Local News

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, Representative Ron Copeland was in attendance and discussed legislation sent to the governor for his signature. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said brush would be cut on Dent County Road 2470 while the road crews will be out checking for washouts and storm damages from Wednesday’s downpour. Mobray said a man would also be stockpiling rock at the maintenance shed. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said grading would be done and brush would be cut on Dent County Road 4290. He said pipes will be cleaned out on county road 4050, older pipes will be removed from county road 4020 and some trees will be removed on county road 4010. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that he and the other commissioners attended the Industrial Development Authority meeting Wednesday night and received financial updates. Skiles said Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge provided updates on the certified site at the Masters’ Industrial Park and other projects. Skiles said the courthouse will be closed for Memorial Day. The commissioners decided to put out for chip and seal bids and they will be due in the Dent County Clerk’s office by June 16th at 10:00 in the morning. At the last commissioner meeting, the commission approved unanimously to purchase a new MANTIS mower/tractor from Springdale Tractor for $205,089. The funds for the purchase will come from the county ARPA Funds. The next commissioner meeting will be Thursday, June 2nd at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met last Thursday, May 19th. Health Center Administrator Zach Moser said the communicable disease report included the investigation of only 1 COVID-19 case, 5 cases of Influenza A, and 4 animal bites. Moser noted that the Health Center recommends everyone over the age of 5 get vaccinated against COVID-19. In the diagnostics report there were 170 blood draw appointments they were completed The Health Center can conduct most tests at reduced cost for those without insurance. There were 40 COVID tests during the month and tests are available ranging in price from $10 to $50, however most people can qualify for free testing and no doctor’s orders are required. Moser said that 133 COVID-19 vaccines were administered, plus 36 other vaccines. There was a total of 392 appointments during the month. Assistant Administrator Roma Jones gave the environmental report and said she conducted 4 inspections and fielded 14 environmental questions. In the Administrators report, the only items left on the construction list were replacing the back door, installing the concrete ramp to the front door, installation of a countertop in the testing room, and the installation of the remainder of the new flooring. Moser reported that the Health Center had reached an agreement with April Greener, DNP to work at the Health Center. Greener starts June 6th. According to Missouri Law, she will require a 1-month period of shadowing her collaborating physician before she can begin seeing patients. Moser said currently the Health Center is waiting on over $100,000 in outstanding payments from the State of Missouri. He said the van for the mobile unit, which was purchased in April, came in under budget. Insurance, title, and license have all been paid for and we’re awaiting on the window graphics. The Use of Company Vehicle Policy was reviewed by the Board and approved. Moser reported that the Childcare Subsidies are awaiting a working contract template for childcare providers before that program can be initiated, plus lab equipment approved for purchase last month has been delivered. Health Center expenses for March 2022 were not available at the last meeting so both the March and April expenditures were reviewed and approved by the Board. Moser reported that the Dent County Commissioners had appointed Dennis Floyd back to the Board and he will serve until the next municipal election, when he must file for the final 3 years of his term. The Board of Trustees elected Bob Parsons Chairman, Sandra Headrick Vice-Chair, Dennis Floyd Treasurer and Shirley Larson and Kim Smith as members at large. Then bids were presented for a new phone system with 8 different quotes being reviewed with varying installation and monthly costs. After much discussion the Board approved the purchase through Avaya Directly for a monthly cost of $318.14 and an implementation cost of $2,175. ARPA funding was discussed, and it was recommended that Moser draw up a proposal for lost revenue as a request for ARPA fund use. The Board then went into closed session where they discussed and declined a proposal concerning personnel, and approved a part time summer intern position. The Board set the next meeting date of June 16th at 5:00 at the DCHC.

The Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to the boating season. During the 2021 Memorial Day weekend, there were 12 boating crashes which included one fatality and three injuries. One person drowned over last year’s Memorial Day weekend. Last year, troopers made 57 driving while intoxicated and eight boating while intoxicated arrests. This year’s Memorial Day holiday counting period begins at 6:00 tonight and will last through Monday night, May 30th, at 11:59. Always be courteous and pay attention, whether you’re operating a vehicle or a vessel, and choose to be a sober driver on land and on the water. A safe, fun weekend starts with planning and good decisions. Boaters in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use the Highway Patrol’s Emergency Assistance number 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. Please be courteous to others on the water, wear a life jacket, and obey the law regarding safe operation of a vessel and no wake zones. Causing harm to another person or their property with an excessive boat wake may subject you to enforcement action or civil liability. Always treat other boaters and property owners as you want to be treated. Never operate a boat while you are impaired; never ride with an impaired operator. Remember: Life jackets save lives.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to remind the public that driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed Monday in observance of Memorial Day. Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, May 31st.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting Tuesday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. After the consent agenda was approved, the board approved Resolution #17-2022 that authorized the mayor to execute an agreement between the City of Salem and the Department of Health and Senior Services for the purpose of sewer shed disease trend monitoring; and approved Resolution 18-2022 authorizing the filing of an application with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Financial Assistance Center’s state ARPA Grant programs for a sub award for the completion of the lead service line inventory or a drinking water, wastewater or stormwater project. Jeff Medows from Archer-Elgin said the application is due by July 14th and there are three programs the city would be interested in: Enhanced treatment at the wastewater facility, the new well and water tower near the hospital, and the new EPA requirement to inventory all lead water lines. The board amended the budgeted amount to purchase a new truck for the Park and Recreation Department of up to $35,000. The board put out a bid for Professional Engineering Services to address their inflow and infiltration problem and they received only one response and that was from Archer-Elgin. They said they will use the DNR Clean Water grant to do smoke tests and isolate areas that have the most infiltration. The grant is an 80-20 grant with $50,000 coming from the grant and the city will have to pay $12,500 for a total of $62,500 cost for the work. The board approved the appointment of Bernie Sirois to the Capital Improvement Committee and Amanda Duncan to the Finance Committee. The board heard a report from ESP on improvements to city property. The HVAC for the old city hall auditorium is almost completed as the unit has been tested for heating and cooling, the police station is currently having work done which should be finished in a couple of days, and the Salem Community Center@The Armory HVAC work should begin June 6th. They discussed roofing improvements at the Park and Rec Building at 3rd and Grand where work is nearing completion, and the leak identification and mitigation at the Armory. They still can’t install the lighting at Al Brown until the water table drops about three feet. City Administrator Ray Walden said he and Jeff Medows from Archer-Elgin will meet soon with DNR on the permitting of the wastewater treatment facility Phase 2. Walden said Waste Management stated they picked up 128 tons of additional trash during the Spring clean-up weeks. The city offices will be closed on Monday, May 30th for Memorial Day. Salem Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge said the Certified Site at the Industrial Park has been cleared off and needs to be graded and seeded. She said the first run of four homes has been selected for the “Welcome Home Program” and the people who pre-qualified have been approved. They will have to come in Thursday to sign papers. The second run of houses is almost ready, and the third run needs a veteran’s family and low-income family to apply to be rounded out. Burbridge also reported on her speaking with the Salem R-80 Board about getting a loan through the Community Foundation of the Ozarks for the Construction Trades Building and the board will be holding a workshop on June 2nd. Salem Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois said the pool will open on May 28th. Swim lessons, water aerobics classes and pool party information is available at the Salem Community Center@The Armory until Monday when people can just stop by the pool for more information. She said there are a limited number of spaces left in the Salem Summer Camp in July, as well as in the OATS camp that will be held at the Salem Civic Theatre in late July. People can call her at 729-6290 for more information. The board then went into closed session.

A meeting of the Capital Improvement Committee has been called by chairman Shawn Bolerjack for this evening at 6:00 at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory located at 1200 West Rolla Road. On the agenda will be the proposed 2022-2023 Capital Improvement Projects before adjourning. The meeting Thursday evening is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department released these reports. On the evening of Saturday, April 16th at approximately 7:00, officers were dispatched to the intersection of Water and Franklin Streets for a report of a disturbance. An investigation uncovered that a male subject was highly intoxicated and causing problems with people in the area. While attempting to speak with the subject he was very uncooperative and belligerent. As a result, a 51-year-old man was arrested and placed on a 12-hour safe keep due to his intoxication. Then on the evening of Tuesday, April 19th around 8:30, an officer conducted a traffic stop at Franklin Street and Highway 19 for a brake light not working. Contact was made with the driver and the officer noticed the subject appeared to be intoxicated. After an investigation was conducted a 31-year-old Salem male subject was arrested and later released on a summons to appear in court for driving while being intoxicated. On Thursday, April 21st near 6:00 in the evening, officers were dispatched to the intersection of Water and Franklin Streets for a report of a disturbance. The investigation revealed that the same man from five days earlier was highly intoxicated and causing problems again with people in the area. As a result of the investigation, the 51-year-old Salem man was arrested and placed on a 24-hour hold pending the application of warrants. On Friday evening, April 22nd around 6:00, officers were dispatched to the intersection of Hickory and Third Streets for a report of a domestic disturbance. During the investigation, it was found one of the subjects involved had an active warrant out of the City of Salem. As a result, 30-year-old Alfred Neil Burns of Salem, was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Later that same evening at approximately 10:00, an officer conducted a traffic stop for speeding near the intersection of Highways 19 and 32. During the traffic stop the officer found the driver to be intoxicated and after further investigation, a 19-year-old Salem male was arrested. He was later released to a sober driver and issued a summons to appear in court for driving while being intoxicated. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigations.

The Run Salem 5K/10K and Healthy Dent County Color Run is this Saturday with over 150 participants from 23 different communities including a family from Illinois to help raise funds for a future trail system in our community, and to have a family fun event in Salem. The only thing more fun than running may be going as a spectator. Spectators are most needed on Fourth Street near the Start/Finish Line near Highway 19. The 5K and 10K runs will start at 8:00 in the morning while the Color Run starts at 10:00 in the morning next to the Dent County Courthouse. The enthusiasm from spectators, whether it’s expressed verbally or through encouraging signs, can help runners fight off fatigue and stay motivated. If you are watching, it’s important to stay off the road and sidewalk that is the course route. Also, please be respectful of neighbors and businesses by not leaving behind any cheer items or trash. For those driving through Salem on Saturday, expect delays at some points along the 5K/10K route on Highway 19 and Highway 32-72 as well as Routes HH and J to allow runners to safely cross those highways. Please be aware of street closures in downtown. These streets will be closed from 6:30 in the morning until 12:00 noon on race day: West 4th Street from Washington Street to Highway 19, East 4th Street from Highway 19 to Iron Street and the eastbound lane of East 4th Street eastbound lane will be closed from Iron to Pershing. KSMO Media will livestream the entire event on the KSMO Stream Facebook page, the KSMO YouTube page and at ksmoradio.com. The stream will feature live coverage of the race as well as local interviews with race organizers, runners and community leaders. You can still participate in the 5K, 10K and Color Run! You can register at runsalemmo.com today or you can register in person at the Bank of Salem Courtesy Room located at 100 W. Fourth Street on Friday afternoon from 4:00 to 6:00 or on Saturday morning from 7:00 to 7:45. For more information on this event, please visit runsalemmo.com.

