Local News

Note: Friday, February 4th, we did not print this edition of Your World Today due to tremendous amount of closures and adverse traveling conditions. Printed versions will be available again starting Monday.

The Salem Police Department has released the following reports for the start of January. On Tuesday night, January 3rd, at approximately 9:30, officers were dispatched to Wal Mart for a report of a shoplifter who fled the store on foot. Contact was made with the female suspect who was in possession of Fentanyl and meth, plus the items stolen from Wal Mart. As a result, a 38-year-old Fenton female was arrested and later released on summons to appear in court. The next evening at approximately 6:00 officers were investigating an assault when contact with Jared King, 44 of Salem was made. It was found that he had active warrants out for his arrest in Texas County. As a result, Jared King was taken into custody and transported to the Dent County Jail. Then the afternoon of January 7th at approximately 1:00 an officer responded to the 1800 block of South Oak to attempt to locate a male subject with an active warrant for his arrest. Contact was made with a different male subject identified as Dwayne Tresvant 29, of Jacksonville, North Carolina. Tresvant had an active warrant for his arrest out of Crawford County with no bond. As a result, Tresvant was incarcerated at the Dent County Jail pending extradition. That night at approximately 9:30 officers were dispatched to the laundry mat for a report of a suspicious person sleeping there. Officers arrived and located a male subject who was found to be in possession of syringes, drug paraphernalia and a baggy that contained a crystal substance that field tested positive for Methamphetamine. As a result, a 25-year-old Salem male was arrested and placed on a 24-hour hold pending the application of warrants. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information any ongoing investigation.

Come join Patty Burmeister and learn about Sherenschnitte and learn the “old world” craft of paper cutting to create some valentines, decorative wall hangings and more by using paper and special scissors. The two-hour session will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 Monday evening, February 7th at the Creative Arts Center. The cost of the class is $25 for the patterns, scissors and supplies. This class is appropriate for all ages. For more information or to register, call 247-0651 or 247-5306 you can e-mail salemartscouncil@outlook.com.

The powerful winter storm that blanketed parts of Missouri with up to a foot of snow continued to move through the state on Thursday adding more snow and ice to already covered roads. The Missouri Department of Transportation urges drivers to be patient as crews continue to work to get roads back to normal. Bitterly cold temperatures today will slow the efforts to get roads clear. MoDOT crews will still have a lot of work to do on today, clearing all the roads including the smaller routes as well as exit ramps and outer roads. Expect slow travel as conditions will not be clear in many areas for Friday morning’s commute, especially in St. Louis, Springfield and the southern portion of the state. Motorists should be cautious for refreeze on elevated surfaces and on hills and curves. Becky Allmeroth, MoDOT chief safety and operations officer, said that MODOT’s plows have driven nearly 800,000 miles already this storm. That’s three times the distance from the earth to the moon and by today, crews will be on their third 12-hour shift this week. Please be patient and give them room to work. This winter storm has created extremely hazardous driving conditions resulting in a large number of wrecks on the state’s interstate system. Gusting winds will cause drifting snow that will make some roads appear that they haven’t been cleared. To make matters worse, another round of snow and wintry precipitation is forecast for the lower third of the state overnight, primarily affecting areas south of Interstate 44 to the Arkansas state line. Though Friday is expected to be sunny, single-digit temperatures can decrease the effectiveness of chemicals used to clear roads down to the pavement. Allmeroth said that crews have already spread approximately 10,000 tons of salt this week and drivers will continue to see them working shifts through the weekend until roads are mostly clear. Check current Missouri road conditions on the Traveler Information Map at www.modot.org, or through MoDOT’s smartphone app, available for iPhone and Android phones. You can also find road conditions and warnings by following MoDOT on Facebook and Twitter or by calling 888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636) to speak with a customer service representative 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

