Local News – Thursday, October 15, 2020
A one vehicle accident happened in Dent County on Highway 72 about eight miles north of Salem Tuesday morning around 7:20. According to the highway patrol report, a 2012 Chevy Silverado driven westbound by 22-year old Edward Ferguson of Salem, traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck an embankment. Ferguson suffered moderate injuries and was transported by EMS to the Phelps Health in Rolla. Ferguson was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevy Silverado sustained extensive damage and was removed by Whitaker’s Towing.
On Monday, October 12th the Salem R-80 School District was notified that a middle school staff member had tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). Students, their families, and other staff members in close contact with the staff member were notified by the Dent County Health Department as it relates to possible quarantines. The Salem R-80 School District will continue to work closely with local health officials to monitor evolving circumstances and revise our plans as needed. Interested persons may view the dashboard on our website where they can view reporting information for the entire district.
The Salem Police have released information on an accident that happened on October 11th at the intersection of Highway 32 and Highway 72. According to the Salem Police report, a 2009 Kia Sportage driven by Dorothy McDonald of Salem was stopped in traffic on Highway 72 waiting to turn left onto Highway 32 east. At that moment, a 2005 Ford Mustang on Highway 32 driven westbound by Zane Keeney of St. James at speeds over 70 miles per hour, attempted to turn north on to Highway 72 and was unable to make the turn. The Ford slid and skidded before T-boning the Kia in the driver’s side. The Kia spun around after being struck and was facing north. McDonald was taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by a private vehicle with injuries while a passenger in the Kia was taken to the Salem Hospital by EMS. Keeney was also taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital with injuries by the Dent County Fire Protection District. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by American Towing LLC.
Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley released a number of cases heard in Dent County Friday in front of Judge Megan Seay. In the first case, Curley reported that Rachel Miller of Salem pled guilty to the possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine, and for resisting arrest. She was sentenced to 10 years in the Department of Corrections under RSMO Section 559.115 as requested by the state. In the second case of the day, Jacob Eaton of Bixby pled guilty to the possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine. He was sentenced to four years in the Department of Corrections as recommended by the state. Also on Friday, a probation revocation hearing was held for Josh McAfee of Washington, Missouri, and he was sentenced to 10 years in the Department of Corrections as a result of the hearing. Also on Friday, Adam Hilburn of Springfield, Missouri had his probation revoked. He was sentenced to serve five years in the Department of Corrections. The final case Friday involved Keith Colgrove of Salem who was on probation for domestic assault. According to Curley, Colgrove’s probation was revoked and he was sentenced to serve seven years in the Department of Corrections as requested by the state.
Representatives from Missouri State Parks invite the public to attend an informational meeting at Montauk State Park at 3:00 Saturday afternoon at the campground amphitheater. The public is invited to share comments about the park and its operations during the meeting. Staff will be present to provide information and answer questions. Input from the public is important to Missouri State Parks. These informational meetings, which are being held in all state parks and historic sites, help create two-way communication with the public. The meetings give staff the opportunity to inform the public of the current status and future plans for the park or historic site, while also offering visitors the opportunity to comment on the facilities. The public is strongly encouraged to follow social-distancing guidelines and be proactive in protecting themselves and others amid ongoing public health concerns. Come prepared with hand sanitizer and bottled water, avoid large and congested crowds, and please stay home if sick. Face coverings are encouraged when social-distancing measures are difficult to maintain, and may be required by local orders. Montauk State Park is located 22 miles southwest of Salem on Highway 119 in Dent County. For more information about the meeting, call the park at 573-548-2201.
The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be meeting this evening at 6:00 for their regular meeting. After the consent agenda and communications, the Board will consider a resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of Series 2020 General Obligation Refunding Bonds with L.J. Hart & Company. Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed will give her report including the September membership count, tax credit update, Chamber presentation and COVID update. The principals will then update the board with reports on each building before the board hears new business. In new business, the board will discuss the football stadium name proposals, substitute pay and policy updates. The board will then adjourn and move into Executive Session to discuss personnel pursuant to RSMO 610.021(6) including Job Description for position replacing SRO and Superintendent’s Evaluation. The regular board meeting will be in the district administrative offices boardroom and is open to the public.