Local News

A municipal election was held Tuesday in Dent County and a total of 926 voters cast ballots for only 13.92% of the 7,075 registered voters. The unofficial results of challenged races for Dent County only are as follows:
*indicates winners

CITY OF SALEM WEST WARD ALDERMAN:

Amanda Duncan* 157 votes
Bill Riley 97 votes

CITY OF SALEM SEWERAGE BOND QUESTION

YES* 369 votes
NO 148 votes

CITY OF SALEM SALES TAX QUESTION

YES* 270 votes
NO 245 votes

DENT COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTOR – TWO-YEAR TERM

Leigh Ann Price* 372 votes
Jeff Stokes, Jr. 314 votes

SALEM R-80 SCHOOL BOARD: (three elected)

Drusilla Howard* 359 votes
Andrew Wynn* 324 votes
Marjorie Wilber Pyatt* 310 votes
Calvin Malone 183 votes
Gregory Moravec 169 votes
Brian Mink 159 votes
Bret Bailey 157 votes

OAK HILL R-1 SCHOOL BOARD: (three elected)

Daniel England* 74 votes
Thomas England* 70 votes
John Hoodenpyle* 67 votes
April Greener 32 votes
Rhonda Wolfe-Hutsell 29 votes
Sarah Hoffman 26 votes
Jerry Norris 15 votes

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that young turkey hunters in Missouri harvested 2,550 birds over the past youth weekend, April 1 and 2. Top harvest counties were Osage with 71 birds harvested and Miller with 65. Harvest totals for counties in our area include Crawford with 27, Dent with 38, Maries with 61, Phelps 42, Texas 64 and Shannon 17. Young hunters checked 2,881 birds during the 2022 spring youth weekend. MDC Turkey Biologist Nicholas Oakley said that the cool, windy weather on Saturday made for challenging turkey hunting conditions, but fortunately, hunters stuck with it and Sunday’s weather was more conducive to harvesting a turkey.” Get more harvest information by county, plus more information on spring turkey hunting in Missouri at mdc.mo.gov. The regular spring turkey season runs April 17 through May 7.

An accident occurred in Maries County Monday morning at 10:06 on Highway 42 two miles west of Belle. According to the Highway Patrol report a westbound 2022 Ford E-450 Ambulance, driven by 26-year-old Albert Schulze of Troy, Missouri, was responding to an emergency call. The Ford changed lanes to pass a westbound 2017 Toyota Tacoma, driven by 84-year-old Carl Daniels of Belle. Daniels turned left into the path of the Ambulance and it traveled off the left side of the roadway. A passenger in the Ford, 23-year-old Kylie Weidman of Steelville, suffered minor injuries and was transported by Ozark Central Ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla. The Ford sustained moderate damages and was towed from the scene by Four J’s Towing, while the Toyota sustained minor damage and was removed from the scene by White Motor Company. The report stated that all three occupants of the two vehicles were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

An accident happened in Camden County at 12:30 Tuesday afternoon at High Point Road just north of Snogard Lane. According to the highway patrol report, a 2020 Ford Transit driven northbound by 50-year-old Lonny Sneathen of Rolla, failed to negotiate a curve and traveled off the left side of the roadway where the Ford struck a tree. Sneathen suffered moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to the Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach. Sneathen was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford was removed from the scene by the Bledsoe Conoco in Camdenton with extensive damage.

