COMING NEXT WEEK: ANNUAL GATEWAY TO THE OZARK RIVERWAYS EDITION City sales tax sees another monthly drop. - Page 3A TUESDAY, April 16, 2013 thesalemnewsonline.com has four decades of Dent County Cunningham great memories in the Pioneer Forest
Briefly American flags available for Memorial Day American flags for decorating veterans’ graves on Memorial Day, May 27, are available from Salem VFW Post 6280. Individuals representing local cemeteries can contact any Post member or call Tod Kinerk at 729-1452 for more information. Representatives will be asked to sign out the flags and agree to put out the flags and pick them up and store for the next use. The Salem VFW has been decorating veterans’ graves for Memorial Day at Cedar Grove with American Flags for many years.
By Brenda Jessen Staff Writer Brenda@thesalemnewsonline.com Pioneer Forest Manager Terry Cunningham is retiring after four decades in forest conservation and management. Cunningham has become one of the foremost experts on uneven-aged forest management throughout the United States. “It’s been rewarding. What I love about Pioneer Forest is the vision, started by founder Leo Drey, good stewardship and land ethics,” Cunningham said. “Our focus has always been to maintain the forest’s character with low impact practices.” Cunningham will be recognized for his lifelong work in forest management and conservation and honored during a barbecue Thursday evening at the Pioneer Forest office in Salem. Current Chief Forester Jason Green will
replace Cunningham in July as Pioneer Forest Manager. Cunningham, who turns 65 later this year, has worked at Pioneer Forest for 40 years, the last six years as forest manager. He served seven years as forester with Pioneer Forest in Van Buren and 28 years as Pioneer Forest’s chief forester. He takes pride in being part of the Pioneer Forest’s show of excellence in demonstrating good, sound forest management in the Ozarks. “One of the most rewarding parts of my work has been getting to see the results of a half-century of sustainable, uneven-aged forest management and building relationships with multi-generation contract loggers,” Cunningham said. Pioneer Forest harvests seven timber sales that yield 7-10 million board feet of timber a year. See Cunningham Page 12A
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Photo by Brenda Jessen Pioneer Forest Manager Terry Cunningham measures a tall cedar tree that helps determine height and amount of boardfeet of lumber the tree would yield. Cunningham will retire in July after 40 years with Pioneer Forest.
ESI consumers taken to The Pleasure Zone, Big Louie’s and casino
Tornado Alley on the move Tornado Alley will probably see slightly fewer tornadoes this storm season, while areas to its east will see a more than average number of tornadoes, says a climate expert at the University of Missouri. Tony Lupo, professor and chair of atmospheric science at the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, said that higher sea temperatures in the central Pacific Ocean will shift the jet stream pattern eastward over Tennessee, Kentucky, eastern Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. More on the story, 6A.
Salem boys, girls track teams win meets. Sports, Page 7A
WEATHER Tonight: 57 Wednesday: 81, isolated thunderstorms For up-to-date forecast see thesalemnewsonline.com
Coming Up Saturday, April 27: The Bunker Alumni Association Annual Reunion will begin 10:30 a.m. in the rock gymnasium to provide time for socializing. Rooms will be provided for the following classes: 1943, 1953, 1963, 1973, 1983, 1993, 2003, and 2013. Each class is allowed to bring refreshments to these rooms if desired. Individuals of these classes will be recognized at the regular meeting beginning at 2 p.m. in the rock gymnasium. Lunch will be served in the cafeteria at noon with a cost. The theme this year will be the “Nifty 50s.”
Photo by Mallory Evans-Coyne Art and history enthusiasts who are working to add historical murals to downtown Salem buildings include, from left, Kent Nichols, Shawn Bolerjack and Jay Anderson.
A future of murals
Three local men’s vision to transform a town By Mallory Evans-Coyne Staff Writer mallory@thesalemnewsonline.com Kent Nichols, Shawn Bolerjack and Jay Anderson fast became friends when they found common interests in art, local history and civic pride. Bolerjack and Anderson met while taking business classes at SBU. On a trip down Fourth Street discussing the history of buildings, they decided it was time to do a little cleaning up. To avoid searing heat, they met as early as 5 a.m. during the summer of 2012 to scrape old paint from buildings to add a
fresh coat. After a lot of hard work, they came up with the idea of improving the looks of downtown with a mural project. Nichols, owner of Kent Nichols Signs, told Anderson about a new sign material. With an industrial printer and vinyl material, a large intricate mural can be made and then heat-pressed to any surface, including brick and mortar walls. The heating causes the vinyl and adhesive to sink into every crevice, bonding to the wall for years. Nichols attended a school for aircraft design and has received awards in local and national science fairs. He
uses 3M vinyl for his jobs, as only 30 percent of 3M’s innovations are ever released to the public. “With such a small percentage of their products released, you know you’re getting quality,” says Nichols. What’s the upside of a vinyl mural? If it were to ever chip, fade or otherwise be destroyed, the image can be recalled on a computer, reprinted and put back on the wall. With traditional, hand-painted murals, it can be difficult to find the original artist for touch-ups and repainting. See Murals Page 5A
R-80 renovations to get under way soon By Allyssa Dudley Staff Writer allyssa@thesalemnewssonline.com After the April 2 passage of the Project K.I.D.S. bond issue, Salem R-80 Superintendent Steve Carvajal breathed a sigh of relief. “It was great, because it just showed how much the community really supports our kids,” he said. But now that voters have given R-80 the nod, a whole new chapter of work stands before Carvajal. During a meeting Wednesday the
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planning for renovation and new construction began. Currently scheduling is being looked at. Long needed construction on the roof will begin as soon as school lets out, he said. Renovations will start as well and will not be completed until the Saturday before the first day of the fall semester. New construction will begin July 1 and is set to finish Dec. 31. “Our biggest issue is storage for the classrooms, offices, library, etc.,” he said. The junior high gymnasium will be used primarily, but the
high school gym floor is scheduled to be refinished in July. “We are searching other avenues to keep our high school inventory,” he said. Carvajal said during the next meeting they will look at window samples, tile ideas and more details. “We are really excited to get started and have a school our community can be proud of,” he said. Finalized details of the plan are expected to be available next week.
