Local News

Unused or expired medications will be able to be disposed of safely during drug “Take Back Day.” This Saturday, October 23rd from 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon, you may bring unused or expired medications to either Country Mart or Wal-Mart pharmacy for them to be disposed of properly and safely. “Take Back Day” is sponsored by a partnership with the DEA, Salem Police Department, the Dent County Sheriff Department, and Healthy Dent County Prevention Coalition.

Former Salem Mayor, J. J. Tune, has been charged with one felony count of the unlawful use of a weapon and one misdemeanor count of fourth-degree assault. He was arrested by the Salem Police Department in connection with a landlord-tenant dispute on Friday, October 15th, in which allegedly Tune brandished a pistol and threatened to shoot the tenant unless he signed a document. He was incarcerated in the Dent County Jail with no bond issued.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors received their audit report Tuesday night for Fiscal Year 2021 from Jean Nyberg of BKD, LLP. Nyberg said for the fiscal year ending June 30th, 2021, the hospital showed over a four-million-dollar loss from operations due to increased supply and labor expense and a decrease in patient income. However, in Fiscal Year 2021, the Payroll Protection Program the hospital secured was forgiven, the hospital received 4.4 million dollars in CARES Act money and with numerous audit adjustments, the hospital showed an excess of revenues over expenses of $1,119,282 at the end of the fiscal year. Overall, Nyberg said the cash decreased 4.9 million dollars paying back the Medicare Advance payments as well as the capital improvements made to the hospital. She also said the accounts receivable went down $1,529 million dollars for the year and part of that was due to problems with the account receivables. She reported the Salem hospital has 41 days of revenue sitting in Accounts Receivable and has 90 days cash on hand. Both numbers are good in the hospital industry. She also told the board the long-term debt to capitalization ratio for the Salem Hospital is now at 26% which is due to the improvements made to the hospital. It is the highest they have had in years. Nyberg told the board the net operating margin for the hospital stands at a -28.4% and that is down from -6.0% last fiscal year. The total margin for the hospital stands at 3.7% which is above the average for critical access hospitals. Nyberg went on to report that BKD noted one material deficiency with a significant amount of journal entries, reconciliations and with the accounts receivable. With that being said, the hospital was still given an unmodified opinion which is the best opinion the auditors can give. Nyberg ended the audit report with a review of the COVID Compliance Considerations for the CARES Act Funds, Payroll Protection Program and the Medicare Advance Payments and how that affected the hospital in fiscal year 2021.

New this fall, the University of Missouri Extension is launching a workshop series on Whole System Management of Beef Cattle Reproduction. The objective is to aid Missouri producers in improving the reproductive management of their cow-calf herds through a systems-based approach. There will be a whole system management workshop at Wurdack Farm in Cook Station on Tuesday October 26th. Workshops will include presentations as well group discussions, scenario troubleshooting, and a tour and overview of the reproductive management system at a University of Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station Research Center. Participants will leave with a new perspective about reproductive management of cow-calf herds, viewing common causes of variability in reproductive performance now as leverage points for future improvement. For more information you can email Rachel Hopkins at hopkinsrm@umsystem.edu.

An accident occurred in Salem the morning of September 5th at approximately 5:20. According to the Salem Police Department report, a 2002 Jeep Wrangler, driven by Robert Bryce Starkey of Salem, was westbound on West Roosevelt when the Jeep crossed the center line, ran off the right side of the road striking a tree. The Jeep began sliding and came to rest striking a utility pole. Minor injuries were reported, and Starkey was arrested for driving while being intoxicated. The Jeep sustained disabling damage and was towed from the scene.

The Spring Creek Artisans Pumpkin Day will be held this Saturday from 9:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon at the Salem Creative Arts Center behind the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center building next to the Farmer’s Market. There will be art, crafts, bake goods, children’s activities and fun! Everyone is welcome!