A Private Pesticide Applicator Training will be held in Dent County on Thursday, February 24th from 6:00 until 8:30 in the evening at the Dent County Extension Office in the Judicial Building at 112 East 5th Street. The private pesticide applicator license issued by the Missouri Dept of Agriculture is required for producers who want to purchase and apply restricted use pesticides. Application by unlicensed workers under the supervision of licensed applicators will no longer be allowed. Agricultural producers needing to obtain or renew certification of this license must take this pesticide safety training every five years. You must be 18 years of age and directly involved in the production of agricultural commodities to obtain this license. Each person participating in the training is required to have a copy of the Private Pesticide Applicator Manual on their farm. There is a $25 to cover the cost of the manual and you may purchase it at the training with either cash or a check, no credit cards are accepted. In response to COVID-19, the extension in-person training sessions will have masks and sanitizer available for those who wish to use them. They plan to offer both virtual and in-person events this season to better meet your needs. You can register online or contact Dent County Extension Center at 573-729-3196. There is no charge to attend the training. If you have any questions about the training, please contact Gatlin Bunton, 573-775-2135.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met for their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, January 20th. Administrator Zach Moser updated the Board on the current COVID status in Dent County. In December, there were 331 new cases of COVID-19 investigated. According to MoDHSS, as of January 16th, 35.4% of Dent County residents have received their first dose of vaccine and 31.5% have completed the series. Dent County’s 7-day Positivity Rate was 35.4%. Moser noted that Pediatric C19 vaccine is available at the Health Center and adult vaccine is available at Moser Pharmacy, Vandivort Pharmacy, Sinks Pharmacy and Wal-Mart Pharmacy. Moser stated that 79 appointments for blood draws in the lab were held in December and that the Health Center can conduct most blood tests at a reduced cost for those without insurance. Anyone can have their labs done at the Health Center. The number of COVID tests has continued to increase with 355 being done during December. The cost of the rapid antigen test is $10 and PCR test, which can be sent to the state lab and Labcorp under certain circumstances, are now available at the Health Center. Zach reported that 470 COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered during the month and that the Health Center continues to offer the $50 gift card to Country Mart through a program funded by the state for anyone getting their first or second dose of COVID-19 vaccine. There were 528 appointments in CureMD for the month of December, with 613 in Acuity. In the administrator’s report, Moser reported that the Health Center started using the new electronic health record system and is adapting to the system, Monoclonal antibody treatments will be halted due to Omicron, and the Health Center does not have the supplies to administer sotrovimab due to shortages. He informed the Board that new COVID testing resources are coming and the Board set the price of the rapid molecular tests at $105. Moser went on to say that the new health insurance company requires electronic funds transfer (EFT) instead of paper checks. The Board authorized the monthly transfers via EFT. The Board also authorized the biannual audit with the CPA firm that’s done the latest audits at a cost of $4,000. Zach reported on IT difficulties that are due to the state’s firewall and that to fix them the Health Center will need to be closed half a day. It was brought to the Board’s attention that required sinks in the Lab and Pharmacy areas were left off the original plans and that all new flooring needs to be used in the area, rather than reusing the old flooring. The changes were approved by the Board. Health Center financials for the month of December were approved and Moser presented the 2022 budget. The Board moved to postpone adoption of the budget until the February meeting. In contract updates he said that the Increasing Adult COVID-19 Immunization Contract had provided the implementation of the electronic health records system. Moser went on to say that the Enhancing Laboratory Capacity CARES expansion contract was awarded, and the final signed contract has been received. He noted that the Maternal-Child Health (MCH) contract has been renewed and that child safety is the focus of this contract. WIC appointments have picked up and Sho Me Healthy Women, which provides free breast and cervical screenings for women who qualify, can be scheduled by calling the Health Center at (573) 729-3106. Moser reported that he had applied for a C19 Health Disparities Grant which would allow expanding laboratory capabilities. At the December meeting, the Board pre-approved bids for a blood chemistry analyzer and an A1c analyzer in the amounts of $15,714 and $3,896 respectively, if and when the funding becomes available. Zach stated that the roofing replacement has been completed and that the 1006 E Scenic Riverways Blvd construction is underway. The Board viewed the progress after the meeting. In closed session the Board discussed personnel and long-range planning. The Board also authorized a new receptionist position and approved the December 30th closed session minutes. In open session and prior to adjournment the Board set the next regular meeting date for Thursday, February 17th.

Missouri turkey hunters can apply online during February for 2022 spring turkey managed hunts through the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) website at mdc.mo.gov. Managed hunt details and application procedures are outlined on the webpage. Drawing results will be posted starting March 15. To apply, you must be 11 years old or older by the date of the managed hunt in order to apply and you must be hunter-education certified or exempt prior to the managed hunt. For a youth managed hunt, you must be between 11 and 15 years of age. Some managed hunts require hunters to attend a mandatory pre-hunt orientation. If you cannot attend the orientation, do not apply. The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds everyone that you may apply for only one hunt. You may apply for that hunt individually or as a group of two or three hunters. Those applying for a youth-only hunt may apply individually or with one other youth. The spring turkey hunting youth portion will be April 9 and 10 with the regular spring season running April 18 to May 8.

