Local News

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.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met for their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, December 16th. Administrator Zach Moser updated the Board on the current COVID status in Dent County. In November there were 109 new cases of COVID-19 investigated. According to MoDHSS, as of December 16th, 34.2% of Dent County residents have received their first dose of vaccine and 30.4% have completed the series. Dent County’s Positivity Rate was 19.4%. 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. He reported that Flu season has begun with at least two cases reported so far. Moser stated that 80 appointments for blood draws in the lab were held in November 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 130 being done during November. The cost of the rapid antigen test is $10 and PCR test can be sent to the state lab and Labcorp under certain circumstances. Zach reported that 480 COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered during the month and that the gift Health Center continues to offer the $50 card to Country Mart through a program funded by the state for anyone getting their first or second dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Sixty-three Influenza vaccines were given, and 19 other vaccines were administered. There were 837 appointments for the month of November. In the administrator’s report Moser reported that the Health Center started using the new electronic health record system, Ashley Esquivel was hired as a new RN, Monoclonal antibody treatments have started, the MOSWIN radio was reinstalled after being down for over a year due to the move from MacArthur Avenue, and Sandra Headrick has confirmed that she will continue to provide services for the Sho Me Healthy Women program. Health Center financials for the month of November were approved. 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 and Healthy Women, which provides free breast and cervical screenings for women who qualify and can be scheduled by calling the Health Center at (573) 729-3106. Moser reported that he has applied for a C19 Health Disparities Grant which will allow expanding laboratory capabilities. In anticipation of the Grant being funded 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. He stated that the roofing color has been chosen and delivery of materials will be soon as the color chosen was in stock. Moser said that an informal bid for the planned renovation work had been received and others are expected soon, so no action was taken by the Board. Zach discussed the legal impact of the Robinson vs. DHSS ruling in Cole County, which is moot as Dent County Health Center was not enforcing quarantine and isolation orders as a matter of law, plus Missouri School Boards Association has sent a letter to the schools emphasizing their ongoing responsibility to protect their students and staff, as the ruling did not affect schools. Before adjourning the Board set the next regular meeting date for Thursday, January 20th.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting Tuesday evening, December 28th, at 6:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers. After the Roll Call and approval of the Consent Agenda, which includes Utility Committee meeting minutes of October 19th and December 20th, the following Bill and Resolution will be introduced and read. Bill #3496, an ordinance amending Chapter 700, Article 1, of The Code of Ordinances of the City of Salem, pertaining to disconnection of Utility Services. Resolution #38-2021, a Resolution authorizing the filing of an application with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Clean State Revolving Fund Program for an engineering grant under the Missouri Clean Water Law (Chapter 644, RSMo.). Following those items of business will be the reports of city officials, boards and committees. The Board of Alderman will then go into closed session to consider contracts. The regular meeting of the City of Salem Board of Alderman Tuesday evening is open to the public.

Everyone at Your World Today and KSMO Media wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas. Due to the holiday, there will not be a new edition of Your World Today on Christmas Eve.

The Salem Utility Committee meeting was held Monday evening at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Jeff Medows from Archer-Elgin Engineering gave an update on all the active projects going on as well as an update on the wastewater treatment plant improvements. The city and Missouri Department of Natural Resources met at the end of November to discuss what to do next after the EPA did not like the variance submitted in 2020 and approved by the Cleanwater Commission. DNR suggested the city go through the permitting process that would have a long schedule of compliance to meet the TMDL limit. They also suggested going for a bigger improvement in the facility that would make an improvement in water quality. If going that route, Medows recommended pursuing the DNR Economic Resilience Grant for the facility plan update and then pursue ARPA funding and a potential bond issue for SRF grant funding. It was noted the city bills were late in November due to a sickness in the office. City Administrator Ray Walden said staff is being cross-trained so that there should be no delays in the future, and if there would be a special circumstance, the city will use the local media, the city’s text blast, and social media to get out the information. The committee discussed and approved keeping the 1% discount for customers. The committee also discussed having another cost and rate study done by Missouri Rural Water, but Walden recommended to wait until the city gets more information about phase two of the wastewater treatment plant upgrade before getting another study done. The committee pondered having an audit performed on the utility billing and the meter project update, but a proposal of a one-year audit was $70,000 and a two-year audit was $120,000. There is also a request for proposals for new utility billing and financial software that is due at the end of January. The committee agreed to put the audit on hold until there is more information on the new utility billing and financial software and a need to have an audit done. Walden then went over the survey results to see if there would be interest in the city offering a prepaid utility plan and offer view usage if available. From the survey results, 68% of those responding would like to know their usage, but only 9% were interested in a prepay option. The committee also recommended submitting an updated “hot and cold” weather rule for electric disconnection to the Board of Aldermen for their approval that is based upon temperature. The meeting was then adjourned.

