Local News

Due to a reporting error by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, we reported in Monday’s edition of YWT, and on the air that there was a double fatality accident Friday in Texas County. The corrected report from the Highway Patrol was issued stated that only Richard Strom of Licking was killed and there were no injuries for Hayden Mercer of Searcy, Arkansas. Our apologies for an error that was beyond KSMO and YWT’s control.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse for their regular meeting. Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge gave her report discussing a couple of new economic prospects, and reported the city and county have a total number of business licenses to date for 2022 of 482 with 12 new licenses in September. She reported the certified site has been cleared and seeded, and she submitted her final response to questions on September 9th and has not had a return response. Also the contracts for the demolition program have been approved waiting for the owners to sign their paperwork and pay their 50% of the project. Burbridge is waiting on the county surveyor to get back with her regarding the Industrial Park sign as it need to be replaced in the proper location. Her report also included the local unemployment numbers which shows less people in the work force and more unemployed with an unemployment rate of 3.7% in August up from 3.4% in July. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray reported materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 4100 while only grading would be done on county roads 4090 and 6505. Mobray said brush would be cut on county roads 4150 and 4155, while a tree was going to be removed from county road 5550. Mobray indicated workers would be changing blades as well as doing some other maintenance on a grader. Mobray said the chip and seal overlay work began on Monday. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 3150, plus a culvert would be installed on that road as well. He went on to report brush would be cut on county roads 6150 and 6160, and a man would be going to Springfield for oil for chip and seal repair. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said Dent County Surveyor Michelle Elwood approved and signed the contract for the re-monumentation of corners and he also signed the contract. Skiles was also asked by Steelville Telephone Exchange for a letter of support from the commission for them to attempt to bring additional broadband Internet access to Dent County and the commissioners approved. At 10:00, MRPC Executive Director Bonnie Prigge, MoDOT Central District Area Engineer Preston Kramer, plus Transportation Advisory Committee representatives Gary Brown and Sally Burbridge were in attendance to the Dent County Transportation Needs annual meeting. Kramer said the Gladden Bridge on Highway 19 is on the STIP program to be replaced in fiscal year 2023 and it will be relocated with new approaches so as not to close the road, while the other priorities from last year including a new bridge on Route TT over Crooked Creek, a new bridge over the West Fork of the Huzzah Creek, new shoulders and alignment on Route B about two-tenths of a mile from County Road 5390, and the addition of turn lanes at the intersection of Highway 19 and Roosevelt remain to be a priority again for the next year. Kramer said more money is available this year for TAP grants and he recommended the city apply for any project they feel needs funding provided they have the matching funds. Prigge also discussed high priority unfunded needs that need to be address which include the bridge over Crooked Creek on Route TT, and also high priority multimodal needs such as an increase of services provided by the SMTS busses, sidewalks on the East side of Highway 19 from Center Street to Highway 32 and sidewalks from Carty Street to the Craig Industrial Drive on Highway 32 East (Scenic Rivers BLVD). Kramer also discussed changes to the BRO bridge replacement program for the county to consider including the elimination of the shortage in the county BRO fund which Kramer says has been wiped clean by the state. This information will be discussed when the MRPC and other regional commissions get together with MoDOT to address transportation issues. At the last meeting, Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams paid the Salem Nutrition Center $14,500 for their quarterly budgeted distribution and the SMTS bus $7,000 for their budgeted quarterly distribution. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning 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 this evening at 7:00 at the fire station located at #2 South Main Street. After the roll call and approval of the consent the board will review the minutes of the September meeting along with the budget review, financial report, and approval of bills. After the calendar reviews will be the monthly reimbursement report, followed by any old or new business before fire chief Brad Nash give his report to the board. The date will then by set for the November meeting before adjourning and going into closed session if necessary. The meeting, other than the closed session, will be open to the public.

An accident occurred in Phelps County Sunday afternoon at 4:00 on Phelps County Road 7240 west of County Road 7270. According to the highway patrol report, an eastbound 2005 Yamaha YZ450, operated by 21-year-old Chase Hayes of Rolla, crossed the center of the roadway, and struck the right side of a 2004 Ford F-250, operated by 32-year-old Tyler Sinnott of Newburg. The Yamaha then traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. Hayes suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Phelps Health by a private vehicle. The Yamaha sustained minor damage and was taken to a residence. The Ford sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene. Hayes was not wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident, while Sinnott was wearing a seat restraint.

A double fatality accident happened Friday afternoon at around 4:20 in Texas County on Route VV about four miles south of Licking. According to the highway patrol report, the accident occurred as a 2022 GMC Sierra being driven east by 30-year-old Hayden Mercer of Searcy, Arkansas, changed lanes to pass another vehicle and struck head-on a 2003 Ford Taurus being driven west by 55-year-old Richard Strom of Licking. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene just before 5:20 by Texas County Coroner Marie Lasater. The report went on to state that Mercer was wearing a safety restraint while Strom was not. The Taurus was totaled while the GMC had extensive damage. Both were removed by Jay’s Towing.

