Local News

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley has released some reports on cases heard in Dent County Friday in front of Judge Megan Seay. In the first case heard, the defendant was Roy Smith of St. Louis and he was on supervised probation after completing a RSMO 559.115 program for two counts of felon in possession of a firearm. Judge Seay revoked Smith’s probation and he was sentenced to serve 10 years in Missouri Department of Corrections as requested by the prosecutor. The next case heard was Kara Happel of Salem who had been on probation for felony possession of a controlled substance. Happel failed to complete the alternative sentencing court and was sentenced to seven years in the Missouri Department of Corrections. In the last case heard, a probation revocation hearing for Janice Bote of Rolla was held in Dent County. Bote was on probation for the possession of methamphetamine. According to the report, Bote tested positive for meth on four occasions and she had never tested negative for controlled substances while on probation. She also had failed to complete her substance abuse directive given to her by probation and parole. Bote requested to be continued on probation with her drug treatment to be completed within the community. Prosecutor Curley recommended Bote to serve 120 days in the Missouri Department of Corrections through the RSMO 217.785 program which involves a drug treatment program. Judge Seay ordered Bote to complete the 120 day program as requested by the state.

The Salem Utility Committee met Wednesday night at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. The committee reviewed the final fiscal year results with City Treasurer Stacey Houston who reported the total electric sales revenue came in at $7,105,213 which is about 30% more than last year which was expected with the rate increase plus the service availability charge. Consumption actually went down about 50,000 kilowatts but the income come in at 106% of budget and overall expenses were lower than budgeted. Houston said the water usage increased 16 million gallons and the increase in revenues was about $136,000. The sewer sales revenue with the rate increase in August went up $310,000 and gallons treated increased by seven million gallons. The electric fund finished with an excess of revenues over expenses of $515,954 and an ending balance of $597,000 even after the transfer to general revenue and to the reserves. Monies were increased in all reserve funds but have not yet reached the 25% reserve goal for electric, but the goal was reached for the water and sewer reserves. Jennifer Cochran from the Utility Department said the city e-mailed out ten test bills to make sure that everything is working properly before e-mailing any more. The committee was then informed of Mid-Missouri Municipal Power Energy Pool update on their desire to increase their reserves from 30 days to 60 days to put them in a better financial position for financing rates and even the possibility of buying ownership shares in electric generation facilities. To reach their goal, the city will be charged an additional $13,967 on their monthly MPUA bill for electricity for two years for a total of $335,209. It was suggested by committee member Rick Letchworth to pay for it now out of reserves, but the motion died for a lack of second. No other suggestion was made by the committee and currently the city will pay the amount waiting for guidance from the committee at a later date. The Utility Committee agreed to sign the letter of support of the proposition from MPUA to look into a grant to develop solar farms in the area if 50 to 80% grant funds would become available to pay for the farm. There was some discussion that this request for support should have been sent out to the committee before the meeting for their review before the letter was prepared. Public Works Director Mark Nash said there are still some main water line leaks, and that during the storm, feeder 4 had outages from tree limbs and high winds. Committee Chairman Kyle Williams said he has been asked about water testing in the city. He said results from tests can be found at dnr.mo.gov/dww and look for Salem. Additional tests could be taken but they would be at the expense of the city. The water department will get cost estimates of the tests that are available for the next meeting where the committee can determine if they want additional testing. After some questions, the meeting was adjourned.

The Dent Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday evening at 6:00. At the meeting, the board approved the minutes from the June meeting before hearing the financial report which showed an ending balance of 157,817.88 as of June 30th. Bills, payments, statements, and the budget were then reviewed by the board. The monthly reimbursement report was presented showing a total of 20 calls for the month of June bringing the total calls for the year to date to 161. In old business, it was reported that all of the parts were in for Engine 85 and work should be done by the end of next week. When the work is completed and before it can go back into service, the pumps will need to be tested and certified. Chief Brad Nash then reported to the board, giving an update on the ARPA grant which is still in the paperwork stage. Nash also reported on the gear dryer that he built for approximately $1,000. If purchased new, the cost would have been between 10,000 and 15,000. Before adjourning, the date was then set for the next meeting which will Tuesday, August 8th at 6:00 at the fire station at #2 South Main Street. The meeting next month will be open to the public.

The Board of Directors of the Salem Memorial Hospital have cancelled their special meeting for this Friday at 11:00 that was to be held at the hospital that was called on Wednesday.

The Dent County 4-H and FFA Expo kicks off today with Tuesday’s Exhibit Entries being judged starting this morning at 10:00. Then this evening at 6:00 will be the Dessert Auction. On Thursday, livestock registration will be from 9:30 until 11:30 and all livestock must be in place by 11:00. Market steer weigh-in is scheduled to start at 12:30 followed by the lamb and goat weigh-in. Market Hogs will be weighed-in starting at 3:30. The exhibitor and family supper will be at 6:00 followed by the “Pig Pals” show at 7:00. Friday’s shows will kick off at 7:00 with the hog show, followed by the Sheep and Goat Show. The Small Animal show is scheduled to start at 1:00 and it will be followed by the Beef and Dairy Show. Saturday will be the culmination of the Expo with the 4-H and FFA Market Sale at 9:00. For additional information contact the Dent County Extension office at (573) 729-3196.