In a press release by the Dent County Prosecutor’s Office, Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley released the verdict of the sentencing hearing held this past Monday by Judge Pelikan for 54-year-old Marvin Rice of Salem and the events leading up to the hearing. On December 11th, 2011, Marvin Rice was arrested and charged with the murder of Annette Durham and Stephen Strotkamp. The charge was filed by then Dent County Prosecutor Sidney T. Pearson, who requested the assistance of the Missouri Attorney General and filed a notice of intent to pursue the death penalty. After a week of jury selection and another week of trial in August of 2017, the jury found the defendant guilty of Murder in the 1st degree of Annette Durham and Murder in the 2nd degree of Stephen Strotkamp. The jury was unable to agree as to one of the two possibilities of punishment. The two options available were life without parole or the death sentence. A sentencing hearing was scheduled later that year and Judge Kelly Parker sentenced the defendant to death in Count 1 and life without parole in Count 2. The Missouri Supreme Court later overturned the sentence of death in Count 1 but affirmed the conviction. The case was then remanded back to the trial court for a new trial for the sentencing phase only on Count 1, due to a statement made by the Assistant Attorney General during oral argument. In March through April this year, a week of jury selection was conducted and once selected, another week of trial was conducted for the sentencing of Rice. St. Charles County Judge Daniel Pelikan presided over the preceding as Judge Parker had retired. At the conclusion of the preceding, the jury unanimously agreed that a sentence of death was warranted and presented the verdict to the judge. This past Monday, a sentencing hearing was conducted to determine if the Judge was going to accept the verdict or render a sentence of life without parole. Missouri Supreme Court Rule 29.05 provides that in every criminal case, “the court shall have power to reduce the punishment within the statutory limits prescribed for the offense if it finds that the punishment is excessive.” A judge can reduce a sentence but can never increase the verdict of the jury. At the conclusion of the hearing Judge Pelikan ordered a sentence of life without parole.

Memorial Day weekend is a highly anticipated opportunity for people to enjoy Missouri’s state parks, lakes, sporting events, and attractions. This means more travelers on Missouri’s roadways and an increase in boating traffic on the state’s lakes and rivers. Drivers and boat operators are reminded to follow all Missouri’s laws and be courteous. Safety should always be part of your weekend plans. If you are driving, always wear a seat belt when traveling in a vehicle. This year’s Memorial Day holiday counting period begins at 6:00 Friday through Monday night, May 30th, at 11:59. The Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort) during Memorial Day weekend. Troopers will focus their attention on hazardous moving violations, speed violations, and impaired drivers. Every available trooper will be on the road enforcing traffic laws and assisting motorists. Over the 2021 Memorial Day holiday weekend, 10 people died and 442 were injured in 1,017 traffic crashes. Motorists in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use the Highway Patrol’s Emergency Assistance number 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. For road condition reports, travelers can visit the Patrol’s website at www.statepatrol.dps.mo.gov.

Dr. Kyle Ouzts of the Dent County Veterinary Clinic in Salem will be hosting a live fifteen-minute radio call in show TODAY at 1:00 on KSMO Radio 1340 AM and 95.7 FM as well as online at ksmoradio.com. Dr. Ouzts will talk about pet safety in the summer, hydration, fleas and ticks and other things that could affect the health of your furry friends. Call Dr. Ouzts with questions starting at 1:00 at 573-729-6659.

The Dent County Commissioners held a meeting Monday morning at the courthouse. Grant Wilson from Representative Jason Smith’s office in Rolla was in attendance and talked with the commissioners about the redistricting map that was passed. In the new redistricting map, District 8 lost Crawford and Washington counties and picked up more of Jefferson County up to the Meramec River on the east side of Interstate 55 including Arnold, Festus and Hillsboro. In the road report District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray indicated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 5170, 6440 and 6470 while only grading would be done on county road 5510. He said brush would be cut on county road 2470 and Mobray said he received a petition to set the speed limit at 30 MPH on county road 6040. He went on to say that ten trees were blown down from the storms last week that had to be removed from or were near county roads. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 5300 while only grading would be done on county roads 2120, 4050, 4055 and 4405. Larson stated materials would be added to Dent County Road 2130 and brush would be cut on county road 4330. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to thank the City of Salem and the Intercounty Electric for restoring power quickly after last week’s storms. He also said he as well as the other commissioners may be attending the IDA Board meeting Wednesday at 6:00. At the last meeting, the commission approved the low bid for diesel fuel from Phil-Mart for $4.05 per gallon for 7,465 gallons. The commission also approved replacing the old 9-1-1 console equipment and installing a new 9-1-1 console and related equipment for $100,687.40 as well as support for the new 9-1-1 console for $23.831.20. The equipment and support were state bids and came from A+W Communications, Inc. This will be paid for out of ARPA funds. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

