Local News

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday for their regular meeting at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated Dent County Road 5390 would be graded, plus grading work will be done on Dent County Road 5600. Mobray also said three trucks would be finishing up delivering the Title II Fund white rock to Dent County Road 5600 also knows as the Turtle loop. Those material costs will be paid from the Title II fund in the amount of $43,000. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk reported grading was going to be done on county roads 3120, 3180, 3190 and 4300 while some of his men will be assisting in the delivery of rock to county road 5600. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he had a bid from Victor Heating and Cooling to install a wall heater in the old Men’s bathroom at the courthouse for $685.00 that would keep the courthouse water lines from freezing. The old bathroom is not used anymore, but the water to the building comes through that area. This unit would replace a portable heater that has been used and will be more efficient. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she continues to work on the 2024 county budget and is copying files for the financial audit that will occur next year to get a head start on the documents they will require. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and it is open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds people to enjoy the fall foliage through camping, hiking, driving tours, or even floating while it lasts. The recent freezing temperatures will accelerate the end of the colorful season. The department has been offering weekly online fall color updates from agency foresters all over the state at mdc.mo.gov/fallcolor. Missouri’s fall color can be enjoyed from almost anywhere. For spectacular vistas, choose routes along rivers with views of forested bluffs, and along ridges with sweeping scenes of forested landscapes. Conservation areas or Missouri state parks are wonderful places to take in the fall color, plus fall color isn’t just limited to trees. Prairies and roadsides display beautiful shades of gold, purple, olive, and auburn with autumn wildflowers, shrubs, and grasses. In cities and towns, enjoy places with mature trees such as older neighborhoods, parks, and even cemeteries. The Department of Conservavation provides its annual fall color update at mdc.mo.gov/fallcolor which will come to an end later this month.

At the Creative Arts Center this Saturday afternoon from 1:00 to 3:00, you can learn the fundamentals of primitive rug hooking to make a charming Hooked Sheep Ornament. Using hand spun wool yarn and a simple hook, students will pull loops through a burlap backing to create a simple sheep. We will finish by stitching a piece of wool fabric to the back. This class if for those 10 years of age and older. There must be at least five people sign up for the class and there will be no more than 20 allowed. The cost is $20 per person and includes all your supplies. Interested can sign up under at the salemcommunitybetterment.com website and check out the “Programs” for activities held at the Creative Arts Center.

An accident occurred Tuesday morning at 2:10 in Phelps County on I-44 at the westbound 189 mile marker. According to the highway patrol report an unknown tractor trailer struck a 2014 Ford Focus traveling westbound, driven by 50-year-old Emilia Junkerman of St. James, causing the Ford to travel off the right side of the roadway. Junkerman, who was not wearing a safety device, suffered minor injuries and was transported to Phelps Health. The Ford sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by D & D Towing. No information was known about the tractor trailer as it left the scene.

Sign up now for the Barn Quilt Class at the Creative Arts Center with Tana Kettner & Terrie Welch on Monday, November 6th & Tuesday, November 7th from 5:30 to 8:30 each evening. Come and join them in making your own fall or winter designed Barn Quilt as a gift or for your home! In this two-day class, you will draw your own quilt block design on a sanded and primed 2’x2′ piece of plywood. You will then tape off areas to create sharp-edged lines, and paint it with chosen colors of house paint. When you finish, you can take it home to gift it or proudly display it on your barn or on/in your home! The class is for those who are 13 years of age and older and at least six people must sign up for the class to be held, but no more than 25 will be allowed to sign up. The cost is $55 which includes all you supplies. Interested persons can sign up under “Programs” at the salemcommunitybetterment.com website for activities at the Creative Arts Center.

As a quick reminder, the end of Daylight Savings Time is 2:00 this Sunday morning when the area goes back to Central Standard Time. Please remember to adjust you clocks “back” one hour Saturday night or firstb thing Sunday monring. This time change can also serve as an easy reminder to change smoke and CO alarm batteries once a year.

As temperatures cool, it can be easy to become lazy when it comes to staying on top of home energy usage. Here are four simple modifications you can make without much effort that can decrease your energy drain – and won’t require big sacrifices. First, let the sunshine in and take advantage of natural sunlight to heat your space, then close curtains to keep the heat inside. Second, lower the heat to 68 degrees. Consider slipping on a hoodie or a sweater to stay comfortable, as you can save 5% for every degree you drop your thermostat between 60 to 70 degrees. Third, clear your air vents and make sure there are no furniture items or appliances obstructing any vents to maximize heating efficiency. Lastly, avoid running hot water to thaw food. Meal prep ahead of time by defrosting frozen foods in the fridge overnight to save on energy and water. This is also a good time to explore your home for any potential improvements needed to conserve energy, such as caulking around leaky windows and doors, investing in a water heater jacket and installing weather stripping or insulation. Qualifying income-eligible homeowners and renters are eligible to receive assistance with these projects through local agencies like the South Central Community Action Agency. To get more information on the LIHEAP program, weatherization programs and other programs, call 729-3500 or stop by 1405 South Wines Street in Salem.