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Paid staff at Enrichment Services, Inc., took developmentally disabled consumers to a gentlemen’s club, an adult store and a casino during the past year, according to monthly logs completed by ESI staff and obtained from a public records request to the Dent County Developmental Disabilities Board. Six consumers – the term for those under the care of the DCDDB and ESI – attended Big Louie’s Gentlemen’s Club in St. Robert, The Pleasure Zone Adult Store in Rolla, or Harrah’s Casino in St. Louis, according to the documents obtained by The Salem News. Those same documents show that while being paid, ESI staff played slot machines, observed exotic dancers and, in one instance, records reveal that staff purchased a lap dance at Big Louie’s for a consumer. DCDDB, also known as the SB40 board, requested in a Dec. 5, 2012 letter to the ESI board of directors that ESI discontinue taking consumers on “inappropriate” trips to “such venues as Big Louie’s Gentlemen’s Club, The Pleasure Zone and the casino.” According to the Missouri Code of State Regulations 9 CSR 10-5 of the rules of Department of Mental Health, sexual abuse includes “promoting or observing for sexual purpose any activity or performance involving consumers including any play, motion picture, photography, dance, or other visual or written representation… and/or encouraging inappropriate sexual activity between consumers.” “We of course feel that it is abuse, but who oversees (ESI)? No one,” said Phillip Giacomelli, Chairman of the SB40 board. The CSR goes on to say abuse shall be reported and failure to do so “shall be cause for disciplinary action, criminal prosecution or both.” CSRs are not suggested guidelines that organizations write for themselves, but rules that give an in-depth description of conduct and consequences, according to a spokesman for the office of the Attorney General. “If a code of state regulations is written, it would have the same authority as the law,” Nanci Gonder, press secretary, told The Salem News. CSRs also cover misuse of funds or property. The third-party audit report of Enrichment Services, Inc., obtained through the public records request shows that ESI receives $17,000 per year from the Department of Transportation, and an additional $18,000 from the SB40 board specifically for transportation. See ESI Page 12A
TODAY!
PHONE: (573)-729-4126 VOL XCVIII NO. 3 FAX: (573) 729-4920 2 SECTIONS, 24 PAGES E-MAIL: salemnews@thesalemnewsonline.com THE SALEM NEWS, Salem, Mo.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
The Salem News/Salem, Mo.
12A
NEWS
ESI/Investigation is under way by Department of Mental Health From Page 1A The six consumers that documents reveal went to Big Louie’s, The Pleasure Zone or Harrah’s are provided 24-hour care by paid ESI staff in a supported living facility paid for by state funding. In order to provide care, transportation, and housing, ESI receives a total of $1.5 million per year, according to their 2012 projected budget. All except for $1,500 raised privately comes from taxpayer money, according to the budget. About $972,000 of the total budget is for payroll. Their primary source of funding is through the Department of Mental Health, the Department of Health Services and the SB40 Board. Enrichment Services, Inc., started off as a product of the SB40 board. Soon after it was established, SB40 Executive Director Sandie Hogan said ESI decided to break away. ESI formed its own board, gained not-forprofit status, and contracted their services to the SB40 board. They remained in the same building, paying rent to SB40. ESI consumers are placed in their care by SB40, and SB40 is supposed to receive monthly reports on consumers to be able to better coordinate their care, according to Hogan. Giacomelli said the SB40 board has been frustrated by a lack of cooperation by ESI, and that ultimately, the Department of Mental Health would field any complaints about ESI. “We felt like we had followed a really good process, and we were just trying to protect the people in our care,” Giacomelli said of the SB40 attempt to halt visits it believes are inappropriate. Not everyone agrees. “It was nothing, just something the consumers really wanted to do,” said Vicki Wood, ESI board president, of the adult outings. “The consumers have rights, and if the guardian decided they should go that is their right to go.” ESI board members, according to the March 25 minutes of the board, are Wood, Bill Dent, Tomie Anderson, Larry Maxwell, Melva Terrill, Linda Langley, Sally Kerr and George McElvy. The consumers of ESI and the SB40 are, according to legislative statutes, those who have “a disability which
is attributable to mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy or a learning disability related to a brain dysfunction.” According to Hogan there are approximately 32 consumers under the care of 22 ESI paid staff members. Consumers live in independent supported living facilities with 24-hour care. Annual action plans show that they require assistance with cooking, hygiene, medication, exercise, financial planning, and relationship development. Some of the consumers taken to these adult locations have sexual behavior issues,
“We felt like we had followed a really good process, and we were just trying to protect the people in our care.” - SB40 board chairman Phillip Giacomelli on attempt to halt visits it believes are inappropriate according to the documents. A support coordinator with SB40 believes the use of sex toys purchased at The Pleasure Zone may have triggered inappropriate sexual behaviors to start again for one consumer. Former Public Administrator Larry Edwards served as the guardian for five of the consumers in question. He did not return calls from The Salem News for comment. In November of 2012 Hogan met with Edwards to express her displeasure with consumers in his charge going to Big Louie’s, The Pleasure Zone and Harrah’s, according to the documents. Four days later Edwards met with ESI and SB40 representatives and told ESI to “discontinue all trips” to Big Louie’s and The Pleasure Zone. Wood told The Salem News that she had been advised that only one consumer had gone in 2012. She said that the board was not aware of the others who had gone on multiple occasions, and believed the trips had ceased, based on what she said Watson told her. Watson was reached by telephone, but declined to comment.
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An anonymous hotline call was made to the Department of Mental Health regarding possible sexual abuse of consumers by ESI staff members as a result of taking them to what the SB40 board described as “inappropriate locations.” According to revised statute 630.167 the Department of Mental Health is required to investigate claims of abuse and if those claims indicate abuse, refer them to the department director or supervisor. On Feb. 5 Hogan was notified by phone that an investigation would be done by the Department of Mental Health’s Rolla Regional Office as a result of the hotline call. The next day an investigator showed up, according to documents obtained by the public records request. After completion of the investigation, the issue was referred to Jennifer O’Day, director of the Rolla Regional Office. “After thoroughly reviewing the inquiry report, I have found insufficient evidence to substantiate any abuse or neglect,” O’Day wrote in a Feb. 26 letter to Watson, one of the documents obtained through the public records request. When contacted by The Salem News and asked to comment on allegations of abuse and the inquiry, O’Day declined. “I’m going to seek legal advice,” she said. After requesting an interview with someone from the Department of Mental Health, The Salem News last week received an email from Debra Walker from the office of public relations stating “the Department of Mental Health cannot comment due to the pending investigation.” Walker said the Department of Mental Health investigation started the week of April 8. The Salem News sent a request for public records to O’Day April 5.
