Local News

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning in the courthouse. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk was in to update the Commission on her office’s monthly turnover, abatements and add-ons. She said the monthly collections totaled $44,498.13, which had been distributed to the appropriate entities. VanKirk said the August 28th tax sale saw only two sales completed. She indicated that $1,371.22 was collected and was being held by Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams. VanKirk also wanted to make the public aware that tax bills will be mailed November 7th and she encourages everyone to make sure their addresses and information are up to date to insure receipt of those bills. In the road report, District One Commissioner Wes Mobray said grading would be done and rock would be added to Dent County Road 5630, while only grading would be done on county road 5220. He went on to report that brush would be cut on county roads 5370 and 6380. District Two Commissioner Gary Polk said grading would be done and rock would be added to Dent County Roads 3330 and 4290, plus grading only would be done on county roads 3335, 3337, and 6160. Polk also said that rock would be added to county road 4060 and patching would be done on county road 4380. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported that he appeared on KSMO Radio Thursday morning prior to the commissioners meeting with Jill Hollowell from MRPC discussing Saturday’s special waste collection for residential and farm electronics, appliances, metals, and tires. He noted that the collection will be from 9:00 until noon at the Salem Water and Sewer Construction Parking Lot at 3rd and Grand Streets. Larson also reminded citizens of the drop off for household batteries at the Salem Public Library. He reported that Dent County has received the MRPC Contract for Membership and services. Deputy County Clerk Melissa Piatt reported that the Commissioner’s were approving bills for payment. The next meeting of the Commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the Dent County Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Healthy Dent County’s 12th Annual “Girls Night Out” event will be held Thursday from 4:30 to 7:30 pm at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Participating exhibitors will bring unique products and services of interest to women.  Over 50 vendors will display and sell their products and services. Bring your girlfriends for an evening of pampering, shopping, eating and FUN!.  There is a $5.00 admission fee and admission is limited to all women and girls 12 years of age and older. Attendees will experience, Shopping with unique vendors, prize giveaways, FREE samples, door prizes, food samples, and many other exciting items. Healthy Dent County’s Executive Director, Sherry Lea, said to help alleviate some parking issues, parking attendants and golf carts will be utilized to help shuttle attendees from nearby parking lots. Bring in a canned food or non-perishable food item for a chance to win a gift card.  One ticket per item, the more you donate, the more your chances increase to win the gift cards. Food donations will be given to Sacred Heart Food Pantry and Grace Harbor. The Salem Community Center @ the Armory is located at 1200 W. Rolla Road. For additional information, please call 729-8163 or e-mail jackie@salemcommunitycenter.org. 

An accident happened Wednesday night at 10:00 in Phelps County on Highway 63 about two miles south of Edgar Springs. According to the highway patrol report, a 1991 Chevrolet 1500 being driven south by 45-year-old James Smith of Rolla, traveled off the left side of the roadway. The Chevrolet then went airborne and overturned, ejecting the driver. Smith suffered serious injuries and was flown by Phelps Air to University Hospital in Columbia. The Chevy was totaled and removed from the scene by D & D Towing. Smith was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

An accident happened Wednesday afternoon just after 1:00 in Phelps County on County Road 3110, north of Route BB. According to the highway patrol report, 72-year-old Anthony Okafor of Rolla, was driving a 2018 Toyota south when he fell asleep at the wheel. The Toyota crossed the intersection of Route BB and crashed into a grass embankment. Okafor, who was wearing a seat restraint, suffered minor injuries and was by Phelps Health ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital for treatment. The Toyota sustained extenxive damage and was towed from the scene by Dishman’s Towing.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports for the final week of August. On Saturday, August 26th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 600 block of North Main Street. The driver, a 26-year-old Salem man, was found to have a revoked driving privilege. He was then arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail. That same day, a deputy responded to the Dent County Jail for an assault that occurred between two female inmates. After the investigation, it was determined that a 28-year-old St. Louis woman was assaulted by a 23-year-old Salem woman while both were in custody. An investigation into the assault is ongoing. On Sunday, August 27th, a deputy was dispatched to the 100 block of Dent County Road 6570 for the report of a stolen vehicle. A 2008 Ford truck belonging to a 52-year-old Salem man had been taken sometime between August 18th and August 27th. The vehicle was later recovered in Belleview, Missouri. On the Thursday, August 31st, a deputy took a report of a stolen ATV from the 400 block of Main Street in Bunker. The victims, a 46-year-old Bunker man and a 32-year-old Bunker woman, told the deputy the ATV had been taken during the overnight hours. The investigation into the theft is ongoing. Please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241 if you have any information about an investigation.

