Local News

The Dent County Service Unit of The Salvation Army would like to announce that they have successfully surpassed their Christmas Kettle Campaign goal of $38,000. The total raised was $40,000. Along with the monetary donations received this year, nearly 200 local children were adopted at the Angel Tree that was located at Wal-Mart. The local Salvation Army Board would like to thank everyone who made monetary donations and/or adopted an angel. They also extend their greatest appreciation to the dedicated volunteers that took time out of their busy holiday season to ring the bells at the kettles. The community’s continued generosity will be distributed throughout 2022 to those in Dent County.

The City of Salem encountered a delay in the processing of utility bills due to the holidays. Bills were mailed Thursday with an adjusted penalty date indicated on the bill. We regret any inconvenience this delay may cause. Customers that haven’t received their bill by Monday, January 10th or that have any questions should call the Utility Office at (573) 729-4117.

An accident happened Wednesday afternoon at 2:25 in Dent County on Highway 32 about a half mile east of the Meramec River or about six miles east of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2017 Ford F-150 driven eastbound by 64-year-old Michael Lanham of Bunker, ran off the left side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned. Lanham suffered moderate injuries and was taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by the Salem Ambulance. Lanham was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by American Automotive and Towing.

An accident happened in Washington County on Highway 8 at Chapel Road Wednesday afternoon at 1:55. According to the highway patrol report, a 2004 Ford Explorer driven eastbound by 44-year-old Charles Missey of Potosi, struck a 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis driven eastbound by 24-year-old Kaitlynn Dutkiewicz of Steelville, from behind. Suffering minor injuries was a one-year-old baby girl who was a passenger in the Grand Marquis. She was taken by the Washington County Ambulance to the Washington County Memorial Hospital. Both drivers were wearing seat restraints and the baby girl was in a car seat. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Harry’s Towing.

You can go native with the Missouri Department of Conservation. Native trees and shrubs can help improve wildlife habitat and soil and water conservation while also improving the appearance and value of private property. The George O. White State Forest Nursery near Licking offers a variety of low-cost native tree and shrub seedlings for reforestation, windbreaks, erosion control, wildlife food and cover, and other purposes. The nursery provides mainly one-year-old, bare-root seedlings with sizes varying by species. Seedlings varieties include: pine, bald cypress, cottonwood, black walnut, hickory, oak, pecan, persimmon, river birch, maple, willow, sycamore, blackberry, buttonbush, hazelnut, redbud, ninebark, spicebush, elderberry, sumac, wild plum, witch hazel, and others. Seedlings are available in bundles of 10 or increments of 25 per species. Prices range from 34 cents to $1 per seedling. Sales tax of 6.1 percent will be added to orders unless tax exempt. There is an $9 handling charge for each order. You can receive a 15% discount up to $20 off seedling orders with a Heritage Card, Permit Card, or Conservation ID Number. The nursery grows millions of seedlings each year, but some species are very popular and sell out quickly. Even if a species is listed as sold out, customers can still place an order for them. Sometimes orders get cancelled, freeing up inventory. Customers won’t be charged for seedlings unless they are available to ship. Learn more and place orders through MDC’s 2021-2022 Seedling Order Form. Find it at MDC regional offices and nature centers, online at mdc.mo.gov or by contacting the State Forest Nursery at 573-674-3229 or StateForestNursery@mdc.mo.gov. Place orders now through April 15, 2022. Orders will be shipped or can be picked up at the nursery near Licking from February through May.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announces that 25 troopers will graduate from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy on Wednesday, January 12th. The ceremony will take place in the Academy gymnasium at 1510 East Elm Street in Jefferson City, and the public is invited. The graduation ceremony will be live streamed on the Patrol’s Facebook page. The graduation ceremony will begin that morning at 10:00. The 112th Recruit Class reported to the Academy on August 2nd to begin the 25-week training to become a trooper. The new troopers will report to duty in their assigned troops on Monday, January 31st. In our area Elijah D. Leblanc of Anderson will be assigned to Troop I.

