Local News – Friday, June 17th, 2022

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse for their regular meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated grading was going to be done on Dent County Roads 5015, 5080, 5410, 5420 and 6490 while chip and seal repairs were going to be made on county road 4110 and the chip and seal portion of county road 5015. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 2135, 2350 and 2540 while brush would be cut on county road 3220. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended the SACBA Board meeting Monday and they reported the Farmer’s Market held Saturday mornings from 7:30 until noon has been doing well. Commissioners Larson and Skiles attended the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District full council meeting where they were updated on the progress of the various grants awarded. Brady Wilson from Rolla Recycling was re-elected as Chairman while Skiles was re-elected as the Vice-Chairman. The board approved the issuance of a quit-claim deed from the county on railroad right-of-way property prepared by Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley, and also approved Skiles signing the Chief Local Elected Official Caucus Agreement for the Central Regional Investment Workforce Board. Skiles will attend that meeting next Wednesday in Jefferson City. The commission has scheduled a special meeting for Wednesday, June 29th at 10:00 to meet with Engineer Corky Stack and to open, review and discuss bids for renovation work to be done to the Dent County Courthouse. Later in the meeting, Todd Workman, Maintenance Director at the Salem Memorial District Hospital, approached the commission with a request for additional ARPA funds for the new transformer the hospital needs to replace the old one. Workman said the hospital would need about an additional $75,000 to complete the project. After some deliberation, the commissioners approved up to an additional $75,000 in ARPA Funds provided the hospital follows the proper procedures established by the MRPC to secure the funds. Members of the Salem Senior Center Board made an appearance to inquire about applying for ARPA funds. The Commissioners instructed them to contact Kelly Sink at MRPC to get an application and find out what information is required to qualify. Since the commissioners received no bids for chip and seal Thursday, they have elected to seek bids once again, this time the bids will be due in by 10:00 on Thursday July 7th. The courthouse will be closed on Monday for “Juneteenth” so the next commission meeting will be held Thursday, June 23rd at 9:00 in the morning.

A one vehicle accident happened Wednesday night around 10:45 in Maries County on Highway 63. The report released by the highway patrol states that a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt being driven north by 27-year-old Jordan Sansoucie of Rolla, attempted to avoid another vehicle. The Cobalt ran off the right side of the road, striking a mailbox and a culvert. Sansoucie was taken by Maries Osage Ambulance to Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City for treatment of moderate injuries. He was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Cobalt sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Plaza Towing.

A three-vehicle accident happened Wednesday morning just after 11:30 in Phelps County on westbound Interstate 44 at the 195 mile-marker in St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a 2010 Buick Lucerne being driven west by 79-year-old Harry Coplin of Rolla, struck the rear of a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado being driven by 64-year-old John Stevenson of St. Charles. The collision caused the Silverado to strike the rear of a 2017 Ford Fiesta being driven by 25-year-old Lindsey Pennington of Rolla. Coplin was taken by St. James Ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. The report stated that all three drivers were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. The Buick was totaled and removed from the scene by C & C Towing. The Silverado sustained extensive damage and was removed by Spurgeon’s Towing. The Ford sustained moderate damage but was able to be driven from the scene.

What better way to spend some quality time with your kids than a father/child paint party? Bring your kids and come create together all while making lasting memories. Danielle Norris will lead you step-by-step through your painting, then you and your kids can go home and display your artwork. The party is this evening at 6:00. The cost is $20 for adults and $5 for each child. All supplies will be provided. The Creative Arts Center has 2 easy ways to sign up for events! First call or text 247-0651. You can also pay ahead with Square at 247-5306.All square transactions will be charged a $1.50 transaction fee. Or you may also visit our website to sign up and prepay for classes online at: www.salemcommunitybetterment.com

Missouri’s state parks and historic sites offer beautiful vistas, opportunities for outdoor adventures and peaceful spots for reflection. As you spend time at Missouri state parks, take along your camera and submit your favorite photos in the Missouri DNR Photo Contest. The annual contest is open now through October 1st and includes three categories. The natural resources category includes photographs of Missouri’s air, landscapes, and waterways. The category of unique places includes photographs taken within one of Missouri’s state parks or historic sites. The third and final category includes people enjoying and exploring Missouri’s outdoors. Winning photos will be shared on the Missouri Department of Natural Resources website, on social media and showcased at the following year’s Missouri State Fair. For contest rules and to enter your photos, visit dnr.mo.gov/photo-contest. You can also email questions about the photo contest to socialmedia@dnr.mo.gov. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.