Local News

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.

Volunteers from the MO Moto Trail Riders group and employees from Mark Twain National Forest and Meramec Regional Planning Commission cleared 27.92 tons of trash and approximately 256 tires from the Mark Twain National Forest in Dent County on Saturday, April 2nd. Cody Norris, the public affairs officer with the Forest Service, said there are more than 700 confirmed sites across this beautiful Mark Twain National Forest where we have mapped instances of illegal dumping. Every pound of that trash is a pound that doesn’t belong in the national forest. The cleanup that Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District held with the MO Moto Trail Riders was an exceptional example of what people can do to work together to keep our forests clean. Their cleanup removed to what equates to 55,840 pounds of trash from the forest. Any one of those pounds of trash could contain substances that might be bad for ground water, plastic bags or rings that could have harmed animals, or other things that are not good for the soil, water, plants, and animals of the forest. Choosing to dispose of trash properly is choosing to take care of the land. The Mark Twain National Forest is very thankful for the volunteers that help take care of the land when others have chosen to hurt it by dumping trash illegally on the forest. Thirty-three MO Moto Trail Riders, one forest service employee and one MRPC employee spent seven hours working to clear the illegally dumped trash and tires from the Mark Twain National Forest land. The group filled four dumpsters. The Dent County cleanup is the third cleanup coordinated by the MRPC in 2022. So far in 2022, the solid waste district has cleared 37.48 tons of trash from the seven-county district. For those interested in participating or organizing a cleanup, contact Kathryn Hawes, the MRPC environmental specialist, at 573-265-2993 or via email at khawes@meramecregion.org.

City of Salem Mayor Greg Parker has called a special meeting of the Board of Aldermen for this evening at 6:00 at City Hall Council Chambers, located at 202 N. Washington. The meeting is being held to consider appointments to city boards and committees. The meeting will then be adjourned.

The Dent County Fire Protection District board of directors will be meeting 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 the minutes from the April meeting before hearing the financial report and approving bills. The budget will then be reviewed along with the upcoming calendar of events, and the monthly reimbursement report. Any old or new business will then be brought before the board before Chief Brad Nash give his report to the board. The date will then be set for the June meeting before adjourning. The meeting is open to the public.

An accident occurred Sunday morning around 1:44 in Phelps County on I-44 near the 192.2-mile marker in the eastbound lane. According to the highway patrol report, a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado driven by 51-year-old Stanley Smith of Houston, Missouri, was stopped in the right lane when the front of a 2014 Toyota Avalon driven by 52-year-old Christopher Lauders of High Ridge struck the rear of the Chevrolet. The collision caused the Chevrolet to travel off the left side of the roadway and strike a guard rail. Lauders suffered serious injuries and Smith suffered moderate injuries. They were both transported by St. James Ambulance to Phelps Health. The report stated Lauders was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident, but Smith was not. Both vehicles were totaled. The Chevrolet was removed from the scene by D&D Towing and the Toyota by Dishman’s Towing.

The Salem Police Department has released the following reports. On Sunday night, March 27th, at approximately 7:30 officers arrested 24-year-old William Scott for warrants out of the Dent County Sheriff’s Office following a traffic stop at the intersection of Franklin and Macarthur. Scott was incarcerated at the Dent County Jail with a bond of $425. The next night, March 28th, near 7:30, officers arrested 49-year-old Alexandra Blackwell of Salem for warrants out of the City of Salem following a traffic stop for vehicle registration at Warfel and Third Street. Blackwell was able to post the $85 bond on the warrants and was later released. Then on Tuesday afternoon, March 29th, at about 3:00, an officer conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Franklin and Henderson Streets for a vehicle failing to signal while turning. As a result of the stop, the officer requested consent to search the vehicle which was granted. Found in the vehicle were items of drug paraphernalia that appeared to have been used to ingest Methamphetamine. As a result of the stop, a 51-year-old Salem female was arrested and placed on a 24-hour hold at the Dent County Jail. Finally, Thursday afternoon, March 31st, around 1:20, an officer arrested 44-year-old Jared King of Salem for warrants for his arrest after officers responded to King’s known residence in an attempt to locate him on the warrant. King was incarcerated at the Dent County Jail with the bond of $300. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Tuesday evening in the City Hall Council Chambers. In the hearing of persons, the board approved a request from Sarah Massengale to close Iron, 4th and 5th streets on Saturday, June 4th for the “Taste of Dent County” event. After approval of the consent agenda, the board approved Bill #3504 to authorize the mayor to execute a contingency allocation of $9,513 between the City of Salem and Energy Solutions Professionals, LLC for additional point and tuck brickwork services at 301 North Grand. Approval was given for Resolution 11-2022 authorizing the law firm of Cunningham, Vogel and Rost, PC to perform a review of the City of Salem Personnel Policy Manual at a cost of under $3,000. Resolution 12-2022 authorizing the mayor to sign an agreement with United Healthcare for medical insurance for employees was approved. Representatives from Wall Street Insurance attended the meeting via zoom. Inman Insurance is a co- broker for this policy that was set to renew on July 1st with a 5% increase. But a rate reduction was requested which allowed for no cost increase if approved before May 1st for a total premium of $287,244.36 effective July 1, 2022. The board approved Resolution 13-2022 to execute an agreement with SCI Engineering, Inc. for geotechnical services in doing soil bores for $5,950 at the certified site at the Masters Industrial Park, and Resolution 14-2022 authorizing the extension of an agreement between the City of Salem and Godi Excavating Services for work at the certified site in the Master’s Industrial Park. Terry Moore with Energy Solutions Professionals gave an update on the energy savings project that is being conducted at city buildings. The building envelope work, including weather stripping and insulation is substantially complete. The HVAC scope is in progress at the City Administration and old City Hall. The doors and window replacements are at 80% complete. Roofing work is 90% complete at the Park and Rec building and 75% at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. The sports lighting at Al Brown Fields has been slowed due to wet conditions. The 10-foot deep holes for the poles are retaining six feet of water. The light poles are ready to be set when this problem is corrected. City Administrator Ray Walden noted that the Community Wide Yard Sale is set for Saturday, May 7th and the spring clean-up weeks will be the weeks of May 9th and May 16th. Mayor Greg Parker requested and the Aldermen approved the appointment of Harold Hamilton to the Utility Committee. Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois reported there are 461 children signed up for the upcoming baseball season. After the final weekend of soccer is complete, the Al Brown fields will be closed to allow for the light pole installation. Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge gave an update on the Certified Site at the Industrial Park and the Welcome Home program and Lead Base Paint Remediation program. Public Works Director Mark Nash provided updates on city crew work. The board approved the purchase of a new Toyota pickup truck for the Park and Recreation Department at a cost of $32,367. Financial Director Stacey Houston provided a financial report that showed fund balances at $5 million. The 20/21 audit report is expected to be complete in May. Alderman Sisco requested an update on the clean-up of the Maggard house on MacArthur Street. Chief Joe Chase has been in contact with the family and will inform them that they have 30 days to complete the cleanup. He will also provide information regarding the city’s demolition program. Alderman Bolerjack reported he recently attended an Economic Development Regional meeting where updates regarding broadband access and Highway 63 improvements from Arkansas to Jefferson City were discussed. He will be scheduling Capital Improvements and Finance Committee meetings in the next couple of weeks. Alderman Williams requested updates on the Airport fuel pump and courtesy car availability. The fuel pump has been ordered and procedures to have the car available will be implemented. The board approved selling five surplus vehicles owned by the city. The board then went into closed session to discuss contracts.

