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The Salem Area Community Betterment Association honored volunteer citizens and organizations that significantly enhanced the quality of our community’s life at the “Gift of Time” Awards Banquet and Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner held Tuesday night at The Commons. Gift of Time individual nominees were Bob Brendell, Bobbie Culver, Warren DuBois, Frank Grosspietsch, Dustin Howard, David Massengale, Bill Strain, Lou Trombley and Dr. Steve Watson. Gift of Time organizations were the Dent County Fire District Board of Directors, the Dent County Salvation Army Service Unit Board of Directors, Faith Assembly Mission, Friends of NRA Banquet Committee, Shepherd’s Nook, Silver Servants and the Spring Creek Garden Club. The Gift of Time Individual Awardees for volunteer work done in 2007 were Bill Strain for Community Enhancement, David Massengale for Education and Lou Trombley for Humanitarianism. The Gift of Time Organization Awardees was the Spring Creek Garden Club for Community Enhancement and the Silver Servants for Humanitarianism. Congratulations to all the nominees.

On Sunday, February 24^th at 10:27 in the evening the Dent County Sheriff’s Department received a report of a 21-year old male who had sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The incident occurred at a residence located off of Dent County Road 227. Daniel Lyn Soard of Salem was transported by ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital and later transferred to St. Louis for treatment. At 5:18 AM Monday, February 25^th, Soard was pronounced dead by Dr. Summerville of Barnes Hospital in St. Louis. An autopsy will be completed by the St. Louis City Medical Examiner’s office. The Missouri State Highway Patrol assisted in the investigation. Evidence was collected and interviews conducted at the scene. Investigation is pending the receipt of lab results from the evidence that was collected.

The Salem Police Department released their reports involving property damage, a leave without pay, an assault and a DWI. On February 10^th at 2:59 in the afternoon, an officer was contacted in reference to property damage to a vehicle. The report revealed that person(s) unknown threw a bottle from a moving vehicle striking a green 1994 Ford Ranger causing a dent. The value of the damage is unknown at this time. On February 14^th at 8:12 in the morning, an officer was detailed to the Casey’s General Store on Highway 19 in reference to stealing gas. The report revealed that person(s) unknown in a gold, full size king cab Chevrolet truck pumped $40.70 in gasoline and left without paying. On February 16^th at 11:14 in the morning, an officer was detailed to the 500 block of East Roosevelt in reference to a domestic disturbance. The report revealed that a 22-year old Salem male had assaulted a 24-year Salem female. He was arrested for 3^rd degree assault, and incarcerated pending the application for a warrant. On February 17^th 11:27 in the evening, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation that led to the arrest of a 45-year old Salem male for driving while intoxicated. He was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Anyone with any information regarding the property damage or the leave without pay, which are still under investigation, is asked to please contact the Salem Police Department by calling 729-4242.

AARP Tax Counselors will be available to prepare Federal and State Tax Returns, including the Property Tax Credit, for Senior Citizens with low to moderate incomes. This will occur at the Salem TCRC at 1200 West Rolla Road in the Salem Freedom Activity Center and will begin on Friday. Counselors will be taking appointments from 9:00 AM to noon, and from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Please call 729-8422 to make your appointment or for more information.

Sports [TOP]

Loui Eriksson scored two goals, as the Dallas Stars defeated the St. Louis Blues, 3-1, at Scottrade Center. Keith Tkachuk provided the lone goal for the Blues, who opened a four-game home stand by dropping their fourth straight. Manny Legace allowed three goals on 21 shots in defeat. Before the trade deadline, the St. Louis Blues acquired forward Cam Janssen from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for defenseman Bryce Salvador. The Blues face Phoenix on Thursday at 7:30 on KSMO Radio.

Deven Mitchell scored a game-high 20 points and Dale Lamberth scored all 16 of his points in the second half, as Missouri State upset 20th-ranked Drake, 86-83, in Missouri Valley Conference action at Hammons Student Center. Justin Fuehrmeyer chipped in with 14 points and six assists for Missouri State (15-15, 7-10 MVC), which shot 59.6 percent from the field and has won two straight and three of its last four.

Byron Eaton drove the lane and nailed a shot with just 1.7 seconds remaining in regulation to give the Oklahoma State Cowboys a thrilling, 75-73 victory over the Missouri Tigers in Big 12 action at the Mizzou Arena. The loss for Missouri (15-13, 5-8) overshadowed a tremendous effort by Leo Lyons, who poured in 27 points and grabbed an impressive 18 rebounds. Keon Lawrence and J. T. Tiller posted 13 and 11 points, respectively. Missouri will face Baylor Saturday afternoon at 2:30 on KSMO Radio.

The Kansas City Chiefs have released wide receiver Eddie Kennison.