Local News – Tuesday, February 5th, 2019

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge was in to provide her report of economic activity this past month in Salem and in the county. She did mention the City of Salem has launched a new Facebook Page for city and community daily postings and reminders. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams brought in the budgeted transfers that need to be made to a number of funds that were already approved in the budget. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell indicated that materials were going to be added and patch grading done on Dent County Roads 5410, 5520, 6400 and 6410. He said brush would be cut on county road 5600 and some patch grading will also be done on many Dent County Roads in the 2400’s. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated that materials would be added and patch grading done on county roads 2020, 2110 and 2530. Larson said crew members were working on brush cutter #6 and if they can get it working on time, they will cut brush on county road 2070. Larson reported work crews would be removing a tree that overhangs Dent County Road 2530. It is not blocking the road at this time, but does hang low. Dent County Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles stated he attended the MRPC Day at the Capitol last Tuesday. He said the MRPC representatives had the chance to visit with numerous legislators about the MRPC legislative priorities. Skiles said there would be no commissioner meeting Thursday as the commissioners will be attending their mandatory training. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said those who are not registered and would like to vote in the April election will need to register by March 6th. She said February 19th would be the first day for absentee voting for the Municipal Election. Curley went on to report she was working on the county Financial Statement. Mary Beth Cook, Coordinator of the Dent County Community Foundation, came in to discuss the possibility of a supporter of the foundation using a couple of MRPC hours to secure their not-for-profit status. Commissioner Darrell Skiles was going to check with the MRPC before any vote was taken on allowing those hours to be used. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday, February 11th at 9:00 at the courthouse and that meeting will be open to the public.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a number of reports. On Sunday, January 20th, deputies checked on a stranded motorist near the 100 block of Route Z. During the course of the investigation, a 28-year old Salem man was arrested for active warrants through Dent County. The male was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. On Tuesday, January 22nd, deputies conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Hunt Street and 4thStreet. During the course of the traffic stop, a 40-year old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended. The male was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, fingerprinted, issued summons and released. On Thursday, January 24th, deputies traveled to the 100 block of Dent County Road 5460 for a report of a burglary. During the course of the investigation, a male subject fled on foot from the residence towards an open field. Several items including legal papers, $25.00 in US currency, a small Christmas village and an antique milk bottle were found to be stolen. This report is open and still under investigation. That same day, deputies traveled to the 2000 block of Highway 32 east for a report of a runaway juvenile. During the course of the investigation, the juvenile was located at a residence near the 100 block of County Road 4170. The juvenile was transported back to her residence. On Saturday, January 26th, deputies received a report of a van being stolen near the 100 block of County Road 4155. During the course of the investigation, the stolen vehicle was located on Dent County Road 4210. During the traffic stop with the stolen vehicle, a 45- year old Salem woman was arrested for stealing a motor vehicle, possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, operating motor vehicle on a highway without a valid license, and domestic assault 2nd degree. The female was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. if anyone has any information about an ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

There will be a Craft night this Thursday night from 6:00 to 8:00 at Echo Bluff State Park. The craft at this workshop will be basket making. The workshop costs $25 and it covers all supplies. Call 844-322-3246 for information.