Scenes from the Tigers’ annual preseason scrimmage, 1B
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TUESDAY, August 20, 2013
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Dent County A baptism in Current River?
Briefly Give two days notice Fall Festival begins at The Commons The 85th Dent County Fall Festival will take place Thursday-Saturday at The Commons. The three-day fair will include midway carnival rides, queen pageants, musical entertainment, vendors, a silent pastry auction, exhibits and displays and the demolition derby. Admission to the midway is free, except for Saturday’s Demolition Derby, and wrist band specials will be offered each night to allow fairgoers to ride all the rides for one fee. For more information see the Aug. 13 edition of The Salem News and thesalemnewsonline.com.
By Allyssa D. Dudley Staff Writer allyssa@ thesalemnewsonline.com The Ozark National Scenic Riverways is now actively enforcing a policy that would require churches to apply for a special use permit in order to baptize on the riverways. ONSR has required those participating in first amendment activities to apply for a special use permit for nearly 25 years, according to Faye Walmsley, public information officer. First amendment activities can include religious services, public demonstrations and press coverage, according to information pro-
vided by ONSR. “We have just never actively used the authority until 2006,” she said. Walmsley said the policy is in place in order to prevent scheduling conflicts. She cited that several times she knew of multiple weddings attempting to take place on the same day at the same location, when there also may be another event taking place. “It is a policy that needs to be enforced. We want to make sure there is no conflict between entities,” she said. For the members of Gladden Baptist Church, being required to schedule their baptisms at Sinking Creek
ahead of time is a conflict in itself. “If the Holy Spirit is working on Sunday morning, you’re going to baptize Sunday afternoon. You may not know ahead of time,” said church member Dennis Purcell. Purcell said that the congregation of Gladden Baptist Church has baptized its members on Sinking Creek for nearly 50 years. Originally members of the congregation would go down to the water’s edge to view the service. This changed in 2011 when the parks service installed large Submitted photo boulders blocking the sandbar to vehicle traffic, including Jim Privett, pastor at Gladden Baptist Church, performs one of many baptisms the church holds in the Sinking Creek wheelchairs. area along the Current River. See Baptism Page 7A
A PERFECT DAY FOR ICE CREAM
Meth lab found, arrest made A Salem man and prior felon is being held in the Dent County Jail after a meth lab and firearms were located near his residence in southern Dent County. Robert E. Brown, 41, was arrested and is being held on $100,000 cash only bond, according to a news release from the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. The search warrant was issued during a narcotics investigation when a "shake and bake" methamphetamine lab was found Aug. 10 near Brown's residence. More on the story, 2A.
WEATHER Tonight: 65 Wednesday: 88, sunny For up-to-date forecast see thesalemnewsonline.com
Coming Up Flag football signups are here The City of Salem Fall Youth Flag Football program for any boy or girl from 3-6 grade will begin signups on the evenings of Aug 22, 23, 29, and 30 from 4-6 p.m. and Saturday Aug 31 from 9-noon. For more information call Greg Nash at the Parks & Rec. Dept. office at 729-6290.
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City tax levy inches up By Brenda Jessen Staff Writer brenda@thesalemnewsonline.com
Gordon suffers shoulder injury Grant Gordon will be having stitches taken out of his shoulder Wednesday in Phoenix and will start rehab afterward. Gordon said last week he suffered a torn AC joint in his right shoulder earlier this month while at the Los Angeles Angels minor-league facility in Montana. More on the story, 3A.
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Photo by Donald Dodd Dennis Schafer hands over a cup of ice cream to Cami Kotschedoff and her grandmother, Carol Perry, during a fundraiser for the family of Kayla Meade, who died recently after a battle with leukemia. Scoops ice cream shop supplied ice cream, and proceeds from sales at a Saturday softball tournament went to help the family with expenses. About 20 teams took part and helped raise over $8,000.