With deer and turkey hunting underway in Missouri, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds non-hunters to practice safety measures when afield during hunting seasons. MDC Hunter Education Coordinator Justin McGuire said that safety while hunting is ultimately the responsibility of the hunter. Hunters must clearly identify their targeted game animals before even putting their fingers on the triggers of their firearms or before drawing their bows when archery hunting. They must also be aware of what is behind their targets and should never shoot at movement or sound. McGuire added that non-hunters out in hunting areas can also practice some safety measures. He and MDC offer the following safety tips for non-hunters. Wear bright clothing to be more visible, such as a bright orange hat, jacket, or pack. Place a bright orange vest or bandana on the canines who join you and keep them leashed. Avoid earth-toned or animal-colored clothing such as tan and brown. Be aware that hunters are often most active during the early morning and late afternoon, when game animals are most active.
Be especially aware of your own visibility during these times when light is dim. Stay on designated trails. Trails are designed to improve the safety of public users and to protect sensitive habitats. Enjoying recreational activities only on designated trails will reduce the likelihood of entering hunting areas. Whenever venturing into the outdoors, let someone know where you are going and when to expect your return. Make yourself known. If you hear shooting, raise your voice, and let hunters know you are in the area. Be courteous. Once a hunter is aware of your presence, don’t make unnecessary noise to disturb wildlife. Avoid conflict. Identify hunting seasons and lands open to hunting. Learn where and when hunting is taking place. Plan your recreation activities based on this information. Find information on Missouri hunting seasons at mo.gov/hunting-trapping. Find conservation areas that allow hunting and those that do not by using the MDC Places to Go web feature at mo.gov/discover-nature/places.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol and Missouri Department of Revenue wish to inform potential future Commercial Driver License (CDL) applicants of an upcoming change in CDL testing procedure. The new modernized testing standard being adopted by Missouri will begin on December 4th, 2023 and will be utilized by all CDL examiners in the state, including at all Patrol examination sites and all third-party examination sites. The changes in testing procedure include a more streamlined pre-trip examination and more efficient basic skills course. It is important to note, per federal guidelines, applicants must pass the pre-trip and basic skills using the same testing model, meaning if an applicant passes the old model pre-trip, they must pass the old model basic skills test to be eligible for the road test. The Department of Revenue encourages training schools and applicants to consider this when making plans for testing. Those wishing to train for taking their CDL skills tests on December 4th or later should utilize the new CDL manual for applicable procedures. Current testing procedures will remain in effect statewide until December 1st. Both manuals can be found at dor.mo.gov/forms.

Football fans can be “Champions for Life” and score some Kansas City Chiefs apparel. The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, the sole supplier of blood, platelets, and plasma to patients at 44 area healthcare facilities, is asking everyone to help make a touchdown for local patients in their community by donating blood at the upcoming blood drive in Salem on Tuesday, November 7th from 1:00 until 6:00 at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall located at 201 North MacArthur. All successful donors will receive an all-new Kansas City Chiefs “3X Champs” T-shirt, while supplies last. Donors can also enter for a chance to win a game package of two free tickets and a parking pass to Kansas City’s December 31, 2023, game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The game package is valued at $870. To help avoid wait times, appointments are strongly encouraged. Donors can schedule an appointment at or by calling 417-227-5006.

Healthy Dent County will be having their Fifth Annual Casino Night Fundraiser this Saturday at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory with a “Biker Fest” theme. Doors will open Saturday evening at 5:30 with the gaming beginning at 6:30 and lasting until 9:00. The event features game tables much like the ones you will find in a real casino, as well as a number of professional dealers to run the games. Traditional games such as craps, roulette and blackjack are available as well as two poker tables. Food and a cash bar will also be available. New this year, to go along with the “Biker Fest” theme, will be video bike races throughout the evening. Winners of these races will receive special tickets for a drawing to win a two-bedroom Florida vacation. Other prizes include St. Louis Blues Hockey tickets; 2024 St. Louis Cardinals tickets; $300 Wal-Mart gift card; Blackstone Griddle; Wine Barrell, a Mizzou Basketball and Football Tickets package, a Southwest Airlines Gift Card, a Branson Trip, I-Mop, Canoe Trip, a TV, a Taurse G2S 9MM pistol and more. This year’s event would not be possible without many local businesses sponsoring the event with American Family – Jonah Schafer, Agent being the main event sponsor. Tickets are available for $50 per person of $85 per couple. Event ticket holders will receive $10,000 in chips to play the casino games of their choice throughout the evening. Guests are asked to come dressed in Biker – themed attire and receive an extra $1,000 in gaming money. If you ride your bike to the event, you will receive an additional $1,000.00 in gaming money. At the end of the evening, prizes are drawn after exchanging gaming money for tickets. Casino Night tickets are available at Salem Community Center @ the Armory at 1200 West Rolla Road or online at https://tinyurl.com/HDCBikerFest2023. For more information, please call 729-8163.

The Missouri Sheriffs’ Association, in cooperation with the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Salem Police Department, will be hosting a basic law enforcement training academy starting January 30, 2024 in Salem at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. The Academy will be a 700 hour course that will qualify graduates with a Class A peace officer license in Missouri. The class will meet Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6-10 pm as well as Saturdays from 8 am-5 pm and some Sundays. This is an eleven month program with a maximum of 25 students and a graduation being held in November 2024. The Missouri Sheriffs’ Association Training Academy meets and exceeds the State of Missouri’s minimum basic training requirement for peace officer certification. Graduates will be certified in several areas from report writing to arrest procedures, intake booking to inmate supervision. Driving instruction courses will be held at the Salem airport and firearms training will be held at the law enforcement firing range. Registration is now open and continues through December 30th, 2023. Those wishing to attend may download the application form by going to the Missouri Sheriff’s Association website at mosheriffs.com/academy. There are a variety of Tuition Options ranging from VA Benefits, to ETPW/WIOA Grants, to monthly payment plans. For more information contact Gina Kauffman at 573-635-5925 or e-mail gina@mosheriffs.com. The Salem Community Center @ the Armory is located at 1200 W. Rolla Road in Salem. Major Lenny Pabin from the Dent County Sheriff’s Office will serve as the coordinator for this academy. For questions please call Major Pabin at the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