Cancellations are on the KSMO Cancellation and Closure page

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday evening at 6:00. After approval of the consent agenda, bills were reviewed and approved, showing an ending balance of $119,717.25 in the General Fund as of December 31st. The fire district is still working off the 2021 budget as work continues on the 2022 budget. The monthly reimbursement report was presented which showed a total of 32 calls for the month including one structure fire, five brush fires, four trash or rubbish fires, a car fire, three motor vehicle accidents, six medical assist calls, four gas leak or carbon monoxide calls, four calls cancelled en route, a search for a person call, and three other miscellaneous calls. Changes have to be made to the Policies and Procedures that were presented at the last couple of meetings by Weber and Associates, but they were tabled until they could have a full board present. There was no new business presented, but in old business Chief Brad Nash reported that Ladder Truck #81 has been repaired and put back in service while Engine #85 is still being repaired from being struck by a deer. Nash said all the ladders had been tested and passed except for ladder #81 which was in St. Louis being repaired at the time of the inspection. It will have to be tested later. Nash also stated the UTV’s are almost complete and ready to be outfitted and placed into service. The date for the next meeting will be February 1st at 6:00 at the fire station at #2 South Main Street and the meeting will be open to the public.

An accident happened Wednesday morning at 2:35 in Phelps County on Phelps County Road 2030 about 500-feet south of Phelps County Road 2050. According to the highway patrol report, Lonnie Quick of Rolla was driving his 2020 TaoTao scooter northbound on County Road 2030 when he struck a dog. Quick suffered minor injuries and was taken by a passerby to Phelps Health in Rolla. Quick was not wearing any safety devices when the accident happened. The scooter sustained only minor damage and was released to the owner.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 9,965 deer during the alternative-methods portion of the firearms deer season that lasted from December 25th through January 4th. Top harvest counties were Osage with 223 deer harvested, Franklin with 211, and Callaway with 201. In the KSMO listening area, Texas County harvested 195 deer while Dent County hunters took 149 deer, Crawford County hunters killed 139 deer, Reynolds County harvested 136, Phelps County had 102 deer taken while Iron County had only 62 deer killed. The harvest total for last year’s alternative-methods portion was 14,623.

The Cosmopolitan Club of Salem has announced that they are tentatively planning to proceed with the annual Variety Show and Miss Salem Pageant scheduled for March 5 at the Salem Civic Theater. The club is actively seeking candidates for Miss Salem at this time and interested girls are encouraged to contact Robyn Taylor at Salem High School for information. Candidates must be in grades 10-12. The Variety Show and Miss Salem pageant were canceled in 2021 due to COVID-19.

Bitter cold temperatures and periods of light snow forecast this morning could impact morning commutes for Missouri drivers. The Missouri Department of Transportation urges those who must travel this morning to use extra caution, anticipate a slower commute, and consult road conditions before you go. In temperatures this cold, any precipitation on the roadways could create slick conditions, especially on bridges and overpasses. MoDOT advises anyone who can, to stay off the roads in these conditions. Those who must drive should plan time to leave early and take it slow. Always buckle up and avoid distractions. If you’re involved in a minor crash or slide off the road, the safest place to be is buckled in your car as you wait for help. Equip your vehicle with a winter weather emergency kit before you travel in bitter cold temperatures. Include any necessary medications, a phone charger, a blanket, bottled water, nonperishable foods and a flashlight. For more items to include in a winter weather emergency kit, visit modot.org/winter. Before you travel, check all current Missouri road conditions on the Traveler Information Map at traveler.modot.org, or through MoDOT’s smartphone app, available for free 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 representative 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

The 2022 Dent County Assessment Lists have been mailed. You should receive those assessment lists in the mail this week. If you do NOT receive your assessment forms by Monday, January 10th or are not sure that you will be receiving any forms, contact the Dent County Assessor at 573-729-6010. Online filing is available now through April 30th. In addition to being able to file online, there is a drop box in front of the courthouse, as well as a drop box inside the courthouse by the office door, or you may also mail your completed form back to the Dent County Assessor at 400 N Main St, Salem, MO 65560. To avoid a late filing penalty, your completed assessment forms will be due in the assessor’s office by March 1st. The assessor’s office is open from 8:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon, Monday through Friday, or call Assessor Jamie Homeyer them at 573-729-6010 with any questions. If there is no answer, please leave them a message and they will return your call as soon as possible.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a couple of reports. On Friday, December 31st, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Center Street. As a result of the stop, a 24-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended. The man was transported to the Dent County jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. The next day on January 1st, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Highway 19. During the stop a 51-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.

An accident happened Monday afternoon at 2:05 in Phelps County on Interstate 44 at the 185-mile marker. According to the highway patrol report, 20-year-old Dakota Cezar of Rolla was driving a 1993 Honda Prelude eastbound on Interstate 44 when he lost control of the vehicle. It then traveled off the left side of the roadway where the Prelude struck the median cable barrier and then a concrete wall. Cezar suffered minor injuries and was transported to Phelps Health in Rolla. The Honda was totaled and was removed from the scene by C&C Towing of Rolla.