On Thursday afternoon, May 19th at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory, the Hero’s Marathon Committee presented awards and proceeds from the 2021 marathon totaling $25,000 to various veteran’s organizations. The first award presented was the Founders’ Award, named after the founder of the marathon, Bob Gravely. This award went to Representative Ron Copeland for his work in getting flags placed along the Highway 72 marathon route. The Water Station Award went to Boy Scout Troop 185 with Ozark Trail District Boy Scout Coordinator LeRoy Maurer accepting the award. Other water station winners were Team Pickleball, the Salem City of Peach Garden Club, Salem Memorial District Hospital, the Shrine Club of Rolla and the MS&T Student Veteran Resource Association. Checks were presented to the Dent County Veteran’s Emergency Fund with American Legion member Marvin Wofford accepting the check; to the VFW Post 6280 with Commander Eric Surles and Tod Kinerk accepting; and to the American Legion Post 99 Auxiliary with Barb Medlock accepting. Phelps County agencies receiving donations included the Assistance League for the Missouri Veteran’s Home, the VFW Post 2025 and the Veteran’s Memorial Park in Rolla. Pulaski County agencies receiving donations included the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 49, the Mid Missouri Chapter of the Association of the United States Army; the Army Emergency Relief Fund of Ft. Leonard Wood, the Dixon VFW and the Crocker VFW. The 2022 Hero’s Marathon will be held on Saturday, November 19th.

On May 16th, 49-year-old Leon Barnes of Springfield, pled guilty to felony counts of making a materially false statement to a federal law enforcement officer and resisting arrest during an interaction with park rangers at Ozark National Scenic Riverways. According to court documents, on July 13th of 2021, National Park Service law enforcement rangers were investigating and clearing an illegal campsite near the Pulltite section of the park when they were approached by Barnes who stated some of the items belonged to him. When Barnes was asked for identification, he provided law enforcement rangers with a fictitious name, date of birth, and social security number. Barnes then quickly accelerated his vehicle and drove away. A pursuit ensued with Barnes traveling nearly 30 miles before surrendering. It was then determined that Barnes had an active warrant for his arrest, and he admitted providing false identification because he was aware of the outstanding warrant. Barnes was sentenced to 54 and 48 months imprisonment, respectively, in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The prison terms will run concurrently and be followed by a term of two years intensive supervised release. The National Park Service law enforcement rangers were assisted in the pursuit and investigation by members of the Dent County Sheriff’s Office.

An accident happened in Washington County Sunday afternoon at 3:40 on Highway 185 north of Isert Road. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan driven northbound by 68-year-old Mike Rhodes of Steelville, traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a utility pole. Rhodes suffered minor injuries and was taken to the Washington County Memorial Hospital by the Washington County Ambulance. Rhodes was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Dodge was totaled and removed from the scene by Elliott Motors.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will hold their regular meeting this evening at 6:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers. After the consent agenda, the board will hear Resolution #17-2022 that would authorize the mayor to execute an agreement between the City of Salem and the Department of Health and Senior Services for the purpose of sewer shed disease trend monitoring; and hear Resolution 18-2022 that would authorize the filing of an application with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Financial Assistance Center’s state ARPA Grant programs for a sub award for the completion of the lead service line inventory or a drinking water, wastewater or storm water project. The board will then amend their approval of a new truck for the Park and Recreation Department. In bids, the board will go over received request of qualifications for the Professional Engineering Services. The board will hear reports from City Administrator Ray Walden, Mayor Greg Parker, Public Works Director Mark Nash, Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge, Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois and from each individual alderman. The board may go into closed session to discuss contracts before the meeting adjourns. The Salem Board of Aldermen meeting is open to the public.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held their regular meeting Thursday evening at the District Administrative Offices. After a closed session dealing with a student discipline issue, Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed discussed legislative issues with the board that she expects the governor to sign. These include the new minimum teacher’s salary and how it will affect the budget. She will go over the issues in more detail once the governor signs them into law. After the school principals gave their reports, the board approved the meal prices at the high school for the 2022-2023 year as students in Elementary, Upper Elementary and Middle School will receive free lunches. They also approved the lease of $12,600 for the Dent County Developmental Preschool that is reimbursed by the state and approved the annual contribution of $10,000 to Healthy Dent County. Dr. Reed said the school district could go back five years to make donations to Fund 4 from Fund 1 for any of the years the district did not opt to at the time. She said from the 2018-19 school year, they could allocate $282,332 from Fund 1 to Fund 4 and from the year 2019-2020, the school could transfer $531,203. This money will be used to pay for the HVAC and roofing projects currently contracted through Energy Solutions Professionals for the 2023 and 2024 fiscal years. The board approved the transfer, then approved a request for the Vo-Ag Department to take an out-of-state trip in the fall of 2022. The board approved the gym wall pad bid from State Farm Insurance for the stage end of the gym for $6,500 and accepted the full wall pad bid from Progressive Ozark Bank for $7,800. Superintendent Reed said she tried to get in touch with Corky Stack to get an idea how much it would cost to develop detailed plans for the construction trades building but did not hear back from him before the meeting. City of Salem Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge explained to the board that time is running out on the Workforce Training Program awarded to the school and the City of Salem. This program featured $438,000 of Youth Opportunity Tax Credits through the school that taxpayers can purchase and get a 50% tax credit off their state income tax, and a CDBG grant through the city of $500,000 that can be used once the monies raised from the sale of the tax credits is spent on the building project. The sale of the tax credits has only raised about $57,000 and those sales come to an end September 30th. Burbridge explained that if the school would fall short, they can get a 10-year loan from Community Foundation of the Ozarks for about $400,000 at 3.25% which would mean the school would be responsible for a $3,909 per month payment. Reed then went through the Fund 4 balances as well as expected revenues and expenses. Her assessment, based on a number of estimates, shows there are not enough funds for the repairs, the Construction Trades Building, the Tin Gym Project and the expected bond issue for a new elementary school. She said there are a number of financing options that ESP can look into, plus they can look into local financing as well. The board was not comfortable committing to any financing without seeing how the projects can be paid for, what needs to be financed and how it would affect future school expansion. The board approved a resolution to have ESP solicit bids for financing rates and amounts from local banks. They also tabled making any decisions on any type of financing until after a budget workshop is held where all options can be discussed, analyzed and calculated where paybacks can be accurately determined. The budget workshop will be held on June 2nd at 6:00 and the board approved moving the June regular meeting moved back to June 23rd at 6:00. The board accepted the resignations of Middle School Special Ed instructor Rich Beckett; and middle school physical education instructor, golf coach and assistant football coach Kyle Anderson. The board also approved a leave of absence for Middle School Principal Rich Parks to re-enter the military on October 1st for a one or two-year tour. The board then went into closed session where they employed Jennifer Fleener and Rebecca Hayes as 5th grade teachers, Jerry Adkins as the 9th grade boys’ basketball coach, and Jared Patterson as the varsity boys basketball coach. The board also approved the band stipend and extended days for Gannon Craig as well as extended days for Dalton Sanders in Vo-Ag. The board meeting was then adjourned.