A Municipal Election will be held tomorrow with the polls opening at 6:00 in the morning and closing at 7:00 in the evening. The City of Salem will have a race for a West Ward Alderman as incumbent Amanda Duncan and former alderman Bill Riley are both on the ballot, while East Ward Alderman Shawn Bolerjack is unopposed. For the Dent County Fire Protection District, David Greenshields is unopposed for his seat for the six-year term on the fire board, while Leigh Ann Price and Jeff Stokes, Jr. are the choices for the two-year term. The Oak Hill R-1 School District have seven people running for the three seats available on the board. Those running include Rhonda Wolfe-Hutsell, John Hoodenpyle, Jerry Norris, Daniel England, April Greener, Thomas England and Sarah Hoffman. The Salem R-80 School Board also has seven people running for three seats on the board and they are Andrew Wynn, Calvin Malone, Bret Bailey, Gregory Moravec, Marjorie Wilber Pyatt, Drusilla Howard and Brian Mink. There are four candidates for the three seats on the Bunker School District on the ballot and they are Allen Ritter, Jason Davis, Mark. D. Brickley and C.J. Wisdom. There are also two issues for the City of Salem residents to vote on. The first is to cast a vote to allow the city to issue sewerage system revenue bonds in the amount of $4,630,000 for the purpose of extending and improving the city’s sewerage system. This improvement is mandated by the federal government and this vote will determine how the citizens want to pay for these improvements. If the issues passes, the monthly increase to sewer bills will be much less than if the issue fails. The second issue placed on the ballot is asking the citizens of Salem to approve a city sales tax of one percent. The passing of this issue would allow the city to replenish their utility reserves to be available in case of an emergency by not having to take money from the utility funds for general revenue, and also to allow the city to continue to provide full services reliant on the General Revenue Fund such as the police department, street department and others. No-excuse or excused absentee voting continues today at the courthouse until 5:00. Remember, you must have an ID to vote! If you have any questions, call the Dent County Clerk’s office at 729-4144.

The Dent County Sheriff’s office has released some reports for the last week of March. On Wednesday, the 29th, deputies responded to the 200 block of Dent County Road 3090 for a reported assault. The investigation revealed that a 73-year-old Rolla man had been assaulted by his 37-year-old daughter. The victim did not wish to pursue criminal charges against the subject and the case was closed. That same day, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Route H and Dent County Road 2530. A passenger in the vehicle, a 24-year-old Salem man, was found to have an active Phelps County arrest warrant. The man was taken into custody and transported to the Dent County Jail where he was booked per departmental procedure. On Thursday, March 30th, a 41-year-old Salem man reported that his license plates from his truck where stolen. The plates were taken from the vehicle by an unknown party while the it was parked at Highway 68 and Route FF. The investigation will continue, pending any investigative leads. Also on Thursday, a 50-year-old Salem woman was arrested on a City of Rolla arrest warrant. She was taken into custody and transported to the Dent County Jail where she posted bond. If you have information regarding an investigation please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s office at 729-3241.

A one vehicle accident happened Thursday morning just before noon in Dent County on Highway 72 at Lake Spring. According to the highway patrol report, a 1999 Ford Ranger being driven by a 17-year-old male teen from St. James, hydroplaned on the wet pavement. The Ford then traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck the guard rail and overturned. The teen was taken by Salem Ambulance to Salem Memorial Hospital for the treatment of minor injuries. The Ford Ranger was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s towing. The report stated the teen was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

