Local News – Monday, June 14th, 2021
The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some additional reports for June. On Tuesday, June 8th, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 2000 block of Dent County Road 6380 for the report of a theft. Upon arrival, the deputy found that a 55-year-old Salem man was the reported victim. Two chainsaws were reported stolen. A short time later, the Dent County Sheriff’s Office received information that a suspect was attempting to pawn the chainsaws at Cousins Pawn Shop. A deputy traveled to the location and during the course of the investigation, a 26-year-old Salem man and a 24-year-old Salem man were arrested for charges of Stealing of $750 or more and burglary in the 2nd degree. Both men were transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. Both chainsaws were recovered and returned to the owner. On Wednesday, June 9th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 6510 and Highway 72. At the traffic stop, a 21-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 Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. If you have any information regarding any investigation, contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.
Mayor Brad Nash has called for two special meetings of the Board of Aldermen of the City of Salem for this evening, June 14th. The first meeting will be at 5:45 and will be for the purpose of considering Bill No. 3481, an ordinance to authorize Mayor Nash to execute a Contract Change No. 10 between the City of Salem and Smith and Edwards Construction, Inc. for the Highway 19 South Sewer Extension. Also, to be considered is Resolution No. 18-2021, a resolution amending the City of Salem utility payment plan by adding that “The Mayor, Board of Aldermen President, City Administrator, Director of Public Works, or Utilities Supervisor may authorize an exception to this policy.” The second meeting will be at 6:00 and is a joint meeting of the Capital Improvements and Finance Committees. At that meeting, the Board will be updated on utility billing, as well as hear updates since the last meeting. Also, the proposed 2021-2022 budget, including capital projects, will be reviewed in detail. Both meetings will be held at The Community Center @ The Armory, 1200 West Rolla Road and are open to the public.
The Ozark National Scenic Riverways is seeking public input on the park’s draft Roads and Trails Management Plan that will be available for review and comment on June 18th online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/OZAR_RTplan. The Draft Plan includes detailed maps and an environmental assessment illustrating a No-Action Alternative and two Action Alternatives. The No-Action Alternative reflects a continuation of current management practices, as established in the 2014 General Management Plan. The two Action Alternatives were informed by public and stakeholder feedback gathered earlier in the planning process and represent alternative approaches for addressing issues identified in the plan, while also meeting desired conditions for managing the park’s roads and trails. The National Park Service has identified Alternative B as the preferred alternative for implementation. Superintendent Jason Lott stated that with the release of the draft Roads and Trails Management Plan, the Ozark National Scenic Riverways is in the final phase of a complex planning process. The Roads and Trails Management Plan would establish a network of roads and trails that is clearly mapped, more sustainable, and that will allow visitors to safely enjoy the park’s spectacular resources through a variety of recreational activities, while still protecting those resources for future generations. For those who prefer to review printed copies of the Draft Plan, they will be made available for review at the public libraries in several local communities, including: Van Buren, Birch Tree, Mountain View, Salem, Summersville, Ellington, Ellsinore, Doniphan, Poplar Bluff and Rolla. The Draft Plan will also be available at park headquarters in Van Buren, located at 404 Watercress Drive, from 8:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon, Monday through Friday. The public comment period for the Draft Plan will be open from June 18 to July 18. The comments will be analyzed to determine if there are any adjustments needed and then an alternative will be selected for implementation. Comments will also be accepted through the mail to: Superintendent, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, P. O. Box 490, Van Buren, Missouri 63965. As always, we look forward to hearing from the public and encourage all to visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/ozaror our Facebook page for further updates. For more information, please contact Dena Matteson at (573) 323-4814.
The Meramec Regional Community Foundation was able to award 31 Meramec Region students with scholarships totaling $69,300. Of the 31 scholarships, 23 were awarded through the assistance of the Maries County R-2 Schools Foundation to Maries County R-2 Belle High School 2021 graduating seniors. Those 23 scholarship awards totaled $35,800. Another $13,000 worth of scholarships was awarded to the Belle High School Alumni who qualified for renewable scholarships. The Maries County R-2 Schools Foundation works to ensure that every graduating senior who wishes to pursue higher education will have a scholarship available to them. Two students from Salem received scholarships from the Richard and Jeanne Cavender Scholarship for Public Service for $750 each to Amy Chen and Lucas Morrison, both from Salem High School. Those who are interested in establishing an endowed scholarship can contact Bonnie Prigge or Maria Bancroft at MRPC at 573-265-2993 or via email at bprigge@meramecregion.org or mbancroft@meramecregion.org, respectively.
The Current River Cruisers will be holding a yard and bake sale this Saturday starting at 8:00 at the Lifeway Center on Highway 19 North with the proceeds going to Project Win for cancer support in Dent County. For more information or to make a donation, call 729-7859.