News
The Dent County Commissioners met for the final time in 2012 Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, newly elected state representative Jeff Pogue came by to visit with the commissioners and hear any concerns they may have before he heads to Jefferson City on January 9th. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles talked about the county budget law that does not allow counties to adjust the budget downward if revenues are not coming in or expenses spiral. He also discussed the fact the county has to publish in the paper detailed financial statements that cost about $2,000 when he felt that a summarized version would be just as informative, or just be able to put it online. Skiles also said that the state could without incurring any cost make the state speed limit on unpaved county roads lower than what it is now which is 55 miles per hour unless posted. Commissioner Dennis Purcell talked about the prisoner per diem from the state that is under $19 per day now and also about the reduction in state reimbursement for mandated assessments every two years. Pogue said that he would research these issues, ask questions of legislators and see if a bill or two could be submitted that may help. He said that January 31st was the last date to get a bill submitted for consideration. In the road report, District 1 and 2 crews were out doing some snow removal and sanding where needed. Purcell said that District 1 workers were out Saturday pushing snow in and around the Bunker area as they received about eight or nine inches Friday night. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley stated that she is working on the 2013 county budget. At 10:00, the commissioners held a public hearing to amend the county’s General Revenue Budget. This was necessitated when the county received a bill for the work on done on the Swiney Bridge Project that came in at $240,872.90. The commissioners originally budgeted $210,000 to be paid from the Road and Bridge Fund, but since the project came in at a higher bid and so late in the budget year, paying the money out of the Road and Bridge Fund would have resulted in a negative balance in the fund at the end of the year if reimbursement was not received. The decision to amend the budget was made after a discussion with the state auditors to make the payment from the General Revenue Fund instead of the Road and Bridge Fund, so the commissioners elected to pay the bill of $240,872.90 from the General Revenue Emergency Fund. After the public hearing on the amending the budget was posted, the county received the reimbursement payment of $240,872.90 from the Forest Service. That money went into the Unanticipated Revenues Fund in General Revenue to offset the payment. This transaction is a “wash” and does not reflect any net change to the financial statements. The commissioners unanimously approved the budget amendment. At 1:30 in the courthouse, the elected officials were sworn in to begin their duties on January 1st. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be held Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.
Hunters age 6 through 15 harvested 2,197 deer during the statewide firearms deer late youth portion, which ran Dec. 29 and 30. Young hunters shot 2,193 deer during this portion in 2011. Young hunters also checked 19,277 during the early statewide firearms deer youth weekend, which ran Nov. 3 and 4. The late youth portion concluded this year’s firearms deer season with a total harvest of 257, 307. The second segment of the deer archery season remains open through January 15.
The Salem Police Department released more of their reports. On Monday, December 24th at 8:39 in the morning, an officer was dispatched to Progressive Ozark Bank in reference to counterfeit money. The investigation revealed the banks’ in cash deposits received a counterfeit ten dollar-bill and two counterfeit twenty-dollar bills from two separate patrons of the bank. On Tuesday, December 25th at 12:32 in the morning, an officer was sent to a domestic disturbance in the 600 block of North Henderson. That investigation led to the arrest of a 28-year old Salem male for disorderly conduct. He was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Wednesday, December 26th at 6:15 in the morning, an officer was dispatched to Casey’s General Store on Highway 19 in reference to counterfeit bills. The investigation revealed someone passed four counterfeit twenty-dollar bills. At 1:45 that afternoon, an officer assisted the Juvenile Office in the detention of a 16-year old female juvenile of Salem who fled juvenile authorities and was wanted for distribution of a controlled substance. She was released to the custody of the Juvenile Officer. Later on that afternoon at 1:55, an officer was called to Casey’s General Store located on Macarthur in reference to a theft of fuel. That investigation revealed that a 37-year old Salem male, driving a red Pontiac Grand Am, pumped $41 in fuel and left without paying. He was later located in Texas County deceased as a result of a one vehicle traffic crash. That evening at 9:14, an officer was sent to a residence in the 1400 block of South Gertrude in reference to a domestic disturbance. The investigation revealed that a 26-year old Salem female was intoxicated and causing property damage in a residence. She was arrested for assaulting a police officer, property damage, and peace disturbance. She was then incarcerated pending the application for warrants. Anyone with information regarding the counterfeit bills is asked to contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.
Intercounty Electric Cooperative is sponsoring the January 8th Salem Area Chamber members’ luncheon meeting. This meeting will be held at Southwest Baptist University, 501 S Grand, beginning at noon. Karen McNew, Manager of Member Services and Development, will be speaking on how the co-ops are addressing current energy needs and challenges for the future. There is no cost for lunch but please RSVP by January 4th, by calling 573-729-6900, e-mailchamber@salemmo.com or stop by at 200 South Main Street.
Sports [TOP]
The Salem Boys Basketball Tigers will be back in action tonight in the Owensville Tournament. Salem is seeded 5th in the tournament and will face Hermann starting at 5:30. Salem enters the game with a 2-5 record. The winner will play Friday night at 6:00 while the loser will play Thursday night at 6:00. You can hear the game on KSMO Radio and online at ksmoradio.com.
The Salem Lady Tiger basketball team will play at Bunker tonight starting at 5:00. The Lady Tigers are 6-5 on the year.
The Kansas City Royals have signed outfielder Endy Chavez and infielder Miguel Tejada to Minor League deals. Tejada, a six-time All-Star and former AL MVP, has 15 seasons of big league experience. Chavez has a career average of .269 with 26 home runs and 229 RBI.
Following their second 2-14 finish in five seasons, the Kansas City Chiefs have fired head coach Romeo Crennel. Crennel took over for coaching duties with three games left in the 2011 season and coached all of this year.
Obituaries [TOP]
Graveside services for Charles Franklin Dace of Sullivan, age 67, will be held on Thursday at 1:00 at the Mill Creek Cemetery in Wayne County. Visitation will be held tonight from 4:00 to 7:00 at the Wilson Mortuary Chapel in Viburnum. Interment will be in the Mill Creek Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family of Charles Dace.
James Daniel Schwartz, age 80, of Salem passed away Friday. Mr. Schwartz’ wishes were to be cremated. All arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Mortuary.
Funeral services for Harriet Giebink of Rolla, age 88, are incomplete at this time. All arrangements are under the direction of James and Gahr Mortuary in Rolla.
Weather [TOP]
