Local News

The Salem Park and Recreation Board met Wednesday evening at 5:40 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Mayor Greg Parker and Alderman Shawn Bolerjack and Alderwoman Kala Sisco also attended the meeting. Salem Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois reported the Flag Football program had a total of 154 registrations of which 39 children were for cheerleading, 45 were for 1st and 2nd grade flag football and 59 were for 3rd and 4th grade flag football. There were 11 more children registered for 5th and 6th grade football, but there will not be enough people for that upper level. Youth Basketball signups will be held beginning in mid-October. Dubois said the disc golf course is now complete with concrete “tee” pads, but she did say that a bridge is being requested for the far north side of the park to go from hole 7 to 8 and back to hole 9. The “Movie in the Park” sponsored by Intercounty Electric was a success as about 75 people attended and Dubois said she was able to purchase a lightly used popcorn popper from Govdeal.com for $262. The pool closed on August 20th and the kiddie pool pump will probably need to be replaced to feed water to those kiddie features. She also said the pool house flooring is looking rough as some stains will not come out. She plans on trying a heated power wash, and if that doesn’t work, she will look into different types of flooring that can be cleaned. Dubois said the “Light Up the Park” is scheduled to be held December 3rd through the 31st at the Salem City Park and asked the board if they had any new ideas such as having pictures taken with Santa or the selling of hot chocolate. No decisions were made. Dubois also said the pavilion rentals continue to be strong this year with 27 from August 1st through the end of September. Reservations can still be made at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Dubois also handed out a sheet showing totals for Youth Soccer and Summer Ball programs from 2019 through 2022. She also showed the numbers for Flag Football and Youth Basketball for the years 2018-2021. The Park Board discussed adding a new member to fill a vacancy and will recommend to the board of aldermen adding Stacy Jones at the alderman’s next meeting on September 15th. Mayor Parker said Alderman Tod Kinerk has submitted his resignation and he plans to ask the alderman to approve his appointment of Amanda Duncan to replace Kinerk at that same meeting. That would again leave the park board one member short. The board wanted to have a full board before electing officials so that was postponed until the next Park Board meeting provided Mayor Parker appoints a new member. The Park Board then went into closed session.

Missouri ‘ShakeOut’ earthquake drill is coming October 20th. Last year’s 4.0 southeast Missouri tremor reminded many that New Madrid Seismic Zone is an active earthquake zone and importance of ‘Drop, Cover, Hold On’ exercise. On November 17, 2021, southeast Missouri experienced its largest earthquake in 30 years. The magnitude 4.0 quake was centered near Poplar Bluff and was felt throughout the region, St. Louis and seven other states. It served as a reminder of the power of the New Madrid Seismic Zone, one of the country’s most active earthquake zones, which is centered in the Missouri Bootheel. To prepare for future earthquakes, registration is now open for the 2022 Great Central U. S. “ShakeOut” earthquake drill on October 20th. Missouri is one of 14 participating central U.S. states that could be impacted by a New Madrid Seismic Zone earthquake. State Emergency Management Agency Director Jim Remillard said that last year’s 4.0 earthquake reminded us that Missouri is home to a large and active seismic zone and that Earthquakes occur without warning, so it’s important to participate in the ShakeOut drill and practice now, so you know exactly what to do when an earthquake occurs. At 10:20 the morning of Thursday, October 20th, hundreds of thousands of Missourians will practice the “Drop, Cover, Hold On” technique, which includes dropping to your hands and knees, covering your head and neck with your hands and arms under a table or desk if you can, and holding on until the shaking stops. Studies show that in developed countries with modern structures, falling debris is the most common source of injuries in an earthquake. Experts advise that when an earthquake occurs in the U.S., dropping, covering and holding on is the best way to protect yourself from falling debris. The New Madrid Seismic Zone, centered in southeast Missouri, is one of the most active earthquake zones in the country, averaging more than 200 small quakes per year. In 1811 and 1812, this zone produced some of the largest earthquakes in U.S. history. A major earthquake in this area would be felt not only in Missouri, but throughout the Midwest, and could cause widespread damage in southern and eastern Missouri, including the St. Louis area. To learn more about earthquakes in Missouri and how to prepare, visit sema.dps.mo.gov.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley reports on a case heard in front of Judge Megan Seay in Crawford County Wednesday. His report indicates Joseph King of Salem pled guilty to failing to register a new residential address in Dent County as a sex offender within the three days allowed by Megan’s Law. King was sentenced to five years in the Department of Corrections as requested by Prosecutor Curley.

