Local News

An happened in Maries County on Highway 63 Tuesday morning around 3:05. The accident happened about two miles south of Vienna where, according to the highway patrol, a southbound 2014 Toyota Avalon, driven by 22-year-old Madison Miller of Rolla, failed to negotiate a curve and traveled off the right side of the roadway. Miller was ejected from the Toyotar. She suffered serious injuries and was transported by Phelps Air to the University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia. The Toyota was totaled and removed from the scene by Plaza Towing.

A correction has been made to the accident that occurred about six miles south of Vienna on Highway 63 around 3:05 Tuesday morning. According to the highway patrol report, a southbound 2019 Ford Econoline, driven by 71-year-old Truman Reinecke of Afton, Oklahoma, struck a southbound 1997 Ford F-350, driven by 87-year-old Lyle Hutchens of Salem, from behind. As a result of the crash, the Econoline overturned and sustained moderate damage, while the F-350 had minor damage. Reinecke suffered minor injuries and was transported by EMS to Phelps Health. The Econoline was removed from the scene by D&D Towing and the F-350 was driven from the scene. Everyone involved in the accident were wearing their seat restraints. We apologize for the error.

The City of Salem’s Utility Committee will meet tonight at 6:15 at the Community Center @ The Armory at 1200 West Rolla Road. After the roll call will be the financial review followed by the proposed budget review and utility rate changes for electric and water. A sewer rate change is to be discussed at the July meeting with a new proposed ordinance. Other topics to be discussed will include AMP/Budget Billing Policy changes and e-mailing utility bills followed by a questions and comment period. The meeting is open to the public and has been called by Utility Committee Chair Kyle Williams.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met Tuesday night at the City Hall Council Chambers. After the consent agenda was approved, the board approved a permit for Larry and Karen Shelby to have pet mini-pigs at the property of the old Crane Tire property on Red Bud Lane. In New Business, the board approved the bid from Far West Line Specialties for tools for the Electric Department for $4,738.02 and the bid of $15,663.25 from Core and Main for the purchase of five new fire hydrants to replace five that cannot be repaired. City Administrator Sally Burbridge explained to the board about three grants that could be used for airport maintenance cost reimbursement. Two of these grants have already been executed and are ready to be submitted. The third grant, an ARPA grant for $22,000 has not yet been executed. She asked and the board approved allowing the mayor to sign the application for the grant. The city will work with Lochner in submitting the reimbursement that could result in a $51,000 reimbursement that would be added to the airport budget as revenue in the next fiscal year. City Building Inspector Jarred Brown presented the recommendations from the Salem Planning and Zoning Commission meeting held on May 25th. The board approved the commission recommendation for a conditional use permit for Jordan and Sarah Watson for their property at 305 West 2nd Street to be used as a vacation rental; approved the commission recommendation of rezoning of the property at 502 West Dillon Street from residential to commercial as requested by Four Rivers Community Health Center; approved the commission recommendation to issue a conditional use permit for an automobile detail shop at 906 West Center by Joe Enloe that includes a number of conditions that have to be followed including the renewal of the conditional use permit after two years; the board approved the commission recommendation to issue a conditional use permit to have trailer, vehicle, as well as agricultural and construction equipment sales at 1002 East Scenic Rivers Blvd as requested by C&A Investments, LLC with the condition of installing a privacy fence between the lot and the residential property; and the board approved the subdivision and replatting of lots as submitted by Briceno Properties, LLC. In Old Business, the board approved the purchase of a load center and electric wiring package for the Al Brown Lighting Project from Fletcher-Reinhardt for $21,871.57. The board approved the request from City Treasurer Stacey Houston to have the mayor sign the Financial Assistance Agreement as well as the General Terms and Conditions document necessary for the city to receive reimbursement for engineering services from the ARPA Drinking Water Grant Award. The city will receive a partial grant of $628,000 and the city will have to contribute $6,342.80 as their part of the grant match. The board heard the first reading of Bill #3540 which would create a lease agreement between the City of Salem and Wave Internet for the use of the bottle rocket tower, but no action will be taken until the next meeting; and the board did approve Bill #3539 that would authorize the mayor to sign and execute the contract between the City of Salem and Hogan’s, Inc. for contact painting and insulation service to Well #2 and Well #4 after the second reading. Administrator Burbridge said a meeting was held that included Public Works Director Nash, Burbridge, the Salem Water and Sewer Department, Archer-Elgin’s Jeff Medows, and Mary West from Missouri Rural Water on the final design for the wastewater engineering improvements. This will create some new verbiage and requirements that will have to be considered in the creation of the sewer rate increase. She thanked staff for the cleanup work at the Cedar Grove Cemetery and said discussion of employee health insurance rates would occur at the next meeting. Public Works Director Nash said the boom arm for the mower is back and they have been cutting creek ditches at the city park and other areas. He also said the city has installed the LORA System near the Al Brown Fields that will allow the city to read about 45 meters remotely including the water meters at the hospital. It will be tested today for accuracy. Alderwoman Kala Sisco wanted to remind citizens of the city’s text blast service and that a Finance Committee meeting will be held at 5:30 Thursday at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Alderman Shawn Bolerjack wanted to recognize those involved in the “Love Thy Neighbor” program. He said about 20 churches and near 100 volunteers helped repair a number of households in the area for people who simply could not have afforded to do it themselves. The board then went into closed session.

