Local News

The Meramec Regional Community Foundation (MRCF) awarded the Council for a Healthy Dent County with a $500 grant for Project RISE. The checks were presented at MRCF’s March meeting at MRPC in St. James. This year, the MRCF board reviewed a total of 22 grant applications, requesting a total of $10,905 and representing projects in Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties. Council for a Healthy Dent County was one of three projects selected for funding. Project RISE (Reaching Independence through Support and Education) is a community support program that replicates the Northwest Project in Springfield. The goal is to provide the necessary tools and education to help families overcome the challenges that have kept them in poverty and begin building and sustaining a thriving lifestyle outside of poverty. This program is available to qualifying residents of Dent County and the funds will be going towards the continuation of administering the program. MRCF is an outgrowth of the Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) and is an affiliate of Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO) in Springfield. The regional affiliate was formed in 2010. Its 12-member board includes representation from each of the eight Meramec counties and from MRPC. To keep up with the latest MRPC news and events, visit the MRPC website at www.meramecregion.org or on Facebook at meramecregion.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that turkey hunters checked 33,355 birds during Missouri’s 2022 regular spring turkey season, April 18th through May 8th. Top regular season harvest counties were Franklin with 798 birds harvested, Callaway with 614, and Gasconade with 606. Harvest totals in the Salem area included Crawford with 447 birds harvested, Dent with 491, and Iron with 151. Other counties included are Maries with 557 birds taken, Phelps with 616, Shannon with 235, and Texas County harvest total was 648. Young turkey hunters also harvested 2,896 birds over the youth weekend, April 9th and 10th, bringing the overall 2022 spring turkey harvest to 36,251. Last year, young turkey hunters harvested 2,795 birds during the spring youth season and hunters harvested 31,800 birds during the regular spring season for a 2021 spring season total harvest of 34,595 turkeys. The 2022 spring turkey harvest was up about 5% from the 2021 spring turkey harvest but is still about 7 percent lower than the average spring turkey harvest during the last 5 years (2017-2021). MDC Turkey Biologist, Reina Tyl saith that our annual wild turkey brood survey indicates that, at the statewide level, hens have been producing one or fewer poults, on average, for the past 6 years. So, the cumulative effect of relatively poor production the last several years has been fewer turkeys and more challenging spring turkey hunting conditions. There were two self-inflicted firearm-related hunting incidents, one fatal and one non-fatal, reported to MDC during the 2022 spring turkey hunting seasons. There were no shooter-victim hunting incidents reported. Get more information on spring turkey harvest numbers at mdc.mo.gov.

The City of Salem will hold a Capital Improvement Committee meeting at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory on this evening at 6:00. They will review the fiscal year 2021-22 capital improvement projects before discussing the proposed new projects for the 2022-23 fiscal year. The meeting was called by Alderman Shawn Bolerjack, chairman of the Capital Improvement Committee.

Waste Corporation of America will be providing the annual residential spring cleanup for Salem residents this week and again May 16th through May 20th. They ask that residents have all trash curbside the night before your normal scheduled trash day. The Environmental Protection Agency will not allow the collection of the following materials that include yard waste, batteries, tires, motor oil, chemicals, or solvents or paint, appliances or non-compactable items such as concrete, tree stumps, steel, or construction debris. For more information or if more questions, you may call 1-800-926-3935.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be holding a special board meeting via Zoom this morning at 8:00. After approval of the agenda the board will accept resignations before adjourning and moving into closed session