TIMBER FUN DAY Parade and activities at The Commons will honor wood industry See ad, 12A By Dwayne McClellan Stafff Writer dwayne@thesalemnewsonline.com A parade in Salem and an afternoon of demonstrations, contests and games Sept. 2 at The Commons will be a way to recognize and honor the timber industry, said organizer Tod Kinerk. The theme is “Salute to the Timber Industry.” “The timber and logging industries are a big part of our local economy,” Kinerk said. “I thought this would be a good time to showcase them.” Initially, Kinerk started the planning and legwork. Now there is a six-person steering committee working on the project. Members are Kinerk, Sherman Odom, Bennie
Maxwell, Mike Fiaoni, Molly Zettel, Chris Thomas and John Hambacker. The parade kicks the Labor-Day activities off at 11 a.m. Grand marshalls are David McCall and his sisters, Pearl Mowers and Wanda Pyeatt. McCall worked in timber all his life, and his sisters won a chainsaw contest using a cross-cut saw in the 1950s. Terry Cunningham, retired chief forester for Pioneer Forests, will represent them, driving a 1951 Studebaker convertible in the parade. A free lunch, compliments of Vandivort Drug, operating in its 80th year, will be served noon to 2:30 p.m. at The Commons. The menu features burgers, brats, hot dogs, chips and soda. The Main event, featuring logging
games, will be held 1 p.m.-4 p.m. The games include a tree target drop at 1, 2 and 3 p.m., a chainsaw contest, cant hook roll contest and a pulp-wood toss. Joe Glenn, a safety instructor for the Missouri Products Association, will be running the games. A video “Last tie drive on the Current River” will be continuously showing in the multipurpose building. The schedule for games and contests is: 1-4 p.m. - Crosscut Saw contest 12:30 p.m. - Needle in a haystack, toy search for ages 3-4, 5-6 and 7-8 1:30 p.m. - Flint and Steel fire starting (three-person teams ages 8-16) 2:30 p.m. - turtle races (individuals are to bring their own racers) See Timber Page 5A
The City of Salem’s tax levy will increase slightly for 2013. In a 3-1 vote Monday night aldermen set the levy by ordinance at .6334 for each $100 assessed valuation. The increase, up .0091 from last year, is the second increase in the past five years. It is the maximum allowable by the state auditor under the Hancock Amendment. No tax rate increase was imposed from 2008-2011, then aldermen increased the levy to .6243 last year. Alderman Kenneth Nash voted against both the higher rate and the ordinance, saying that taxpayers have been hit hard with recent rate increases. The new rate is expected to bring in $290,000, about the same as the previous year. City Clerk Mary Happel said the increase is necessary to keep pace with expenses, since the city’s assessed valuation went down from the previous year from $46,594,563 in 2012 to $46,445,743 this year. See Aldermen Page 7A
SALEM R-80
Grades policy holds students to stricter standard By Allyssa D. Dudley Staff Writer allyssa@thesalemnewsonline.com A new policy in place for the 20132014 school year will make athletes ineligible if they receive a failing grade in any class. The Salem R-80 board of education heard the policy at Tuesday’s regular meeting. It would make a change to the athletics and activities policy affecting students in grades seven through 12. The new policy, which was written by high school principal John Smith, would cover all Missouri State High School Activities Association sports. Under this policy, students would be required to maintain at least a “D” in all of their classes. If a student has an “F” in any class at the end of the grading period, which is mid-term and quarter, they would be placed on academic probation. See R-80 Page 5A
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PHONE: (573)-729-4126 VOL XCVIII NO. 21 FAX: (573) 729-4920 2 SECTIONS, 24 PAGES E-MAIL: salemnews@thesalemnewsonline.com THE SALEM NEWS, Salem, Mo.