Salem Park and Recreation Board meeting originally scheduled for tonight has been postponed and rescheduled for Wednesday, February 16th. The meeting will be held at the Salem Community Center@The Armory at 5:30 in the Rotary Room. The agenda will remain the same and include a presentation from People Centric about “getting the most out of the board.” Kyle Williams will also discuss the Frisbe Golf Course before any other business is addressed. The meeting will then be adjourned. The Salem Park and Recreation Board meeting is open to the public.

Presiding Circuit Judge of the 42nd Judicial Circuit, Michael Randazzo, has determined that due to the severe weather and hazardous road conditions, the security of court personnel in Dent County in the 42nd Judicial Circuit would best be ensured by closing the office today and tomorrow all day.

A public meeting of the City of Salem’s Utility Committee has been called by Committee Chair Catherine Dent for this evening at 6:00 at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory, 1200 West Rolla Road. The board is expected to discuss utility disconnections during the meeting before adjourning. The meeting will be open to the public.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released reports for the week of January 24th through the 30th. On Wednesday, January 26th, a deputy traveled to a residence on Magnolia Lane in an attempt to serve an arrest warrant. The deputy made contact with a 22-year-old Jadwin man who was arrested on that active warrant out of Dent County. He was transported to the Dent County jail and incarcerated on the warrant. On Friday, January 28th, a deputy traveled to the Dent County Judicial building to serve an arrest warrant. The deputy made contact with a 23-year-old Salem man who was arrested on an active warrant out of Dent County. The man was taken to the Dent County jail and incarcerated on the warrant. On Saturday, January 29th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at Highway 19 and Highway 32. During the stop, a 43-year-old Salem man and a 43-year-old Salem woman were arrested for the possession of marijuana. They were both transported to the Dent County Jail where they were fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. If you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