The Meramec Regional Community Foundation (MRCF) awarded the Council for a Healthy Dent County with a $500 grant for Project RISE. The checks were presented at MRCF’s March meeting at MRPC in St. James. This year, the MRCF board reviewed a total of 22 grant applications, requesting a total of $10,905 and representing projects in Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties. Council for a Healthy Dent County was one of three projects selected for funding. Project RISE (Reaching Independence through Support and Education) is a community support program that replicates the Northwest Project in Springfield. The goal is to provide the necessary tools and education to help families overcome the challenges that have kept them in poverty and begin building and sustaining a thriving lifestyle outside of poverty. This program is available to qualifying residents of Dent County and the funds will be going towards the continuation of administering the program. MRCF is an outgrowth of the Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) and is an affiliate of Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO) in Springfield. The regional affiliate was formed in 2010. Its 12-member board includes representation from each of the eight Meramec counties and from MRPC. To keep up with the latest MRPC news and events, visit the MRPC website at www.meramecregion.org or on Facebook at meramecregion.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that turkey hunters checked 33,355 birds during Missouri’s 2022 regular spring turkey season, April 18th through May 8th. Top regular season harvest counties were Franklin with 798 birds harvested, Callaway with 614, and Gasconade with 606. Harvest totals in the Salem area included Crawford with 447 birds harvested, Dent with 491, and Iron with 151. Other counties included are Maries with 557 birds taken, Phelps with 616, Shannon with 235, and Texas County harvest total was 648. Young turkey hunters also harvested 2,896 birds over the youth weekend, April 9th and 10th, bringing the overall 2022 spring turkey harvest to 36,251. Last year, young turkey hunters harvested 2,795 birds during the spring youth season and hunters harvested 31,800 birds during the regular spring season for a 2021 spring season total harvest of 34,595 turkeys. The 2022 spring turkey harvest was up about 5% from the 2021 spring turkey harvest but is still about 7 percent lower than the average spring turkey harvest during the last 5 years (2017-2021). MDC Turkey Biologist, Reina Tyl saith that our annual wild turkey brood survey indicates that, at the statewide level, hens have been producing one or fewer poults, on average, for the past 6 years. So, the cumulative effect of relatively poor production the last several years has been fewer turkeys and more challenging spring turkey hunting conditions. There were two self-inflicted firearm-related hunting incidents, one fatal and one non-fatal, reported to MDC during the 2022 spring turkey hunting seasons. There were no shooter-victim hunting incidents reported. Get more information on spring turkey harvest numbers at mdc.mo.gov.

The City of Salem will hold a Capital Improvement Committee meeting at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory on this evening at 6:00. They will review the fiscal year 2021-22 capital improvement projects before discussing the proposed new projects for the 2022-23 fiscal year. The meeting was called by Alderman Shawn Bolerjack, chairman of the Capital Improvement Committee.

Waste Corporation of America will be providing the annual residential spring cleanup for Salem residents this week and again May 16th through May 20th. They ask that residents have all trash curbside the night before your normal scheduled trash day. The Environmental Protection Agency will not allow the collection of the following materials that include yard waste, batteries, tires, motor oil, chemicals, or solvents or paint, appliances or non-compactable items such as concrete, tree stumps, steel, or construction debris. For more information or if more questions, you may call 1-800-926-3935.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be holding a special board meeting via Zoom this morning at 8:00. After approval of the agenda the board will accept resignations before adjourning and moving into closed session

The Meramec Regional Community Foundation (MRCF) awarded the Council for a Healthy Dent County with a $500 grant for Project RISE. The checks were presented at MRCF’s March meeting at MRPC in St. James. This year, the MRCF board reviewed a total of 22 grant applications, requesting a total of $10,905 and representing projects in Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties. Council for a Healthy Dent County was one of three projects selected for funding. Project RISE (Reaching Independence through Support and Education) is a community support program that replicates the Northwest Project in Springfield. The goal is to provide the necessary tools and education to help families overcome the challenges that have kept them in poverty and begin building and sustaining a thriving lifestyle outside of poverty. This program is available to qualifying residents of Dent County and the funds will be going towards the continuation of administering the program. MRCF is an outgrowth of the Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) and is an affiliate of Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO) in Springfield. The regional affiliate was formed in 2010. Its 12-member board includes representation from each of the eight Meramec counties and from MRPC. To keep up with the latest MRPC news and events, visit the MRPC website at www.meramecregion.org or on Facebook at meramecregion.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that turkey hunters checked 33,355 birds during Missouri’s 2022 regular spring turkey season, April 18th through May 8th. Top regular season harvest counties were Franklin with 798 birds harvested, Callaway with 614, and Gasconade with 606. Harvest totals in the Salem area included Crawford with 447 birds harvested, Dent with 491, and Iron with 151. Other counties included are Maries with 557 birds taken, Phelps with 616, Shannon with 235, and Texas County harvest total was 648. Young turkey hunters also harvested 2,896 birds over the youth weekend, April 9th and 10th, bringing the overall 2022 spring turkey harvest to 36,251. Last year, young turkey hunters harvested 2,795 birds during the spring youth season and hunters harvested 31,800 birds during the regular spring season for a 2021 spring season total harvest of 34,595 turkeys. The 2022 spring turkey harvest was up about 5% from the 2021 spring turkey harvest but is still about 7 percent lower than the average spring turkey harvest during the last 5 years (2017-2021). MDC Turkey Biologist, Reina Tyl saith that our annual wild turkey brood survey indicates that, at the statewide level, hens have been producing one or fewer poults, on average, for the past 6 years. So, the cumulative effect of relatively poor production the last several years has been fewer turkeys and more challenging spring turkey hunting conditions. There were two self-inflicted firearm-related hunting incidents, one fatal and one non-fatal, reported to MDC during the 2022 spring turkey hunting seasons. There were no shooter-victim hunting incidents reported. Get more information on spring turkey harvest numbers at mdc.mo.gov.