The annual open enrollment period for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act has been extended through January 15, 2022. The extension will allow consumers more time to review their plan choices, seek in-person assistance, and enroll in the plan that best meets their needs. Many more Missourians may now be eligible for comprehensive health coverage, thanks to Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. This is the perfect time for individuals to explore the options and make sure they are receiving all possible benefits. Aging Best’s certified navigators can assist with the process and answer questions about the program. They will also be able to determine if there are other money saving programs you may be eligible for. Please call 1-800-369-5211 to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.

For the first time since 2006, Missouri’s traffic fatalities surpassed 1,000. According to preliminary data, 1,004 people were killed in Missouri traffic crashes in 2021, nearly a 3% increase over 2020 and marking the second straight year of growing fatality totals after nearly a decade of steady decline. Lack of seat belt use continues to be a common denominator in fatal crashes. Approximately two-thirds of vehicle occupants killed were not wearing a seat belt. Other preliminary data shows drivers using a cellphone were involved in more than 2,200 crashes in Missouri in 2021, although distracted driving remains widely underreported. The report also shows about 40% of the fatal crashes on the year involved speeding or driving too fast for the conditions. Missouri’s strategic highway safety plan, Show-Me Zero, focuses on four ways every Missourian can help eliminate traffic deaths by buckling up, putting your phone down, slowing down and driving sober.

A Dent County Festival Committee meeting will be held Wednesday, January 26th from 5:30-6.30 at The Salem Community Center@The Armory Rotary meeting room. A brainstorming session will be held to plan for upcoming events. The committee has discussed the possibility of a Spring/Summer vendor event, a Fall Festival, a Christmas Festival and maybe a tie-in event with the “Naturally Meramec” group for a “taste of Dent County” effort. The meeting is open to anyone. If you know of dates of events already scheduled in the area or surrounding towns, please bring those dates with you. The committee would like to set dates at this meeting so they can start planning for the first event. If you need more information or have an idea for an event, e-mail Tonya Sanders at Utilities3@salemmo.com.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their first meeting of 2022 at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge brought in her monthly report for the month of December. She reported that she received a state lead for an economic prospect that she submitted the Certified Site parcel for their consideration. She stated the Ozark Viking Meadery now has all their licenses and permits to move forward including their city business license. She told the commissioners the Whitaker Building Supply building, the Soil and Water Conservation Building and the old Tax Masters building have now been added to the buildings for sale, while the buildings at 207, 209, 211 and 215 West 4th Street have been sold. She told the commission the city was selected as an alternate for the FHLB-Affordable Housing Grant so if there are monies still available or other winners are unable to fulfill their commitment, the city could be awarded funds. They will probably find out this week. Burbridge reported the city received three bids for the removal of timber from the Certified Site that must be done by March 31st, but clean up can continue past that date. The bids came from Mid-State Pipeline, Donald Maggi, inc. and Godi Excavating ranging from over $149,000 to around $77,000. The site clearing contract will be discussed at the January 11th Board of Aldermen meeting. Burbridge provided the November unemployment figures for Dent County and the state that showed the labor force shrunk in November from 6,315 to 6,231 while those unemployed also shrank from 189 to 174. That translates to a 2.8% local unemployment rate which is better than the statewide rate of 3.5% and national rate of 4.2%. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray and District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson both said the ground was too froze to grade so crews were out checking for any downed trees or limbs on the roads. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to remind any contractors or vendors the county will not be paying any bills until the budget is approved on January 27th. Bills can still be dropped off or mailed to the county, but payment will be delayed due to the state statute that does not allow the county to pay bills until the budget has been approved. Skiles said the county received information from Attorney Travis Elliott for the county to use in allocating the ARPA funds the county has received. This information including a conflict-of-interest policy if a person may have a direct or indirect financial interest in the funding of an entity. This must be disclosed before the decision-making process of allocating the funds. They must make their position known prior to moving further to see if the request or decision would actually be a conflict of interest. There was also a whistleblower policy regarding ARPA funds as well as a vehicle use policy. The commission approved all three policies. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she and the commissioners would be working on the budget. She also said Tuesday is also the first day that students can submit their “I Voted” art sticker design. Those submissions must be in by February 3rd. Curley also said political entities must submit their final certifications for the April election and for those non-elected candidates in the county clerk’s office by 5:00 PM, January 25th. The commission also met with Corky Stack to discuss the work to the exterior of the courthouse for 2022. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

According to the Missouri State Highway patrol, no one was killed in a traffic crash during the 78-hour counting period, which began at 6:00 Thursday, December 30th and ended at 11:59 Sunday night, January 2nd. The statistics for the 2022 counting period were 406 traffic crashes, 91 traffic crash injuries, no deaths and 94 DWI’s. Last year during the 78-hour New Year’s counting period, there were 1,247 traffic crashes statewide. In those crashes, six people were killed and another 389 people were injured. During the 2021 New Year’s holiday weekend, troopers worked 173 crashes including three fatalities and 48 injuries. Troopers arrested 94 people for driving while impaired last year. There were no boating crashes or drownings over the 2022 New Year’s holiday counting period.