The Dent County Sheriffs Department has released several reports. On Saturday, June 3rd, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 300 block of East Fourth Street. During the stop, it was discovered a passenger in the vehicle, a 34-year-old Salem man, was in possession of suspected methamphetamine. He was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail. Charges against the suspect are pending. The next day, a deputy responded to the 10000 block of South Highway 19 for a suspicious subject. The person was located and found to have an active arrest warrant. The a 35-year-old Salem man, was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated on the warrant. On Monday, June 5th, a deputy responded to Dent County Road 4170 for a reported domestic incident. During the investigation, a 39-year-old Salem woman was arrested for driving while having her license suspended or revoked. She was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail where she was issued several citations. Finally on June 9th, a deputy arrested a 25-year-old Lake Ozark man at the Dent County Courthouse for failure to obey a judge’s order. He was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated on the warrant. Please call the Dent County Sheriffs Office at 729-3241 if you have any information regarding an investigation.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting this evening at 6:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers. The consent agenda will be reviewed by the aldermen which features the Department of Revenue Sales tax distributions received this month for the General Revenue Fund, Park and Recreation Fund and the Capital Improvement Fund; plus the Salem Police Department monthly report and minutes from the previous meetings as well as a recommendation by the Salem Public Library for Harold Hamilton to be approved as Library Board of Trustee. After the consent agenda is approved, the board will hear a request from Larry and Karen Shelby on Red Bud Lane for permission to keep their mini-pigs at their property. In New Business, the board will hear from Public Works Director Mark Nash about bids on tools for the Electric Department as well as bids for new fire hydrants. Up next, City Administrator Sally Burbridge will discuss with the board grant funding for the airport expenses the city is eligible for in the amount of $51,000 from three different grants. Two of the grants have already been executed and she will be asking the board to approve Mayor Greg Parker signing and then submitting the third grant for airport operation and maintenance funds which is an ARPA grant for $22,000. The board will also hear from City Building Inspector Jarred Brown on a conditional use permit for Jordan and Sarah Watson for property at 305 West 2nd Street qualifying the property to be a vacation rental. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended the issuance of the conditional use permit. He will then address the rezoning of the property at 502 West Dillon Street from residential to commercial as requested by Four Rivers Community Health Center who has property adjoining this property which would be used for expansion and additional parking. The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend the zoning change. Brown will also present a request for a conditional use permit for an automobile detail shop at 906 West Center by Joe Enloe. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approving the conditional use permit with certain conditions that must be followed or the permit would be revoked. Brown will also discuss the request from C&A Investments, LLC for a conditional use permit to have equipment sales at 1002 East Scenic Rivers Blvd. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended the approval of the conditional use permit provided a visual barrier be installed between this property and residential property. Lastly, Brown will discuss with the board a new subdivision and replatting of lots as requested by Briceno Properties, LLC at 1000 South Main Street. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended to approve the subdivision plat. In Old Business, Public Works Director Nash will discuss the purchase of electric materials for the Al Brown Lighting Project from Fletcher-Reinhardt for $21,871.57. City Treasurer Stacey Houston will ask the board to approve allowing the mayor to sign the Financial Assistance Agreement as well as the General Terms and Conditions document necessary for the city to receive reimbursement from the ARPA Drinking Water Grant Award. The Department of Natural Resources has already approved the engineering portion of the contract and the city would receive a partial grant of $628,000 to pay for that along with the city match of $6,342.80. In the reading of bills, the first reading of Bill #3540 which would create a lease agreement between the City of Salem and Wave Internet for the use of the bottle rocket tower will occur, and the second reading of Bill #3539 that would authorize the mayor to sign and execute the contract between the City of Salem and Hogan’s, Inc. for contact painting service to Well #2 and Well #4 will be held. Following the reports of city officials, the board will go into closed session to discuss contracts. The Salem Board of Aldermen regular meeting tonight is open to the public.

Barbara Johnson will be teaching Needle Tatting at the Creative Arts Center this Thursday from 6:00 until 8:00 in the evening. The class is for participants 14 years old and older. Learn how to make beautiful tatted lace with a long needle! Using a blunt, 6” needle, learn the process of creating frothy, delicate lace. You only need to master the double stitch — all other things develop from this. You will make rings, chains, picots, joins and finishing techniques. You will also make a simple small ornament. The cost is $30 per person and all supplies are provided. If interested, you can sign up online at salemcommunitybetterment.com and go to the Creative Arts Center link or email salemartscenter@salemcommunitybetterment.com.

The draft fiscal year 2024-2028 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) was presented to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission Wednesday. The draft five-year program includes funding from General Revenue that was passed by the Missouri General Assembly. A 30-day public review and comment period has now begun. The draft fiscal year 2024-2028 STIP lists transportation projects planned by state and regional planning agencies for fiscal years 2024-2028 (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2028) and reflects the transportation needs of communities across the state. 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 proposed program is available for public review. The program is also available on MoDOT’s website: hwww.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. The formal comment period ends July 6th, 2023. Following the public review period, the comments will be presented to the Commission. The Commission will review the comments and the final transportation program before considering it for approval at its July 12 meeting.