The City of Salem will hold a Capital Improvement Committee meeting at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory on this evening at 6:00. They will review the fiscal year 2021-22 capital improvement projects before discussing the proposed new projects for the 2022-23 fiscal year. The meeting was called by Alderman Shawn Bolerjack, chairman of the Capital Improvement Committee.

Waste Corporation of America will be providing the annual residential spring cleanup for Salem residents this week and again May 16th through May 20th. They ask that residents have all trash curbside the night before your normal scheduled trash day. The Environmental Protection Agency will not allow the collection of the following materials that include yard waste, batteries, tires, motor oil, chemicals, or solvents or paint, appliances or non-compactable items such as concrete, tree stumps, steel, or construction debris. For more information or if more questions, you may call 1-800-926-3935.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be holding a special board meeting via Zoom this morning at 8:00. After approval of the agenda the board will accept resignations before adjourning and moving into closed session.

Parks and Recreation board president Greg Sanders has called for a meeting of the board for this evening at 5:30 at the Salem Community Center @ at the Armory located at 1200 West Rolla Road. After the roll call and approval of the minutes from the April 20th meeting, the park and recreation budget will then be reviewed. Also on the agenda will be discussion of the opening date, times, and fees for the Alice Lou Craig city pool and with sports participation fees before the board closes and adjourns the open portion of the meeting. The board may then vote to go into closed session.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Tuesday evening in the City Hall Council Chambers. After approval of the consent agenda, the board approved Resolution #15-2022 to authorize the mayor to sign an agreement with the Dent County Commons for the 2022 Fourth of July Fireworks Display at a cost of $1,600. Alderman Kinerk questioned the fee if the city workers are mowing the grass as well. City Administrator Ray Walden will negotiate the contract next year to include the Commons taking care of the mowing. Discussion was tabled for Bill Number 3505, an ordinance amending Chapter 115, Article 22, Section 115.160 that deals with staffing needs that may arise in relation to the position of City Clerk. City Attorney Weber has several edits to make regarding this Bill. Resolution 16-2022 authorizing the mayor to sign an agreement with Meramec Regional Planning Commission for an updated zoning map at the budgeted amount of no more than $10,000 was approved. The last city map was done in 1987. Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois presented a request to update the Disc Golf Course at the city park. Several baskets need to be relocated after the addition of Billy’s Playground. The Aldermen approved using Capital Improvement funds for cost of $3,089. The Summer Park program will be held from July 11-22 at a cost of $200 per child with a max of 25 children participating. The Ozark Actors Theater will host a Kids Camp at the Civic Theater at a cost of $150 for the week-long camp. Don Harkey with People Centric Consulting updated the board on their work with the employee manual updates and strategic planning. The new manual is complete and being reviewed by lawyers and will be presented at a future board meeting for approval. He reminded the board of the four Key Objectives of the Strategic Plan: 1. Enhance the “employer of choice” status that the city has; 2. Improve communications and engagement with citizens; 3. Continue to develop strong community partnerships; and 4. Create a long-term vision for the Salem community. Walden reported that the Spring clean-up continues this week and next week. Healthy Dent County had 5,695 participants in March and 5,885 participants in April at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge gave an update on the Welcome Home program. There have been thirteen applications completed for residents to participate in this home improvement program. Veteran owned homes are still needed. Public Works Director Mark Nash provided updates on city crew work. Alderman Sisco asked for an update on the new roof at the Armory building. She also requested police assistance with traffic at the city park during summer games. She went on to inquire about the status of the fuel pump at the airport, courtesy car at the airport and status of an insurance claim to a hanger. Alderman Bolerjack reported that a Capital Improvement meeting will be held on Thursday, May 12th at 6:00 PM at the Salem Community Center@the Armory and requested an update on the camera at the yard waste site. Chief Joe Chase explained that the camera originally purchased had to be returned and another company is being sought for another camera. Alderman Williams thanked the Salem Area Community Betterment Association for hosting their recent Gift of Time Volunteer Awards banquet and for all of their work on improving our community. The meeting was then adjourned.