The City of Salem’s Utilities Committee will hold a meeting tonight at 7:15 at the Salem Community Center@the Armory. The committee will get updated on year-to-date projects, go over financials and planned projects, and go over expenses for the next year. The committee will review utility rates which will include basic rates, service availability fees and upcoming auto-adjustment for electric rates pending no board action. The committee will review sample bills with different layouts and get updated on the Exceleron Prepay Project. The meeting is open to the public.

An accident happened on Highway 49 about a mile south of Viburnum in Iron County Saturday evening at 7:20. According to the highway patrol report, 50-year-old Shawn Barton of Salem was driving a 2004 Dodge 1500 southbound when he ran off the right side of the road and he struck a road sign and two trees. Barton suffered minor injuries and taken by ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. He was not wearing a seat restraint. The Dodge was totaled and was removed from the scene by Blackies Auto.

The 137th Graduation Ceremonies of the Salem R-80 High School will be held this evening at 7:00 at the Salem High School Football Field. After the procession of 139 graduating students, the National Anthem will be performed by the chamber choir. Assistant Principal Tori Snitker will then present the Senior Class Citizenship Award, the Best All-Around Boy and Girl Award, and students who earned the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy. Principal Marty Anderson will introduce five Salutatorians: Shanna Hawkins, Faith Pace, Dylan Seabaugh, Lesley Myree Steinbarger and Lori Terrill. Principal Anderson will also present the nine Valedictorians: Lizbeth Blanco, Andrea Bray, Emily Cloud, Jaden Flores, Collin Heavin, Brooke Plank, Makayla Raether, Sierra Rusco and Denise Stoner. Anderson will recognize the A Plus students, students who are entering the military, as well as those entering the work force and going to college. Diplomas will then be awarded to the Class of 2022 students followed by the recessional. The graduation exercises will be streamed live on KSMO Media which includes on Twitch, the KSMO Stream Facebook page and on KSMO’s YouTube page. These are all accessible by going to the KSMO Radio website and clicking on the button on the KSMO Homepage. A direct link to the Salem R-80 Graduation Exercises has been put on the Salem R-80 web site homepage at www.salemr80.org that will stream on Twitch. There is NO charge to stream the services.

The Dent County Commission met for their regular meeting Thursday morning at the courthouse. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley was absent due to prior commitments. During public comment Bob Parsons, on behalf of the Dent County Junior Livestock Committee, asked if the county would haul approximately 10 loads of chips to The Commons for the 4-H/FFA Expo July 13th to 16th. The Commission agreed to the request. In the road report District One Commissioner Wes Mobray said that weather permitting grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5510 and 6250, while rock would be added, and grading would be done on county roads 5170 and 6460. He also noted that brush would be cut on county road 2470. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson echoed Mobray’s comments about weather permitting as he reported that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2220, 2320, 2540, 2500, and some of 2150, plus materials would be added to county roads 2120 and 2150. Larson went on to say that brush would be cut on county road 4330, plus his district has finished the Conservation Rock application. He said the total for rock was about $15,000 and he was completing the notification letter and mailing it to MDC. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that the June 8th meeting with the Administration Commission on the sales tax withholding issue has been continued at the request of Department of Revenue. He said that the county was agreed with the postponement, and it may not be needed at all. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams was in with the CART receipts for May. She said that $68,287.13 was received, which was up by $1009.48 when compared to May of 2021. She said that year-to-date CART receipts are up $23,628.90 or 8.27%. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Conservation encourages Missouri hunters to apply for elk-hunting in May. MDC will offer five permits to hunt bull elk in Missouri this fall with at least one permit allocated for qualifying area landowners and the remaining permits for the general public. Only Missouri residents who will be at least 11 years of age by the first day of the hunt for which they are applying are eligible to apply for elk and bear permits during the application period of May 1st through the 31st. All permits will be assigned through a random drawing. For elk hunting, MDC has designated a nine-day archery portion running October 15th through the 23rd and a nine-day firearms portion running December 10th through the 18th. The five permits will be for bull elk and will be valid for both portions. MDC will require a $10 application fee for elk-permit applicants. Those selected will then be eligible to buy a permit at a cost of $50. All elk-hunting permits, including those allocated to approved area landowners, can be used on public or private property in Carter, Reynolds, and Shannon counties, except the refuge portion of Peck Ranch Conservation Area. The allowed hunting methods for each season portion will be the same as for deer hunting. The permits will allow for the harvest of one bull elk with at least one antler being six inches or greater in length. Apply for the elk-permit random drawing by May 31st online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, through MDC’s free MO Hunting app, through a permit vendor, or by calling 1-800-392-4115. Results of the elk-permit random drawing will be available online by July 1st.