The City of Salem’s Utility Committee will meet tonight at 6:15 at the Community Center @ The Armory. After the welcome and roll call will be the financial review. Emailing and/or mailing utility bills will be updated along with the MMMPEP Committee. A letter of support will be considered followed by a Utility Operations update. Water testing will be discussed followed by questions and comments. The meeting was called by Utility Committee Chair Kyle Williams.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting Tuesday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. The board approved Resolution #24-2023 authorizing the mayor and Board of Aldermen to approve an agreement with the Dent County Collector, county commission and county treasurer for the collection of personal property and real estate taxes due the City of Salem and Salem Public Library for the annual price of $18,500 for the 2023 through 2026 years. The board approved a letter signed by the mayor and the board to support a grant application for providing low-cost renewable energy through the Missouri Public Utility Alliance. If the grant would be approved, the board would support the construction of new solar farms for the cities served through the MPUA that could be integrated into the city’s wholesale system. The board approved the recommendation by Lochner for BuildTec Construction LLC to provide all labor, materials, equipment and performance of all work to build a six-unit T-Hanger at the Salem Memorial Airport for $624,900 which is under budget. In association with the bid award, the board approved the Letter of Concurrence of Project Award required by MoDOT that includes all the paperwork associated with the hanger project including the budget and grant. The board tabled Resolution #23-2023 dealing with the agreement with the Dent County Animal Welfare Society as they need more time to review and prepare a contract. The board heard the 1st reading of Bill #3553 creating an ordinance for the mayor to execute the agreement between the City of Salem the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission for the construction of a six-unit T-Hanger project at the airport. The board did NOT approve Bill #3543 that would have increased service availability rates and electric rates for the non-resident electric customers. The board felt they need to develop a policy that would be adaptable to all the utilities that are provided to non-resident customers. The board approved Bills #3544 through 3550 that dealt with amending the municipal employment provisions to ensure the city’s codes and personnel policy are complimentary and work together. In the reports from officials, Mayor Greg Parker wanted to thank the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and Tabitha Utley for all her work for the Independence Day parade. Public Works Director Mark Nash reported the old Walnut Motel has been taken down to clear the area for the constriction of the new McDonalds. He said the city is currently working on getting all the easements signed and recorded from the owners who have the property on 4th Street so the city can move forward with the downtown TAP grant. He wanted to remind people to conserve energy to keep their bills down during these upcoming warm days. He also said the city will be picking up storm limbs and branches at no charge July 17th through the 21st for those residences who place them out at their curb. Again, please bundle them if you can to make it easier for the city crews to load on the trucks. The board then went into closed session.

An accident happened Monday afternoon at 2:50 in Crawford County on eastbound I-44 at mile marker 208.8. According to the highway patrol report a 2017 Ford F-550 being driven by 32-year-old Samuel Osseck of Union, struck the rear of a 2015 Chevrolet Traverse being driven by 19-year-old Ethan Volkman of Rolla who was attempting to merge onto the interstate. The Ford then travled off the left side of the highway and struck the median barrier. The Chevrolet traveled off the right side of the road and struck an embankment. Volkman and a passenger, 18- year-old Alizaya Doyle also of Rolla, suffered moderate injuries. Doyle was taken to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan by the Steelville ambulance while Volkman was flown to Mercy St. Louis by Phelps Air. The Chevrolet was totaled and the Ford had minor damage. Both were removed from the scene by Chris and Sons Towing. The report went on to state that all involved were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

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.

The Board of Directors of Salem Memorial Hospital will meet Friday morning at 11:00 in the hospital library. The meeting is being held to hold a Budget Discussion. The meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Community Choir will present its summer concert series starting this Sunday at the Dent County Courthouse. The concert is free and begins at 2:00 in the afternoon. Some refreshments will be served.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 2400 while only grading would be done on county roads 4080 and 5450. He did say brush would be cut on county road 4220. Mobray also reported he received a call from US Forest Ranger Chad Keith who said the county was receiving an additional $43,000 in Title II money for materials for Dent County Road 5600 which is better known as the Turtle Loop located in the Mark Twain National Forest. The work by the county was to be completed by September 30th, but the county was granted an extension to December 31st due to the late notice. District 2 commissioner Gary Polk reported materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 3225, 3250 and 3253 while only grading was going to be done on county roads 3080, 3270, 3273 and 3275. Polk stated he and the road supervisor checked on the problem at the Siers residence on Dent County Road 3240 where there was an excess of chips from the chip and seal work that was in his yard making it difficult and dangerous to mow. Polk said they talked with his wife and told her what they plan on doing to alleviate the extra chips and she was fine with their discussion. Polk also said that Dick Kitchen reported brush across county road 3253 which was removed. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said an MRPC electronics and tire collection would be held in Salem at 3rd and Grand Streets at the city water building, sponsored by the Solid Waste Management District. The collection will be held Saturday, September 9th and there will be charges for monitors and TV’s as well as tires. More information will be released nearer to time on hours. Commissioner Mobray then reported the county road and bridge department had been looking for and found a used 2015 20-ton hydraulic trailer that could be used to haul equipment from location to location when needed for $19,000 in like “new” condition owned by Rodney Osborne of Licking. The commission unanimously approved the purchase. State Representative Ron Copeland was at the meeting Monday to report that Governor Parson had signed 31 bills and vetoed one which was Senate Bill 189 because the bill could allow criminals convicted of sexual offenses, including sexual exploitation of a minor or the promotion of child pornography, to have their records expunged and be removed from the sex offender registry. The bill also expands the qualifications for restitution from those who are exonerated based on DNA evidence with the increased restitution amount by more than 75 percent for eligible individuals. The governor does not believe every taxpayer across the State should be responsible for prosecutorial errors made at the local level. Governor Parson said SB 189 contains many public safety measures that he supports and would like to sign into law, including Blair’s Law, Max’s Law, increased penalties for violent repeat offenders and gun crimes, and strengthening the public defender system, but in this case, these unintended consequences unfortunately outweigh the good. There was also a lengthy discussion on the passage of SB 190 which would provide some tax relief for senior citizens on their real estate taxes if approved by either the county commission or by a vote of the people. Many of the terms used and descriptions given were too vague as to the responsibilities of office holders so the Missouri Association of Counties will be holding a zoom meeting on Tuesday morning, July 18th, to discuss this new legislation. At the last meeting, Coroner Ben Pursifull reported to the commission the state agreed to pay the $2,500 bill from Boone County on the autopsy that was performed on Lillian McCarter from last year. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO), the sole supplier of blood, platelets, and plasma to patients at 44 area healthcare facilities, needs blood donors to help ensure a strong summer blood supply to help avoid typical summer blood shortages for local use. As a sweet, summer treat, successful donors will receive a FREE ICE CREAM voucher from Dairy Queen, Culver’s OR Hiland Dairy. In addition, donors will receive a limited edition “Chillin’ in the Ozarks” T-shirt, while supplies last. Community Blood Center of the Ozarks donors provide all the blood for patients at Salem Memorial Hospital, as well as dozens of healthcare facilities across the Ozarks. The next CBCO Blood Drive will be today from 1:00 to 6:00 this afternoon at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall Library located at 201 N. MacArthur. Anther CBCO Blood drive will be held this Friday at the Salem memorial Hospital Doctor’s Library from 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon. To help avoid wait times, appointments are strongly encouraged. Donors can schedule an appointment at www.cbco.org/baseball or by calling 417-227-5006.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will hold their regular meeting this evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. The board will discuss Resolution #24-2023 to allow the mayor to execute agreement between the city and county collector, commission and treasurer for the collection of taxes due to the City of Salem and Salem Public Library on real and personal property. The aldermen will also discuss a solar grant letter of approval, the airport T-Hanger bids and the letter of concurrence of project award. The city will also discuss Resolution #23-2023 dealing with an agreement between the city and the Dent County Animal Welfare Society and when it will become effective. The board will hear a first reading of Bill #3553 authorizing the mayor to sign an agreement with the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission to aid in the construction of a 6-unit Hangar Project at the Salem Airport. The board will also hear a second reading on a number of bills ranging from electric rates changes to employee manual and city code corrections that compliment each other. The board will then hear reports of city officials before going into closed session to discuss contracts. The meeting tonight is open to the public.