Montauk State Park will be hosting Veteran’s Free Fishing Day this Saturday. This free fishing day is sponsored by Project Healing Waters in partnership with Missouri Department of Conservation and Missouri State Parks to provide veterans free access to trout fishing. Veterans can pick up their free trout tag from the Project Healing Waters booth located in the park. For more information, call 573-548-2201.

Parks and Recreation Board Members Amanda Duncan, Angie Curley and Crystal Pilkington have called for a meeting of the Board for this evening at 5:30 at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory located at 1200 W. Rolla Road. After the call to order and roll call will be the review and approval of minutes, the Parks and Recreation Director Report, the election of officers, and a closed session, followed by adjournment. Except for the closed session the meeting will be open to the public.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that five people died in traffic crashes, one person died in a boating crash, and one person drowned during the 2022 Labor Day holiday weekend. The Patrol investigated four of the traffic fatalities while the Springfield Police Department investigated one traffic fatality. The 2022 counting period for the Labor Day holiday was from 6:00 Friday evening, September 2nd, through 11:59 p.m., Monday, September 5th. The Highway Patrol investigated 276 traffic crashes resulting in 97 injuries and four fatalities. The patrol also made 113 DWI arrests and 66 drug arrests. On the area waterways the patrol investigated seven boating crashes involving 3 injuries and one fatality. The patrol also made five boating while intoxicated arrests and investigated one drowning and made 8 drug arrests. The fatality statistics in this news release could change if late deaths occur, if other departments report fatal traffic or boating crashes after this news release was published, or if a fatality is determined to be caused by a medical condition rather than a boating or traffic incident.

The Salem Nutrition Center needs volunteers to deliver Meals on Wheels for the month of September. If you have an hour to give, that would help make a difference in their client’s lives to receive much needed meals. Please consider helping the seniors of Dent County! Call Jody Schaefer, the lead Senior Center Administrator with Aging Best at 729-2373 with any questions or concerns!

The Missouri Prairie Foundation and the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History will hold a native plant sale on Saturday, September 24th, at 601 N Hickory Street in Salem from 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon. Native plant vendor, Gaylena’s Garden, will sell native wildflowers, grasses, sedges, vines, shrubs, and trees. Five percent of plant sale proceeds will be donated to the Bonebrake Center. Shoppers can stroll through the sale and purchase plants. Gaylena’s Garden will accept only cash or checks at the sale. Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own crates or boxes for bringing their purchased plants home. Shoppers can also pre-order plants and have their orders ready for pick up at the event. When placing your pre-orders, please include your phone number and note that the order is for the Bonebrake Center sale in Salem on September 24. You can see the list of plants at the Gaylena’s Garden Facebook page and email your order to gaylenasgarden@gmail.com by Friday, September 23rd, at noon.

The Dent County Health Clinic located at 1010 East Scenic River Blvd will have 50 doses of the Novavax Covid-19 vaccine available this Thursday, September 8th. Novavax is a non-mRNa Covid-19 vaccine, that uses traditional vaccine technology. Call the Health Department today for more information at 573-729-3106.

Nature Journaling is part of the Women’s Outdoors Program. The class will be held at Echo Bluff State Park in the Bluff Top Pavilion on Thursday. During the class women will learn tips and tricks of journaling, explore water-colored pencils, and tonal paper. Please bring your own journal if you have one. For more information or to register contact Connie at 573-751-1224 or email connie.weber@dnr.mo.gov.