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting at the courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams brought in the sales tax monies received by the county this month. She reported the General Revenue and LEST Funds each received $19,369.22 which is down $53,351.02 from 2020 and year-to-date, each of those funds is down $303,460.98. She said the Road and Bridge Sales Tax Fund received $7,456.24 and that is down $26,800.01 from October of 2020. Year-to-date, the Road and Bridge Fund is down $160,898.21. These three funds were greatly impacted by a Department of Revenue reduction of $197,296 without notice due to sales taxes from 2017 that were improperly credited to Dent County. Dent County Commissioner Skiles contacted Travis Elliott, the attorney handling the case for the county, and he contacted the attorney for the Department of Revenue who stated those funds should never have been deducted from the money received by the county in October. He said those funds should be credited back to the county in November and no further reductions are to be made until after there is a hearing on January 19th to determine how the money that is owed is to be paid back to the Missouri Department of Revenue. The Jail Operating and Trust Funds were not as greatly impacted as they had just been implemented. Each of those funds received $50,331.29 and that is down $18,133.36 from last October’s receipt of $64,464.65. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 5170, while grading will also be done on county roads 5460 and 6220. He also said a man went to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal repair this week. Travis Turner for District 2 stated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 2340 while only grading would be done on county roads 2200 and 3120. He said brush would be cut on county road 2070 and rock would be added to county road 3235. Commissioner Skiles said there was a meeting with Aptitude Internet Friday at the Salem Community Center@The Armory to find out what their plans are for expanding Internet services in Dent County and most of their plans are to provide the services through elevated lines on poles. Skiles said he attended the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District Executive Board meeting last Tuesday at the MRPC and said they grant requests of $290,900 and this year had $272,796 to award. Skiles said he was happy to announce the Scenic Rivers Industries were able to receive their entire grant request of $47,249. These awards must still be approved by DNR before the funds can be dispensed. Commissioner Skiles said he and Commissioner Mobray attended the South Central County Commissioners meeting in Houston on Friday and the hot topic was Senate Bill 53. Skiles was then to attend a meeting Wednesday in Jefferson City and the MRPC Annual Awards Banquet in Linn, Missouri. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she balanced with the collector and appraiser on all add-ons, abatements and collections for the month of September, plus she balanced with the treasurer on all accounts for September. Curley reported that she attended a Health Consortium Board meeting where it was revealed the county would be receiving a 1.7% increase in employees monthly insurance rates from $633 per month to $643.76 per month. The county approved continuing the county employee deductible program as in the past. Curley said Phil-Mart won the bid for 7,000 gallons of diesel at $2.66 per gallon. Curley also said she was working on the 2022 budget. Commissioner Skiles discussed with Commissioner Mobray the renewing of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program agreement through the St. Louis County Health Department. This program is administered through the Dent County Health Department. It was approved by the commission. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday, October 25th and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will conduct their October meeting tonight at 6:00 in the hospital library. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas will report on the summary of the operations and statistics for the month of September, followed by the Chief of Nursing Report with Ashley Sullins. Chief Operating Officer Jason Edwards will give the hospital foundation report and the marketing and community perception report. In old business, Lucas will give the board an update on Covid-19, the hospital expansion and renovation, as well as the Cerner conversion. New business will include the annual review of the Governing Board Bylaws and also a review of any purchases made or that need to be made since the last meeting. The board may vote to go into closed session. The SMDH Board meeting is open to the public.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley released a number of reports from cases heard in Dent County in front of Judge Michael Randazzo on Friday, October 15th. The first case heard was Megan Heath-Fisk of Salem who was on probation for the distribution of a controlled substance after completing a Section 559.115 program. At the probation hearing, Heath-Fisk admitted to failing to report and the use of a controlled substance. Prosecutor Curley asked the judge to execute the remainder of her sentence and the defendant asked to be placed in the drug court and continue to be on probation. Judge Randazzo granted continued probation with the drug court over the objection of the state. Also on Friday, Christine Erma Baker of Salem pled guilty to a DWI, a third offense, which is a Class E Felony. Baker was sentenced to four years under the Section 559.115 in the Institutional Treatment Center for a 120-day shock treatment as requested by the prosecutor. Also heard Friday in the 42nd Judicial Circuit Court was Mersadie Mansfield of Salem who pled guilty to the distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine, and the possession of a controlled substance in a jail. Curley requested the defendant serve 12 years in the Department of Corrections as the drug treatment program. This sentence was defendant had been released on parole at the time of her new offenses. Mansfield requested to be sent to drug court. Judge Randazzo sentenced the defendant to 10-years in the Department of Corrections under the long-term over the objection of the state that requested her full sentences be executed without retaining jurisdiction under Section 217.362.

An accident happened in Dent County Sunday afternoon at 5:20 on Highway 32 east about a mile from Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2014 Ford Taurus driven westbound by 86-year-old Carmon Williams of Salem, pulled out of a private drive into the path of a 2011 Ford Focus driven eastbound by 25-year-old Levi Price of Annapolis. Williams suffered minor injuries and was transported by EMS to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. Everyone involved was wearing their seat restraints. Both vehicles sustained extensive damages and were removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing of Salem.

