News

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting at the Dent County Courthouse Monday morning. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell reported that brush would be cut on Dent County Road 6255, ditch work would be done on Dent County Road 5465, and a crew would be installing a crossover culvert and adding material to Dent County Road 6220. Purcell also said that men would be at the county shed doing maintenance work on a grader and screening rock. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported that brush would be cut on Dent County Roads 4280 and 5225 and culverts would be installed on Dent County Roads 2330 and 2360. Larson also said that crewmembers would be hauling material to Dent County Roads 2313, 2330, 2360 and 4380. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to remind anyone who is interested in the Assistance to Fire Department Grant that the deadline is July 5^th at 5:00 pm. The grant is available to fire departments and other emergency medical service providers for things such as; training, facility improvements and equipment. If interested, call 1-866-274-0960 or email firegrants@fema.dhs.gov. Dent County Deputy Clerk Crystal Pilkington reported that absentee voting for the August 7^th Primary Election begins today and in order to absentee vote, you must have a valid reason and identification. Pilkington also said the last day to register to vote for the primary election is July 11^th. The Commission voted 3-0 to approve and sign the contract for the Parks property that sets directly east of the Judicial Building. The contract states the county will pay $25,000 down and then will pay the remaining balance of $60,000 on or before September 24^th. The contract also requires that the current owners have all manmade material removed before the remaining balance is paid. The county will then have the property leveled off and a parking lot built. At the previous meeting, Jan Lange with Centurylink came in to discuss the counties phone accounts and rates and Doug Wisdom stopped by to talk with the Commission about Dent County Road 5150. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 and that meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released their reports. On Thursday, June 7^th at 11:50 in the morning, an officer was contacted at the station in reference to a theft from mail. The investigation revealed that someone took mail that did not belong to them. That evening at 5:52, an officer was dispatched to the 300 block of West Franklin in reference to a theft. That investigation revealed that someone took a black 20-inch bicycle valued at $100. Later at 10:21 that evening, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation led to the arrest of a 42-year old Caulfield male for possession of barbiturates and driving while revoked. He was incarcerated pending the application for warrants. On Friday, June 8^th at 7:28 in the morning, an officer was contacted at the station in reference to a theft from a residence in the 200 block of North Askins. That investigation revealed that a person or persons unknown took a gas barbeque grill valued at $400 from the porch of a residence. That evening at 5:37, an officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Oak in reference to a disturbance. The investigation led to the arrest of a 30-year old Salem female for disorderly conduct. She was issued a summons to appear in court and incarcerated on a 12-hour hold. Anyone with information about the thefts, which are still under investigation, is asked to call the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds everyone to be extremely careful with fireworks during this time of very dry conditions and lack of rain. MDC also urges campers and others in the outdoors to follow precautions to protect lives, property and Missouri’s precious forests, fish and wildlife. Do not light fireworks in any areas where the sparks could ignite dry grass, leaves or other potential fire fuel. Always have an approved fire extinguisher and/or an available water supply to douse sparks or flames. Also wet the area around where fireworks are being discharged. Check with local ordinances and authorities for bans on fireworks and open burning. When making a campfire, clear a generous zone around fire rings. When humidity is low and wind is high, debris can become tinder for a stray spark or ember. Store unused firewood a good distance from the fire and never use gasoline, kerosene or other flammable liquid to start a fire. Never leave a campfire unattended!

An accident occurred at 11:40 Sunday night in Shannon County on Route K at Akers Ferry. According to the highway patrol report, a 2009 Kia Rondo driven by 62-year old Shirley Nash of Salem traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a park sign. Nash suffered serious injuries and was transported to the Salem Memorial District Hospital and was then flown by Air Evac to the St. John’s Hospital in St. Louis. She was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Kia sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Tyler’s Towing of Eminence.

An accident occurred at 5:15 Monday morning in Shannon County on Route FF about two miles north of Birch Tree that took the life of the Mayor of Summersville. According to the highway patrol report, a 1999 Peterbilt log truck driven by 40-year old Leroy Wells of Summersville traveled across the centerline and off the side of the roadway and overturned. Wells was pronounced dead at the scene by Shannon County Coroner Tim Denton at 5:55 and his body was taken to the Cox South Hospital in Springfield. He was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Peterbilt was totaled and removed from the scene by Gentleman Jim’s.

Route 32 in Dent and Iron Counties will be reduced to one lane as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs. This section of roadway is located from Route 72 in Dent County to Route KK in Iron County. Weather permitting work will now through Thursday, June 28^th between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm daily. The work zone will be marked with signs.  Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.For additional information, contact MoDOT's Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-275-6636.

Sports [TOP]

Pinch-hitter Joe Kelly's run-scoring single in the top of the 10^th inning proved to be the difference, as the St. Louis Cardinals rallied past the Miami Marlins, 8-7, in a wild game on Monday. Rafael Furcal had an RBI double in the 10^th for the Cardinals and Yadier Molina hit a two-run homer in the ninth to tie the game. Allen Craig and Carlos Beltran had an RBI apiece. St. Louis starter Jake Westbrook allowed two runs on six hits over six innings. Victor Marte (2-1) picked up the win. The Cards and Marlins play again tonight and you can hear it on KSMO at 5:35.

Luke Hochevar tossed the second shutout of his career as the Kansas City Royals defeated the Tampa Bay Rays, 8-0, in the opener of a three-game series at Kauffman Stadium. Hochevar (5-7) struck out eight while scattering seven hits and a walk to record his first shutout since September 18, 2009. Yuniesky Betancourt had three RBI while Eric Hosmer homered and knocked in a pair for the Royals, who snapped a three-game slide. The Royals and Rays play again tonight.

Obituaries   [TOP]

Weather   [TOP]