Archery is part of the Women’s Outdoors Program. The class will be held at Echo Bluff State Park in the field by Zoe Lodge on Thursday. During the class women will learn to use a bow, how to throw an atlatl, as well as a Swiss Arrow. For more information or to register contact Connie at 573-751-1224 or email connie.weber@dnr.mo.gov.

The Creative Arts Center will be holding a beginners-knitting class in May with Terry Phelps. You will be introduced to the basic stitches of knit, purl, cast-on, and cast-off. This 2-week class will be this Thursday and Saturday May 21st from 6:00 till 8:00. The cost is $35, which includes knitting needles & 2 skeins of yarn. Additional supplies will be available for purchase for either larger items or additional projects. The class is available to participants 8 years of age and older. For more information or to register, call 247-0651, message on Facebook or you can e-mail salemartscouncil@outlook.com.

The City of Salem Board of Alderman will meet this evening at 6:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers. After the consent agenda, the board will read resolution 15-2022 authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement between the City of Salem and the Dent County Commons for the leasing of the Commons for the 2022 Fourth of July fireworks display. The board will discuss Bill #3505 an ordinance amending the section on a temporary clerk, and Resolution #16-2022 authorizing the mayor to make an agreement between the City of Salem and the MRPC. Then the board will go over bids for a disc golf course for the Salem Parks and Recreation Department. 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 any alderman reports. The meeting tonight is open to the public.

The City of Salem Board of Adjustments will meet Wednesday evening at 6:30 at the City Hall Council Chambers. In new business they will discuss a request for a variance from height restriction for the installation of a cell tower on the property located at 1702 Doss Road. Next, they will go over the request for a variance from height restriction for the installation of proposal 80-foot sign at 1103 South Main at the Mobil Dirt Cheap location. The board will recognize anyone from the floor who wishes to speak on the subjects. The board may then go into closed session before they adjourn. The meeting Wednesday night is open to the public.

A celebration of the rich natural and cultural heritage of the riverways will be held this Saturday at several locations along the upper Current River. From 10:00 to 12:30, the lawn around the Akers Visitor Center will host information booths and exhibits about historic communities that once flourished along the river. Those with a connection to the area will share their memories and stories about life in the surrounding hills. Guided programs will continue throughout the day. Starting at 7:00 Saturday morning, Rick Mansfield from Ozark Heritage Project will lead a bird hike at Devils Well followed by a brief overview of natural and cultural history of the Devil’s Well area. At 9:00, Mansfield will continue his tour with a guided walk through the Akers Cemetery located on Route KK just east of Akers Ferry. There will be a gathering of community members and organizations from the upper Current River located at the Akers Visitor Center at 10:00, followed by an 11:00 tour of Mt. Zion Church north of Akers. Jo Schaper will discuss local geology, the stone construction of Mt. Zion Church and the mysteries of Devils Well, as well as leading a hands-on activity for kids that will teach how stones were used to construct many local buildings. Bring a picnic lunch for a noon time visit with friends and neighbors while overlooking the river at Akers. A bus will depart for Welch Spring at 12:30 where visitors will be able to take a guided hike to view Welch Spring and Hospital with a descendent of the Welch family, or enjoy a float from Welch to Akers, stopping along the way for a guided walk to the Howell-Maggard Cabin. Finally, at 5:30 visitors will gather at the Derryberry Cemetery near Cedar Grove for a history of the town with Ben Timson. Partners for this event include the Shannon County Museum, Ozark Riverways Foundation, Friends of Mt. Zion, Dent County Historical Society, Ozark Trail Association, US Coast Guard Auxiliary, and Ozark Heritage Project. Akers Visitor Center is located at the junction of Routes K and KK in northern Shannon County. For more information, please contact Ranger Skyler Bockman at 573-323-4905.

Team members from Missouri State Parks invite the public to attend an informational meeting at Montauk State Park Thursday evening at 6:00 in the amphitheater. The public is invited to share comments and ask questions about the park and its operations. Park team members will be present to provide information and to answer questions. Input from the public is important to Missouri State Parks. These informational meetings are being held in all state parks and historic sites to help create two-way communication with the public. The meetings 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. Montauk State Park located at 345 County Road 6670, Salem. To learn more about this meeting, call 573-548-2201.