An accident happened early Friday morning at 5:45 in Maries County on Highway 63 just south of Maries County Road 2009. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2008 Pontiac G5 being driven by 38-year-old Andrea Freeland of Rolla, was northbound when she traveled off the roadway and overturned. Freeland was taken by Maries Osage Ambulance District to Phelps Health Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. The Pontiac was totaled and removed from the scene by Plaza Towing. The report went on to state that Freeland was wearing a safety restraint.

In closed session Tuesday night at the City Hall Council Chambers, the Salem Board of Aldermen voted to approve the purchase of texting services from DoCircle doing business as Trumpia for $6,000. Closed session was then adjourned where the board went back into open n session and adjourned the meeting.

Chairman Shawn Bolerjack has called a meeting of the City of Salem’s Utility Committee for Tuesday evening at 6:00 at the Salem Community Center@the Armory located at 1200 West Rolla Road. On the agenda will be an update on utility billing along with a financial update. The committee will also review the 1% electric discount, the fee waiver policy, and discuss the audit of the utility billing and the meter project update. Also planned for discussion is the utility billing software, utility bill layout, and the Exceleron pre-paid project update before adjourning. The meeting is open to the public.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley released the results of a case heard in front of Judge Megan Seay where Dennis Loughridge of Salem pled guilty to 13 charges against him. Those charges were for forgery, the distribution of Methamphetamine, receiving stolen property, two charges of driving while having his license revoked or suspended, two charges of possession of a controlled substance except for 35 grams or less of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid, non-support with total arrears in excess of 12 months payments due under order of support, two felony charges for resisting or interfering with an arrest, burglary in the second degree, the unlawful possession of a firearm, and a charge of stealing a firearm, explosive weapon or ammonium nitrate. The case was heard on October 8th and Loughridge was sentenced to serve a total of 15 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.

An accident occurred Wednesday evening at 5:00 in Crawford County on Route CC and Oak Hill Road. According to the highway patrol report a 2005 Pontiac Sunfire driven by 20-year-old Katelyn Michel of Salem was traveling northbound and entered a curve. She was travelling too fast for conditions and travelled off the left side of the roadway and struck a fence. Michel suffered minor injuries and was transported to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan by North Crawford Ambulance. Michel was wearing a safety device at the time of the accident. The Sunfire sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Chris and Sons Towing.

An accident happened Wednesday evening around 6:45 in Reynolds County on Route J at County Road 832, about a mile east of Oates. The highway patrol reports that a 2020 Kawasaki KRX1000 being operated by 56-year-old Paul Blackman of Black, was traveling westbound when he traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned multiple times. Blackman suffered moderate injuries and was taken by a highway patrol vehicle to Iron County Hospital. A passenger on the Kawasaki, 62-year-old Dena Tompkins of Black, suffered moderate injuries and was also transported to Iron County Hospital by ambulance. The Kawasaki was totaled and removed from the scene by a private party. The report stated that Blackman and Tompkins were both wearing safety devices at the time of the accident.

A “Happy Fall Y’all” paint party will be held tonight from 6:30 to 8:30 at the Creative Arts Center behind the ONCRC Danielle Norris will walk you through a fall painting to bring in a new season. Then on Saturday night, a “Kitchen Witch” Wheat Weaving class will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 at the Creative Arts Center. Suzanne Douglas will teach the art of wheat weaving and the “Kitchen Witch” is a traditional Celtic design. The cost is $25 per person which includes all your supplies. You can register at the ONCRC, by calling 247-0651 or 247-5306.

If you a person born after January 1st, 1967, and you want to hunt with a firearm alone, you must take the Missouri–approved course to complete your online hunter safety education. Hunter-ed.com is a delegated provider for the Missouri Department of Conservation. Get hunter certified in 3 steps: Study and pass the $19.95 online course, finish any other requirements and get ready to go hunting! You must be at least 10 years old to take the online course. Students who are 10 years of age may complete this course, but they must be 11 years old to take the Hunter Education Skills Session. After this course is complete and if you are 11 to 15 years of age when you REGISTERED for this course, you must pass this online course and attend the Hunter Education Skills Session to complete your hunting safety certification. In our area, seats are limited at the Bunker High School for their October 28th class from 5:00 until 9:00. There are also seats available at the Houston course this Saturday from 8:00 in the morning until noon at the Faith Fellowship Church. For more info, go to mdc.mo.gov.