Last week’s weather report was not available from the U.S. Forest Service
From Page 1A Cunningham received the 2009 Forest Conservationist Award from the Conservation Federation of Missouri “in recognition of dedicated service and significant contribution in the wise use of our natural resources.” He was honored and presented with the prestigious Conservation Federation of Missouri statuette by Gov. Jay Nixon for his “volunteer and professional efforts to improve and protect our natural resources.” Last year he received the Lewis C. Green Environmental Service Award from the Great Rivers Environmental Law Center for demonstrating long-term commitment to protection of the environment He received the award in 2011 from The Ozark Chinquapin Foundation, along with MDC Forester Mike Fioni, for outstanding work saving and restoring the
Ozark Chiquapin Tree. The Pioneer Forest manager is responsible for everything that happens on Pioneer. Duties are varied, including supervising all personnel, working with staff to develop operating budgets, conducting forest inventory, planning annual sustainable harvests, preparing timber sale contracts, record keeping, paying bills and filing quarterly tax bills. Cunningham is a University of Missouri graduate, receiving his B.S. in Science and Forestry in 1971. He received his Associates degree in 1968 from Jefferson College. After graduation, He served as 2nd Lt. in the Army, then in 1972 worked as a three-month for temporary employee for the Missouri Department of Conservation before joining the staff of Pioneer Forest in July of that year, and he never left. Cunningham and his wife, Martha, plan to take morning
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walks, do some traveling and enjoy playing old-time country music with friends in Arkansas and Texas. Terry plays banjo and guitar. They raise and ride Appaloosa horses. They have a daughter, Becky, who is married to Brad White, Salem. Pioneer Forest contains about 143,000 acres in five southeast Missouri counties on the Current and Jacks Fork River Watershed, including 700 miles of property lines. Its headquarters is located on Highway 19 North in Salem. It is the largest private forest and land holding in Missouri and has been under professional forest management for more than 50 years. Cunningham hopes to be remembered as a professional “field” forester who knew and practiced the art and Science of Un-Even Aged Forest Management in a manner that was an example to private landowners, he said.
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BUYERS BE AWARE: COMMUNITY-WIDE YARD SALE IS SATURDAY For more information on the yard sales see: • advertisement, 2A • classified pages, 10-11A • map of sales, 4B • thesalemnewsonline.com
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Dent County
Briefly ONSR budget to be sliced in half The Ozark National Scenic Riverways has six months to absorb a federally mandated $335,000 budget cut, according to a recent release. That means that more than half of their budget must be cut by Sept. 30. Staffing cuts will include two unfilled permanent positions and 17 unfilled seasonal positions. These cuts will lessen park operations, according to the April 18 release. More on the story, 2A
TUESDAY, April 30, 2013
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‘The Killer Speaks’ Documentary on triple murderer Earl Forrest to air May 9 on A&E By Brenda Jessen Staff Writer brenda@ thesalemnewsonline.com Two weeks before Christmas 2002, former drug dealer Earl Forrest burst into his best friend’s house in Dent County and shot two people in cold blood. In the manhunt that followed that day, Forrest engaged in a gun battle with local law enforcement officers that resulted in the death of
Deputy JoAnn Barnes a n d wounding of former D e n t County Sheriff Bob Wofford. It was a Earl Forrest methamphetamine-related case, but what really triggered this spasm of violence?
“The Killer Speaks,” a documentary on Forrest’s killing spree, will air 9 p.m. May 9 on the A&E Network. A Platte County jury found Forrest guilty in the Dec. 9, 2002, murders of Harriet Sue “Tottie” Smith, Michael Raymond Wells of Licking and Dent County Sheriff ’s Deputy JoAnn Barnes. Now on death row, Forrest, 63, in a first-time interview reveals the surprising and senseless reason behind the killing spree.
A&E provided The Salem News with a copy of the documentary, where an interview with Forrest details his rational for the killings. He places blame on one of his victims, his friend of 30 years, Tottie Smith. Forrest claims that Smith persuaded him to get her set up with his former drug supplier so she could become a drug dealer. In exchange, Smith made Forrest promises, but never came through.
SCENIC RIVERS INDUSTRIES, INC.
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Saturday: There will be a Spring Kids Free Fishing Day at Montauk State Park Saturday, May 4. Information: call 573-548-2585 Saturday: Current River Cruisers will have a CruiseIn 6 p.m. at Grace Community Church parking lot. All cars are welcome, new and old, finished and unfinished. Everyone is welcome. For information, call 729-7859. For full list of activities see thesalemnewsonline.com
UPDATE
Officials disagree with trips to adult venues
Mayor’s prayer breakfast Saturday The Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast will take place 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Saturday at Grace Community Church. This new event is presented by the City of Salem and the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. The continental style breakfast is free to attendees. The program includes prayer by members of clergy for city, county, state, federal and world governments, along with prayer for the United States military. There will be a song and a special music quartet arrangement. Mayor Gary Brown says “that the way things are going in this world, all levels of government need prayer – from the smallest to the largest unit.” Chamber president Scott Roberts said “the purpose of the event is to call together the community to stand together and intercede on behalf of our city and nation, its leaders and the challenges we face.” For more information about the breakfast contact the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, 729-6900 or chamber@salemmo.com.