The Salem Area Community Betterment Association announced their 2022 Gift of Time Award Winners and Runner-ups from Saturday night at their Awards Banquet held at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center. The winner for the Education & Youth Category was Warm My Heart and Friends of the Salem Public Library was the runner-up; the winner for the Community Enhancement or Preservation Category was the AARP Tax Aide Volunteers with the MO Gamblers 500 (The Missourah Endurah) named the runner-up; the winner for the Arts & Culture Category was the late Michael Helm with Jamin Bray being named runner-up; for the Humanitarian Category, Ahleesha Elwood was the winner with Grace Harbor named the runner-up; and for the Outstanding Youth Volunteer Category, the North Wood R-4 Jag program was the winner with Denise Stoner named the runner-up. The Salem Area Community Betterment Association presented their first ever Community Trailblazer Award and it went to the late and unforgettable Libby Sparling Sanders. They want to congratulate all those who were nominated for awards with a special congratulations going out to the winners and runner ups! They also want to thank all those who submitted nominees for the awards and thank all the other volunteer organizations and persons who strive to meet the needs of our community in various important ways. Look for more events on the SACBA Facebook page as well as their newly launched website: www.salemcommunitybetterment.com.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department released a number of reports. On Saturday April 30th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Norh Hickory St. During the stop, a consent to search the vehicle was granted and a baggie containing a white crystalline substance was located near the male passenger. It was also determined the woman had a suspended driving privilege. Based on the investigation, a 44-year-old female and 23-year-old male, both of Jadwin, were taken into custody and transported to the Dent County Jail. Both subjects were fingerprinted, photographed and released. The lady received a citation for driving while her having her license revoked or suspended, a 1st offense; and an arrest warrant for the man will be applied for at a later date. Later that day, deputies responded to West First Street for a report of a wanted female subject. During the investigation, a 42-year-old Salem woman was taken into custody on an active Dent County arrest warrant after attempting to flee out the back door of the residence. In addition, a second woman who is 21-years old from Salem, was also arrested on a different Dent County arrest warrant. Both ladies were transported to the Dent County Jail where they were incarcerated on their warrants. Then on Sunday May 1st, a deputy responded to Private Lane 333 for a reported stolen handgun. During the investigation, a 55-year-old Salem man reported that an unknown subject had stolen a Glock .40 pistol from his residence. The pistol was entered into MULES as stolen. Later that day, a deputy issued a criminal citation for trespassing in the 2nd degree to a 24-year-old Salem man. During the investigation, it was determined that he had been trespassing on property on North Highway 19 that did not belong to him and did not have permission to be on. On Wednesday May 4th, a deputy arrested a 33-year-old Salem woman on an active Dent County warrant. She was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated on her warrant. If you have any further information regarding any ongoing investigation, call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The Dent Country Commissioners met Thursday morning at the courthouse. During the public comments, John McIntyre was in to discuss road conditions in the Adams Subdivision on county road 4170. He said the water is washing out the sides of the county road, starting to undermine it as well as some other drainage issues. Commissioner Wes Mobray said he would check it out once the area dries out. Both District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray and District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said the crews were out checking roads for flooding, washouts, cleaning out clogged pipes, clearing out low-water crossings and addressing any other road issues created by the rain. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles and Commissioner Larson attended the meeting Tuesday at the offices of Senator Justin Brown with the Missouri Department of Revenue Director Wayne Wallingford and his legislative director, Zach Wyatt. State Representative Ron Copeland was also in attendance at the meeting. Skiles said he gave a breakdown of what happened to Dent County with the sales tax issue and provided a working log of all communications with the department that he and Treasurer Denita Williams made in an attempt to get an explanation of how this could happen. Skiles said he felt it necessary the director hear the county’s perspective of how the events went down. He said it was very good meeting and hopes that it will help the county in their communications to reach a settlement on how to pay back the additional $917,000 the department of revenue says the county owes. Skiles said he was very appreciative of Senator Brown for setting up the meeting and that he and Representative Copeland were both there on behalf of Dent County. Skiles went on to say there will be no commissioner meeting Monday due to Harry Truman’s birthday as the courthouse will be closed. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she balanced with the treasurer on all accounts for April. Curley said she would be attending a MAC Board meeting on Wednesday in Jefferson City. Commissioner Mobray said he would attend the insurance consortium meeting Wednesday in Columbia since Curley would be unable to attend. The commissioners approved the purchase of 2017 Mack Dump Truck 700 DP from Tony Vaughn from Ash Flat, Arkansas for $180,000 that has 78,500 miles on it. The sale is contingent on the passing of an inspection by Commissioner Larson. Just after 10:00, the commission opened bids for extrication equipment. Two bids were received: the first bid was from Sentinel Emergency Solutions from St. Louis for four sets of equipment for $111,018.56; and the second bid came from Alex Air Apparatus from Boonville for four sets of equipment for $112,392.00. Representatives from both companies were on hand along with Dent County Emergency Management Director Brad Nash. Both companies discussed the units which will be from the same manufacturer. Nash indicated he has had some service issues with Sentinel working with the fire department and none with Alex Air. After reviewing the bid documentation, the commissioners voted to allow Nash to make the final decision on the equipment since he is more familiar with it after he has a chance to review the documentation to make sure the commissioners are not missing anything. Brad Hawthorn from Springdale Tractor made a presentation to the commission about the Alamo Tractor and mower apparatus. He said he will be willing to provide a demo to the commissioners on Wednesday, May 18th. David Massengale from the US Forest Service brought in the signed Road Service Agreements between the county and US Forest Service, which were signed last week by the commission. At the last meeting, the commission agreed unanimously to add in the policy handbook that office holders and employees shall be reimbursed eligible milage expenses at the current Missouri state rate. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday, May 12th at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

A one vehicle accident happened early Thursday morning just after 4:45 in Maries County on Highway 63 about 2 miles north of Highway P. According to the report released from the highway patrol, a 2002 Dodge Dakota being driven north by 52-year-old Gary Frisbie of Rolla traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck several trees. Frisbie, who was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident, was taken by Osage ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla for treatment of minor injuries. The Dodge was totaled and towed from the scene by C & C Towing.

The Dent Country Fire Protection District board of directors met Tuesday evening at the fire station. After the roll call and approval of the consent agenda, the minutes from the April meeting were approved. The financial report was then reviewed which showed an ending balance on April 30th of $222,687.08. Bills, payments, statements, the budget, and calendar were then reviewed by the board. The monthly reimbursement report showed a total of 18 calls for the month of April bringing the total calls year to date to 116. Of those calls, the department responded to three building fires, one trash or rubbish fire, two brush or brush and grass mixture fires, the department also made one medical assist call, and responded to two motor vehicle accident with injuries. The department also conducted two searches for missing people, responded to one gasoline or other flammable liquid spill, conducted one animal rescue, were dispatched to two special types of incidents, and responded to three incidents where nothing was found upon arrival at the dispatched address. There was no new business to be brought before the board, however, in new business fire chief Brad Nash asked the board to advance Earl Jarvis his reimbursement money. Chief Nash also reported that the upstairs renovation is currently in progress. The date was then set for the June meeting which will be held Tuesday evening, June 7th, at 6:00 at the fire station located at #2 South Main Street. The meeting will be open to the public.

The Salem Area Community Betterment Association (SACBA) of Salem is proud to present an evening of recognizing local volunteer achievements of fellow community members. On Saturday evening, May 7th at 5:30, the evening will commence with a progressive finger food meal around the SACBA property featuring each aspect of our not-for-profit organization. The evening will conclude with an awards presentation honoring local volunteer individuals and groups. Tickets are $30.00 per person and includes delicious eats and treats from our featured event caterers: County Road Coffee, Hometown Sweets, Arandas Mexican Restaurant and JB Malone’s. For ticket information contact SACBA at sacba@salemmo.com or call 573-729-6983. You must have a ticket must be presented at the event. The event location is at the Ozark Natural & Cultural Resource Center (ONCRC) located at 202 S. Main. They are pleased to announce our 2022 nominees as follows: Education & Youth: Marty Anderson & A.J. Tinker, Warm My Heart Foundation, Janet Price, Friends of the Salem Public Library and Kala Sisco. Community Enhancement and Preservation: MO Gamblers 500, Sarah Arnett, Jake Stotlerand and the AARP Tax Aide Volunteers. Arts & Culture: Jamin Bray and Michael Helms (posthumously). Humanitarian: Sarah Arnett, Lyndell Decker, Michelle Smith, Ahleesha Elwood, Nancy Eudy, Grace Harbor and Dianne Godi. Outstanding Youth Volunteer: Sierra Rusco, Denise Stoner and Northwood R-4 JAG Class. Congratulations to all the nominees! In addition, the board will present the “Community Trailblazer” award to the late Libby Sanders for her many hours of volunteerism to our community. For more information find us on Facebook, email us at sacba@salemmo.com or call 573-729-6983.

Archery is part of the Women’s Outdoors Program. The class will be held at Echo Bluff State Park in the field by Zoe Lodge on Thursday May 12th. During the class women will learn to use a bow, how to throw an atlatl, as well as a Swiss Arrow. For more information or to register contact Connie at 573-751-1224 or email connie.weber@dnr.mo.gov.

Everyone is invited to the Salem Arts Council Meeting on the evening of May 10th at 6:00. Come out and help plan classes and activities at the Creative Arts Center. For more information, call 247-0651, or message on Facebook or you can e-mail salemartscouncil@outlook.com

The low water crossing to the Round Spring day-use area is temporarily closed due to damage from recent flooding. This closure will temporarily restrict access to the Round Spring day-use area, which includes the main parking lot and walking path to the spring, as well as the Round Spring picnic pavilion. Visitors who would like to view Round Spring can park in the designated parking area near the restroom at Group Campsites 4-9 and follow the walking path from the group campsite area to the spring. This closure does not affect any campsites or river access at Round Spring. The concrete crossing suffered damage during a major flood on Spring Valley Creek in 2020 and was further undermined during recent heavy rainfall. The park’s maintenance crew will work to stabilize the crossing and reopen one lane for access to the area as soon as the water level in the creek drops enough to allow temporary repairs. The crossing is scheduled for permanent replacement in 2023 by the Federal Highway Administration, through the Emergency Relief for Federally Owned fund program, along with the other roadway and river access damage caused by the 2020 flood. For updates on this temporary closure, contact park headquarters at (573)323-4236, visit the park’s Facebook page, or website at www.nps.gov/ozar.

The community is invited to become a hometown hero and answer the call of patients in need by donating blood on Thursday afternoon, May 5th from 1:30 to 5:30 at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory located at 1200 W. Rolla Road in Salem. Donating blood is one of the simplest things a person can do to help save a patient’s life. For the hour it takes to give blood, there could be a whole community of people thankful for another birthday given to their loved one. To make an appointment or to learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Natural gas customers struggling to keep up with their energy statements have access to new funding from Ameren Missouri. Eligible natural gas customers can now receive assistance through Ameren Missouri’s Clean Slate program. This funding will help local families after a winter season with significantly higher wholesale natural gas prices, which has led to higher energy statements for some customers. Clean Slate is designed to help moderate-income customers who do not qualify for state or federal programs serving families with lower incomes. This month, Ameren Missouri expanded the eligibility requirements to support more Missouri families. With just 10% of the past-due balance paid, the Clean Slate program will cover the remaining overdue balance. Ameren Missouri has previously pledged $5 million to the Clean Slate electric program, which helped thousands of customers pay off their past-due utility bills. To be eligible for Clean Slate, customers must have household income up to 300% of the federal poverty level, pay 10% of the past-due balance, have an active Ameren Missouri natural gas account that is past due on a payment agreement or in need of reconnection, and be experiencing financial hardship. Community action agencies administer the Clean Slate program and determine eligibility. Customers should apply as soon as possible. Learn about eligibility requirements at AmerenMissouri.com/CleanSlate or by calling Ameren Missouri at 800-552-7583. Energy assistance is also available for customers with lower incomes. Missouri’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is currently accepting applications from customers with an income at or below 60% of the state median income level. For more information or to learn how to apply for LIHEAP, call the South Central Community Action Agency at 729-3500, call 855-373-4636 to request an application, or apply via the online portal at MyDSS.MO.gov/energy-assistance.

In celebration of Mother’s Day join Patty Burmeister for a mother / child paint party on Friday from 6:00 until 8:00 @ the Creative Arts Center. Let Patty lead you in an easy-to-follow step-by-step fashion through a painting, while enjoying some precious time and making fun memories with your kids. Open to all ages and skill levels. All the supplies for the class are provided and the cost is $20 for adult and $ per child. For more information or to register, call 247-0651, message them on Facebook or you can e-mail salemartscouncil@outlook.com.

Montauk State Park will be hosting the Senior Citizen’s Trout Fishing Tournament on Thursday May 5th from 6:30 in the morning till 2:00 in the afternoon. The tournament is open to women and men 60 years of age and older. Two classes will be designated, fly or bait. Two prizes will be awarded to the winners in each class for heaviest trout and heaviest stringer of trout. Gift certificates will be presented to the winners upon completion of the tournament. Registration will be taken at the Steelman Lodge. For more information contact the park at 573-548-2201.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday for their regular meeting. City of Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge was in attendance to give her monthly report. She said there is a new and several ongoing economic projects going on with three new business licenses in April. She said she has 10 pre-applications submitted for the “Welcome Home” program in varying stages of income levels. She stated she had 20 local contractors come to a pre-bid meeting on the “Welcome Home” program and how it works. The radio interview Burbridge did last Tuesday with Riverways Federal Credit Union CEO Scott Schults and MRPC Representative Patrick Stites on KSMO is available on the city’s website online. Burbridge gave updates on the Voluntary Residential Demolition Program and housing study, plus she said work at the certified site continues with the extension of the contract with Godi Excavating and a new contract for soil bores from SCI Engineering. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said work crews will try to continue grading on Dent County Roads 5530 and 6370, while materials will be added, and grading done on county road 6080. He also said brush would be cut on county road 2490. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson indicated his crews would be adding materials and grading on Dent County Roads 2070 and 4290 while only materials would be added to county roads 2060 and 4280. Larson said grading would also be done on county road 4060 and brush would be cut on county road 4430. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he would be attending a meeting today in Jefferson City with Missouri Department of Revenue Director Wayne Wallingford in Senator Brown’s office along with Senator Brown and State Representative Ron Copeland to discuss the county sales tax issue. He said he and Commissioner Mobray attended the Jadwin Rural Fire Department’s annual meeting and the Montauk Rural Fire Department’s fundraiser Saturday night at their respective fire houses. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said with the upcoming August and November elections, anyone with a name or address change needs to come by her office and update their information. To change your voter information, you will need to sign the form to update the information. Curley also said that the county has not received any letters of interest from people who would like to serve on the Dent County Health Center’s Board of Directors to fill their vacancy. Those interested must have their letter in to the clerk’s office by 10:00 in the morning on May 12th. If you have questions, please call the clerk’s office at 729-4144. At the last meeting, David Massengale from the US Forest Service brought in a Road Project Agreement between the county and Mark Twain National Forest as well as a Cooperative Forest Road Agreement between the county and the Forest Service. The commissioners signed both agreements. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident occurred Sunday afternoon at 5:15 in Phelps County on Water Street north of Highway T. According to the Highway Patrol report a 1997 Kawasaki Motorcycle, operated by 24-year-old Shawn Leach of Rolla, struck a pothole, traveled off the left side of the roadway, and caught fire. Leach suffered serious injuries and was flown to University Hospital in Columbia. The motorcycle was totaled and removed from the scene by D&D Recovery. At 5:34 Leach was arrested and charged with felony possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), felon in possession of a firearm, no motorcycle license, failure to register a motor vehicle, no insurance, careless and imprudent driving involving an accident. Leach was released to the hospital.

The Salem Police Department has released the following reports for early April. Friday evening, April 1st, at approximately 7:00 officers were dispatched to the 500 block of South Tower Street for a report of a domestic disturbance. During the investigation officers found that two subjects had gotten into an altercation and an assault had taken place. One of the subjects involved was very intoxicated and uncooperative with officers. As a result of the investigation, a 41-year-old Salem male was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail pending the application of warrants. That same night near midnight officers were dispatched to the 800 block of South Hickory Street for a report of a domestic dispute. As officers arrived, they encountered a male subject involved in the altercation that was acting very irate and intoxicated. As a result of the incident, a 25-year-old Salem man was arrested and issued summons for disorderly conduct. The male was incarcerated on a 12-hour safe keep to sober up. Shortly afterwards at about 1:00 Saturday morning, April 2nd, officers were dispatched to South Nelson for a report of a domestic assault. As a result of the investigation, it was found that one of the parties involved had an active warrant for their arrest out of the Platte County Sheriff’s Office. As a result, 46-year-old Michael Welch of Salem was incarcerated in the Dent County Jail on his warrants with a bond amount of $d3,000. Then on Wednesday afternoon, April 6th, at approximately 1:30, officers conducted a traffic stop for expired license plates near the intersection of Center and Missouri Highway 19. During the stop, it was found that the driver had an outstanding warrant for his arrest out of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. As a result, 49-year-old Todd Sontchi of Salem was arrested and incarcerated in the Dent County Jail with the bond of $5,000. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information on any ongoing investigation.