In Pulaski County in front of Judge John Beger, former Texas County Sheriff James Sigman was sentenced to three years supervised probation and a fine for forging an employee’s timecard in 2018. Sigman’s girlfriend at the time and former Texas County jailer Jennifer Tomaszewski, also received three years supervised probation and a fine in a related case. The case was moved on a change of venue and each defendant was originally charged with eight counts. All the other counts aside from the forgery charges were dismissed during their trials in September due to insufficient evidence. The forgery charges involved the former sheriff approving a timecard for Tomaszewski for hours she didn’t work. In the end it was determined by Judge Beger that there was enough evidence to show that Sigman and Tomaszewski knew the timecards were false.

Have you and your family members finished their wish list for the holiday? Is safe, crash free travel on those lists? If not, please add it! Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers wish everyone a merry and safe Christmas. One way for it to be merry is for everyone to arrive at their holiday celebrations safely. Last year over the Christmas holiday, there were 746 traffic crashes during the counting period. In those crashes, 10 people were killed and another 310 were injured. This year’s traffic crash counting period begins at 6:00 this evening and ends at 11:59 Sunday night, December 26th, 2021. Please remember to wear your seat belt, pay attention to your driving, and please, don’t drink and drive. Travelers are reminded that holiday drivers will affect traffic patterns. If you’re planning a trip during the holiday, please keep this in mind. Drivers are encouraged to make sure they are well rested, and their vehicle is in good working condition before driving to their destination, no matter how short the distance. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. The Road Condition Report number is 1-800-222-6400. If bad weather is expected, make sure your vehicle is winterized. Allow extra time to reach your destination and obey all traffic laws. If faced with a traffic emergency, motorists can contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. This emergency number will ring into the nearest Highway Patrol headquarters. Motorists should use this number if they are in a traffic crash, witness a crash or crime, or pass a stranded motorist in need of assistance, etc. The Patrol encourages motorists to protect themselves from all types of hazardous drivers by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Please obey all traffic laws, and if alcohol is part of your holiday, designate a sober driver. Every driver can help make our roadways safer this holiday season.

The Dent County Sheriff’s office has released the following reports. On Monday, December 13th, deputies traveled to a residence on Highway 19 North to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the event, a 59-year-old Salem man was arrested on two warrants out of Dent County. He was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated on the warrants. Then on Saturday, December 18th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at Highway 32 and Dent County Road 4235. During the course of the stop, a 73-year-old Viburnum female was arrested on a warrant out of Crawford County. She was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated on the warrant. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s office at 729-3241 if you have any information on any investigation.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education in closed session Thursday night heard an A+ citizenship appeal. The board unanimously approved the appeal of the student. The Board also heard from an employee who requested back pay of 18 days but voted to deny the request by a 5-1 vote. They also unanimously approved awarding the Belcher Scholarship to Kennedy Chapman. In other action taken, the board approved moving Aaron Steelman one step on the salary schedule due to a change of job responsibilities, approved giving a raise of $1.00 an hour to Andy Rowe due to a change of job responsibilities, and to move Traci Wulff from step 16 to step 24 on the salary schedule due to a change of job responsibilities. The school board then accepted the resignation of Kristi Steelman as assistant Volleyball coach; and Phil Karr as a high school physical education teacher, head softball coach, and athletic director effective at the end of the 21-22 school year. After a personnel issue was discussed, the meeting was adjourned.