City of Salem Public Works Director Mark Nash is asking the public to refrain from parking on any snow route within the city limits of Salem with the impeding bad weather being predicted. Routes labeled as “Snow Routes” have priority over other streets for the clearing of snow, ice or other debris: Third Street to the west from Highway 19 to Dilworth Lane, and Third Street to the east from Pershing Avenue to Iron Mountain Road; Fourth Street from Pershing Avenue to McArthur Avenue; Sixth Street (Rolla Road) from McArthur Avenue to Pershing Avenue; Jackson Street to the north from Sixth Street (Rolla Road) to the dead end; Tenth Street from Highway 19 to Walnut Hill Drive; Pershing Avenue from Tenth Street to Highway 32/72 East; Center Street from Highway 19 to Craig Industrial Drive and from Missouri Avenue to Dilworth Lane; Carty Street from Highway 32/72 East to Center Street; Craig Industrial Drive from Highway 32/72 to Iron Mountain Road; Babb Lane from Highway 32/72 West to Roosevelt Street; Doss Road south from Highway 32/72 East to the city limits; Roosevelt Street to the east from Highway 19 to Babb Lane and west from Highway 19 to Wines Street; Wines Street from Roosevelt Street to Highway 32/72 West; Missouri Avenue from Highway 32/72 West to Third Street; Park Street from Highway 32/72 West to Sixth Street (Rolla Road); Franklin Street from Pershing Avenue to Highway 72; Dilworth Lane from Rolla Road to Highway 32 West. Remember to remove your vehicle from these routes when an accumulation of ice and snow is expected so that the route can be cleared. Your car or truck could be towed at your expense, or you could be sited for a parking violation.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to remind the public that driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed on Friday, February 11, in observance of Lincoln’s birthday. Normal operations will resume on Monday, February 14. Examination stations will also be closed on Monday, February 21, in observance of Washington’s birthday. Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, February 22. Too many people die in traffic crashes each year in Missouri. The choices you make when you’re behind the wheel matter.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse for their regular meeting. In the road report, District 1 Road Supervisor Jason Akins gave the report for Commissioner Wes Mobray who was not in attendance due to other commitments. Akins said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 5610 while only grading would be done on county roads 6380 and 6670. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson indicated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 4055 while brush would be cut on county roads 5200 and 5225. Larson said crews would be installing a driveway pipe on county road 2315 and workers will be getting the equipment ready for the expected snow on Wednesday and Thursday this week. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that he attended the MRPC Legislative Day last Tuesday and met with Senator Justin Brown and Senator Elaine Gannon as well as Representatives Ron Copeland, Bennie Cook and numerous others. They addressed the Transportation Advisory Committee prioritized list of improvements that need to be made, and also discussed legislation to protect counties from the Department of Revenue debacle that affected Dent County that could have crippled a county that didn’t have the reserves Dent County did. Then on Thursday, Skiles said he, Larson and Mobray accompanied Representative Jason Smith to the Royal Oak Charcoal plant north of Salem to find out more about their 40-million-dollar expansion. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she has prepared the 2021 Dent County financial statement that will be published in the Salem News. At the last meeting held Thursday after the public hearing, the commissioners approved the contract between the Dent County Jail, Dent County Sheriff Bob Wells and the Ozark Correctional Health Care LLC to provide medical services at the jail. The commission also approved the renewal policy for buildings and their contents for the County of Dent to Savers Property and Casualty Insurance Company through Town and Country Insurance in Salem. It was noted the courthouse will be closed on Friday, February 11th for Lincoln’s Birthday and on Monday, February 21st for Washington’s Birthday. The commission will also start meeting on Thursday mornings again starting this Thursday at 9:00 at the Dent County Courthouse and that meeting will be open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released the following reports for the end of December. On Monday, December 27th, at approximately 3:30 in the morning officers were dispatched to the area of Third and Iron Mountain Road for a report of a possible gunshot. Upon arrival officers contacted a suspicious male walking in the area. As contact was made with the subject it was found the subject, later identified as Issac Ghormley, had three felony warrants out for his arrest. Ghormley fled from officers on foot. After a short foot pursuit Ghormley was taken into custody and incarcerated at the Dent Couty Jail. No evidence of a gunshot was located. That afternoon, at approximately 4:30, an officer conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Askins and International for improper registration. As a result, it was found the driver, identified as 40-year-old Sarah Folgate of Bunker, had an active warrant out of Reynolds County. Folgate was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail. Then on Friday evening, December 31st, at approximately 8:00, an officer was dispatched to Third and Iron Mountain Road for a report of a disturbance. Upon further investigation contact was made with a male subject identified as Brandon Conklin. Conklin was intoxicated and combative, plus it was found that Conklin had an active warrant for his arrest for 1st Degree Assault out of Wright County. Conklin resisted arrest and forced officers to utilize a taser to subdue him. Conklin was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail pending extradition. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

Producers selling local foods at farmers markets can learn about best practices, marketing tips, state regulations and available resources in a five-part webinar series presented in February by University of Missouri Extension. Participants will hear from extension specialists, successful producers and representatives from the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and exchange ideas. The five sessions, held via Zoom, will be from noon-1:00, Monday through Friday, February 7-11. The sessions include growing “niche produce” to reach new customers; boosting sales by participating in the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program and/or Double Up Food Bucks; learning the state regulations you need to know to sell your product at the market; discovering the best marketing and customer service practices; and finding out about resources available from MU Extension and the Missouri Department of Agriculture. The cost is $20 for the entire five-part series. All sessions will be recorded and available for a period of time after the event. Register at extension.missouri.edu/events, go to the search bar and type in farmers market and go the “2022 Selling at the Farmers Market” entry. For more information, contact Leslie Bertsch at bertschl@missouri.edu or 314-400-2115.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control and the Shannon County Sheriff’s Department are investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of human remains on January 12th. The remains were discovered on the state right of way on Highway 60 near Winona. An autopsy performed on the remains determined the cause of death was homicide. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is requesting the public’s help in determining the person’s identity and any information that could be pertinent to the investigation. The victim is a female, approximately 55-years of age, and has two legible tattoos. Photos of the tattoos can be found with this news release on the Patrol’s website. Anyone with information should contact Troop G Headquarters at (417) 469-3121.

The Houston Police Department responded to a scene Thursday evening to assist EMS with an unresponsive male. Upon arrival, they found three people inside a residence with fatal gunshot wounds. Officers investigated and they believe that 66-year-old Gregory Pardun died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after shooting and killing 57-year-old Deborah German and 16-year-old Benjamin Pardun. The Houston Police Department worked with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Texas County Sheriff’s Office, the Houston Fire Department, and the Texas County Coroner’s Office. The investigation of the incident is still ongoing.

