Local News – Friday, May 7th, 2021
The Dent County Prosecutor’s office reports that on May 5th, defendant Scott Mayberry pled guilty to Child Molestation in the 4th Degree for an incident that occurred in 2017 with a child under the age of 17 in the case of the State vs Scott Mayberry. The defendant was a prior and persistent felony offender with two prior felony convictions that resulted in Prosecutor Curley certifying the defendant as a persistent offender and thereby enhancing the range of punishment to a seven-year maximum sentence in the Missouri Department of Corrections. Judge Scott Schrum presided over the proceeding and sentenced the defendant to seven years as recommended by Prosecutor Curley. The charge was following a disclosure from the victim, who was an adult at the time of the disclosure, to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. As a result of the disclosure, an investigation was conducted by Dent County Deputies Michael Letchworth and Matt Atkinson. The charges were filed by Prosecutor Andrew M. Curley on December 8th, 2019, after receiving a probable cause statement from Dent County Sheriff’s Detective Letchworth. Curley released a statement saying the victim and her family were pleased with the result. Curley wanted to thank the Dent County Sheriff’s department, for conducting an exceptional investigation that provided the tools needed to obtain a conviction. Curley stated that if you or someone you know is a victim of child abuse, please tell your parent, school counselor or a law enforcement officer.
A quick reminder that Waste Corporation of America will be providing the annual residential spring cleanup for City of Salem residents again May 10th through May 14th. They ask that residents have all trash curbside the night before your normal scheduled trash day. E.P.A. law will not allow the collection of the following materials that include yard waste, batteries, tires, motor oil, chemicals, or solvents or paint, appliances or non-compactable items such as concrete, tree stumps, steel, or construction debris. For more information or for more questions, you may call 1-800-926-3935.
An accident happened Wednesday morning just before noon in Reynolds County on Route HH about 10 miles south of Ellington. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 1993 Mack log truck being driven by 70-year-old Michael Hatcher of Bunker, was traveling west and went off the right side of the road and overturned. Hatcher, who was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident, was transported to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis by Life Flight helicopter for treatment of serious injuries. The Mack was totaled and removed from the scene by Mike and Ike Towing.
The Dent County Fire Protection District board of directors met Tuesday evening at 6:00. The budget showed an ending balance of $280,787 in the general fund as of April 30th. The monthly reimbursement report was then presented with a total of 22 calls for the month of April including 3 structure fires, 9 brush fires, 1 car fire, 2 vehicle accidents, 1 haz-mat and 2 training calls, along with 2 mutual aid calls. Total calls year to date stands at 130 with the average cost per call being $95.46. Joe Weber from Weber and Associates was present to discuss and present a policies and procedures manual for the board to review. Weber presented the board with a starting draft that included pertinent information pertaining to the NFPA that is required for fire districts. Weber also stated that he had incorporated known policies of the district within the manual as a starting point. The board will review the draft and modify as needed then meet again with Mr. Weber to work on a final draft before incorporating the manual. The board then declared the election results and as there was no opposition for the election and incumbent members remained in office. The election for officers of the board was held and elected was Craig Smith as President, Dave Wells as Secretary/Treasurer, and Chief Brad Nash as the keeper of records. Chief Nash reported to the board that floor refinishing would start on May 10th. Due to the volatile nature of the chemicals used in the process, the fire station will have to be closed for about 3 weeks or until the project is completed. Nash stated he will be working remotely to answer the phone and only the truck bay area would be available for firefighters. All office areas will be closed. Chief Nash also reported that the guttering crew will be here starting the week of May 10th to start the installation of the downspouts. The painting company has the downspouts painted and ready for installation. Before adjourning the date was set for the next meeting to held Tuesday, June 1st at 6:00 at the fire station located at #2 South Main Street. The June meeting will be open to the public.