Your World Today

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met for their regular Meeting on Thursday, May 20th. The minutes of the March regular meeting was reviewed and approved. In old business Health Center Administrator Kendra Mobray updated the Board on current COVID status in Dent County. She said that to date 1007 confirmed cases and 186 probable cases have been investigated. Eighty-six cases have required hospitalization. At the time of the meeting there were 6 active cases in Dent County and there had been 36 related deaths confirmed. According to MoDHSS, as of April 20th, 3119 Dent County residents had received 1 dose of vaccine and 2619 have had a complete series of 2 shots. SEMA and Missouri National Guard were finishing the hosting of drive-thru clinics at the Dent County Fire Station in May. COVID vaccine is available at the Dent County Health Center, Moser Pharmacy, Vandivort Pharmacy and Wal-Mart Pharmacy. The Board went in to closed session to discuss Administrator applicants and approved minutes of the April and May closed session meetings. In new business Mobray updated the Board on contracts. In April 1 case of Campylobacteriosis was investigated. Face to face appointments at the Health Center are gradually opening up. The MCH 5-year work plan was submitted to DHSS in April for the new priority health issue “prevent and reduce unintentional injuries in children and adolescents.” The Show Me Healthy Women clinics, which offers free breast and cervical cancer screenings for Missouri women who meet age, income and insurance guidance, continue to be held on the 4th Thursday of each month. More information about the program is available by calling the Health Center at 573-729-3106. During the election of officers the motion was made and passed that the current officers of Board Chairman Bob Parsons, Vice-Chairman Sandra Headrick and Treasurer Dennis Floyd be re-elected. In other new business Mobray noted that when the personnel manual was updated it did not reflect the previous sick leave policy. Motion was made and passed to update the personnel manual with the policy. Dent County Health Center expenses for March and April were approved and the next regular Board meeting was set for June 17th.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education held a special board meeting via Zoom last Thursday at 11:30. At the meeting, the board approved the purchase of two storage buildings from Current River Buildings before going into closed session. In closed session, the board accepted the resignation of high school counselor Elizabeth Wright and read a resignation letter from bus driver Don Adamick. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Dent County 4-H will be presenting Montauks Nature At Night, June 30th at Montauk State Park. The evening begins at 5:30 with supper and a chance to get to know each other followed by various activities, including crafts and a tour of the mill. A park ranger will then lead the group on a night walk beginning at 9:00. This may turn into a late-night event so participants are encouraged to wear closed toed shoes and bring a jacket.

Are you wanting to learn to fish? MDC offers Discover Nature – Fishing Program that provides a series of free lessons throughout the state. All fishing gear is provided. Learn more at dnf.mdc.mo.gov. If you have a need for fishing equipment, MDC works with numerous libraries and other locations around the state to loan fishing gear for free. Loaner gear includes fishing poles and simple tackle box with hooks, sinkers, and bobbers. Worms, minnows, or other bait are not provided. Find MDC Rod and Reel Loaner Program locations at the MDC website. For information on Missouri fishing regulations, fish identification, and more, get a copy of MDC’s 2021 Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations where permits are sold, or online. MDC’s free MO Fishing app can help anglers find the best places to fish in Missouri, access regulation information, identify fish by species, and more. Anglers can also buy, store, and show fishing permits right on their mobile devices. MO Fishing is available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices.

Visitors to the Ozark National Scenic Riverways have the opportunity to Celebrate National Trails Day on June 4 with a ranger-led birding hike at 9 a.m. at Round Spring. Bring your binoculars and meet at the Round Spring pavilion. A park ranger will lead the group though the Round Spring area in search of a variety of bird species. With over 400 species recorded in Missouri, birding is a great outdoor activity for people of all ages. Migratory birds are still passing through the area providing the opportunity to encounter some that are not commonly seen in the park. If you are new to birding, there will be several resources available to get you started on your birding journey. Plan accordingly when hiking or participating in any outdoor recreational activity. Hikers should wear appropriate clothing and footwear for hiking and take weather conditions into consideration. Recommended supplies include binoculars, drinking water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Ozark National Scenic Riverways follows the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and any corresponding federal mandates in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. All participants should be prepared to practice social distancing as needed. If you are not yet fully vaccinated, masks are required outdoors when social distancing cannot be maintained. For more information about the birding hike, please contact the Round Spring Ranger Station at (573) 323-8093. Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserves the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, the surrounding natural resources, and the unique cultural heritage of the Ozark people. For more information about the park, visit www.nps.gov/ozar or call (573) 323-4236.

