Local News – Thursday, December 28th, 2023

A Christmas Eve pursuit in Phelps County on Route V has led to the arrest of two Salem men Sunday night. Owen White and Zachary Perkins of Salem were eventually taken into custody when the Audi they were operating failed to stop at a stop sign on Phelps County Road 3110. They continued onto Dillon Outer Road before the Audi turned onto Route V where an officer attempted to pull the Audi over only to have them speed away on Route V close to 80 miles an hour. The probable cause statement indicates the engine of the Audi died in the 12000 block of Route V allowing officers to apprehend White and Perkins. Each man was charged with the possession of a controlled substance, 2nd degree trafficking of drugs and the unlawful use of weapon; while White had additional charges of the unlawful possession of a firearm and resisting arrest by fleeing creating a substantial risk of serious injury or death to any person. According to the statement, six grams of suspected fentanyl, a burnt glass tube and a bag of what was suspected to be methamphetamine were located during the arrest, plus a .22-caliber rifle was found in the Audi. The charges are only accusations and not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it will be to determine the accused guilt or innocence.

Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk said her office in the Dent County Courthouse will have extended hours for those wanting to pay their tax bills in person today and tomorrow from 8:00 in the morning until 5:30. She reminded everyone that the post office is only open until noon on Saturday the 30th. Payments mailed in must be postmarked NO LATER than December 30th. She recommends if you wait until that day to take your envelope inside the post office to have it hand stamped at the window. There is also a drop box in the front of the courthouse at the southwest corner of the courthouse square where you can leave your payments through midnight on Sunday, December 31st. Payments can also be made online by following the instructions on your real estate and person property tax bills.

Celebrate the new year with fun, fresh air and scenic views by participating in a First Day Hike in one of America’s state parks. Several Missouri state parks and historic sites are participating in this national initiative again. This year there are more than 1,000 hikes available in state parks around the country. The distance and rigor of the hikes vary from park to park, but they all aim to create a fun experience for the whole family. Savor the beauty of the natural, cultural and historic resources our state parks offer, and be inspired to take advantage of these local treasures throughout the year. Hikers can choose guided hikes that fit their comfort level, including mountain and hill climbs, walks along lakes, exploring trails that wind through forests, and wildlife expeditions. The following hikes in our area that are planned for January 1st include the Meramec State Park in Sullivan which is holding a three-mile hike at 11:00 in the morning at the Visitor Center; the Missouri Mines State Historic Site on Highway 32 in Park Hills where their one-mile hike starts at 9:00 in the morning; and Montauk State Park in Salem where people can meet 10:00 in the morning at the Nature Center for this two mile hike. Preregistration is required for all hikes, as some have a maximum number of hikers who can be accommodated. To register, visit icampmo.com. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

Beginning January 2, 2024, Big Spring Campground will be closed for approximately 30 days to complete utility upgrades. The work is being completed by Blinderman Construction in conjunction with the ongoing renovation of the Big Spring Lodge and Cabins. During this time, while water and electric are unavailable at campsites and restrooms, we encourage visitors to camp at Alley Spring, Round Spring, or other nearby campgrounds. There are locally-owned campgrounds and lodging near Van Buren, and the park offers primitive camping south of Big Spring. For updates on the closure , call (573) 323-4236 or visit park’s Facebook page or website at www.nps.gov/ozar.

The Missouri Department of Conservation recently set turkey and deer hunting dates for the 2024-2025 seasons. The hunting dates were approved by the Missouri Conservation Commission at its December 8th open meeting in Jefferson City. Spring Youth Portion of the 2024 turkey season will be April 6th and 7th. The regular Spring Turkey Season is slated for April 15th through May 5th with the Fall Firearms Turkey Season to run October 1st to October 31st. 2024-2025 deer season will include an early antlerless portion in open counties will be October 11th through the 13th. Early youth portion running November 2nd and 3rd. November regular portion set for November 16th through November 26th. CWD portion in open counties will be November 27th through December 1st. The late antlerless portion in open counties will be December 7th through December 16th and the Firearms alternative methods portion with be December 28th, 2024 through January 7th, 2025. Detailed information on the upcoming seasons and portions will be included in the MDC 2024 Spring Turkey Hunting and Regulations booklet and the MDC 2024 Fall Deer & Turkey Regulations and Information booklet, available closer to the seasons. The booklets will be available where permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov.

This Sunday, there will be a New Year’s Eve Ball at the Salem Community Center@The Armory at 7:00. The event is brought to you as a partnership between Healthy Dent County and the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Agent Jonah Schafer with American Family Insurance. The event is for adults only and will feature a dinner at 7:30 followed by dancing with the band “Misfire” and DJ-Kim Steelman. There will also be a champagne toast at midnight with party favors as well. Tickets for individuals will be $55 and $100 per couple, or a group can reserve a table of eight for $400. Tickets are available at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Salem Community Center@The Armory. For more information, contact the chamber at 729-6900 or Healthy Dent County at 729-8163.