In 2022, there were 177 Missouri traffic crashes involving farm equipment and implements. In those crashes, seven people were killed and 63 were injured. Missouri has entered harvest season and it’s important that drivers and farmers pay attention and share the road. Farmers and motorists are encouraged be courteous drivers and to obey all traffic laws. Whether you’re driving a vehicle or operating farm machinery, you must pay attention to the roadway, other drivers, and traffic signs. Distracted drivers are dangerous drivers. Farmers should make sure your farm equipment is properly marked with lights and a “slow-moving vehicle” emblem when you travel on the roadway and if traffic accumulates behind you on the road where it is difficult to make a safe pass, pull off onto the side of the road in a level area, so vehicles can pass. Always drive as far to the right as possible. Remember it’s harder to see you at dawn or dusk, so please don’t travel on the road during those times if possible. Often, all-terrain vehicles are used for agricultural purposes. ATV s being used for farming can only travel on highways during daylight hours and must be equipped with lights, a bicycle flag, and a “slow-moving vehicle” emblem. The law requires anyone under the age of 18 to wear a safety helmet when operating an ATV; the Patrol, however, recommends operators wear a safety helmet regardless of age. Missouri law allows agricultural machinery and implements to be operated on state highways between the hours of sunset and sunrise for agricultural purposes provided such vehicles are equipped with the required lighting. Like other motor vehicles, most modern farm tractors have seat belts. Always use a seat belt when operating a tractor equipped with a roll-over protection structure.

An accident happened Tuesday evening just after 6:00 in Phelps County on Interstate 44 eastbound at the 187 mile-marker. According to the highway patrol report, a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban being driven by 25-year-old Destiny Deshurley of St. James, traveled off the left side of the highway and struck a concrete construction barrier. Deshurley, who was not wearing a safety restraint, suffered minor injuries and was taken by Phelps Health ambulance to Phelps Health hospital. The suburban sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by C & C Towing.

An accident happened Tuesday afteroon just after 1:30 in Phleps County on Phelps County Road 2340 near county road 2430. According to the highway patrol report, a 1983 Chevrolet K20 with no driver was rolling into the intersection and struck a 2011 Nissan Versa being driven by 76-year-old Rosemarie Warren of St. James, causing the Nissan to travel off the right side of the roadway and strike a tree. Warren, who was wearing a seat restraint, suffered minor injuries and was taken by Phelps Health ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital. The Nissan was totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeons Towing. The Chevrolet received minor damage and was to be removed from the scene at a later time.

Team members from Missouri State Parks invite the public to visit mostateparks.com and view informational videos for Johnson’s Shut-Ins and Taum Sauk Mountain. After watching the videos, the public is encouraged to provide input and comments, as well as submit questions about the parks or historic sites and their operations. Park team members will respond to the comments, answer questions and provide information. The videos are online and available for comment through the month of September for visitors to view at their leisure. Once the month ends, the comment function will be turned off, but the video will remain online for viewing. Input from the public is important to Missouri State Parks. The online videos are helping to inform the public on the current status and future plans for parks and historic sites, and offer visitors the opportunity to comment on the facilities. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley has released reports from court held in Dent County last Thursday in front of Judge Michael Randazzo. In the first case heard, James Hansel of Salem pleaded guilty to the possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver and for resisting arrest. Judge Randazzo sentenced Hansel to eight years in the Missouri Department of Corrections as requested by the prosecutor. In the next case, Nickelous Terrill of Salem plead guilty to a felony charge of driving while having his license revoked or suspended, possession of a controlled substance for methamphetamine, escape from custody, two counts of assault on law enforcement in the 2nd degree and one count of assault on law enforcement in the 3rd degree. Judge Randazzo sentenced Terrill to serve 12 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections as requested by Prosecutor Curley. In the next case, James Denny of Licking, pleaded guilty to the possession of methamphetamine. He was sentenced to serve five years in the Missouri Department of Corrections as requested by the prosecutor. The 4th case heard found Jeremy McAfee of Salem pleading guilty to the possession of a controlled substance which was methamphetamine as a prior and persistent offender. Judge Randazzo sentenced McAfee to serve 10 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections as requested by Prosecutor Curley. The last case of the day was a sentencing hearing for Jerry Thompson of Salem. He had pleaded guilty to four counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of escaping from custody. Thompson requested a seven-year concurrent sentence while Prosecutor Curley requested 15 years due to the circumstances of the incident and his prior criminal history. Judge Randazzo sentenced Thompson to serve 15 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections as requested by Prosecutor Curley.

Listen to KSMO Radio this Thursday morning at 8:30 to find out more about the MRPC and Ozark Solid Waste Management District’s electronics and tire collection to be held in Salem this Saturday from 9:00 to noon at 3rd and Grand Streets in Salem at the Water and Sewer Department Construction Parking Lot. Anything with a cord or that is battery operated can be accepted. KSMO will air the interview on KSMO Radio (AM 1340 and 95.7 FM) and also stream the interview on KSMO Media including the KSMO Stream Facebook Page, KSMO You Tube Page and ksmoradio.com. It’s you chance to get rid of those non-working tools, appliances, TV’s, monitors, cell phones and more. For more information, call 573-265-2993.