A one vehicle accident happened Friday night just before 8:00 in Dent County on Dent County Road 2060 about a mile east of Lake Springs. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Honda Element being driven east by 17-year-old female from Salem, was traveling eastbound too fast for conditions, lost control of the vehicle and overturned. The teenager was transported by a private vehicle to Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. She was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Honda was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors held a special meeting Friday afternoon at the hospital library. At the meeting, Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas updated the board on the status of hospital employees with the COVID-19 vaccination mandate. As of Friday, there are 251 total employees of which 141 are fully vaccinated, 19 are partially vaccinated and 66 are exempt from the vaccination. Lucas said of the 25 employees who have yet to be vaccinated, 16 are scheduled to have their first vaccination at the next hospital clinic, while five have filled out an exemption application and it is not known what the other four employees are planning to do. Those employees must have their first vaccination by February 13th. Lucas reported on the hospital revenue cycle that will now be in house and the changes that are being made in Phase 1 and Phase 2. First, the contract with Trubridge for collection efforts expired on December 31st and it will not be renewed. Secondly, when a patient goes for pre-registration, their latest information will be collected including their insurance benefit eligibility. Patients will be notified of the services their physician has requested and will also be notified of their financial responsibility based on their insurance coverage and their deductible. At registration, the service collection of the co-pay and/or their deductible will be discussed, and there will be a review of the insurance authorization before services are provided. Many of these changes are being created from the new Managed Medicare accounts. The Billing and Accounts Receivable Management personnel will then follow through on the patient accounts. In Phase 2 which will begin March 1st, the department will review the charge capture and cash posting including revenue cycle meetings to ensure accounts are sent and returned in a timely fashion. Lucas then updated the board on the Laboratory and that a complete contract for Emergency Blood Release post transfusion has been reached with the Texas County Memorial Hospital, with complete release policy and procedures to be done by February 1st. Lucas said training for Emergency Blood Release Evaluation and Training will be held February 8th and will be recorded for future training sessions. By February 11th, completion of the Vitros Chemical Analyzer online training will be done with the completion of the Vitros validation and quality control study to be completed by February 28th. By March 15th, the complete remaining patient remediation of the lab is to be completed. This plan will allow for 90% of the laboratory services the hospital provides to be available for patients. The hospital is still looking for a new lab director and a technical supervisor as they continue to fill open lab positions such as the hiring of a new full time evening phlebotomist. The board then went into closed session. The hospital board will meet in closed session tonight at 7:00 at the hospital library.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met for the regular meeting Tuesday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. After approval of the consent agenda, Bill #3498 that would create an ordinance amending Chapter 700, Article 1 of the code of ordinances pertaining to the disconnection of utility services was read by City Clerk Tammy Koller. The board did not approve this bill that clarified some of the language on a previous bill concerning reconnections during extreme weather conditions. The board recommended the ordinance be sent to the Utility Committee for further clarification. The board approved the purchase of a new police car for $45,579 with a trade allowance of $31,000 and an administration fee of $399 for a balance of $14,978. A total of $8,000 will come from the Capital Improvement Sales Tax fund and the remainder would need to come from a budget adjustment. The board approved purchasing 20 class two 30-foot and 20 class four 45-foot utility poles for the Electric Department at a cost of $14,520. This is a budgeted expense. City Administrator Ray Walden asked Tod Kinerk and Tabitha Utley to provide an update on the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. They thanked the city for their financial support to promote tourism. They reported that the Tourism Tax has provided funding for the digital display sign as well as rent for the new chamber office. The Chambers revenue comes from member dues, corporate sponsorships as well as the rodeo, which is their largest fundraising event. Walden reported that the Salem Community Center @ the Armory had a total of 5,359 participants for the month of December. There will be a Park Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 2nd at 5:30 pm at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. A joint Utility and Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for February 15th. Bids are being requested for the Fourth of July fireworks display as well as designs for the new Soccer Complex. Mayor Kim Steelman encouraged citizens that have had their electric restored during cold weather, that was previously disconnected for non-payment, to make every effort to pay as much on their bills as possible. She reminded citizens that payment plans are available. Public Works Director Mark Nash reported that the Street Department building roof is getting repairs and that there have been several water line breaks in the past week. Alderman Shawn Bolerjack wanted to remind citizens of the text blast service that is available to get important alerts and reminders from the city. Alderman Greg Parker recently met with the Airport Board and that they are working on bids for a card reader, a motor for the gate and a fuel pump that will be brought to a future board meeting. Finance Director, Stacey Houston presented a financial statement for the 6-month period from July 1st through December 31st, 2021.Total fund balances for all funds are $5,234,395. Major Revenue sources for the first six months of the fiscal year were the 1% General Revenue sales tax at $699,608, the Park and Recreation 3/8ths of a cent sales tax total at $262,366, the Capital Improvement 1/2 cent sales tax at $349,804, electricity sales of $2,623,829, water sales of $524,030 and sewer sales at $499,670. All are expected to exceed the budgeted amount. The board then went into closed session.