Between January 10th and 14th, Dent County voters will have the opportunity to elect members to the University of Missouri Extension Council of Dent County in January. The council has two positions that need to be filled in the Northern district, five in the Central district and two in the Southern district. Voting may be done at or mailed to the Dent County Extension Center at 112 East 5th Street in Salem on the second floor of the Judicial Building or you can drop off ballots at the office on the second floor of the Judicial Building between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Candidates include Kelly Chapman and Terry Phelps in the Northern District; Darlene Dahms, Thomas Haines, Charlee Sue Jadwin, Betty Kunkel and Kolson Seay in the Central District; and Kyle Case and Jason Jones in the Southern District. Ballots will be available in the January 4th edition of the Salem News and in Your World Today as in insert on Monday, January 10th. If you have any questions, please call the Dent County Extension Office at 729-3196.

When it comes to frozen water pipes, it’s all about prevention. Frozen pipes can leave you without water in the worst of weather. And they cost a lot to repair. But with a few simple steps, you can easily preserve both your budget and your peace of mind. Before the cold weather truly sets in, know where your main water shut-off valve is located. Eliminate sources of cold air near water pipes by fixing windows or insulating walls. Protect exposed pipes by wrapping them with insulation, fabric or newspaper. When temperatures stay below freezing, let the snow cover your water meter. Snow acts as insulation, so don’t disturb it. Allow a small trickle of water to run overnight to keep pipes from freezing. Open cabinet doors to let warm air in your home reach the pipes. If your pipes do freeze, shut off the water immediately. Apply heat to the frozen pipe by warming the air around it. Avoid kerosene heaters or open flames. Make sure any outdoor hoses are no longer attached to spigots. Turn the water back on slowly once pipes have thawed, and check for cracks and leaks. If you discover numerous leaks from split or damage pipes, shut the water off and contract a professional plumber to investigate the problem. Please be familiar with your home’s plumbing system as you will be the first to know when there is a problem and have to take action promptly if there is a problem.

At its December 10 open meeting in Jefferson City, the Missouri Conservation Commission approved the following recommendations by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) for upcoming turkey-hunting and deer-hunting season dates. The 2022 Spring and Fall turkey hunting dates are April 9th and 10th for Spring Youth Portion, followed by the regular Spring Turkey Season April 18th through May 8th and Fall Firearms Turkey Season will be October 1st through 31st. The Archery Deer and Turkey hunting dates for 2022-2023 will be September 15th through November 11th and November 23rd through January 15th, 2023. The 2022 – 2023 Firearms Deer hunting dates are October 29th and 30th for the Early Youth portion, then November 12th through 22nd for Regular Firearms portion. The Late Youth portion will be November 25th through 27th, followed by the Firearms Antlerless Deer portion December 3rd through 11th and the Alternative Methods portion will be December 24th through January 3rd, 2023. Details on hunting regulations, harvest limits, allowed methods, required permits, and other related information will be available online and in MDC’s 2022 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet and MDC’s 2022 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet prior to the related seasons. Buy Missouri hunting permits from numerous vendors around the state, online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits or through MDC’s free mobile app, MO Hunting, available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices.

In addition to frigid temperatures and snow and ice, winter brings dangerous driving conditions and the potential for damaging and deadly storms. In 2020, there were more than 5,500 vehicle crashes in Missouri in which snow or ice were factors, which resulted in 1,698 injuries and 26 deaths, according to preliminary results provided by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Even if not directly involved in a crash, an accident blocking the roadway could cause other drivers to be stranded for hours. Avoiding non-essential travel during winter storms is one of the best ways to reduce the chance of becoming involved in a crash or becoming stranded. It also allows snow removal crews to clear the roads faster and first responders to get to crashes more quickly. Assemble a separate vehicle winter emergency kit that includes a blanket, radio with spare batteries, snacks or energy-type food, jumper cables, flares, shovel and sand or shingles to give tires traction. Avoid driving whenever possible when conditions are poor. Postpone travel if possible. If your vehicle breaks down or slides off the road, stay with your vehicle and call or wait for help. In 2020, 41 people reportedly died as a result of low body temperatures due to prolonged exposure to cold weather, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Protect against frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting clothing in several layers. Avoid alcohol, limit time spent outdoors in frigid temperatures and stay indoors, if possible.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will be meeting tomorrow night at 6:00 at the fire station located at #2 South Main Street. After the roll call and approval of the minutes from the December meeting will be the financial report and approval of bills. Following the calendar review the board will go over the monthly reimbursement report before addressing any old or new business brought before the board. After hearing various reports, the board will set the date for the February meeting before adjourning and going into closed session if needed. The regular meeting of the Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors is open to the public.