Do you own a kayak but want to increase your paddling skills? Have you wanted to learn how to safely paddle down the river? You’re in luck! Missouri State Parks’ Learn2 Paddle River program can help you learn more about kayaking on the river. The program requires preregistration but is FREE. Participants must bring their own kayaks, life jackets, paddles, lunches, sunscreen, hats and sunglasses and wear appropriate attire for getting wet. The program will include a ground school where there will be an in-depth discussion on river safety, plans, equipment and paddling technique before the water school where participants will learn river paddling skills including ferries, eddy turns and low braces. Those in attendance will also learn how to read the river and river rescues. A class will be held at the Current River State Park on September 10th from 10:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon and you can register for that class now. To find out more information or to register, go online to mostateparks.com/learn2-paddle-river. If a class is full, please enroll using the wait-list function. If an opening in the class becomes available, you will be notified by the Learn2 staff via email or phone call. For more information, please email Taylor.Ratcliff@dnr.mo.gov.

Acrylic Pour Painting with Barbara Johnson will be going on at the Creative Arts Center this Saturday, September 9th from 1:00 in the afternoon till 3:00. Children (with a parent/legal guardian) and adults alike can participate. No previous experience is needed! Students will learn about mixing the paint, preparing it to pour and how to apply it to a stretched canvas. Techniques will be explained and demonstrated which will include flip cup, ring pour, traveling ring, string pull, swiping, sink strainer pours, split cups, bottle bottom pours, balloon kisses and more. Participants will create 2 unique and colorful 8×10 poured paintings, using acrylic paints thinned with a pouring medium. Various techniques will be explained. The cost is $35 and all supplies are included. Interested persons can sign up under “Programs” at the salemcommunitybetterment.com website for activities at the Creative Arts Center.

An accident occurred Friday morning at 7:00 in Dent County on Dent County Road 6380 at Dent County Road 6370. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 Ford F-150, driven by 24-year-old Eva Wilson of Salem, failed to yield to a 2019 Bluebird School Bus driven by 48-year-old Tricia Manson of Salem. The Ford struck the side of the school bus and both vehicles came to rest in the roadway. Suffering minor injuries were two 5-year-old female juveniles and one 9-year-old female juvenile. All three students were transported by the Salem Ambulance to the Salem Memorial Hospital. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. The Bluebird sustained extensive damage and was also towed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

An accident happened in Phelps County Sunday morning at 7:00 on Highway 72 about eight miles from Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 17-year-old male juvenile from Salem, was driving a 1996 Chevrolet Silverado eastbound when the vehicle traveled off the right side of the road. The driver overcorrected and the Silverado went off the left side of the roadway where the Chevy struck two trees before coming to rest over an embankment. The juvenile suffered serious injuries and was airlifted by Mercy Lifeline to St. John’s Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur. The Chevy Silverado was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

City Administrator Sally Burbridge has announced the final pickup dates for curbside recycling in Salem and a cost increase in the city trash pickup services. The final pickup dates for curbside recycling will be September 6th & 7th for the east side of town and September 13th & 14th for the west side of town. After final pickups, the recycle bins will be picked up by GFL. There were multiple factors relating to the city not receiving a bid for curbside recycling this round. Higher costs to the trash company to pay a facility to take the material and continued contamination by customers placing non-recyclable material in the bins were the top reasons stated. Unfortunately, this is a much larger concern, given that both Rolla and Springfield have discontinued curbside recycling services. Weekly curbside trash service will continue to be provided by GFL, but there will be an increase in the monthly cost to citizens. After the board of alderman’s approval of the new contract with GFL, the monthly service will increase to $18.50 per month for residents under 63 years of age, and $18.00 for those 63 years of age and over. Those out of town with city utilities and trash service will see their rates increase to $21.50 per month. For those residents who wish to continue recycling, the Scenic Rivers Industries (also known as the Sheltered Workshop) at 601 S. Walker Street will accept newspapers, magazines, cardboard and aluminum cans. They may be dropped off in the bins in the side of the building here in Salem. For questions, please call the Utility Office at 729-4117.

The Mudbugs last event for the year will be a “Weenie Roast” at the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History on September 7th at 5:00. If you plan on attending with your children, please let Cheri Low know how many will be with your party. Please send her an e-mail her at naturalist.cheri@gmail.com. The suggested contribution for each program is $2.00 but additional donations are always welcome. All monies collected go to the Bonebrake Center. Each program is geared toward children from six to 12-years of age, but all aged children are welcome. They ask that parents please accompany their children.