Montauk State Park will be hosting a Spring Kids Free Fishing Day on Saturday April 30th. Kids 15 and under can pick up their required free fishing tags Friday afternoon April 29th between 2:00 and 5:00 at the registration booth near the fish cleaning station or anytime Saturday. For more information contact Montauk State Park Fish Hatchery between 6:30 in the morning till 5:00 in the evening at 573-548-2585.

Montauk State Park will be handing out free seedling on Friday April 29th in celebration of Arbor Day. Park visitors can pick up the seedlings at the White Oak Hole parking lot from 9:00 to 3:00. The trees are provided courtesy of the Missouri Department of Conservation’s George White Nursery. For more information contact the park at 573-548-2201.

Dent County Health Center Administrator Zach Moser reports the Dent County Health Center has received a 1.215-million-dollar grant that was designed to address the health disparities created or worsened by COVID-19. The three main issues the grant will address will be the access and affordability of childcare, access to primary care and the access to care due to immobility and distance. The health center has a plan to address the access and affordability in Dent County by working with existing and new childcare providers to provide free and reduced cost childcare for all Dent County residents. The goal is to increase the capacity of childcare providers in Dent County by 50 children by June of 2023. This will allow more parents to look for jobs and return to work. One of the health center’s goals was to provide access to affordable laboratory testing. The Dent County Health Center plans to increase their laboratory capacity and provide a limited number of free tests. To help with the expected increase in demand, the health center will be hiring a nurse practitioner to help provide screenings and treatment for acute illnesses. The health center also wanted to address the vulnerability of the elderly, disabled and immunocompromised patients. They plan to use project funds to facilitate the implementation of a mobile team that can deliver immunizations, draw blood for lab tests, offer COVID and flu tests and more. The Dent County Health Center is excited to have chance to improve the health of Dent County residents. They are still in the early stages of implementing the program and will continue to keep the public informed on their progress.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley reports on a court case heard Thursday in Dent County held in front of Judge Nathan Kelsaw. In court, Carlton Curtis from Licking, Missouri pled guilty to two counts of felony stealing. He was sentenced to serve four years in the Missouri Department of Corrections. The sentencing was derived from incidents where Curtis was hired as a contractor to perform construction services with substantial down payments were made by people for labor and materials. According to the report from Curley, there was no effort to start or complete the projects as previously agreed with his clients.

National Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, April 30th. The drop boxes are provided to keep unwanted and expired medication away from kids, persons struggling with substance use disorder, and out of the water supply. Medications can be left in the drop boxes located at the Dent County Sheriff’s Department and the Salem Police Department. Items not accepted include needles, blood/infectious waste, hydrogen peroxide, aerosol cans, and inhalers. Drug Take Back Day is supported by Four Rivers Community Health Center, Healthy Dent County Prevention Coalition, and Prevention Consultants of Missouri.

A special waste collection for residential and farm electronics, appliances, metals and tires will be held from 8:00 until noon this Saturday, April 30th, at Brewer Science located at 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 April 30th collection. The collection is for residential items only – no materials from businesses will be accepted – and 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. 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. Please note the following 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. 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.

A couples or singles paint-n-sip with Danielle Norris will be Friday from 6:30 until 8:30 @ the Creative Arts Center. Let Danielle lead you step-by-step through a spring painting. Bring a beverage and a friend or family member to enjoy and evening away from the stresses of the day or week! This is a perfect way to get into the spring vibe. Be prepared to get creative. All the supplies for the class are provided and the cost is $25. For more information or to register, call 247-0651 or e-mail salemartscouncil@outlook.com.