“Recollections” is a revival of Salem Public Library’s older adult program, providing an opportunity to gather and share memories on a central theme. While anyone is welcome, the content is designed for those who are at least 60 years of age. Programs will be held in the library’s downstairs meeting room at 10:30 in the morning on the second Wednesday of each month. The next meeting will be July 12th. Please use the outside ramp or stairs on the north side of the building. Library membership is not required and there is no fee for participation. For more information, call 729-4331. The Salem Public Library is located at 403 North Jackson.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Salem would like to congratulate the Independence Day July 4th Parade winners. Taking the 1st place commercial entry award was Riverways Federal Credit Union, while the 1st place noncommercial entry award went to the SOCMO Clowns. The 1st place horsemanship award went to Jodie Dean. Congratulations to all the winners and a big thank you from the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce to all those businesses and organizations that had an entry in the parade.

A one vehicle accident happened early Saturday morning at 3:40 in Dent County at Dent County Road 4270 and Highway 72. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Nissan Frontier being driven south by 20-year-old Jeremiah Hickernell of Rolla, traveled off the left side of the road, struck a tree and then overturned. Hickernell, who was not wearing a seat restraint, suffered moderate injuries and was taken by ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla. The Nissan sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by American Muffler. Hickernell was arrested for a DWI, failure to drive on the right side of the roadway, not wearing a seat belt, and having no insurance.

An accident happened Friday afternoon at 12:25 in Crawford County at 960 Highway 8. According to the highway patrol report, a white Ford Van driven westbound by 19-year-old Faith Wigger of Steelville, attempted to make a left hand turn when the Ford was struck from behind by a Red Dodge Pickup that was attempting to pass the Ford, driven westbound by 40-year-old Chad Walker of Steelville. The Ford Van came to rest facing southbound while the Dodge ran off the roadway to the left and came to rest facing westbound. Suffering minor injuries in the accident were the driver of the Ford, Faith Wigger who did not get medical treatment at the scene; and a passenger in the Ford, 29-year-old Samantha Owens of St. James. Owens was taken to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. None of the parties involved were wearing safety devices. Both vehicles sustained moderate damage and were towed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing.

An accident happened Sunday morning at 6:41 in Phelps County on Highway 63 about two miles south of Edgar Springs. According to the highway patrol report, a 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer driven northbound by 20-year-old Alexis Coats of Rolla, traveled off the right side of the roadway, went across a private drive, then struck a mailbox as well as a highway sign before the Trailblazer overturned. Suffering minor injuries was Coats who was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. Coats was taken by the Phelps Healh Ambulance to the Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla. The Chevy was totaled and removed from the scene by Lucas Garage.

An accident happened in Texas County Sunday afternoon at 2:00 on Highway 137 about four miles south of Licking. According to the highway patrol report, a 2023 Nissan Rogue driven by 87-year-old Janet McKean of Rolla, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck two culverts. McKean suffered minor injuries and was taken by ambulance to the Texas County Memorial Hospital. She was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Rogue sustained moderate damages and was towed by Jay’s in Houston.