Missouri deer, turkey, waterfowl, and dove hunters can get the most current information on upcoming fall hunting from the Missouri Department of Conservation’s new 2023 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet and the Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2023-2024. The 2023 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet has detailed information on fall deer and turkey hunting seasons, limits, permits, managed hunts, regulations, conservation areas to hunt, post-harvest instructions, chronic wasting disease updates, and more. The Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2023-2024 has detailed information on waterfowl hunting along with hunting doves and other migratory game birds such as rail, snipe, and woodcock. It also has information on needed permits and duck-stamp requirements, hunting seasons and limits, hunting areas, regulations, and more. The booklet and digest is available where permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov Buy Missouri hunting and fishing permits from numerous vendors around the state, online at mdc.mo.gov/permits, or through MDC’s free mobile app, MO Hunting, available for download through Google Play or the App Store.

A four vehicle accident happened in Phelps County Wednesday night around 8:53 on Highway 63 south of Phelps County Road 5170 that took the lives of three people. According to the highway patrol report, a 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo driven northbound by 61-year-old Patrick Perry of Newburg, crossed the center line and struck the side of a 2007 GMC Yukon driven southbound by a 16-year-old female juvenile from Edgar Springs, before striking head-on a 2007 Ford Focus driven southbound by 19-year-old Grace Gorman of Rolla. The impact of the Monte Carlo and Ford Focus caused them to rotate in the roadway. At that time, a 2002 Ford F-150 driven southbound by a 16-year-old male juvenile from Edgar Springs, struck the Chevy Monte Carlo causing the car to travel off the right side of the roadway into a rock bluff. Pronounced dead at the scene by Phelps County Coroner Ernie Coverdell were drivers Patrick Perry of Newburg and Grace Gorman of Rolla as well as a passenger in the Ford Focus, 18-year old Michael Sutton of Edgar Springs. The bodies of Gorman and Perry were taken to the James and Gahr Mortuary in Rolla by the coroner, and Sutton’s body was taken to the Phelps County Morgue by the coroner. Suffering minor injuries from the GMC Yukon were the 16-year-old female juvenile driver and an 11-year-old male juvenile passenger. They were taken to Phelps Health by a private vehicle. All the vehicles were totaled in the accident. The 2007 GMC Yukon, 2007 Ford Focus and 2004 Monte Carlo were removed from the scene by D&D Towing while Ron Dishman’s Towing removed the 2002 Ford F-150 from the scene. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. Grant Wilson from Jason Smith’s office was in and reported Smith has been making the rounds on his farm tour while Congress was on break in August. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray reported that his work crew would be patching chip and seal roads and filling stray potholes with the Ultimate Paving Material. He said workers were also out checking on roads for problems that citizens have called about. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 5310 and 5325, while only grading was going to be done on county roads 2540 and 2550. Polk said rock would also be hauled to county road 4030 where a crew was installing a new driveway pipe. Presiding Commissioner Larson said he attended an MRPC Dues Review Committee meeting where the dues may increase for next year for member cities and counties. They will have another meeting on October 4th. Larson nominated A.J. Seay to be appointed to the County Law Enforcement Restitution Fund Board and the commission approved the nomination. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said all taxing entities have submitted their certifications to her office. She said she will be attending the County Clerk Election Authority Conference next week starting Tuesday. Curley also said the courthouse would be closed for the Labor Day holiday. Also discussed was an upgrade to the CCTV security system in the jail. The upgrade will improve the coverage from the initial installation. The cost of the upgrade is $92,638 and it will come from the county’s Construction Jail Trust Fund. The new system is to be installed in January or February of 2024. At the last meeting, the commission heard from Jason Rinker from Stronghold Data about cyber security, insurance, grants and digital maps. Engineer Corky Stack presented an invoice for the AEA Stack Engineering Design Group, and City Administrator Sally Burbridge also came in. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Thursday, September 7th at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held a special meeting Thursday at the district board room. At the meeting, the board discussed the RFP process they used to discuss the bids received. At their regular board meeting on August 17th, IT Director Brian Andrews summarized bids received instead of the board actually reviewing the bid proposal documents themselves leading to some confusion. After his summary, the board agreed to go with a bid from Communications Technologies Inc, out of St. Louis, for over $110,000 of the $120,000 grant amount for security cameras for the Motorola Vigilant system. The next day, the board called a special meeting and rescinded the approval of the bid as it was brought to the attention of the board the actual proposal documents were not presented to the board to see who actually placed the bid and what was actually proposed in the bid, not a summary. In the special meeting held Thursday, the board had been given the original proposal documentation with no other information discussed or considered. Board President Steven Patterson said the board could ask to have the project rebid, do nothing or could accept their original motion from the August 17th meeting. The board elected to go with their original motion for the Motorola System. Andrews said it would take about ten weeks to install and the school will monitor both systems side-by-side during installation to make sure no security is lost. The other $30,000 of the grant is for radios and security doors on the FFA building. After approving additions to the teacher substitute list, the board went into closed session.