As reported by Salem Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge Tuesday afternoon, the Salem R-80 Construction Trades Program has been voted the winner of the Strong Communities Award in the Rural category and will be awarded $15,000 by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines. Among the four finalists, there were over 8,000 votes cast. The Salem R-80 Construction Trades Program provides relevant technical training; opportunities for students to develop; and creates a post-secondary pipeline for education and employment. The training program provides students with the creative and technical skills to gain valuable, real-life experience through classroom and on the job training. Much of the training requires extensive hands-on education garnered through paid apprenticeships. Upon graduation, students are fully prepared to work for small and large contracting firms that can eventually lead to roles in project management or administration, as well as gaining certification as a general contractor. In addition, the program is reviving our community through the rehab of homes and building of relationships. The project is supported by The Bank of Salem. Salem R-80 Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed stated the school is excited to be named the winner of the Strong Communities Award and are very humbled and grateful for the support from our community. She went on to say this award will go toward preparing our students with the technical skills needed to be valuable members of the workforce right here in Salem. The next step for the Salem R-80 Construction Trades Program is to construct a building for the program. Over half of the funds, $500,000 are already secured through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awarded to the City of Salem, and there are 50% Youth Opportunities Program (YOP) Tax Credits available through Salem R-80 Schools to anyone who donates toward the building’s construction. Any person, business or entity who pays Missouri Income Taxes can benefit from the Tax Credits, although you may donate to the program regardless. For additional information about the YOP Tax Credits you may contact Dr. Lynne Reed, Superintendent of Salem R80 Schools at 573-729-6642.

Staff members at Meramec State Park invite the public to its annual Halloween event, Spooktacular, this Friday and Saturday. Events will include an evening program presented by a park naturalist, an outdoor movie with free popcorn and hot chocolate, a bonfire, trick-or-treating, a scavenger hunt, a coloring contest and a jack-o’-lantern contest. On Saturday afternoon at 4:45 park staff will close the campground road to provide a safe environment for trick-or-treaters to go campsite to campsite. Campers are encouraged to decorate their campsites, and one campsite will be designated as the “Coolest Campsite.” At 6:30 that evening there will be a nature program at the amphitheater followed by and outdoor showing of the movie Halloweentown II. Saturday will feature a coloring contest beginning at 9 a.m. and a scavenger hunt and jack-o-lantern contest followed by trick or treating at 5:00. The public is strongly encouraged to follow social-distancing guidelines and be proactive in protecting themselves and others. Meramec
State Park is located at 115 Meramec Park Drive, Sullivan. For more information about the meeting, call 573-468-6072. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Farming plays a vital role in Missouri’s economy, history, and identity. In 2020, there were 199 Missouri traffic crashes involving farm equipment. In those crashes, two people were killed and 73 were injured. Whether you’re driving a vehicle or operating farm machinery, you must pay attention to the roadway, other drivers, and traffic signs. Distracted drivers are dangerous drivers. Please pay attention and share the road! Farmers should make sure your farm equipment is properly marked with lights and a “slow-moving vehicle” emblem when you travel on the roadway. If traffic accumulates behind you on the road where it is difficult to make a safe pass, pull off onto the side of the road in a level area, so vehicles can pass. Always drive as far to the right as possible. It’s harder to see you at dawn or dusk, so please don’t travel on the road during those times if possible. Remember: Missouri law allows agricultural machinery and implements to be operated on state highways between the hours of sunset and sunrise for agricultural purposes provided such vehicles are equipped with the required lighting. Like other motor vehicles, most modern farm tractors have seat belts. Always use a seat belt when operating a tractor equipped with a roll-over protection structure. Often, all-terrain vehicles are used for agricultural purposes. ATVs being used for farming can only travel on highways during daylight hours and must be equipped with lights, a bicycle flag, and a “slow-moving vehicle” emblem. The law requires anyone under the age of 18 to wear a safety helmet when operating an ATV; the Patrol, however, recommends operators wear a safety helmet regardless of age. And it’s important for drivers important to do your part. Stay alert for slow moving farm equipment. When you come up behind a tractor or other farm machinery, please slow down and be patient. Wait to pass until you have a clear view of the road ahead and there is no oncoming traffic. Never pass on a hill or curve. Collisions commonly occur when a motorist tries to pass a left-turning farm vehicle. A tractor that appears to be pulling to the right side of the road to let motorists pass, may be preparing to make a wide left turn. Watch the farmer’s hand and light signals closely. It’s important that you pay close attention to farm equipment entering and leaving the highway from side roads and driveways. Special attention must be paid when traveling at dawn or dusk when the sun makes it difficult for drivers to see.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met for the regular meeting Tuesday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. The board approved Bill #3493 that amended Chapter 700, Article II, Section 700.130 that allows the board to increase or decrease electric rates without the vote of the alderman based upon comparative charges from January to December for a given year to the prior year from the electric wholesale supplier. Alderman Bolerjack said this ordinance was changed from the month of July to June to January to December to allow the utility committee a chance to review the rates and make budget recommendations in March for the next fiscal year. The board approved the bid from Leo Morgan of Lebanon to install a fence around the electric and water department buildings on Wines Street for a cost of $9,700.00. City Administrator Ray Walden reported on some issues with pieces of the bundle maintenance project that has not yet been passed by the board. The Salem Community Center@The Armory roof as well as the roof on the building at 3rd and Grand are leaking and need attention quickly. He said there are also some problems with three air conditioning/heating units that will also have to be addressed. Walden said the bundle of projects price has gone up about 5% since it was presented to the board. Aldermen Kevin James said he wasn’t comfortable with all the projects in the bundle and would like bids on the individual projects presented to the board. Walden said he will get those bids. Mayor Kim Steelman said she is working with Sarah Massengale of the University Extension to provide training for people on boards and committees so that these members know what their responsibilities are as well as their role. Steelman said she met with Tyler Naramore and discussed some exciting ideas for the airport which she will tour for the first time today. She said work is still being done on some policy changes and the first round of interviews for the finance director are being held. Public Works Director Mark Nash said there were 120 utility disconnects with 88 people coming the next day to pay, and now 106 of those have paid. There are 14 accounts outstanding. Nash said the hospital to Dilworth Lane pipe project is now underground and the Highway 19 south project is complete waiting on the property owners to have their plumber tie into the line. Nash indicated there have been three main water line leaks that have been repaired: South Hickory, behind Arranda’s and behind the Farmers Market. He went on the say the street department is still sealing cracks, but have been slowed by the rain. Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois gave her report that showed this summer there were 13,463 daily admissions to the pool with 36 pool parties and 85 swimming lessons. She said the summer league baseball, softball and T-Ball program had 39 teams with 452 participants while the flag football and cheerleading program had 143 participants. She did say the city has officially been awarded the LWCF grant for the soccer field complex. Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge reported the Salem R-80 Construction Trades program won the $15,000 Strong Communities Award. She said the school is still offering CDBG Missouri state tax credits on 50% of a contribution to that program and the credits can be sold until September of 2022. The CDBG Grant funds though MUST be expended by December 31st of 2022 and can’t be used until all the credits are sold. For information on the tax credits, call the Salem R-80 Administrative Offices at 729-6642. The board then went into closed session to discuss contracts.