The American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive at the New Harmony Church main gym on Highway 32 West on Wednesday from 2:00 until 6:00. Currently, the Red Cross still experiences dangerously low inventory not seen in more than a decade. As an extra thank-you from the Red Cross, those who come to donate will also be automatically entered to win a home theater package and a $500 e-gift card. To register for the blood drive, call 1-800-733-2767 to schedule your appointment.

Happy New Year from everyone at KSMO Media and Your World Today!!!

The new year is bringing the first significant winter weather of the season. Periods of sleet, freezing rain and snow throughout the state will begin late tonight and end early Sunday that could create slippery road conditions. The Missouri Department of Transportation urges travelers to use extreme caution and consult weather forecasts in your area and along the route to your destination when making holiday and weekend travel plans. Even slight glazing of the pavement could impact travel, especially on elevated surfaces like bridges and overpasses. Slow down and allow yourself extra time if you must drive. If attending holiday parties on New Year’s Eve, consider staying at your party destination, especially if your celebration includes alcoholic beverages. You may need to stay put until the storm ends Sunday and road conditions improve. Road conditions could deteriorate rapidly wherever freezing precipitation is falling. It only takes a little bit of ice to create slippery roads. Bitterly cold temperatures are expected to follow the storm, which could further impede travel and road clearing operations. If you are involved in a crash or slide off the road, the safest thing to do is to stay inside your vehicle and wait for help to arrive. There were 60 people killed and 270 seriously injured in Missouri traffic crashes between December 10th, 2020, and January 1st, 2021. Fifteen of the fatalities and 47 of the serious injuries involved a substance-impaired driver, so if your plans include alcohol, make sure you have a safe and sober ride pre-arranged for the drive home. Consulting MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map should be the first thing you do before taking to the road. The map can be found on 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.

The Dent County Commissioners held a special meeting Thursday morning to pay bills for the last time until the 2022 budget is approved in late January. The commission will also be working on the numerous fund budgets that make up the entire Dent County Budget. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said the hearing scheduled in January with the Missouri Department of Revenue and the county has been rescheduled for June 9th at 9:00 in the morning. This will allow the Department of Revenue time to collect all the data they need to figure how the monies are to be repaid. Skiles also wanted to remind everyone the Dent County Collector’s Office and Assessor’s Office will be open today from 8:00 until 5:30 for those who need to pay their personal property and real estate taxes for 2021, but all the other county offices will be closed for the New Year’s holiday. Those two offices will then be closed on Monday, January 3rd for the New Year’s holiday. At the last meeting, Curt Faigle with the 100 Acre Wood Rally stated the rally this year will be March 18th and 19th. The next commissioner meeting will be held Monday, January 3rd at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will be meeting Tuesday evening, January 4th, at 6:00 at the fire station located at #2 South Main Street. After the roll call and approval of the minutes from the December meeting will be the financial report and approval of bills. Following the calendar review the board will go over the monthly reimbursement report before addressing any old or new business brought before the board. After hearing various reports, the board will set the date for the February meeting before adjourning and going into closed session if needed. The regular meeting of the Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors next Tuesday evening
is open to the public.

The Missouri Public Service Commission has approved unanimous agreements filed by parties in the natural gas rate cases filed by Union Electric Company d/b/a Ameren Missouri. Ameren Missouri will increase annual natural gas revenues by approximately $5 million effective for service rendered on and after February 28, 2022. When Ameren Missouri filed its natural gas rate case on March 31, 2021, it sought to increase annual natural gas revenues by approximately $9.4 million. The last Ameren Missouri general natural gas rate case that resulted in a rate increase was in January 2011. The natural gas rate case generally reflected “non-gas” costs. “Non-gas” costs are operating and maintenance expenses in providing natural gas to customers in a safe and useful form. It also includes a return on investment in plant (such as meters, mains and service lines that deliver natural gas to your home or business). The actual cost of the natural gas is NOT a part of this rate case. The wholesale cost of natural gas is unregulated. The Public Service Commission reviews the natural gas purchasing practices of Ameren Missouri to ensure prudent decisions are made in securing natural gas supplies for its customers. Ameren Missouri serves approximately 1.28 million electric customers and approximately 132,350 natural gas customers in Missouri.