An accident occurred Monday afternoon at 4:32 in Crawford County on Route M about two miles south of Highway 8. According to the highway patrol report, a northbound 2018 Razkull 125 Motorcycle ridden by 20-year-old Robert Newkirk of Cook Station, exited a driveway in front of a northbound 2001 GMC Yukon driven by 48-year-old Steven Hoerr of Steelville. Hoerr was unable to avoid the motorcycle and the GMC struck it. Newkirk suffered serious injuries and was flown to Mercy St. Louis. The motorcycle sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Miles & Son’s Towing, while the GMC sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene. The report stated that both Newkirk and Hoerr were wearing safety devices.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, encourages everyone to plan for a safe 2023 Labor Day weekend. If you’ll be on the road this Labor Day holiday, make sure your vehicle is in good working condition before you depart. Drive courteously and obey all of Missouri’s traffic laws. Remember to buckle up and pay attention as you travel.In Missouri, seven people died and 398 were injured in 1,041 traffic crashes over the 2022 Labor Day holiday. This means one person was killed or injured every 11.5 minutes. Troopers arrested 121 people for driving while intoxicated during last year’s holiday weekend. The 2023 counting period for the Labor Day holiday will be from 6:00 Friday night through 11:59 Monday night. The Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort) over the Labor Day holiday weekend. 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 Missouri Highway Patrol’s emergency report line at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on your cell phone.

Local maintenance crews will narrow Highways 32 and 72 in Dent County this morning for bridge maintenance. Weather permitting, work will take place from 8:00 to 10:00 in the morning on Highway 72 at the Stone Hill Branch Bridge near Dent County Road 5225 and also at that same time on Highway 32 from Dent County Road 4380 to Dent County Road 4400. Work will also be done from 9:00 to 12;00 noon on Highway 32 from Dent County Road 5523 to Dent County Road 4433. Advanced warning signs will be in place and flaggers will guide motorists through the work zones. MoDOT asks all motorists to help by buckling up, putting your phone down, obeying all traffic signs, and slowing down and moving over in work zones. Motorists are advised to use extra caution through work zones, obey all traffic signs, and avoid any distractions. For traffic updates or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit the Traveler Information Map.

The Salem R-80 School District Board of Directors will hold a special meeting at noon today via Zoom. After the approval of the agenda, new business before the board will be consideration of the RFP process for a security camera system and approval of the substitute teacher list. The board will then go into closed session to discuss real estate and personnel. The board will then move back into open session before adjourning.

An International Overdose Awarness Day is being held tonight at Columbia College in Rolla at 550 Blue Lake Parkway from 6:00 until 9:00 in the evening. Eeveryone is welcome to come and join in remebering all those who have lost their lives to the opiod epidemic by writing their names on luminaries. For more information, call Rebecca Losing at 573-265-2993, ext 127, or e-mail her at rlosing@meramecregion.org.

Come out to Echo Bluff State Park during Labor Day Weekend for a toe-tapping good time. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy a free concert. Starting at 8:00 Saturday night, Brandy Lee, a singer-songwriter from Mountain View, Missouri, will perform original songs and country staples. Starting at 7:00 Sunday night, Country Revival will take the stage to play classic country music. The final concert of the season will begin at 7:00 Monday night with the Baker Family. This local band tours the country, winning awards and spreading traditional bluegrass along the way. Echo Bluff State Park is located at 35244 Echo Bluff Drive in Eminence.

Do you have your tickets yet for the upcoming 9th Annual Salem Area Chamber of Commerce pro rodeo, sanctioned by IPRA/ACRA/MRCA and produced by Outlaw Rodeo Productions? The rodeo will be held this Labor Day weekend on Saturday, September 2nd and Sunday, September 3rd beginning at 7:30 each night at The Commons on Highway 72 North with the gates opening at 5:00 for family activities. There will be a number of events held including team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, calf scramble, and Blake Scaggs Mini Buckers! Advanced tickets are available at the Bank of Salem branch, both locations of Town and Country Bank, Progressive Ozark Bank and the Salem Chamber of Commerce office at 1136 South Main in the Crossroads Shopping Center. Ticket prices in advance are $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 5-11, while at the gate, ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Wear red, white and blue to honor our veterans!! The weather will be great so come on out and enjoy the rodeo!!! If you have any questions, contact Tabatha at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce at (573) 729-6900.

