Current River State Park where they will be Baking Wild! All of us have had to run out to the store for those last-minute items, but have you thought about going out into the woods to collect your own nuts and berries for holiday baking? Learn how to bake using foraged items. This program starts at 10:00 in the morning at the Shannondale Fire Tower. Space is limited and registration is required. Contact Connie Weber at connie.weber@dnr.mo.gov or by phone at 573-751-1224 and let her know which day you prefer. Participants should plan to bring a lunch. Current River State Park is located at 11053 County Road 19D in Salem.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors has called for a special board meeting to discuss personnel and the preliminary audit report. The meeting will be Friday at 5:00 at the hospital library. Those who want to attend by phone or other electronic means should contact the SMH office at 729-6626, ext 4005 to obtain access information. The meeting is open to the public.

According to a press release from Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley, Jacob Likes of Salem, who was arrested and charged in connection with a standoff involving law enforcement after his spouse reported an incident of domestic violence that had occurred the evening of July 20th, 2022, was sentenced on November 30th by Judge Michael Randazzo to serve four years in the Department of Corrections, while retaining jurisdiction pursuant to RSMO Section 559.115, giving Likes a possibility of release to probation after he is remanded to the custody of Missouri Department of Corrections for 120 days. Likes pleaded guilty to the charges on June 22, 2023. At the sentencing hearing, Prosecutor Curley presented surveillance camera footage and body camera footage of the initial report made by his spouse to the Salem Police Department, along with footage of the incident that resulted in the non-fatal shooting of Likes in the neck by local law enforcement. Prosecutor Curley recommended a sentence of eight years in the Missouri Department of Corrections due to the nature and circumstances of the incident, along with the defendant’s criminal history. The counsel for the defendant sought probation due to the reformative actions taken by Jacob Likes since his release on bond. Judge Randazzo took all the information into consideration by both attorneys in presenting his four-year sentence. Curley said the injury suffered by Likes could have been avoided if Likes had disarmed himself when told multiple times to do so by local law enforcement. Instead of complying, he brandished a loaded 9-millimeter pistol towards law enforcement and stated loudly that he had “another bullet for one of you guys.” Curley appreciate the efforts of the members of the Salem Police Department, Dent County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri Highway Patrol and Emergency Medical Responders. These heroes regularly place themselves in harm’s way for our protection. In this case, the same officers that were threatened by Likes provided him with aid immediately following the incident. This conviction will prohibit Jacob Likes from possessing firearms in the future.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports for the week of November 18th to November 25th from the 148 calls for service they received. On Saturday morning, November 18th, near 1:00, officers conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Highway 32 and MacArthur for lane violations. Contact was made with the driver and after a short investigation, the officer noticed the driver was intoxicated. As a result of the stop, a 38-year-old Salem male was arrested and later released on summons for excessive blood alcohol content. That Saturday afternoon around 5:00, officers conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle with no license plates near Highway 19 and Iron Street. It was found the driver had a revoked driver’s license. As a result, a 51-year-old Salem male was arrested and later released on summons for Driving while having his license revoked. On Thursday afternoon, November 23rd, at about 2:00, officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at Highway 19 and Franklin Street for suspected impaired driving after a concerned citizen contacted the Salem Police Department. During the investigation, it was apparent the driver was impaired. As a result of the investigation, a 56-year-old Salem female was arrested and later released on summons for driving while drugged in the city. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

The Salem Creative Arts Center will host a class on Wheat Weaving a Christmas Angel Ornament with Suzanne Douglass this Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00. Come join in celebrating the Christmas season by creating a beautiful old-fashioned, traditional angel out of wheat straw to be hung on your tree, or anywhere in your home, as a symbol of Christmas. This class is for anyone age 10 and older. The cost of the class is $25 which includes all supplies needed. At least one person must sign up for the class to be held and the class will max out with 5 people. Class registrations are first come, first serve basis with online registrations. Interested persons can sign up under “Programs” at salemcommunitybetterment.com.

On Thursday, December 7th at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center at the “Trees and Trains” exhibit called “A Snowy Tree Lot,” the Salem High School Chamber Singers will be performing at 6:30 a number of beautiful traditional Christmas carols. There is no charge to attend.