A reminder that the Dent County University of Missouri Extension Council is inviting residents to join the 2023-2024 group of volunteers that make Dent County a better place to live through Extension programs. 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. Applications to be a candidate are available by calling 573-729-3196, online at extension.missouri.edu/dent or email at dentco@missouri.edu. Completed applications are due by November 16th at the Dent County Extension office at 112 East 5th Street in Salem. Designated by state statute as the official body to cooperate with the University of Missouri in delivery of Extension programs, the council has roles in programming, fiscal and personnel. The Dent County Extension Council is the local link between county residents and the University of Missouri four-campus system. Responsibilities of those on the council include attending monthly meetings (4th Monday), identify concerns of the community to connect citizens with Extension resources, administer the county budget and assist in planning, promoting, and carrying out Extension efforts. Individuals interested in serving on the council may contact Ray Walden, County Development Specialist, at the Dent County extension office (573-729-3196). Information about the Dent County Extension office can be found on the web at www.extension.missouri.edu/dent.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that young hunters ages 6 through 15 harvested 11,118 deer during Missouri’s early youth portion of the 2023 deer hunting season, October 28th and 29th. Top counties were Franklin with 258 deer harvested, Osage with 224, and Texas with 209. Of the deer harvested, 6,857 were antlered bucks, 3,410 were does, and 851 were button bucks. In the local area, Dent County youth hunters harvested 154 deer as did Reynolds County hunters. Young Crawford County hunters killed 191 deer and Phelps County hunters took 164 more. Archery deer hunting continues through November 10th and resumes November 22nd through January 15th, 2024. The November portion of firearms deer season runs November 11th through the 21st. The late youth portion runs November 24th through the 26th. The late antlerless portion of firearms deer season runs December 2nd through the 10th in open counties and the alternative methods portion will occur December 23rd through January 2nd, 2024.

As a reminder, the end of Daylight Savings Time is 2:00 Sunday morning, November 5th when clocks are adjusted to “fall back” an hour. This time change can also serve as an easy reminder to change smoke and CO alarm batteries once a year. Remember, when you change the time, change the batteries. Always have properly installed and maintained smoke detectors on every floor of your home, near every bedroom, and in common areas like hallways as a minimum. If you use propane, naturals gas or burn wood for heat, you should also have carbon monoxide alarms in your home.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. In attendance was Deloris Gray Wood who was honored Thursday night at the MRPC Annual Dinner with a community volunteer award as well as the Eugene E. Northern Award which is the highest award for volunteerism presented by the MRPC. She brought in her plaque to show the commissioners and Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson thanked her again for her tireless efforts to make Dent County a better place. He also wanted to salute Easton May on receiving the Dent County Youth Award for volunteerism at the banquet. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 6540 while only grading would be done on county road 4160. He said rock is still being hauled to county road 5600 for the Title II project and crews were removing a tree down on county road 6500. Mobray said repairs were being made to county truck #125 as the heater was not working. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said materials were being added and grading done on Dent County Roads 2320, 2330, 4340 and 4370, while grading only would be done on county road 2340. Polk reported brush would be cut on county roads 2315 and 3210. Commissioner Larson reported an MRPC truck collected eight tons of illegaly disposed of tires picked up by county workers from the county maintenance lot which means $1,800 in recycling fees were not collected to properly dispose of the tires. At the last meeting, Frand Aquino with Gallagher Benefit Services handling the MAGIC Health Consortium, reported the county should expect a 7.5% increase for the cost of health insurance in 2024. Open enrollment will begin this November. 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 Police Department, Dent County Sheriff’s Department and the highway patrol encourages everyone to have a safe Halloween. It’s that time of year when young ghosts, vampires, superheroes, and cartoon characters are planning their night of trick-or-treating. While some local events take place in large parking lots the weekend prior, many trick-or-treaters will be out on Halloween night. It’s imperative that drivers and pedestrians stay alert. Young children excited by Halloween could dart in front of a vehicle. Slow down and drive with extra caution. Expect an increase in the number of slow-moving vehicles in neighborhoods as motorists pick up and drop off trick-or-treaters. Please be courteous and stay alert for trick-or-treaters of all ages. Distracted drivers are dangerous drivers─when you’re driving, keep your eyes on the road, not on your phone! Parents are asked to remind children to approach only familiar houses that are well-lit. Remind them they should never enter a stranger’s house or vehicle. Consider trick-or-treating with your children for their safety and because it’s a fun way to spend an evening. Give some thought to safety when choosing a costume. Consider using make-up rather than wearing a mask, which can obstruct a child’s vision making it difficult to see an oncoming car. A light-colored costume is easier for drivers to see at night and adding reflective tape to dark costumes makes them visible. Flame resistant costumes are encouraged. All trick-or-treaters are reminded to watch for traffic while they are out and about this Halloween. Remember to look both ways when crossing the street. Use sidewalks wherever possible and trick-or-treat while it is light outside. If you do go out after dark, increase your visibility by using a flashlight and wearing a light-colored costume. An adult should always accompany small children, and older children should stay in groups. Halloween isn’t just for children. Many adults enjoy dressing up and visiting haunted houses or attending gatherings of friends. If you are driving to a costume party, make sure your costume doesn’t hamper your vision. If you attend a Halloween party that includes alcohol, designate a sober driver for the trip home. Alcohol, even in small amounts, slows reaction time and dulls the senses. Driving after you’ve had alcohol could have a sad and possibly deadly result.