An accident happened Tuesday afternoon around 1:40 in Dent County on Highway 32 about fifteen miles east of Salem. According to the report released by the highway patrol, a 2021 International being driven by 52-year-old Robert Crocker of Salem, was passing a 1999 Chevrolet S-10 being driven by 60-year-old Walter Acord, also of Salem. As the International was passing, the S-10 changed lanes and collided with the International. The Chevy then traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a tree, and overturned. Acord suffered minor injuries but refused treatment at the scene. The International sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene. The S-10 was totaled and removed from the scene by American Automotive Towing. The report indicated that both drivers were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident.

An accident happened Tuesday night at 7:50 in the Salem Memorial District Hospital parking lot when 69-year-old Robert Wood of Salem, was driving a 1999 Jeep Wrangler eastbound when he lost consciousness due to a medical emergency. The front of the Wrangler made contact with the west side of the building. Wood suffered moderate injuries and walked into the Salem Memorial District Hospital Emergency Department after the crash. He was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

A Poplar Bluff resident was injured in a one vehicle accident Wednesday morning just before 9:00 in Dent County on Highway 32 about 8 miles east of Salem. The highway patrol reports that a 2010 Dodge Nitro being driven by 35-year-old Arika Ballenger lost control of the vehicle on a curve. The Dodge traveled off the right side of the roadway striking two signs and a tree. Ballenger was taken by EMS to Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment of serious injuries. The Dodge was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing. The report went on to state that Ballenger was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

Missouri’s 2021-2022 deer-hunting season ended January 15th with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reporting a preliminary total deer harvest for the season of 293,670. Of the deer harvested, 143,049 were antlered bucks, 26,599 were button bucks, and 124,022 were does. Top harvest counties for the overall deer season were Franklin with 6,392 deer harvested, Texas with 5,478, and Callaway with 5,452. Other counties in our area harvest numbers were Dent with 4,183, Crawford 4,002, Shannon 3,360 and Phelps with 2,937 deer taken. Hunters harvested 297,214 deer during the 2020-2021 deer hunting season with 140,855 being antlered bucks, 28,652 being button bucks, and 127,707 being does. MDC Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle said that this year’s harvest total was slightly behind last year’s mark and about 3% above the previous five-year average. He added that we’ve seen an increasing trend in statewide deer harvest for about the past eight years and that the deer population has continued to increase across much of southern Missouri while we’ve seen a population recovery in most of the counties impacted by the severe hemorrhagic disease outbreak that occurred in 2012. For more information on deer hunting in Missouri, visit mdc.mo.gov. MDC reported four firearms-related hunting incidents during deer season with all being self-inflicted and three non-fatal with one fatal.