An accident happened in Dent County on Route B about two miles east of Doss Tuesday morning around 9:00. According to the highway patrol report, a 2010 Freightliner Dump Truck driven westbound by Noah Sapp of Salem, went off the right side of the roadway when the load it was carrying shifted. The Freightliner returned to the roadway, then traveled off the left side of the road and overturned into a fence. Sapp suffered minor injuries and was taken from the scene to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. Sapp was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Freightliner sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing in Salem.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways has a variety of great trails for everyone to enjoy. Hikers can enjoy fall colors on this Saturday beginning at 10:00. Participants will see spectacular fall colors along the Cave Spring Trail. Meet at Devils Well to hike 2.2 miles to Cave Spring and then return using the loop trail which is 2.7 miles for a total of approximately five miles. Hikers should take weather conditions into consideration and be prepared during all seasons. Drinking water, rain gear, map, snacks, flashlight, sturdy hiking shoes, clothing appropriate for the weather and terrain, and emergency campfire supplies are recommended. Always remember to inform someone of your plans. For more information about any of the hikes, contact Skyler Bockman at (573) 323-8093 or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/ozar.

A tie-dye T-Shirt Class will be held Thursday from 5:30 to 7:00 at the Creative Arts Center in Salem behind the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center. Laura Miller will help you design and create your own colorful tie-dye T-shirt you will be proud to wear or give as a gift. The cost is $20 per person, but if you bring your own white T-shirt, you get $5 off. All the supplies are included. You can register at the ONCRC, by calling 247-0651 or 247-5306 or by e-mailing salemartscouncil@outlook.com.