During the week of August 12th to August 18th there were a total of 118 calls to the Salem Police Department for service. Officers conducted 15 traffic stops for various traffic violations with four resulting in a summons or arrest, plus they conducted three traffic accident investigations along with three informational reports. On Sunday afternoon, August 13th at approximately 1:45, officers conducted a traffic stop and found the driver to have an active capias warrant from the Rolla Police Department for no insurance. As a result, 40-year-old Alisha Mcafee of Salem, was arrested and incarcerated pending extradition to Rolla. The next evening around 8:00, officers were dispatched to Wal-Mart for a report of shoplifting. It was reported that three subjects were involved in shoplifting from the store as per video surveillance. An investigation was completed and the suspects have been identified with numerous priors for stealing. Once located, the subjects will face charges for stealing and burglary. At 11:00 in the evening of Tuesday, August 15th,officers conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Highways 19 and 32. As a result of the stop, a 50-year-old Salem woman was found to be intoxicated while operating the vehicle and was arrested for a DWI. Contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any investigation.

A new hands-free cell phone law that effects every driver in Missouri started this past Monday called the “Siddens Bening Hands Free Law” that prohibits hand-held cell phone use while driving. This new law states that Missouri drivers, while a vehicle is in motion, are prohibited from physically holding or supporting a cell phone with any part of their body; manually typing, writing, sending, or reading text-based messages; recording, posting, sending or broadcasting video, including video calls and social media posts; and from watching a video or movie. The new law allows drivers to place or receive voice calls utilizing voice-operated or hands-free functions that can be engaged/disengaged with a single touch or swipe; talk on the phone, hands-free, utilizing features like built-in phone speaker, in-car Bluetooth, or ear bud/headset; send or receive text-based communication through voice-to-text features; or to utilize cell phone GPS navigation and music or podcast functions. The bill contains specific exemptions for drivers communicating in emergency situations, emergency first responders and other emergency roadside workers, and for-hire drivers. The “Siddens Bening Hands Free Law” will also make it illegal for school bus drivers to use an electronic communication device while the school bus is in motion or while loading or unloading passengers. Under the penalty provisions, a first-time violation will result in a fine up to $150, the second violation is $250 and the third violation can be up to $500, for repeat convictions within a two-year period. Additional penalties can occur, misdemeanor or felony charges, if the distracted driver causes a crash that results in significant property damage, serious injury or death. Penalty provisions will not be enacted until January 1st, 2025 to allow adequate time for public education. This law is a secondary offense meaning police will have to pull you over for something else like speeding to enforce the new hands-free law. Missouri is the 28th state to require hands-free phone use.

A three vehicle accident happened Monday afternoon at 4:40 on Route M about five miles southwest of Steelville. According to the highway patrol report, a 2013 Infiniti being driven southbound by 72-year-old Patsy Conaway of Steelville, struck the back of a 2013 Ford F-150 that was parked and stationary in the road causing the Ford to also strike a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox that was also parked and stationary in the road. Conaway suffered moderate injuries and was taken by the Steelville Ambulance to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. All three vehicles sustained moderate damage and were removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing. The report went on to state that Conaway was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will hold a special meeting tonight at 6:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers. The board will review Resolution No. 27-2023 that would authorize the mayor of the City of Salem to accept permanent sidewalk easements for the Sidewalk Construction Project No. TAP-9901 (520). The Board will then go into closed session. The meeting was called by Mayor Greg Parker.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning for their regular meeting at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray indicated grading was going to be done on Dent County Roads 6430 and 6435, and rock will be added if needed. He said brush would be cut on county road 6370 and a crew will be out trimming trees on Dent County Roads 5140 and 4160. Mobray said a man went to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal repair. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk reported that his crew would be installing six 40-foot, 42-inch culverts on Dent County Road 3220, also known as the Golf Course Road. Once installed the culverts will be concreted in. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said the Missouri Department of Natural Resources is now accepting applications for the Land and Water Conservation Fund recreational grants for any political subdivision including local governments, cities, counties and public schools. Matching funds are required for one-half the amount of the project. Matching funds can be in the form of cash, donations or in-kind assistance. The maximum amount for any application will be $500,000 with the minimum amount of $25,000. The deadline to submit an application is November 15th. If any entity has the application in before October 11th, a courtesy review of their application will be offered. For more information, please contact the Meramec Regional Planning Commission at 573-265-2993. Larson also said the road to The Commons would be trimmed up before the weekend in preparation of the Labor Day Weekend Rodeo. Madison Baker from Jason Smith’s office was in and said Congressman Smith would doing his farm tour again this year by visiting 15 counties in three days. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident happened Sunday afternoon at 5:00 in Texas County on Strawberry Road about six miles north of Houston. According to the highway patrol report, a 2003 Honda Rancher being operated by 25-year-old Braxton Haaland of Licking and heading eastbound, crossed the center line of the roadway and struck a 2003 Ford Expedition being driven westbound by 27- year-old Heather Dinwiddie of Plato. Haaland suffered minor injuries and was transported by a private vehicle to the Texas County Memorial Hospital. Both vehicles sustained minor damage and were both able to be driven from the scene. The report went on to state that Haaland was not wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident.