An accident happened in Cape Girardeau County Monday morning at 6:55 at the intersection of Route K and Highway 25. According to the highway patrol report, a 2021 Kia Sorrento driven westbound by 33-year-old James Tanner of Jackson, turned into the path of a 2014 Jeep Cherokee driven northbound by 24-year-old Courtney Spencer of Rolla, and was struck. Spencer suffered moderate injuries and was taken by an ambulance to St. Francis Medical Center. Everyone involved was wearing seat restraints. Both vehicles were totaled with the Jepp being removed from the scene by Midwest Truck Towing and the Kia being taken from the scene by Carnell’s Towing.

The Missouri Department of Conservation reports hunters harvested three elk during the firearms portion of the elk-hunting season, from December 11th through the 19th. An archery portion ran October 16th through the 24th with two elk harvested. Five Missouri hunters were selected for elk permits through a random drawing. Last year’s inaugural elk hunt ended with all five hunters harvesting bull elk during the firearms portion. No elk were taken during the 2020 archery portion.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Energy is accepting grant applications now through February 28th, 2022, to reimburse farmers for energy-saving equipment through its Energize Missouri Agriculture Program. The department is offering up to $3 million in cost-share grants to agricultural operations for energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy equipment. Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified applicants. The program will reimburse approved applicants up to 75% or a maximum of $7,500 of the purchase cost, excluding time and labor costs, of qualifying energy-saving equipment and systems per applicant. Some examples of eligible projects include solar-powered watering systems and fencers, irrigation upgrades, GPS systems for tractors and applicators, ventilationand insulation. Anyone interested in more information or applying for the Energize Missouri Agriculture Program should visit dnr.mo.gov/energy for more details. Purchases made prior to signing the terms and conditions agreement will not qualify for reimbursement. Those without internet access may obtain a paper application form by contacting the department by phone at 573-751-2254 or 855-522-2796. The Energize Missouri Agriculture Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and is part of the funds managed by the department’s Division of Energy.

The Missouri Conservation Commission and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) recognize citizens who make outstanding contributions to conservation in Missouri and are accepting nominations for their Master Conservationist Award and the Missouri Conservation Hall of Fame through December 31st. The Master Conservationist Award honors living or deceased citizens while the Missouri Conservation Hall of Fame recognizes deceased individuals. Those who can be considered for either honor are Missourians who performed outstanding acts or whose dedicated service over an extended time produced major progress in fisheries, forestry, or wildlife conservation in Missouri. Employees of conservation-related agencies who performed outstanding acts or whose dedicated service over an extended time produced major progress in fisheries, forestry, or wildlife conservation in Missouri. Anyone can submit a nomination, which should include a statement describing the nominee’s accomplishments and a brief biography. A screening committee appointed by the MDC director meets annually to consider nominees, with the Conservation Commission conveying final approval. Get more information on the Master Conservationist Award and Missouri Conservation Hall of Fame nomination forms at mdc.mo.gov. Nominations must be submitted by December 31st to Missouri Department of Conservation, Attention Julie Love, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180.

Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk says her office and the Dent County Assessor’s office will be open the week after Christmas including New Year’s Eve from 8:00 in the morning until 5:30 in the afternoon for those who wish to make tax payments. Payment of your taxes may be made at the collector’s office, by mail, using the drop box at the southwest corner of the courthouse square, or online. Fees will be the same as last year and will be charged on all credit or debit cards. For more information, call 729-3911. Remember, the 2022 Dent County Assessment Lists will be mailed the first week of January 2022. To avoid a late filing penalty, your completed assessment forms will be due in the assessor’s office by March 1st. Online filing will also be available from January 2nd through April 30th. The courthouse will be closed this Thursday and Friday for the Christmas holiday.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. Grant Wilson from Jason Smith’s office was in attendance to wish the commission Happy Holidays. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated grading would be done on Dent County Road 5580 while service will be performed on county trucks #123 and 125. Mobray said a backhoe was going to be used on Dent County Road 6430 to clean the debris out from around a culvert and truck it off for disposal using county truck #119. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 3020 while only grading would be performed on county road 2120. Larson stated crews would also be checking for washouts from the rains Friday and Friday night. He indicated a tree was reported down on county road 5225 and crews were taking care of that. He said one man was hauling in rock to stockpile for the winter while another was screening rock. Larson also said crews would be replacing a number of road signs including some stop signs that had been stolen including the post to hold the sign. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles was in Jefferson City Friday regarding the CCAM lawsuit filed against Senate Bill 53. He wanted to remind everyone the courthouse would be closed Thursday and Friday for the Christmas holiday. The commissioners will also be meeting on Thursday, December 30th at the courthouse to pay bills for the last time before the next year’s budget is approved. Any vendor of the county is asked to get your statement or invoice in before Thursday to be paid or you will be waiting until late January. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that she talked with the art classes at the high school last Tuesday about designing a new “I voted” sticker for the 2022-2023 elections. She went on to say that her office and the treasurer’s office balanced on all accounts for the month of November. At the last meeting, Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk brought in her monthly report that shows collections in November at $1,656,158.25. Also at the last meeting, the Dent County Extension requested their budget be increased to $45,000 in 2022 from the $40,000 they received in 2021. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 14,896 deer during the antlerless portion of the firearms deer season, December 4th through 12th. Top harvest counties statewide were Callaway with 467 deer harvested, Pike with 376, and Morgan with 354. In our area the Crawford County total was 166, Dent County harvested 151, Phelps 120, and Texas County antlerless harvest was 149. Last year’s antlerless-portion harvest total was 15,620. The antlerless portion was extended from three days to nine days this year. MDC Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle said that prior to last year, the average harvest during the three-day antlerless portion had been just under 8,000 deer. We had some fantastic hunting conditions during last year’s antlerless portion, which resulted in a harvest total that was nearly double the average. So, although we were below last year’s mark, this year’s total was well above the average harvest over the last several years with the shorter season. Archery deer season runs through January 15th, 2022. The alternative methods portion runs December 25th through January 4th, 2022. Find more information on deer hunting from MDC’s 2021 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available where permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley released results of three court cases heard in Dent County on Wednesday in front of Judge Michael Randazzo. In the first case heard, Richard LaBrash, Jr. of Salem had a sentencing hearing regarding his probation violation of receiving stolen property. Randazzo sentenced LaBrash to seven years in the Department of Corrections under the Section 559.115 program. LaBrash had requested continued probation due to his medical conditions and the likelihood that he would lose his disability benefits. The request was denied by the judge. The second case heard involved defendant Rebecca Hughes of Salem. Judge Randazzo revoked her probation for the possession of a controlled substance due to her new charge for the possession of Vicodin in the Dent County Jail. Hughes was sentenced to serve seven years in the Department of Corrections as requested by Prosecutor Curley. The last case heard Wednesday was a sentencing hearing for Max Openshaw of Bunker after his plea of guilty to a felony assault and the unlawful use of a weapon. Prosecutor Curley requested 11 years to be served in the Department of Corrections. Openshaw requested probation. Judge Randazzo sentenced Openshaw to seven years in the Department of Corrections for the incident that occurred in June of this year. The co-defendant in the case Larry Suhling, received 10 years at his prior sentencing hearing.

