Local News

The Salem Board of Aldermen held a regular meeting Monday at the City Hall Council Chambers. The board heard from Bill Parsons about an Octoberfest being planned for October 29th, 30th and 31st near the 4th Street Mall from Hickory to Water Street on 4th Street. He also discussed utility bills for a number of different addresses and asked the aldermen to check into these bills that appeared excessive. After the consent agenda was approved, the board discussed Bill #3485 to establish new electric rates for the City of Salem. Utility Committee Chairman Shawn Bolerjack discussed with the board and crowd how the rates were determined and the different options the city looked at before finally deciding on a 4.4% increase to cover the February cold weather incident that left the city with an additional 1.46 million-dollar bill. Since there were a lot of calculations, Bolerjack suggested tabling the passing of the bill until the next meeting so the aldermen will have more time to review the numbers. Public Works Director Mark Nash presented equipment lease and rental options that could take care of the growing waste problem out at the city yard waste disposal site at the industrial park as well as perform other functions for the city. He also had a one-time price from Philip Mercer of $3,200 to do the clean-up work, but the aldermen continued to insist that no dollars would be spent on major purchases until the financial audit is complete. With that being said, they authorized Nash to get bids for gates to seal off the area and a video security system for the waste disposal site. The board did approve a bid of $6,566 from Vandevanter Engineering to repair a lift pump in the city. Nash said the city needed to get another lift pump to have on hand in case another went out as it is getting hard to get the parts in to repair these units and they should have the same type of lift pumps in all of the lift stations. The board again said they would not spend any money on capital improvements until the audited financial statements have been submitted. City Administrator Ray Walden wanted to thank Catherine Dent for volunteering to call people who had utility bills past due to come in and get a payment plan set up. He said the current utility bills for consumption for the June 15th through July 15th time period were mailed out last week. If you have not received your bill by Wednesday, please contact the utility office. Walden said anyone who is still past due on their previous utility bills need to have them paid off or have a plan in place by 5:00 this Thursday afternoon to avoid having their utilities shut-off on Friday, August 6th. Walden stated the contractors for the sewer line extension on Route J and Highway 72 to the hospital will begin work this week near the hospital. Walden also said the City of Salem will be eligible for $992,000 in ARPA funds and he suggested the city prioritize what projects should be addressed with that money and get public input. The city must commit by September 1st to receive the funds and Walden asked the aldermen to consider this at their next meeting on August 16th. The board then went into closed session.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports for the middle of July. On July 16th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of East 7th Street and Young Street. During the traffic stop, a 20-year-old Salem man and a 44-year-old Salem man were arrested for active warrants through Dent County. Both men were taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. Also arrested during the traffic stop was a 21-year-old Salem woman for operating a vehicle on a highway without a valid license, a 1st offense. The woman was transported to the Dent County Jail where she was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. That same day, a deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle on East Fourth Street. The vehicle failed to yield to the deputy’s patrol vehicle’s emergency lights and siren. The vehicle was finally stopped at the intersection of North Russell Street and East 3rd Street. During the investigation of the traffic stop, a 23-year-old Salem man was arrested for resisting or interfering with an arrest, detention or stop, the possession of a controlled substance except for 35 grams or less of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid, the unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, operating a motor vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner, and failure to register the motor vehicle annually with Missouri Department of Revenue. The man was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Sunday, July 18th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 2340. During the traffic stop, a 40-year-old Cook Station man was arrested for a felony driving while having their license suspended charge. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Monday, the 19th of July, a deputy traveled to a location in the 1600 block of West Highway 32 to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 42-year-old Salem man was arrested for having an active warrant through Dent County. He was transported to the Dent County Jail and was incarcerated. If anyone has information regarding an ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse for their regular meeting. Dent County and the City of Salem Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge gave her report to the commissioners for the month of July. She mentioned there would be a general housing meeting Wednesday and the “Love Thy Neighbor” volunteer group Mission Week will be next week. She also said there would be a social mixer at Echo Bluff State Park on September 14th from 6:00 to 8:00 in the evening to pull interested agencies and individuals together for economic development. She went on to say the annual meeting of the Enhanced Enterprise Zone board will be Thursday. In the road report, District 1 commissioner Wes Mobray said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 4210 while only grading would be done on county roads 5420 and 6500. Mobray stated brush would be cut on county roads 6400 and 6410, and tires would be put on truck #125. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 3220. He went on to report that the county was going to work on the road at the end of county road 2300 where the low water crossing is to prepare it for chip and seal. He said another crew would be checking for washouts in the Lecoma and Boss areas. Commissioner Mobray had the amendment from Great Rivers Engineering for the supplemental survey work needed by MoDOT for the Cooley Bridge Project to qualify it for the FLAP project. The cost up to $3,000 would be paid from the FLAP monies. The amendment was signed by Commissioner Darrell Skiles who then said he would be in Jefferson City today to help interview candidates for the Executive Director position for the Missouri Association of Counties. The new person will replace long time director Dick Burke. Skiles said the prosecutor had prepared a Quit-Claim Deed on property owned by Dennis and Sandra Parks to remove an easement for a county road that the county has no intention of building. The Commissioners agreed to sign the Quit-Claim Deed. Bids were opened on two vehicles owned by the sheriff’s department: a 1998 Dodge Van and a 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer. There was one bid on the van and it came from Schwartz Sales in Salem for $677, and there were three bids on the Trailblazer and the high bid came from Chafin Auto Sales for $1,675. The bids were accepted. Commissioners Larson and Mobray wanted to let people know that chip and seal will be going on this week in both districts so people should be aware when encountering those work crews on the roads. They also wanted to remind people there are a number of surplus county items at the County Road and Bridge Department shed on Highway 32-72 West on display that can be bid on. To get specifics on the equipment and vehicles that are available, stop by the Dent County Clerk’ office in the courthouse. Bids MUST be in by 10:00 Monday morning, August 9th at the clerk’s office, and please mark on the envelope “county equipment bid.” Sheriff Bob Wells was in to update the commissioners on the federal prisoners that are now being housed at the Dent County Jail. Wells said he has 20 male prisoners that came from St. Charles which is in the Eastern District which also includes St. Louis. He said the county gets paid $65 a day for each prisoner. He said this will bring in about an additional $9,000 per week to the jail operation. He also said that when a prisoner has to be taken back to the Eastern Court system for trial or sentencing, two armed deputies are paid $23.46 each per hour and the county gets 56 cents per mile. Wells said there are also 55 local prisoners in the jail from Dent, Shannon and Phelps counties. The county also receives payment from those other counties to house their prisoners, but less than the $65 payment they get for federal prisoners. Wells said the price of meals has gone down from $3.33 per meal to $2.71 per meal which consists of two hot meals and one cold meal for each prisoner. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Mid-Missouri Addiction Awareness Group in partnership with the MRPC Rural Opioid Initiative is inviting everyone to participate in the Opioid and Substance Use Disorder Awareness Walk going on this Saturday starting at 10:00 at the Dent County Courthouse Square. People will be walking “to end the stigma” and provide opioid use disorder education, increase awareness and identify prevention strategies in the Meramec Region. For more information about the walk, send an e-mail to maagwecare@gmail.com or to charmon@meramecregion.org. You can also learn more at maagwecare.com.