On Saturday, April 8th, the Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is holding its annual Easter Extravaganza. Starting at noon, kids of all ages are invited to join park team members for a fun-filled day of crafts, games and more. Participants are encouraged to bring a basket or bag for the Easter egg hunt. All activities will take place in the north day-use area. For more information about the event, please contact the park naturalist at 573-546-2450 ext.1003. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is located at 148 Taum Sauk Trail in Middle Brook.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday at the Dent County Courthouse. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley appointed Commissioner Gary Larson as the acting presiding commissioner for the meeting. Deloris Gray Wood from the Dent County Historical Society was in to update the commission on the project of telling the history of the Current River “from the road.” She reported she and KSMO General Manager Stan Podorski met with the MRPC to discuss possible grants for the project that could possibly include money for roadsides and plaques to digital kiosks that would feature information about history on and around the Current River. Wood plans on writing a National Park Service grant once it opens up. She will continue to keep the commission in the loop on any future decisions or developments. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams presented her report on the CART monies received in March from the Department of Revenue. She said the county received $73,146.81 which is $19,343.26 more than the $54,803.55 the county received in March of 2022. Year-to-date, CART funds in 2023 are up 23% amounting to $42,131.41. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said he had three trucks getting rock to stockpile at the county shed since gravel right now is not available in Dent County. He said a work crew and grader are working on a washout on Dent County Road 5520 before the grader will move on to county road 5650 and grade it. He also said grading was going to be done on Dent County Roads 2410, 4080 and 4210. District 2 Commissioner Larson said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 2590 while only grading was going to be done on Dent County Roads 2160, 2593 and 5240. He said brush will be cut on county roads 2160 and 2350. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said her office in the courthouse would be open this Saturday from 8:00 until 12:00 noon for absentee voting, both excused and unexcused. She said the polls will be open from 6:00 in the morning until 7:00 in the evening Tuesday for the Municipal Election. People still have time to update their voting registration through Monday before election day in her office. The commissioners added they are actively seeking bids on 40 grader blades to their minutes from the last meeting that will be due in April 13th at 10:00 in her office. The commission discussed looking at replacing two John Deere graders this year with two new John Deere graders using the state bid. They will move forward with this once a new presiding commissioner is appointed. The commission did approve a new seat belt policy for county employees that was requested to be used by the Missouri Association of Counties to help reduce the amount of workman’s comp insurance counties are paying. At 10:00 Thursday, the commissioners received two bids for the county’s banking needs that will include electronic payments, payroll, checking and savings accounts and more. The county received bids from the Bank of Salem and Progressive Ozark Bank. The other three financial institutions in town did not submit bids. At the last meeting, the board approved alowing the Dent County Baptist Association to use the courthouse lawn on Thursday, May 4th for the National Day of Prayer. They also awarded the bids for diesel and unleaded gas to County Fuels for $2.85.5 and $2.68, respectively. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

Learn how to do kitchen knife sharpening with wets stones this Saturday from noon until 2:00 in the afternoon with Derek Turner. Students are encouraged to bring their own knives for sharpening as they will practice at sharpening stations and don’t forget to bring cardboard to cover you freshly sharpened knives. The cost of the class is $25. or more information, call or text 573-247-0651, or you can go online at salemcommunitybetterment.com and look under programs for the Salem Creative Arts Center.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting Tuesday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. City Finance Director Stacey Houston reported on the sales tax revenues and said the electric, water and sewer revenues are tracking more than budgeted but the expenses are as well. Total year to date, the General Revenue Fund is $1,156,490 with $1,252,600 budgeted. The Park and Rec Sales Tax Fund revenue is at $433,679 with $425,000 budgeted and the Capital Improvement Sales Tax Fund revenue is at $578,246 with $650,000 budgeted. The board approved the bid from Nexgrid for 40 Lora Modules in the amount of $5,593.60. These modules with be for the Dilworth, Al Brown Fields area and used to collect information from the water meters and transfer it through a wi-fi connection. Kristen Deluca presented the audit report for year ending June 30, 2022. The audit showed the city’s total assets are $30,481,514 and total liabilities are $11,460,237. The total net position for the city is $18,544,871 with a change in net position for the year of $377,658. The net change in fund balances, which include the General Revenue Fund, Park and Recreation Fund and Capital Improvement Fund was $1,349,989. The electric fund showed a decrease in net position of $268,392, while the water fund showed an increase of $6,553. The Airport Fund showed a decrease of $118,756 and the Sewer Fund also showed a decrease of $175,295. Findings for the audit included the financial statements preparation and review were in accordance with GAAP practices, and that no one on city staff is qualified to perform this service. As always, the auditor reported that segregation of duties is encouraged in the office, but she did note the absence of a significant portion of board minutes as they were unavailable. Deluca strongly suggested that these minutes be brought up to date as quickly as possible. The board approved Bill #3537 a Task Order engineering contract for CM Archer Elgin for services for the Waste Water Treatment Plant Phase 2A for a total of $842,000 to be paid from ARPA funding, and Phase 2B for $743,000 to be paid by an alternative source to be determined after the April election results are known. The board also approved Bill #3538 for a Task Order engineering contract with CM Archer Elgin for a new water well and elevated storage tank at a cost of $628,000. This will be part of the $3.7 million Drinking Water Infrastructure ARPA grant awarded to the city. City Administrator Sally Burbridge requested that the board allow all future minutes to be in a more streamlined manner by eliminating all discussion and only including the motions and votes. This will assist the City Clerk in getting caught up on the outstanding minutes as noted by the auditor. She also requested that ordinances be read only one time, then the two week review period, then read at the next meeting for recommendation. This would give the citizens additional time to comment as well. The last Town Hall meeting will be held on Thursday at 6:30 pm at the City Hall Auditorium. She said a demonstration for lining material for manhole covers will be held on Monday, April 17th from 9 in the morning until noon. Public Works Director Mark Nash noted that asphalt will arrive on Monday and pothole patching will begin. An audit of the city’s power poles is needed to determine the ones that need to be replaced. Two of the city’s bucket trucks have been red tagged and cannot be used without required repairs. One truck will cost more than $40,000 to repair. Mayor Greg Parker thanked Catherine Dent and the Cosmopolitan Club for their recent fireworks fundraiser. Aldermen Kala Sisco noted that the Park and Rec Department is seeking local businesses that want to advertise on the sports fence banners. Aldermen Shwan Bolerjack wanted to remind everyone that the city has the sewer bond issue and sales tax issue on the ballot at the upcoming April 4th election. Alderman Kyle Williams, on behalf of the 100 Acre Wood Rally committee, thanked the fans and citizens for a great rally this year. The board then went into closed session.

