Local News – Friday, October 5th, 2018

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. Bill Stack was in with questions concerning the roadway in the property he recently purchased. The Commissioners said that the County had no claims or consideration to the roadway running through the property. He also wanted to inquire whether the Commissioners were in support of the “Ride for America” being planned by the American Volunteers organization. All three Commissioners voiced their support. In the road report, District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell said the rain was very welcome since it had become almost too dry to grade. He said brush would be cut on Dent County Roads 6180, 6170, and 6175, plus materials would be added to county roads 6640 and 6470. Purcell also reported that white rock was being stockpiled at the Road and Bridge shed, and he had men out repairing and replacing vandalized road signs. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that his crew was tidying up the low water crossing on Dent County Road 5260 and hauling materials there to block the crossing. He said the materials would be used to prepare approaches next week when the road reopens in mid week. Larson noted that the replacement of the three low water crossings this year was made possible by the 1/4 cent sales tax for Road and Bridge that tax payers passed. He also reported that part of his crew was working on #4 brush cutter and others were out cleaning out culverts. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to remind citizens of the over seven million dollars in lease certificates that are available in $5,000 increments for investors. L. J. Hart and Company should be contacted at 800-264-4477 for details and information. He said that the Courthouse would be closed Monday in observance of Columbus Day, and that Thursday, October 11th, there will be a pre-construction meeting for the Justice Center at 10:00 in the Judicial Building conference room on the second floor. The official ground breaking would be that afternoon at 1:00. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley wanted to remind voters that the last day to register to vote for the November election is Wednesday, October 10th, that absentee voting continues in her office, and that sample ballots can be obtained from her office. Richard LaBrash and Sheriff Bob Wells were in to discuss the “Ride for America.” Wells said that event is going to be held October 20th and that registration continues at Cowtown at Cuba. He said that he would have extra deputies on duty that day, plus there will be deputies riding SUV’s as part of the contingent. Wells went on to note that the ride would be about 76 miles long with riders departing The Commons around 8:00 in the morning and most should be back in by 5:00 that afternoon. He said Jadwin Canoe Rental will be the half way point with a break for lunch and refreshments at the campground. LaBrash said that all riders will receive a packet with all the guidelines, rules, etc., as well as listings of businesses in Salem and Dent County. Maps and detailed information will be released very soon. For more information contact Richard LaBrash at (573) 729-1394 or Sheriff Bob Wells at (573) 729-3241. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident happened Thursday morning at 4:45 in Iron County on Highway 32 about three miles west of Bixby. According to the highway patrol report, a 2003 Buick Regal driven eastbound by 39-year old Carl Norris of Salem, crossed the centerline and struck a 1995 Chevrolet 1500 driven westbound by 25-year old Tyler Dennison of Bixby. Norris suffered serious injuries and was taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by ambulance while Dennison suffered moderate injuries and was also taken by ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. Neither Norris nor Dennison were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Blackie’s Towing.

A one vehicle accident occurred Wednesday morning at 10:30 on Route A about 10 miles east of Bixby in Iron County. According to the highway patrol report, a 2003 GMC Sierra driven by 68-year old Duane Wiltberger of Black, was traveling northbound when the Sierra traveled off the right side of the roadway, overturned and struck a tree. Wiltberger suffered minor injuries and was taken by ambulance to the Iron County Medical Center. Wiltberger was wearing a safety restraint at the time of accident. The GMC was totaled and removed from the scene by Anderson Towing.

The Salem Community Wide Yard Sale will be held tomorrow. People who have items they would like to get rid off are encouraged to participate in the yard sale. You can hold you yard sale at your own home, at the City Administrative Office parking lot on 4th Street just east of Iron Street, or with the permission of any property owner to use their location. If you wish to reserve space on the parking lot, you will need to call the City Administrative Offices at 729-4811. Each space may be reserved for $8.00 and more than one space can be reserved. Those spaces are reserved on a first come, first served basis. Also next week is the Fall Cleanup Week in the City of Salem. You can place at your curb side extra items you wish to dispose of such as stoves, washers, old clothes, microwaves, old grills, etc. You can also put out your recyclable leaf or grass bags and bundled branches at the curb, but not in the same location as your trash items. You cannot putout any petroleum products such as oil or transmission fluid, tires, paint and batteries. All your trash items will be picked up on your REGULAR pickup date.