The Salem Acoustic Jam will be held this Saturday at the Creative Arts Center at 6:30 due to the Memorial Day Holiday weekend next week. Come on out, bring your instrument and join in, or just come to listen to the music and tap your feet. All types of music are played, and whether you are a beginner or seasoned pro, everyone is welcome to participate and there is NO CHARGE to attend.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital met Tuesday evening at the hospital library. Interim CEO Don Babb said the copiers the hospital had were old and slow, so bids were put out to lease new copiers at an annual savings of about $6,300. He said the hospital is looking at New Vision, a medical detox and Suboxone clinic and doing research on advancing into that area in the future. He said the hospital has five ambulance units with over a million miles on them and the cost of a new one is about $190,000. The hospital is looking for quality pre-owned ambulances with less miles. He went on to say the hospital is planning some strategic planning with not only the staff and board, but with the community leaders sometime this summer. Babb said the contract with NRA for bad debt collections has been terminated due to inappropriate electronic contact and lack of results. He said the hospital went with ITX out of Ohio who the RHG group uses at other hospitals. In the summary of operations, Chief Financial Officer Jo Ann Hammonds reported the hospital made money during the month of April for the first time in way over a year with a cash profit of over $17,000 and a book profit from operations of $417,704.64. In the summary of operations for the month of April, the hospital had 89 inpatient admissions with 406 inpatient census days. There were 172 days of swing-bed which is up from 45 from April of 2021. The swing-bed average length of stay was 12.29 days. During the month, there were 625 emergency room visits with 53 admissions, plus there were 215 ambulance runs with 173 patients transported. In April, there were 33 surgery cases, 1,093 outpatient registrations, 5,686 lab tests, 1,138 radiological procedures, 748 rehab treatments and 175 home health visits with 11 home health admissions. The days cash on hand was at 65 with $5.3 million total cash. Hammond said that if the cash collections received by the hospital stay at the level they are now, the hospital will be able to pay off the Medicare advance money from COVID by August. Currently the hospital only gets a 50% reimbursement until that money is paid back. Chief Nursing Officer Ashley Sullins presented the results of the Community Health Needs Assessment. The primary needs as indicated by the survey are the cost of health care, substance and drug abuse, and obesity in adults and children. The survey indicated a secondary concern and that was the lack of dental care. Sullins said the hospital will partner with Four Rivers Healthcare, Healthy Dent County and the Dent County Health Department to create a plan to address these needs. Sullins also said the hospital is still following the CDC recommendations on masking at the hospital, plus at this time it is a Medicare requirement. She said the hospital will continue to review the current COVID situation and recommended guidelines. The Hospital Board member appointed to the Foundation Board was Ray Bruno and currently there are 14 teams signed up for the Foundation Golf tournament. It was also reported Michell Bland FNP will be doing FREE sports physicals in Ellington and Viburnum schools in June and August. The board approved courtesy staff privileges for Margaret Meier, MD and approved the $500 to $600 lagoon permit payment to DNR in Mid-July. The board approved an easement for Intercounty Electric in relation to the new transformer project. Bids for that project are due in June 2nd at 2:00. The board was told there are two current applications for the CEO position and attempts are being made to find a day the board can meet with both either in person or by Zoom. Jodi Gorman gave the staffing report that showed four new hires in April and 10 new hires in May. Tiffin Felkerson discussed the change in management and culture shift at the SMDH Family Clinic stressing team respect, dignity and image providing a quality service. The board approved the purchase of a refurbished Medivator Endoscope Reprocessor for a cost of $20,445 but postponed a decision on the Telemetry System until the board could be present for a demonstration. The boards then went into closed session.

Come out to the Creative Arts Center for the Springfest Arts & Crafts Show & Sale with the Spring Creek Artisans this Saturday from 9:00 in the morning till 3:00 in the afternoon. There will be unique hand-crafted gifts and home accessories created by local artists. Plus, many other activities to enjoy like music, a kid’s craft table, food truck, and more. For more information, call 247-0651 or 247-5306 you can e-mail salemartscouncil@outlook.com

A one vehicle accident happened early Tuesday morning at 3:30 in Phelps County on westbound Interstate 44 at the 192.8 mile-marker near St. James. According to the highway patrol report, 37-year-old Jaymie Bean of Rolla fell asleep while driving a 2006 Jeep Wrangler and traveled off the right side of the interstate and overturned. Bean was taken by St. James Ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. The Jeep was totaled and removed from the scene by D & D Recovery. The report stated that Bean was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will provide six free waste pesticide collection events in 2022. All of the events will be open from 8:00 in the morning to noon and are open to all Missouri farmers and households. The pick-up event closest to our area will be this Saturday in Farmington at MFA Agri Services 1363 Sainte Genevieve Avenue. Items that will be accepted include herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides, de-wormers, fly tags, and fertilizers containing pesticides. Items that will not be accepted include paint, explosives, fire extinguishers, yard waste, electronics, trash, and pesticides from businesses, pesticide production facilities, pesticide distributors, pesticide retailers or similar entities. More information about the Missouri Pesticide Collection Program can be found online at dnr.mo.gov.