The 59th Annual Rose Holland Trout Derby was held this past weekend at Montauk State Park with absolutely ideal weather and great attendance. The Derby raised $15,191.75 with 20 total tagged fish caught. During the derby, there were also a total of 19 lunkers caught. The Men’s Heaviest Trout caught was by Tristen Weitkamp of Troy, Missouri, and it was nine pounds and ten ounces. The Women’s Heaviest Trout, caught by Lisa Brenneke of Bismarck, Missouri, weighed in at two pounds and two ounces. The Heaviest Brown Trout caught during the tournament was a three-pounder by Jeremiah Yount of Festus, Missouri. Taking First Place in the Kids Heaviest Stringer was Brady Towry of Fair Grove, Missouri, whose stringer weighed in at four pounds and 13 ounces. Second place went to Alli Martin of Sullivan and her stringer weighed in at four pounds and nine ounces. Everyone at the park thanks all those who attended for making this year’s event a great success!!

Dent County Clerk Angie Curley wants to remind people that any voter can cast a normal excused absentee ballot now for the November General Election, but Missouri voters are now expected to show a Missouri issued photo ID when they vote. The photo will need to be an unexpired Missouri Driver’s License, an unexpired Missouri non-driver’s license, a US Passport, or an unexpired US military ID with a photo. If you do not have a photo ID, free ID’s are available for voting from the Department of Revenue. The Missouri Secretary of State Office can help you get the required documents for free. For more information on free ID’s, contact the Dent County Clerk’s office in the courthouse or go to “showit2vote.com.” Curley also said any voter can cast a no excuse absentee ballot in the Dent County Clerk’s Office between October 25th and November 7th. If you are registered to vote but do not have a valid photo ID, you can vote a provisional ballot. If you vote a provisional ballot, you can come back to your polling location on election day and show a valid photo ID and your vote will count, of if your signature matches the signature in the voter registry, your vote will count. For more information on the free photo ID, you can also call the Voter ID hotline at 866-868-3245 or visit www.sos.mo.gov.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways Superintendent Jason Lott announced the selection of new members of the park’s management team. Stacey Griffin was selected as the Chief of Administration, assuming her position on May 8th. William Terry was chosen as the Chief of Facility Management and joined the staff on August 29th. Both bring extensive experience in their respective fields, as well as proven track records of strong leadership, teamwork, and excellence in management. In addition, both have local roots and have spent years living near and enjoying the rivers. Their personal experience and passion for this national park combined with their professional backgrounds make them outstanding additions to the team. The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. William grew up along the upper Current River, in the Jadwin community, and is the son of Bill Terry, a legendary Park Ranger for Ozark Riverways. William knows the rivers firsthand and is excited to enhance the visitor experience through his understanding of the needs of the floater, boater, hiker, camper, fisherman, and hunter; all activities which he enjoys doing along the Current and Jacks Fork rivers. As a local, he’ll help the park continue to develop positive relationships with area communities. As a civil engineer experienced in working with rivers, he will help solve many long-standing issues with river access points by working to make park infrastructure more flood resilient. William brings a unique background and skillset to the park management team that will be critical for addressing the challenges of floodplain management. For more information, contact park headquarters at (573)323-4236, visit the park’s Facebook page, or website at www.nps.gov/ozar.

The Creative Arts Center will be offering a stained glass beveled snowflake class with Jennifer Curry Tuesday afternoon and evening. You choose one of the two workshops to attend this week with two more next Tuesday. The first is Tuesday from 1:00 to 4:00, the next is from 4:30 to 7:30. During the three-hour class, you will use some basic stained class soldering techniques and be introduced to vocabulary and materials while creating a beautiful snowflake. The cost is $50 per class. If you have taken a stained glass class before at the creative arts center, your cost is $40. The Creative Arts Center has two easy ways to sign up for events! Call or text 573-247-0651, or go online at salemcommunitybetterment.com and look under programs for the Salem Creative Arts Center.

The Dent County Commission Thursday morning held their regular meeting at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 4080 and 6220 while a crew will be unloading pipes on Dent County Road 5600 for Title II work. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said his work crews would be checking roads in the Boss area, repairing chip and seal roads 3230, 3233 and 3235; and then check all the chip and seal roads in the district to make sure those roads scheduled for an overlay are ready. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported he attended the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste District Executive Board meeting Tuesday at the MRPC for the distribution of $223,388 for waste reduction and recycling grants to nine applicants. One of those applicants is for an anaerobic digester project through a professor at Missouri S & T for Frontier Environmental Technology that will be used at the Hometown Processing location in Dent County. They received $12,500 for the project locally. Skiles also attended a Meramec Community Enhancement Corporation board meeting Wednesday by Zoom where they approved applying for a grant to help support the “Naturally Meramec” program. The commission heard a presentation from David Hickman from the Health Insurance Cooperative Agency about health insurance for the county employees before opening bids for the lease/purchase financing for two graders for a cost of $389,244.90. The commission received three bids from the local banks in Salem including the Bank of Salem, Town and Country Bank and Progressive Ozark Bank. The Commissioners went with the lowest bid from Town and Country Bank for 4.25% interest with five annual payments as part of the 5-year lease/purchase agreement. At the last meeting, Dent County Sheriff Bob Wells discussed the jail stand-by generator maintenance contract they currently have with Fabick Caterpillar. The next commissioner meeting will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and it is open to the public.