More customers than ever before are eligible for help paying their natural gas after Ameren Missouri and the state of Missouri have expanded several utility assistance programs. As a result, families across the state can take the first step today, which is reaching out for help. The state of Missouri recently updated its federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to provide more funding and expand eligibility requirements. Here’s what that means for qualifying Ameren Missouri customers is that a disconnection notice is no longer required. Also energy assistance payments have doubled for both LIHEAP programs. It should be noted the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) payment is now $1,600 in the winter and $1,200 in the summer with assistance is available year-round. For more information on the state’s LIHEAP changes and to learn if you qualify, call the South Central Community Action Agency Salem office at 729-3500 or their Winona office at 1-800-323-4633. For customers with moderate incomes who don’t qualify for LIHEAP but have been impacted financially by COVID-19, Ameren Missouri created the “Clean Slate” program. This $1.2 million energy assistance fund has already helped thousands of Missouri families with their utility expenses. More than half of the funding is still available. Through Clean Slate, qualifying customers may receive up to $750. To learn more, go to AmerenMissouri.com/CleanSlate where you can also apply for funds. To keep a closer eye on your energy usage every month, sign up for an online account. You can log in from your phone or computer any time to see how and when you use energy, your next month’s bill projections, and sign up for alerts to help you manage your usage.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports for the week of January 17th. On Monday, the 17th, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 1400 block of South Hickory to attempt to serve an arrest warrant. The deputy made contact with a 53-year-old Salem man who was arrested on an active warrant out of Dent County. He was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Tuesday, January 18th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 2100 block of Highway 19 North. During the stop, a 35-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having their license revoked or suspended. He was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was issued a summons and released. On Thursday, January 20th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at East Highway 32 and South Carty. During the traffic stop, a 28-year-old Salem woman was arrested for driving while being intoxicated. The woman was transported to the Dent County Jail where she was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On Saturday, January 22nd, deputies traveled to a residence in the 2900 block of Route OO to attempt to serve an arrest warrant. The deputies made contact with a 54-year-old Rolla man. The man was arrested on multiple warrants out of Dent County and the Licking Police Department. He was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. If anyone has any information about any ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The City of Salem Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustment will be meeting Thursday night at 6:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers to discuss a proposed use of the structure at #10 Parkview Place to service commercial trucks on property owned by Harold Martin. The meeting was called by Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustments acting chairman, Bob Parsons.

An accident happened in Texas County Sunday evening at 5:50 on Highway 63 about 3.5 miles south of Licking. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 John Deere 2050 was being driven northbound on Highway 63 by 30-year-old Christopher Clouse of Licking when the John Deere was struck from behind by a 2015 Buick LeSabre driven northbound by 81-year-old David McGaughey of Licking. McGaughey and his wife, 76-year-old Gloria McGaughey of Licking, both suffered moderate injuries and were taken to the Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston. The Buick was totaled while the John Deere sustained extensive damage. They were both removed from the scene by Jay’s Automotive from Houston. The McGaughey’s were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident while Clouse was not.

The Dent County Commission met for their regular meeting Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said work crews would add materials and try to grade Dent County Roads 5600 and 6600, while crews will only try to grade county road 6370. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated work crews would try to grade Dent County Roads 2110 and 4050, while other workers would be repairing and replacing downed or stolen road signs. Larson went on to say work was going to be done on the snowplow blades on county trucks #116 and #122, while maintenance work would be done on county truck #68. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended the CCAM Board meeting last Wednesday and worked on the commissioner training that will be held in February. He said they also received a report on the upcoming legislative session. Skiles said that Thursday, he and Representatives Ron Copeland and Bennie Cook visited Montauk State Park to look over the complex and see if some state money can be allocated toward improvements at the park to the lodge, cabins and more. Skiles said he would be attending the MRPC Legislative Day today at the capitol. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she attended the MAC board meeting Wednesday before the Missouri Association of County Clerk Election Authority board met with legislators with a pamphlet that outlined what has to be done county wide to hold elections. She said they also received updates on the proposed redistricting. She said today is the final date for the election authorities to submit their certification for the municipal election. Curley said she has received five submissions from high schoolers for a new “I Voted” sticker with the last day to submit being February 4th. The commission then voted on a proposition to extend the Road and Bridge Sales tax which is scheduled to expire this year. They discussed the ballot language that read, “Shall the County of Dent, Missouri, retain the countywide sales tax at the rate of 1/4th of one percent for the purpose of maintaining and improving roads and bridges?” A “yes” vote will continue the current countywide sales tax of 1/4th of one percent for the maintenance and capital improvements for roads and bridges that has been imposed since 2015 and will remove the requirement to place the question on the ballot for the renewal after seven years but will not result in an increase in sales tax. A “no” vote means the current tax will expire would expire on September 30th. The commissioners approved the language and certifying the issue to be placed on the April 5th ballot. Commissioner Skiles said the public hearing for the 2022 county budget would be this Thursday morning at 10:00 at the commission’s office and it is open to everyone. There will be no regular commission meeting that day, but the commissioners will be paying bills after the budget is approved.