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NEWS Photo by Allyssa D. Dudley United States 8th District Representative Jason Smith (R-Salem) toured his district last week, stopping in Salem to speak with local elected officials Wednesday. After meeting in the courthouse, the group stepped outside for a photo. From left, Jim Kotschedoff, public administrator; Smith; Darrell Skiles, presiding commissioner; Gary Brown, mayor; Dennis Medlock, county collector; Gary Larson, district two commissioner; Cindy Ard, circuit clerk; Denita Williams, treasurer; Angie Curley, clerk; Tina Whitaker, assessor; Dennis Purcell, district one commissioner. Photo by Allyssa D. Dudley Stephanie Floyd, left, Developmental Pre-school coordinator, and Gina Daniels, physical therapist, get to know pre-schooler Alice Atkinson and her mom, Elizabeth Atkinson, right, during the developmental pre-school open house Thursday evening.
WEATHER DATE HIGH LOW PREC Aug. 13 81 65 0 Aug. 14 79 54 0 Aug. 15 75 51 0 Aug. 16 74 53 0 Aug. 17 77 58 0 Aug. 18 77 59 0 Aug. 19 82 61 0 Total precip for year 41.94
BAPTISM/Use permit avoids schedule conflicts, according to ONSR
two business days notification of events, including baptisms. “We’ll fill everything out for them, and do all the work, we just need to check the schedule and approve the events,” she said. Three area churches are currently using the master application permit for a singular location, including Midvale Pentecostal Church, Pleasant Grove United Methodist, and Hartshorn Assembly of God. “It doesn’t really change anything. They told us they were going to respect our traditions and heritage, and they haven’t done any of that,” Purcell said. Purcell stated that he has advised U.S. Representative Jason Smith of the issue. If a group or individual was found using the access area without a permit, there would potentially be a fine levied, Walmsley said.
From Page 1A It was due to this issue that Purcell contacted ONSR Superintendent William N. Black, who responded by advising Purcell that all activities would require a specialuse permit. In a letter dated July 3 Black wrote, “To maintain park natural/cultural resources and quality visitor experiences, specific terms and conditions have been established,” the letter said. Black went on to write that a master application would be produced and sent out in multiple copies to streamline the process, and those permits would be good for seven days. Walmsley said this week that in the future churches would be given an exception, and their permits would be good for one year. With the master application churches would be required to give
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From Page 1A Aldermen also approved: • Upgrading of the city’s existing radios at four well sites to comply with new FCC regulations for narrowbanding. Upgrading will be done by the sole bidder, Vandevanter Engineering at a cost of $8,488. • The Bank of Salem was the low bidder on interest rate of 1.97 percent for lease/purchases of city vehicles, including two dump trucks, one 4-wheel drive pickup and five police cars. Bids will be sought on V-6 Dodge Charger police cars by state bid. Aldermen took no action on bids for V-8 cars. Bids will be sought later on the other vehicles. • Changing the regular Sept. 16 aldermanic meeting to Sept. 23 to allow city officials to attend the Missouri Municipal League Conference. Reports • City Attorney Camm Seay reported that the Salem Planning and Zoning Committee took no action on a request from the Ora Campbell Trust for re-zoning of 900 South MacArthur Ave. from residential R-1 to commercial. The request failed to get a second on the motion. • City Administrator Clayton Lucas reported that the city received its permit from the Department of Natural Resources for construction of 1,844 feet of waterline on Missouri Avenue. Lucas said the painting of the clarifier at the Sewer Treatment Plant will be completed this week. Aldermen received copies of two separate plans for improvements at the Salem TCRC as an update on the project. Lucas also reported that the city’s John Deere tractor/mower will either have to be replaced or the motor will have to be rebuilt. A replacement is expected to cost about $11,000, while repairs would run about $6,500. • Parks and Recreation Department Director Greg Nash reported that the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Swimming Pool had average daily attendance of 72, had no major mechanical issues or major expenses this season, but the pool would have a loss. He said the pool house was painted and cleaned, and he received many positive comments about the improvements. He said a more detailed report will be available at the next meeting. • Mayor Gary Brown reported that the city’s sales tax revenue was down $33,077 from last year, but
up significantly from 2011. Brown reported that the city’s emergency preparedness sirens could not be sounded this month because of inclement weather conditions. He said the next test date is Sept. 3, weather permitting. The mayor also reported that the annual Cobra Rally is set for Sept. 7, with all proceeds going to the Salem High School Marching Band. • Economic Development Director Ray Walden reported that plans are progressing for Timber Fun Day Sept. 2, including a parade. The organizer is Tod Kinerk, and volunteers are needed to as-
sist with various activities. Walden also reported that construction is under way on housing units off Hwy. 32 West, and he encouraged aldermen to view the development.
