Local News – Monday, March 16th, 2020
After extensive consultation by officials with the “Rally in the 100 Acre Wood,” local and national health departments, governmental officials, community members, competitors and volunteers, as well as officials from the American Rally Association, the ARA National Rally scheduled for March 20th and 21st in the Missouri Ozarks has been cancelled. The decision to cancel the event was not taken lightly, but concern for the health and safety of competitors, volunteers, fans and the host communities must take precedence at this time. All options were exhausted in an effort to create a safe environment and an atmosphere that we hoped would bring a respite from the current climate that surrounds the outbreak of COVID-19. They do understand and regret the burden this puts on the community that holds the rally. The Rally in the 100 Acre Wood plans to come back strong in 2021 and hopes to extend the festivities for the Show-Me Rally on October 3rd to help make up for this loss, but there are no formal plans to reschedule the event, although several options are being considered. More information regarding event refunds or similar event logistics will be handled and communicated in the coming days. ARA would like to thank everyone involved in the rally community for their support and passion over the past few days as the situation regarding the Coronavirus continues to rapidly change.
Governor Mike Parson declared a State of Emergency for the State of Missouri concerning the coronavirus. Because of the announcement and other actions taken by organizations in the state, Healthy Dent County has decided to postpone the “Girls Night Out” Event scheduled for March 26th. They are working on a date to reschedule in May and will let you know of that date as soon as possible. Also, the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Service at the Salem Community Center@The Armory has been suspended until further notice. The AARP will continue to assess whether they can open again in some or all sites for the remainder of the tax season or if the tax season is extended by the federal government. Healthy Dent County and the AARP want everyone to be safe and healthy and feel that this is the best course to take at this time. If you have any questions, please call 729-8163.
The Dent County Sheriff's Office has released reports for March 2nd through the 4th. On Monday, March 2nd, a deputy responded to the 500 block of Dent County Road 5120 for a report of property damage. Deputies arrived on scene and discovered that a 41-year-old Salem woman was the reported victim. The total value of the property that was damaged is $45.00. This report is still under investigation. Then on Thursday, March 4th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 38000 block of Highway 72. During the course of the traffic stop, a 34-year-old Salem woman was arrested for driving while having her license revoked or suspended, the possession of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid of 10 grams or less, and the unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where she was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. Also arrested during the incident was a 32-year-old Bunker woman for an active warrant through the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office She was transported to the Phelps County Jail. That same day, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 3500 block of Route OO to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 56-year-old Rolla man was arrested for active warrants through Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he later posted bond and was released. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff's Office at 729-3241 if you have any information about any investigation.
The City of Salem Planning and Zoning Committee will be holding a public hearing at 6:30 tonight at the City Hall Council Chambers to give parties a chance to be heard about adding zoning regulations and definitions for a domestic winery to the code of ordinances as a conditional use in a Commercial Zone and permitted use in an Industrial Zone. They will also give people a chance to to be heard about adding zoning regulations and definitions for microbreweries, microwineries and meaderies to the Code of Ordinances of the City of Salem as a conditional use in a commercial zone and a Permitted use in an industrial zone. A Public meeting will follow the hearing tonight at the council chambers before the regular board of aldermen meeting which begins at 7:00. At that meeting, the board will hear bids on the fire hydrant saver equipment before going over the consent agenda. Planning and Zoning Chairman Gary Brown will then give his report on the public hearing and meeting held prior to the board of aldermen meeting before City Administrator Ray Walden provides an update on the city projects. The board will hear three bills and they will be Bill #3439 amending Chapter 600 concerning alcoholic beverage regulations of the city ordinances regarding domestic wineries; Bill #3440 that would also amend Chapter 600 concerning alcoholic beverage regulations of the city ordinances regarding microbreweries/microwineries and meaderies; and Bill #3441 annexing new property into the city limits. In new business, the board will make a Salem Housing Authority appointment before voting to stay in or leave the MPR Pool Insurance Group. The board will then go into closed session to discuss litigation. The Planning and Zoning Committee hearing and meeting as well as the Salem Board of Aldermen meeting are all open to the public.