Local News – Tuesday, January 8th, 2019
The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the courthouse. At the meeting, Salem Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge gave her report for economic activity in the city and county for the month of December that includes a couple of leads about businesses coming to Salem and the possibility of one expanding. She reported that the unemployment rate in Salem was at 2.9% for the month of November, and she stated that a meeting to develop an Economic Development Strategic Plan would be held on January 17th at a location to be determined. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated with the weather being so good, crews will be grading on Dent County Roads 5080, 5085, 5100, 5610, 5670 and 6090. He also said brush would be cut on county road 5610. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated materials would be added and grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2070 and 6160 while grading only would be done on county road 5225 as well as some other roads. Larson said brush would be cut on county road 2200, a man would be screening brown rock at the shed, and a downed tree was being removed on county road 2530. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said that he has been getting some reports from people the local taxes that CenturyLink charges for a land line are not going to Dent County. Local officials have no control over this and for some people these changes have just happened. The change was made by CenturyLink and you will have to call the customer service number to have that changed back. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she continues to work on the 2019 county budget. She also reported that she and the treasurer’s office have balanced on all accounts for the month of December and for the 2018 year. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.
A two vehicle accident happened Friday morning at 8:00 on Highway 8 at Route TT in Crawford County. According to the highway patrol report, a 2015 GMC Yukon, being driven by 33-year old Lauren Kreitne of Steelville was eastbound staring to make a left turn and failed to yield to a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan being driven by 42-year old Michele Weidman of Steelville. The Weidman vehicle then struck the Yukon. The Dodge Grand Caravan was totaled in the accident and the GMC sustained moderate damage. Kreitne was transported by private conveyance to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan for treatment of minor injuries. According to the report, both drivers were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident.
The 3rd Annual SMDH Foundation “Dancing with the Salem Stars” Event will be held this year on Saturday, January 26th at the Salem R-80 High School Gym. The doors will open at 6:30 with the show starting at 7:00. There will be 12 dancing pairs this year that include David Schatz and Kelsie Schatz, Jimmie Cotner and Linda Maledy, Don Sneed and Lorna Mundwiller, Easton Mays and Dottie Steelman, Shannon Wright and Marilyn Sweitzer, Rocky Linley and Lena Sherrill Pettus, Jaclyn Plattes and Trudy Rutland, Scott Roberts and Megan Seay, Brett Capps and Jaimie Jones, Jim Stanfast and Rosalie Wright, Rick Ragsdale and Melissa Ragsdale and A.J. Seay and Val Meyer. Tickets for a seat at a table are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Bleacher seating is also available for $5 per person. Sponsor tables are still available for $300. Please call Jason Edwards at 729-6626 ext 2110 to sponsor a table or for ticket information. Funds raised from this event will go towards funding needed improvements and capital equipment for the hospital.
The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will hold their monthly meeting Tuesday, January 8th, beginning at 6 PM at #2 South Main. After the call to order and roll call, the board will approve the consent agenda and review minutes from the previous meeting. Following the financial report and approval of bill there will be a calendar review and monthly reimbursement report then old and new business will be addressed. The board will then go into closed session if necessary. The date will then be set for the next meeting prior to adjournment. The meeting is open to the public.