To reflect estimated changes in the wholesale cost of natural gas as well as a change in the company’s Actual Cost Adjustment (ACA) factor, natural gas customers of Ameren Missouri will see natural gas rates change under a filing that takes effect this Wednesday. The ACA factor is a mechanism which tracks any over-collection or under-collection of actual natural gas costs over a 12 month period. The net over- or under-collected balances are subsequently either refunded or collected the next year. Residential customers currently pay approximately $0.63 per Ccf (per hundred cubic feet) of natural gas. Under Ameren Missouri’s filing, the rate will drop to approximately $0.60 per Ccf. About 50% to 55% of a customer’s current natural gas bill reflects the cost of natural gas from wholesale suppliers. The wholesale cost of natural gas is not regulated by the Missouri Public Service Commission. The wellhead cost of natural gas is unregulated and is mostly driven by supply, demand and the weather. Ameren Missouri serves natural gas customers in Dent, Phelps and Gasconade counties in this area.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reports that Missouri hunters harvested 12 black bears during the state’s third bear-hunting season, October 16th through the 25th. More than 5,370 hunters applied during May for 400 permits for the season with the maximum total harvest being 40 bears. Of the 400 hunters selected through a random drawing of all applicants, 342 hunters purchased permits for the season. Bear hunting in Missouri is limited to Missouri residents and restricted to three designated areas of southern Missouri called Bear Management Zones (BMZ). Each permit issued is for a specific BMZ and hunting is limited to public or private property within the BMZ. Nine bears were harvested in BMZ 1 out of a maximum of 20 with 173 hunters purchasing permits to hunt the zone. Three bears were harvested in BMZ 2 out of a maximum of 15 with 125 hunters purchasing permits to hunt the zone. No bears were harvested in BMZ 3 out of a maximum of 5 with 44 hunters purchasing permits to hunt the zone. All bears were harvested using firearms methods. Of the 12 bears harvested, three were boars (males) and nine were sows (female). MDC Bear Biologist Nate Bowersock said that MDC had another successful black bear hunting season this year and saw bears harvested in four new counties where bears had not been previously harvested. He went on to say that conditions this season couldn’t have been much better for hunters, and we look forward to hearing from hunters about their experiences through our annual post-season survey. Learn more about Missouri black bears and bear hunting in Missouri at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/bear.

A fatality accident occurred in Phelps County at 9:15 Friday morning on Highway 68 about a quarter of a mile west of Highway 8. According to the highway patrol report, a westbound 1999 Dodge Ram 1500, driven by 17-year-old Ethan Parrott of St. James, was negotiating a curve when the Dodge began to skid. Parrott overcorrected causing the vehicle to travel off the left side of the roadway and overturn. The juvenile was partially ejected and the vehicle came to rest off the roadway. Parrott was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:24 by St. James Ambulance personnel. The body was released to the Phelps County Coroner and taken to the Jones Funeral Home in St. James. Parrott was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident. The Dodge was totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing.

Congratulations to Deloris Gray Wood who Thursday night was recognized for her volunteer efforts in the county, and was then presented the Eugene E. Northern Award which is the Meramec Regional Planning Commission’s highest honor for volunteerism at the annual awards banquet in Hermann. Nominated by Presiding Commissioner Gay Larson, Wood is the President of the Dent County Historical Society and has worked on a number of projects including the microfilming of old courthouse records, the designation of the “Trail of Tears” in Dent County and a new project of telling the “History of the Current River from the Road” to name a few. Wood has graciously dedicated her time to making Dent County a better place through its colorful history and her receiving the Eugene E. Northern Award was well deserved. Also honored at the banquet was Easton May who received the Dent County 2023 Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award, as he was also nominated by Commissioner Larson.

In the Salem R-80 Board of Education closed sessions from October 12th and the 19th, the board approved employing Krystie Smith as the Middle School Volleyball Coach and approved employing Dan Copeland as the new Assistant Superintendent beginning July 1, 2024. Also during the closed sessions, the board sent a real estate contract to Southwest Baptist University on October 12th, then approved the purchase of the SBU Building at the October 19th meeting.

In honor of Mine Rescue Day, October 30th, the Doe Run Company recognizes the dedication of its skilled mine rescue teams and celebrates their recent accomplishments at the 41st Annual Missouri Mine Rescue Competition. Doe Run’s Maroon team won first place in the mine rescue field competition and second place in the first aid competition. Doe Run’s Grey team was also successful, earning the top spot in the first aid competition and third place in the mine rescue field competition. In addition to the group wins, Grey team members Mark Barton and Sara Laskowsky placed second in the team technician competition and Gary Moore placed second in the bench technician competition. Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla hosted the annual contest with the Missouri Mine Rescue Association. The competition is the only one of its kind held underground in the United States and was attended by nine teams from six states. As part of the company’s underground safety program, mine rescue teams complete eight hours of training monthly. They do so on a voluntary basis. The teams compete in mine rescue competitions annually to keep their skills sharp and prepare them to help fellow miners in real-life situations. Company wide, Doe Run employees went through more than 37,000 hours of training in 2022, including extensive health and safety training. Several sites have gone years without a lost-time accident: Sweetwater Mill has reached 26 consecutive years with no lost time, Brushy Creek Mill has reached 17 years, and Buick Mill at 12 years. In addition, the Sweetwater Mine surface team has reached 19 years with no lost time.