As part of an ongoing improvement project taking place on Highway 68 in Dent and Phelps Counties, crews plan to close a section of the Highway starting TODAY. A contractor working for the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) will close Highway 68 at the intersection of Highway 8 south of St. James today in order to replace a box culvert and other culvert pipes at that location. The road will be closed through August 14th. Motorists will need to find alternate routes. Signs will be in place to alert travelers of the closure. MoDOT appreciates the patience of motorists. This work is weather permitting and could be delayed. For more information and updates about this project or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/modot-central-district.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting this evening at 7:00 in the City Hall Council Chambers at 202 North Washington Street. In the Hearing of Persons, William Parsons has questions about his electric bill. After the consent agenda is approved, the board will hear Bill No. 3485, an ordinance that would establish new rates for electric services provided by the City of Salem. The board will discuss bids for a compact track loader for the yard waste at the Industrial Park. The equipment rental options presented on a Fabick Cat were for 160 hours per month and broken down by daily rates, weekly rates, four-week rates with forks and smooth bucket; or with a grapple rake; Erb Equipment’s John Deere option had daily, weekly and monthly rental rates on equipment, buckets or forks, or grapple rake; and United Rentals had an option with daily rates, weekly rates and monthly rates with a grapple rake. The board could also consider lease options. In one equipment lease option, Fabick could lease a machine to the city for 60 months with a monthly rate of $1,120.62 for 1,000 hours of operation per month. This lease also included a purchase option for $26,670. The other lease option would be with Erb Equipment and John Deere. The monthly rate with Erb would be charging would be $896.23 per month with 750 hours allowed per month. There would be a purchase option for the John Deere of $21,067.54 The board could also consider a one-time clean-up of the yard waste at the Industrial Park from Phillip Mercer for $3,200. The board will also consider bids for a lift pump repair. City Administrator Ray Walden will update the board on a number of items going on in the city. The Board may vote to go into closed session to discuss personnel. The regular meeting of the Salem Board of Aldermen meeting tonight is open to the public.

An accident happened at about 4:45 Friday morning in Crawford County on Interstate 44 eastbound just east of the 214 exit took the life of an Oklahoma woman. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2006 Ford Escape being driven by 54-year-old Kelly Burgess of Tulsa, Oklahoma, traveled off the right side of the interstate onto the south outer road. The Ford then struck a fence and a utility pole before overturning and ejecting Burgess. She was pronounced dead at 5:55 by Crawford County deputy coroner Nikki Bussell. Burgess was taken to the Crawford County Morgue. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Patriot Towing. The report went on to state that Burgess was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident.

An accident occurred Saturday afternoon in Phelps County on Highway 63 about one mile south of Vida. According to the highway patrol report, a 2016 Kia Optima driven by 46-year-old Kimberly Salter of Rolla, was travelling eastbound and failed to yield to a 2014 Kia Sorento driven by 78-year-old Judy Watson of Houston travelling southbound. As the Sorento turned left onto Highway 63, it struck the Optima. At that moment, a 2007 Kia Sportage driven by 20-year-old Daisy Slagel of Macon was travelling southbound and struck the rear of the Sorento. Salter suffered serious injuries and was flown by LifeLine to University Hospital Columbia. Watson suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Phelps Health in Rolla by the Phelps Health Ambulance. An occupant of the Sorento, 59-year-old Teresa Gaston of Bucyrus, suffered minor injuries and was transported to Phelps Health in Rolla by the Phelps Health Ambulance. All injured parties were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Highway Patrol was assisted by the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department.