The Salem R-80 School Board in closed session Thursday night discussed Superintendent Lynne Reed’s evaluation, then made a motion to extend her contract through the 2024-2025 school year. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Salem Tigers Basketball Homecoming will be held Friday night between the JV and varsity basketball games against Licking at the Salem High School Gym. The Homecoming Court is Khloe Baldwin for the freshmen, Leya Russell for the sophomores and Hannah Brookshire for the juniors. The three seniors vying for title of Homecoming Queen will be Evelyn Labastida, Faith LaJoie and Alyssa Russell.

The Salem Board of Alderman will meet this evening at 6:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers. After the consent agenda, the board will hear Bill #3498 which would create an ordinance amending Chapter 700, Article 1 of the Code of Ordinances pertaining to the disconnection of utility services. The amendment indicates residential customers will not be charged for a reconnection fee when electric is temporarily restored, and that the electric consumed during the emergency reconnect time will be billed to the customer. The board will hear bids for police vehicles and for 30 and 45-foot utility poles. The board will hear the report from City Administrator Ray Walden, Mayor Kim Steelman, Public Works Director Mark Nash and aldermen reports. The board will also review the city’s financial statemen for the 6-month period from July 1st through December 31st, 2021. The board may then go into closed session. The meeting of the Salem Board of Aldermen tonight at 6:00 is open to the public.

The Dent County Sheriff’s office is requesting the public’s help with any information on a male individual found deceased on the side of the road on Highway DD. Anyone who may have seen a male individual walking or receiving a ride on any of the county roads in the area of Anutt to Route DD, or if any residence in the area had a knock on the door between dusk on January 19th to the early morning of January 20th, please get in touch with the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. In addition, the Sheriff’s Office is asking any residents in the area to review their security camera footage for anything suspicious. Anyone who has any information is asked to please contact Detective Matt Atkinson at the Sheriff’s Office at 573-729-3241, Ext 2.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released reports from the department’s activities in the last two weeks On Monday, January 10th, a deputy traveled to a residence in Bunker to serve an arrest warrant. A 20-year-old Bunker woman was arrested on an active warrant out of Dent County. She was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. Then on Thursday the 13th, deputies traveled to a residence on South Jackson Street to serve an arrest warrant. As a result, a 47-year-old Salem man was arrested on an active warrant out of Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. That same day a deputy conducted a traffic stop at Highway 68 and Route U. As a result of the stop, a 42-year-old Salem man was arrested for trafficking drugs in the 2nd degree and for the unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. The man was taken to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted and incarcerated. Finally on Friday the 14th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Highway 19 North. During the course of the stop, a 38-year-old Salem woman was arrested for driving while having her license revoked or suspended. The woman was transported to the Dent County Jail, where she was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. If anyone has any information regarding and ongoing investment, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

Want to learn how to clog? Join the “Intro to Clogging” class with the Rock’n Country Cloggers led by Lavonda Lawson TONIGHT from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Creative Arts Center behind the ONCRC. Enjoy the cultural art of clogging and try it out for yourself. Get a lesson for $5. For more information or to register, call 247-0651 or 247-5306, or sign up on the Salem Arts Council Facebook page.

The Delta Regional Authority on January 12th graduated 24 regional leaders from the Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy. The 2021 Delta Leadership Institute class marks the 16th year of trained regional leaders, comprised of government, non-profit, and business professionals from all eight Delta Regional Authority states. The graduates participated in six training sessions over the past year, learning best practices employed throughout the Delta region for economic and community development in order to catalyze innovative solutions that would be implementable in their own community and region. The Delta Leadership Institute fellows learned from subject matter experts in infrastructure and transportation, small business and entrepreneurship, workforce development, public health, and other fields necessary to facilitate economic growth. This year’s executive academy graduates included Salem and Dent County Economic Director Sally Burbridge. After graduation, Delta Leadership Institute fellows become members of the Delta Leadership Network, which is comprised of more than 600 community leaders who understand the importance of regional collaboration, resource sharing, and innovative thinking. Congratulations Sally!!!

An accident happened in Dent County on Dent County Road 5170 about five miles southeast of Salem Sunday afternoon at 12:40. According to the highway patrol report, 33-year-old Johnny Barton of Salem, lost control of his 2007 Ford Escape in his driveway and the Ford struck a mobile home. Barton suffered moderate injuries and was taken by the Salem EMS to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. He was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford sustained moderate damages and was left at the scene.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will hold a special meeting tonight at 6:00 at the hospital library. This meeting will be closed to the public.