News
Tuesday afternoon on Dent County Road 5680, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held in honor of the opening of the new bridge over Sinkin Creek. The project was a collaboration of the National Forest Service, Department of Conservation and the Dent County Commission that allowed for free flowing water under the bridge and provided for a new two-lane concrete surface. The Swiney Bridge project cost over $280,000, plus there was an additional $24,000 more in engineering costs. Widel Construction and Great Rivers Associates Engineering were paid by the county for the work with reimbursements from the National Forest Service and Department of Conservation with in-kind contributions from the Dent County Road and Bridge. The project took almost 2 ½ years from start to finish. Attending the ribbon cutting ceremony were Tom Haines from the National Forest Service, Nick Girondo from the Department of Conservation, Jenni Riegel from Jo Ann Emerson’s office and Dent County Commissioners Dennis Purcell, Gary Larson, and Darrell Skiles.
The Salem Police Department released their reports. On Saturday, December 29th at 5:29 in the morning, an officer was detailed to a residence in the 1000 block of South Main in reference to a domestic disturbance. The investigation revealed that a 50-year old Salem female had assaulted a 52-year old Salem male. She was arrested for assault, assault on a police officer, and disorderly conduct. She was issued summonses to appear in court and released. Later that morning at 8:42, an officer transported a 56-year old Salem male to the New Hope Psychiatric Center in Sullivan in lieu of a mental commitment order. That afternoon at 1:01, an officer was contacted in reference to a stolen cell phone. That investigation revealed that someone took a smart phone valued at $400 from a residence in the 800 block of West Third. That evening at 8:12, an officer was detailed to Casey’s General Store located on Macarthur in reference to theft of fuel. The investigation revealed that the driver of an unknown vehicle pumped $15 in fuel and left without paying. On Sunday, December 30th at 2:05 in the early morning, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation led to the arrest of a 21-year old Salem male for driving while intoxicated. He was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Later that same morning at 8:30, an officer was detailed to a residence in the 700 block of East Center in reference to a traffic accident. That investigation revealed that someone stole a green Ford Windstar van, ran into a ditch between 700 block of East Center and Coffman, and fled the scene. The vehicle was recovered with extensive damage and was returned to the owner. That afternoon at 12:01, an officer was sent to a business in the 100 block of North Iron in reference to property damage. The investigation revealed that someone broke a door front window valued at $2,000. Later that night at 8:54, a 50-year old Salem female was transported to New Hope Psychiatric Center in Sullivan in lieu of a mental commitment order. Anyone with any information regarding the thefts or property damage reports, which are still under investigation, is asked to please contact the Salem Police Department by calling 573-729-4242.
The “I Can Too Learning Center” and Healthy Dent County would like to announce their partnership in creating an after school program to help area youth. The program is designed to give children a safe place to go after school and on snow days. The program is open to all school age children from preschool to 6th grade. It is housed at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory in the gym. While there, children can finish homework, play in the gym, play at the arts & crafts table, participate in board games, or even watch a movie. During program hours, the gym area will be closed to the public. Salem R-80 and Northwood R-4 currently have busses that transport children to the Armory right after school. The program hours are Mondays 2:30 – 6:15, Tuesday – Friday 3:00 – 6:15 and on School Closing Days from 8:00 am – 6:15 pm. There are not a minimum number of days or hours required to participate. There is a charge for the program. If you would like to include your child in the program, parents can find enrollment forms at the “I Can Too Learning Center” office on Highway 19 North, on the “I Can Too Learning Center” webpage at www.icantoolearningcenter.webs.com, or at the Armory at 1200 West Rolla Road in the gym during program hours. For more information, call Healthy Dent County at 729-8163 or “I Can Too Learning Center” at 729-3411.
MoDOT would like to announce the roadwork that continues in our area this week. In Crawford County, roadside maintenance will take place through Friday on Route 8 between Route 19 and the Phelps County line, on Route 19 between Route 8 and Route 49 and on Route Y between Route 49 and Route V. Also in Crawford County, roadway striping will take place through Friday on Route 19 between Route P and Route PP. In Dent County, roadside maintenance will take place through Thursday on Route YY between Route E and the end of state maintenance. In Phelps County, roadside maintenance will take place through Friday on Route P between Route J and Route T and roadside maintenance will take place through Friday on Route T between Route M and Route P. One lane will be open, and crews will flag traffic through these work areas. For more info please contact MoDOT at 1-888-275-6636.
Sports [TOP]
Chad Elliott scored 13 points as the Salem Tiger basketball team used a strong second half to top the Sullivan Eagles on Tuesday, 58-50. Cody Whitaker added 11 points while Brady Floyd and Logan Pogue scored 10 points apiece. Salem moves to 4-7 on the year and will host Mountain Grove Friday.
The City of Salem Youth Winter Basketball Program FINAL signups will be held this Thursday, January 10th and Friday, January 11th from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Salem Freedom Activity Center (formerly the National Guard Armory) at 1200 West Rolla Road and Saturday, January 12th from 9:00 am to 12:00 (noon). The Youth Winter Basketball Program is for all boys and girls that are currently in the 1st through 6th grades. The cost is $20 per child and for more information, call Greg Nash at the Parks & Recreational Department at 729-6290. Volunteers to coach are also needed for the Youth Winter Basketball Program and are also asked to attend these signups.
Jabari Brown netted 22 points and 10th ranked Missouri earned its first-ever SEC victory with a convincing 84-68 triumph over the Alabama Crimson Tide. Alex Oriakhi and Phil Pressey each posted double-doubles for the Tigers (12-2, 1-0 SEC). Oriakhi finished with 16 points and 10 boards, while Pressey totaled 11 points and 13 assists in the victory. Missouri will play at Ole Miss on Saturday night at 6:30.
Obituaries [TOP]
Funeral services for Ethel Cleone Coad of Salem, age 81, will be today at 1:00 at the Wilson Mortuary in Salem. Visitation will be from 11:00 until time of service. Interment will be in the Stone Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Stone Hill Cemetery.
Weather [TOP]