An accident occurred Sunday morning at 1:25 in Crawford County on Route N just south of Rockwood Ridge Lane. According to the highway patrol report, a 2008 Chrysler 300 driven by 20-year-old Colin Wells of Rolla, was travelling northbound and traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck several road signs, and overturned. The Chrysler came to rest on its side in the roadway. Wells suffered minor injuries and refused treatment. A 20-year-old occupant in the car, Zachary Kimker of Bourbon suffered minor injuries and was transported by private conveyance to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. Both injured parties were wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Chrysler was totaled and removed from the scene by Patriot Towing.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On Sunday, July 11th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on East Highway 32. During the course of the traffic stop, a 21-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended. The man was taken to the Dent County Jail where he was issued a summons and released. On Wednesday, July 14th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 700 block of North Pershing Street. During the traffic stop, a 33-year-old Salem woman and a 40-year-old Salem man were arrested for the possession of a controlled substance. The man and woman were both transported to the Dent County Jail and were incarcerated. On Thursday, July 15th, a deputy observed a 36-year-old Salem man the deputy knew to have active warrants near a residence on North Warfel Street. The deputy approached the man and during the course of the incident, he was arrested for the active warrants, as well as possession of a controlled substance except for 35 grams or less of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid, and the unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. That same day, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 300 block of East Truman Street responding to a report of a subject violating an order of protection. Deputies arrived on the scene and during the incident, a 32-year-old Salem man was arrested for the violation of an order of protection, a 1st offense. He was taken to the Dent County Jail and was incarcerated. If anyone has information regarding an ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The Missouri 4-H shooting sports teams won third-place honors at the 2021 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships, June 20th through 25th in Grand Island, Nebraska. More than 590 participants from 32 states competed in nine disciplines. Over three days of competition, Missouri’s nine teams competed in three events within their shooting disciplines, developing a range of skills including leadership, self-discipline and wildlife conservation. The Muzzleloading Team took 3rd place overall and was coached by Rusty Howard of Dent County. The team was comprised of Adrianna Day, Wyatt Link (who took fifth in the individual competition), Trent Polley (who took seventh in the individual competition) and AJ Sherwood. None of the youth were form Dent County.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will be meeting Tuesday evening, August 3rd at 6:00 at the fire station at #2 South Main Street. After the roll call, a tax rate hearing will be called to set the district tax rate for 2022. The board will then review the minutes of the July meeting before hearing the financial report and approving bills. Next on the agenda will be the review of events on the calendar and the monthly reimbursement report. the board will hear any old or new business before hearing various reports. The board will set the date for the September meeting before adjourning. The meeting of the Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors on Tuesday is open to the public.

The City of Salem will be doing curbside yard waste pick-up starting Monday, August 2nd. Items that will be picked up by the city include limbs and branches that are cut to a length of 4 feet or less, and grass that is bagged in recyclable leaf bags which can be purchased at the city utility office $2.50 for ten bags. The city will pick up yard waste that has been properly bagged, cut, and placed at the edge of the curb or sidewalk. They ask that you do not block the sidewalk or place items in the street. The city of Salem reserves the right to charge for exceptionally large volumes of yard waste or to recommend removal by a private company. Items that will not be picked up include appliances, household trash, tires, electronics, lumber or building materials, furniture, or recyclables. For more information, call the city at 729-4811.

The Kids Trout Fishing Tournament will be held tomorrow at Montauk State Park. The tournament is limited to kids 15 years old and younger and is sponsored by the Dorman L Steelman Lodge. The two age categories are 11 years of age and under and 12 to 15 years of age. The registration will be at the Lodge. Two prizes will be awarded in each age group for trout and stringer of trout by a random drawing of all entries at 2:00 Saturday afternoon at the Lodge. Gift certificates will be awarded to the winners. The tournament hours are from 7:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon. Other prizes will be awarded courtesy of the Ray Parker Memorial. For more information, call Montauk State Park at 548-2201

The interpretive staff at Current River State Park invites the public to learn about journaling and its similarities and differences over time at Tuesday morning, August 3rd, at 10:00. The workshop is approximately two hours long. This class will introduce participants to the wonders of nature journaling, not just words or drawings, but rather how to use both to remember their time in nature. Participants learn tips and tricks and receive a starter journal. Participants should wear good walking shoes and bring a water bottle and snacks. Space is limited and registration is required. Those interested in attending, should call Connie at 573-751-1224 or email connie.weber@dnr.mo.gov to register. The public is strongly encouraged to follow social-distancing guidelines and be proactive in protecting themselves and others. Current River State Park is located at 11053 CR 19D near Salem. For more information about the park, call 573-751-6414. 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.