The Dent County Sheriffs office has released some reports. On Thursday the 16th, deputies responded to the 11000 block of Route K for a wanted subject. During the course of the arrest, it was discovered a 32-year-old Salem man had an active felony warrant out of Texas County. The man resisted arrest by deputies before being taken into custody and transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated on the warrant. That same day, a 34-year-old Salem man assaulted two court officers before fleeing from the courtroom. The same subject was apprehended the following day and after assaulting two deputies, he was taken into custody and transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated. On Wednesday, March 22nd, deputies assisted the Reynolds County Sheriff’s Office by recovering a stolen vehicle on Route B that had been stolen from the Bunker area. The vehicle was towed from the scene and the investigation was turned over to the Reynolds County authorities. The next day on March 23rd, deputies and EMS personnel responded to the 3100 block of Dent County Road 6580 for a report of an unconscious subject in a vehicle. During the course of the investigation, a 39-year-old Salem woman was arrested for a DWI. She was transported to the Dent County Jail where she was processed per departmental procedures and released with a citation. If you any information regarding an investigation please call the Dent County sheriffs office at 729-3241.

A Franklin County man has been accused of a federal criminal sex act with a minor. According to a report from the office of the United State Attorney for the Eastern District Court of Missouri, 46-year-old Scott M. Arnold-Micke was indicted March 22nd on one count of the transportation of a minor to engage in a criminal sex act. Arnold-Micke appeared in U.S. District Court in St. Louis Friday after his arrest, and pleaded not guilty. The indictment alleges that from approximately the spring of 2018 through the fall of 2020, Arnold-Micke transported a child who was as young as 11 with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. The charge carries a potential penalty of 10 years to life in prison and a $250,000 fine. He is scheduled to be back in court Wednesday for a detention hearing. A motion has been filed seeking to have Arnold-Micke held in jail until trial. The motion accuses him of continuously sexually assaulting at least six other minors indicating Arnold-Micke traveled into seven states with minors to engage in sexual intercourse. An alleged victim listed in the indictment sought medical treatment after Arnold-Micke allegedly knocked teeth out of the minor’s mouth for refusing to engage in sexual intercourse as stated in the motion. Any other potential victims are asked to contact the FBI in St. Louis at 314-589-2500 or call the Rolla Police Department at 573-308-1213 and ask for a detective. The case was investigated by the FBI, the Rolla Police Department, and the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dianna Collins is prosecuting the case. The charges set forth in an indictment are mere accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.

