Local News – Friday, May 29th, 2020

The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds Missouri hunters that the application period ends May 31st for Missouri’s first elk hunts this fall. MDC will offer Missourians the state’s first elk-hunting season in modern history starting this October. MDC will issue five permits for hunting bull elk with four being general permits for the public and one permit reserved for qualifying area landowners. Applicants must be Missouri residents at least 11 years of age by the first day of the hunt. Those selected to receive a permit must have their hunter-education certification or be exempt by age before they may purchase the permit. Apply for the random elk-permit drawing online by May 31st at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, through MDC’s free MO Hunting app, through a permit vendor, or by calling 1-800-392-4115. Applicants can check to see if they have been selected for an elk-hunting permit online starting July 1 at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits after logging into “Manage Your Account” and selecting “View My Special Hunt History.” Missouri’s first pending elk hunt comes after years of restoration efforts of the once-native species by MDC, numerous partners including the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and many supporters including local communities and area landowners.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released some reports. On Tuesday, May 19th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Highway 72 near Highway 32. During the course of the traffic stop, a 43-year old East Lynne man was arrested for driving while being intoxicated. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released to a family member. On Saturday, May 23rd, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Highway 72. During the course of the traffic stop, a 29-year old Bunker man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 2nd or 3rd offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On Sunday, May 24th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Pershing Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 48-year old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 2nd or 3rd offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. If you have any information regarding and ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is seeking initial public input on a proposed limited and highly regulated hunting season for black bears, which would be open only to Missouri residents. If approved by the Missouri Conservation Commission, a season could occur as soon as the fall of 2021. MDC is asking for initial public comments through June 5th. According to MDC, over the last 50 years bear numbers in the Missouri Ozarks have increased significantly and today Missouri is home to between 540–840 black bears. Bear numbers are currently increasing each year and bear range in the state is expanding. MDC Furbearer Biologist Laura Conlee said that with Missouri’s growing black bear population, MDC is proposing the development of a limited and highly regulated bear hunting season. The timing and length of the season, restrictive methods, and permit allocation coupled with a harvest quota will initially be limited to ensure a sustainable harvest of our growing black bear population. Conlee added that limited black bear hunting will be an essential part of population management in the future as Missouri’s bear numbers continue to grow. Learn more about a potential black bear hunting season in Missouri online and submit comments through June 5th at mdc.mo.gov/bears.

The City of Salem will be doing curbside yard waste pick-up the first full week of each month. 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 leaves that are 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 on the first Monday of the first full weeks of each month.

A one vehicle accident occurred Wednesday night around 10:30 on Route E about five miles north of Rolla. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2008 Ford Explorer being driven by 19-year old Julia Rufe of Rolla crossed the centerline and traveled off the left side of the road where the Explorer struck a culvert and overturned. Rufe, who was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident, was transported by EMS to Phelps Health for treatment of minor injuries. The Explorer was totaled and removed from the scene by Dishman’s Towing.

The Salem Public Library at 4th and Jackson Streets will reopen on Monday, June 1st for their regular hours of operation. There will be new procedures to safeguard patrons and staff. A maximum of ten patrons will be allowed in the building at one time. Patrons will be given hand sanitizer upon entering. People should maintain six feet of distance with anyone who is not from their household. It will be asked that patrons limit their time in the library to twenty minutes with the exception of those using computers. All programs and events are cancelled until further notice. For additional information, call the Salem Public Library at 729-4331.