An accident occurred Friday evening at 9:45 in Phelps County on I-44 near mile marker 188.4 in the westbound lane. According to the highway patrol report a 1998 Dodge Ram Truck driven by a 17-year-old male juvenile from Steelville lost control, slid off the left side of the road and struck the towed unit of a 2016 Volvo Tractor. The driver of the Volvo is unknown at this time as the Volvo was parked in the median due to a previous crash. The juvenile suffered minor injuries and was transported by private conveyance to Phelps Health. He was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Dodge was totaled, and the Volvo sustained minor damage both remain at the scene due to weather conditions.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to remind the public that driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed on Friday, December 24th, in observance of Christmas. Normal operations will resume on Monday, December 27th and again on Friday, December 31st, in observance of New Year’s Day. Normal operations will resume on Monday, January 3rd, 2022.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met in the high school library Thursday evening for their regular meeting. The board heard from the new school auditor, Ken Schultz about the 2020-2021 audit and he gave it a clean opinion as the Salem R-80 school uses cash basis accounting which he said was fairly stated recognizing expenses when paid and income when money is received. Schultz said there is what he called a “caution” paragraph that deals with the unique educational challenges brought on by COVID-19. Schultz said the district had revenues over expenses of $346,746 for the fiscal year after the school had deficit spending the year before of $148,742. He did say the school had additional 2,668,000 in revenues this past fiscal year with most of that coming from the sale of the 2020 General Obligation Bonds of 3.3 million dollars that will help the district save over $123,000 in interest. Schultz talked about fund balances and also talked to the board about the pension plan and where it currently stands. The board approved the audit as presented. Assistant Superintendent John Smith discussed the MAP standards for 2021 data received by the school. The data was not to be used as a performance report or comparison needs. Smith said most school used some sort of hybrid method during the COVID dictated year and he showed the total scores for Salem, the state and then those for the students who were actually attending school in the classroom. The scores showed in almost every case where the students in the classroom faired better than those attending virtually. Smith said MSIP 6 rules will apply as the testing this year will be the new baseline for schools. He said the school is already preparing for the 2021-2022 MAP testing as the Upper Elementary is using a system called Edulastic. This will be discussed more in the new year. Superintendent Lynne Reed said she had some preliminary floor plans for the Tin Gym Project that would be enough to get a bid, but they would not be the final design. As of now, the Tim Gym and the new structure would NOT be attached. She also said she was looking for project leaders for the CSIP programs on student achievement, facilities and teacher recruitment and retention. Board members Steve Patterson and Andrew Wynn were both interested in the facility program, but no one spoke out for the other two programs. Reed also said she would be looking to create a committee for a new elementary school and is going to do a feasibility study on contracting out the school’s food service. In new business, the board was going to discuss the selection of the MSBA Belcher Scholarship Recipient in closed session. The board approved the Missouri United School Insurance Council insurance (MUSIC) for the school that included the same coverage as before and approved declaring surplus property to be sold on deals.com. The board also approved continuing the SRCSP Policy from November before going into closed session.

An accident happened Sunday afternoon at 12:40 on Highway 63 about three miles south of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2016 Hyundai Elantra driven southbound by 30-year-old Steffen Suggs of Edgar Springs, traveled off the right side of the roadway and went airborne. The Hyundai landed and struck a curb, then became airborne again and struck a large sign. Suggs suffered serious injuries and was transported to Phelps Health by the Phelps Health EMS. Suggs was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Hyundai was totaled and removed from the scene by D & D Towing.

The City of Salem Utility Committee Chairman Shawn Bolerjack has called a meeting for this evening at 6:00 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. At the meeting, the committee will receive project updates from Archer-Elgin Engineering, get an update on the utility billing, discuss the one percent discount, discuss water and sewer rates, get an update on the audit of the utility billing and meter project, receive an update on the utility billing software as well as an update on the Exceleron Prepay Project. The committee will also discuss the city hot and cold weather rules for disconnects before they adjourn. The Utility Committee meeting tonight is open to the public.

This holiday season, keep spirits bright by keeping spirits off the roads. The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety is urging drivers to avoid driving impaired as they travel to and from holiday gatherings. Statewide, law enforcement will be on the lookout for substance-impaired drivers, with targeted enforcement efforts now through New Year’s Day. There were 60 people killed and 270 seriously injured in Missouri traffic crashes between December 10th, 2020, and January 1st, 2021. Fourteen of the fatalities and 44 of the serious injuries involved a substance-impaired driver. Those consequences include fines, jail time or even death. Missouri is on pace to see more than 1,000 fatalities on the highways in 2021, the most in 15 years. Have a plan to arrive to your holiday gatherings and home safely. If you plan to drink, don’t drive. Choose a designated driver, call a sober friend, order a rideshare or spend the night. But never drive impaired. If you feel different, you drive different. Missouri’s strategic highway safety plan, Show-Me Zero, focuses on four ways every Missourian can help eliminate traffic deaths – buckle up, phone down, slow down and drive sober.