KSMO Video Productions is taking orders for the 2021 Salem Graduation DVD’s available for sale at the KSMO Radio studios at 800 South Main in the basement of the Wisdom Building. If you would like to have a DVD, please call the station to reserve your copy. The cost is $15 per DVD. KSMO Radio doors open just before 8:00 in the morning and stay open until 4:00 weekdays. For more information, call KSMO at 729-6117.

The City of Salem has sent out a notice to all those who use water, sewer, trash and electric about the upcoming changes for the utility readings going to a 15th of the month read cycle and a more prompt and current billing cycle. Soon utility customers will receive bills for their service consumption from February 8th through May 15th that will include three months billing for trash, water, sewer and electric. If you are already on a payment plan, any remaining unpaid amount will be included in the balance due on their next bill. Customers wanting a new payment plan will need to contact the utility office to set that up. For those who want to pay their bill in full for all three months, the Salem Board of Aldermen have approved a five percent rebate of the charges for water and electric usage if the bill is paid in full by June 20th. The rebate will be processed as a credit on the customers’ account. Please remember the city will resume late penalties and start service disconnects for non-payment on July 1st. If you find that you may need assistance paying your utility bill to avoid a service interruption, you can go to the Salem Community Center @ The Armory any Tuesday in June from 10:30 until 1:00 where three agencies will be available to speak with you on how they can possibly help. For more information about available options for payment and assistance, please check out the salemmo.com website or contact the utility office at 729-4117.

Six people died in traffic crashes over the 2021 Memorial Day weekend counting period of 6:00 p.m. Friday, May 28th, through midnight Monday, May 31st. Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers investigated 270 traffic crashes resulting in 82 injuries and 4 fatalities. The patrol made 112 DWI and 77 drug arrests over the 2021 Memorial Day holiday weekend. The Springfield Police Department and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department each investigated a traffic fatality. Over this years holiday counting period there were 10 boating crashes resulting in 2 injuries and 1 fatality. The department also investigated a drowning, made 8 boating while intoxicated arrests and 2 drug arrests. During the 2020 counting period, the Patrol investigated 310 traffic crashes, which included 126 injuries and six of the 10 fatalities. Troopers made 118 arrests for driving while intoxicated last year. Also, over the 2020 Memorial Day holiday marine operations troopers investigated 11 boating crashes involving seven injuries and one fatality; and arrested 11 people for boating while intoxicated on the state’s rivers and lakes. One person drowned over the 2020 Memorial Day holiday. The fatality statistics in this news release could change if late deaths occur, other departments report crashes or incidents, a fatality is determined to be a drowning, or if a fatality is determined to be caused by a medical condition after this news release.

More reports have been released by the Salem Police Department. On Sunday afternoon, May 16th, at approximately 4:23 an officer was dispatched to Wal Mart for a report of a shoplifter. It was reported that a female subject had left the store while concealing and not paying for approximately $116 worth of merchandise. As a result of the investigation the female was located, and the property was retrieved. At the conclusion of the incident a 38-year-old Salem female was arrested and given summons to appear in court for shoplifting. Then Tuesday evening, May 18th, at approximately 6:46 an officer was dispatched to the Cedar Grove Cemetery for a report of a vehicle stuck in the mud. Upon arrival it was apparent that a male subject who was operating the vehicle was intoxicated. Following a DWI investigation a 62-year-old Salem male was arrested and later released on summons for possession of Marijuana and Driving while intoxicated. Later that night at approximately 11:21 an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed over the posted speed limit. The vehicle failed to yield when the officer attempted to stop it and continued traveling at a high rate of speed of more than 80 mph on Missouri Highway 32. The vehicle finally came to a stop near the Jehovah Witness Church on 32 West. As the officer contacted the driver, he was alerted that the driver may be under the influence of alcohol. During the traffic stop investigation it was found that the male subject was intoxicated. As a result, a 38-year-old Springfield male was arrested and placed on a 24-hour hold pending the application of warrants for Resisting Arrest and Driving while Intoxicated. Finally, the morning of Thursday, May 20th, at approximately 4:00 officers received information about the location of Brian Weber who had previously fled and was a fugitive from justice. Officers conducted surveillance and a short-term investigation confirming the information they had received. As a result, the 40-year-old Salem male was arrested and incarcerated on outstanding warrants. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 573-729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