The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds deer hunters of regulation changes for the upcoming 2023-2024 deer-hunting season. The changes include a new firearms early antlerless portion, a new firearms CWD portion, changes to firearms antlerless permit numbers, and the addition of 14 new counties to the MDC CWD Management Zone. The changes to deer hunting regulations for the 2023-2024 deer season were motivated by increasing deer numbers throughout much of Missouri and in response to changes in the distribution of chronic wasting disease in the state. Because higher deer densities can increase the rate of CWD spread, additional deer harvest in the CWD Management Zone is needed to prevent further increases in deer numbers and help minimize the spread of the disease. Archery Deer and Turkey Hunting will run September 15th through November 10th and resume November 22ndthrough January 15th, 2024. Firearms Deer Hunting will feature a new Firearms Early Antlerless Portion that will run October 6th through the 8th in open counties. The Firearms Early Youth Portion is October 28th through the 29th. November firearms Portion November 11th through the 21st. New this year will be a Firearms CWD Portion November 22nd through the 26th in open counties. The Firearms Late Youth Portion November 24th through the November 26th. Firearms Late Antlerless Portion will be December 2nd through December 10th in open counties and the Firearms Alternative Methods Portion December 23rd 2023 through January 2nd, 2024. Get more information on regulation changes and other details for deer hunting from MDC’s 2023 Fall Deer & Turkey Regulations and Information booklet, available where permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov.

An accident happened Monday morning just after 6:00 in Phelps County at 20279 Highway 8. According to the highway patrol report, a 2012 Honda CRV being driven eastbound by 61-year-old Cynthia Brady of Jefferson City, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a fence. Brady, who was wearing a seat restraint, suffered moderate injuries and was taken by the St. James Ambulance to Phelps Health hospital for treatment. The Honda was totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeons Towing.

An accident happened in Texas County Sunday morning at 11:53 on Highway 137 about one mile south of Licking. According to the highway patrol report, a 2017 Chevrolet Trax driven northbound by 58-year-old Deborah Booker of Bucyrus, began to skid and the Trax went off the left side of the roadway, impacted a culvert and then a tree. Booker suffered minor injuries in the accident and sought her own treatment. A passenger in the Trax, 39-year-old Michael Clouse of Licking, suffered serious injuries and was flown by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in Springfield. Neither Clouse or Booker were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. The Trax was totaled and was removed from the scene by Jay’s Automotive.

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees held their regular meeting Thursday, August 24th. The full board was present as were Administrator Zach Moser and Assistant Administrator Roma Jones. After approval of the minutes of the July 17th regular meeting of the Board the Tax Rate Hearing was conducted. The floor was opened for public comment. The 2022 rate was .0959 per $100 assessed valuation and the proposed rate for 2023 was .0959 per $100 assessed valuation, the maximum allowed by statute. The motion was made, seconded and carried to set the 2023 tax rate at .0959 per $100 assessed valuation. The proposed amount is expected to generate estimated revenue of $188,207. Administrator Moser presented the communicable disease report which included 7 reported cases of COVID-19 for July. He said there were 34 active lead cases in July and that 11 sexually transmitted infection screenings were conducted during the month. Moser noted that there were no influenza cases reported in July. Moser also reported that there were 6 animal bites reported last month. In the diagnostics report, Moser said 184 blood draw appointments were completed in July, plus 9 COVID tests and 6 lead tests. There were 7 vaccines for COVID-19 and 136 other vaccinations administered. A total of 378 appointments were held during July, plus WIC appointments that totaled 320. Moser noted that in July there were 95 urine drug screenings conducted on behalf of the Dent County Treatment Court. Assistant Administrator Jones gave the environmental report where she conducted 2 total inspections, addressed one recall, and fielded 5 environmental questions. In the Administrator’s report, Moser noted that Board members had requested bios and descriptions of the jobs each employee does. He said that this information is now available on the at dentcountyhealthcenter.org/about-us. Moser discussed the Patient Satisfaction Survey with the recommended changes to the survey process which were implemented this month. The Board was reminded of upcoming events that the Health Center will be participating in including; Girls Night Out September 14th, the Drive Through Flu/COVID Clinic October 12th and the Fall Health Fair October 26th. The Health Center financial reports for July, 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. The Certificate of Deposit Resolution, which was tabled at the July meeting, was left on the table and Moser was instructed by the Board to put the CD’s out for bid. A Conflict of Interest Resolution (2023-R004) was presented, discussed and adopted by the Board. Matt Griswold with People Centric Consulting Group presented their philosophy of strategic planning and its importance. The Board took no action during open session. At 6:29 the Board went in to closed session for the purpose of discussing personnel and bids/contracts. At 7:27 the Board excited closed session having approved a bid from Victor Heating and Cooling for a mini-split and a HEPA-filtration system for the DCHC facility and a contract with People Centric for consulting services including their Pathfinder Assessment Program and their 1 day strategic planning meeting. The Board also modified the baseline pay rates for registered nurses and adjusted the health insurance policy. The next regular meeting of the Board was set for Thursday, September 21st at 5:00.