“I’m still mad at Tottie,” Forrest said,during the interview. “She should have kept her word and done what she promised. Then everyone would be happy and alive.” Forrest admits that he can be dangerous and that he resorts to violence to get revenge. Highway Patrol Sgt. Henry Folsom, who was at the murder scene that day, describes the horror that played out the day of the triple homicide. See Killer Speaks Page 12A
By Allyssa D. Dudley Staff Writer allyssa@ thesalemnewsonline.com
State and local officials have commented on recent reports that Enrichment Services, Inc., a non-profit, tax-funded service provider for the developmentally disabled in Dent County, has used taxpayer money to take their Photo By Allyssa D. Dudley consumers to Big Louie’s, the Corrine Colburn-Sanchez and Kevin Morton fill Easter eggs at Scenic Rivers Industries Inc., sheltered workshop. They Pleasure Zone, and Harrah’s will be able to use some of the money they earn while at the staff-organized trip to Silver Dollar City. The rest of the Casino. funds for the trip will come from a benefit auction 10 a.m. May 11. Dent County Public Administrator Jim Kotschedoff is the guardian for five of the six consumers that were taken to the adult venues. Before Kotschedoff was elected in November, Larry Edwards By Allyssa D. Dudley the workshop. paid for the tasks they compays $19 per day for each served as public administraStaff Writer “They work really hard, plete. Most of the workemployee working. tor. allyssa@ and it is nice to be able to re- shop’s budget comes from Some workers are conSee Venues Page 12A thesalemnewsonline.com ward them,” said Sheltered contracts they have with tracted to do lawn care in Workshop manager Ellen businesses, and also from the summer as well. Kevin Employees of Scenic Baum. recycling material and sellMorton, who has been emRivers Industries, Inc. shelAccording to Baum only ing items made in their ployed by the workshop tered workshop are hosting the money raised through newly renovated woodworksince it opened in 1977, said an auction 10 a.m. May 11 the fundraiser will go toing shop. he likes to stuff Easter eggs. to raise funds for a trip Silwards the trip, and it will SRI is an independent en“I like coming here to ver Dollar City in Branson not be paid for out of the tity governed by its own work. My friends are here,” for employees. In addition to Scenic Rivers Industries board and not affiliated with said Morton. By Brenda Jessen the auction, there will be a budget. She said that buses any other service provider. “They feel like they are doStaff Writer bake sale, barbeque, and an will be rented, tickets purThe workshop rents their ing something important, brenda@ open house to display the chased and each employee building from the Dent and they keep their wages thesalemnewsonline.com work of the developmentally will be given $20 for lunch County Developmental Dishere in the community,” said disabled employees of the and souvenirs. abilities Board, who also Baum. The court has denied a preworkshop. Employees are allowed to gives approximately $5,000 For more information Donations for auction take their own money on the to the sheltered workshop’s about the benefit auction liminary injunction request by the Attorney General’s ofitems are being taken. They trip. The sheltered workmonthly budget. The DeMay 11, contact Ellen fice that would have required will also be selling some of shop pays employees a piece partment of Elementary and Baum at the sheltered Schwartz Auto Salvage to obtheir own items produced in rate, which means they are Secondary Education also workshop 573-729-6264. tain a general storm water permit in 30 days. The request was denied during a hearing April 12 before Judge Sid Pearson in By Brenda Jessen Mathes said the spring events later in the season. The Salem Area Commu- Dent County Circuit Court. Staff Writer Assistant Attorney General rains have made planting a The expanded pavilion, nity Betterment Association brenda@ bit of a challenge for some which is a now 36-by-108- received a $27,000 USDA on the case is Mary Mulhearn. thesalemnewsonline.com vendors, but the opening foot pavilion, provides an ex- Rural Development RBEG The civil case is now set for market should have some cellent location to exhibit (Rural Business Enterprise trial May 22. Salem Farmer’s Market early crop veggies. The case was initiated by homegrown produce and Grant) to fund the construcwill open for its 12th season The Salem Farmer’s Mar- plants from local producers. tion of an addition to the ex- the Attorney General’s office Saturday. ket will be open from 7:30 The pavilion will now ac- isting Farmer’s Market pavil- after referral by the DepartMarket Manager Chris a.m. to noon each Saturday commodate about 18 vendors ion. The new pavilion re- ment of Natural Resources Mathes said that another and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and there is plenty of space cently was constructed in November of 2009 claiming successful season is expected, each Tuesday through Labor also available in areas sur- adding a 36-by-36-foot addi- Schwartz was violating Miswith many longtime and Day weekend. rounding the pavilion and tion on the west end of the souri Clean Water Law’s regsome new vendors particiulations. Mathes said the Farmers in front of the Visitor Cen- pavilion. pating this season. See Denied Page 12A Market will host some special ter See Market Page 5A
Raising money to raise spirits
Injunction vs. auto salvage is denied
Farmer’s Market opens for new season
Dent County OVERHEAD DOOR Randy Stluka Owner/Operator
573-729-2217•Cell 573-729-1363•800-382-2217•2783 Hwy. 19, Salem (Office Behind Residence)
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PHONE: (573)-729-4126 VOL XCVIII NO. 5 FAX: (573) 729-4920 2 SECTIONS, 24 PAGES E-MAIL: salemnews@thesalemnewsonline.com THE SALEM NEWS, Salem, Mo.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
The Salem News/Salem, Mo.
12A
NEWS KILLER SPEAKS/Forrest on death row in Potosi
From Page 1A “It’s a sight that I’ll never forget,” Folsom said in the documentary. “It’s something that can change a person’s life, haunt a person for the rest of their life.” Forensic Psychiatrist Dr. Sasha Bardet, who studies the minds of murderers, investigates Forrest’s psychopathic tendencies. In the documentary, Bardet discusses why he believes Forrest carried out his deadly acts. Forrest was found guilty
of three counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. The Supreme Court later affirmed Forrest’s convictions. Forrest’s attorneys then filed a motion for postconviction relief, which was overruled by the motion court and affirmed by the Supreme Court. Forrest, who still shows no remorse, is currently serving three life sentences in the Potosi Correctional Center at Mineral Point. He is scheduled for execution in 2015.
VENUES/Representative, public administrator not in favor of trips
From Page 1A In a written statement issued Monday, Kotschedoff stated that he does not believe these trips were appropriate. “The people that I hold guardianship for do not need to be participating in these activities,” he wrote. State Rep. Jeff Pogue of the 143rd District told The Salem News Thursday that he had received information about the trips from the Department of Mental Health, and that he has taken a great interest in the situation. He says as a legislator he does not have any direct power to change it. “I am shocked that we have compromised these peoples’ safety,” he said. “It is also a total abuse of tax payer dollars.” The office of the governor is ultimately the end of the chain of command for the Department of Mental Health, according to DMH documentation. The governor appoints the director of mental health. Due to an ongoing investigation, the Office of the Governor has declined to comment specifically on the allegations. Debra Walker, with the DMH Office of Public and Legislative Affairs, also declined any comment due to the investigation. “We have confidence that the (DMH) investigation will result in a determination of the facts, and that the (DMH) is prepared to take appropriate action based on that determination,” Scott Holste, Press Secretary to Gov. Jay Nixon, wrote in an email to The Salem News Monday. Jennifer O’Day, director of the Rolla Regional Office of DMH, wrote in a letter to ESI Director Benita Watson
dated Feb. 26 that there was not sufficient evidence to substantiate any abuse or neglect. After The Salem News made further inquiries into the allegations, Walker said a DMH investigation was opened the week of April 8. On Feb. 5 an anonymous hotline call was made to the Department of Mental Health regarding possible sexual abuse of consumers by ESI staff members. According to the Missouri Code of State Regulations 9 CSR 10-5 of the rules of Department of Mental Health, sexual abuse includes “promoting or observing for sexual purpose any activity or performance involving consumers including any play, motion picture, photography, dance, or other visual or written representation… and/or encouraging inappropriate sexual activity between consumers.” Records obtained by The Salem News through a public records request show that while being paid, ESI staff played slot machines, observed exotic dancers and, in one instance, records reveal that staff purchased a lap dance at Big Louie’s for a consumer. According to Sandie Hogan with the Dent County Developmental Disabilities Board, there are approximately 32 consumers under the care of 22 ESI paid staff members. Consumers live in independent supported living facilities with 24-hour care. Annual action plans show that they require assistance with cooking, hygiene, medication, exercise, financial planning, and relationship development. Some of the consumers taken to these adult locations have sexual behavior issues, according to the documents.