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What’s Next for Baby Boomers and Beyond For decades The Salem News has been publishing The Golden Years, a special section that focuses on seniors and information that is important to them. The lives and interests of “seniors” are changing, and we are changing along with them. The section will have many of the old favorites, along with information that today’s more active, healthier seniors are seeking.
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Over 4,000 of the sections will be delivered in The Salem News and distributed at local venues in Dent County. The section will include:
Readers send in (via email to salemnews@thesalemnewsonline.com or bring by the office ) the best pictures of their grandkids. We run the best of those submitted, and all of them on thesalemnewsonline.com. Deadline is Sept. 4.
• Health-wise: A column on health and fitness aimed at 50-somethings from Susie Cahill at the Salem Fitness Center. • Your garden: A gardening column from Nancy Midyett, a Master Gardener. • Cedars of Lebanon: Stories on seniors 70 and over who are still heavily involved in work at their church. Stories submitted by church pastors. • SMDH: Many medical tests can be done here at home, saving time and money. SMDH lets you know how. • Dent County people: A feature story on a senior who is active in the community, a hobby or still at work. • Ministries: United Methodist Church Pastor Doug Walter writes about ministries seniors can do to boost their church, community and lives. • Dating again: When the nest empties, those in their 40s and 50s find time to date their spouse again. We will talk to a few empty nesters to see what they now have the time to do. • Potluck prizes: Brenda Gorman, grand prize winner in the 2011 Salem Publishing Company Holiday Cookbook, shares some of her favorite recipes that are great for church dinners. • Five great things to do this fall: The weather’s great, and a few active Baby Boomers shares five of their favorite activities to do this time of year in the Ozarks. • Senior Center: A story on the activities, events and services of the center on McGrath Lane. • Nest egg: You are retired, now what is the best way to protect those savings? Local financial advisers offer tips. • SMTS schedule
Contact Karen, Donna or Pam to reserve your spot in this publication. The Salem News (573) 729-4126 • email: salemnews@thesalemnewsonline.com • 500 N. Washington, Salem MO.
DENT COUNTY FALL FESTIVAL: PAGE 3A, 1B, 6B
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High school sports are back
TUESDAY, August 27, 2013
Cobra Rally returns to Salem Sept. 7 By Brenda Jessen Staff Writer brenda@ thesalemnewsonline.com The second annual Current River Cobra Rallies will be held Sept. 7 in Salem. The event is being organized by the Mid America Cobra Club and the goal is to get as many 1960s era AC bodied Shelby Cobras on display around the courthouse square as possible, but the car show is open to all special-interest vehicles. Last year the show featured 28 Shelby Cobras.
Rally organizer Randy League, a 1971 Salem High School graduate, and Planning Director for the Mid America Cobra Club, said the event is open to all makes, models and years. The entry fee is $20 and includes access to the car show and Current River scenic cruise. “This is a very informal car show with all proceeds from the event going to the Salem High School Marching Band,” League said. Last year the event raised nearly $1,000 for the Marching Blue, he said.
Offices to close for Labor Day
SMDH approves tax rate The board of Salem Memorial District Hospital unanimously accepted the new tax rate of .1908 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, same as a year ago. More on the story, 4A.