The Salem Police Department has released their report for the month of September. They served 13 summons to appear in court, gave out 59 warning tickets and nine traffic tickets, plus they served nine fugitive warrants. The department investigated 14 traffic accidents, had 11 ambulance assists, made 80 traffic stops, wrote two property damage reports, five stealing reports and two resisting or interfering with an arrest. The department investigated four driving while having a license being revoked or suspended, investigated two assaults, had one death investigation, investigated four charges for possession of a controlled substance, three possessions of drug paraphernalia, plus they investigated one trespassing report, and one violation of a full order of protection. The department also investigated four intoxicated pedestrians and responded to eight assaults or fights, responded to 43 animal calls, conducted 28 follow up investigations, and investigated four reports of a prowler. The police department also performed 16 well-being checks, investigated one sexual offense, and four suspicious vehicles and 12 suspicious subjects, and had a report of a runaway juvenile. The department drove 7,911 miles during the month and served 4 hours as court bailiff. The department had 621 calls for service during September and had 26 walk-ins to the station. There were 16 males and 10 females arrested during the month of September.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is now accepting applications through October 15th for the Missouri Outdoor Recreational Access Program (MRAP). The program provides participating landowners with annual incentive payments of $15 to $25 per enrolled acre and financial assistance to improve wildlife habitat on their properties for public walk-in hunting, fishing, or wildlife viewing. The standard landowner commitment period is three years, with annual renewal opportunities. This funding, which is provided by a USDA grant, allows for the additional enrollment of approximately 10,000 acres into MRAP this year. The recreation allowed on each property varies according to the public access option selected by the participating landowner. MRAP access types include all access hunting and fishing, small game and turkey hunting, youth only hunting and fishing, archery hunting, fishing only, or wildlife viewing. Most MRAP access types are open to the public year-round, however, archery hunting and small game and turkey properties are open only during relevant legal seasons. Offered lands must meet minimum eligibility requirements such as being at least 40 contiguous acres or at least a one-acre pond for fishing access. Wildlife viewing properties must be at least five contiguous acres and be located within highly populated counties. Eligible lands must be comprised of at least 20% quality wildlife habitat such as native grass fields, crop field buffers, restored wetlands, or managed woodlands. Public use is limited to foot traffic only. Properties must be open one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. Equipment and gear are carry-in-carry-out daily. Participating landowners are offered liability protection through Missouri’s Recreational Use Immunity Law. Learn more about MRAP and apply to the program at mdc.mo.gov. To apply, complete the MRAP Application. Completed applications can be e-mailed to Rachel.Williams@mdc.mo.gov by October 15th. Missouri has approximately 13,700 acres enrolled in the MRAP program across 55 properties. Find enrolled MRAP properties and offerings online at mdc.mo.gov.

New in fall 2021, University of Missouri Extension is launching a workshop series on Whole System Management of Beef Cattle Reproduction. The objective is to aid Missouri producers in improving the reproductive management of their cow-calf herds through a systems-based approach. There will be a whole system management workshop at Wurdack Farm in Cook Station on Tuesday October 26th. Workshops will include presentations as well group discussions, scenario troubleshooting, and a tour and overview of the reproductive management system at a University of Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station Research Center. Participants will leave with a new perspective about reproductive management of cow-calf herds, viewing common causes of variability in reproductive performance now as leverage points for future improvement. For more information you can email Rachel Hopkins at hopkinsrm@umsystem.edu.

The City of Salem Curbside Yard Waste Pickup is being RESCHEDULED to the week of October 18th. The City of Salem Streets Crew will be performing crack sealing on multiple city streets the first two weeks of October and will not be able to pick up yard waste during that time. Please be courteous while city crews are repairing and maintaining your streets. Again, please DO NOT set out yard waste until the weekend of October 16th.

An accident happened Saturday afternoon at 3:44 on Highway 63 about a mile south of Edgar Springs that left five people with serious injuries. According to the highway patrol report, A 2007 Chevrolet 1500 driven northbound by a 17-year-old male juvenile from Mountain View, collided head on with a 2019 Nissan Kicks driven southbound by 39-year-old Robert Burns Jr. of Licking. Burns suffered serious injuries and was taken by Air Evac to Cox South Hospital in Springfield. Also suffering serious injuries from the Nissan Kicks were 32-year-old Kimberly Burns who was taken by Phelps Air to Cox South Hospital in Springfield, a nine-year-old female from Licking who was taken by MU Air Care to the University Hospital in Columbia, and a 16-year-old female of Licking who was taken by Mercy Life Line to Children’s Hospital in St. Louis. Suffering serious injuries from the Chevrolet was a 16-year-old female juvenile from Mountain View who was transported by Arch Air Care to Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Columbia. Both vehicles were totaled in the accident. The Chevrolet was removed by D&D Recovery while the Nissan was taken from the scene by Lucas Garage. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by the Edgar Springs Fire Department and the Rolla Rural Fire Department.