Have you been to the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center in Salem where they still have open the exhibit entitled “Dent County Pictorial History?” If you have not yet attended, you are missing a chance to see how history has affected Dent County and their citizens, changes made over the years as well as progress made, all courtesy of a number of photographs taken over the years by the newspapers in town, family photos, special occasion photos such as church and family outings and much more. There is no charge to attend the exhibit and it is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon. The exhibit will remain open until August 31st at 202 South Main Street in Salem, next to the Farmers Market.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met Thursday, July 22nd. Administrator Zach Moser updated the board on the current COVID status in Dent County. To date, there were 1,117 confirmed COVID cases and 234 probable cases had been investigated. He stated that 99 of those cases have required hospitalization, and at the time of the Board meeting there were 4 people hospitalized. Moser did say that 40 deaths have been confirmed from the COVID-19 virus. He stated that according to the Missouri Division of Health and Senior Services, 23.4% of Dent County residents have received their first dose of vaccine and 20.3% have completed the series as of July 22nd. Moser went on to note that Dent County’s positivity rate was at 25.3% and that the vaccine continues to be available at the Dent County Health Center, Moser Pharmacy, Vandivort Pharmacy, and Wal-Mart Pharmacy. Assistant Administrator Roma Jones reported that Board member Dennis Floyd and his crew brought the MOSWIN antenna and radio over from the MacArthur property and a decision will need to be reached as to where to install it on the current building. Floyd will make some inquires and make a recommendation to the board. A motion was made and passed to include the new Federal Holiday, Juneteenth, as a holiday in the current personnel manual. Jones informed the Board that all of the original paperwork for the sale of the MacArthur property and the purchase of the Scenic Rivers Boulevard property had been placed in the bank box at the Bank of Salem downtown location. Jones noted that no communicable disease report was available as the CD nurse had been in training all week, that face to face WIC appointments are continuing to take place, and that there were 87 labs drawn in June. Moser, Jones and Joan Raulston will be attending a one-day Local Agency Plan meeting in Jefferson City August 3rd, and they hope to be able to submit Dent County Health Center’s plan by the end of the meeting. Jones went on to note that no Sho-Me Healthy Women (SMHW) clinics are scheduled for July so the next appointments will be scheduled for August 23rd. To set up an appointment or for more information about SMHW contact the Health Center office at 729-3106. Jones reported that one food establishment that had not been inspected had to be closed until they submit a plan and become an inspected facility. She said Chapter 8 of the current food code gives the local agency the power to shut establishments down who are not in compliance. There is paperwork that must be submitted to Jones 30 days prior to opening and she is able to do an inspection. With Administrator Moser being new to the Health Center the Board voted to postpone the Dent County Health Center audit until 2022, which will still be within the recommended time frame of every 2 to 3 years since the last audit. Jones reported that Administrator Moser will be attending a New Administrators training in Jefferson City July 29th and 30th. The Board authorized Moser to search for and acquire the best option for two credit or debit cards for health center’s operations. A brief discussion was held on physical priorities for the Dent County health Center building. Health center expenses for June were approved and the next meeting was set for Thursday, August 19th at the Dent County Health Center.

Missouri State Parks invites the public to participate Learn2 Paddle kayaking classes offered at select parks this summer. The program is for anyone who wants to experience kayaking but is not sure where to start. It is also perfect for those who want to get out on the water but don’t own a kayak. In the Salem and Dent County area, the Current River State Park will host a two-hour kayaking class on Friday, August 6th from 1:00 until 3:00. The Missouri State Parks will provide the kayaks, paddle, life jackets and instructors. Participants must be at least 10 years of age. Children 14 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the entire program. Participants should be comfortable around water. All Missouri State Parks rules and regulations apply. This is a family-oriented program; alcohol and tobacco products are not allowed while participating in the Learn2 Paddle program. The class registration fee is $5 per participant; registration is required. For registration information, visit mostateparks.com and click on their Learn 2 button under Topics. 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.

Being outdoors can be a fun and relaxing experience, and the Missouri State Parks team wants to remind park visitors about the importance of practicing safety measures when visiting a state park or historic site. Missouri State Parks Director Mike Sutherland said the safety of our visitors is our top priority. While it’s not always the first thing on your mind, practicing safety measures will help ensure your experience is an enjoyable one, and that you keep yourself and others around you safe. When visiting a Missouri state park or historic site, please remember to wear appropriate clothing, stay hydrated, follow any guidelines posted throughout the park, know your severe weather plan, only swim in designated areas and leave wildlife be. Many of the outdoor features in state parks have conditions that cannot be controlled or managed. To make your experience in Missouri state parks great when enjoying any water-related activity, follow these safety tips: only swim in designated areas and follow signage, familiarize yourself with the area first before entering the water, watch for underwater obstacles such as stumps, logs, etc., never swim, wade or access any water feature alone, always wear a personal flotation device, never leave children unsupervised near the water, learn to swim and know your swimming limits and never drink alcohol and swim. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

If you are not feeling well and want to know if it could possibly be COVID-19, the Dent County Health Center wants to remind people that they can get tested for COVID-19 in Dent County at the Salem Memorial District Hospital with a Physician’s order. This will be a drive-up COVID Test at the Emergency Department entrance. Contact your primary care physician and have them submit the order or call 739-1915.