DENIED/DNR says auto salvage yard needs storm-water permit From Page 1A DNR says Schwartz has no general storm water permit for his salvage yard off Hwy. 19 South. Jamie Schwartz, son of Schwartz Auto Salvage owner Frankie Schwartz, says that what DNR has taken them to court over is not an issue of the salvage yard polluting, it’s an issue of the DNR saying they are required to buy a $150 rain water permit. “We believe we are in compliance with the required regulations through our Missouri Salvage License,” Jamie Schwartz said. “Our business falls under the Grandfather Clause, since we have been in business since 1955, and DNR was created in 1974. Our next court date, May 22, the AG and DNR are requesting the court to issue a permanent injunction to put us out of business.” According to Attorney General Press Secretary Nanci Gonder, the AG is asking the court to issue an order requiring that Schwartz apply for a general storm water permit as is required by everyone who operates salvage yards the size of
Schwartz Auto Salvage. The AG will also be seeking a penalty against Schwartz for past violations of the Missouri Clean Water law (operating without a permit since at least 2009). Court documents state that the Missouri Clean Water Law and its implementing regulations require a motor vehicle salvage yard that has more than 50 vehicles on-site or processes more than 50 vehicles in one calendar year to obtain a general storm-water permit. The storm-water permit requires salvage yards to implement and maintain best management practices on site to prevent oil, grease, and petroleum products associated with motor vehicle salvage operations from entering waters of the state through storm water discharge from the site. WEATHER DATE HIGH LOW PREC April 23 74 52 .72 April 24 58 36 April 25 66 34 April 26 68 47 .90 April 27 52 46 .38 April 28 56 49 April 29 79 47 Total precip for year 21.49
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Briefly Improvements on Hwy. 32 East to begin Monday Department of Transportation contractor, Rolla Paving, Monday will begin repair and resurfacing of Highway 32 East from the bridge at the east edge of Salem to the Hwy. 32-72 Junction. MoDOT Area Engineer Preston Kramer said Monday that the project will include a two-foot paved shoulder, resurfacing of the entire roadway and the addition of a rumble strip. “Improvements of Hwy. 32 East will hopefully help curb the number of run-off-the-road accidents along that stretch of roadway,” Kramer said. The MoDOT engineer said the shoulders will be done as the first phase of the work and the entire project will take six to eight weeks to complete, weather permitting.
TUESDAY, June 18, 2013
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Through July 31: The Salem Area Arts Council is hosting “Current River, The Beautiful River, Its Strong People and Its Unique Culture” at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center. The exhibit will have old photographs of people gathering at, making their living at and socializing at the rivers. There will also be an exhibit centering around the last 50 years of the park service’s preservation and coexistence with people in local communities. For full list of activities see thesalemnewsonline.com
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DMH closes ESI investigation See Dodd column, 9A By Allyssa D. Dudley Staff Writer allyssa@ thesalemnewsonline.com A Department of Mental Health investigation into allegations of sexual abuse towards developmentally disabled consumers in the care of Enrichment Services, Inc., has been closed, according to a statement from the department. In an email to The Salem News dated June 10, Debra Walker, with the DMH office
of public and legislative affairs, wrote, “The investigation was unsubstantiated; therefore, the findings remain a closed record.” According to Missouri Revised Statute 630.167 if a DMH investigation is found to be substantiated, those findings are available to be released. If the investigation is found to be unsubstantiated, it can be a closed record. During a phone conversation with Walker, she said she did not know what the subject of the investigation was, but that it had to do
with a charge of abuse and neglect. Walker stated she did not know whether the focus of the investigation was to determine if consumers at ESI had been present at adult venues such as strip clubs and erotic stores, or if there had been alleged abuse due to their presence at those places. Walker stated that the investigation was handled by either the Department of Mental Health’s Southwest or East Region investigation unit. Requests for information from those investigation
units were forwarded to Walker’s office. Walker stated in an email dated Monday to The Salem News that the investigation unit would not comment or provide information. When asked specifically if ESI staff taking consumers to adult venues would be classified as abuse according to CSR 9 10-5.200, Walker said repeatedly the investigation was unsubstantiated and the information a matter of closed record. Requests to speak with other staff members of the De-
Foster brings dental practice home
partment of Mental Health were all referred back to Walker. On at least nine occasions in 2012 paid staff at Enrichment Services, Inc., took developmentally disabled consumers to Big Louie’s in St. Robert, the Pleasure Zone in Rolla, and Harrah’s Casino in St. Louis, according to monthly logs completed by ESI staff and obtained from a public records request to the Dent County Developmental Disabilities Board, also known as the SB40 board. See ESI Page 7A
GED classes to shut down because of budget cuts By Brenda Jessen Staff Writer brenda@thesalemnewsonline.com
Intercounty plans summer meeting Intercounty Electric Cooperative Association members will elect directors and hear updates on the association during the annual membership meeting June 28 at the Licking City Park. Registration will be from 8 a.m. to noon. Members are to bring the registration portion -- the entire back cover -- of their registration book to pick up their registration gift and drawing ticket. One board member will be elected from the north, central and south districts. The business meeting starts at 10 a.m. with an invocation by Dr. James Miller, Abounding Hope Church, Licking. More on the story, 4A.