A drowning happened Saturday afternoon around 3:10 in on Big Creek in Iron County one quarter miles east of Highway 49 in Vulcan. A six-year-old boy from Fairview Heights, Illinois entered the water and went under. The boy was located a short time later, however, life saving measures were unsuccessful. The boy was pronounced dead by Doctor Teeter at the Iron County Medical Center at 4:36. The drowning was the 5th of the year in Troop E.

Friday morning, May 28th at about 11:42, deputies with the Dent County Sheriff’s Office responded to Private Lane 201 in Dent County. The call was in reference to a 911 hang up. Upon arrival, deputies learned that a three-year-old male was missing and had been missing for an unknown amount of time. Deputies establishing a timeline of the events concerning the child’s disappearance, and additional personnel and other agencies were called in for help. A thorough search of the woods and surrounding acres was conducted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office K-9-unit, the Missouri State Water Patrol, Missouri Department of Conservation, the Salem Police Department as well as the Dent County Fire Department and Lenox Fire Department. The search was not successful in finding the child at that time. A decision was made to extend the search to adjoining properties with law enforcement and the help of neighbors and additional volunteers in a set of grid searches. On Saturday morning, May 29th at about 1:05, volunteers located the child safe and alive. The Dent County Sheriff’s Department wanted to thank all the agencies, volunteers, churches and neighbors for their valuable help in what was a great example of the Dent County community pulling together in a time of need. The number of citizens willing to search for the missing child was overwhelming. The quick community response played a major role in locating the child safe early Saturday morning.

A Salem man was involved in an accident just before 7:00 Thursday evening in Osage County on Highway 63 about two miles south of Route Z. According to the highway patrol report, a southbound 2000 Ford F-250, driven by 58-year-old Kenneth Boeker of Rolla, swerved to avoid a vehicle making a right turn. Boeker lost control of the Ford causing it to cross the center line striking a northbound 2020 Kenworth driven by 63-year-old Michael Cooley of Salem. Boeker, along with passenger 29-year-old Bruce Ellis of Rolla, suffered minor injuries and were transported by ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. A second passenger in the Ford, John Watkins of Rolla, whose age was unknown, suffered moderate injuries and was transported to the University Hospital in Columbia. Boeker, Ellis and Cooley were all wearing safety restraints, while it was unknown whether John Watkins was. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Plaza Service. The Kenworth sustained extensive damage and was removed by Tow Pro.

A two-vehicle accident happened Thursday afternoon just before 4:00 in Phelps County on Route V at Phelps County Road 2060. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 2005 Toyota Highlander, being driven by 71-year-old Jimmie Taylor of Rolla, was stopped to make a left turn onto the county road when he was struck from behind by a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 being driven by 23-year-old Kayleigh DeShurley of St. James. Taylor suffered minor injuries while a passenger in the Toyota, 60-year-old Gay Taylor also of Rolla, suffered moderate injuries. DeShurley had moderate injuries. All three were taken by ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. The report went on to state that all those involved were wearing safety restraints. The Toyota sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing, while the Chevrolet had moderate damage and was removed by C & C Towing.