Salem has an increased risk of flash flooding when the spring and summer rains begin. In the past, severe flash flooding has caused damage to homes and property. However, major flooding can occur at any time of the year and cause millions of dollars of damage over a widespread area. The city of Salem participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that ensures the availability of flood insurance for homeowners, tenants, and businesses. It also brings with it some requirements in order for the city to participate. While severe flooding usually comes in cycles, it is not limited to certain decades or areas, warns the National Weather Service. Since January 1990, Missouri received 35 disaster declarations involving flooding that exceeded local and state response capabilities, marking the most recent for the flood events that occurred in July 2022. Each year, Missouri communities experience numerous localized flooding events that do not merit a federal disaster declaration. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Salem has had 13 flooding events between 2001-2020. Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) serves as the floodplain administrator for the city of Salem and is available to answer questions. The NFIP is managed by FEMA and delivered to the public by insurance companies. If there is not a federal disaster declaration that includes aid for individuals, flood insurance is the only financial protection for personal losses. Flood insurance is not provided in the basic homeowner’s, business, or tenant’s policy. Flood insurance must be purchased under a separate policy through your local insurance agent in participating communities. Salem residents need to know that a floodplain development permit may be required if they are planning construction, remodeling or substantial improvements to structures located within a floodplain. This includes rehab work to homes that have been flooded. For more information on permits, please contact Tammy Snodgrass at MRPC at 573-265-2993 or by email at tsnodgrass@meramecregion.org.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held a special meeting Thursday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. At the meeting, City Clerk Tammy Koller swore in Sally Burbridge as the new temporary City Administrator. Mayor Greg Parker also appointed Burbridge as the Floodplain Administrator and the Building Commissioner. The board of alderman approved both appointments before going into closed session.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a few reports for the last week of August and the first day of September. On Saturday, August 27th, deputies responded to Route EE for a reported assault in the 4th Degree. During the investigation, a 29-year-old Salem woman alleged she was assaulted by a 27-year-old Salem woman. A further investigation is into the alleged assault is pending. Later that day, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 4110. During the stop, a 29-year-old Salem woman was arrested for the possession of a controlled substance, except for 35 grams of less of Marijuana. The subject was released from custody pending further investigation. The next day on Sunday, August 28th, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 19000 block of Route C. During the stop, a 29-year-old Salem man was arrested for the unlawful use of a weapon, for the unlawful possession of a firearm and for various narcotic related offenses. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was placed on a 24-hour-hold, pending the issuance of formal charges. On Thursday, September 1st, a deputy took a report for an alleged identity theft. According to the victim, a 38-year-old Salem woman received information that a former spouse was using her personal and financial information to make unauthorized online purchases. The investigation into the matter continues. Later that day, a deputy met with a 52-year-old Manchester, Missouri woman in regards to a camper that was reported missing from her property on Route H. This vehicle was entered into MULES as stolen and the investigation is ongoing. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 573-729-3241 if you have information on any ongoing investigation.

Healthy Dent County is bringing the Strengthening Families program to Salem which will help you learn tools, skills, and strategies to build a stronger family. Supported by a community partnership between Healthy Dent County, Four Rivers Community Health Center and MU Extension, the Strengthening Families program is free for ALL families of youth 10 to 14 years old. It is fast-paced and offers practical information using videos, discussions, learning games, and family projects to open up lines of communication. Families who attend have fun while they learn strategies for helping their child make positive decisions in the face of increased peer pressure. This seven-week program will begin on September 13th and run every Tuesday evening through the week of October 25th from 5:00 to 7:30 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory located at 1200 W. Rolla Road. A family meal will be provided at each of the seven sessions, along with weekly giveaways and a program completion reward for each family that completes the series. Childcare is available for younger siblings. Enrollment forms are available by contacting Healthy Dent County at 573-729-8163 or stopping by the Salem Community Center@The Armory.

An accident happened Friday morning in Crawford County on Highway 19 about two and a half miles south Cuba. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 Honda CRV being operated by 37-year-old Timothy Morris of Steelville, was struck from behind by a 2023 Ford E-350 being driven by 49-year-old Lisa Gonzalez of Raymondville. Morris suffered minor injuries and was taken by private conveyance to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. The Honda sustained moderate damage but was able to be driven from the scene. The Ford received extensive damage and was towed from the scene by Dishman’s Towing. The report went on to state that Morris was not wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident.

An accident happened just after noon Sunday in Crawford County on Long Springs Road just over a mile west of Route BB. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado being driven by 25-year-old Alexander Light of Cuba, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a ditch. Light, who was not wearing a safety restraint, suffered minor injuries and sought his own treatment. The Silverado sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing.