ter itors Cen The Vis mber of Cha ce Office Commer h Main 200 Sout 65560 Salem, MO o.com salemm ber@ cham
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Photo by Brenda Jessen Dr. Jenny (Bertz) Foster, right, has returned to Salem and opened a dental practice on 407 West Fourth Street. She and her husband, Cody, are excited about being back in a small town atmosphere, she said. Foster’s Dental Assistant in her practice is Krystal Luebbert. By Brenda Jessen Staff Writer brenda@thesalemnewsonline.com Salem High School 2003 graduate Jenny (Bertz) Foster always knew she wanted a career in the healthcare industry and that she wanted to do it in a small town. So why not in her hometown — with family? Foster, the daughter of longtime Salem dentist Dr. Wayne Bertz, has opened her individual practice alongside her father’s at 407 West Fourth Street. “Dentistry just seemed like such a good fit for me because of the variety of the procedures I can perform for people, and the profession allows me to work with my hands, which I enjoy,” she said. She completed her undergradu-
ate work at the University of Missouri-Columbia and received a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences, then attended dental school and graduated from University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. “I knew I wanted to be in the healthcare field, but I never thought I would want to pursue a career in dentistry. During my time at MU, I explored different medical careers, including pharmacy, medicine and nursing,” Foster said. She said it was by her father’s example, the way he was able to help others become proud of their smile, which ultimately inspired her to follow in his footsteps. Foster had been practicing in Denver since 2011. So last month, Foster, her husband, Cody, their one-year-old
daughter, Madeline, and their yellow lab, Bailey, packed up and moved backed to their hometown. Cody, a financial consultant at Town & Country Bank, is also from Salem. His mother is Jackie Foster and his grandparents are Jack and Eunice Stallings. They all live here. “We were both raised here and love small town living. Both of our families are still in Salem, and we wanted to raise our children knowing them,” Foster said. “Having grown up in Salem and working in my father’s practice during my youth, I am familiar with the needs of the community and its struggles with access to healthcare. I wanted to come back and serve the people of Salem and the surrounding areas.” See Dental Page 12A
Those who want to study for the General Educational Development certificate will no longer be able to do it in Salem. Salem’s Adult Education and Literacy program will be forced to close its doors Friday because state funding has been denied. AEL Community Liaison Jackie Hobaugh said the program will end after about 30 years here. The nearest alternative class site is in Houston in neighboring Texas County. The grant from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education was denied because of the federal sequester, according to Hobaugh. Seven sites, including those in Dent, Phelps, Maries and Crawford counties, were targeted for closure. Local phone service has already been disconnected. “The DESE grant is our only source of funding,” she said. “These classes are needed now more than ever. At a critical time in our local communities, a way for individuals to pull out of poverty and move to self-sustainability is being eliminated. This should not be allowed to happen.” Salem 17-year AEL Instructor Pat Todd said the program is important to many students working to improve their education for better job opportunities. Program directors said Salem classes have always had good attendance. “The Salem site is one of our best attended class sites,” Hobaugh said. “A total of 132 students came through the doors this year, with 85 students attending for at least 12 hours as of May 29.” There have been 12 students who have taken and passed the GED test and received their GED certificates this year. See GED Page 12A
City to get tough on mobile home park inspections By Brenda Jessen Staff Writer brenda@ thesalemnewsonline.com The City of Salem now has an official mobile home park inspection policy, after aldermen Monday night unanimously adopted a 17-point check list to be implemented immediately before annual trailer
ALDERMEN park licenses are renewed. The checklist includes safety checks such as secure tie down, fire extinguishers provided for every 10 units and no more than 200 feet from any unit, adequate drainage and park lights. Mayor Gary Brown said the policy was drafted in
part from the Housing and Urban Development inspection checklist. City Administrator Clayton Lucas said this checklist has been used in previous inspections, but had not been formally adopted by aldermen as the inspection policy for mobile home parks. In other action, aldermen approved:
• trailer park license renewals for Layman Trailer Park at 703 South Pershing Ave. for 24 spaces; and R&C Trailer Park on Center Street for 33 spaces. Both have already been inspected and complied with the inspection policy. • a second employee insurance option to allow interested employees to choose a Health Savings Account
policy that would be more attractive to those who often have doctor visits or lingering health issues. The cost to the city will be the same as the PPO policy option that aldermen approved earlier this month. Both options include a $2,000 individual deductible, up from the previous $500 deductible. See Aldermen Page 7A
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PHONE: (573)-729-4126 VOL XCVIII NO. 12 FAX: (573) 729-4920 2 SECTIONS, 24 PAGES E-MAIL: salemnews@thesalemnewsonline.com THE SALEM NEWS, Salem, Mo.
The Salem News/Salem, Mo.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
7A
NEWS ESI/Parents of consumer angry over incidents ALDERMEN/Emergency From Page 1A ESI, through its lawyer, turned down a public records request from The Salem News for similar documents, ESI financial records and a current list of ESI board members. The documents obtained from the SB40 board through the public records request show that while being paid, ESI staff played slot machines, observed exotic dancers, purchased sex toys for consumers and instructed them on how to use them. In one instance staff purchased a lap dance at Big Louie’s for a consumer. Names of consumers were not included in the documents. ESI, a 501c3 non-profit organization, is administered by Benita Watson, and is primarily funded through tax dollars. ESI also has a board of directors. Vicki Wood, ESI board president, confirmed in a news story April 16 that consumers were taken on the trips to adult venues. These incidents were reported to DMH via an anonymous hotline call, according to the records. Missouri Code of State Regulation 9 10-5.200 states that
sexual abuse includes “promoting for sexual purpose any activity or performance involving consumers, including any play, motion picture, photography, dance, or other visual or written representation.” The parents of a consumer who was taken to one of the venues came to The Salem News office after the April 16 article about the trips to Big Louie’s, The Pleasure Zone and Harrah’s Casino. The parents said they were mad about their developmentally disabled adult child being exposed to adult venues and material. They said Dent County Public Administrator Jim Kotschedoff has guardianship of their child, and they had already seen him to discuss what they called “anger” over the incident. They also said that they would seek guardianship. When contacted by The Salem News Monday, one of the parents said that when their child called and told them of the adult outings and purchases, the child was verbally disciplined. “They (ESI staff) yell at (the consumer) when (the
consumer) has complaints, or if (the consumer) tells us what is going on,” the parent said. The parent said they also contacted the Department of Mental Health to voice their concerns. The names of the parents and adult child have been withheld from this story because The Salem News does not report the identities of possible abuse victims. Philip Giacomelli, chairman of the SB40 board, said SB40 would not comment on the results of the DMH investigation due to the reception they got after the publication of The Salem News article April 16, when SB40 produced documentation through a public records request that detailed the trips some ESI consumers took to adult venues. “My reluctance to comment is because of heat endured over something (SB40) did not do. We were just trying to be the good guys,” Giacomelli said. Kotschedoff is the guardian for five of the six consumers that were taken to the adult venues. In a written statement issued April 29,
Kotschedoff stated that he does not believe these trips were appropriate. He took office in January, after the visits took place. “The people that I hold guardianship for do not need to be participating in these activities,” he wrote. Walker was asked by The Salem News if there was any external oversight for the department of mental health or its investigations. Initially, she said she did not know, but in a follow up email dated June 17, she wrote “there is no other agency that oversees DMH investigations.” There was also an investigation launched at the beginning of February by Jennifer O’Day, director of the Rolla Regional Office of the Department of Mental Health. “After thoroughly reviewing the inquiry report, I have found insufficient evidence to substantiate any abuse or neglect,” O’Day wrote in a Feb. 26 letter to Watson, one of the documents obtained through the public records request and reported in The April 16 edition of The Salem News. BUSINESS FORMS AVAILABLE AT SALEM NEWS OFFICE
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siren to be tested regularly From Page 1A Employee premiums are paid by the city. The plan will cost the city $408,949 a year, an increase of about four percent over last year. Reports • City Administrator Clayton Lucas reported that he recently met with the city’s property and liability insurance representative. He said that because the city had only minor losses during the past year the city will not incur a rate increase. • Lucas said Insituform Technologies will begin lining sanitary sewer lines in a week. There will be no service interruption during the project. Aldermen approved the $177,145 project at a recent meeting. • Alderman Kenneth Nash reported that he has received several calls about high weeds. He commended Code Officer Jarred Brown for handling of nuisance violations that have been eliminated on Hwy. 19. • Mayor Gary Brown also reported receiving complaints about high weeds and grass and the need for property clean-up in some areas of the city, including the city-owned old Middle School property. Brown also reported that MoDOT would begin improvements on Hwy. 32 near MFA to Hwy. 32-72 junction beginning Monday, weather permit-
ting. He said MoDOT also plans a similar project on Hwy. 19 between Salem and Steelville. Brown said the city’s emergency preparedness sirens will again begin being tested at 11 a.m. on the first Monday of each month, weather permitting. He said two new emergency sirens were included in the last fiscal budget and were installed at the old Middle School and at the city Maintenance Department building on Wines Street.