An accident happened Wednesday morning at 7:30 in Jefferson County at Lonedell Road at Henley Woods Drive. According to the highway patrol report, a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero being driven by 28-year-old Steven Presley of Arnold, was stopped at a stop sign when he struck from behind by a 2015 Ford Fiesta being driven by 44-year-old Aerica Hickman of Salem. Hickman suffered minor injuries and was taken to Mercy Hospital South by Rock Township Ambulance District. Both vehicles sustained minor damage and were removed from the scene by Ives Towing. Both drivers were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

City of Salem Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois at the Salem Board of Aldermen meeting held Tuesday night said there are 154 registrants for the flag football program and fall cheerleading that will begin on October 8th. She said signups for the Youth Basketball Program will be held starting the middle part of October. Dubois said the city is still waiting on the bids for the electrical work at the Al Brown Fields from ESP after making several calls. She said the city tried to find a leak in the line at the pool from the pump to the kiddie features at the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Swimming Pool under the concrete but could find none. They determined the problem is probably the pump which will need to replaced before the next pool season. That repair is not specifically been budgeted and Dubois may have to bring the estimates for the repair back to the board for their approval. Dubois reported the city and the Salem R-80 School are going to work together to install a drainage system on the Blue Field after the school approved that work at their last meeting. Dubois also reported the projector has finally arrived for the City Auditorium Theatre and will need electric work to be installed.

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways will bring Ozark history to life at Alley Spring on Saturdays in October. Join them on Saturdays this October at Alley Spring from 10:00 in the morning until 4:00 this afternoon to learn about pioneer skills and traditions. Experience Ozark folkways such as making brooms, lye soap, rope, and candles, as well as a demonstration of how moonshine was made. Bring the whole family to Alley Mill to visit with demonstrators and see how raw materials were turned into useful household items in the past. Pioneers of the riverways region made the most of the resources and materials they had available. Because cash was rarely exchanged in the early days of settlement, it was important for inhabitants to create items for their own use or for bartering. These skills and traditions were passed down generation to generation, and some became masters in their craft. Some of the October Pioneer Demonstrations will be Broom making this Saturday; moonshining demonstration on October 8th, lye soap making on October 15th, and rope and candle making on October 22nd. The demonstrations are free and open to the public. Alley Spring is located five miles west of Eminence on Highway 106. For more information, call (573) 226-3945, or visit the park’s website at nps.gov/ozar.