The Missouri Humanities strives to highlight the uniqueness of rural Missouri, and to showcase the bigger picture of what Small Town America really is, and why it shouldn’t be overlooked, overshadowed, or under appreciated. Each year, communities are nominated and voted on by Missourians in their “Small Town Showcase” to become one of their annual “Featured Five” communities. Salem has been nominated this year. Each of the “Featured Five” communities will work with Missouri Humanities on a short video about their community, an hour-long podcast in a roundtable-style, a feature in their bi-annual publication called MoHumanities, and a highlight reel that will feature all five of the communities to be shown during their annual gala. Help choose which communities will be featured in the Small Town Showcase 2024 by voting by this Saturday and the 5 communities with the most votes will be the winners. You may vote for up to five different communities. To vote on or to read each of the communities’ nominations, go online to the mohumanities.org website and click on the “Programs” tab to find the “Small Town Showcase.”

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will be meeting Tuesday evening at 6:00 at the fire station at 32 South Main Street. The board is expected to review and approve the minutes of the June meeting. The board will then hear the financial report, approve bills, plus review the budget and calendar. After the monthly reimbursement report, any old business will be addressed and new business may be brought before the board. Fire Chief Brad Nash will make his report to the board and the date will then be set for the August meeting before adjourning. The meeting Tuesday evening will be open to the public.

The Salem Area Arts Council will offer a “Red, White and Blue” tye dye class this Tuesday from 4:00 to 6:00 at the Creative Arts Center with Laura Miller. All ages including children with a legal guardian are welcome to celebrate the colors of our flag with a patriotic tye dye shirt. Wear play clothes and gloves to avoid unwanted stains!!! All materials are provided and the cost is $25 per person. At least two people must sign up to hold the class with a maximum 8 people. Sign up at the salemcommunitybetterment.com website under “Programs” for the Creative Arts Center.

The Salem Public Library will be hosting a “Preschool Story Time“ with Carrie Tuesday, from 10:30 until 11:15 in the morning in the North Basement Room. This program is for all area preschoolers and their caregivers and is held every second Tuesday of every month. They will also be holding an “All Together Now” Superhero Program in the North Basement Room from 1:00 until 2:30 on Tuesday where all superheroes from the area will share stories about adventure and participate in crafts and games with young children. The program is designed for children from Kindergarten through the 5th grade. The event is free and no library card is needed. For more information, call 729-4331. The Salem Public Library is located at 403 North Jackson.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Salem would like to congratulate the Independence Day July 4th Parade winners. Taking the 1st place commercial entry award was Riverways Federal Credit Union, while the 1st place noncommercial entry award went to the SOCMO Clowns. The 1st place horsemanship award went to Jodie Dean. Congratulations to all the winners and a big thank you from the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce to all those businesses and organizations that had an entry in the parade.

A one vehicle accident happened early Saturday morning at 3:40 in Dent County at Dent County Road 4270 and Highway 72. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Nissan Frontier being driven south by 20 year old Jeremiah Hickernell of Rolla, traveled off the left side of the road, struck a tree and then overturned. Hickernell, who was not wearing a seat restraint, suffered moderate injuries and was taken by ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla. The Nissan sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by American Muffler. Hickernell was arrested for a DWI, failure to drive on the right side of the roadway, not wearing a seat belt, and having no insurance.

An accident happened Friday afternoon at 12:25 in Crawford County at 960 Highway 8. According to the highway patrol report, a white Ford Van driven westbound 19-year-old Faith Wigger of Steelville, attempted to make a left hand turn when the Ford was struck from behind by a Red Dodge Pickup that was attempting to pass the Ford, driven westbound by 40-year-old Chad Walker of Steelville. The Ford Van came to rest facing southbound while the Dodge ran off the roadway to the left and came to rest facing westbound. Suffering minor injuries in the accident were the driver of the Ford, Faith Wigger who did not get medical treatment at the scene; and a passenger in the Ford, 29-year-old Samantha Owens of St. James. Owens was taken to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. None of the parties involved were wearing safety devices. Both vehicles sustained moderate damage and were towed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing.

An accident happened Sunday morning at 6:41 in Phelps County on Highway 63 about two miles south of Edgar Springs. According to the highway patrol report, a 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer driven northbound by 20-year-old Alexis Coats of Rolla, traveled off the right side of the roadway, went across a private drive, then struck a mailbox as well as a highway sign before the Trailblazer overturned. Suffering minor injuries was Coats who was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevy was totaled and removed from the scene by Lucas Garage.

An accident happened in Texas County Sunday afternoon at 2:00 on Highway 137 about four miles south of Licking. According to the highway patrol report, a 2023 Nissan Rogue driven by 87-year-old Janet McKean of Rolla, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck two culverts. McKean suffered minor injuries and was taken by ambulance to the Texas County Memorial Hospital. She was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Rogue sustained moderate damages and was towed by Jay’s in Houston.

The Missouri Humanities strives to highlight the uniqueness of rural Missouri, and to showcase the bigger picture of what Small Town America really is, and why it shouldn’t be overlooked, overshadowed, or under appreciated. Each year, communities are nominated and voted on by Missourians in their “Small Town Showcase” to become one of their annual “Featured Five” communities. Salem has been nominated this year. Each of the “Featured Five” communities will work with Missouri Humanities on a short video about their community, an hour-long podcast in a roundtable-style, a feature in their bi-annual publication called MoHumanities, and a highlight reel that will feature all five of the communities to be shown during their annual gala. Help choose which communities will be featured in the Small Town Showcase 2024 by voting by this Saturday and the 5 communities with the most votes will be the winners. You may vote for up to five different communities. To vote on or to read each of the communities’ nominations, go online to the mohumanities.org website and click on the “Programs” tab to find the “Small Town Showcase.”