In response to lead being found in water samples taken in the schools of the Salem R-80 district, Dent County Health Center Administrator Zach Moser released the reports of the lab results of water tested for lead in the City of Salem’s water system generated by the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory taken at three different locations. The water tested was taken directly from the city’s fire hydrants as the health department wanted to pull water directly off of the water main. The locations the water was tested were at 1300 West 3rd Street, 700 East Franklin and at West 1st Street at North Washington Street at the William Lynch Elementary School. The test for metal in the water was done using an ICP Mass Spectrometer and the results for each test showed less than 0.005 milligrams of lead per liter of water showing no lead contamination. These tests would show evidence that suggests the contamination at the schools is most likely coming from internal plumbing at the schools and not from the city’s water system.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning for the regular meeting at the courthouse. Interim CEO of the Salem Memorial Hospital, Jason Edwards, was in attendance to introduce himself to the commission and to thank them for their support. He spoke of the transition the hospital is going through now and the challenges of being a rural hospital. Edwards said as part of the Delta Regional Grant, he attended a summit and found the Salem hospital is seeing the same problems as other rural hospitals in the region and that being nursing and lab tech shortages as well as equal revenues for the services provided. He said the hospital is still working with the Rural Health Group and Michael Smith, the Interim Director of the Revenue Cycle, on increasing billing from what is readily available to get more income to the hospital. He says he wants to bring back the family atmosphere of the hospital and they are getting there. He says their goal is working toward one team, one fight, one family which is his motto for the transition. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5015 and 6670. Mobray said District 1 and District 2 workers are still adding rock to Dent County Road 5600 and they have delivered about half the rock needed for the Title II project. Grading will also be done on county road 5600 knows as the “turtle loop.” District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said materials were being added to county road 4340 and a flat tire is being replaced on county truck #126. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson attended the MRPC Annual Awards Dinner and Banquet Thursday night where Easton May and Deloris Gray Wood were honored for their voluntary contributions to Dent County. He also said Oktoberfest is scheduled to be on the courthouse square this Saturday. Larson said the county was awarded the TAP grant for the sidewalks around the courthouse from MoDOT. The commission has yet to determine where the county’s 20% of the total cost of the project will come from. The commission approved to make no changes on the contribution to the County Employment Retirement Fund as employees will still have to make their own contributions of up to 4% to the retirement fund. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams was in to present the CART and sales tax monies received this month. The county received this month $82,631.46 in CART funds which is $4,220.88 more than last October and year-to-date, that fund is up over 15% at $105,955.10. The General Revenue Fund and Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund each received $78,432.52 which is $24,230.98 less than for October of 2022. Year-to-date, the General Revenue Fund and the LEST funds are down $66,920.88. The Road and Bridge Fund received $36,911.91 this month, down $10,169.87 from October of 2022. Year-to-date, that fund is down $31,324.07. The Jail Operating and Trust funds each received $74,251.91 and that is down $19,898.85 from October 2022 receipts. Year-to-date, those funds are down $58,308.35. These figures are all net of the monthly withholding by the Department of Revenue. At the last meeting, Jim Martin with Stars and Stripes from the Historic Region Foundation, discussed the “Veterans in the Region” community and how they honor veterans. They cover 26 counties in Southeast Missouri, and talked with the commission about their history, heritage, service and partnership opportunities. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

If you love Halloween and enjoy decorating your home or business to the max for trick or treaters, you could be rewarded for all your hard work with a free two-night stay at Echo Bluff State Park! Townscreen in Salem is looking for the best spooktacular display in the area in their first ever Halloween decorating contest. Take one or more pictures or take a video of your decorations, then submit them to townscreen.com by midnight, October 31st. Not only could you get a free two-night stay at the Echo Bluff Lodge, but you would also get a $50 restaurant voucher to be used during your stay. To register on the townscreen.com website, click on the Halloween Decorating Contest button at the top of the page which will take you to the registration page. You must be 18 years of age or older to claim the prize. Please read all term and conditions of the contest before submitting your entry. Complete the form and submit it with your pictures or video. Participants are welcome to include a brief description of their display. Contestants must submit clear and well-lit photos or videos of their displays. Multiple images can be submitted at once on the form. Displays should be Halloween oriented and creatively designed. Homemade, store-bought, and DIY decorations are all welcome. If you have trouble submitting the contest form online please email info@townscreen.com or call 636-338-1199. The winner will be announced by Monday, November 6th. See contest entries on Townscreen which has 21 screens in Salem, 11 screens in Houston and screens at Montauk State Park and Echo Bluff State Park.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department released a report on a short term narcotics investigation at a residence on Dent County Road 5170 that concluded on Thursday, October 19th resulting in the arrest of two Dent County residents. The Rolla Area Drug Enforcement Task Force (RADE) executed a narcotics search warrant with the assistance of personnel from the Rolla Police Department, Phelps County Sheriff’s Department and the Dent County Sheriff’s office where they seized methamphetamine, pills and drug paraphernalia. Warrants were requested by Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley and arrested were 44-year-old Adam Kuehl and 42-year-old Bobby Paul/Hughes. They were each charged with 2nd degree drug trafficking charges, possession of a controlled substance and maintaining a public nuisance. Bond was set at $50,000 each for Kuehl and Paul. The charges are only accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of those charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it will be to determine guilt or innocence.