WEATHER Tonight: 68 Wednesday: 93, sunny For up-to-date forecast see thesalemnewsonline.com
Coming Up
Photo by Allyssa D. Dudley Pre-school teacher Joey Crossgrove prepares lockers for her 30 new students who arrived eager to learn on Aug. 14 for the inaugural year of the pre-school. By Allyssa D. Dudley Staff Writer allyssa@thesalemnewsonline.com The year began for area schools this month, and the first day was not just for students. Salem R-80 school district, as well as area rural schools, added several new positions and revamped key programs. William Lynch Elementary The school added a Title preschool program to their curriculum. The program, which is housed at William Lynch, will address the needs of low-income children. Led by veteran teacher Joey Crossgrove the program uses a curriculum that is similar to that used by the kindergarten classes. Crossgrove said that the pre-school students would have more flexibility in their learning based on their individual needs. “Pre-school makes all the difference for these students,” Crossgrove said.
League said the afternoon cruise will accommodate multiple scenic and historic stops. “The cruise will include a 126-mile cruise around the Ozarks. Scenic stops will be made at Montauk, Akers Ferry, Round Spring and Alley Spring and then return to Salem for dinner,” League said. For event information please contact League at (816) 719-5157 or randy@currentrivercobrarally.com. For registration information, please email: registration@currentrivercobrarally.com
William Lynch has also hired several new staff members, including Michelle Steelman, kindergarten; Laine Schafer, second grade; Christina Crocker, personal aide; Elizabeth Warden, personal aide; and Tori Parker, aide at the Developmental Preschool. Salem Upper Elementary The upper elementary has established two new programs that seek to promote healthy living and extracurricular activities. The 100 Mile Club was established through a grant to promote students, parents, staff and community members to walk a mile at least three times a week. This will take place weekly from 3:15 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Students will participate in club time on Fridays during specials block. Students are given choices between a fitness club, mallet/music club, art club or computer club, and they change every quarter.
The upper elementary also has several new staff members, including Tina Whitaker, sixth grade special education; Chelsey Brakefield, fourth grade special education; Kati Craft, sixth grade mathematics teacher; and Kristy Bermudez, sixth grade special education paraprofessional. Salem Junior High Junior high principal Bobbie Jo Lewis stated that six teachers are being added to the faculty. Those include Dustin Craft, eighth grade social studies; Rona Keniston, eighth grade math; Judith Wood, eighth grade language arts; Jeff Smail, seventh and eighth grade resource; Jennifer Shipley, ninth grade algebra, and Bryan Carty, in-school suspension. Salem High School Principal John Smith has one new staff member, Sean Guffpey, a special education teacher. See Schools Page 4A
The National Park Service will no longer require permits for baptisms on rivers in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, according to an announcement Thursday from the office of Congressman Jason Smith (R-Salem). “Today’s decision by the park service is a victory for common sense,” said Smith. “The notion that permits would be required for baptisms on our riverways is ridiculous. I appreciate (ONSR) Superintendent Bill Black’s quick response to my request to rescind the permit requirement, and I want to continue working with him and the folks who live along the rivers to preserve our traditions and rural way of life.” Smith was notified of the reversal in a letter from Black dated Aug. 22. “As of today the park’s policy has been clarified to state that no permit will be required for baptisms within the riverways,” said Black’s letter to Smith. “We have reviewed our past practice of issuing special use permits and determined that I have the flexibility within agency policy to allow the baptisms without a permit. “We also share your concern for the continuation of this traditional use of the rivers. As of today the park’s policy has been clarified to state that no permit will be required for baptisms within the riverways.” Some church members say more needs to be done. See Baptisms Page 12A
Missing road signs can be inconvenient and dangerous Today’s My Story is written by Angie Curley, Dent County Clerk, about a discussion she had with her daughter Payton about the dangers of damaged and missing road signs. Submit a My Story on any subject to salemnews@thesalemnewsonline.com or P.O. Box 798, Salem, MO 65560.
