Local News – Wednesday, August 12th, 2020
The Dent County Health Center announced Monday of a 12th positive COVID-19 Case in the county followed on Tuesday by a 13th case. The Salem Wal-Mart this past Saturday between 6:00 and 7:00 in the evening was identified as a location of possible exposure with the 13th case. Individuals at this location may be at low risk for contracting COVID-19, but should monitor for symptoms. If you suspect that you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, let your health care provider know before seeking care. It is critical that your provider is aware that you may have COVID-19 prior to your arrival at a healthcare facility, and that you follow all instructions for arriving at a healthcare facility. If you have any questions, please call the Dent County Health Center at 729-3106.
At the Dent County Commissioners meeting held Monday, Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams delivered to the commissioners’ information about the sales tax received in the month of August. Williams reported the General Revenue Fund and the LEST Fund each received $87,422.40 in August and that is $10,816.74 more than the $76,705.66 received in August of 2019. Year-to-date, both funds are up $41,044.12 and that comes to about a 6.53% increase. In the Road and Bridge Fund, the county received $42,175.68 and that is $5,772.90 more than the 2019 figure of $36,402.78. Year-to-date, the county Road and Bridge Fund is up $24,313.25 which would is an 8.41% increase. Williams also released the numbers for the Dent County Jail Operating fund and the Trust Fund. They both came in at $84,351.65 and that was $11,521.89 more than the $72,829.76 received in August of 2019. Year-to-date, the funds for the jail are both up $46,932.08 or about 8.10%.
An accident happened Monday afternoon shortly before 12:30 in Cole County on Highway 54 westbound at Old Bass Road. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 2010 Ford Ranger being driven by 17-year old Maria Werner of Steelville, failed to yield when entering the highway and struck the side of a 2006 Kenworth being driven by 61-year old Robert Morlang of Saint Joe, Arkansas. Werner suffered serious injuries and was taken by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment. Werner was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford was totaled while the Kenworth sustained moderate damage. Both vehicles were removed from the scene by Tow Pro.
The highway patrol released reports of two accidents on Monday that occurred in Phelps County. The first happened around 2:45 in the afternoon on Route Y about four miles west of Route E. A 1994 Ford F-150 being driven by 20- year old Echo Deeds of Rolla was westbound when she traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a culvert. Deeds was transported by EMS to Phelps Health for treatment of minor injuries. He was wearing a safety restraint when the accident happened. The Ford sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing. The second accident happened shortly before 10:00 Monday evening on Interstate 44 eastbound near the 193 mile marker. According to the report, a 2008 Nissan Versa being driven by 41-year old Shawn Leroux of Rolla, struck the rear of a 2009 Dodge Journey being driven by 37-year old Matthew Sherrill of Steelville. Leroux suffered moderate injuries and was transported by St. James ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. The Dodge sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene. The Nissan received extensive damage and was removed by Spurgeons Towing. Both drivers were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.
The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has submitted the following reports for early August. On Saturday, August 1st, a Deputy traveled to a residence in the 10,000 block of East Highway 32 to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 61-year-old Salem woman was arrested for two active warrants through Dent County. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. The next day, Sunday August 2nd, a Deputy conducted a traffic stop on MacArthur Street and Hunt Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 40-year-old Salem man was arrested for BAC – a prior offender and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia – a prior drug offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail, fingerprinted, issued summons and released. If anyone has information about an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.
The public and businesses are invited to take part of the Chamber Expo this Saturday from 10:00 in the morning until 1:00 that afternoon being held on the parking lot of the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center parking lot at 1136 South Main Street. Sales will be allowed at the Chamber Expo, however no alcohol, tobacco, or drug related items are permitted on the property. No food sales are allowed however there will be samples and giveaways. Non members may contact the Chamber to purchase booth space and one table will be permitted for each chamber member who reserves a booth. Tents are also welcome. Participants can set up between 8:00 and 10:00 Saturday morning and must be completed by 10:00. Participants are also encouraged to have giveaways, drawings and samples. Exhibitors will not be eligible for prizes. For more information on the Chamber Expo, you may call the Chamber office at 729-6900 or e-mail them chamber@salemmo.com or visit www.salemmo.com.