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will be meeting Tuesday evening at 6:00 at the fire station at 32 South Main Street. The board is expected to review and approve the minutes of the June meeting. The board will then hear the financial report, approve bills, plus review the budget and calendar. After the monthly reimbursement report, any old business will be addressed and new business may be brought before the board. Fire Chief Brad Nash will make his report to the board and the date will then be set for the August meeting before adjourning. The meeting Tuesday evening will be open to the public.

The Salem Area Arts Council will offer a “Red, White and Blue” tye dye class this Tuesday from 4:00 to 6:00 at the Creative Arts Center with Laura Miller. All ages including children with a legal guardian are welcome to celebrate the colors of our flag with a patriotic tye dye shirt. Wear play clothes and gloves to avoid unwanted stains!!! All materials are provided and the cost is $25 per person. At least two people must sign up to hold the class with a maximum 8 people. Sign up at the salemcommunitybetterment.com website under “Programs” for the Creative Arts Center.

The Salem Public Library will be hosting a “Preschool Story Time“ with Carrie Tuesday, from 10:30 until 11:15 in the morning in the North Basement Room. This program is for all area preschoolers and their caregivers and is held every second Tuesday of every month. They will also be holding an “All Together Now” Superhero Program in the North Basement Room from 1:00 until 2:30 on Tuesday where all superheroes from the area will share stories about adventure and participate in crafts and games with young children. The program is designed for children from Kindergarten through the 5th grade. The event is free and no library card is needed. For more information, call 729-4331. The Salem Public Library is located at 403 North Jackson.

A one vehicle accident happened Thursday morning at 7:10 in Dent County on Route O about two miles west of Anutt. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 GMC Sierra being driven west by 31-year-old Erann Hudson of Salem, traveled off the right side of the roadway in a curve coming to rest against a tree. Hudson suffered moderate injuries and was taken to the Salem Memorial Hospital by Salem EMS. The GMC sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. Hudson was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning with a full contingent of commissioners for the first time since February after Gary Polk was officially sworn in as the new 2nd District Commissioner Wednesday morning. He was to be sworn in Monday morning, but that was put off until Wednesday when the commission decided to close the courthouse that day. Craig Siers from Dent County Road 3230 was in to talk with the commission about the bad chip and seal work that was done on the road and the chips that have came loose from the chip and seal that are now in his yard making it difficult to mow. Commissioner Polk said he would check out the road next week with his road supervisor to see what can be done. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated that more gravel is being stockpiled at the county shed. He said materials were being added and grading done on Dent County Road 2400 while only grading was being done on county road 5440. He went on to report crews were working on a pickup at the shop to correct an electrical issue. Mobray indicated the county has delivered four loads of wood chips to “The Commons” show barn and stalls for the 4-H and FFA Livestock Auction that will be held next week. He also stated that all the chip and seal work by Blevins Asphalt is now finished. Mobray also reported that he negotiated a preliminary engineering fee with Great Rivers Engineering on their supplemental agreement for the FLAP 77 project which is the asphalting of Dent County Road 6670 from Tan Vat to Montauk. The FLAP 77 project is to be fully funded by the grant, but the county is responsible for the preliminary engineering cost of the project. Great Rivers requested $5,000 from the county which was to be paid in 2024 when the project is scheduled to be done. Mobray said he negotiated the price down to $2,438.57 and it will be budgeted in the 2024 county budget. New District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said grading is going to be done on Dent County Roads 6130, 6140 and 6160 while grading is also scheduled to be done on county roads 3040 and 3160. Polk said those roads won’t be graded until it is determined if they need to have materials added before the grading is to occur. Polk also said a man would be stockpiling gravel at the county maintenance shed. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said the Independence Day Parade Tuesday was well attended and had quite a few entries including many new business entries. He wanted to thank the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and City of Salem for all the work they did in putting on the parade. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk wanted to let the commission know the tourism tax dollars received for June totaled $9,037.47 which equates to near $450,000 in business with the local motels/hotels, campgrounds, vacation rentals as well as AirBnB’s. Corky Stack from Stack Design and Consulting Group was at the meeting to update the commission on work done on the courthouse. He also presented to them a payment voucher for the contractor. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

Though it’s been a drier start to summer than usual, seasonal growth along Missouri’s roadways still needs to be mowed. The Missouri Department of Transportation urges motorists to use caution when encountering tractor mowers near the shoulders of interstates and other busy roadways. Major and minor routes will be mowed at least three times through the end of October. MoDOT mows about 400,000 acres of grass each year, which is equivalent to 300,000 football fields. MoDOT crews use a protective “follow” truck to alert motorists they are approaching slow-moving mowers. Drivers are advised to use the following tips to safely pass mowers on rural two-lane roads. First, be alert for trucks and tractors with lights flashing and moving slowly at about 2 to 5 mph; second, slow down and focus on the road ahead of you which means put your cellphone down and avoid other distractions; third, be prepared to stop or drive very slowly behind a “follow” truck, especially approaching a hill or curve on a two-lane road; and fourth, obey the no-passing zone stripes, and only pass when you can see far enough past the “follow” truck to avoid meeting oncoming traffic. Between mowing cycles, you can report grass and weeds blocking visibility at intersections along state-maintained roads by calling MoDOT’s 24/7 Customer Service Center at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or by going to modot.org/report-road-concern.

Due to the Dent County Courthouse renovation, the construction crew has notified the Dent County Commission and all the office holders that the front doors to the courthouse (those on the west side facing Highway 19) will be closed through Friday, July 14th. If you plan on going to the courthouse to a commission meeting or to see the collector, county clerk, assessor or treasurer, please use the back entrance doors of the courthouse which are the east doors that face Iron Street.