An accident happened Tuesday afternoon at 2:45 in Pulaski County on westbound Interstate 44 near the 160.2-mile marker. The report from the highway patrol states that 2006 Chevrolet Malibu being driven by 24-year-old Daniel Switzer of St. Louis traveled off the left side of the interstate and struck the cable barrier sending debris into the eastbound lanes. The debris struck a 2013 Freightliner box van being driven by 26-year-old Dalton Crum of Rolla. Both drivers suffered minor injuries and were transported by EMS to Phelps Health Hospital for treatment. The Freightliner was able to be driven from the scene with minor damage. The Chevrolet had extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Jacks Towing.

The Dent County Health Center has released the new Covid-19 quarantine guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Infection. The CDC is shortening the recommended time for isolation from 10 days for people with COVID-19 to 5 days, if asymptomatic, followed by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others. Therefore, people who test positive should isolate for 5 days and, if asymptomatic at that time, they may leave isolation if they can continue to mask for 5 days to minimize the risk of infecting others. To find out more information about the new COVID-19 quarantine guidelines, check out the Dent County Health Center’s website or Facebook page.

The Salem Police Department has released an accident report from Thursday, December 9th. According to the report, a 2000 Chevrolet Silverado, owned and operated by Gerald Nickles of Salem, was in the turn lane facing west on Highway 32 at the intersection of Askins Street. At that time, a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado, owned and operated by Austin Wulff of Salem, was traveling eastbound on Highway 32 nearing the intersection of Askins Street. The Nickles attempted to turn his vehicle left into the Walmart parking lot and failed to yield to the Wulff vehicle. Wulff’s vehicle’s front bumper collided with the passenger side bed and door of the Nickles vehicle. Gerald Nickles suffered minor injuries and was transported to Salem Memorial District Hospital, while Wulff suffered no injuries. The Nickles’ vehicle sustained extensive damage, while Wulff’s Silverado sustained moderate damage. Both pickups were removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing.

The Dent County Sheriffs’ Department made a traffic stop on Christmas Day in the 1000 block of Highway 32 East. During the course of the stop, a 38-year-old St. Clair woman was arrested on a warrant out of Jefferson County. A 32-year-old St. Louis man was also arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended. Both subjects were transported to the Dent County Jail where the man was issued a summons and released, while the woman was incarcerated on the warrant.

Filing for the municipal offices for the City of Salem ended Tuesday. There are four candidates for mayor: Skip Dahms, Stephanie Skiles, Greg Parker and Bill Parsons. The only candidate running for East Ward Alderman is the current alderwoman, Kayla Sisco. Two candidates are running for the unexpired West Ward Alderman term of the late Kenny Nash and those candidates are Tod Kinerk and Shannon Riley. There are also two candidates running for the full West Ward Alderman seat and they are Kyle Williams and Catherine Dent. The municipal election will be April 5th, 2022.

The American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive at the New Harmony Church main gym on Highway 32 West on Wednesday, January 5th from 2:00 until 6:00. Currently, the Red Cross still experiences dangerously low inventory not seen in more than a decade. All who come to give blood in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a getaway to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. As an extra thank-you from the Red Cross, those who come to donate will also be automatically entered to win a home theater package and a $500 e-gift card. To register for the blood drive, call 1-800-733-2767 to schedule your appointment.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, encourages everyone to make good decisions regarding their New Year’s celebration. No one wants to start 2022 with a traffic crash or DWI arrest. During last year’s holiday, 94 people were arrested for driving under the influence. During the 2021 New Year’s period, six people were killed and 389 injured in 1,247 traffic crashes in Missouri. The 2022 New Year’s holiday counting period begins at 6:00 tonight and ends at 11:59 Sunday evening, January 2nd. If your plans to welcome the new year include alcohol, please designate a sober driver or utilize a ride share service or taxi to ensure you arrive home safely. The roadway is no place for a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you kill or injure someone, you’ll pay the price for the rest of your life. If you plan to drive this New Year’s, remember to buckle up and make sure all your passengers do the same. Pay attention, obey all traffic laws, and when in doubt, yield the right-of-way. You can check road conditions by calling 1-888-275-6636. Allow extra time during inclement weather or consider staying home. Remember, Missouri law states if you’re using your windshield wipers, your headlights must be turned on. Don’t forget to call the Patrol’s Emergency Assistance Number (800) 525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone if you witness criminal activity or experience an emergency.