Salem FFA members recently competed in Area 13’s fall speaking competition in West Plains. Trent Black placed 1st in Missouri Pet Breeders. Maggie Hogan took first place in Missouri Forest Products. Dalli Johnson placed 4th in Missouri Soil and Water. Dylan Parker brought home 5th place in Missouri Young Farmers and Farm Wives, while Kennedy Wallce competed in Missouri Forest Products. Both Black and Hogan will compete in the District competition to be held Thursday, November 9th.

Imagine an old spooky house full of monsters, pumpkins and critters waiting for Halloween, for you! The Bonebrake Center of Nature and History will feature “The Misfit Mansion” this Friday evening from 6:30 – 8:00. Not-quite-right monsters will bump around in this non-scary fun house. Attendees can build scarecrows, try your hand at the skull game or solve the trail mystery of the missing acorns. Wear your costume to show off in the costume parade. Bring a pumpkin to decorate. Don’t forget to dress for the weather and bring flashlights for the trail. We’ll be waiting for you…A donation of $3.00 per person or $10.00 per family is requested, but additional donations are always welcome. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Janet at 573-269-1026.

The Rotary Club of Salem in conjunction with Healthy Dent County will be hosting the annual Mouse Race this Saturday evening. There will also be a cake and pie bake auction with a $50 cash prize for the dessert that gets the most audience appreciation votes. All cakes and pies will then be auctioned off during the event sponsored by the Salem United Methodist Church. Six mouse races plus a championship race will take place Saturday evening along with a 52 card mouse roulette wheel. The doors will open at 6:30 Saturday evening with an entry fee of $6.00 per person or $10.00 per couple and this event is open to everyone. The money raised from the mouse races will be used in part to fund three $1,000 scholarships the Rotary Club will give to Salem High School Seniors in 2024. The Salem Rotary Club and Healthy Dent County thanks all of the sponsors who make this event possible.

You still have time to sign up for the Healthy Dent County’s “Hocus Pocus Witches Walk” this Saturday morning at 9:00 at the Tiger Trail at the Salem Upper Elementary School at 1601 Doss Road. The cost is $20 per person and you need to register at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. All ages are welcome to attend this family event. If you have questions, please call 729-8163.

Danielle Norris will be leading a Hello Fall Front Porch Sign & Wine workshop this Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00. Come and paint an Autumn themed sign for your front porch! Learn how to antique it! Hand Letter yourself, or add pre cut vinyl lettering. Then bring your sign back next month on Friday November 10th and we will paint a winter theme on the back!! Make it your own! You will end up with a neat personalized sign to display year after year! This class is ages 12 and older, the cost is $35 per person and all supplies are provided. Interested persons can sign up under “Programs” at the salemcommunitybetterment.com website for activities at the Creative Arts Center.

The Department of Natural Resources’ Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program has a positive effect on Missouri citizens, jobs and small businesses. In recognition of the benefits of that program, Governor Mike Parson signed a proclamation declaring Monday, October 30th, as Weatherization Day in Missouri. Weatherization Day is an opportunity to highlight the impact of the Weatherization Assistance Program, which saves energy, improves the health and safety of homes, and supports jobs and small businesses. The department promotes the environmentally sound and energy-efficient operations of businesses, communities, agriculture and industry for the benefit of all Missourians. The state’s Weatherization Assistance Program funding is administered by the department’s Division of Energy through a network of 18 subgrantees. For more information about the department’s weatherization program, visit dnr.mo.gov/energy/weatherization.

