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Missouri’s 8^th Annual Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday begins at 12:01 AM on Friday, August 5^th and continues through Sunday, August 7^th. During this time period, the state’s 4.225 percent sales tax will not be assessed on certain purchases made in Missouri. The sales tax will not be charged on the purchase of clothing or shoes that does not have a value of more than $100 and school supplies used in a standard classroom not exceeding $50. This does not include CD players, headphones, sporting equipment, portable telephones, copiers, or other office equipment. Personal computers and computer accessories that don’t cost more than $3,500 are also exempt. Computer software is considered a school supply and is free from the sales tax if it’s value is less than $350. The City of Salem and Dent County will be participating in the Missouri 8^th Annual Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday. If you have questions on items that apply or questions visit the website dor.mo.gov/tax/business/sales/taxholiday/ school/ or call (573) 751-2836.

A public meeting has been announced by the representatives of three organizations to discuss possible action concerning the recent closings of access roads and restrictions on camping along properties managed by the National Park Service. Representatives from the Voice of the Ozarks, the Missouri Trappers Association and the Salem chapter of the recently formed Common Sense Conservation group met July 28^th to discuss recent actions taken by the National Park Service. The single act that brought the issue to a fever pitch was the “rehabilitation” of the primitive camping area at the mouth of Sinking Creek in northern Shannon County. The government’s placing of boulders has denied visitors the opportunity to launch a boat or place an RV in the popular gathering spot.  The three organizations agreed to co-host a meeting where not only common ground could be found among their groups but with the controlling agencies as well.  Concerns included the possibility of a hidden agenda of turning the Ozark National Scenic Riverways eventually into a Wilderness Area and the closing of access a first step, and the overall lack of transparency with which the National Park Service typically operates. Last year, the National Park Service closed off some trails and traces even after public outcry was against their planned closures. An open meeting has been scheduled for August 11 at 6:30 PM in the Salem City Hall.  All persons interested in the rights of those in accessing our public properties and concerned about a Federal government’s responsibility to act openly and with a sense of accountability are encouraged to attend. 

The contestants for the Miss Dent County and Jr. Miss Dent County have been announced. Contestants vying for Miss Dent County which was open to young ladies from the age of 15-20 are Ashlee LaRue, Makayla Farrar, Alicia Wallis, Emily Smallwood, Emily Sullivan, Kala Trolinger, Brittany Collins, Amber McDaniel, Olivia Elliot, and Breanna Warden. The Junior Miss Dent County contestants are Makenna Farrar, Desiree Collins, Amanda Green, Marissa Blaylock, and Brooke Shults. These girls are between 11 and 14 years of age. These pageants will be held on Thursday, August 11^th at 7:30 and will be on the stage during the 83^rd Dent County Fall Festival at the Commons.

An accident occurred on Monday, July 29^th at 3:15 in the afternoon on Highway 19 at Rolla Road in Salem. According to the Salem Police report, a 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier driven by Jessica Dean of Salem was stopped on the highway to make a left turn onto Rolla Road and was struck in the rear by an unknown Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, who braked and began sliding. The S-10 Blazer then left the scene of the accident. Dean sustained minor injuries but sought her own medical treatment. The Cavalier sustained minor damage. The accident was not investigated at the scene.

The Meramec Regional Planning Commission, in cooperation with the Phelps County PHA Family Self-Sufficiency Program, will host a free workshop on homeownership, credit repair and credit building. The workshop is planned from 10:00 am to noon on Monday, August 15^th at the Peoples Bank located at 701 North Franklin in Cuba.  Linda Jaycox, Raymond James financial advisor, will be presenting. The workshop is offered at no cost and registration is requested by Monday, August 8^th. Free training classes are a part of the MRPC and PHA’s efforts to help prepare families who are first-time homebuyers for homeownership and make them aware of the resources available to assist with homeownership. To register for the workshop or for more information call (573) 265-4200.

Sports [TOP]

Casey McGehee launched three home runs as the Brewers doubled up the St. Louis Cardinals, 10-5, in the rubber match of a three-game series at Miller Park. Rafael Furcal had a three run homer and sacrifice fly for the Cardinals. The Cards’ starter, Edwin Jackson, who was trying to win four consecutive starts for the first time in his career, surrendered 10 runs on 14 hits over seven frames to fall to 8-8 on the year. The Cards will be in Florida tonight to face the Marlins at 5:35 on KSMO.

Billy Butler hit a three-run home run and drove in four as the Kansas City Royals took a 6-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles in the second of three games. Alex Gordon went 3-for-5 with two doubles and two runs scored while Alcides Escobar went 3-for-4 with a two-run triple for the Royals. Manuel Pina had two hits and a run scored in his MLB debut. Luke Hochevar (8-8) got the win as he gave up just two runs -- one earned -- on four hits with a walk and seven strikeouts over 7 1/3 innings. The Royals and Orioles play again tonight.

Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer was named the American League's top rookie for the month for July. Hosmer led all AL rookies with 34 hits and nine doubles over 27 games. He also added five homers, 19 RBI and 12 runs scored while posting a .523 slugging percentage and .358 on-base percentage.

Veteran quarterback Marc Bulger will retire rather than accept an offer to return for another season in the NFL, according to a report from ESPN. Best known for the time he spent as a starter for the St. Louis Rams, Bulger made two Pro Bowls in his career after being selected by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round (No. 168 overall) of the 2000 NFL Draft out of West Virginia. He started at least 14 games four different times for the Rams, including all 16 in 2006. He passed for 22,814 yards, 122 touchdowns and 93 interceptions in 96 games with St. Louis, including 95 starts.

Obituaries   [TOP]

Memorial service for Elisabeth Jane “BJ” Kinyon of Rolla, age 80, will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Christ Episcopal Church of Rolla building fund. All arrangements are under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary of Rolla.