An accident happened in Dent County Monday Morning around 9:15 on Dent County Road 6040 about a mile south of Highway 32. According to the highway patrol report, a 1988 Chevrolet Pickup driven westbound by 29-year-old Brent Strange of Bunker, swerved to avoid another vehicle. The pickup went off the north side of the roadway and Strange overcorrected, and the pickup went off the southside of the road striking a fence and a tree. Strange suffered serious injuries and was flown by Air Evac Air Ambulance to the Mercy Hospital in Springfield. The Chevy Pickup was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing of Salem.

The Salem Park and Recreation Department Board met on Wednesday, May 11th at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. The broad reviewed the budget and heard Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois report. The board discussed rates for the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Swimming Pool prices for 2022. The price per day for children from 3 to 13 years of age will be $5.00; for adults the cost will be $6.00; and for seniors, age 62 and older, the cost will be $5.00. A family pass for the season for four will be $200 and for an individual, the season pass will be $80. Pool parties will be available again this year. The cost will be $200 for one hour, $250 for 1.5 hours and $300 for two hours. A pool aerobics class will be available at $5.00 per day or a monthly pass of $60. The board also discussed sports program fees. They approved a five-dollar increase going from $25 per program to $30 per program with a late registration fee of $45. Director Dubois discussed her two-week Summer Camp that is to be held in July with a cost of $200 per child. Dubois also said the Park and Recreation Department is still looking for a pickup truck. The meeting was then adjourned.

Jerry Pyatt, the former president and CEO of The Doe Run Company, received one of two Awards of Professional Distinction from Missouri University of Science & Technology during the commencement ceremonies held on Saturday, May 14th. Missouri S&T grants a limited number of Awards of Professional Distinction annually to recognize persons who have made important contributions to their profession. Pyatt retired this past year after a 43-year career in mining and metallurgy. Pyatt’s impressive career started with a brief stint in the laboratory and quickly advanced through various leadership and management positions before he earned the role of COO in 2001, and president and CEO in 2012. In his decade as the company’s president and CEO, Pyatt oversaw an operation that contributed more than $1 billion in annual economic impact to Missouri, and included mining and milling, lead refining, alloying and fabrication, and lead battery recycling. He also was instrumental in guiding the company’s strategic exploration, research and technology projects that maintain Doe Run’s respected position as a provider of minerals, metals and specialty services. Under his direction, the company developed a number of proprietary technologies to improve environmental performance of metal production and increase mineral recovery. Pyatt received a bachelor’s degree in agriculture with a minor in chemistry from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He is a graduate of the Stanford University Executive Program.

Team members from Missouri State Parks invite the public to attend informational meetings throughout the state to provide their input and comments and to ask questions about the park and its operations. Park team members will be present to answer questions and provide information. A combined informational meeting for Current River and Echo Bluff state parks and Roger Pryor Pioneer Backcountry will be held this Friday evening starting at 5:30 at Echo Bluff State Park in the amphitheater. Echo Bluff State Park is located 35244 Echo Bluff Drive in Eminence. Input from the public is important to Missouri State Parks. These informational meetings and informational videos will be available for public comment in all state parks and historic sites to help create two-way communication. The meetings or videos will inform the public on the current status and future plans for the park or historic site and offer visitors the opportunity to comment on the facilities. To learn more about this meeting, call 573-858-3015. Current River State Park is located near Salem, while Roger Pryor Pioneer Backcountry is near Eminence. For more information on Missouri state parks and historic sites, or to view the Park and Site Status Map, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley was not in attendance due to prior commitments. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 6580, plus materials would be added to county roads 4210 and 4220 where patch grading was occurring due to some washouts caused by the heavy rains over the weekend. Mobray indicated Dent County Road 5550 would also be graded. In District 2, Commissioner Gary Larson said materials would be added to Dent County Roads 2320 and 2540 as part of the Conservation Rock Contract. He went on to report grading would be done on county roads 3090, 3100, 3120, 3130 and 3180. Both districts reported they had crews out removing downed trees that were blown down over the weekend from the storms. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended the public informational meeting Thursday night at Montauk State Park to find out what will be happening at the park. Skiles stated that a lot of updating and improving will be done, plus it appears the parking lot at the lodge will get extensive repairs and possibly be repaved. Skiles said information from the Department of Natural Resources showed that over 559,000 visitors in 2020 and over 483,000 last year used Montauk State Park facilities to camp, fish, eat or lodge. Skiles discussed with the commissioners about the need of a county owned UTV for the Dent County Sheriff’s Department. They had one loaned to them in the past, but Skiles said with the terrain found in Dent County, if a person should get lost and a search is needed, the county should have a UTV at their disposal quickly that could also carry a gurney for emergencies. Skiles said this could be paid for out of the ARPA funds. The commissioners agreed and Skiles will ask Sheriff Bob Wells to prepare specs for the UTV best suited for use in Dent County. The commission will advertise for bids next week and anyone interested in bidding can contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department for more information at 729-3241. Bids will be opened at 10:00 on Monday, June 6th. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams gave the report on the National Forest Service monies received by the county. In 2021, the county received a total of $182,710.24, and this year they received a total of $248,199.07. That money is divided up amongst the schools affected by the Mark Twain National Forest as well as the county Road and Bridge Fund. The Bunker R-3 School District will receive $72,039.78; Salem R-80 will get $45,532.12; Oak Hill R-1 will receive $37,602.16; the Iron County C-4 Schools in Viburnum will get $29,392.98 and Northwood R-4 will receive $1,582.26. The Dent County Road and Bridge Fund will receive 25% of the monies received and that comes to $62,049.77. 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 event to share information about Double Up Food Bucks, an incentive program that matches SNAP (food assistance) dollars spent at farmers markets and grocery stores in Kansas and Missouri so that SNAP recipients have greater access to fresh vegetables and fruits, will be held Wednesday morning at 10:00 at Country Mart on Highway 32-72 East in Salem. Details about the impact of the program to date will be given by Donna Martin, the Project Director of Double Up Heartland and Public Health Program Manager of the Mid-America Regional Council in Kansas City, as well as Joe Polizzi who is the President and CEO of Town & Country Supermarkets. Other speakers are expected including elected officials such as 143rd State Representative Ron Copeland and Mayor Greg Parker of Salem. Double Up Food Bucks provides a dollar-for-dollar match on SNAP shoppers’ purchases of fresh vegetables and fruit at participating locations. At Town & Country Supermarkets, customers who shop with their SNAP/EBT card will receive a 50% discount on their purchases of fresh vegetables and fruit. Town & Country Supermarkets started offering Double Up Food Bucks at 29 of its Missouri stores on May 4th.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will hold a special meeting tonight at 6:15 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory to consider Bill #3506 which would create an ordinance amending Chapter 115, Article II, Section 115.160 addressing staffing needs that may arise in relation to the position of City Clerk. The meeting, called by Mayor Greg Parker, is open to the public.

