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Round two of the 2012 Rally America National Championship takes place in the majestic Ozark foothills of the Rally in the 100-Acre Wood on Friday, February 24^th and Saturday, February 25^th in Salem. Up to 70 of the top national and international rally competitors will challenge the fast, hard-packed dirt roads following a very slippery opening round at Michigan's Sno*Drift Rally in January. The roads are fast, tight and twisty and the conditions are extremely variable, creating an excellent playing ground for teams to compete for National Championship points. The Rally in the 100-Acre Wood will begin at 12:00pm on Friday, February 24^th, with a Parc Expose. Fans can attend the Parc Expose to seek autographs and pick up spectator information before heading to various spots in the woods to watch the exciting rally action. Another Parc Expose will kick off the action on Saturday, February 25th in downtown Salem at the intersection of 4th & Main Street at 8:00am. Two Super Special stages will take place that day at the Potosi Lions' Park beginning at 2:40pm.  

The United States Attorney’s Office announced that William Zaritz pled guilty to federal charges involving his distribution of over 50 grams of methamphetamine, and possession of ammunition in August 2011. William “Mick” Zaritz, 59-year old from Phelps County, pled guilty to one felony count of being a previously convicted felon in possession of ammunition and one felony count of distribution of in excess of 50 grams of methamphetamine before United States District Judge Henry Autrey. Sentencing has been set for May 8, 2012. The weapons charge carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000; the drug charge carries a penalty range of five to 40 years in prison. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges. The South Central Drug Task Force, the Rolla Police Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives investigated this case.  Assistant United States Attorney Michael Bert is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The Doe Run Company recently welcomed four new employees to the Environmental Department of Doe Run’s Southeast Missouri Mining and Milling Division (SEMO) based in Viburnum, Mo. The new employees are Genevieve Bodnar from St. Charles, Mo., Samantha Anderson and Kristin Bicsak of Salem, and Preston Pinson of Bellview, Missouri. Samantha Anderson was hired as an environmental analyst at SEMO. Anderson received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in chemistry from Middle Tennessee State University. Anderson previously taught chemistry at Kishwaukee College in Malta, Ill., before coming to Doe Run. Kristin Bicsak was appointed to the environmental technician position at SEMO. Bicsak recently graduated from Michigan State University where she majored in geology. Doe Run’s newest hires join the company’s team of more than 1,500 employees. Those interested in a career at Doe Run, may email their resume to careers@doerun.com.

Congratulations to the Salem R-80 Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering team for placing 2^nd place in the 2012 4A-5A division at East Central College!! Congratulations to Michael Walden who took 1^st in Math and 1^st in Physics!

Captain Lee Ann Kenley, commanding officer of Troop I, announces the results of the “Get Your Clicks On Route 66 Enforcement” program that was conducted on Friday, February 3^rd.  Missouri, along with eight other states along the traditional Route 66 corridor, teamed up to dedicate this day to enforcing vigorously all traffic laws, with a special emphasis on seat belt violations.  In addition to investigating eight traffic crashes and issuing 69 warnings, Troop I officers made arrests and issued summons. There were summons issued for three DWI; three for careless & imprudent driving, one for following too close, 10 for seat belt violations, three for uninsured motorists, one for no driver’s license, five for other hazardous moving violations, three for non-moving traffic offenses, 17 for speeding, three for failure to yield, one felony arrest, one misdemeanor warrant arrest, one summons for a minor in possession of intoxicants, and one for felony possession of drugs.

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