Local News – Thursday, May 3rd, 2018
Congressman Jason Smith congratulated Congressional Art Competition finalists and winner during a reception at the Southeast Missouri State University River Campus on Monday evening, May 1st. Avery Coffman, a senior at Salem R-80, won the 8th Congressional District Competition with a work of the St. Jude Chapel in Montauk, MO. The piece was completed by burning a drawing of the church into a piece of wood. The work of the St. Jude Chapel will be displayed in the United States Capitol for a full year and Avery will receive 2 round trip tickets to Washington, DC to attend the Congressional Art Competition reception with other winners from around the country. 11th grader Marlene Schuh, also of Salem, was also a finalist.
An accident occurred Tuesday, April 24th on Highway 19. According to the Salem Police report, a 2001 Honda FXDWG, driven by Marcus Sapaugh, was east bound on Franklin and stopped at a stop sign waiting to turn left when he failed to see a northbound 2008 Mazda 3, driven by Penny Lanham, The Mazda attempted to avoid Sapaugh by swerving, and Sapaugh attempted to avoid Lanham by laying down on the left side. Sapaugh was ejected from the Honda as the vehicles collided. The Mazda sustained minor damage, and the Honda sustained Moderate damage. Sapaugh sustained minor injuries and was transported to Salem Memorial District Hospital by ambulance.
An accident happened Tuesday afternoon at 2:52 on Highway 72 about five miles south of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2008 Ford Explorer driven southbound by 76-year old Roberta Allman of Rolla, was making a left turn into a private drive and was struck from behind by a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze driven southbound by 18-year old Karlie Johns of Salem. The collision caused the Explorer to overturn and travel off the left side of the roadway. Johns and Allman both suffered minor injuries and were taken by the Phelps County Ambulance to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center. They were both wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevrolet was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing. The Explorer was also totaled and removed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing.
The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors held their May meeting Tuesday evening at the fire station. After approval of the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting, the Board reviewed and approved the bills as presented. The budget was reviewed with a general revenue balance at the end of April of $148,779.15. The balance for same dates in 2017 was $92,161.07. The monthly reimbursement report was presented with a total of 36 calls for the month. No further information was available as the department was at a pallet fire on Highway 119 for most of the day. In old business, it was reported that engine 85 is still in the shop for Department of Transportation lights to be installed and updated. The sub frame is also being repaired and structurally increased. Truck 89 radios are being installed, programmed and set up for the command center. Work on truck 89 should be completed this week. Chief Brad Nash presented the board with copies of lawyer agreements, lease agreement, and warranty deed paperwork for review by the board. This paperwork is necessary for the completion of the grant the department received from the USDA and will be discussed at the next meeting. Chief Nash also reported the new UTV is outfitted and in service. The UTV can be used for various jobs ranging from brush fires to search and rescue. June 5th was set for the next meeting to take place at 6:00 p.m. at the fire station and the meeting was adjourned.
The Missouri Department of Conservation is reviewing regulations of the Wildlife Code of Missouri regarding gigging on Ozark streams and wants public input through a brief online survey regarding timing of the season, season length, and comments. You can share your input on gigging on Ozark streams through the Missouri Department of Conservation homepage at mdc.mo.gov under GIGGING FEEDBACK. Please take the survey by June 15.