Local News – Friday, November 22nd, 2019
The Dent County Commission met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that the roadways are too wet to grade so part of his crew was replacing road signs and checking for clogged pipes. He also said that maintenance and repairs were being completed on Brush Cutter #7. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson echoed Purcell’s remarks on grading and pipe clearing, plus some of his crew was also replacing a stop sign and dead end signs. He reported that Truck #70 was being serviced. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that he along with Commissioner Purcell, Clerk Angie Curley, Treasurer Denita Williams and Recorder Cindy Ard all attended the Missouri Association of Counties annual meeting Sunday through Tuesday. He noted that he was elected Vice President of the County Commissioners Association for 2020 and to an at-large board member position to the Missouri Association of Counties. Skiles reported that it was a good conference with great break-out sessions and excellent speakers. Curley reported that bills were being approved for payment, that she continues to work on the County budget for 2020, and that she would be attending a Website Committee Meeting today. Curley went on to report at the Missouri Association of Counties meeting she was elected to the 16th District Director’s position for MAC. She also reminded voters that in 2020 there will be four elections including the March Presidential Primary, the April Municipal Election, the August Primary, and the November General Election. Curley encouraged voters to contact her office at 729-4144 if they have questions or need to update the voter registration information. Richard LaBrash was in to express thanks to the County and the Sheriff’s Department in particular for assistance with the Heroes Marathon where they had over 400 participants. He also wanted to remind county residents of the Elizabeth Broughton toilet paper drive which the American Volunteers partners with. LaBrash said that those who would like to drop off paper, toothbrushes and toothpaste can contact the churches as most of them are participating. He also said that cash can be donated towards the project at any of the banks. LaBrash noted that collected supplies will be distributed by the Shepherds Nook. Charlie Thomas with Viebrock Sales and Service was in to touch base with the Commissioners. His company deals in pipe and culvert. No bids were received for the financial audit so it will be re-bid. Dwight Ramsburg and Steve Davis were in with a jail update. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday morning and the meeting is open to the public.
On Sunday, November 17th, an officer with the Salem Police Department responded to the 1800 block of South Oak Street in reference to a male subject reporting he had been hit with a bat by another male subject. Subsequently the accused 28 year-old male was interviewed during a traffic stop where a Preliminary Breath Testing device indicated he had a .257 blood alcohol concentration. The accused, Daniel Shaver of Salem, is charged with felony counts of first-degree assault and armed criminal action. Shavers bond was set at $100,000.
The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports for this past weekend. On Friday, November 15th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at Highway 32 East and Route MM intersection. During the course of the traffic stop, a 36-year-old Jadwin man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 1st offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On Saturday, November 16th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at the Highway 72 and Highway 32 West intersection. During the course of the traffic stop, a 36-year-old Salem man was arrested for operating a vehicle on a highway without a having a valid driver’s license, a 3rd or subsequent offense. He was also arrested for having an active warrant through the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and incarcerated. If anyone has information about any ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.