This past weekend, High School Juniors from across their service territory gathered at Intercounty Electric Cooperative Association’s headquarters office in Licking for their final judging in the annual Youth Tour contest. On Saturday they each interviewed for the top prize, a free trip to Washington, D.C. this summer. The two runners up from each school were awarded a free trip to Jefferson City this summer. The first place winners from each school in our area included Alyssa McBee from Salem, Finley Sullins from Licking, Hossein Libre from Rolla, and Pagie French from St. James. Student who cam in second and third place from area schools included Makiya Mullins and Jamal Metcaff from Salem, Ryleigh Barton and Emalee Breeden from Licking, Adam Aldefer and Ashlyn Henson from Rolla, and Dionna Lynch and Erica Kinkead from St. James. Congratulations to all these students who were chosen as the top three essays at their school, plus Intercounty Electric wanted to thank all the students that wrote and submitted an essay in the contest.

During the week of March 4th to March 10th, there was a total of 150 calls to the Salem Police Department for service. Officers conducted 15 traffic stops for various traffic violations with two resulting in a summons or arrest. Officers conducted two traffic accident investigations along with six informational reports. Of the calls for service and traffic stops, the following reports were generated. On Saturday evening around 6:45, March 4th, an officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Fourth Street for a theft report. It was reported that a stand-up propane heater valued at $350 had been stolen. This incident is still under investigation. Then just after 1:00 early Sunday morning, an officer conducted a traffic stop at Highway 19 and Franklin Street. As a result of the stop it was found the driver was driving with a revoked driver’s license. During the investigation, the passenger in the vehicle gave false information in an attempt to elude arrest due to an active warrant. As a result of the investigation 25-year-old Stephanie Denney of Salem, was arrested on her active warrant and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. The driver was issued summons for driving while having their license revoked. On Tuesday, March 7th, around 12:00, an officer was dispatched to Country Mart for a report of shoplifting. It was reported that a female had pushed a cart out of the store without paying for the items. It was reported that the female abandoned the property after placing the items in an acquaintances car. The items were returned to the store. Contact will be made with the female regarding this incident. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

The City of Salem will be holding its second Town Hall to share information and answer questions concerning the proposed additional sales tax and the sewer bond issue on Thursday evening at the Old City Hall Auditorium at 202 North Washington from 6:30 until 8:00. There will be presentations and information available from city staff and aldermen. Light refreshments will be provided. The additional sales tax and sewer bond issue will be on the April 4th election ballot for the public to cast their vote. Residents are encouraged to come out and learn why these projects are occurring and the impact they will have on our community. For more information, contact Sally Burbridge, City Administrator at 729-2428.