Registration for students at all Salem R-80 schools will be starting. William Lynch Elementary School will be registering new students on Wednesday, August 11th from 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon and from noon until 6:00 on Thursday, August 12th. At the Salem Upper Elementary School, registration will be Monday, August 9th and Wednesday, August 11th from 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon, and on Tuesday, August 10th and Thursday, August 12th from noon until 6:00. These dates are for all students, both new and returning. Students that will be attending Salem Middle School and the high school must attend registration in August to receive their schedules and locker assignments. A parent or guardian must also attend and complete all district required enrollment forms. Registration for the middle school will be start on Monday, August 9th in the middle school cafeteria from 9:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon for NEW students who have not been registered in any Salem school in grades 6-8. Registration continues on Tuesday, August 10th for all students entering 8th grade; the 7th grade registration will be held Wednesday, August 11th; and for students needing to register for 6th grade, your registration will be Thursday, August 12th. Those who miss their scheduled registration days may register on Friday, August 13th. Students who will be attending high school will be able to register the same week in the lobby of the high school from 10:00 until 3:00 each day. Those who will be seniors can register Tuesday, August 10th, juniors will register on Wednesday the 11th, sophomores on the Thursday, August 12th and freshmen on Friday, August 13th. Those in high school will receive their locker assignments only upon the return of all completed registration forms. The middle school will hold an open house on Thursday, August 19th from 4:30 until 6:00 and the high school open house will be on the 19th as well from 6:00 until 7:30. Missouri state law requires the immunization of all school children. Students must be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and hepatitis B with 3 doses for those in grades 7 through 12, unless an exemption has been signed by a physician and filed with the school. All students must present proof of compliance with the immunization rule by the first day of school but are encouraged to bring their record on enrollment day. This applies to all students, including transfer students. Parents should the Dent County Health Center if they have questions regarding required immunizations at 729-3106.

Time is running out for deer hunters to apply online through the Missouri Department of Conservation’s website for a shot at more than 100 managed deer hunts throughout the state this fall and winter. MDC offers managed deer hunts for archery, muzzleloading, crossbow, and modern firearms from mid-September through mid-January at conservation areas, state and other parks, national wildlife refuges, and other public areas. Some managed deer hunts are held specifically for youth or for people with disabilities. The managed deer hunt application period is now through July 31st. Hunters are selected by a weighted random drawing. Draw results will be available August 15th through January 15th, 2022. Applicants who are drawn will receive area maps and other hunt information by email, or mail if an email address is not located on the customer’s account. You can get more information on managed deer hunts as well as preview the hunt details at mdc.mo.gov/managedhunt. Details about managed hunts can also be found in the MDC “2021 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information” booklet, available starting in early July at MDC offices and nature centers, from permit vendors around the state, and online at mdc.mo.gov.

There will be a Fall Management of Beef Herds workshop at Cook Station at the Wurdack Research Farm on Thursday, August 5th from 5:00 until 7:00. Participants will learn various topics surrounding fall management of beef cattle. The topics will include the management of fall calving cow herds, stockpiled forage strategies, and pasture economics. You can register online or call the Crawford County extension office at 573-775-2135 and speak with Gatlin Bunton if you have any questions. There is no cost to attend this workshop.

Randy League, Vice-President of the Midwest Blue Oval Club, has indicated the Current River Blue Oval Rally scheduled for this September 11th around the courthouse square in Salem has been cancelled this year to the increase in COVID-19 cases in Dent and surrounding counties. Safety is the club’s first concern and the last thing the club wanted to do is to create a situation where someone could get ill by simply attending the rally. Also, the Salem Memorial District Hospital Chief Operating Officer Jason Edwards at the last Board of Directors meeting reported the Wings and Strings event scheduled for that same Saturday, September 11th had been cancelled.

Representatives from Missouri State Parks invite the public to attend an informational meeting at Echo Bluff State Park on Saturday morning, July 31st beginning at 11:00 at the amphitheater. The public is invited to share comments and ask questions about the site and its operations. Representatives from the site will be present to provide information and to answer questions. Input from the public is important to Missouri State Parks. These informational meetings, which are being held in all state parks and historic sites, help create two-way communication with the public. The meetings give staff the opportunity to let people know the current status and future plans for the park or historic site, and they offer visitors the opportunity to comment on the facilities. The public is strongly encouraged to follow social-distancing guidelines and be proactive in protecting themselves and others. Echo Bluff State Park is located at 34489 Echo Bluff Drive, Eminence. For more information, please contact Echo Bluff State Park at 573-751-5211. 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.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles was not in attendance due to a family medical emergency. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley appointed First District Commissioner Wes Mobray as the temporary presiding commissioner for the meeting. In the road report, Mobray said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5180 and 6505, while materials would be added and grading done on county road 5390. He added that materials would also be added to county road 6500. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported four men would be working on the bridge on Dent County Roads 5225. They will be hauling materials to the area and are planning to pour concrete later this week in the hope of finishing up by the weekend. He also said brush would be cut on county roads 3140 and 3150. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley is reminding everyone that tax entities should be advertising their tax rate hearings in the next month to establish their new tax rates. Commissioner Mobray reported on the fuel bids taken for 7,000 gallons of diesel. The commission received three bids: Phil-Mart for $2.20/gallon, MFA for $2.2846/gallon and County Fuels for $2.2650 per gallon. Phil-Mart was awarded the bid. At the last meeting, the commissioners discussed and approved updating the policy handbook for the county. Quentin Stampley with Great Rivers Engineering held a conference call to update the commission on the Cooley Bridge FLAP project. The next step is them doing a right-a-way plan that would cost $3,000 and come out of the FLAP agreement money. The commission agreed to move forward with it. Stampley also gave an update on the Tan Vat FLAP project and they are working to complete final plans that will begin next spring. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams presented the CART monies received in July. The county received $65,861.20 and year-to-date the county is up from last year 13.75%. A reminder for those interested in purchasing the 1998 Dodge Van or the 2009 Chevy Trailblazer from the sheriff’s department, bids will be due in by 10:00, Monday August 2nd, and that will be the next meeting date of the Dent County Commission and that meeting will start at 9:00. It is open to the public.

