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The Dent County Commissioners held their meeting Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In road reports, District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell reported that grading would be done on Dent County Road 6400, patch grading would be done on Dent County Road 5410 and rock would be hauled to Dent County Road 6610. Purcell also reported that rock would be hauled and work continues on Dent County Road 6670. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that material would be hauled and grading would be done on Dent County Road 2070, and brush would be cut on Dent County Roads 3030 and 4437. Larson also reported that brown rock would continue to be screened and crews would be checking for stopped up pipes and downed signs. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to remind everyone that there would be a meeting Tuesday evening at the Salem City Hall starting at 7:00 pm regarding the Humane Society of the United States and the threat on Missouri Agriculture. Members of MO Farmers Care and the MO Federation of Animal Owners along with Representatives Jason Smith, Ward Franz, Don Wells and Paul Fitzwater will be in attendance. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley wanted remind voters that the last day to register to vote for the Presidential Primary in February is January 11,2012. If anyone has had an address change they are asked to stop by the clerk’s office or call 729-4144. The first day to absentee vote in the clerk’s office is Tuesday, December 27^th. The Dent County Commission wanted to remind everyone that the Courthouse will close at noon this Friday, December 23^rd, with Christmas Eve being on Saturday, and the Courthouse will be closed all day on Monday, December 26^th in observance of Christmas. Dent County Collector Dennis Medlock stopped by to remind everyone that the Dent County Collectors Office will also close at noon on Friday, and be closed on Monday, December 26^th. The Collector’s Office will have extended hours, Tuesday, December 27^th through Friday, December 30^th from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm and on Saturday, December 31^st from 8:00 am to 12:00 (noon) for those wanting to pay their taxes before the deadline to avoid penalties and interest. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday, December 29^th beginning at 9:00 am at the Dent County Courthouse and that meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting Monday night at the City Hall Council Chambers. The board previously requested bids for a professional engineer to prepare an electric utility cost of service and rate study for its electric distribution system. Only one bid was received from BHMG for $18,100. The board approved this bid with a budget adjustment to pay this expense. Director of Public Works Bill Huffman said that a public hearing would be held on January 16^th at 6:00 pm for several hearing notices that have been sent to property owners. Several departments are relocating city services on Highway 32 near MFA for the future bridge expansion to be completed by MoDOT. City Administrator Clayton Lucas reported that new exterior lights have been installed at the Salem Freedom Activity Center and new logos had been placed on all city vehicles. He explained a recent report regarding the city landfill received from DNR. There were seven action items and three recommendations for the city to complete to bring the landfill in compliance. Lucas suggested the city request bids on insurance rates for liability and workers comp from local providers.  Bids and a decision need to be complete by January 1^st to ensure that the city does not lapse in insurance coverage. Mayor Gary Brown explained that the city has signed a contract with Mid Missouri Municipal Power Energy Pool (MJMEUC) for electric service that would end in 2018. This agreement would mean a 15.7% rate increase over the next five years beginning in 2013. This would replace Sho-Me Power as the electric supplier to the city. The board approved resolution No. 27-2011 authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with the Crossroads Redevelopment Corporation for another year until December 4^th, 2012. The board appointed City Administrator Clayton Lucas as the new Building Commissioner. The board approved sending four electric department employees to an Apprentice Program at a cost of $10,000. The board also approved a vehicle use policy that would continue to allow department heads to take city vehicles home. These employees would be taxed on this benefit at the end of the year. This new policy would bring he city in compliance with the IRS policy. The board then went into closed session.

An accident occurred at 1:34 Monday afternoon in Dent County on Highway 19 about four miles north of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 Pontiac Vibe driven by 30-year old Kristen Roach of Steelville struck the rear of a 2004 Chevrolet 3500 driven by 53-year old Michael Booker of Salem, who was slowing for traffic. Roach suffered moderate injuries and was taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. Neither driver was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Pontiac sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. The Chevrolet sustained moderate damage, but was driven from the scene.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol wishes everyone a merry and safe Christmas. One way for it to be merry is for everyone to arrive at his or her holiday celebrations safely. Last year over the Christmas holiday, there were 1,264 traffic crashes during the counting period. This year’s traffic crash counting period begins at 6:00 pm on Friday, December 23^rd, and ends at 11:59 pm Monday, December 26^th. Please remember to wear your seat belt, pay attention to your driving, and please, don’t drink and drive. If faced with a traffic emergency, motorists can contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone.

Sports [TOP]

The Salem Lady Tiger basketball team lost to Ava, 61-18, Monday night. Salem was lead in scoring by Darian Grogan with six points. The Lady Tigers fall to 0-7 on the year and will be playing in the Lebanon Holiday Tournament next week.

Obituaries   [TOP]

Funeral services for Elizabeth Christine Sestak of Rolla, age 77, will be held Wednesday at 11:00 at the St. Patrick Church in Rolla. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 with a rosary service at 7:00 at the James and Gahr Mortuary in Rolla. Interment will be in the Sacred Heart Parish Cemetery in Rich Fountain. Memorials may be made to the Holy Family School of Freeburg or the St. Patrick’s School in Rolla.

Funeral services for Harold Wilbur Steelman of Salem, age 90, will be held Wednesday at 2:00 at the Wilson Mortuary in Salem. Visitation will be tonight from 6:00 to 8:00. Interment will be in the Dry Fork Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Corinth Baptist Church.

Funeral services for Edna Mae Sauer of Salem, age 99, will be held Thursday at 11:00 at the James & Gahr Mortuary in Salem. Visitation will be from 10:00 until service time. Interment will be in the Cedar Grove Cemetery.

A Memorial service for Donald Gibbons of Rolla, age 63, will be held Friday night at 7:00 at the James and Gahr Mortuary in Rolla. Visitation will be held from 5:00 until time of service.

Funeral services for Franky Eugene Oehring of Rolla, age 61, will be held Wednesday, December 28^th at 2:00 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Rolla. Visitation will be from noon until time of service at the church. Interment will be in the Roach Cemetery near Doolittle with full military honors. All arrangements are under the direction of the James and Gahr Mortuary in Rolla.

Weather [TOP]