Local News – Thursday, December 6th, 2018
The 13th annual Trees and Trains exhibit is open at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center with this year’s theme: Winter Wonderland at Night. See the beautifully decorated trees along with gorgeous wreaths and other Christmas arrangements, not to mention watching the toy trains, the apple of every young boy’s eye. The exhibit will be open every Monday through Saturday in December through Monday, Christmas Eve on December 24th. The hours at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center at 202 South Highway 19 in Salem are from 9:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays from 9:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon. The Trees and Trains exhibit will be open late tonight until 8:00 for everyone to come and hear the Salem Chamber Choir under the direction of Elaine Russell. They will begin singing at 6:30. The exhibit will be open on Christmas Eve from 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon. Santa will also be appearing in his North Pole Workshop from 12:00 until 5:00 on Saturdays beginning this Saturday, December 8th, as well as on the 15th, and 22nd. For more information, call (573) 729-0029.
A two vehicle accident occurred Wednesday morning in Dent County on Highway 32 about four miles west of Salem at 11:00. According to the report released by the Highway Patrol, the accident happened as a 2002 Toyota Tundra, being driven eastbound by 76-year old Fredrick Donaway, of Cabool, slowed to avoid a deer in the roadway and was struck from behind by a 2008 Ford Focus being driven by 18-year old Elizabeth Becherer of Salem. Donaway was taken by private vehicle to Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Both drivers were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Toyota received minor damage and was driven from the scene. The Ford Focus sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing.
The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday evening at the Dent County Fire House. After an approval of the consent agenda, the bills for the month of November were reviewed and approved, and the budget was reviewed. The budget showed a general revenue balance at the end of October of $78,711.54. Reimbursement checks were dispersed, with a total of $29,590.00 for the year. All other accounts balanced and are on track with previous years. In the calendar review, it was announced the Toy Drive handout will be on Wednesday, December 19th. The monthly reimbursement report was presented for November and it showed a total of 16 calls for the month. In November, there were five structure fire calls, two flue fires, one car fire, four first responder calls, two vehicle accident calls, and two training calls. There has been 254 calls year to date with the average cost per call being $116.50. Bids for the new heating system were opened and after some discussion, a motion was made and carried to accept the bid from Victor Heating and Cooling for $14,500.00 and will include four 110,000 BTU heaters for the bay. A total of four bids were received. In new business, Chief Brad Nash reported the fire hydrant at the station site has been moved and is now in operation. Secretary Dave Wells reported that there were three Board openings for the April elections and all are 6-year terms. The filing fee has now been changed to match the county filing for of $50.00 in accordance with state statutes. The first board filing date will be December 11th at the Dent County Fire Department. The next meeting date was set for Tuesday, January 8th at 6:00 at the Dent County Fire House. The meeting was then adjourned.
The Spring Creek Artisans Christmas Fest will be held on this Friday evening from 5:00 until 8:00, and Saturday from 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon at the historic Bonebrake Center in Salem. You will find unique handcrafted Christmas gifts for everyone on your gift list. A wide variety of handmade items, from original paintings, wood carvings and turnings, pottery, baskets, fiber art, quilts, stained glass, wire wrapped jewelry, cards, metal sculpture, gourd art and Christmas items will be on sale. Come enjoy Christmas cookies, hot apple cider, and holiday music while shopping. Register to win the door prize a beautiful handcrafted wreath by Joanne and Russ Biros. They have several new artists creating beautiful and original work.
Come to Echo Bluff State Park to hear the Salem High School Chamber Choir as they help the park sing in the holiday season from 8:00 to 9:00 this Saturday, December 8th. Festivities begin with the lighting of the Christmas tree in the Betty Lea Lodge. Following the lighting, the Great Room will be filled with seasonal music as the choir performs classic Christmas carols. Finish out the evening in front of the fireplace with refreshments. This event is free and open to public. Echo Bluff State Park is located on Highway 19, approximately 25 miles south of Salem and approximately 14 miles north of Eminence. For more information about the event, call Echo Bluff State Park at 573-751-1224.