The 59th annual Rose Holland Trout Derby will be held today through Sunday at Montauk State Park. Derby fishing hours on both Saturday and Sunday will begin at 7:30 in the morning. Fishing will end at 6:30 Saturday evening and at 11:30 Sunday morning. At noon on Sunday, prizes will be awarded in front of the lodge ranging from attendance prizes as well as prizes for men, women, and kids’ heaviest stringer, the heaviest brown trout, and tagged fish caught and registered. Several activities will take place in conjunction with the derby including a cruise in car show today from 4:00 until 8:00 at the parking lot across from the lodge and trout bingo with a park naturalist 6:00 in the campground amphitheater. Saturday will be Hike’s For Your Heart – Guided Hikes. Pine Ridge Trail hike will be a 1.5-mile challenging trail from 10:00 until 11:30. Participants are to meet at the Stone Shelter. At the shady picnic tables across from the mill you can learn about and play old-time traditional and indigenous games from 1:30 in the afternoon to 3:00. There will also be a high voltage obstacle course kids’ inflatable in the open field between the lodge and the mill from 11:00 to 3:00. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy music in front of the lodge. First up is SugaRose with a mixture of folk, pop, and classic rock from noon until 1:30. Next is the Current River Band from 1:45 to 3:15 with bluegrass. To finish out the afternoon is James Vankirk from 3:30 to 4:30 who performs a little bit of everything. Finally, there will be the Know The Dark three quarter mile night hike starting at 8:00 from the Naturalist’s Office. All proceeds will benefit the American Heart Association.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Tuesday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. At the meeting, the board approved raising the price for airport hangers by $10 a month as recommended by the airport board, approved raising the trash fees by $1.00 per account through the remainder of the contract next year, and approved renewing the annual contract for texting service notifications from Trumpia at a cost of $6,000. Currently about 330 people are signed up for a texting service with 286 of them getting all the city’s notifications. The board approved a one-year contract with Global Site Location Industries, LLC to market the city’s certified building site and vacant commercial spaces for $4,950. After a discussion, the board approved the “Welcome Home” repair bids from 5 J’s Landscaping and Handyman Services for work on the properties at 810 East Jack Street and 510 South Hickory Streets for $21,450 and $18,825 respectively. City of Salem Finance Director Stacey Houston gave the financial update for the funds through August 31st and Temporary City Administrator Sally Burbridge discussed with the board the need for the five-year arbitrage analysis for the 2017 Certificates of Participation for the wastewater plant improvements. Burbridge recommended the firm of Gilmore and Bell, PC who has acted as the special tax counsel for the bonds, prepare the arbitrage analysis as well as the final written allocation requirement at a cost of $5,500 which the board approved through Resolution #31-2022. The board went on to approved Resolution # 32-2022 and 33-2022 for separate contracts between the City of Salem, 5 J’s Landscaping and Handyman Services, and the property owners for the “Welcome Home” program: Lana Grove for the property at 810 East Jack Street for $21,450 and Dorian Garafola for $18,825 for the property at 501 South Hickory. The board approved Bill #3521 that raised the sewer volume rate for all customers and the flat rate for those who only have sewer service. There is no increase to the base rate. The volume rate went from $5.65 per 1,000 gallons to $8.48 per 1,000 gallons for monthly residential and commercial customers within the city limits of Salem, and from $7.09 per 1,000 gallons to $10.64 per 1,000 gallons for residential and commercial customers who have city sewer service who live outside the city limits. By raising the volume rate, the city will receive higher scoring in the application for the ARPA Wastewater Grant going from 5 points to 15 points meeting the requirement of the city generating revenue equal to or more than the 2% of the median household income for Salem from their sewer rates. The board approved the bid for the Boom Mower replacement from Murphy Tractor and Equipment Company out of Springfield for the Street Department Tractor for $73,147 which includes delivery back to Salem when completed. The board also approved the bid from Wayde’s Equipment in Cuba for a new Kubota Mower for the cemetery at $12,445.72. After some discussion with Public Works Director Mark Nash, they approved the bid from Salem Metals and Roberts-Judson Lumber Company for a total of $3,601 with the labor provided by the city’s construction crew, and they approved the purchase of 20 dusk-to-dawn lights from Fleicher-Reinhardt for $3,350. City of Salem Temporary administrator Sally Burbridge said the MRPC would hold their annual banquet on October 13th, and the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District Board will need a representative from the city. She said the “Welcome Home” Round 2 homes are ready to go and those in Round 3 are ready for pre-inspections. Mayor Greg Parker said the Community Wide Yard Sale will be this Saturday and double spaces are still available at the City Administrative Building parking lot for $8.00. Call the city for more information at 729-4117. Nash reported the city had a water main break near the city park that was repaired and there was a number of potholes filled. Nash said the city has also reduced the amount of chlorine used from around 18 loads per year to one load and each load costs about $2,500. Nash also said the amount of water wasted through leaks was 26 to 35 million gallons per year and that has been reduced to around 1.2 million gallons. Alderman Shawn Bolerjack said “Good Neighbor Week” is going on now through October 4th through the Missouri Extension. The goal is for Missouri residents to document 10,000 acts of kindness toward neighbors. The board then went into closed session.

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees held their regular meeting on Tuesday, September 13th. DCHC Administrator Zach Moser presented the communicable disease report which included 105 new COVID-19 cases for August. Moser reported on the recent FDA and CDC authorization of the COVID-19 vaccine for ages 6 month and older and noted that DCHC has not yet received a shipment of the new vaccine. He said the Pediatric C19 vaccine is available at the Health Center and Walmart, and the adult vaccine is available at the DCHC and all local pharmacies. Moser also reported on the FDA authorization of the bivalent booster, which contains the original COVID strain and the Omicron strain, for ages 12 and up. He said that a replacement communicable disease nurse has been hired to replace the one that resigned, but reports on TB, STI’s, animal bites, etc., will be limited until she is up to speed. Moser indicated that the number of tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomonas are up. Individuals who think they might be infected can call the DCHC at (573) 729-3106 to set up an appointment for testing and treatment. In the diagnostics report, Moser said that 141 blood draw appointments were completed and the DCHC can conduct most tests at reduced cost for those without insurance. There were 141 COVID tests during the month. COVID tests are $10 for rapid antigen test, $35 for COVID/FLU combo test, and $50 for molecular C19 Test. Most people can qualify for free testing and no doctor’s orders are required. Moser said that 80 COVID-19 vaccines were administered, plus 346 other vaccines. There was a total of 667 appointments held during the month. Assistant Administrator Roma Jones gave the environmental report and said she conducted 10 inspections and fielded 15 environmental questions. In the Administrators report, Moser said that the new flooring has been installed, plus the new electronic sign is in and operational. He reported that the first checks for the childcare subsidy program have been sent out. Moser said the health center had a booth at the recent “Girls Night Out” and they will be holding in a drive through flu and COVID vaccination clinic on October 6th from 1:00 until 6:00 at the Dent County Fire Station. Moser said representatives of the DCHC will be at Health Expo at the Salem Community Center@The Armory on October 13th. Moser presented a bid for the installation of blown-in cellulose for sound mitigation, but the Board took no action and instructed him to search for sound mitigation options. He also presented an estimate for some concrete work for a ramp to the back door to access Exam Room 1 as an alternative location for treatment of COVID and other patients. The Board approved the work providing 50% or more can be funded by a grant. The Board went in to closed session where no actions were taken. Dent County Health Center expenses for August were not available for approval. The next regular meeting of the DCHC Board was set for Thursday, October 20th.