The draft fiscal year 2024-2028 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) 30-day public review and comment period ends TODAY. Those projects in the STIP for Dent County include a scoping engineering project on Route TT for bridge improvements over Crooked Creek in the next two years, the bridge replacement on Highway 19 South over Gladden Creek at an expected cost of $1,827,000 in the 2024 fiscal year, pavement improvements to Route K from Highway 19 to Route KK as well as on Route J from Highway 72 to Highway 32-72 at a cost of $2,071,000 in fiscal year 2025, upgrades to pedestrian facilities on Highway 32 to comply with the ADA Transition Plan at a total cost of $1,991,000 that will begin in fiscal year 2025 with the engineering and right-of-way purchase followed by the construction beginning in fiscal year 2026; the bridge improvement on Route B over Dry Creek at a cost of $1,330,000 in the 2026 fiscal year, and the bridge improvement on Highway 19 over Spring Creek for $231,000 in fiscal year 2027. The STIP program is available on MoDOT’s website: www.modot.org. Those interested in offering comments can contact MoDOT by email to STIPcomments@modot.mo.gov or by calling customer service at 1-888-275-6636.

Governor Mike Parson appointed Lacey Brumley of Rolla to fill a vacancy on the Missouri Board of Occupational Therapy on Monday, July 3rd. Ms. Brumley currently serves as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant at Centerwell Home Health in Rolla. She is a licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant and a member of the Missouri Occupational Therapy Association. Ms. Brumley holds an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Occupational Therapy from East Central College.

On-demand printing and laminating services that had been provided at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Missouri Geological Survey in Rolla came to an end this past Saturday, July 1st. There are still free copies of topographic and mineral maps that remain available for download for personal printing through the U.S. Geological Survey at usgs.gov. Interactive geologic maps, research tools and other resources from the Missouri Geological Survey are also available online at share.mo.gov/nr/mgs. Director of the Missouri Geological Survey Carey Bridges stated that customer traffic for their map printing services has declined steadily over the years with the information now available online. Bridges indicated the Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology in Rolla remains open to the public during regular business hours. Items such as the popular Missouri Rocks and Minerals Set as well as printed copies of the Geologic Map of Missouri, Mineral Resources and Industry Map of Missouri, and Geologic Wonders and Curiosities of Missouri will remain available for purchase for museum visitors. Founded in 1853, the Missouri Geological Survey’s mission is to collect and distribute information about Missouri’s water, mineral and energy resources. Its five technical programs include the Dam and Reservoir Safety, Geological Survey, Land Reclamation, Soil and Water Conservation and Water Resources Center.

The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO), the sole supplier of blood, platelets, and plasma to patients at 44 area healthcare facilities, needs blood donors to help ensure a strong summer blood supply to help avoid typical summer blood shortages for local use. As a sweet, summer treat, successful donors will receive a FREE ICE CREAM voucher from Dairy Queen, Culver’s OR Hiland Dairy. In addition, donors will receive a limited edition “Chillin’ in the Ozarks” T-shirt, while supplies last. Community Blood Center of the Ozarks donors provide all the blood for patients at the Salem Memorial Hospital, as well as dozens of healthcare facilities across the Ozarks. The next CBCO Blood Drive will be held Tuesday from 1:00 to 6:00 PM at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall located at 201 N. MacArthur. To help avoid wait times, appointments are strongly encouraged. Donors can schedule an appointment at www.cbco.org/baseball or by calling 417-227-5006.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held a special meeting at the city hall council chambers Thursday afternoon to address a few special issues that needed to be approved before the new fiscal year for the city which began on Saturday, July 1st. At the meeting last Tuesday night, numerous bills were read for the first time including the bill to approve the new fiscal year budget, but two bills exclusively dealt with the electric utility. Bill #3541 requested changing the time frame used to determine an automatic rate increase or decrease for the electric rates to May of the current year through April of the next year so that the numbers could be, as City Administrator Sally Burbridge said “trued up,” or be accurate with the billing received by the public. The old time frame used was from July of the current year through June of the next year, but those numbers were not accurate with the biling cycle of the city. The bill was approved. Bill #3542 discussed raising the electric rates by 3.5% as recommended by the utility committee after a long discussion and number crunching session. The rate was automatically set to increase by 7.7% as determined by the cost of power by the city, but the committee felt the public had seen enough rates raised over the year. The 3.5% increase in rates was approved. The last bill to be discussed was the Fiscal Year 2024 budget which was recommended by the finance committee which included a request for $10,000 to be put toward fireworks in 2024. The board approved the budget but would like the public who has been so vocal about the fireworks the past couple of months be involved in helping raise the remainder of the funds. This money is not only for the purchase of the fireworks, but for the additional costs of police overtime, insurance, the renting of the Commons, and in the past, the lease included maintenance of the property to get it ready for the display. The board wants to remind the public that just because an amount is in the budget, it does not mean that amount will automatically be spent if the remaining money can’t be raised. The meeting was then adjourned.