Dent County Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said there will be no Dent County Commission meeting this morning due to a lack of a quorum. He reported by phone on Friday on the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting he attended Thursday afternoon at the MRPC offices. Larson said there was a lot of discussion about one of the projects in Dent County scheduled in the state draft STIP plan in the next fiscal year and that is the Gladden Creek Bridge. Initially there was talk the bridge would be closed and those who use Highway 19 would have to be rerouted. MoDOT has found that the cost of improving the other state and lettered highway routes that would have to be used due to the bridge being closed would cost over a million dollars. Larson said an alternative being considered by MoDOT would be to build a one lane temporary bridge over the creek near the old bridge that would use stoplights to control traffic on the bridge. He said nothing has been finalized at this time by MoDOT and would he find out more at the next TAC meeting. The next commissioners meeting will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Chamber Business Expo will be held on Saturday from 9:00 until noon at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center Parking Area at the intersection of Highway 32-72 and 19. Anyone who is a chamber member can receive a FREE ten foot wide by six foot deep space and a second space is only $25.Deadline for booth entry will be tomorrow. Forms are available at the chamber office or e-mail Chamber Director Tabitha Utley at chamber@salemmo.com and she can send you one. If you have questions, call 729-6900 to get the answers.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will be meet Tuesday evening at 6:00 at the fire station located at #2 South Main Street. After the roll call and approval of the consent agenda, the board is expected to review and approve the minutes of the May meeting before hearing the financial report, approving bills, and reviewing the budget and calandar. After the monthly reimbursement report, any old business will be be heard then the hearing of any new business which would 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 July meeting before adjourning. The meeting next Tuesday evening will be open to the public.

A one vehicle accident happened Thursday afternoon at around 5:15 in Phelps County on County Road 3120 three miles west of St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a 2008 Ford Focus being driven west of 51 year old Eric Sparks of Rolla, traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. Sparks, who was wearing a seat restraint, was transported by St. James ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. The Ford was removed from the scene by D&D Towing with moderate damage.

Join Tana Kettner & Terrie Welch this Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 5:30 – 8:30 at the Creative Arts Center for a Barn Quilt Class. Participants 13 and up are welcome. In this two-day class, you will draw your own quilt block design on a sanded and primed 2’x2′ piece of plywood, and paint it with house paint with crisp edges. When you finish, you can take it home! The $55 cost covers both nights, with all supplies included. Register online at salemcommunitybetterment.com and look under Programs for the Creative Arts Center.

Missouri State Parks values the tremendous contributions and sacrifices made by members of the military and their families. To show its appreciation to active service members, Missouri State Parks is participating in the Blue Star Museums program, which offers free admission to the nation’s active-duty personnel and their families. The Blue Star Museums program is a collaborative effort of the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, U.S. Department of Defense and more than 2,000 museums across the nation. Anyone currently serving in the military and their families can receive free admission to museums and historic sites that are part of the Missouri State Parks system by showing their military ID. The 2023 program begian on Armed Forces Day, and will end Labor Day, Monday, September 4th. In addition to the Blue Star Museums program, Missouri State Parks also offers a military camping discount. Active-duty military and veterans alike receive a $2 discount year round at state parks campgrounds. The military discount will be given to retired, veteran and active-duty military personnel, as well as family members of active-duty military personnel, by showing a military or veteran identification. More information on both these programs can be found by visiting mostateparks.com.  Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey filed a suit of quo warranto to remove Iron County Sheriff Jeffery Burkett from office. The quo warranto holds that Burkett “has knowingly or willfully failed and refused to perform official acts and duties with respect to the execution or enforcement of criminal laws of the State, and has engaged in willful acts of misconduct, malfeasance, misfeasance, and nonfeasance in office.” The petition alleges that Burkett is unfit to hold office after allegedly helping Rick Gaston, an Iron County resident, with a plot to kidnap Gaston’s children from their mother after a domestic dispute. Following this incident, the Washington County Prosecutor criminally charged Iron County Sheriff Jeffery Burkett with one count of participating knowingly in criminal street gang activities, a class B felony; one count of tampering with a victim, a class D felony; one count of attempted kidnapping in the third degree, a class B misdemeanor; one count of stalking in the first degree, a class E felony; one count of stalking in the second degree, a class A misdemeanor; one count of unlawful obtaining of criminal history information, a class A misdemeanor; one count of unlawful disclosure of criminal history information, a class A misdemeanor; one count of misuse of emergency telephone services, a class B misdemeanor; and one count of making a false report, a class B misdemeanor. The Attorney General’s Office argues that Burkett “abused his power and authority as an elected sheriff by encouraging other law enforcement officers to make illegal arrests and detentions, knowing that he had no jurisdiction or authority and knowing that the arrests and seizures lacked any probable cause or reasonable suspicion.” The petition further asserts that Burkett’s “actions of utilizing his office and its resources, including two deputies, to further criminal acts and conspiracies, were willful acts of misconduct, malfeasance, and misfeasance, and constitute willful and fraudulent violations of his official duty to enforce the criminal laws of the State in direct violation of Section 106.220, RSMo, and outside his jurisdiction granted by Section 57.010, RSMo.” The petition also asks the Court to remove Burkett from office immediately due to the Department of Public Safety’s temporary suspension of his peace officer certification.