Dr. Kyle Ouzts of the Dent County Veterinary Clinic in Salem will be hosting a live fifteen-minute radio call in show on KSMO AM 1340 and 95.7 FM at 1:00 in the afternoon. The program is also streamed on ksmoradio.com and on the KSMO Stream Facebook page. Dr. Ouzts talks about pet health and safety as well as different topics that could affect your furry friends. So, get your questions ready and call Dr. Ouzts starting at 1:00 at 573-729-6659.

An accident Sunday evening at 7:10 in Osage County on Osage County Road 722 just west of Route Y took the life of a man from Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, 55-year-old Donald Mahaney of Rolla, was operating a 2020 KTM Motorcycle and traveling westbound went he went off the left side of the roadway, came back onto the road, then slid and went off right side of the roadway, ejecting Mahaney from the motorcycle. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Osage County Coroner A.J. Probst. His body was taken to Sassmans Funeral Home in Belle. Mahaney was not wearing safety devices at the time of his accident. The motorcycle had moderate damage was removed from the scene by Owens Towing of Belle.

A fatal accident involving a pedestrian happened Sunday afternoon shortly after 1:00 in Crawford County on Interstate 44 at mile marker 222.4. According to the highway patrol report, 18-year-old Kaitlyn Rhoads of Sullivan entered the roadway while walking and was struck by a 2018 Chevy Silverado being driven by 29-year-old Zach Conover of Lewisville, Texas. This caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle and travel off the right side of the interstate. Rhoades was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:20 by Deputy Coroner Nikki Bussell. The Silverado was totaled and removed from the scene by Patriot Towing. The highway patrol was assisted on the scene by Crawford County Sheriff’s Department, the Sullivan Police Department, and the Sullivan Fire Department. This was the 28th fatality for Troop I this year.

An accident happened Sunday morning at approximately 11:45 in Shannon County on County Road 106-B about ten miles east of Ellington. According to the highway patrol report, a 2016 Arctic Cat being operated by 39-year-old William Collins of Eminence, was traveling north and struck the front of a southbound 2002 Camaro being driven by 20-year-old Trevor Swaringam of Ironton. Injured in the accident were three occupants of the Arctic Cat: 38-year-old Heather Cates of Eminence, plus two boys ages 7 and 12. Cates suffered serious injuries and was taken by ambulance to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. The boys both suffered serious injuries with the 12-year-old being transported by air ambulance to St. Louis Children’s Hospital while the 7-year-old was taken by ground ambulance to St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Swaringam, who was wearing a seat restraint, received minor injuries and was taken by ambulance to the Iron County Medical Center. The driver nor the three occupants of the Arctic Cat were wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident. The Camaro had minor damage and was removed by Aissies Towing while the Arctic Cat also had minor damage and was able to be driven from the scene.

An accident happened in Shannon County Sunday afternoon at 3:15 on Highway 106 about ten miles west of Ellington. According to the highway patrol report, a 2004 Harley Davidson motorcycle operated by 71-year-old Ruth Dierkes of Lesterville ran off the right side of the roadway when she failed to negotiate a curve. The motorcycle overturned and ejected Dierkes who suffered serious injuries in the accident. She was transported by Air Ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Springfield. She was wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident. The motorcycle was totaled and removed from the scene by Baker’s Towing.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular Monday morning meeting at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated materials were going to be added and grading done on Dent County Road 6490 while brush will be cut on county roads 4110 and 4120. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2180, 2183, 2185, 2190 and 2193 while brush will be cut on county roads 3270, 3273, 3275, 3280 and 3290. Larson said two men would be going to Springfield for oil for chip and seal repair. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he and Commissioner Larson would be attending the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District Board Executive Board Meeting today to decide on how many of the solid waste grant applications would be awarded with funds for their project. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams gave her report on the CART taxes received this month by the county. She said the county received $76,466.48 and that is over $14,800 more than last September. Year-to-date, the CART taxes are up $46,234.52 and that is an increase of 8.56% for the year. She also said her treasurers conference in Springfield last week at the University Plaza went well. Deputy Clerk Melissa Piatt said absentee voting with an excuse for the November election starts today at the clerk’s office. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

A fatal accident occurred Sunday morning around 1:15 in Dent County on Route CC about half a mile east of the Texas County line. According to the highway patrol report, a 2001 Dodge One-Ton Pickup being driven by 19-year-old Kaleb Keaton of Salem, was traveling eastbound and failed to negotiate a curve. The Dodge ran off the right side of the roadway, struck an embankment, went airborne, then overturned. Keaton was pronounced dead at the scene by Dent County Coroner Ben Pursifull at 2:30 Sunday morning and his body was taken to the Fox Funeral Home in Licking. The report went on to say that Keaton was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Dodge was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. The highway patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, as well as the Dent County and Montauk Fire Departments.

An accident happened Friday afternoon just before 2:00 in Greene County on Interstate 44 about six miles east of Springfield. According to the highway patrol report a 2005 Lincoln Navigator being driven east by 54-year-old Tonya Horner of Granby caught on fire causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The Lincoln sideswiped a 2021 Freightliner also being driven east by 22-year-old Micah Castillo of Cuba, causing it to travel into the ditch and overturn. Castillo was uninjured while Horner suffered minor injuries and was taken to Cox South Hospital in Springfield. The Lincoln was totaled and removed from the scene while the Freightliner was able to be driven from the scene. The report went on to state that both drivers were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

An accident occurred Tuesday morning around 7:59 in Phelps County on highway 68 about three miles north of St. James. According to the highway patrol report a 2007 Hyundai Sonata driven by 57-year-old Karan Sabin of St. James failed to yield at a stop sign and struck a 2017 Ford F-150 driven by 46-year-old Jeremy Tessaro of St. James. Sabin suffered minor injuries and was transported by St. James Ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital. Both vehicles sustained moderate damage and were removed from the scene by C&C Towing. The report goes on to say Sabin was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting Tuesday evening at 6:00 at City Hall Council Chambers at 202 North Washington. During the hearing of persons, Janice Steward will be addressing the board concerning sewer rates. After the consent agenda is approved, the board will discuss new business which will include a discussion on airport fees, trash service fees and texting services before hearing a financial update, along with the LWCF soccer complex grant funding, an agreement with GSLI for marketing services and the “Welcome Home” bid approval. The reading of bills will include Resolution 31-2022, a resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement between the city and Gilmore & Bell P.C. for arbitrage rebate liability filing; Resolution #32-2022 that will authorize the mayor to enter into an agreement between 5 J’s Landscaping and Handyman Services, the city of Salem, and Lana Grove for property located at 810 Jack Street; and also Resolution 33-2022 authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement between 5 J’s Landscaping and Handyman Services, the city of Salem, and Dorian Garafola for property located at 501 South Hickory Street. Bill #3521, will be discussed creating an ordinance establishing new sewer rates for sewer services provided by the city of Salem. Temporary city administrator Sally Burbridge will report to the board along with reports from Mayor Greg Parker, Public Works Director Mark Nash, Parks and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois, and reports from individual aldermen. The meeting Tuesday evening will be open to the public.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning in the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said his crew was doing tire rotations and replacements on graders in preparation for the buy back. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said that grading would be done on Dent County Road 2440 and brush would be cut on county roads 4055, 3270, 3273, and 3275. He said grading and rolling was being done on county road 2070 in preparation for chip and seal, plus a window was being replaced in Tractor #6. Larson noted that he attended a Tourism Committee meeting where one application was submitted and six reimbursement requests were received. Five were approved, while one was awaiting more information. Larson also said the Commission needed to appoint two new members to the Tourism Committee. Mobray and Larson reported that they had taken phone bids for 7,000 gallons of diesel and the winning bid was from Phil Mart for $3.45 per gallon. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that he had talked to Corky Stack and they were able to get the bids for work on the courthouse extended through October 20th. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reminded voters that October 12th is the deadline to register to vote and absentee voting begins September 27th. The next meeting of the Commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Team members from Missouri State Parks invite the public to attend an informational meeting to provide their input and comments and to ask questions about the park and its operations. A meeting and open house will be held at Dillard Mill State Historic Site Open House this Saturday from 1:00 until 2:00 at 142 Dillard Mill Road in Davisville. Park team members will be present to answer questions and provide information. Input from the public is important to Missouri State Parks. These informational meetings are being held virtually or in person in all state parks and historic sites to help create two-way communication with the public. The meetings will inform the public on the current status and future plans for the park or historic site and offer visitors the opportunity to comment on the facilities. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways will celebrate and remember the Alley community of yesteryear this Sunday evening from 6:00 to 9:00. All are invited to attend this free event, which will be hosted in partnership with the Shannon County Museum Association and Ozark Riverways Foundation. Community gatherings have been a lasting tradition in the Alley community, from the early days when residents “milled around” while waiting for their grain, to summer socials and festivities that became popular with the growth of tourism. The beautiful setting and plentiful flow of the spring have made Alley a special gathering place for centuries. Bring a picnic basket and lawn chairs for a traditional “picnic on the grounds” as we celebrate the heritage of Alley Spring. Enjoy special presentations in the Alley Pavilion starting at 6:00 in the evening. A guided tour of Alley Mill and Storys Creek School will be conducted at 7:00 that night. The renowned Baker Family from Birch Tree will perform during the evening from 8:00-9:00. Alley Spring is located five miles west of Eminence, Missouri, on State Route 106. For more information, phone (573) 226-3945, or visit the park’s Facebook page or website at www.nps.gov/ozar. This event is free to the public. Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserves the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork rivers, the surrounding resources, and the unique cultural heritage of the Ozark people.

Learn the joy of working with clay using hand building techniques and equipment with Connie Behrick at the Creative Arts Center Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 9:00. During class you will have time to finish one greenware piece which will be bisque fired at the arts center. The cost is $40 and all supplies will be provided. The Creative Arts Center has two ways to sign up for events! Call or text 573-247-0651, or go online at salemcommunitybetterment.com and look under programs for the Creative Arts Center.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors met in the hospital library Tuesday evening. New hospital CEO Wayne Reid gave the Administrators Report and said the new CT placement began this week and the unit should be operational by next week. He said the transition from using Quest to LabCorp as the primary specialty lab has begun with Quest still being used for some insurance purposes. The hospital began onboarding with CHC/HPG as the Group Purchasing Organization which will allow smaller organizations to join together to get the best prices on a variety of contracts and supplies potentially saving the hospital $500,000 to $600,000 per year. The hospital recently had a STEMI Survey and a Mammogram Survey with results showing no deficiencies. The new ambulances are currently getting new sign wraps installed. In the summary of operations for the month of August, the hospital had 76 inpatient admissions with 308 inpatient census days. There were 153 census days of swingbed with an average length of stay of almost 13 days. During the month, there were 650 emergency room visits with 235 ambulance runs where 155 patients were transported. In August, there were 29 surgical procedures cases, 1,167 outpatient registrations, 4,101 lab tests, 1,145 radiological procedures, 706 rehab treatments and 146 home health visits with 16 home health admissions. Reid presented a list of patients that were transferred from SMDH to other facilities and the reasons why. This document will be used to track patient transfers. CFO JoeAnn Hammond stated the hospital showed a loss from operations for August of $369,308 with an Excess of Expenses over Revenues of $367,129. The days cash on hand dropped to 53 with $4.1 million total cash. Hammond presented a list of vendors whose payable accounts range from 33 to 82 days. The staff is currently renegotiating several vendor contracts to make the payable timeframe at 30 to 45 days max. Insurance accounts receivable are currently 35.7 days and self-pay is 39.7 days and the hospital would like to see those numbers be smaller. The hospital recently changed their vendor that is used for debt collection back in July. Chief Nursing Officer Ashley Sullins gave the Director of Nursing report. She said as of Tuesday, there were 17 positive COVID-19 cases in Dent County with a 50% positivity rate and a high transmission rate. There were 10 employees out with COVID in August. She gave an update on the Med Surg and Emergency Department staffing with lab hiring being a priority. She said Dr. Neely and Sandra Neely started in the clinic on September 1st. With Tiffin Felkerson now serving as the Delta Regional Authority Grant Community Champion as well as assisting with marketing, Tina Pabin is the new Interim Director at the Clinic. It was reported the hospital has hired new phone operators to help with incoming calls and faxes. The hospital foundation will meet on October 5th. Don Babb gave the Chief of Staff report. They tabled courtesy privileges for Dr. Mark Brecheisen, D.O. and reported Dr. Edward Downey from USA Radiology has resigned. The hospital has employed Esterly Schneider Associates, Inc. to begin design work for rerouting the kitchen drain at a cost of no more than $15,000. The MHA Conference will be held November 2nd through the 4th at the Lake of the Ozarks and a Strategic Planning Retreat will be held the first week of December. The new Finance Committee members are Wanda Tatom and Willie Strader with AJ Seay as Chairman. The board then went into closed session.

The Missouri Prairie Foundation and the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History will hold a native plant sale this Saturday at 601 N Hickory Street in Salem from 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon. Native plant vendor, Gaylena’s Garden, will sell native wildflowers, grasses, sedges, vines, shrubs, and trees. Five percent of plant sale proceeds will be donated to the Bonebrake Center. Shoppers can stroll through the sale and purchase plants. Gaylena’s Garden will accept only cash or checks at the sale. Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own crates or boxes for bringing their purchased plants home. Shoppers can also pre-order plants and have their orders ready for pick up at the event. When placing your pre-orders, please include your phone number and note that the order is for the Bonebrake Center sale in Salem on September 24. You can see the list of plants at the Gaylena’s Garden Facebook page and then and email order to gaylenasgarden@gmail.com by this Friday at noon. It should be noted that 5% of sales made will be donated to the Bonebrake Center.

An accident happened Tuesday evening at around 7:40 in Phelps County on Highway KK about a mile east of St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 Kawasaki Ninja being operated by 44-year-old Keith Griffin of St. James was being pursued by a Crawford County Deputy when he failed to negotiate a curve, then traveled off the road and overturned. Griffen was taken by Phelps Health Air to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries. The Kawasaki had extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Chris and Sons Towing. Griffin was wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met Thursday evening in the R-80 Board Room. After the approval of the agenda and the consent agenda, communications were heard including an update by Sheman Odom on the Technology and Construction Trades Building fundraising efforts. In the Superintendent’s and Assistant Superintendent’s reports by Drs. Reed and Wills, it was reported that site work will begin on the Tin Gym once permits are issued and 85% of the HVAC work is completed around the district. It was noted that eleven staff members completed enrichment grant applications, which focused on the social emotional health of R-80 students. The board was told instructional coaches are currently working their way through every classroom in the district doing a very informal needs assessment and are sending out a survey of staff to determine what specific needs they have. Dr. Wills gave a preliminary update on MAP/EOC scores, and Dr. Reed informed the board of a preliminary meeting with Missouri Capital Asset Advantage Treasury. Dr. Reed also updated the board on R-80’s social media and branding upgrades as well as update on the district’s website design which will include a staff directory with photos. In new business, the board approved the Construction Trades building request for quotes, approved HTK Architects for the initial pre-bond work for a new elementary school, approved the Special Education Compliance Plan, and also approved the bus routes for 2022-2023. Resignations were accepted from Paige Aguilar, Emmogene Welch and Sandra Lakes. Chris Jessen submitted a letter of retirement. The board then went into executive session where Stacy Tiefenthaler was approved as the custodial night supervisor and Jamie Tomnitz as assistant band director.

A one vehicle accident happened Monday afternoon just before 3:00 in Dent County on Highway 32 about 15 miles east of Salem. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2022 Freightliner being driven by 40-year-old Gabriel Amor of Riverview, Florida was eastbound when he traveled off the right side of the road and overturned. Amor had minor injuries but refused treatment at the scene. The Freightliner was totaled and secured at the roadside. The report went on to state that Amor was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol joins the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the National Safety Council, Safe Kids Worldwide, and other safety advocates to commemorate National Child Passenger Safety Week, now through the 24th. Every year, children suffer needless injuries. In 2021, 14 children under the age of eight were killed in traffic crashes, and another 1,749 were injured. Troopers issued citations to 1,185 drivers who failed to secure children less than eight years old in a child restraint or booster seat in 2021. Troopers issued citations to an additional 184 drivers who failed to secure a child 80 pounds or more or over 4’9” in a seat belt in 2021. Missouri law requires children less than four years old are required to use an appropriate child passenger restraint system. Children less than 40 pounds, regardless of age, must be secured in a child passenger restraint system appropriate for the child. Children ages four to eight years old who weigh at least 40 pounds, but less than 80 pounds, and are under 4’9” tall, must be secured in a child passenger restraint system or booster seat appropriate for that child. Children ages eight through 15 must wear seat belts regardless of the type of vehicle in which they are riding or where they are seated. Like the child restraint law, this is a primary law, meaning you can be pulled over by law enforcement for noncompliance. Persons less than 18 years of age operating or riding in trucks, regardless of gross weight for which licensed, must wear seat belts. No person under age 18 is allowed to ride in the unenclosed bed of a truck with a licensed gross weight of less than 12,000 pounds on lettered highways, federal, state-maintained highways, and within city limits. There are exemptions for agricultural purposes, special events, and parades. There are many styles of child safety seats from which parents may choose. Infant seats are designed for children up to 22-30 pounds depending on the seat manufacturer. This type of seat should be placed into a vehicle so the infant faces rearward in a semi-reclined position. It is important to remember rear-facing infant seats should NOT be used in a front passenger seat equipped with an active air bag. If deployed, an air bag could hit the infant seat and injure or kill the baby. Airbag or not, the back seat is the safest place for a child. For safety reasons, the Missouri State Highway Patrol discourages the purchase of child safety seats at a garage sale or other secondhand outlets. Also, a safety seat that has been in a vehicle during a traffic crash should be replaced. There is no one “safest” child safety seat. Use the one that fits your child, fits in your vehicles correctly, and one that you will use correctly every trip, every time. For more information about the proper use of child restraint systems or to schedule a child safety seat inspection, contact the nearest Missouri State Highway Patrol troop headquarters and ask for the public information and education officer, or visit www.seatcheck.org.