Wednesday afternoon at the Dent County Courthouse, 53-year-old Randall Abney of Salem was found guilty of second-degree murder in the starvation death of 10-year-old Josie Ann Abney of Salem. Abney was also charged with the abuse or neglect of a child resulting in death. The jury came to their conclusion after about 90-minutes of deliberation. Sentencing for Randall Abney will be held on November 18th. Susan Abney of Salem, the wife of Randall Abney, had her second-degree murder charge dropped in exchange for testifying against Randall. She pled guilty earlier this year to abuse or neglect of a child resulting in death. Susan Abney is due for sentencing on October 11th.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, encourages everyone to plan for a safe 2022 Labor Day weekend. Whether you are on the water or on the road, it’s everyone’s responsibility to travel safely and observe all Missouri laws. As you plan your Labor Day weekend, incorporate safety into every facet of your weekend including choosing your route, making sure your equipment is in good working condition, being aware of and following Missouri’s traffic, driving your vehicle courteously, and wearing a seat belt. In Missouri, 11 people died and 458 were injured in 1,124 traffic crashes over the 2021 Labor Day holiday. This means one person was killed or injured every 10 minutes. Troopers arrested 109 people for driving while intoxicated during last year’s holiday weekend. The Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort) over the Labor Day holiday weekend. The 2022 counting period for the Labor Day holiday will be from 6:00 this Friday evening through 11:59 Monday night. Speed, inattention, and impaired driving are leading causes of traffic crashes. All available troopers will be patrolling Missouri’s roadways and waterways. Troopers on the roadways will be enforcing Missouri’s speed limit, seat belt, and impaired driving laws, in addition to being available to assist motorists. The public is encouraged to call the Patrol’s Emergency Report Line (800) 525-5555 or *55 on your cellular phone if they witness criminal activity or experience an emergency.

The Salem Police Department has released the following reports. On Monday afternoon, August 1st, at approximately 1:00, officers while on patrol located a male subject who had an active capias warrant out of the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. As a result, 34-year-old Jacob Likes of Salem was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. A little over an hour later at approximately 2:15, an officer while on patrol noticed a suspicious female subject conceal herself upon seeing the patrol vehicle. Contact was made with the woman who was later found to be in possession of methamphetamine and methamphetamine paraphernalia. As a result of the investigation, a 31-year-old Salem female was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. The next evening, Tuesday, August 2nd at 7:30, officers responded to a motor vehicle crash involving two vehicles near Burger King. During the investigation, officers were made aware that the driver of one of the involved vehicles was intoxicated and had pulled out and struck the other vehicle. The parties in the other vehicle sustained injuries and were taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital for further evaluation. As a result of the investigation a 43-year-old Houston man was arrested and charged with a DWI resulting in a serious physical injury and assault. Then around noon Saturday, August 6th, officers conducted a traffic stop on Highway 32 and Doss Road for expired license. During the stop it was found a male subject had an active warrant for his arrest out of the Dent County Sheriff’s Office for no insurance. As a result, 41-year-old Johnnie Revelle of Salem was arrested and later released on bond. That same night at approximately 10:30, an officer traveled to Rolla to pick up a male subject that had three active warrants out of the City of Salem for failure to appear. As a result, 40-year-old Scott Smith of Salem was arrested and incarcerated on the warrants at the Dent County Jail. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

Today at 4:00 at the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History, the Mudbugs will be back. They will be searching for lost ladybugs and zombie ladybugs and other cool things. If they should happen to see signs of Bigfoot along the way, that’s cool, too! Hope to see you there

The Salem Tiger Opening Day Football Parade will be held Friday night at 5:00 starting from the Dent County Courthouse on 4th Street., traveling west on 4th Street to 3rd Street, then continuing west to the High School Football Field. All businesses, organizations, clubs and anyone interested is invited to show their Tiger pride and be a part of the parade. For more information, message Dottie May Steelman on Facebook.

Do you have your tickets yet for the upcoming Salem Area Chamber of Commerce pro rodeo, sanctioned by IPRA/MRCA and produced by Outlaw Rodeo Productions? The rodeo will be held this Labor Day weekend on Saturday, September 3rd and Sunday, September 4th beginning at 7:30 each night at The Commons on Highway 72 North. There will be a number of events held including team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc, calf roping, calf scramble, and more! Advanced tickets are available at both locations of the Bank of Salem, both locations of Town and Country Bank, Riverways Federal Credit Union, Progressive Ozark Bank and the Salem Chamber of Commerce office at 1136 South Main in the Crossroads Shopping Center. Prices are $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 5-11. If you have any questions, contact Tabatha at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce at (573) 729-6900.

A special meeting of the City of Salem Board of Aldermen has been called by Mayor Greg Parker to be held Thursday evening at 6:00 in the City Hall Council Chambers at 202 North Washington Street. After the call to order, the board will appoint a temporary city administrator, followed by a floodplain administrator appointment and a building commissioner appointment, followed by a closed session before adjournment. The meeting, except for the closed portion, is open to the public.

Stan Stevens will talk with the Salem Memorial District Hospital new Chief Executive Officer, R. Wayne Reid this morning at 9:05 on KSMO Radio AM 1340 and 95.7 FM as well as online at ksmoradio.com. They will talk about Reid coming to Salem, his goals for the hospital, and about the hospital’s “Meet and Greet” to be held on September 7th at the SMDH Campus. The “Meet and Greet” is to introduce the Salem community to Reid as well as all the clinical providers including new effective September 1st to Salem Family Medicine Dr. James Neely. Also to be introduced will be Samantha Welch, FNP and Amber Hogan, Graduate-FNP who will begin their practice very soon. The “Meet and Greet” begins at 11:00 with the formal introductions at noon with a whole hog lunch being served until 2:00. Everyone is welcome to attend the event at the SMDH Campus on Highway 72.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, encourages everyone to incorporate safety into any plans to enjoy Missouri’s waterways. Missouri’s lakes and rivers can include currents, drop-offs, and floating debris, which makes swimming more challenging. Please, wear a life jacket, take a friend with you, know your swimming ability, and stay sober around water. Pay close attention to children around water. Keep in mind that exhaustion is a very real possibility if you’ve been swimming for a long period of time. Don’t make the mistake of overestimating your swimming ability. Avoid putting yourself at risk when trying to assist someone who is struggling in the water. Assist them by tossing a floatation device or extending an object to them. Keep yourself safe! If you do have to enter the water to assist them, always put on a life jacket first. If you go floating, check the weather and the river level before your trip. A lot of rain affects the speed of the current and the amount of debris in the water. Be aware of changing conditions downstream which may endanger yourself or your group. Consider each person’s level of experience and base your float plan on the person with the least experience. Pair inexperienced floaters with those who have more experience, and make sure everyone in your group knows your rescue plan. If you capsize in swift water conditions, hold onto your craft and move immediately to the upstream side to avoid being trapped between the boat and an obstacle. Float on your back, feet together and pointed downstream, and release your craft only if it improves your safety. If you need assistance or witness criminal activity on Missouri’s waterways, contact the nearest Highway Patrol troop headquarters by calling the Patrol Emergency Report Line at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. Share the waterway, use common sense, good judgment, and courtesy to ensure the safety of all.

The Creative Arts Center will be holding a four-week beginners oil painting class with Tana Kettner. The class will begin on Thursday evening, September 1st from 5:30 to 7:30. The class will be held the next three Thursdays. The cost is $125 per person. During the class you will learn some basic drawing and painting skills and discover your hidden talents. You will create an original still-life oil painting from a choice of interesting fall items. All supplies will be provided. You may leave your painting on the easel between classes. The Creative Arts Center has two easy ways to sign up for events! Call or text 573-247-0651 or go online at salemcommunitybetterment.com and look under programs for the Salem Creative Arts Center.

Dr. Kyle Ouzts of the Dent County Veterinary Clinic in Salem will be hosting a live fifteen-minute radio call in show on KSMO Radio 1340 AM TODAY at 1:00 in the afternoon. Dr. Ouzts talks about pet safety and different things that effect your furry friends. So, get your questions ready and call Dr. Ouzts starting at 1:00 at 573-729-6659.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a few reports for the third week of August. The first report was for Wednesday August 17th, as a deputy responded to Highway 32 East near Boss to assist with a motor vehicle accident. During the investigation, a 23-year-old Salem man was arrested on an outstanding warrant. The man was also found to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. He was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Friday, August 19th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Highway 68. During the stop, a 26-year-old Houston man found to be driving with a suspended or revoked driving privilege. The man was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail where he was processed per departmental procedure and released with a citation. Later that day, deputies responded to the 700 block of Dent County Road 3230 for a reported assault. During the investigation, a 41-year-old Salem man was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail. He was processed per departmental procedure and later released from custody after being issued a criminal summons for assault in the 4th degree. On Monday, August 22nd, a 23-year-old Salem woman reported a firearm had been stolen from her residence. The item was entered into a nationwide database for stolen property. The investigation is pending. Lastly on Friday, August 26th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on East Center Street. During the stop, a 33-year-old Salem man was arrested on an active warrant and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 573-729-3241 if you have information on any ongoing investigation.