Sheriff Bob Wells and Dent County Prosecutor Andrew M. Curley will be presenting a check for the sum of $1,950.00 to Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams to be placed into the local school fund for Dent County. The money is the result of efforts by law enforcement involving the seizure of currency possessed in connection with the arrest and prosecution of Cody Martin for trafficking methamphetamine in Dent County. Martin was charged with a Class B felony for trafficking drugs in the second degree. In addition to the criminal conviction, the seizure is authorized by Missouri law as a punishment and deterrent to persons that realize currency through the commission of a crime. This money will be used for the benefit of the local school system.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages the public to discover nature during frogging season which started Friday at sunset and will last through October 31st. Those with a fishing permit or small-game hunting permit may frog for bullfrogs and green frogs. The daily limit is eight frogs of both species combined and the possession limit is 16 frogs of both species combined. Only the daily limit may be possessed on waters and bank of waters where frogging. MDC notes that daily limits end at midnight. Froggers who catch their daily limits before midnight and want to return for more frogging after midnight must remove the daily limit of previously caught frogs from the waters or banks before returning. The public can go frogging with a fishing or small-game hunting permit, but children 15 and under and Missouri residents 65-years and older are not required to have a permit. Those using a fishing permit may take frogs by hand, hand net, atlatl, gig, bow, trotline, throwline, limb line, bank line, jug line, snagging, snaring, grabbing, or pole-and-line. With a small-game hunting permit, frogs may be harvested using a .22-caliber or smaller rimfire rifle or pistol, pellet gun, atlatl, bow, crossbow, or by hand or hand net. The use of artificial light is permitted when frogging. For more information, visit mdc.mo.gov.

The Missouri Department of Transportation reports that some construction work will be going on in the immediate listening area in the next few days. In Crawford County on Routes H, NN, and YY, MoDOT plans to do pavement repair today and Thursday. One lane will be open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zone. Also on Route PP in Crawford County, a culvert pipe is being replaced today and Thursday with one lane open, and crews flagging traffic through the work zone. In Dent County, MoDOT will doing pavement repair today and Thursday on Route ZZ with one lane open, and crews flagging traffic through the work zone. in Phelps County on Route NN, work crews will be doing pavement repair through Thursday. One lane will be open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zone. MoDOT also continues their road resurfacing on Interstate 44 from Exit 186 to Exit 195. There will be around–the-clock lane closures from Highway 63 to highway 8-68. The project on Interstate 44 is scheduled for completion in December 2023.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Salem will hold their annual 4th of July Independence Day Parade Tuesday evening stating at 6:00. This year’s Grand Marshall is Keith Steelman. The parade will leave from the SBU-Salem campus and progress east on Franklin to MacArthur, then make a left turn and travel north to 4th Street where the parade will veer right and head down to the Dent County Courthouse. Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy the parade. Bring your lawn chairs and cold beverages to stay well hydrated. If you can’t make it to the parade, KSMO Media will be streaming the parade LIVE on the KSMO Stream Facebook page, the KSMO YouTube channel and on ksmoradio.com which is our Twitch channel. All three of the streams will be available at the KSMO website home page (ksmoradio.com). The parade will probably begin streaming around 6:15. There is no cost to stream the parade and if you can’t watch it live, it will be archived for playback at a later time.

This Fourth of July, the Ozark National Scenic Riverways is partnering with local law enforcement agencies to emphasize the importance of driving sober and saving lives on America’s roads. Visitors will see an increased presence of officers working together in and around the park during this holiday weekend to take impaired drivers off the roads. These expanded efforts to protect against impaired driving will be conducted in a fair and equitable way. You can “Beat the Heat” by making a commitment to sober driving. From 2017 to 2021, there were 1,460 drivers killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the Fourth of July holiday period and 38% of the drivers killed were drunk. Sadly, many people think driving impaired is no big deal. Though Missouri has legalized marijuana for recreational use, it is still illegal to use it on federal lands, including national parks like Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Driving while impaired by marijuana is illegal everywhere. If you plan on coming to the park for the holiday, be sure to celebrate safely. It’s important for everyone to understand that federal law prohibits any open alcohol containers in a motor vehicle, to include use by passengers, and that UTVs are also motor vehicles. A simple rule is to keep alcohol stowed away, out of reach, until arriving at your final destination –including taking a trip to national parks. This Fourth of July, commit to only driving 100% sober. Don’t lose your independence on Independence Day, and don’t be a deadly risk to yourself and other innocent people.

The Doe Run Company has promoted Brian Mangogna to the role of vice president of operations and chief operating officer. In his new role, Mangogna will oversee day-to-day operations for the company’s mining and metals operations, providing the oversight and strategic guidance for Doe Run’s battery recycling plant as well as its mines and mills. Mangogna will celebrate 25 years with Doe Run this September. He began his career as a metallurgist, advancing over the years as mill superintendent, mill manager and general manager for the company’s Southeast Missouri (SEMO) Mining and Milling Division. In 2021, he joined the executive team and was promoted to vice president of mining and milling. According to Mongogna, Doe Run has a long history of being a preferred global provider of lead, copper and zinc, the three base metals that enable modern society, but says they also have resources and technologies that can recover cobalt, nickel, tin and antimony from resources within our control, whether ore bodies or metal byproducts. He says these metals have never been more important to U.S. mineral security and he looks forward to bringing forward new technologies to diversify and sustain our operations for future generations. Mangogna received a bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering from University of Missouri in Rolla (now Missouri S&T) and a master’s degree in business administration from Webster University. The Mangogna family resides with his family in Salem, Missouri.

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. Classes will be held at the Current River State Park on July 9th from 10:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon and you can register for that class now. To find out more infromation or to regsiter, go online to mostateparks.com/learn2-paddle-river. If a class is full, please enroll using the waitlist function. If an opening in the class becomes available, you will be notified by the Learn2 staff via email or phone call. If you have any questions, email Taylor.Ratcliff@dnr.mo.gov.

Recently, Missouri State Treasurer Vivek Malek reached $51,817,543.80 in returning unclaimed property to its proper owner for fiscal year 2023. This breaks the previous fiscal year payout record of $50.2 million dollars. The number of accounts returned record was also broken earlier this fiscal year. The record set in fiscal year 2022 was 233,769 and as of last week, Treasurer Malek had returned property from 255,627 accounts for fiscal year 2023. There is still a tremendous amount of unclaimed property in the Missouri State Treasury’s office and at last check, the number comes to about 1.39 BILLION dollars. To see if you or a family member may have unclaimed property, please go to ShowMeMoney.com. There is no charge to use the site and unclaimed amounts can be as little as a dollar to thousands of dollars.

