News – Tuesday, December 3rd 2024

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports four people died in traffic crashes during this year’s Thanksgiving holiday counting period that started at 6:00 Wednesday, November 27, and lasted through 11:59 Sunday night. During the Thanksgiving holiday counting period, troopers report the following preliminary traffic statistics for 2024 show there were 362 crashes with 120 injuries and four fatalities which were all investigated by the highway patrol. There were also 106 DWI arrests made by troopers. During the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday counting period, troopers investigated 431 traffic crashes, which included four fatalities and 138 injuries. Statewide, nine people died and 483 people were injured in 1,342 traffic crashes over last year’s Thanksgiving holiday. Troopers arrested 103 people for driving while intoxicated during the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday counting period. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, one traffic fatality occurred in the Troop C area near Weldon Spring, MO; one traffic fatality occurred in the Troop D, Springfield area; one traffic fatality occurred in Troop F in the Jefferson City area; and one traffic fatality occurred in Troop G, Willow Springs area. On the water this year, there were zero boating crashes, zero boating fatalities, zero drownings, and zero boating while intoxicated arrests reported during the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday counting period.

The Dent County Commission held their regular meeting Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray was not in attendance due to a prior commitment. In the road report for District 1, rock was going to be added and grading done on Dent County Road 6210, while only grading was being done on county roads 5180 and 6090. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk stated that rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 2120 and 5310. He said crews would be changing a filter on grader #42 and the grader blades were being changed on grader #37. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he, Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams and Dent County Clerk Angie Curley all attended the MAC Conference last week before Thanksgiving and said it was a very good conference. He did say he would be attending the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District meeting today in St. James which will be followed by their awards banquet which Larson will also attend. Clerk Angie Curley said she balanced with the treasurer on all accounts for October. The commission also voted to approve a requested budget adjustment for the Sheltered Workshop for 2024 showing an additional $45,608 in income. The next commissioner meeting will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

These reports were released for the last week of November from the Dent County Sheriff’s office. On Saturday November 23rd deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 1800 block of County Road 2400. During the stop, a 21-year-old Salem man was found to have an active warrant for his arrest. Subject was transported to the Dent County Jail. Then on Monday November 25th deputies conducted a traffic stop at W. Franklin and Highway 19. During the stop, a consent search was conducted, and a 42-year-old Salem man was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. Subject was transported to the Dent County Jail. The next day Tuesday November 26th deputies conducted a well-being check at County Road 3240 and 3230. During the call, a 42-year-old Salem man was found to be in possession of a firearm. Charges are pending based on the subject being a convicted felon. Later that same day deputies conducted a traffic stop at Hunt St. and Highway 19. During the stop, the operator, a 62-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving without a valid license. Additional charges for failing to register as a sex offender are pending. On Wednesday November 27th deputies responded to the 500 block of County Road 5110 for a physical assault. During the call, a 47-year-old Salem woman was arrested for assaulting her 67-year-old father. Subject was transported to the Dent County Jail and placed on a 24-hour hold pending issuance of formal charges. The next day Thursday November 28th deputies responded to the 800 block of E. Hawkins St. for a wanted subject. The suspect, a 51-year-old Salem man, was arrested on a warrant and transported to the Dent County Jail. The following day Friday November 29th deputies responded to the 5800 block of W. Highway 32 for a stranded motorist. During the call, a 50-year-old Salem man was arrested on an active warrant and transported to the Dent County Jail. If you have any information on any ongoing investigation, please contact the Sheriff’s office at 573-729-3241.

Tuesday night, November 26th in closed session, the Board of Aldermen met in closed session to discuss personnel matters. During this session, the Board unanimously approved a merit pay adjustment for the City Administrator, Sally Burbridge. The decision was made following a roll call vote, with all members voting in favor. The adjustment reflects the merit percentage previously approved for city employees in the current fiscal year and takes effect immediately. Burbridge appointment in January of 2023 and has demonstrated steadfast leadership, with a vision and dedication to making progress in our community. The Board of Aldermen and the Mayor extend their gratitude to Mrs. Burbridge for her outstanding contributions.

The 2024 Christmas Fest Art show and Sale with the Ozark Heritage Artisans will be held Saturday, December 7th from 9:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon at the Creative Arts Center on South Main, next the ONCRC. Everyone is welcome to shop for unique handcrafted gifts and home accessories created by local artists at the annual Christmas Fest Art Show and Sale! There will be demonstrations, free snacks and a free kid’s craft table, an elementary art show, and a holiday door prize.  Thanks for supporting the Arts and shopping local in our community!