The Salem R-80 School Board held a special closed session zoom board meeting Thursday morning. The board accepted the resignations of high school math instructor James Felkerson, high school special education teacher Lisa Baker, upper elementary school Title match instructor Kristen Stites, alternative school instructor Shelia Curley, high school band instructor Charles Mosley, high school counselor Chelsie Fulton and middle school track coach Chris Kamprath. Next Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed read resignation letters from paraprofessionals Stevee Seay and Leslie Jones; John Boyle from the maintenance department effective August 31st, and custodian Steven McDonald. In closed session, the board approved the separation agreement between Marty Anderson and the Salem R-80 School District. The board also offered teaching contracts for the 2022-2023 school year to Liv McCluskey as a high school special education instructor, Arlin Prorock as a high school social studies teacher, Gannon Craig as a high school band instructor, Karla Tiefenthaler as a high school English teacher, Kim Dunn as a middle school match instructor and Angela Black as an upper elementary special education teacher. The board offered coaching contracts for the 2022-2023 school year to Erin Wilson as the head softball and basketball cheerleading coach, Rebecca Hayes as the assistant softball coach and Terri Welch as an assistant track coach. The special meeting was then adjourned.

Registration for kindergarten at William Lynch Elementary School will be held this morning from 8:30 until 2:30 today. Kindergarten students MUST be five years old by July 31st. Pre-School registration for children three years-of-age as of July 31st of this year and four years-of-age will be held on Wednesday and Thursday this week from 8:30 until 2:30 each day. Appointments are REQUIRED! For more information or to make the appointment, call the school at 729-6611. Parents must bring with them proof of residence, the child’s shot record and their birth certificate.

An accident happened in Phelps County Thursday afternoon at 5:56 on Phelps County Road 5010 at Little Oaks Road that took the life of a 16-year girl from Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 16-year-old girl from Rolla was driving a 2014 Toyota Rav 4 northbound on the Phelps County Road when the Toyota went off the left side of the roadway, struck a ditch and went airborne. The Toyota continued on and struck a speed limit sign and utility pole before going airborne again and overturning. The 16-year-old female driver suffered serious injuries and was taken to Phelps Health by an ambulance. Two other girls from Rolla were also in the vehicle, a 15-year-old and 16-year-old. The 15-year-old passenger was taken to Phelps Health by a private conveyance with serious injuries. The 16-year-old passenger in the Rav 4 was taken to Phelps Health where she was pronounced dead just before 7:00 by Dr. Lawrence Hutchinson Thursday evening. All the girls were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. The Toyota was totaled and removed from the scene by D&D Recovery. The Missouri State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Rolla Police Department and Rolla Rural Fire Department.

An accident occurred Saturday afternoon around 3:58 in Phelps County on County Road 7460 about nine miles south of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2001 Honda 400 EX driven by a 14-year-old juvenile male of Newburg, was travelling northbound and failed to negotiate a curve. The Honda then struck a 2022 Ram 1500 driven by 55-year-old Jeffery Ledbetter of Rolla, who was travelling southbound. At about the same time, a 1996 Honda TRX 300 EX driven by a 14-year-old male juvenile from Edgar Springs, was also travelling northbound and failed to negotiate the same curve, striking the same Dodge Ram. The driver of the 2001 Honda 400 EX suffered serious injuries and was transported by Phelps Air to University Hospital in Columbia. The driver of the Honda TRX 300 suffered minor injuries and sought his own treatment. Both injured parties were wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident. Both Honda’s sustained moderate damage and were driven from the scene. The Ram sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene.