Local News – Monday, April 23rd, 2018

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles was attending a Listening Post at the US Forest Service facility. Assistant Dent County Clerk Crystal Pilkington appointed District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell as acting Presiding Commissioner. Salem Mayor Brad Nash and City Attorney Camm Seay were in to update the Commission on a small change to the Memorandum of Understanding relative to Iron Street. The Aldermen wanted an addition to the MOU that Iron Street would revert back to the City of Salem if the street was not used for the Justice Center. Both Purcell and District One Commissioner Gary Larson indicated they saw no problem with the change. Nash indicated he had discussed the change with Commissioner Skiles. Seay said that the change would be noted to Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley and that an ordinance finalizing the transaction would be presented at the next City Council Meeting. In the road report Commissioner Purcell said that grading would be done and materials would be added to Dent County Roads 5420, 5410 and 6280. He said that Monday he attended the Tourism Tax Board meeting where three proposals were approved, one was tabled waiting for more information, and one reimbursement request was approved. Purcell noted that on Tuesday he attended the South Central Community Action Agency meeting in Winona and that the seven basic programs still have funds available for qualifiers. He said the local contact number is (573) 729-3500 and ask for Sarah. Commissioner Larson said that grading would be done and materials would be added to Dent County Road 4405, plus he had a call about trees down on Dent County Road 4380, which his crew took care of. He said he had a crew patching chip and seal on Dent County Roads 3210 and 3220. Pilkington reported that the Commissioners were approving bills for payment. John McIntyre addressed the Commissioners relative to the article in this week’s Salem News about Nuisance Properties in Dent County. McIntyre voiced his opposition to new regulations, but instead encouraged the Commissioners to work towards enforcement of existing regulations. He cited a number of states where he has lived &/or owned property and that it seemed each and every state had numerous regulations, but the enforcement of them was always lacking. Beth Frizzell, Dent County Tax Board Chair, was in to propose the selection of John Johnston for the Board. The Commissioners approved Johnston’s appointment. The next meeting of the Commission will be Monday morning in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department released their report for the month of March. During the month, they wrote two equipment repair orders, 18 summons to appear in court, six warning tickets, and 19 traffic tickets. The Salem Police Department investigated 13 accidents, one assault, two burglaries, two reports of a dog bite, four reports of domestic violence, six driving while being intoxicated reports, seven driving while having their license revoked or suspended, two fraud reports, one harassment report, and three reports of leaving the scene of an accident. The department also investigated two reports of minor in possession or intoxicants, seven reports of possession of a controlled substance, four reports of possession of drug paraphernalia, one report of property damage, and three reports of resisting or interfering with an arrest, eleven reports of stealing, one tampering report, and had two 96 hour commitments. They also served eight fugitive warrants and five city warrants. The police department received 1,280 calls for service during the month and handled 72 walk-ins to the station. They spent 20 hours in court testifying and 10 hours as court bailiff. The Salem Police Department drove a total of 8,813 miles and arrested 23 males and 9 females during the month of March.

Come to the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History tonight at 7:30 for another sky watching event. As the sky starts to darken, the focus will be on the Moon, as the craters become sharper. The line between the bright side of the Moon and darkness represents places where the Sun is rising on the Moon. In those places, there will be the most definition on the Moon’s surface. Some of the Moon’s most interesting features and craters will be on display this night. For anyone eager to take Moon photos, we’ll have a holder to help you get an impressive picture. The sky is full of interesting objects. These sky watches are always fun and handouts are provided to those attending, and you can get answers to questions, and sometimes enjoy a surprise or two! Dress for the weather and come enjoy the views and experience a tour of the sky. This program is appropriate for the whole family and will be mostly outdoors. There will be access to the house and light snacks. The suggested donation is $1.00 per person or $5.00 for the whole family, but no one will be turned away. If it appears the night sky will be too cloudy, the program will be postponed. Registrants may call or text 573-247-0279 if there is a question about possible cancellation.