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TUESDAY, June 25, 2013
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Dent County Further trips to inappropriate venues
Briefly will result in cancellation of contract Assessments not representative of Dent County Surveys collected for the Community Health Needs Assessment may not give a picture of the population of Salem and the surrounding area, according to Carol Lacy, director of nursing and project manager at Tuesday’s meeting of the Salem Memorial District Hospital board of directors. “Our committee looked at the results and felt that we did not get a good representation of the socio-economic conditions in our community,” Lacy said. Of the 475 surveys returned, only six percent reported that they did not have a high school diploma or GED, whereas 72 percent reported they had some higher education. More on the story, 4A.
By Allyssa D. Dudley Staff Writer Allyssa@ thesalemnewsonline.com Trips to strip clubs and adult establishments for consumers of the Department of Mental Health are not acceptable, and if these trips continue they will result in the cancellation of the contract of the agency involved, DMH Director Keith Schafer wrote in a June 20 memorandum sent to all DMH providers. “The Department of Mental Health strongly believes that taking a DMH consumer to a strip club or similar establishment …is far beyond the
pale of good judgment and appropriateness,” Schafer wrote in the memorandum, which was emailed to The Salem News Friday by DMH’s department of public affairs. On at least nine occasions in 2012 paid staff at Enrichment Services, Inc., located in Salem, took developmentally disabled consumers to Big Louie’s in St. Robert, the Pleasure Zone in Rolla, and Harrah’s Casino in St. Louis, according to monthly logs completed by ESI staff and obtained from a public records request from The Salem News to the Dent County Developmental Disabilities Board, also known as the SB40 board.
The documents obtained from the SB40 board through the public records request show that while being paid, ESI staff played slot machines, observed exotic dancers, purchased sex toys for consumers and instructed them on how to use them. In one instance staff purchased a lap dance at Big Louie’s for a consumer. Names of consumers were not included in the documents. ESI, through its lawyer, turned down a public records request from The Salem News for similar documents, ESI financial records and a current list of ESI board members. Schafer stated in the mem-
orandum that typically his department would restrain themselves from issuing directives as to what would define good judgment, because to do so would result in a decreased level of care. “In the vast majority of the instances, the judgment and clinical innovation at the local level is strong and sound, and results in good services for our consumers. On very rare occasions, I am surprised to find that is not true. This is one of those instances,” he wrote. Schafer also stated that the inappropriateness did not solely stem from allegations of abuse, but from use
FOURTH OF JULY ACTIVITIES
General to help Salem celebrate the holiday
Two men face meth charges Andrew Steelman, 27, is in the Dent County jail on two methamphetamine charges regarding an incident May 15, according to Sheriff Rick Stallings and court records. Steelman is one of two people being held on methamphetamine charges. Steelman was released from the Department of Corrections Jan. 2, according to Mandi Steele, Public Communication Officer for DOC. He was sentenced on Dec. 5, 2009 in Dent County, on seconddegree arson and seconddegree burglary charges, according to court records. More on the story, 7A.
Outgoing mail deadlines change Due to operational changes, mail must be deposited earlier at the Salem post office and collection boxes if a customer wants that mail to go out that day. Starting July 5 mail must be deposited by 1 p.m. if it is intended to leave the post office that day. More on the story, 4A.
WEATHER Tonight: 74 Wednesday: 94, isolated thunderstorms For up-to-date forecast see thesalemnewsonline.com
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For full list of activities see thesalemnewsonline.com
of taxpayer money. Schafer’s memorandum also said he believes that 99 percent of health care providers would consider taking those in their care to adult venues to be inappropriate. “If your agency happens to be within that one or less percent of community agencies who might think otherwise, you are now aware of (the DMH) position,” Schafer wrote. Schafer said in his memorandum that “within the current DMH definitions of abuse and neglect, it would not be possible to substantiate abuse and neglect” in this situation. See Trips Page 12A
by Dwayne McClellan Staff Writer dwayne@ thesalemnewsonline.com
Photo by Brenda Jessen The Dent County Museum, 400 North Pershing Ave., is open for the season with several new historic pieces recently donated. Museum president JoAnn Wells accepts an 1865 wedding portrait of John and Mary (Tinker) Pyatt from the couple’s great-grandson, Gary Hibdon, and a 1928 Salem High School graduate plate of his Aunt Mabel (Pyatt) Butts. The antique pump organ pictured was donated by Dr. Haydn and Rose Powell, purchased from the Raymond and Esther Weaver estate.