An accident happened Saturday evening at 6:50 in Pulaski County on Interstate 44 at the 156- exit ramp in Waynesville. According to the highway patrol report, a 1999 Harley Davidson being driven eastbound by 48-year-old Donald Miller of St. James was making a right hand turn onto the exit ramp when he traveled off the left side of the roadway, returned to the road and overturned. Suffering serious injures was Miller who was taken by Life Flight to the University Hospital in Columbia. A passenger with Miller, an 11-year-old female juvenile, suffered minor injuries and was taken by ambulance to the Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach. Miller and the passenger were wearing safety devices at the time of the accident. The Harley Davidson was totaled and removed from the scene by TC Towing.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting Tuesday evening at 6:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers. After the consent agenda is approved, the board will hear and discuss Bill #3493 which would create an ordinance amending Chapter 700, Article II, Section 700.130 that would allow the city to increase or decrease electric rates by the same rate of the supplier without the necessity of a vote of the aldermen. The board will then hear a bid on putting a fence around the city facility on Wines Street for $9,700. Reports will then be heard from City Administrator Ray Walden, Mayor Kim Steelman. Public Works Director Mark Nash, Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois, Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge and any Aldermen reports. The board may then go into closed session to discuss contracts. The City of Salem Board of Aldermen meeting Tuesday night will be open to the public.

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission has approved a contract to resurface Highway 72 in Dent and Phelps counties. Under the approved contract, resurfacing will take place from Rolla to Salem in the 2022 construction season. Pace Construction was awarded the contract after submitting the low bid of $4,029,000. When a start date is established, MoDOT will alert the public about the project through signs, news releases and social media. For more information about this project or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/central.

The Salem Public Library is having a Book-O’-Lantern Pumpkin Decorating Contest. All ages are welcome to decorate a pumpkin to represent a story you enjoy or to look like your favorite book character. Use paint, markers, glue, fabric, etc., but no carving of the pumpkin please! Bring your creation to the public library through October 16th. For more information, call 729-4331.

A report from State Auditor Nicole Galloway finds that the city of Edgar Springs in Phelps County has implemented some recommendations from her 2020 audit, but that other concerns still remain. The November 2020 audit of Edgar Springs was initiated through a petition of city residents. That audit highlighted numerous problems with the city’s accounting controls and procedures, as well as other operations of city government. Because the audit gave a rating of “poor,” the lowest possible rating, the Auditor’s Office conducted a follow-up review to measure the progress the city has since made. Of the 20 recommendations followed up on from the 2020 audit, Edgar Springs officials have fully implemented only two. Eight recommendations remain not implemented with another ten either partially implemented or in progress. State Auditor Nicole Galloway stated that she urges city officials to implement all of the audit recommendations to ensure they are transparent with taxpayers. While auditors found that the Board of Aldermen has begun reviewing monthly budget-to-actual reports as recommended, the city’s official 2021 budget could not be located and supporting budget documents did not contain all the statutorily required elements. The board also has not prepared and maintained accurate financial statements and accounting records as recommended. City officials have also not filed an accurate and timely financial report with the State Auditor’s Office. The follow-up review also found that the city has made no progress on the recommendation that they ensure ordinances are maintained in a complete and well-organized manner, and establish an index of all ordinances passed and rescinded. No progress had been made towards ensuring that sunshine requests are responded to timely. Auditors did find that progress was made on recommendations relating to sewer system controls, maintaining supporting documentation for disbursements of city money, and a written policy regarding public access to city records.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports for the mid to latter part of September. During the afternoon of Tuesday, September 14 just before 2:00 an officer was dispatched to the Salem Police Department for a report of a forgery. It had been reported that $400 worth of checks were stolen and written without consent. This incident is still under investigation. The next day around noon, an officer arrested a 41-year-old Salem woman identified as Danielle McDonald for an active arrest warrant out of Texas County. McDonald was incarcerated at the Dent County Jail awaiting extradition. On Friday the 17th just after 3i:30 in the afternoon an officer arrested a 38-year-old Salem man identified as Herbert Bartlet on an active arrest warrant out of Jefferson County Missouri. The next afternoon at approximately 1:30 an officer was dispatched to 700 south Orchard for a report of a vehicle crash. Investigation of incident revealed that a woman had rammed into a family members car during a disagreement. As a result of the investigation a 28-year-old Salem woman was arrested for DWI and Careless and imprudent driving. The woman was held on a 12-hour safekeep at the Dent County Jail and later released on a summons for court. On Tuesday afternoon, September 21st, near 1:45 an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for equipment issues near the 400 block of east Franklin. During the stop the officer was shown signs of possible narcotics activity. After gaining consent to search, suspected heroin and drug paraphernalia was located in the vehicle. As a result, a 31-year-old Salem man was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. The next day an officer arrested a 58-year-old Salem man identified as Robert Simmons for an active warrant out of Dent County. Simmons was incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. On Thursday the 23rd, at around midnight an officer arrested a 35-year-old man identified as Jeremy Jackson and a 32-year-old man identified as Ryan Lumsden on warrants for their arrest. Both men were incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

