Local News – Tuesday, July 2nd, 2019

The Dent County Commissioners held their regular meeting Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, City of Salem Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge gave the commissioners an update on the economic activity during the month of June in the city and county including new prospects, ongoing opportunities and projects, marketing activities and new city business licenses that were issued. She also updated the commission on grants and explained to the commission about the medical marijuana ordinance that was passed by the city due to Amendment 2 being passed by the state and the restrictions and requirements of dispensaries and manufacturing. She talked about the historic Salem Ghost Tour hosted by Jacob Stotler that was held Friday night and drew about 300 people to the event. The next ghost tour will be held July 12th and 26th, while a special tour of McArthur Avenue will be held on Friday, July 19th. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5390 and 6660 while grading and ditch work will be done on county road 5130. Purcell stated that materials would be added and grading done on county road 5380 and brush was going to be cut on Dent County Roads 4180 and 4210. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 3200 and 4285, while only grading would be done on county roads 2350, 3180, and 4283. Larson went on to report that brush was going to be cut on county roads 3030 and 3040 and backhoe would be taken out to county road 2090 to clean out some pipes. He said patch grading would be done on county road 2070 and a man would be traveling to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal patching. Dent County Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended the Advisory Committee Meeting at the Wurdack Farm last Thursday and it was good turnout where the Dean of the Missouri College of Agriculture was there along with a number of people from the agricultural school. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that a voter canvass is underway and that people should be receiving a blue voter registration card in the mail. At the last meeting, the commission approved to allow the Salem Chamber choir to sell snow cones and Christmas ornaments on the courthouse lawn. It was also announced the Dent County Courthouse would be closed for Independence Day and also on Friday. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday, July 8th at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On Friday night, June 21st at about 9:37, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 900 block of South Hickory reference a domestic assault. The investigation of the report revealed a 26-year-old female of Salem had assaulted a 26-year-old male of Salem and left the residence in an intoxicated condition with children. After a further investigation, the suspect was located and placed under arrest for driving while being intoxicated, domestic assault and for endangering the welfare of a child. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and was released. Then on Saturday evening, June 22nd near 6:57, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1800 block of South Oak reference a domestic disturbance. That investigation revealed a 48-year-old male of Salem had unlawfully entered onto the property of another and refused to leave. A further investigation led to the arrest of a male suspect for trespassing. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and was released. And finally on Wednesday, June 26th at approximately 7:09 in the evening, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 33-year-old male of Salem for driving while having their license revoked and for the unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The suspect was incarcerated pending the application for warrants. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways will host the annual Alley Spring Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 6th, from 6:00 to 9:00 in the evening. This event commemorates the traditional picnic celebrations that were held at Alley Spring around the turn of the twentieth century when this area was the social gathering place for local families. The sounds of the Buzzard Run Bluegrass Band and stomping of the Country Ho’ Downers square dance group will ring throughout the valley. Free ice-cold watermelon and lemonade will be provided to visitors. The Spring Dipper from Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, will be on site dipping up delicious handmade ice cream. Bring the family and a lawn chair or lawn blanket and take part in one of the classic celebrations that define the Alley Community. Alley Spring is located five miles west of Eminence on State Route 106. For more information, phone (573) 226-3945, or visit the park’s Facebook page or website at www.nps.gov/ozar.