Museum open for season with new vintage pieces By Brenda Jessen Staff Writer brenda@thesalemnewsonline.com The Dent County Museum, 400 North Pershing Avenue, recently opened for the season with several new historical pieces to see, just in time for residents and visitors to make a visit during the Fourth of July weekend. Museum Board President Jo Ann Wells said recent donations to the museum include an antique pump organ that Dr. Haydn and Rose Powell purchased at the Raymond
and Esther Weaver Auction and donated to the museum. The latest addition is a 1865 wedding portrait of John and Mary (Tinker) Pyatt that was donated by the Pyatt’s great-grandson Gary Hibdon and a 1928 Salem High School graduate plate that belonged to Hibdon’s Aunt Mabel (Pyatt) Butts. The museum is run by a board of directors, headed by Wells, and includes Vice President James Coffman, Secretary Ellen Brasier, Treasurer Jean Capps, and members Ken Fiebelman, Chalmer Morris and
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Ken Brasier. The goal of the directors is to help preserve Salem and Dent County’s history for future generations. “If you are currently a Friend of the Museum we encourage you to become more involved. If you are not currently a friend, we extend a special invitation for you to join our membership,” Wells said. One of the challenges directors face is maintaining the historic Elmer home built in 1895, which houses its Dent County historical collection. See Museum Page 12A
Fourth of July celebrations in Salem will include a presentation by Lt. Gen. (Ret.) William G. “Jerry” Boykin, fireworks, a parade, a 5K run and Family Fun Day at The Commons. First Baptist Church will again have free food and activities on the church grounds on MacArthur Avenue from 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m. The day starts with the Firecracker 5K run 8 a.m. at the Dent County Fire Protection District. Proceeds go to the county’s backpack program. Forty-four people were signed up as of Monday. Each participant who signs up before the deadline will receive a t-shirt. For information call 729-4551 or 729-4836. The event is sponsored by the Salem Area Community Betterment Association. A Pastors’ Prayer Breakfast will be held 8 a.m.-10:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church. The parade starts at 6 p.m. from the corner of South Grand and Franklin. It will end at the courthouse. Boykin will speak at a program that starts at 7:30 p.m. at The Commons. After the invocation, Natalie Leathers will sing the national anthem. Scott Roberts, Salem Area Chamber of Commerce president, will introduce the guests. See General Page 6A
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PHONE: (573)-729-4126 VOL XCVIII NO. 13 FAX: (573) 729-4920 2 SECTIONS, 24 PAGES E-MAIL: salemnews@thesalemnewsonline.com THE SALEM NEWS, Salem, Mo.
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Tuesday, June 25, 2013
The Salem News/Salem, Mo.
12A
NEWS MUSEUM/Open 1 p.m.4 p.m. every Sunday From Page 1A Accomplishments during the past year include: • landscaping project started with removal of old plantings • planting of plants and trees • painting of the end of the equipment building/gutter repairs • purchased an antique display case • Dedicated a wall section to portraits of museum donors, the Isom and Ona Cox family. Wells said the board of directors hopes to complete a landscaping project, have gutters repaired and various other maintenance items. Membership dues and donations help preserve the history of Dent County for generations to come. Visitors are encouraged to make suggestions and any help citizens give is appreciated. Memberships are available for $10 per person per year or $100 per person lifetime. Built in 1895 on the then northern edge of town, the museum has beautiful, original woodwork and is furnished with period furniture and accessories throughout the 13 rooms on three floors. Particularly interesting displays include a loom, vintage clothing, children’s toys and clothing and a reproduction of the Liberty Bell. Also original to the property are several outbuildings, some hous-
ing antique equipment. Tall native oak trees surround the house, while flowers popular during the 19th century bloom in beds and pots. The Dent County Historical Society and other interested persons helped make the museum, which opened May 30, 1976, a reality. The former home of the late William P. Elmer was purchased to be converted into a museum. Elmer, an early-day lawyer, was the first U.S. Congressman from Dent County. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Brochures about the museum and some of the collections are available at the Visitors Center on Highway 19 South. The museum is open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. each Sunday from the last Sunday in May through the last Sunday in September. Other visits may be scheduled by appointment by calling Wells at 729-2703 or 729-2643, or Fiebelman at 729-5707. WEATHER DATE HIGH LOW PREC June 18 85 59 June 19 87 61 June 20 86 64 June 21 87 69 June 22 87 71 June 23 87 65 June 24 89 69 Total precip for year 30.55
TRIPS/Consumer in Pulaski County taken to inappropriate venue, too From Page 1A According to the release, since the staff was acting under the sanctions of the community agency, and no direct harm could be substantiated, the legal standard for abuse or neglect could not be met. Schafer also wrote about “inappropriateness of the use of taxpayer dollars for activities that, in the strong opinion of DMH executive leadership, should not occur.” ESI, a 501c3 non-profit organization, is administered by Benita Watson, and is primarily funded through tax dollars. Vicki Wood, ESI board president, confirmed in a news story April 16 that consumers were taken on the trips to adult venues. Watson did not return requests Friday and Monday for comment on the memorandum. Schafer simply referred to “one of its contracted community agency providers” in the
MoDOT opens new office in St. James MoDOT
MoDOT celebrated the opening of its new project office at 17855 Route 8 in St. James today (Tuesday). The open house was held from 9 a.m. to noon. “We’re excited to be a part of the St. James community and a partner in the Meramec Region,” said MoDOT Area Engineer Preston Kramer. The project office had originally been located in Rolla, but was moved to St. James in February as part of MoDOT’s efforts to consolidate its facilities. “The Rolla office was in need of a number of upgrades, whereas the St. James maintenance facility, which we had vacated, was relatively new,” Kramer said. “Given the close proximity of the two locations, it made more sense to renovate the St. James facility.” The Rolla office is on the market to be sold, Kramer said. For more information, visit http://www.modot.org//central or call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636).
memorandum. A similar incident occurred in Pulaski County. Reliable Home Care in Rolla took a developmentally disabled consumer to an erotic store, Pulaski County Public Administrator Loretta Rouse told The Salem News June 14. “I saw it in the quarterly report (from Reliable Home Care) I was given as (the consumer’s) guardian. These people are like minor children. I never dreamed they would take them to (an erotic store),” Rouse said. Reliable Home Care, a contracted provider with DMH, did not return phone calls left last week. Pulaski, Phelps, and Dent counties are all under the supervision of the Rolla Regional Office of the Department of Mental Health. Jennifer O’Day, regional director, was made aware of the situation at ESI after a hotline call in February 2013. After reviewing the inquiry report resulting from the hotline call, O’Day opted not to go forward with the investigation. “After thoroughly reviewing the inquiry report, I have found insufficient evidence to substantiate any abuse or neglect,” O’Day wrote in a letter to Watson dated Feb. 26, 2013. O’Day did not return requests Monday for comment regarding the results of the investigation. SB40 board chairman Philip Giacomelli said the board was pleased with the memorandum. The board had seen the trips as abuse of their clients, but the results of the investigation and Schafer’s statement helped ease their concerns, Giacomelli said. “We are very, very pleased with the outcome. (DMH) has made it clear that judgment was obscured initially. I feel as though we finally have some relief for the taxpayers of Dent County as well,” Giacomelli said. Schafer made it apparent in the memorandum that judgment would not be an issue going forward should a provider choose to ignore his statement. “To make DMH’s position crystal clear…such actions are not acceptable and will not be tolerated. If, after this clarification, such actions continue, DMH will cancel the contract of the agency involved,” Schafer wrote.
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