National Nutrition Month is the perfect time for older adults to educate themselves and consider the impact certain food choices have on their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The Salem Senior Center can help with education on nutrition and how to live a healthy lifestyle. Today at noon, the Dent County Health Department will present “new age, new nutrition.” Then on Thursday at noon, there will be a presentation on what happens when aging steals your sense of taste. These presentations are a great way to learn more about health and nutrition while enjoying good food, visiting with friends, and having fun. For more information, contact Jody Schaefer, 573-729-2373.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the courthouse. To start the meeting, Dent County Clerk Angie Curley appointed District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson as the acting presiding commissioner. In the road reports for both districts, work crews were out Saturday and Sunday repairing roads and washouts, hauling and stockpiling rock. Both commissioners say they have not gotten to all the roads yet so please be patient as there was a lot of water damage to the roads. District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray did report the Cooley Bridge is now complete and Dent County Road 5610 is now back open to traffic. Clerk Curley said her office balanced with the county treasurer and collector on all accounts for February including collections, abatements and add-ons. She said her office would be testing the voting equipment this Friday morning at 9:00 at her office and that is open to the public. She said “no-excuse” voting continues through April 3rd and on election date, polling locations will be open from 6:00 in the morning until 7:00 at night. This will NOT include Green Forest R-2 and Dent-Phelps R-3 as they are not having local board elections. Curley said sample ballots are available at her office, and if anyone needs to change their voter registration information or has a change of address, now is the time to make those changes in her office. She reported on the MAGIC insurance consortium board meeting she attended last Wednesday and said it was very informative. Curley said other counties are looking into joining the consortium. She stated she was elected secretary of their board. Curley asked the commissioners if they would like to bid out the financial audit for the county in 2024 that would cover the years 2022 and 2023 since auditing firms are getting backed up. The commissioners were good with doing that and bids will be due on April 24th at 10:00 in the clerk’s office. Curley said she, Collector Shannon VanKirk and Assessor Jamie Homeyer made a presentation to the Salem Chamber of Commerce luncheon last week. Larson said the county needed to get bids on diesel fuel and gasoline immediately as they are running out of fuel, and they also need to put out for bids on culverts. They will be due on April 13th at 10:00 in the clerks office. Larson reported on the Tourism Tax Committee meeting he attended last Tuesday where they heard two requests of which one was approved and the other was tabled. They also approved one reimbursement. Larson said they are one person short on the committee and they will need to appoint a new person in the near future. Larson went to say the committee discussed moving the drop off location for applications for funding from the county clerk’s office to the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce office as that is where the meetings are held. Their application form will need to be changed before that goes into effect. Larson said the county received a change order request from Corky Stack for work on the courthouse for an additional $13,000. The change order stated the need to add an additional 300 sheets of plywood to the original order for just under $8,000 and pay for the repair costs for the work on the Christmas lights for the past year on the courthouse. This was approved by the commission. The commission also had to sign and the clerk had to attest to the “Notice to Proceed” for P.J. Meyers to move forward with the sewer grinder installation known as the “muffin monster” at the Dent County Jail. This was done and a copy was scanned and sent to Corky Stack to move forward with the project. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The City of Salem Board of Alderman will meet tonight at 6:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers at 202 North Washington. After the call to order, roll call, agenda approval and consent agenda the board will hear financial updates, the purchase of Nexgrid Lora Modules, and a review of the city audit with Kristen Deluca. In the reading of bills and resolutions, the board will discuss Bill No. 3537, an ordinance authorizing the mayor to sign and execute Task Order No. 15 pertaining to an agreement between the City of Salem and C.M. Archer Group P.C. dated February 3, 2020, for engineering services related to the Wastewater Treatment Facility improvements-Phase 2; as well as Bill No. 3538, which would create an ordinance authorizing the mayor to sign and execute Task Order No. 16 pertaining to an agreement between the City of Salem and C.M. Archer Group P.C. dated February 3, 2020, for engineering services related to the new well and elevated storage tank. Reports from city officials will then be heard by the board including City Administrator Sally Burbridge, Mayor Greg Parker, Public Works Director Mark Nash, and each individual Alderman. Following the reports the board will go into closed session to address personnel issues. Except for the closed session the meeting of the City of Salem Board of Aldermen is open to the public.

The Dent County Historical Society will present Dr. Eric “Rick” Mansfield as Governor Herbert S. Hadley at the James & Gahr Fellowship Hall in Downtown Salem this Saturday beginning at 10:00. Guests will be free to be amused, inspired, and perhaps come away a bit wiser all before noon. Mansfield as the ex-governor will reflect upon the newly created state parks from the late 1920s, the 1909 historic banquet in Salem along with the two-day float on the Upper Current River and the creation of a commission to “select some of the natural wonders and beauties of the state” for possible state parks. At the conclusion of the roughly thirty-minute presentation, Rick will take questions both in and out of character. These sometimes become more like “round-table” discussions. Rick is always glad to gather new information and insights during such exchanges. Rick is a retired educator who runs the non-profit Ozark Heritage Project. The OHP hosts several river clean-ups annually. He is also an author and his books about the Current River will be displayed at this Current River Scoping Meeting. For more information, Deloris Gray Wood at 573-729-2545 about the meeting.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released several reports. On Saturday, March 4th, a deputy responded to the 1900 block of Route HH for a reported burglary. Upon arrival, the deputy was informed that the suspect had kicked the front door in to a residence belonging to a 22-year-old Salem man. A 32-year-old Salem man was also assaulted by the same suspect. Further investigation by the department led to the arrest of a 24-year-old Salem man. He was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was placed on a 24-hour-hold. On Wednesday, March 8th, a deputy detained an 18-year-old Salem woman in the 1100 block of South Main Street. She had an active warrant for her arrest and was taken into custody without incident. She was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated on the warrant. On Friday, March 10th, a deputy responded to the Dent County Jail for a report of an inmate damaging jail property. A 44-year-old Birch Tree woman had damaged property inside the jail while being incarcerated. A Probable Cause Statement was forwarded to the Dent County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office requesting criminal charges. That same day, a deputy detained a 29-year-old Salem man in the 100 block of East Fifth Street. The suspect had an active warrant for his arrest and was taken into custody without incident. The manwas transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated on the warrant. On Tuesday, March 14th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on East Third Street. During the course of the stop, the driver was found to have a suspended driver’s license. The 28-year-old Salem man was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail where he was later released from custody on a citation. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s office at 729-3241 if you have any information regarding an investigation.