Congratulations to the Salem Area Community Betterment Association as Monday night in Columbia, Salem was recognized as the Gene Speichinger Community of the Year Award winner at the annual Missouri Community Betterment Awards Banquet. Salem last won the award in 2013. Also being honored SACBA members Brett Capps for the Adult Leadership Award and Salem also won for the Best Use of Volunteers, Best Project on a Budget and the Most Heartfelt Project. Sarah Massengale and Jenna Deason along with Capps represented SACBA at the banquet accepting the awards.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting Tuesday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. After the consent agenda was approved, the board approved the bid from Roberts Judson Lumber Company for materials in the amount of $9,604.09 to repair the salt storage building, and approved the purchase of rock from Capital Quarries in Salem for street maintenance projects in the amount of $10,000. The board denied a request by Nancy Major to provided sewer service to 1413 West Franklin as the property is not in the city limits but is contiguous to property in the city limits. Acceptance by the board would be allowed if the owner would voluntarily annex the property into the city. The board approved three state legislative priorities for the 2023-24 fiscal year that will be submitted to the Meramec Regional Planning Commission before hearing a financial update by Financial Director Stacey Houston who said sales tax receipts are down about 2.5% from last year. She said utility consumption is down for electric, water and sewer, but so are the costs of purchasing power which are down about 8%. The board approved to send a letter to the MRPC to support their application of a grant for cyber security through the Missouri Homeland Security State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program that would include an in-kind match from the city. The mayor appointed three people to serve on the Community Services Committee and one to the Utility Committee. In old business, the board discussed the request for city water services from the owners of 103 South Dilworth property and again denied the request since the property is not in the city, but are contiguous with city property. Again the board indicated their willingness to allow the services if the property owners would voluntarily annex into the city. The board did approve Bill #3564 to rezone the property at 1203 Babb Lane from commercial to industrial; and Bill #3566 to rezone property at 1209 East Scenic Rivers Blvd from commercial to industrial with both properties being owned by Sellers Investment Properties. They also approved Bill #3567 to rezone property at 1301 Babb Lane from commercial to industrial which is owned by David Gray, Jr. The board heard the first reading of Bill #3575 to authorize the mayor to sign the Administrative Procedures Guide for floodplain management and flood hazard reduction in the city. They heard the second reading of Bill #3574 amending the city administrator duties to reflect an updated ordinance and approved the bill. Sally Burbridge then reported on the downtown TAP project and was told by Archer-Elgin they would be submitting their bid plans to MoDOT for review which should take about two weeks. Burbridge said she expects to be able to advertise for bids on the project in the middle on November. Mayor Greg Parker issued a proclamation to Marilyn Schweitzer and Richard LaBrash for their work on the Heroes Marathon that benefits veterans in Dent, Phelps and Pulaski counties. This year’s marathon will be held on Saturday, November 18th. Public Works Director Mark Nash reported another squirrel incident at a substation caused the outage Monday. He said the electrical contractor is working on the underground electric and transformer for the Construction Trades Building at the high school. They are the same contractor that will be doing the work on the Al Brown Field lights and that work will begin November 1st. Nash said McDonalds would like to push up their opening date, but he said the city is still waiting on some supplies that have not yet arrived. He also said work is being done on the animal shelter at the Industrial Park, and that the residents with solar panels have had their meters reprogrammed so they can see their usage. He said he will be meeting with a hole boring company for the leak at 8th Street and Highway 19, and some airport runway lights are out or the transformer for those lights is not working. Nash said disconnects will be done on October 30th for those bills from the 8/15 to 9/15 period that are not paid. Nash said if anyone sees a water leak to please report it to the city administrative offices. Alderwoman Kala Sisco said she is calling a Finance Committee meeting for November 9th. She would also like to have a workshop on creating a mission statement for the city and also to create a non-smoking policy at the parks. Alderman Shawn Bolerjack wants to remind people of the trunk and treat on 4th Street Halloween night. The board then went into closed session.

Come out to Echo Bluff State Park for a fun-filled afternoon and evening of spooky and exciting activities. Grab-n-go craft bags will be available across from the Check Station starting at 2:00 in the afternoon, while supplies last. All campers participating in the camper decorating contest and everyone participating in the cabin door decorating contest must turn forms into the check station no later than 3:00. At 5:00, the trick-or-treating parade begins at the cemetery. The day’s final event will begin at 7:30 in the evening at the fire pit across from the check station, where contest winners will be announced. The night program will follow. Guests are invited to bring a chair, candy and a good campfire story to tell. If guests have musical instruments, they are encouraged to bring those to play. Echo Bluff State Park is located at 35244 Echo Bluff Drive in Eminence.

Monday morning between the hours of 12:30 and 3:11, Officers from the Salem Police Department responded to an ATM alarm at the Progressive Ozark Bank. Upon arrival Officers discovered the ATM had been broken into and the cash boxes removed. A short time later Officers discovered a truck that had been used to facilitate the theft. The vehicle had been abandoned less than four blocks from the location of the theft. Officers also discovered during this same time, that the Riverways ATM located at Master Donuts had been broken into as well, and cash boxes had been removed. An Officer discovered that there had been an attempt to open the ATM at Town and Country Bank east location. Nothing was reported missing from the Town and Country location. Officials are working with the bank to determine how much money was stolen and are working to identify suspects, as the case remains under investigation. Anyone with information regarding the incidents is encouraged to contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting at the courthouse. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson was not in attendance due to a previous commitment. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley appointed Commissioner Wes Mobray as the acting presiding commissioner for the meeting. Mobray gave his road report indicating grading would be done on Dent County Roads 4210, 5580 and 6633. He said District 1 and District 2 will have a total of three trucks delivering rock to Dent County Road 5600, also known as the Turtle Loop. The materials are being paid for out of Title II funds for this road that is servicing access to the Mark Twain National Forest. Mobray said the final paperwork for the FLAP 56 project that provided asphalt for the road to Tan Vat, has been signed and copies of the agreement will be at the courthouse. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said he will have workers delivering rock to Dent County Road 2120 where crews will be installing two culverts. He said another crew will be doing some backsloping work on Dent County Road 2150. Clerk Curley said Town and Country Bank has returned the signed lease/purchase agreement for the new graders. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and it is open to the public.