If you plan on submitting a waste recycling grant this year to the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District, a workshop will be held on Wednesday, July 28th from 10:00 in the morning until 12:00 noon at the MRPC Office at #4 Industrial Drive in St. James. The workshop will also be available by Zoom to help those preparing the grant application. You need to register for the workshop by contacting Jill Hollowell at 265-2993, extension 109 whether you will be in person or wanting to attend by Zoom. An application packet is available at www.ozarkrivers.org. The applications MUST be submitted by noon on August 20th at the MRPC offices to qualify for the grant.

The City of Salem will be doing curbside yard waste pick-up next week starting Monday. Items that will be picked up by the city include limbs and branches that are cut to a length of 4 feet or less, and grass that is bagged in recyclable leaf bags which can be purchased at the city utility office $2.50 for ten bags. The city will pick up yard waste that has been properly bagged, cut, and placed at the edge of the curb or sidewalk. They ask that you do not block the sidewalk or place items in the street. The city of Salem reserves the right to charge for exceptionally large volumes of yard waste or to recommend removal by a private company. Items that will not be picked up include appliances, household trash, tires, electronics, lumber or building materials, furniture, or recyclables. Items must be ready and set out for pickup in July on Tuesday, the start of the first full week of the month. For more information, call the city at 729-4811.

The Kids Trout Fishing Tournament will be held Saturday, July 31st at Montauk State Park. The tournament is limited to kids 15 years old and younger and is sponsored by the Dorman L Steelman Lodge. The two age categories are 11 years of age and under and 12 to 15 years of age. The registration will be at the Lodge. Two prizes will be awarded in each age group for trout and stringer of trout by a random drawing of all entries at 2:00 Saturday afternoon at the Lodge. Gift certificates will be awarded to the winners. The tournament hours are from 7:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon. Other prizes will be awarded courtesy of the Ray Parker Memorial. For more information, call Montauk State Park at 548-2201.

The Healthy Dent County Fitness Center, located in the Salem Community Center @ the Armory, is partnering to provide complementary memberships to members of the nationally recognized Renew Active program by United Healthcare. Through this collaboration, Healthy Dent County Fitness Center will now offer older adults a way to increase their levels of physical activity while motivating them to remain active. Renew Active is the nation’s leading community fitness program designed exclusively for older adults. Renew Active is the gold standard in Medicare fitness programs for body and mind. Silver Sneakers is also offered at the Fitness Center. To learn more about its Renew Active or Silver Sneakers offerings and how you can get a free membership, call 739-1127 or stop by the Salem Community Center @ the Armory, 1200 W. Rolla Road in Salem for a tour of the facility.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held their regular meeting Tuesday evening at the Salem High School Library. Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed updated the Board on the recent meeting with the coaches concerning the tin gym renovations as well as Tracy Strange’s District Community Liaison Training. She also detailed with the Board the summer work performed thus far by the custodial and maintenance staffs. In new business, the bid for milk from Hiland Dairy, the bread bid from Country Mart, the food bid from US Food, the supply bid from Graves and the pest control bid from Integrity Pest Control were all approved. The bids for gasoline and diesel were tabled. The tax rate hearing was set for August 19th at 5:45 and is to be followed by the regular August Board meeting. The Memorandum of Understanding with Northwood R-IV for the sharing of a band teacher was approved, as was the Return to Learning Plan which is available at the Salem R-80 website. The new personnel handbook was approved, and the MSBA policy update recommendations were approved. The motion was made and approved to provide a $200.00 stipend for staff members who attend a covid training during the August 24th workshop day. The board accepted the resignation of Cole Price, the Middle School special education instructor, which was effective immediately, and Assistant Superintendent John Smith which will be effective June 30th, 2022. The board then went into closed session. In closed session the Board approved a five-day extension of Rich Beckett’s contract for 2021-2022, and the Board moved Terry Nash to Step 20 and added a 10-day contract extension. The meeting was then adjourned.

Are you interested in a great volunteer opportunity right here in Salem? If you have a few hours per week to help out in your community in an easy way, look no further than Grace Harbor! They will be opening a temporary shelter soon. Their mission is to serve youth and school-aged kids in Salem and the surrounding areas. If there is availability at Grace Harbor, they will accept other individuals on a case-by- case basis, but the youth are their number one priority. They have a variety of volunteer opportunities at Grace Harbor such as cooking daily meals, grocery shopping, house cleaning, assisting residents, office work, grounds keeping and more. At this time, Grace Harbor has morning, afternoon, mid-afternoon, evening, and overnight shifts available. Volunteers must be at least 20 years of age, have a valid driver’s license, and complete the required testing. The Grace Harbor committee will be holding training meetings tomorrow evening, July 27th, from 6:00-8:00, and then Wednesday, July 28th from 10:00-12:00, and 2:00-4:00. If you are interested in volunteering, please plan on attending one of these meetings. If you have any questions, contact Jenny Summers at 573-247-7062 or Karen Carmier at 573-247-4530.