An accident happened Saturday evening just before 6:30 in Phelps County on County Road 2120, about four miles north of Rolla. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 2006 Honda Shadow being operated by 77-year-old William Colgrove of Vichy, was traveling west when he struck a deer in the roadway causing the bike to overturn. Colgrove, who was not wearing a safety device, suffered serious injuries, and was taken by Phelps Air to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. The Honda sustained moderate damage and was secured at a nearby residence.

Need trees and shrubs for your landscape? Go native with tree and shrub seedlings from the Missouri Department of Conservation. Native trees and shrubs can help improve wildlife habitat and soil and water conservation while also improving the appearance and value of private property. MDC’s George O. White State Forest Nursery near Licking offers a variety of low-cost native tree and shrub seedlings for sale for reforestation, windbreaks, erosion control, wildlife food and cover, and other purposes. The nursery provides mainly one-year-old, bare-root seedlings with sizes varying by species. Seedlings varieties include: pine, bald cypress, cottonwood, black walnut, hickory, oak, pecan, persimmon, river birch, maple, willow, sycamore, blackberry, buttonbush, hazelnut, redbud, ninebark, spicebush, elderberry, sumac, wild plum, witch hazel, and others. Seedlings are available in bundles of 10 or increments of 25 per species. Prices range from 34 cents to $1 per seedling. Sales tax of 6.1 percent will be added to orders unless tax exempt. There is a $9 handling charge for each order. Receive a 15% discount up to $20 off seedling orders with a Heritage Card, Permit Card, or Conservation ID Number. The nursery grows millions of seedlings each year, but some species are very popular and sell out quickly and some seedlings occasionally succumb to harsh weather or hungry wildlife, despite the nursery staff’s best efforts. Even if a species is listed as “sold out,” customers can still place an order for those seedlings because other orders may get cancelled, freeing up inventory. Customers won’t be charged for seedlings unless they are available to ship. Due to shipping costs tripling from past years, the nursery must now charge shipping fees for orders being shipped to Missouri addresses. This is the first time in the nursery’s 80-plus-year history that they have had to do this. Orders will be processed beginning September 1st through April 15th, 2023. Orders will be shipped or can be picked up at the nursery near Licking from February through May. You can learn more and place orders using MDC’s 2022-2023 Seedling Order Form Found in the September issue of the Missouri Conservationist, at MDC regional offices and nature centers, or by contacting the State Forest Nursery at 573-674-3229 or StateForestNursery@mdc.mo.gov.

A Missouri Lottery Club Keno player won $136,568 on August 16th, using favorite numbers he’s played through the years on his 8-spot ticket. He was playing Keno at the Fraternal Order of Eagles #3684 in Viburnum, when all eight of his numbers were among those drawn. Because he had also added the Double Bulls-Eye option, he won a base prize of $125,000. In addition, all 6-, 7- and 8-spot games have an automatic rolling Progressive Jackpot, which increased his total winnings to $136,568. As for what he plans to do with the money, he said he and his wife already have some ideas like maybe a family trip to Hawaii. Twenty numbers are drawn in Club Keno every four minutes. Players can choose to play one to 10 spots, with prizes increasing as more spots are played. Players can also add play options like the Multiplier, Bulls-Eye or Double Bulls-Eye to their tickets for a chance to win even larger prizes. In fiscal year 2021, players in Iron County won more than $2 million in Missouri Lottery prizes, retailers received more than $200,000 in commissions and bonuses, and more than $261,000 in Lottery proceeds went to education programs in the county.

A Public Hearing concerning the Ozark Run Scenic Byway will be held this Tuesday, August 30th from 2:00 until 4:00 in the afternoon at the Eminence City Hall. This new proposed Scenic Byway does not go through Dent County in its current form but could lay the groundwork for other extensions in the future that could possibly affect your property. An organization called “Scenic Missouri” out of Ballwin, Missouri, has applied to the Missouri Department of Transportation to designate 375 miles of existing highway stretching from St. Louis to Thayer and Branson as a “Scenic Byway” made up of five “sprints.” Their goal is to “recognize the intrinsic qualities” of our region and help the world “discover the Ozarks”. This would in turn bring tourism dollars to the area. According to their 102-page application with MoDOT, it says “no changes can be made to existing laws, nor can new laws be established without approval by the local governments. Property rights are not infringed upon with the designation of a byway.” However, further reading shows that not to be entirely the case as once implemented, all advertising such as signs and billboards are prohibited except upon your own property for your particular business. What is also described in the application goes beyond just the roadway and its right-of-way but would include “the area adjacent to the roadway that possesses any of the intrinsic qualities. This may or may not include everything that can be seen from the roadway.” The ultimate vision for the Ozark Run Scenic Byway is to provide a designated driving route across the entire Ozark/Ouachita region running from one corner to the other spanning through Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma which would make it a National Scenic Byway. The full route, as currently proposed, would cover 1,155 miles. This would make it one of the five longest National Scenic Byways. With its unique and significant qualities, the Ozark Run may even be a strong candidate for All-American Road status. To review the entire application, go to www.modot.org/ozark-run-proposed-scenic-byway. If you can’t make it on August 30th to the Eminence public hearing, additional town hall meetings will be held in Oregon County on Thursday, September 1st at the Town Hall in Alton from 5:00 until 7:00 PM, and in Howell County at the West Plains Civic Center Theater on Tuesday, September 13th from 6:00 until 8:00 in the evening. All of the public hearings are open to the public.

An accident happened Thursday afternoon at 3:50 in Reynolds County on Highway 72 about five miles east of Bunker. According to the highway patrol report, a 2000 Gold Dodge Durango driven eastbound by 61-year-old Richard Frost of Bunker, ran off the right side of the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned. Frost suffered serious injuries and was transported by Air Ambulance to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. The Dodge Durango was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing in Salem.

An accident occurred in Phelps County Friday morning at approximately 7:21. According to the highway patrol report, a westbound 2018 Yamaha R1 Motorcycle, operated by 35-year-old Jonathan Anderson of St. Louis, travelled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. Anderson suffered serious injuries and was transported by medical helicopter to Missouri University Hospital in Columba. The report stated that Anderson was wearing safety devices at the time of the accident. The motorcycle sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by D & D Towing. The Highway Patrol was assisted by The Doolittle Fire Department and the Phelps Health EMS.

Salem Memorial District Hospital has issued revisions to their visitor policy per the Compassionate Care Visitation Act-SB710, No Patient Left Alone Act-HB-2116, and the Essential Caregiver Program Act. SMDH has developed these revisions to protect patients and health care professionals before and during an infectious, contagious, communicable, or dangerous diseases. Some of the revisions are all visitors will be screened for Covid-19, visitors must be at least 12 years of age, and only two visitors per patient at a time, unless extenuating circumstances. Also, visitors are expected to stop the nurse’s station before entering a patient room. For more information contact SMDH at 729-6626, check out their website at smdh.net or Facebook page.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley reports that on Friday, August 26th in the Dent County 42nd Judicial Court in front of Judge Michael Randazzo, Britta Terrill of Salem, who was on probation for the felony possession of a controlled substance, had her probation revoked and was sentenced to seven years in the Department of Corrections. In the next case, Prosecutor Curley reported that Daniel Lloyd of Salem pled guilty to the felony possession of methamphetamines. He was sentenced to serve seven years in the Department of Corrections under State Statute 559.115 due to his prior felony criminal history.