The new Missouri Drought Mitigation and Response Plan is now complete after more than two years of study and development. The update replaces the previous 2002 drought plan and uses modern tools for enhanced monitoring and assessment of all types of droughts. It also gives everyone from government officials, to water users, the water suppliers and the leaders of industry guidance for adopting water conservation best practices to grow their drought resiliency. Michael Weller of the department’s Water Resources Center said that this new drought mitigation and response plan allows us to be much more proactive in how we prepare for and respond to droughts as opposed to just reacting to their negative impacts. The primary goals of the Missouri Drought Mitigation and Response Plan are increasing public awareness, serving as an information source for reducing drought impacts, enhancing resiliency, promoting water conservation, improving monitoring, facilitating response planning, as well as clarifying roles and responsibilities. Among the metrics the updated drought plan uses that were unavailable 20 years ago are data from remote sensing of rainfall amounts and satellite measurements of soil moisture. The plan’s new matrix of drought actions is designed to rapidly assess what areas of the state are most affected by drought as well as what industries are either most susceptible or at risk under different conditions. A comprehensive list of actions and initiatives further outlines what measures can be taken at all levels before and during drought. Visit www.dnr.mo.gov to learn more about drought in Missouri. The current drought conditions for Missouri and other states are available to view at www.drought.gov.

Missouri Mines State Historic Site invites the public to the return of the annual Rock Swap from 8:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon this0 Saturday. Attendees will have the opportunity to buy, sell, swap or admire rocks, mineral specimens, fossils, rock jewelry and rock art at this event on the historic site’s grounds. During the event, there will be free admission to the historic site museum for self-guided tours. The museum interprets Missouri’s mining history and displays restored old mining machinery and an outstanding mineral collection. A free guided tour led by interpretive team members will be provided at 2:00. Rock hobbyists and vendors wishing to set up a booth must complete an application. Booth spots are free, but are limited and must be reserved in advance. All booth spots will be outdoors in an open area, approximately 12 feet by 12 feet. There will be no electricity or amenities provided at booth spots; vendors will need to bring their own tables, chairs and shade tents, if desired. For an application or more information about this event, contact the historic site office at 573-431-6226. Missouri Mines State Historic Site is located at 4000 Highway 32 in Park Hills. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

An accident happened in Crawford County on the I-44 South Outer Road just east of Bourbon at 7:41 Thursday morning. According to the highway patrol report, a 2019 Buick Encore driven eastbound by 80-year-old Lawrence Daulby of Steelville, went off the right side of the roadway and struck several trees. Daulby suffered minor injuries and was taken to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan by the North Crawford County Ambulance. He was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Buick sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Chuck’s Towing.

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 will be nominated and voted on by Missourians in their “Small Town Showcase” to become one of their annual “Featured Five” communities 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 our annual gala. Help choose which communities will be featured in the Small Town Showcase 2024 by voting by July 15th, and the five 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.”

Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) elected a new slate of officers at its May 11th board meeting. For the 2023-2024 year, Representative for the Unemployed and former vice-chairman Mary Heywood of Bourbon was elected chairman. Osage County Presiding Commissioner Darryl Griffin was elected Vice Chairman, Phelps County Presiding Commissioner Joey Auxier was elected secretary and Waynesville Mayor Sean Wilson was elected treasurer. Heywood replaces Steve Vogt, representative of Belle, who had served two consecutive terms as chairman. New officers assume their duties with the meeting tonight. The board also approved the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget as presented by MRPC Fiscal Officer Linda Loughridge. MRPC expects to bring in $3,651,699 in revenue and expend $3,637,800 for a profit of $13,899. Loughridge provided a breakdown of the budget, major expenses and changes by department to the board. Approximately 63% of funds come from federal sources, 23% come from local contractual sources, 11% from state sources and three percent from MRPC membership dues. The 2023-2024 budget supports 26 full-time employees and seven part-time employees. In other business, the MRPC board held a moment of silence for Board Member Gary Brown who served as the for-profit representative for Dent County and passed unexpectedly on May 1, 2023; plus they heard an update on Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District’s Trashasaurus and Earth Day efforts. Trashasaurus is a new illegal dump mascot used to bring about awareness to environmental issues addressed by Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District, the board approved the purchase of an unbudgeted plotter through an EDA CARES grant, and they heard a report on MRPC’s business loans programs, how the programs work and dollars available for lending. To keep up with the latest MRPC news and events, visit the MRPC website at www.meramecregion.org.

The new Forest Products exhibit is now open at the Ozark Natrual and Cultural Resource Center at 202 South Main Street in Salem. Sponsored by the Salem Area Arts Council, the exhibit is open from 9:00 to 5:00 weekdays and also this Saturday from 9:00 in the morning until 12:00 noon. Also this Saturday morning at 10:00, the ONCRC will host University of Missouri Extension State Forester Frank Stelzer who will speak on “White Oak, Whiskey and Wine” where he will provide a wealth of information about Missouri’s famous forest products. The event is free and open to the public.

Want some free fun that gets family and friends outside in nature? Get hooked on fishing with the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Free Fishing Days this Saturday and Sunday. During Free Fishing Days, anyone may fish in the Show-Me State without having to buy a fishing permit, trout permit, or trout park daily tag. Free Fishing Days is an annual event that takes place statewide during the Saturday and Sunday following the first Monday in June. Aside from not needing permits, other fishing regulations remain in effect, such as limits on size and number of fish an angler may keep. Special permits may still be required at some county, city, or private fishing areas. Trespass laws remain in effect on private property. For information on Missouri fishing regulations, fish identification, and more, get a copy of MDC’s 2023 Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations, available where permits are sold, or online at mdc.mo.gov.

Last night the Sullivan Independent News reported the Cuba Fire Department responded to the area of Routes F and ZZ in Crawford County where a Burlington Northern Train had struck a mobile home being moved, apparently crossing the railroad tracks at a non-crossing arm railroad crossing. No injuries were reported and the mobile home sustained extensive damage following the impact. This area is west of Cuba and between Cuba and St. James.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is proposing adjusting prices for most hunting, fishing, trapping, and commercial permits in an effort to keep up with rising costs of goods and services it uses to manage its more than 1,000 conservation areas along with nature centers, shooting ranges, fish hatcheries, and other facilities. The Conservation Department received initial approval on the proposed permit price adjustments from the Missouri Conservation Commission at the Commission’s May meeting. Most MDC permit prices have remained the same for the past 20 years while costs for goods and services have increased significantly since then. Additional revenue from permit sales will help MDC maintain and improve its nationally recognized programs and services for hunters, anglers, wildlife watcher, and others. Some of the proposed permit price increases are the price of a resident hunting and fishing permit would go from $19 to $20.50; a resident fishing permit would go from $12 to $13; the price of a resident small game hunting permit would go from $10 to $10.50; the price of a resident trapping permit would go from $10 to $11; the price of a resident spring turkey permit would go from $17 to $18; the price of a resident firearm deer permit would go from $17 to $18; the price of a resident antlerless deer permit would go from $7 to $7.50; the price of a youth resident antlerless deer permit would go from $7 to $7.50; and those persons under 16 and over 65 years of age will still get no-cost small-game hunting permits and no-cost fishing permits. Permit sales account for about 17% of MDC annual revenue. Other significant revenue sources include the Conservation Sales Tax at about 62% and federal reimbursements at about 15% of total MDC revenue. The Department of Conservation are seeking public comments about its proposed permit price adjustments. To submit a comment, visit mdc.mo.gov/permits/permit-price-adjustments-2023. MDC will then compile comments received and share them with the Commission prior to their September 8th open meeting when it will give final consideration to the proposed permit price adjustments. If approved, the changes would become effective February 29, 2024. For more information on the proposed permit price adjustments, including a complete list of permits, current and proposed prices, average prices of similar permits for surrounding states, the last year the permit prices were raised, and other information, visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/permits/permit-price-adjustments-2023.

A special waste collection for residential and farm electronics, appliances, textiles and tires will be held from 8:00 until noon on June 10th at Brewer Science, 2401 Brewer Drive in Rolla. Brewer Science, the City of Rolla and Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC), with funding through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District (ORSWMD), are partnering on the June 10th collection. For this collection, the St. James Caring Center, an Ozark Rivers grant recipient, is partnering to collect textiles at the event free of charge. Clothing, curtains, purses, bedding, coats, belts and shoes will be collected from 8:00 until 11:00 or until the St. James Caring Center’s truck is full. Stoves, washers, dryers, hot water heaters, and other appliances will be collected free of charge. Free electronics also include computer components, laptop computers, keyboards, hair dryers, VCR/DVD players, cell phones or anything that runs on a cord or battery. Oil and gas must be removed from tanks of any items such as push mowers, weed eaters, etc. These items will NOT be accepted: CDs, DVDs, VHS and data tapes, floppy disks, transformers, capacitors or ballasts not clearly marked No PCBs, smoke detectors, thermostats, medical waste, gas containers such as propane, oxygen, nitrous oxide, anything leaking oil or acid, such as batteries, broken ink or toner cartridges, alkaline batteries light bulbs and fluorescent tubes, broken CRTs, TVs or monitors. Fees on certain items will be collected as follows: $25 for CRT TVs over 27 inches and wood console TVs, $20 for CRT TVs under 26 inches, $15 for flat screen TVs, $10 for all computer monitors and refrigerated appliances with Freon. Fees for tires are as follows: $2 each for passenger tires, $7.50 each for semi-truck tires and $35 each for tractor tires. The collection is for residential items only, no materials from businesses will be accepted. The special waste collection is open to residents from Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties. To minimize personal contact, those bringing items to the collection are asked to stay inside their vehicles and assistants will unload items. For more information on items accepted or the fee structure, please contact Tammy Snodgrass at MRPC at 573-265-2993 or at tsnodgrass@meramecregion.org. For those unable to participate in the Rolla collection, mark your calendars for collections on September 9th in Salem. For more information about ORSWMD or waste reduction and recycling opportunities in the Ozark Rivers area, contact Tammy Snodgrass, MRPC environmental programs manager, or Jill Hollowell at 573-265-2993.

The Dent County “Love Thy Neighbor” Program will hold a Community Fun Day this afternoon starting at 4:00 and lasting until 6:00 at the Salem City Park in the pavilion and at the pool. Live entertainment will be provided by a local Bluegrass band, and supper will also be provided in the form of hamburgers and hot dogs. There will also be pool passes available good from 4:00 until 6:00 in the afternoon, but remember the pool closes at 6:00. Bring a lawn chair and relax with friends and neighbors from the “Love thy Neighbor” program. It’s FREE and open to everyone!!!

Concerned Citizens for Salem will meet tonight at 7:00 in the Wilson Family Center. Topics to be discussed include utilities, city finances, capital improvements, and more. Everyone is welcome to attend.

The Salem Chamber Business Expo will be held on Saturday, June 17th from 9:00 until noon at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center Parking Area at the intersection of Highway 32-72 and 19. Anyone who is a chamber member can receive a FREE ten foot wide by six foot deep space and a second space is only $25. Deadline for booth entry will be Tuesday, June 13th. Forms are available at the chamber office or e-mail Chamber Director Tabitha Utley at chamber@salemmo.com and she can send you one. If you have questions, call 729-6900 to get the answers.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announces the results of the Driver and Vehicle Safety Division’s 2023 annual school bus inspection program. There were a total of 9,985 school buses rated as “approved” upon initial inspection, 1,088 school buses rated as “defective” upon initial inspection, and 381 school buses rated as “out-of-service” upon initial inspection. Buses with identified defective components require repair within 10 days. Buses placed “out-of-service” require the correction of the component or components, before they are reinspected and allowed to return to service by Patrol personnel prior to further usage in transporting passengers. Results of the Dent County school districts show the Salem R-80 School District had 11 buses inspected with 54.5% of them approved, 27.3% of them were defective and 18.2% of them were placed out of service; Oak Hill R-I School District had six buses inspected with 33.3% of them approved, 50% of them were defective and 16.7% of them were placed out of service; Green Forest R-2 School District had seven buses inspected with 71.4% of them approved, 14.3% of them were defective and 14.3% of them were placed out of service; Dent-Phelps R-3 School District had nine buses inspected with 77.8% of them approved, 22.2% of them were defective and no buses were placed out of service; North Wood R-4 School District had seven buses inspected with 14.3% of them approved, 85.7% of them were defective and no buses were placed out of service; and the Ozark Hills State School #61 had one bus inspected and it was found to be defective. For more information on any Missouri school district and how they fared with the school bus inspection, go the Missouri State Highway Patrol website and click on news releases.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports for the last week of May. On Monday, May 29th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on West Highway 32 and Route F. During the stop, it was determined the driver, a 30-year-old Salem man, had a revoked driving privilege as well as an active arrest warrant. He was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail where he bonded on the warrant and received a summons for the revoked driving privilege. The next day, a deputy received a call for service for a missing 18-year-old Salem woman. During the course of the investigation, she was located alive and well in Wright County, Missouri. The investigation was then closed. On Wednesday, May 31st, a deputy responded to East Truman Street for a wanted subject. During the investigation, a 30-year-old Salem man was arrested on an active arrest warrant. He was then transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated on the warrant. On Thursday, June 1st, a deputy responded to the 13000 block of South Highway 19 for a reported theft. The victim, a 62-year-old Salem man, reported that a sign was stolen from his yard. The investigation is continuing. If you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s office at 729-3241.

The Mudbugs are back! On Thursday, June 8th, the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History will host the Mudbugs where children can explore numerous wonders hidden in plain site at the Bonebrake Center. The program on June 8th will be a “Fairy House Hunt” as the children will be building some fairy houses around the grounds, then use a map to find them IF the fairies don’t make them invisible. The suggested contribution for each program is $2.00 but additional donations are always welcome. All monies collected go to the Bonebrake Center. Each program is geared toward children from six to 12-years of age, but all aged children are welcome. They ask that parents please accompany their children. For more information, contact Janet Price at moonshadowmomentsllc@gmail.com.

A one vehicle accident happened Sunday afternoon around 4:50 in Phelps County on Phelps County Road 3010. According to the highway patrol report, a 2004 Lincoln Town Car being driven north by 83-year-old Richard Miller of Rolla, traveled off the right side of the roadway before striking an embankment and a mailbox. A passenger in the vehicle, 82-year-old Barbara Miller, also of Rolla, suffered minor injuries and was taken by Phelps Health EMS to Phelps Health Hospital. The Lincoln sustained minor damage and was towed from the scene by Dishman’s Towing. The Millers were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

An accident happened Sunday morning just after 8:00 in Iron County on Highway 32 about two miles west of Banner. The highway patrol report states that a 2015 Ford F-250 being driven eastbound by 72-year-old Joyce Lepley of Boss, failed to negotiate a curve causing the vehicle to travel off the right side of the road and strike a tree. Lepley suffered minor injuries and was taken by ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Abney’s Towing. Lepley was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

The City of Salem Capital Improvement Committee was to meet Monday evening at the Salem Community Center@The Armory but they did not have enough for a quorum. City Administrator Sally Burbridge discussed nine updated or new projects she added for the meeting including a new Animal Shelter roof for $15,000, Old City Hall updating for $10,000, copier replacement for $10,000, a change in the match and grant figures for the Salem Airport plus $25,000 for improvements to the pilot lounge, $10,000 for the City Hall Council Chambers improvements, a new taxiway for the airport in fiscal year 2025, and also money to be set aside for cybersecurity once an assessment is made. Chief of Police Joe Chase discussed the Salem Police Fleet Management System and why it is financially beneficial. Since there was not a quorum, the numbers presented by the staff will be recommended to the Finance Committee at their next meeting.

An accident occurred Saturday afternoon around 12:45 in Dent County on Highway 72 about one mile north of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 1999 Toyota 4 Runner driven by 22-year-old Jordan Shults of Salem, was traveling westbound and was slowing for stopped traffic. At that time, a 2017 Harley Davidson Sportster operated by 20-year-old Johnathan Stark of Salem, was also traveling westbound and struck the rear of the Toyota. Stark suffered minor injuries and was transported by the Salem EMS to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. The report states Stark was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Harley Davidson sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by a family member. Schults was not injured in the accident and was wearing a seat restraint when the accident happened. The Toyota sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene.

A meeting of the City of Salem’s Capital Improvement Committee has been called by committee chairman Shawn Bolerjack. The meeting will be held this evening at 6:00 at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory, 1200 W. Rolla Road. After the roll call, the committee is expected to finalize the fiscal year 2023-2024 capital improvements before adjourning. The meeting this evening will be open to the public.

During the week of May 20th to May 26th, there were a total of 112 calls for service to the Salem police department. Officers conducted 16 traffic stops for various traffic violations with three of the stops resulting in a summons or arrest. They also conducted three traffic accident investigations along with six informational reports. From the calls for service and traffic stops, these reports were generated. During the evening of Saturday, May 20th at around 8:30, officers were dispatched to Dollar General for the report of an intoxicated man trying to leave in a vehicle. It was reported that the man was acting erratic and had injured himself by punching a mirror. After a short investigation, a 20-year-old Salem man was arrested and placed on a 12-hour safe keep for disorderly conduct. On Wednesday morning, May 24th, near 11:00, officers took a report of a handgun that was stolen out of a vehicle that was parked and unoccupied near the intersection of Fourth and Iron Streets. Video surveillance of the area has been reviewed and this incident is still under investigation. Later that same evening at 8:30, officers were dispatched to the 900 block of South Water Street for the report of a stolen lawn mower. It was reported that someone had stolen a John Deere riding lawn mower from a residence between May 19th and 20th. Video footage was reviewed from the area and this investigation is still ongoing. On Friday, May 26th around 6:00 in the evening, officers were dispatched to Wal-Mart for a report of shoplifting. It was reported that a woman who had previously shoplifted from the store and had been asked not to return to Walmart, did trespass and had shoplifted again. After a short investigation, a 38-year-old Salem woman was arrested and issued a summons to appear in court for the incident. Due to the prior convictions and trespass warnings, she will be facing charges of Burglary in the First Degree. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The University of Missouri Extension will be offering a free program called “Soil Health Improvement in the Garden” Tuesday, June 6th, from 6:00 until 7:00 at 801 N Cedar Street in Rolla. This program provides education to the local gardeners about soil and nutrient management in their gardens. The speaker will talk about function and composition of soil, and soil organic matter. The standard procedure for soil sampling will be discussed in the meeting. There will be discussion about essential plant nutrients, soil test report interpretation and fertilizer application. Interested participants need to register online or call to Phelps County Extension Center at (573) 458-6260.

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways will host an “Art in the Park” evening at Alley Spring on Saturday evening from 6:30 – 8:30. This event is free and open to the public. Professional and aspiring artists are invited to paint, draw, sculpt or photograph during this open-air event on the bank of Alley Spring. Visitors are welcome to walk among the artists and see their creations. In addition, parents are encouraged to bring their kids for special art projects. A variety of art supplies and project options are available. Bring your creative energy, a chair or blanket, and any special art projects you’d like to display. Alley Spring is located five miles west of Eminence on Highway 106. For more information, call (573) 226-3945, visit the park’s Facebook page, or visit our website at www.nps.gov/ozar.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, Mary Beth Cook said she had the potential of getting a new road to her cabin at Montauk and was in to ask the county if they would meet with her at that property to determine the best locations for access off Dent County 6670 for a new road that would also need a culvert installed. District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray told her just to get in touch with him in a couple of weeks and he would be glad to meet with her. Mobray stated the commission met with MoDOT and N.B. West from Pacific on Tuesday for a pre-construction meeting on the FLAP Project 56 for the paving of 2,700 feet of Dent County Road 6670 from Tan Vat to Baptist Camp that will be 16-feet wide. The commission also met with Great Rivers Engineering Wednesday to sign the FLAP 56 construction agreement. It was determined at the meeting the paving would be done today all at one time so Dent County Road 6670 will be closed to the public this morning until later today from Tan Vat to Baptist Camp. The public will have to find alternative routes to get around that stretch of road. The commissioners then signed an agreement with MoDOT to be reimbursed $3,487.48 for the FLAP 56 project. Mobray also said the ditches were pulled on Dent County Road 5080 as the county is rebuilding parts of that road with the anticipation of that road being chip and sealed in the future. He also said patch grading was being done on county road 5380 to remove some of the rough spots. Presiding Commission Gary Larson gave the District 2 report and said crews were rebuilding Dent County Road 3110 as they will be installing a crossover pipe, adding material and grading. He said brush was being cut on county road 2300. Larson said he expects the governor to appoint a new 2nd District Commissioner soon and he wanted the public to know he enjoyed serving them as 2nd District Commissioner in case he did not give that district report in the future. He said he will be attending the Transportation Advisory committee meeting Thursday, June 8th, at the MRPC offices in St. James; and plans on attending the Missouri Department of Economic Development’s Office of Broadband Development meeting Friday, June 9th from 9:00 in the morning until 11:00 at the Centre in Rolla. The meeting is being held with the cooperation of the University of Missouri Extension and is being held to hear updates on the broadband access and to receive input from stakeholders. Larson nominated former Salem R-80 Assistant Superintendent John Smith to serve as the Dent County “At-Large” position on the Meramec Regional Planning Commission to replace the late Gary Brown. Smith agreed to serve if his nomination was approved by the commissioners which it was. Larson went on to sign the CART agreement with the Missouri Department of Conservation so the county could be reimbursed for the white gravel used on the roads leading to Conservation Areas. The cost of the white rock came to about $17,000. The commission also approved the request from Amber Pryor to allow to use the courthouse lawn and electricity to help raise funds for the Salem High School Choir by selling sno-cones at the Independence Day Parade on July 4th. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she balanced with the treasurer on all accounts for May. She is also asking the public that if you did NOT receive a voter registration card in the mail by now to please contact her office at 729-4144 or stop by the office to make sure your voter information on file is correct. Curley said she will be attending a Missouri Urban Board for a meeting with all election authorities and county clerks next week in St. Louis. There will be no commission meetings the week of June 5th with the next meeting is scheduled for June 12th at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

An accident happened in Pulaski County on Route BB about 3½ miles north of Richland Wednesday afternoon around 12:56. According to the highway patrol report, 26-year-old Caleb Cook of Rolla, was driving a 2017 International Dumptruck when he traveled off the right side of the roadway. Cook overcorrected and the dumptruck traveled off the left side of the road and overturned. He suffered minor injuries and was taken by the Pulaski County Ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. Cook was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The dumptruck was totaled and removed from the scene by I-44 Towing.

Barbara Johnson will be at the Creative Arts Center on Thursday evening, June 8th, from 6:00 to 8:00 to teach the art of Paper Quilling. Learn how you can create a unique and charming card by using narrow strips of colored paper. Learn how to roll, shape and design your own card. The created designs stand up on edge and they make a delightful filigree. Design ideas and information will be provided, as well as all needed supplies. The cost is $20 per person and the class is open to anyone age 10 and up. A minimum of five participants is needed to provide the class. You can sign up online at salemcommunitybetterment.com and go to the Creative Arts Center link, or you can email salemartscenter@salemcommunitybetterment.com.

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 June 30th, during regular business hours from 8:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon. 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. Check payments are no longer accepted so you will need to pay with 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. Remember, only the taxes for 2020 need to be paid IN FULL by Thursday, June 30th to give you another whole year to pay the other outstanding years.

The City of Salem Airport Board will be meeting this evening at 7:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers at 202 North Washington. At the meeting, the board will discuss the airport budget for this and next fiscal year, discuss land lease agreements for building new hangars, get an update on the new hanger project and also get an update on the fuel pump card reader before discussing any other business. The meeting of the airport board is open to the public.

The Department of Revenue (DOR) is now allowing otherwise eligible Commercial Driver License (CDL) holders to submit their self-certification and updated medical examiner certificate by email or fax to license offices for processing. This change not only helps CDL holders but it is also expected to reduce the number of customers waiting in lines at the State’s contract license offices. Wayne Wallingford, Director of the Missouri Department of Revenue said that since becoming Director of the Missouri Department of Revenue, I have made it my mission to transform the Department and lead it to achieve its vision of providing every customer the best experience every time. To that end, we discovered a need to make the process of maintaining a commercial driver license more convenient and we worked with Missouri lawmakers to take steps to eliminate an unnecessary burden for our CDL customers. This is just one in myriad ways we are working to better serve the 6 million Missourians who depend upon the services we provide. Previously, CDL holders had been required to submit their self-certification and updated medical examiner certificates in person at a license office to maintain a valid CDL privilege. This step often required truck drivers to take time off work or risk getting stalled roadside-perhaps even in another state-due to certificate expirations. For more information on the CDL requirements, visit the DOR website at dor.mo.gov.

If you want to learn to fish, then turn to the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Discover Nature Fishing Program. This program provides a series of free lessons throughout the state. All fishing gear is provided. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/fishing/discover-nature-fishing. If you already know how to fish but don’t have any fishing gear, the Missouri Department of Conservation works with numerous libraries and other locations around the state to loan fishing gear for free. Loaner gear includes fishing poles and simple tackle box with hooks, sinkers, and bobbers. Worms, minnows, or other bait are not provided. The Salem Public Library and Current River State Park offer the loaner gear. Call them at 729-4311 or 858-3015 for more information.