Governor Mike Parson requested that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approve a major disaster declaration for Missouri to provide federal assistance to a total of seven counties, including two in the KSMO listening area. This is in response to the severe storms and deadly tornadoes that swept across the state on the evening of December 10th, resulting in extensive destruction. Governor Parson is requesting public assistance for Iron and Reynolds counties in our area. If approved, agencies may seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including repair and replacement costs for damaged buildings, bridges, roads, and other public infrastructure. The joint preliminary damage assessments, conducted by the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), FEMA, and local officials estimated a total of more than $27 million in damage to public infrastructure and emergency response costs eligible for federal assistance. Both state and county thresholds set by FEMA must be met in order for a county to be included in the request for Public Assistance.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Tuesday evening in the City Hall Council Chambers at 202 North Washington Street. The board approved Bill # 3496 to create an ordinance amending Chapter 700, Article 1 of the Code of Ordinances pertaining to the disconnection of services. In a nutshell, the city will not shut off anyone’s electric for the non-payment of utility bills including residential tenants of an apartment building if the National Weather Service local forecast calls for temperature to be above 95 degrees or be 105 degrees with a heat index for the following 24 hours, or if utility personnel will not be available to reconnect utility service in the succeeding day or days. The bill goes on to read the city will not shut off utility services on any day the National Weather Service local forecast predicts the temperatures to be below freezing or if utility personnel will not be available to reconnect utility service in the succeeding day or days. This had been recommended for approval by the Utility Committee. The board also approved Resolution #38-2021 that authorizes the filing of an application for an engineering grant with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for the Clean State Revolving Fund Program under the Missouri Clean Water Act. The resolution allows Mayor Steelman to execute the application and provide any information deemed necessary by DNR for the application, sign all documents and furnish assurances as may be required. The grant amount is $50,000 and there is a 20% local match which is $12,500 which has been budgeted under the engineering services for Wastewater Treatment plant improvements. The application of the grant was recommended by Jeff Medows from Archer-Elgin Engineering at the Utility Committee meeting. City Administrator Ray Walden reported the filing for the municipal election of the four elected positions in Salem ended Tuesday and there were four people who filed for mayor, two for each of the west aldermanic seats and one person filing for the single east ward aldermanic seat. He said the sales tax collections to date have stayed true to the budget or may be even a little higher. Walden discussed how People Centric, a consulting group out of Springfield, Missouri, is updating position descriptions as well as working on future planning updates for the city. He also stated the City of Salem Administrative Offices Friday will be closed in honor the New Year’s Day holiday. Mayor Kim Steelman mentioned that she along with Administrator Walden, Public Works Director Nash, Police Chief Joe Chase and City Clerk Tammy Koller will all attend a meeting with the insurance broker to discuss additional options dealing with city employee benefits as that has been one of her priorities. Public Works Director Mark Nash reported the electric department has been checking insulators and pole attachments to alleviate blinking in the city, plus change out poles if needed. He said the water and sewer department has had two fix two water line breaks, plus have been flushing and checking pressure on some fire hydrants. He went on to say the new fence at the water and electric department on Wines Street has been installed. Nash said the street department has been able to patch some of the water and sewer line digouts in the streets and they have placed concrete blocks in front of the damaged bridge on 2nd Stree. He also said the street department is taking off the roof over the truck shed for the street department for the rafters to be replaced. Alderman Greg Parker thanked the people for their recycling efforts over the holidays, Alderman Bolerjack went over the Utility Committee meeting minutes and Alderwoman Sisco wanted to thank the city employees, especially those at the city administration building. The board then went into closed session.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has weatherization assistance available to increase energy efficiency and improve the health of your home. The department’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is critical to meeting heating and cooling needs of Missourians with low-incomes, especially as many seniors and other vulnerable households’ shelter at home due to COVID-19. WAP makes homes more energy efficient, safer, and healthier. To apply for assistance, clients should contact their local weatherization agency which is the South Central Missouri Community Action Agency. In Dent County, the number is 729-3500. A single person with a maximum income of $25,760 is eligible and a home with two residents must have a maximum income of $34,840 to qualify. Local weatherization agencies can provide further information about maximum family income and other details regarding program eligibility. Properly insulating and sealing air leaks can help many homes save as much as 30% in winter heating costs. Home weatherization not only saves homeowners money and leaves them with a more comfortable living space, but it also reduces the pollution associated with generating energy used for heating. For more ways to weatherize visit dnr.mo.gov/energy/weatherization or contact the Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Energy at 855-522-2796.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to remind the public that driver examination stations throughout the state closed on Friday, December 31st, in observance of New Year’s Day. Normal operations will resume on Monday, January 3rd, 2022.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning in the Courthouse for their regular meeting. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams was in with the CART Tax receipts of $65,290.21, which was up by $6,248.68 from the $59,041.53 received in December of 2020. Year-to-date the CART receipts are up $59,288.09 or about 8.9%. In the road report District One Commissioner Wes Mobray said that grading would be done, and materials would be added to Dent County Road 5580, plus service on Truck #125 was being finished up. He noted that Grader #36 has a fuel leak and Deere is coming to pick it up. This is the same grader that had the electrical problems. He also said that brush cutter tractor #8 that they just got back now has an exhaust manifold leak and Deere is also coming after it because they don’t want it ran with the leak. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson said that Dent County Roads 2550, 2540 and 2530 were going to have materials added to them and they would be graded. Other roads to be graded included county roads 3260, 3275, 3270 and 3273. He noted that brush was going to be cut on county roads 2190, 2180, and 2185, plus maintenance would be done on Truck #124. Larson also said that he attended a Tourism Tax Committee meeting where two requests for reimbursement were submitted and both were approved. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles remined everyone that the Dent County Collector’s and Assessor’s offices will be open Friday until 5:30, but the rest of the county offices will be closed. The Collector’s and Assessor’s offices will be closed Monday and the rest of the county offices will be open. He noted that the Commissioners will meet Thursday to pay bills, and this will be the last payment of bills until after the county budget is approved on January 27th. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that bills were being reviewed and approved for payment by the Commissioners. She said her office continues to work on the county budget for 2022. Commissioner Larson noted that after the first of the year he would be announcing the closure of a couple of roads in the county. Curt Faigle with the 100 Acre Wood road rally was into visit with the Commissioners will be meeting again Thursday to pay bills and then Monday, January 3rd, for their first regular meeting of 2022.