The City of Salem held their tax rate hearing to set the real estate and property tax rate for the year 2022 Tuesday afternoon at 5:30. One person spoke at the hearing on how the equity value of people’s homes in Salem have decreased by 3.56% according to Data USA IO and that any rate increase will hurt. The Salem Board of Aldermen held a public hearing to discuss the proposed increase in sewer rates. Three people spoke in opposition to the increase citing the low average income of people in Salem, that over 33% of residents are senior citizens who could least afford an increase, and another gave Mayor Parker six questions that she wanted answers to and said she wouldn’t pay the increase she showed a bottle of water to the audience that allegedly came from her faucet that was discolored. In the regular board meeting, the board approved the request for a permit from Chris Robbins to hold a community “trunk or treat” on Halloween from 4:00 in the afternoon until 11:00 that evening on 4th Street from Highway 19 to MacArthur. He wanted the permit to facilitate groups in the area which the board approved. After the consent agenda was approved, the board approved Bill #3515 creating an ordinance that will raise the cemetery fees for the Cedar Grove Cemetery beginning January 1st, 2023; approved Bill #3516 to create an ordinance to raise the business license fees from $25 to $35 starting January 1st, 2023; approved Bill #3517 amending the annual budget for the City beginning July 1, 2021 to adjust appropriations for the electric reserve, sewer D&R and sanitation funds; and the board approved Bill #3518 that created an ordinance setting the tax rate of 67.46 cents per $100 assessed valuation for real estate and personal property in the city for General Revenue purposes. That is the same rate as last year. As per the state auditor’s calculations, the city could have raised the tax rate to 69.31 cents per $100 assessed valuation but elected to keep the rate lower by a 2-1 vote with Alderman Kinerk voting no. Public Works Director Mark Nash presented bids for a new sprayer and the board went with the bid from Salem Farm Equipment for a Cimaran CMLS-PCO 200 Sprayer for $3,921. That price was below the budgeted amount of $5,000 and came with a two-year warranty. They also approved the bid from Airgas for a Miller Welder which is a commercial welder for $6,854.57 which came in under the budgeted amount of $7,000; approved the purchase of new tires for the cemetery and street department vehicles from Jet Tire and Auto for $3,274.24; and the board approved the bid for a new pad mount transformer for the Al Brown Field lights from T&R Electric for $15,718 that has a three-year warranty. Finance Director Stacey Houston presented the board with an updated financial report and discussed the status of some of the funds. Terry Moore from ESP updated the board on the HVAC work which is complete at the administration building, city hall auditorium, police station and about 80% done at the Armory. He said the door and window replacement is virtually complete with a punch list on the buildings, while the tuck and point just got started at the Armory and is over 80% done on all the other buildings. He said the light poles have been set at the Al Brown Fields and the light controls have been installed. A bid for the electric hookups at Al Brown Fields will be done through ESP by Hawke Electric. Jeff Medows from Archer Elgin said the Wastewater Plant Permit draft has been done and will be reviewed before being submitted to DNR next week. The ARPA Application for a five-million-dollar grant has been submitted to help pay for the $9.4 million cost of the Phase 2 improvements. The city will know by late October if they have been chosen to receive the competitive grant. Medows said the Highway 72 and Route J sewer extension is done and the lift station at the hospital has been tested. The new pump station on Route J is still on order and work is being done on the Jennifer Street drainage project. Medows said the TAP Grant for the downtown revitalization continues and they will need to get easements from the property owners. He also said an ARPA fund application has been put in for Well #9 and the elevated storage tank. Mayor Greg Parker said he was going to get with the county and is trying to address the homeless situation and all the camping going on in town. Public Works Director Mark Nash said the water department continues to work on water leaks, the street department is clearing out ditches and the electric department has a couple poles to change. Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge said the industrial park sign will have to be relocated off the highway right-of-way, the final grading by Godi’s Excavating at the certified site began Tuesday, and Burbridge said a draft of the answers to the two questions the state Department of Economic Development asked on the certified site will be reviewed and before being sent off this week. The board then went into closed session.

A public hearing will be held by the city of Salem Planning and Zoning Commission this evening at 6:00 in the city hall council chambers at 202 North Washington. The purpose of the meeting is to give all interested parties the opportunity to be heard on a request by Mark Bottomley for a use permit for an Air BNB on property located at 901 North Main Street. Immediately following the close of the public hearing, the Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public meeting in the city hall council chambers to either accept or reject the conditional use permit. Following that meeting, the City of Salem Airport Board will meet at 6:45. The board will hear updates on the fuel tanks, consider the purchase of new credit card readers for the fuel system, the Schwartz hanger, and the new hanger project. Also on the agenda is the gate opener, pilot lounge, routine airport maintenance, and other business. The hearing and meetings are open to the public.