The following reports have been released by the Salem Police Department. On Sunday afternoon, May 5th at approximately 4:17, an officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Second Street for the report of a violation of a full order of protection. Upon arrival it was found that a male subject was violating the full order of protection and was refusing to leave. As a result, a 38-year-old Salem male was arrested and incarcerated pending the application of warrants. On the morning of Monday, May 10th near 11:00, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle having no license plate. During the traffic stop the officer was made aware the occupant had an active arrest warrant out of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. As a result, a 51-year-old Salem man was arrested on the warrant and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. On Thursday evening, May 13th at about 8:24, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for not having working headlights. During the investigation into the traffic stop, it was found the car was displaying license plates that were stolen out of St. Francios County. As a result of the investigation, a 37-year-old Salem woman was arrested for receiving stolen property and was later released on a summons. The next night at approximately 10:45, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle having a headlight out. During the traffic stop it was found that the driver had an active arrest warrant issued out of the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office. As a result, a 19-year-old Salem woman was arrested. She later posted bond on the warrant out of Phelps County. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 573-729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

There will not be a Your World Today on Monday, May 31st due to Memorial Day. Our next edition will be Tuesday, June 1st. Happy Memorial Day!

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, recognizes Memorial Day weekend is highly anticipated and reminds motorists the Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. or, Crash Awareness Reduction Effort, during the long holiday weekend. This means every available trooper will be on the road enforcing traffic laws and assisting motorists. Over the 2020 Memorial Day holiday weekend, 10 people died and 444 were injured in 1,081 traffic crashes. Last year, troopers made 118 DWI arrests. The Memorial Day weekend is also an unofficial start to the boating season. During the 2020 Memorial Day weekend, there were 11 boating crashes which included one fatality and seven injuries. One person drowned over last year’s holiday weekend and troopers arrested 11 people for boating while intoxicated over the 2020 Memorial Day weekend. This year’s counting period for the holiday weekend begins at 6:00 tonight and ends at 11:59 PM, Monday, May 31st. Troopers will focus their attention on seat belt use, use of child safety seats, impaired drivers, hazardous moving violations, and speed violations. If your plans include driving or boating, choose to be courteous and obey all Missouri laws. Use a seat belt when you drive and wear a life jacket when you’re on or near the water. Always pay attention, whether you’re operating a vehicle or a vessel, and choose to be a sober driver on land and on the water. A safe, fun weekend starts with planning and good decisions. Motorists or boaters in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use the Highway Patrol’s Emergency Assistance number 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. Motorists are encouraged to do their part to make Missouri’s roadways safer. Speed, inattention, and impaired driving are leading causes of traffic crashes. Please do your part. Obey all traffic laws and make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Missouri provides a variety of opportunities for boating. Please be courteous to others on the water, wear a life jacket, and obey the law regarding safe operation of a vessel and no wake zones. Causing harm to another person or their property with an excessive boat wake may subject you to enforcement action or civil liability. Treat other boaters and property owners as you want to be treated. Never operate a boat while you are impaired; never ride with an impaired operator.

The Missouri Department of Transportation is advising local residents that a Dent County road will be closed for the next several months for a bridge replacement project. The Route FF bridge over Norman Creek, located near the Phelps County line, has reached the point where replacement is necessary. Starting Tuesday, June 1st, crews will begin removing the existing Norman Creek bridge to replace it with a new box culvert. Route FF will be closed to traffic at the bridge for the duration of the project. The work is expected to be completed by August 20th. Motorists will need to use alternate routes while the bridge replacement takes place. The bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million “Focus on Bridges” program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state. Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) crews will also be making pavement repairs to Route KK in Saint James next week. Crews will close one lane daily on Route KK between Highway 68 & 8 and the Crawford County line from 7:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon Wednesday, June 2nd, through Tuesday, June 8th. MoDOT appreciates the patience of motorists traveling through the work area. Drivers are advised to watch for workers on the road and obey all traffic signs. This work is weather permitting and could be delayed. For more information and updates about the bridge project, please call 1-888-275-6636 or visit www.modot.org/NormanCreekBridge.

Missouri State Parks invites the public to begin their archery journey by attending a hands-on course at Echo Bluff State Park during the afternoon June 19th from 1:00 until 3:00. Participants may register now through June 12th. This program is for anyone who wants to learn the basics of archery and atlatl throwing. The Learn2 Aim courses offer two hours of free instruction and are open to ages 10 and older. Registration is required and all slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To register visit mostateparks.com/learn2.