A one vehicle accident happened Thursday morning just after 6:30 on Highway 19 in Shannon County. The report released by the highway patrol states that a 2014 Chevrolet Equinox being driven by 22-year-old Danielle Counts of Eminence, was traveling south when she swerved to miss a deer in the roadway. The Chevy then ran off the road and struck a bridge. Counts was taken to Mercy St. Francis Hospital in Mountain View by Shannon County Ambulance for treatment of moderate injuries. The report stated Counts was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Equinox sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by Sartins Towing.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley has released a couple of court pleadings in the last week. On Thursday, September 30th in Dent County in front of Judge Kelsaw, Austin Carter of Salem pled guilty to the delivery of methamphetamine. Carter was sentenced to serve seven years in the Missouri Department of Corrections as a persistent felony offender. On Tuesday, October 5th in Crawford County in front of Judge Megan Seay, Lee Sellers of Salem pled guilty to the possession of methamphetamine. Sellers was on probation at the time of the guilty plea. Judge Seay sentenced Sellers to serve seven years in the Department of Corrections as requested by Prosecutor Curley.

Waste Corporation of America will be providing the Fall Cleanup week for City of Salem residents beginning Monday, October 11th through Friday, October 15th. Residents are asked to have all trash placed at the curb the night before your normal scheduled trash day. EPA law will not allow the collection of yard waste, batteries, tires, motor oil, chemicals or solvents, paint, appliances, or non-compactable items such as concrete, tree stumps, steel, or construction debris. If you have questions about the WCA residential Fall Cleanup Week, please call 1-800-926-3953 or 1-417-741-7714.

Healthy Dent County’s 10th annual “Girls Night Out” event will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 TODAY at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Attendees will experience shopping with unique vendors, prize giveaways, FREE samples, door prizes, food samples and many other exciting items. This event is limited to women and girls who are 12 years of age and older, and the admission fee is $5.00. Over 60 vendors will display and sell their products and services. Bring your girlfriends for an evening of pampering, shopping and eating. Bring in canned food or non-perishable food items for a chance to win a Gift Card. You get one ticket per item, so the more you donate, so does your chance to win the gift cards. Food donations will be given to the Sacred Heart Food Pantry and Grace Harbor. For more information or to be a vendor, contact Sherry at 729-8163 or sherry@salemcommunitycenter.org.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released more reports for the month of September. On Friday, the 17th of September, the Dent County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a suspicious subject near the reporting party’s residence in the 3000 block of Route K. A deputy responded to the area and during the investigation, a traffic stop was conducted near the residence. During the stop, a 26-year-old man from West Alexandria, Ohio, was arrested for driving while being intoxicated and trespassing in the 1st degree. He was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On Saturday, the 18th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on South Highway 19 and Roosevelt Street. As a result, a 37-year-old man from Patterson, Illinois, was arrested for driving while being intoxicated. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released to a sober party. That same day, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on South Highway 19. During that stop, a 41-year-old woman from Boss was arrested for having two active warrants through the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. The woman was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Sunday, September 19, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 5440. As a result of the stop, a 21-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while being intoxicated. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released to a sober party. A deputy conducted a traffic stop on East Hunt Street on Wednesday, the 22nd. During the traffic stop, a 30-year-old Fredricktown woman was arrested for driving while having her license revoked or suspended. She was transported to the Dent County Jail where she was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. The next day a deputy traveled to a residence in the 900 block of South Oak Street to serve an arrest warrant. As a result, a 39-year-old Salem man was arrested for active warrants through the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated.