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The Salem Police Department released their report involving thefts, possession of marijuana, and driving while revokes. On Wednesday, January 27^th, at 2:35 p.m. an officer was detailed to a residence in the 300 block of North Park Street in reference to the theft of utilities. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 36-year old female of Salem. She was issued a summons to appear in court and was released. On Thursday morning, January 28^th, at 8:10, an officer on patrol made contact with a 17-year old female and three male juveniles who were parked in the school parking lot. It was found that they were in possession of marijuana and cigarettes. The female suspect was issued a summons for possession of marijuana and was released. The juveniles were released to their parents and the report will be forwarded to the juvenile officer. Later that morning at 9:16 a.m. an officer was dispatched to Route J and Rolla Road in reference to an accident. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 54-year old female of Salem for driving while revoked. She was issued a summons to appear in court and was released. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an investigation ongoing or previously mentioned.

The KIDS COUNT in Missouri 2009 Data Book, a publication of Citizen’s for Missouri’s Children (CMC), confirms that children in the state are facing increasing challenges brought on by higher levels of poverty, a lack of affordable health care, and a lack of high-quality educational opportunities for all Missouri children. The annual report, a collaborative project of CMC and more than 30 public and private organizations from across the state, documents the status of children in all 114 Missouri Counties. The 2009 Data Book finds that child poverty increased from 15.3% to 18.3% since 2000, and the adult unemployment rate increased from 5.8% to 6.1%. However, the number of children receiving subsidized child care, the number of children receiving cash assistance, and the number of children enrolled in MO HealthNet for Kids decreased between 2004 and 2008. Other information gathered from the KIDS COUNT data include students enrolled in free/reduced lunch program increased from 40.5% to 42% from 2004 to 2008; the birth of infants with low birth weight increased from 7.8% to 8.1%; the annual high school dropout rate increased from 7.8% to 8.1%; and the birth to teens, age 15-19, increased from 44.3% to 45.4%. There were also some measures that saw an improvement. The infant mortality rate decreased from 7.7% to 7.4%, and the child death rate, ages 1-14, decreased from 24.2% to 20.3%. Along with the state statistics, they also had counties ranked individually. Dent County did fairly well as they were ranked the 51^st most kid friendly county in Missouri, and saw a decrease in almost all of the categories. Among the surroundings counties, Phelps was ranked 66^th, Shannon was 85^th, Iron was 90^th, Crawford was 94^th, and Texas was 99^th. The KIDS COUNT in Missouri report can be found at www.mokids.org.

An accident occurred at 12:00 Tuesday morning in Phelps County about six miles east of St James on Highway 8. According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1999 Ford Winstar driven by 25-year-old Michelle Morris of Steelville was traveling west on Highway 8. At that time, a 1998 Peterbuilt driven by 32-year-old Donald Bond of Lumberton MS, was traveling east on Highway 8. The accident occurred as the Ford had a vehicle malfunction and crossed the centerline and struck the left side of the Peterbuilt. Morris suffered moderate injuries and was transported by St James Ambulance to Phelps County Regional Medical Center. Both were wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford sustained extensive damage and while the Peterbuilt sustained moderate damage. Both vehicles were removed from the scene by Miles and Son’s Towing.

On Wednesday, February 10^th, the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce will have their monthly membership meeting. The meeting this month will take place at My Place Restaurant. The cost is $8.00 per person for those who wish to have lunch and please RSVP no later than Monday the 8^th of February. The guest speaker will be Alex Withrow, a counselor at Salem Senior High School, who will be speaking on how and when to begin preparing our youth for college. The meeting is open to everyone. For more information, call the chamber at 729-6900 or drop by the office at 200 South Main.

There will be a Sweetheart Benefit Banquet in support of Show-Me-Hope on Friday, February 12^th at the Salem City Hall Auditorium starting at 6:00. The dinner will be catered by Seasons-N-Thyme. Tickets are available at the Bank of Salem, Town and Country Bank and US Bank for $20 per person or two tickets for $35. Tickets MUST be purchased by noon on February 8^th.

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