The Missouri Department of Conservation and the Conservation Federation of Missouri thank the thousands of Missouri deer hunters who donated 235,169 pounds of venison to the state’s Share the Harvest program this past deer season, including 4,936 whole deer. MDC and CFM also thank the participating meat processors throughout the state who grind the donated deer meat into ready-to-use packages, and the many sponsors who financially support the program. The donated deer meat goes to local food banks and food pantries to help feed hungry Missourians all around the state. Meat-processing fees are covered entirely or in part by numerous local sponsors, along with statewide sponsors that include Shelter Insurance, Bass Pro Shops, Feeding Missouri, and MDC. Share the Harvest is coordinated by MDC and CFM and has been helping feed hungry Missourians for more than 30 years. Since the program was started in 1992, it has provided nearly 5 million pounds of lean, healthy venison to help feed hungry Missourians. To get Share the Harvest venison, contact local food banks or food pantries. Hunters started Share the Harvest more than 30 years ago because they saw a need in their communities and hunters remain the driving force behind this popular program that helps feed our fellow Missourians who are in need. The donated venison stays in the local areas where the deer were harvested so it truly is helping out neighbors in need. We greatly appreciate all the citizens of this great state that have made this possible over the past three decades. The National Institutes of Health state that children need protein in their diets for proper growth and development, and adults need it to maintain good health. Yet many Missourians can’t afford or can’t get to good sources of protein. Through Share the Harvest, Missouri hunters can help provide those in need with high-quality protein in the form of naturally lean, locally harvested deer meat.

An accident happened Sunday morning at 10:00 in Crawford County on Heyer Road and Highway 19 about two miles north of Cuba. According to the highway patrol, a 2019 Ford Escape driven northbound by 30-year-old Rene Diestelkamp of Columbia, was slowing for a left hand turn when the Ford was rear ended by a 2012 Toyota Tundra driven by 38-year-old Jessica Brown of Cuba. Suffering minor injuries was Robert Diestelkamp of St. James who was taken by the North Crawford Ambulance to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. The Toyota was totaled and removed from the by Chris and Sons Towing while the Ford had moderate damage and was driven from the scene. Everyone was wearing seat restraints.

An accident happened Sunday morning at 7:20 on Highway 19 about five miles north of Eminence. According to the highway patrol report, a 2013 Dodge Dart driven northbound by 18-year-old James Wilson of Eminence, went off the left side of the road and struck a tree. Wilson suffered minor injuries and was taken to the Mercy St. Francis Hospital in Mountain View. The Dodge was totaled and removed from the scene by Bakers Towing.

