Local News – Tuesday, July 9th, 2024

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Monday morning in the courthouse. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley appointed District One Commissioner Wes Mobray as acting Presiding Commissioner in the absence of Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson who was absent due to a prior commitment. In the road report Mobray said that brush would be cut on Dent County Roads 5100, 5103, and 5105, plus a mechanic was coming from Jefferson City to work on the other brush cutter that has been broken down in the Montauk area for nearly two months. He also reported that the transmission was being serviced on Grader #38, since the oil sample from the last service contained metal shavings. He also noted that due to those test results the commission is considering the purchase of extended warranties on the last two Cat graders that were purchased. Mobray said that Pickup #123 has a tailgate problem the men are working on, plus his crew will be checking roads in southern Dent County for storm damage from last Thursday and Friday. District Two Commissioner Gary Polk reported that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2590, 2593, 2600 and 4290, plus brush was going to be cut on county roads 2437 and 3220. He noted that weather permitting his crew would be installing a culvert on county road 6160. Curley reported that 

bills were being approved by the commissioners for payment and that registration to vote in the August 6th primary continues through August 5th, plus absentee voting with an excuse continues through the 5th. She said that no excuse absentee voting will be July 23rd through August 5th and that her office would be open Saturday, August 3rd from 8:00 until 12:00 for absentee voting, plus she noted that the voting equipment will be tested July 24th at 9:00 in the morning. Curley also reminded voters to bring a photo id to the polls and no electioneering is allowed in the polls or within 25 feet of the polls. This includes hats, buttons, clothing, etc. She noted that this is a primary election and that voters will have to select a party ballot between the Republican, Democratic or Libertarian parties and sample ballots are available by mail, email, fax, or they can be picked up in her office. She said anyone with questions can contact her office at 573-729-4144. Curley also said she balanced with the collector and assessor for the month of June on all abatements, add-ons, and collections. At last Thursday’s meeting the commission signed the assessor’s contract for map and land transfers with Justin Basham for $600 in monthly installments and the contract runs from July 15, 2024, through December 31, 2024. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning in the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will hold their regular meeting this evening at 6:00 in the Old City Hall Auditorium at 202 North Washington. After approval of the agenda and the consent agenda the Board will hear Public Comments. The Board will then consider approval of bids for 2 Police Department Dodge Durangos and a variety of Police Department Equipment. The next item of business will be the Second reading of Bill No. 3612 repealing Chapter 710, Article III, Section 710.350 of the City Code, and

Bills No. 3613, 3614, and 3615, all dealing with the provision of electric services by the City of Salem. City Officials will then present reports followed by adjournment. The meeting this evening of the City of Salem Board of Aldermen is open to the public.

An accident occurred in Crawford County Sunday evening at 7:02 on White River Road two miles east of Highway 19. According to the Highway Patrol report an eastbound 2005 Polaris Ranger, operated by a 15-year-old male juvenile from Cuba, Missouri, began skidding and traveled off the right side of the roadway. A passenger, 27-year-old Kandis Barton of Cuba, suffered moderate injuries and was transported by Steelville Ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. The report stated that Barton was wearing safety equipment, while the juvenile was not. The Polaris sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by a private party.

The Dent County Sheriff’s office has released some reports. On Monday, July 1st, Deputies took a report for a burglary in which firearms, camping equipment and other items were stolen. The incident occurred in the 10,000 block of Highway 19 North. The victim, an 80-year-old Salem man, advised that the property was broken into on June 29th or June 30th. The investigation is ongoing. Then on Tuesday, July 2nd, Deputies responded to the 1400 block of West Scenic Rivers Boulevard for a wanted

subject. The suspect, a 31-year-old Salem man, was taken into custody and transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated. The suspect was in possession of suspected methamphetamine and the investigation is ongoing. Also, on the 2nd Deputies responded to the 400 block of Private Lane 333 for report of property damage. The victim, a 29-year-old Salem man, advised that a known subject damaged a tire to his vehicle. The investigation is ongoing. Finally on the 2nd Deputies responded to the 100 block of County Road 6100 for a report of stolen firearms. The victim, a 40-year-old Salem woman, stated a known subject stole multiple firearms from the residence. Further investigation revealed a portion of the firearms had been pawned or sold in other jurisdictions. Suspect information was obtained, and the investigation remains open. If you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s office at 573-729-3241.

The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) is highlighting Vehicle Theft Prevention Month this July. With vehicle thefts up 25% nationwide and occurring every 31 seconds, DCI recommends: Park in well-lit areas and always lock your vehicle. Hide valuables and never leave keys inside. Don’t leave running vehicles unattended and consider anti-theft devices. If your vehicle is stolen, contact law enforcement immediately, then your insurance carrier. DCI notes that auto policies typically only cover vehicle-related items. Personal belongings may require separate homeowners or renters’ insurance claims. Find more theft prevention tips at NHTSA.gov/theft.