With above 90 degree temperatures expected, everyone working or playing outside needs to know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Being aware can help you stay safe during extreme heat. Warning signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness and weakness, dizziness or fainting, headache, nausea or vomiting. To help prevent heat-related illness, follow these safety tips if you will be outside: Do chores, visit playgrounds or parks during the coolest time of the day. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing as well as sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful rays. Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool itself and causes a loss of body fluids. Increase your fluid intake–regardless of activity level. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty. Avoid drinks containing caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar because they can cause you to lose more fluid. Ask your doctor whether medications you take affect your body’s response to heat. Avoid very cold beverages as they can cause stomach cramps. Just have them sip cool water and try to cool down the person’s forehead and behind their neck with a moist, damp cloth. Remember, if the person you are with stops perspiring and their skin turns very red and is dry, or their temperature climbs to 103 or higher where they may become confused, nauseous and have a headache, they may be having a heat stroke. Get them to a cool place and call 9-1-1. For more information, go to www.cdc.gov.

Representatives from Missouri State Parks invite the public to attend an informational meeting about the Current River State Park and Roger Pryor Pioneer Backcountry on Saturday, July 31st at the Current River State Park. The meeting will begin at 1:00 in the afternoon at the barbecue house in the screened-in picnic area, located to the left of Current River Lodge in the main area of the park. The public is invited to share comments and ask questions about the site and its operations. Input from the public is important to Missouri State Parks. The meetings give staff the opportunity to let people know the current status and future plans for the park or historic site, and they offer visitors the opportunity to comment on the facilities. The Current River State Park is located off Highway 19 South at 11053 County Road 19D in southeast Missouri. For more information about the meeting, call 573-751-6414.

The City of Salem Utility Committee meeting was held Tuesday evening at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Chairman Shawn Bolerjack called the meeting to order. City Administrator Ray Walden gave an update on utility billing. There are 2,834 active electric accounts with 1,454 being current on their bill. A total of 495 are 30 days past due; 262 are 60 days past due and 218 are over 90 days past due. There are currently 39 accounts that have not made a payment in over a year. The June 16th through July 15th bill will be the last one sent out before cutoffs are resumed on August 6th. Citizens are encouraged to call or visit the City Utility Office at 729-4117 to make payment arrangements. There are currently 75 customers with payment plans and another 23 that have initiated the process and need to finish the paperwork. The committee reviewed and made several recommendations to the wording and information that is included on the current bills. Bolerjack recommended customers that are on budget billing should have their usage reviewed twice a year to make adjustments as needed. Utility Committee member Catherine Dent volunteered to help the staff in the utility office contact customers that are in jeopardy of having their electric disconnected as well as reaching out to customers to help establish payment plans. The February Cold Snap bill was discussed. The city will participate in the Governor Parson’s no interest 60-month loan to pay the $1,275,025 that is owed. After some discussion regarding how to pass on this cost to customers, the committee voted to recommend the Alderman add 4.4% rate adjustment to all customers monthly bills. The committee discussed the request from Heartland Metal for a reduction on their commercial water rate. The committee will recommend to the Alderman that no change be made at this time. Heartland Metal may ask the committee to revisit this subject after they have an efficiency study conducted. Walden gave an update on the Exceleron Pre-Paid Electric Project. This web-based portal will allow customers to pay their electric bill online using a credit card and should be completed in two months. After getting an update on the Electric and Street Department projects, the meeting was adjourned.

Last week, the US Department of Health and Human Services through the Health Resources and Services Administration provided Missouri with $8,268,032 to support COVID response efforts in rural areas. This funding was distributed through the Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program to 32 small rural hospitals for COVID testing and mitigation. These hospitals with less than 50 beds or that are Critical Access Hospitals are key health care access points and trusted community sources. According to Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas, the Salem Memorial District Hospital received $161,000 from this fund that is earmarked for COVID testing and mitigation.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley reported on three cases heard in Crawford County on Tuesday, July 20th in front of Judge Michael Randazzo in the 42nd Judicial Circuit Court. In the first case heard, Rose Howell of Salem had violated her probation for the possession of a controlled substance after completing the RSMOSection 559.115 program. She was sentenced to 10 years in the Department of Corrections as requested by Prosecutor Andrew Curley. Howell requested to be placed in the drug court program and to continue on probation was denied by Judge Randazzo. In the next case, Samantha Conaway of Salem had her sentencing hearing after pleading guilty to two felony counts of distribution guilty, one count of the fraudulent use of a credit device, and one felony count of the possession of a controlled substance. Prosecutor Curley requested a total of 10 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections while Conaway sought probation. Judge Randazzo sentenced Conaway to a total of 10 years under RSMO Section 559.115 in the shock incarceration program. In the last case Tuesday, Carl Blair of Salem pled guilty to failing to register as a sex offender. In the sentencing hearing, Curley sought four years in the Department of Corrections under Section 559.115. Blair sought probation. Blair was sentenced by Judge Randazzo to a four-year suspended execution of sentence with 5-years probation over the objection of the state.