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My daughter Payton and I had a discussion after I
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about 9 a.m. Saturday around the Courthouse square. There will be a break between the show and the cruise for lunch, and the cruise will be in the afternoon, then an informal dinner Saturday evening at the Brick House Grill. “Proceeds from the show will go to a great cause, the Salem High School Marching Band,” League said. “We will be asking for $20 donations at the courthouse during the show. There will be trophies for Mayor’s Pick, Police Chief’s Choice and the SHS Marching Band will select a favorite.”
By Allyssa D. Dudley Staff Writer allyssa@thesalemnewsonline.com
Sunday, Sept. 8: First Baptist Church of Bunker will be celebrating their 75th anniversary with a dinner starting at 1 p.m. followed by a program at 2 p.m. Bro. Doyne Johnson will be the guest speaker and New Highway will be the special music feature. Cake and ice cream will follow the program.
spotlight on
League, now a resident of Lee Summit, has close ties to Salem and still owns property in Dent County. His parents, Craig and Erma League, were natives of the area. League said the format of the car show will change a bit this year. Both the car show and the cruise will be on Saturday. “It will be a no-stress weekend to meet other car enthusiasts, enjoy the cars, visit with families and friends and just enjoy being in the beautiful Ozarks area,” League said. The car show will start
Permit is New school year, no longer new beginnings required for ONSR baptisms
Salem High School is scheduled to open its football and softball seasons this week. The Tigers will unveil a new spread offense, while the Lady Tigers are hoping to defend their first SCA title. Sports page, 7A.
Local, state and federal offices will be closed Monday in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Salem Post Office windows will be closed Monday with no mail delivery. Dent County schools, including Salem R80, Oak Hill R-I, Green Forest R-II, Dent-Phelps RIII and North Wood R-IV, will be closed Monday. City of Salem Administrative Offices, Dent County Courthouse, Judicial Building and the Salem License Bureau all will be closed for the holiday. The Salem News office will be closed Monday, but the Tuesday paper will be published and delivered at normal times.
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By Angie Curley
came back from a county clerk’s conference, where I learned about a girl who almost died in another county due to a county road sign that was missing. She was in a car accident on a county road. A 911 call was dispatched, and the rescue
My Story
emergency personnel could not find the accident due to the fact that county road sign was missing. I remember years ago being a teenager and hearing of people taking road signs, thinking it was fun, and not realizing it could cause harm to someone, or that it is a cost to the taxpayers. Payton, just turning 15 years old this month, and I had this conversation regarding driving and the importance of road signs. We
discussed this story of the girl in an accident on a county road. Payton didn’t realize the importance of county road signs and thought she needed to let her teenage friends be aware of what happens when county road signs are stolen, damaged or missing. Dent County has a little over 15,000 residents and is a rural road community. The county road signs are numbered throughout the
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county from the 2000s to the 6000s. Dent County has over 600 miles of county roads, and the road sections run in a clockwise direction. Every house has a 911 address, and for the 911 address system to operate effectively there must be county road signs throughout Dent County that are visible. It is important and critical for the safety of drivers and residents. See My Story Page 12A
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PHONE: (573)-729-4126 VOL XCVIII NO. 22 FAX: (573) 729-4920 3 SECTIONS, 26 PAGES E-MAIL: salemnews@thesalemnewsonline.com THE SALEM NEWS, Salem, Mo.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
The Salem News/Salem, Mo.
NEWS BAPTISMS/Churches still want better access
Submitted photo Payton Curley and her mother Angie Curley, the Dent County Clerk, want to bring attention to the dangers caused by road sign damage and theft. From left, are ninth graders, Tyler Pilkington, Payton Curley, Kari Hatridge, Shelby Carr, Chey Sercl and Camryn Pryor. Back row, Dent County Sheriff Rick Stallings, Fire Chief Brad Nash, 1st District County Commissioner Dennis Purcell and 2nd District commissioner Gary Larson. The group got together recently and discussed the problem.