The Salem Police Department want to remind persons fireworks may be discharged in the city beginning July first and may continue through July sixth. Persons wanting to discharge fireworks can do so from 8:00 in the morning until 10:00 at night except on July fourth when the hours shall be 8:00 in the morning until Midnight. Only Class 1.4G fireworks in unmodified form shall be discharged. The city ordinances say the possession of fireworks by anyone under the age of 18 years shall be unlawful unless under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian or person over the age of 18 years. The Salem Police also want to remind you that fireworks shall not be discharged on any public property or public roadway, nor from a motor vehicle. In the event of a burn ban, the Salem Emergency Management Director shall have authority to suspend the discharge of fireworks for public safety.

Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk wants to remind anyone who still has delinquent Real Estate taxes from 2020 that you will need to pay them IN FULL by 4:30 TODAY!! If you fail to do so, then on July 1st, the taxes for the tax years 2020, 2021 and 2022 will be declared due by Friday, August 25th, 2023. If not paid by then, your parcel will be sold at the Delinquent
Tax Sale that will be held on Monday, August 28th. You will need to pay your 2020 taxeswith cash, cashier’s check or money order. If you are not sure this applies to you or you do not understand how the system works, you need to call the Dent County Collector’s office at (573) 729-3911 with any questions you may have or stop by the Dent County Courthouse. Starting July 1st there will be an additional $25.00 per parcel added to the tax bill to pay for the advertising costs in the Salem News.

The July Fourth holiday weekend is a great opportunity to enjoy one of Missouri’s recreational opportunities or a backyard barbecue, but no matter how you decide to celebrate, your smartest choice is to follow all Missouri traffic. The 2023 traffic counting period for the July Fourth holiday will be from 6:00 tonight to 11:59 Tuesday night, July 4th. During the 2022 counting period, 11 people were killed and 449 injured in Missouri over the holiday in 1,069 traffic crashes. Over the 2022 July Fourth holiday, troopers arrested 146 people for driving while intoxicated. The Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort). All available troopers will be patrolling Missouri roadways to enforce traffic laws, and offering assistance as needed. Anyone needing assistance or who witnesses criminal activity while traveling on Missouri’s roadways can contact the nearest Highway Patrol troop headquarters by calling the Patrol Emergency Report Line at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. Motorists may call 1-888-275-6636 to check for road construction along their travel route.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. The commission wanted to remind everyone about the Salem Chamber of Commerce and City of Salem 4th of July Parade at 6:00 Tuesday from the SBU-Salem Campus to the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 commissioner Wes
Mobray said crews are cleaning out the box culverts on Dent County Road 6220, patching a pothole on county road 5220, will be brush cutting on county road 6180 and are still working on the rebuilding of county road 5080 that will be chip and sealed in 2024. Mobray said workers are performing maintenance on a tractor and two trucks are stockpiling rock from Rolla at the county shed. He said Blevins Asphalt had completed their chip and seal work in District 1 and earlier this week, workers replaced three culverts on Dent County Road 8430. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson gave the District 2 report and said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 5310 while two brush cutters would be cutting brush on county roads 3220, 3230 and 3240. Larson also stated a man would be at the county shed on the loader to load the chips that are needed for the chip and seal work in District 2 in the Blevins Asphalt trucks. In his presiding commissioner report, Larson said he attended the Dent County Tourism Tax Committee Monday where they approved two applications for funding that were submitted, but not for the full amount requested. He said there were six reimbursement requests and five of them were approved and one was tabled. Larson said he and Commissioner Mobray decided to close the courthouse on Monday, July 3rd as well as on July 4th. Gary Polk was in attendance at the meeting and due to the courthouse being closed Monday, his swearing in as the new District 2 Commissioner will be held Wednesday, July 5th at 8:30 at the courthouse. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday, July 6th at 9:00 and the meeting will be open to the public.

The 2023 July Fourth holiday weekend boating counting period for the July Fourth holiday will be from 6:00 tonight to 11:59 the night of Tuesday, July 4th. There were nine boating crashes, which included five injuries and no fatalities. One person drowned during last year’s July Fourth holiday. Troopers made 13 boating while intoxicated arrests over last year’s July Fourth holiday weekend. The Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation Dry Water over the July Fourth holiday. Operation Dry Water specifically targets impaired vessel operators. All available troopers will be patrolling Missouri waterways to enforce boating laws, and offering assistance as needed. Missouri’s boaters are asked to do their part by remaining alert for other boats and swimmers, and being courteous on the water. Never operate a vessel if you’ve consumed alcohol. Boaters need to be aware that it is illegal to discharge fireworks from a vessel so leave all fireworks in a safe place on shore. Remember to share the waterway and use common sense, good judgment, and courtesy to ensure the safety of all. Life jackets save lives so be sure to wear it. Anyone needing assistance or who witnesses criminal activity while traveling on Missouri’s waterways can contact the nearest Highway Patrol troop headquarters by calling the Patrol Emergency Report Line at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways will celebrate Independence Day with a summertime concert on Saturday night from 6:30 to 8:30 at Alley Spring and Mill. The Gasconade River Band will perform on the banks of Alley Spring in front of the historic Alley Mill. Alley Mill will be open for visitation during the event and a special tour will be held at 7:30. Alley Spring is located five miles west of Eminence on Highway 106. For more information, phone (573) 226-3945.