An accident occurred Thursday morning at 5:45 in Iron County on Highway 32 about four miles west of Bixby. According to the highway patrol report, a westbound 2016 Chevrolet Cruze, driven by 25-year-old Mark Cooper of Belgrade, crossed the center line and struck head on an eastbound 2010 International, driven by 58-year-old Gary Glastetter of Oran, Missouri. The International then ran off the road, struck a tree and caught fire. Cooper suffered serious injuries and Glastetter suffered moderate injuries. Both were transported by ambulance to Salem Memorial District Hospital. The report stated that Glastetter was wearing a safety restraint, while it was unknown if Cooper was. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Abney’s Towing.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday evening in the Hospital Library. At the meeting, the board heard from outgoing Home Health Director Ashley Sullins who presented the results of the patient survey. She said the surveys were down due to COVID-19. She also told the board about changes and updates in Medicare. Sullins also introduced the new Home Health Director who is Kristie Gorman, RN; and also told the board that Amanda Botkin, RN was named the new Home Health Clinical Manager. In the summary of operations for the month of June, the hospital had 105 inpatient admissions with 371 inpatient census days. The hospital showed a loss from operations of $1,411,691, but after adding back taxes and the forgiveness of the hospitals Payroll Protection Plan that came to $2,263,000, left an excess of revenues over expenses of $857,758. During the month, there were 725 emergency room visits to go with 228 ambulance runs with 154 patients being transported, 26 surgery cases, 1,793 outpatient registrations, 223 home health visits, 7,171 lab tests, 1,345 radiological procedures and 596 rehab treatments. Days in account receivable during the month went down to 74 from 82 in May and days cash on hand is at 85. The hospital had a cash decrease during the month of $1,093,291. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas said part of the increase in cash expenses was for the “heroes payment” to employees which was an additional incentive for another year of work. For the fiscal year, the hospital lost 6.9 million dollars, but they may be able to write off the stimulus funds they received for COVID-19 of 4.3 million, but that will not be until the 2022 fiscal year. New Chief of Nursing Ashley Sullins gave the Acute Care Staffing by Patient Acuity report that showed the average acuity at 23 per day with 12 patients per day. Chief Operating Officer Jason Edwards said that due to the increase in COVID positivity tests in Dent County, the Wings and Strings event in September has been cancelled. The Dancing with the Salem Stars program has been tentatively set for January 22nd at the High School Gym. He said the hospital has finally talked to the USDA rep on submitting the proper paperwork on the TytoCare-school focused telemedicine product, and the plan is still to have the program in place in schools by 2022. Lucas gave the COVID-19 update and said the positivity rate in Dent County has risen 121% in Dent County and there are 46 current active cases. The hospital made no changes in the visitor policy, but they are constantly reviewing the available information. The board approved courtesy staff privileges for Grace Jackson, MD in telemedicine, and approved the purchase of a five-ton, two stage Carrier Rooftop Air Conditioning unit for the nuclear medicine room for $12,500 from Victor Heating and Cooling, LLC. Lucas reported the renovation work is finishing up and the Cerner Conversion continues. The board elected new officers for the new fiscal year and they are Ray Bruno as Chairman, Mike Swyers as the Vice-Chairman and Willie Strader as Secretary. The hospital board then set the tax rate hearing for Thursday, August 17th at 5:45 before the board went into closed session.

Are you interested in a great volunteer opportunity right here in Salem? If you have a few hours per week to help out in your community in an easy way, look no further than Grace Harbor! They will be opening a temporary shelter soon. Their mission is to serve youth and school-aged kids in Salem and the surrounding areas. If there is availability at Grace Harbor, they will accept other individuals on a case-by- case basis, but the youth are their number one priority. They have a variety of volunteer opportunities at Grace Harbor such as cooking daily meals, grocery shopping, house cleaning, assisting residents, office work, grounds keeping and more. At this time, Grace Harbor has morning, afternoon, mid-afternoon, evening, and overnight shifts available. Volunteers must be at least 20 years of age, have a valid driver’s license, and complete the required testing. The Grace Harbor committee will be holding training meetings next week on Tuesday evening, July 27th, from 6:00-8:00, and then Wednesday, July 28th from 10:00-12:00, and 2:00-4:00. If you are interested in volunteering, please plan on attending one of these meetings. If you have any questions, contact Jenny Summers at 573-247-7062 or Karen Carmier at 573-247-4530.

The Interpretive staff at the Current River State Park invite the public to a blackberry feast at the Blackberry Bramblers workshop from 9:00 in 6:00 in the morning until 2:00 Sunday afternoon, July 25th or Monday, July 26th. Park staff will make a wide range of wild blackberry treats for participants to sample and learn how to make including blackberry jelly, blackberry kefir ice cream, blackberry cobbler and more. All blackberries will be provided. For those who would like to take jelly home, please bring a small jar to the workshop. This is an informative and hands-on class. Participants should bring their own lunch. Space is limited and registration is required. Those interested in attending, should call Connie at 573-751-1224 or email connie.weber@dnr.mo.gov to register. The public is strongly encouraged to follow social-distancing guidelines and be proactive in protecting themselves and others. The Current River State Park is located at 11053 Dent County Road 19D near Salem in southeast Missouri. For more information about the park, call 573-751-6414. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.