The highway patrol reported on a couple of accident that happened on Christmas Eve. The first occurred Friday morning around 9:40 in Texas County on Highway 17 two miles north of Houston. The report stated that a 2020 Chevrolet 3500 Express being driven by 23-year-old Dakota Taylor of Rolla was attempting to make a left turn and was struck by a 2020 Ford F-350 being driven by 49-year-old Steven Root of Houston. Taylor suffered minor injuries and sought his own treatment. Both drivers were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. The Chevrolet had moderate damage while the Ford sustained extensive damage. Both were removed from the scene by Jay’s Towing. The second accident happened Friday afternoon at 4:00 in Phelps County on westbound Interstate 44 at the 172-mile marker. A 2020 3500 GMC Savana van being driven by 48-year-old Trefner Rideout of Flint, Michigan travelled off the left side of the road and struck the cable barrier. The van then returned to the roadway before traveling off the right side of the interstate and striking a concrete bridge barrier. The van returned to the roadway once again before coming to a stop. A passenger, 19-year-old Quavion Rideout, also of Flint, Michigan, was transported by EMS to Phelps Health in Rolla for treatment of minor injuries. The GMC sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Dishman’s Towing.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that eight people died in traffic crashes during the 78-hour counting period, which began at 6 p.m. Thursday, December 23rd and ended at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, December 26th. Troopers investigated 310 traffic crashes resulting in 92 injuries and 4 fatalities. The patrol also made 67 DWI arrests over the counting period. Last year during the 78-hour Christmas counting period, there were 746 traffic crashes statewide. In those crashes, 10 people were killed and another 10 were injured and 62 DWI arrests were made during the counting period.

On December 25th, a Deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 1000 block of Highway 32 East. During the course of the stop a 38-year-old St. Clair woman was arrested on a warrant out of Jefferson County. A 32-year-old St. Louis man was also arrested for Driving Revoked/Suspended. Both subjects were transported to the Dent County Jail where the man was issued a summons and was released, while the woman was incarcerated on the warrant.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will be meeting Tuesday evening, January 4th, at 6:00 at the fire station located at #2 South Main Street. After the roll call and approval of the minutes from the December meeting will be the financial report and approval of bills. Following the calendar review the board will go over the monthly reimbursement report before addressing any old or new business brought before the board. After hearing various reports, the board will set the date for the February meeting before adjourning and going into closed session if needed. The regular meeting of the Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors next Tuesday evening is open to the public.