The Missouri Public Service Commission, the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) and the telecommunications industry remind customers to continue preparing for a new area code (235) in the current 573 area code in Missouri. As part of that process, customers should prepare for 10-digit local dialing. The 235 area code will be added as an overlay to the 573 region. An overlay is the addition of another area code (235) to the same geographic region served by an existing area code (573). An overlay does not require customers to change their existing area code, but does require customers to dial the area code to complete local calls. A six-month permissive dialing period began Saturday to give consumers adequate time to adjust to the dialing changes. During this period, local calls can be made with either 7 or 10 digits, and all calls that are local will continue to be local even though you dial 10 digits. Beginning February 24, 2024, all local calls made within the 573 area code must be placed using 10 digits (area code + the 7-digit telephone number). On and after that date, calls placed using just 7 digits will not be completed. Starting on March 24, 2024, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers using the new 235 area code.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Courthouse. Forest Ranger Chris Olds was in to discuss the RAC Title II Grant agreement and other services the US Forest Service offers. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson signed the agreement. Jason Sivilas with Great Rivers Engineering came in to discuss the TAP Grant for the sidewalks around the courthouse. He said it’s an 80/20 MoDOT Grant and would bring the sidewalks up to ADA compliance, plus fix the odd curb drop offs. Sivilas said the letters of support have been received, plus the total cost of the project is $491,603.75 and the cost to the county would be $98,320. This is federal funding and the county will still need to see if they will be approved after submitting the application for funding. The Commissioners agreed 3-0 to proceed with applying to see if they can get approved for funding. Project cost would not begin until 2024-2025. In the road report, District One Commissioner Wes Mobray said rock would be added and grading would be done to Dent County Road 5080, brush would be cut on county road 6370, and his crew was picking up tires around the county. District Two Commissioner Gary Polk reported that his crew was grading Dent County Roads 4010 and 4020, plus rock was being hauled to county roads 3040 and 4020. He went on to add that his men would be repairing tires on a truck. Presding Commissioner Larson reported that he attended the Tourism Committee meeting Monday where three funding applications were submitted and one was tabled due to a lack of information. He went on to report the commission approved to fund two applications with some reductions in their request. He did say five reimbursements were approved. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that bills were being approved for payment. In other business the Commission signed Resolution 8/21/23 between Dent County and Great Rivers Engineering regarding the TAP Grant $1,000 payment to prepare the application. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams reported on the CART funds received in August in the amount of $79,105.55, which is up 2.33% year-to-date from last year. Williams also reported that since The Bank of Salem got the bid to serve as the county depository, she was destroying left over Progressive Ozark Bank checks starting with number 80304 and ending with number 82000. Kristin Sullins and Tony Floyd from Intercounty were in to visit with the Commissioners and they encouraged the Commission to let them know if the county needs any help or has any issues. Corky Stack with AEA Engineering came to talk about change order #2 for the Christmas Lights and Lighting System for a total of $52,600.00. The Commission signed the contract. The next meeting of the Commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 in the Dent County Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released some reports. On Saturday, August 12th, deputies responded to the 1900 block of Route HH for a missing juvenile call. During the course of the investigation, the juvenile was located. The father of the juvenile, a 53-year-old Salem man, was arrested on multiple charges related to assault, resisting arrest and endangering the welfare of a child. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was placed on a 24-hour hold pending the issuance of formal charges. That same day deputies and other law enforcement agencies served a search warrant in the 100 block of East Third Street. During investigation, a 36-year-old Salem woman was arrested and charged with narcotics related offenses. She was transported to the Dent County Jail where she was placed on a 24-hour hold pending the issuance of formal charges. On Tuesday, August 15th, deputies responded to the 100 block of Whilhite Road for a reported theft of an ATV and some other items. The victim, an 84-year-old Davisville woman, stated that the items were stolen from her property while she was out of town. Suspect information was developed and this investigation remains open. That same day, a 24-year-old Salem woman turned herself into deputies on an outstanding arrest warrant. She was arrested and transported to the Dent County jail where she bonded out on her warrant. The case was then closed. If you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation, contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.