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees held their regular meeting Thursday, October 20th. The minutes of the September regular meeting were approved followed by Administrator Zach Moser’s report which included the communicable disease report and it showed 48 reported cases of COVID-19 for September. He said there were 37 active lead cases in September and nine sexually transmitted infection screenings were conducted during the month. Moser noted there were no influenza cases reported in September and that there were four animal bites reported last month. In the diagnostics report, Moser said 211 blood draw appointments were completed in September, plus there were 84 COVID tests and 11 lead tests performed. There were no vaccinations for COVID-19, while there were 22 influenza doses and 119 other vaccinations administered. A total of 508 appointments were held during September, plus WIC appointments that totaled 324. Moser noted there were 86 urine drug screenings conducted on behalf of the Dent County Treatment Court. Assistant Administrator Roma Jones gave the environmental report where two total inspections were conducted, there were no recalls, and nine environmental questions were fielded. In the Administrator’s report, Moser reported that Miller Glass has ordered the materials for the doors that are being replaced and they should be done in the next few weeks. He noted that the Board was directed to the DCHC website for the public service announcement regarding the Salem R-80 School District’s detection of lead in the drinking water. Moser reported that over 80 individuals were vaccinated during the Drive-Thru Clinic held October 12th. He reminded the Board of the upcoming Fall Health Fair October 26th, the Strategic Planning Session from 8:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon on Monday, November 13th, and the Youth Vaping Town Hall December 14th. The Health Center financial reports for September, 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 approved a travel request for three DCHC employees to the CDC Lead Conference in Atlanta in December. The Public Health Infrastructure Grant budget was reviewed and explained by Moser. Since the grant money is spread over the next 4 years, no budget adjustment was necessary. The DCHC was awarded a NACCHO HAIAR Grant in the amount of $80,000. A budget adjustment in the amount of $12,000 was needed and was approved by the Board. Proposed food regulations were reviewed by the Board and they recommended the regulations be put out for public comment and reviewed at the November meeting. They can be found on the DCHC’s website. The next regular meeting of the Board was set for Thursday, November 16th at 5:00.

The Southwest Baptist University and the Salem R-80 Board of Education have reached an agreement to strengthen educational offerings in the community. The R-80 School District intends to purchase the SBU’s Gott Center for Christian Education for $750,000 and lease it back to university for $1 per year. SBU will continue to offer degree programs through the campus. Last Tuesday, October 17th, the SBU’s Board of Trustees authorized the university to sell the property and the Salem R-80 Board voted in closed session Thursday night to purchase the facility. According to Dr. Rick Nelson, the President of SBU, the agreement will be beneficial for Salem R-80 and SBU as the school district will gain needed space to cost-effectively expand instead of building from scratch, and SBU will retain the efficient use of the Gott Center for Education. The Salem R-80 School District has not finalized plans, but has discussed moving the administrative offices as well as preschool, first grade, and kindergarten classes into the building. In addition to the LPN bridge program in nursing, SBU offers associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in business, education, criminal justice, psychology, and health sciences on the Salem campus. Courses will continue to be offered face-to-face or through video conference in the evenings after sale of the building is completed. The purchase is scheduled to be completed in Spring 2024, after which time work will begin to make the space ready for Salem R-80 use for the 2024-2025 school year.

A former deputy sheriff from Phelps County was indicted Wednesday on charges that accuse him of soliciting and possessing child pornography was expected to appear in the U.S. District Court in St. Louis on Friday. The 42-year-old former deputy is Justin Bradley Durham was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of sexual exploitation of children, two counts of possession of child pornography and two counts of altering or destroying records. The indictment says that between roughly December 2013 and December 2014, Durham induced and enticed an underage girl to engage in sexually explicit conduct and record it. Durham possessed explicit images of the girl during those same dates, the indictment says, as well as a second girl between about December 9th, 2017 and July 2nd, 2018. The final charges relate to the accusation that Durham deleted files in his DropBox account and destroyed his iPhone to impede an FBI investigation. A motion seeking to have Durham remain in jail until trial says he offered the first victim money for explicit pictures and later paid her $200 to come to his house, where they engaged in sexual activity. According to the motion, Durham met the second victim when he responded to a call for police assistance. During this investigation, additional women have come forward with allegations about Durham involving his demands for sex or sexually explicit images after making traffic stops. Anyone with information about Dunham who has not spoken with law enforcement should call the FBI at 314-589-2500. Charges set forth in an indictment are only accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. The sexual exploitation of children charge carries a penalty of at least 15 years in prison. The child pornography charges each carry a penalty of between 5 and 20 years in prison, and the altering or destroying records charges each carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison. The case was investigated by the FBI and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Bateman will be prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

U.S. Representative Jason Smith is accepting applications from young Missourians interested in attending our nation’s service academies. Nominations to the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and U.S. Naval Academy are available for qualified applicants. Smith said it’s an incredible honor to nominate southern Missouri students to attend our nation’s storied service academies. These historic institutions play a critical role in preparing young leaders with the skills, training, and education they need to pursue a military career. Individuals interested in a nomination from Smith must meet the following eligibility requirements for admission to a service academy: must be at least 17 years old and a U.S. citizen, must be a resident of Missouri’s 8th Congressional District, must be unmarried, not pregnant, and have no legal obligation to support children or other dependents, and must meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the academies. Students interested in a nomination should contact Smith’s Academy Coordinator, Donna Hickman at 573-756-9755 or send her an email at Donna.Hickman@mail.house.gov for more information. An application will be sent to interested students. Students who wish to be considered for nomination to attend a service academy in the fall of 2024 should return the completed application and supporting documents by October 30, 2023.

An accident happened in Phelps County Friday morning at 11:14 on Route HH, about three miles north of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 13-year-old male juvenile of Rolla was riding a 2016 RPS ATV and made a right turn when the ATV began to skid. The ATV then overturned and struck a tree. The 13-year-old boy suffered serious injuries and was flown by Phelps Air to the University Hospital in Columbia. The teenager was not wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident.

“Drug Take Back” Day will be held Saturday from 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon in the parking lots at Country Mart on Highway 32-72 Easy and Wal-Mart on Highway 32-72 West. Bring your unused and/or expired medication to be safely disposed of. DO NOT FLUSH IT DOWN THE DRAIN!! If you can’t make it Saturday, there are permanent disposal boxes at the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 112 East 5th Street and at the Salem Police Department at 500 North Jackson Streets.