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees held their regular meeting Thursday, March 16th. In attendance were Board members Kim Smith, Shirley Larson, Dennis Floyd, and Bob Parsons, plus Administrator Zach Moser and Assistant Administrator Roma Jones. Also attending were Board member candidate Bob Gravely and State Representative Ron Copeland. Informal discussion with Copeland took place before the meeting. He had spent time before the meeting getting to know Health Center staff and learning about its services. The Board expressed their appreciation for his interest and attendance. Administrator Moser presented the communicable disease report which included 34 new COVID-19 cases for February. Moser reported the Communicable Disease nurse has been working through the backlog of elevated blood lead cases. He said 33 cases were active in February. Four sexually transmitted infection screenings were also conducted during the month. Moser noted that influenza cases have decreased and there were five total cases reported in February. He reported that the pertussis outbreak in late January and early February resulted in over 30 individuals being investigated, but only two individuals actually had pertussis. There were six animal bites treated during the month. In the diagnostics report, Moser said that 147 blood draw appointments were completed in February. Moser said that 16 COVID-19 vaccines, three Influenza vaccines along with 82 other vaccinations were administered in February. There was a total of 354 appointments held during February plus WIC appointments totaled 329. Moser noted that in February there were 124 urine drug screenings were conducted on behalf of the Dent County Treatment Court. Assistant Administrator Jones gave the environmental report where she conducted 12 total inspections, one recall and fielded 19 environmental questions. In the Administrator’s report, Moser said that 312 children are currently enrolled with 21 providers in the Childcare Subsidy Program and nealy $600,000 grant funds have been provided so far toward the program. Moser announced that the Title X (Ten) Family Planning Program will be accepting patients on April 3rd. The program will offer free and reduced cost birth control, IUDs, STD testing and treatment, basic infertility consultations, and more. It was pointed out that Title X does not pay for abortion or sterilization services and that the Dent County Health Center would not provide those services even if thay were paid for. Moser reminded the Board of the first ever DCHC Health Fair, combined with an Open House, coming up April 13th from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm. He said a variety of services will be offered on a walk-in bases with no lab orders required. Moser reminded the Board members of the May 26th deadline for the personal financial disclosure to the Missouri Ethics Commission. February and January expenses were reviewed and approved. In new business, Moser presented the 2022 Annual Report that is required by the DCHC Bylaws. He discussed the last minute change of the list of employees and board members that was inspired by his discovery and review of the first annual report from 1963. The changes over the last 25 years were outlined in the foreward by long-time employee Joan Raulston and provides a unique perspective. Copeland commented that the Annual Report was a great resource and said he would share it if he could get an electronic copy. Moser agreed to send it to him. A sliding scale for the Title X program was reviewed and discussed. It was approved by the Board. Moser presented a Capitalization Policy recommended by the accountant and auditing firm. The Policy was approved by the Board. Moser presented a revised 2021 Agreed Upon Procedures report in which the statement regarding the FDIC Insurance as of 12/31/21 to include the fact the Bank of Salem had pledged securities to cover 100% of Dent County Health Center’s deposits that were not covered by FDIC. The Board approved the revised report. The next regular meeting of the Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees was set for Thursday, April 20th at 5:00.

The Missouri Department of Revenue has announced the upcoming Request for Proposal, or RFP of the license office in Eminence, located at 16260 Pine Street in Eminence and the license office in Viburnum, located at 8 Missouri Avenue in Viburnum. Bids will start being accepted on March 22nd, and must be submitted by April 4th. For a list of bid opportunities and bid response instructions, please visit Missouri’s statewide electronic procurement system, MissouriBUYS, at missouribuys.mo.gov/. Interested groups or individuals who wish to bid to operate the Eminence License Office must have an active Federal Employer Identification Number, known as FEIN, and must submit the proposal under the legal entity name for which the FEIN was assigned. The Missouri Department of Revenue, through the Office of Administration, is posting an RFP for the Eminence license office and Viburnum License office contract, since the current contract is close to expiring. Interested bidders have approximately 10 business days to submit their proposal for the operation of the license office in the competitive bid process, as outlined in the RFP. A scheduled tour of the current location may be requested by emailing the procurement contact listed on MissouriBUYS. Proposals will be evaluated on items as outlined in the RFP. All of the proposals will be evaluated by a review team at the Department of Revenue, and the proposal that scores best in the areas outlined in the RFP will be selected to operate the office. License offices are operated by independent contractors and are overseen by the Missouri Department of Revenue. All license office contracts in Missouri are awarded through a competitive bid process.