MY STORY/Damaging and stealing road signs is not harmless fun
From Page 1A County road signs are not only used for receiving mail and packages, but also critical for emergency personnel to find a residence. It could be a matter of life or death when a resident calls 911, whether it’s the police, the fire rescue or an ambulance, and that responder cannot find that address due to a missing road sign. Do you realize that if a stop sign is stolen or damaged, someone could possibly drive onto oncoming traffic at an intersection or onto a highway and collide with another vehicle? People who take part in stealing road signs may do so thinking it’s harmless fun. However, these signs are des-
12A
ignated for safety and emergency reasons. Taking these signs can result in penalties. Not only could someone face possible fines or jail time, but it’s also a burden on taxpayers. The cost to replace a missing or stolen county road sign in Dent County the past two years has been a little over $1,600. Payton and I would like to educate people of the importance of damaged or missing county road signs. Whether it’s an address for mail delivery, a fire rescue call, a 911 call, needing an ambulance or teenagers learning to recognize road signs driving, it’s very important that these signs are visible to all. Listening to the story of the girl from another county who
survived was amazing, but could have had a different turnout. If you notice a missing or damaged road sign, I encourage you to please call your county commission at 729-3044, the Dent County Road and Bridge Department at 729-7770 or the Sheriff’s office at 729-3241. WEATHER DATE HIGH LOW PREC Aug. 20 85 63 Aug. 21 85 64 Aug. 22 88 68 Aug. 23 89 68 Aug. 24 91 67 Aug. 25 88 65 Aug. 26 89 71 Total precip for year 41.94
From Page 1A “We’re really happy the permit issue is taken care of, but that isn’t the whole story,” Gladden Baptist Church member Dennis Purcell said. Purcell said the boulders and gate at Sinking Creek are still restricting the access of the elderly of his congregation. Faye Walmsley, ONSR public information officer, stated that the gravel bar is closed to all vehicles, but is open to foot and wheelchair traffic. She said if the boulder gate is too narrow to accommodate wheelchairs, they would be moved further apart. A standard gate is in place for boat access, and remains unlocked from Sept. 15 to March 31 to accommodate gigging and trapping season, according to a release from ONSR dated August 29, 2012. “We have to protect our resources,” Walmsley said. She went on to say that it is possible the integrity of the gravel bar would be at risk from excessive vehicle traffic. “Since the gravel bar is closed to all vehicles the church would still need a special use permit to gain vehicular access to this area, which we would be happy to provide,” Black wrote. The ONSR began actively enforcing the policy that would require churches to apply for a special use permit in order to baptize on the riverways several years ago. ONSR has required those participating in first amendment activities to apply for a special use permit for nearly 25 years, according to Walmsley. First amendment activities can include religious services, public demonstrations and press coverage, according to information provided by ONSR. Walmsley said the policy was in place in order to prevent scheduling conflicts. However, churches would be
given an exception, and their permits would be good for one year. With the master application churches would be required to give two business days notification of events, including baptisms. Three area churches had used the master application permit for a single location, including Midvale Pentecostal Church, Summersville, Pleasant Grove United Methodist, Chillicothe, and Hartshorn Assembly of God, Hartshorn. If a group or individual was found using the access area without a permit, there would potentially be a fine levied, Walmsley said. Members of Gladden Bap-
tist Church pursued the issue of scheduling their baptisms ahead of time after a July 3 letter from Black advising of the permit requirements. Purcell then contacted Smith and advised him of the issue. An article regarding the required permits ran in The Salem News and on thesalemnewsonline.com August 20. Over 5,000 people read the story on the web site within 48 hours, and thousands more read it in the newspaper and spread it on facebook and other social media sites. Smith reacted immediately and made his request of Black.
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