News – Thursday, October 31st 2024

Tuesday afternoon in a sentencing hearing in front of Judge Michael Randazzo in the 42nd Judicial Circuit Court in Dent County, former mayor and alderman of Salem, and former Dent County Fire Protection District fire chief Brad Nash, received a 15-year sentence ruling on each of two felony counts of second-degree child molestation on children less than 17-years of age and the offender greater than four years older which is an aggravated sexual offense. The two terms are to be served concurrently in the Missouri Department of Corrections. Nash had pled guilty on August 28th to the two felony counts. Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley released other reports on hearings held Tuesday. Those cases included James Hobson of Salem, who pled guilty to felony drawing or exhibiting of a firearm. Hobson’s probation for the unlawful use of a weapon was revoked and he was sentenced to serve 12-years in the Department of Corrections as requested by Prosecuting Attorney Curley. The defendant had previously served a 12-year RSMO Section 559.115 for the unlawful use of a weapon as a persistent felony offender. Monica Easton pled guilty to the possession of a controlled substance. Her probation was revoked, and she was sentenced to serve seven years in the Department of Corrections as recommended by Curley. Tenille Hobson of Bunker pled guilty to driving while being impaired and also driving with a revoked license for her involvement in a single vehicle crash in Dent County back in April. She was sentenced to serve eight years in the Department of Corrections as requested by the prosecutor. In the last case heard on Tuesday, Tommy Johnson of Salem, pled guilty on two counts of possession of a controlled substance, meth and fentanyl. He was sentenced to serve seven years under RSMO Section 217.362 as requested by Curley.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, encourages everyone to have a safe Halloween. It’s that time of year when young ghosts, vampires, superheroes, and cartoon characters are planning their night of trick-or-treating. It’s imperative that drivers and pedestrians stay alert. Young children excited by Halloween could dart in front of a vehicle. Slow down and drive with extra caution. Expect an increase in the number of slow-moving vehicles in neighborhoods as motorists pick up and drop off trick-or-treaters. Please be courteous and stay alert for trick-or-treaters of all ages. Distracted drivers are dangerous drivers when you’re driving, keep your eyes on the road, not on your phone! Parents, please remind children to approach only familiar houses that are well-lit. Remind them they should never enter a stranger’s house or vehicle. Consider trick-or-treating with your children for their safety and because it’s a fun way to spend an evening. Give some thought to safety when choosing a costume. Consider using make-up rather than wearing a mask, which can obstruct a child’s vision making it difficult to see an oncoming car. A light-colored costume is easier for drivers to see at night and adding reflective tape to dark costumes makes them visible. Flame resistant costumes are encouraged. All trick-or-treaters are reminded to watch for traffic while they are out and about this Halloween. Remember to look both ways when crossing the street. Use sidewalks wherever possible and trick-or-treat while it is light outside. If you do go out after dark, increase your visibility by using a flashlight and wearing a light-colored costume. An adult should always accompany small children, and older children should stay in groups. Many adults enjoy dressing up and visiting haunted houses or attending gatherings of friends. If you are driving to a costume party, make sure your costume doesn’t hamper your vision. If you attend a Halloween party that includes alcohol, designate a sober driver for the trip home. Alcohol, even in small amounts, slows reaction time and dulls the senses. Driving after you’ve had alcohol could have a sad and possibly deadly result. Have a safe, happy Halloween!

The Dent County Fire Protection District will be handing out free hotdogs at the fire station tonight from 5:30 till 8:00 to everyone in the car! They will also have Ladder Truck 8012 on 4th Street for the 3rd Annual Dent County Trunk or Treat giving out candy. They can’t wait to see all the great costumes.

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways has announced deer hunting season dates and guidelines for the upcoming season. The annual firearms deer season runs November 16-26, with youth seasons set for November 2-3 and November 29-December 1. Alternative methods season will run December 28 to January 7. Dent County hunters should note two additional hunting opportunities. The county is included in the antlerless firearms season December 7-15, and will be open during the Chronic Wasting Disease season from November 27 to December 1. Hunting is permitted in most areas of the park except within 300 yards of developed zones, which include buildings, campgrounds, hiking trails, and public facilities. Hunters must wear orange clothing and follow all state regulations. Tree stands must be labeled with owner information and removed by February 15. Ground blinds are allowed but must be removed after each hunt. Superintendent Jason Lott reminds visitors that the park remains open to all during hunting season. To report wildlife violations, contact NPS Arrowhead Dispatch at 844-460-3604 or Operation Game Thief at 800-392-1111. For complete regulations, visit the Missouri Department of Conservation website.