Scroll Down for Sports, Weather and Obituaries! For State-Wide News, go to the MissouriNet! To read previous editions of Your World Today please visit our Archives Page.

A federal grand jury indicted two Salem men on charges of illegal distribution of prescription drugs. According to U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway, 28-year old Thomas Matthew Dillon was indicted on one felony count of possession with the intent to distribute Vicoprofen and one felony count of illegally obtaining Vicoprofen, and 27-year old John Gibbs was indicted on one felony count of illegally obtaining Vicoprofen. According to the indictment, between February and November 2007 in Dent County, Dillon and Gibbs acquired Vicoprofen by fraud, and Dillon possessed and distributed the drug that contains hydrocodone. If convicted, possession with the intent to distribute Vicoprofen carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or fines up to $500,000. Illegally obtaining Vicoprofen carries a maximum penalty of four years prison and/or fines up to $250,000.

The Salem Board of Aldermen’s regular meeting was held Monday night at the City Hall Council Chambers. At the meeting, Alderman Jim McDaniels asked about the city limit expansion along Highway 72 north and Mayor Gary Brown said that the alderman had to take a vote before they could proceed any further. The board approved by a 3-1 vote to annex the highway only from the Highway 32-72 junction to Dent County Road 3210.  He also asked about the soccer fields and the grant has been submitted, and the city hopes to hear later this month or next month. McDaniels asked when the Community Wide Yard Sale would be and it will be May 2^nd, and he also asked if the media could help promote the recycling days. Mayor Brown said that the city would probably have to go two recycling collections a month in the near future. Alderman Jim Jackson asked about the insurance claim on well #4 and City Clerk Mary Happel said that payment had been approved by the insurance company but was unsure of the exact amount, but she did say that the city just received a check for $6,900 for the lightning damage done last year at Al Brown Fields. Mayor Gary Brown said that the city used 92 man hours during the snow removal process Saturday using 42 tons of grit and salt mix. He also said that there are 25 homes on the east side and 23 on the west side that need to be cleaned up. The Board approved Bill #3156 establishing pay for workers assisting another city for storm damages, Bill 3157 that revoked Ordinance #3148 concerning the airport work through MoDOT that was not correct, and approved Bill #3158 between the city and the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission providing for $411,240 for construction of the taxiway and apron at the airport. The board also approved Bill #3159 to give $1,000 to Project Graduation, and passed Resolution #1-2009 to change the LAGERS plan effective July 1^st for city employees that will cost the city at least another $83,200 per year. This increase will be given in lieu of a raise this next budget year. The board approved signing a Quit Claim Deed for property owned by Todd Kinerk that the city has had no ownership or easement interest in. The board then tabled the discussion on contractor’s needing a license to do work in the city limits, and tabled the purchase of a manure spreader for the water and sewer department. After the bills were approved, the board went into closed session.

The Dent County Fire Protection District responded to several brush fires, a grass fire and a couple of structure fires. On Monday, February 23^rd at 5:49 pm, eleven firefighters responded to a two-acre brush fire on Dent County Road 3210 and had the scene under control 6:05 pm. On Wednesday, February 25^th, eight firefighters responded to 15-acre brush fire and two structures in danger on County Road 3290. The Dent County Fire Protection District called for assistance from the Missouri Conservation Department. At 3:25 that afternoon, eight firefighters responded to a two-acre brush fire on Route HH and had the scene under control at 4:05 pm. Then at 5:25 that evening, four firefighters responded to a grass fire on Dent County Road 4210. There were several acres on fire and the scene was brought under control at 5:13 pm. The Dent County Fire Protection District responded to a structure fire at 7:50 that same evening on Dent County Road 5020. Upon arrival, twelve firefighters found a one-story wood frame home on fire. Mutual Aid was called in from the Jadwin Fire Department. The Fire Marshall’s office investigated the fire and it was believed to be electrical. No injuries were reported. On Sunday, March 1^st at 6:07 pm, the Dent County Fire Protection District responded to a structure fire in the 200 block of Center Street. Upon arrival, twelve firefighters found flames showing by the flue and heavy smoke was coming from the structure. The flue fire was brought under control by 6:50.

Sports [TOP]

Chris Osgood posted his first shutout of the season and 48th of his career with a 22-save performance, as the Detroit Red Wings defeated the St. Louis Blues, 5-0, at Scottrade Center. Chris Mason surrendered all five goals on 36 shots for St. Louis, which had a three-game win streak snapped. The Blues will hit the road and travel to Florida where they will face the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday night.

The Missouri Basketball Tigers will host Oklahoma tonight in a key match up in the Big 12 starting at 7:30. Missouri is 24-5 on the year and 12-3 in the Big 12. You can hear the game on KSMO Radio.

Chris Duncan finished 4-for-4 with a three-run homer, triple and five RBI as St. Louis used a seven-run fourth inning to crush the New York Mets, 15-4, in Grapefruit League action. Allen Craig went 2-for-5 with a solo shot and knocked in three for the Cardinals, who have won two of three. Kyle Lohse hurled 3 2/3 scoreless innings, giving up three hits for the win.

Kansas City's Alex Gordon hit a grand slam as the Royals and Indians played to a 9-9 tie in Cactus League play. Gordon finished with two hits, while John Buck went 2-for-3 with a solo homer and two runs batted in for Kansas City. Zack Greinke allowed four runs on five hits, two of them earned, in a three-inning start for the Royals.

The Kansas City Chiefs have named Ronnie Bradford defensive assistant coach and Nick Sirianni as the offensive quality control coach.

Obituaries   [TOP]

A Memorial Mass for Arthur (Art) Stephens, Jr. of Salem, age 62, will be held this evening at 6:30 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Salem. All the arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Mortuary in Salem.

Funeral services for Etta Mae Perkins of Rolla, age 80, will be held Thursday morning at 11:00 at the James & Gahr Mortuary in Rolla. Visitation will be today from 5:00 to 7:00. Interment will be in the Fairview Cemetery in Dixon. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society.

Funeral services for Helen Estelle Jonas of Steelville, age 96, will be Thursday at 2:00 at the Britton Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville. Visitation will be Thursday from Noon until of service. Interment will be in the Steelville Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Jonas Museum in Steelville.

Funeral services for Irene Elizabeth Eaton of Steelville, age 90, will be held Saturday at 11:00 at the Britton-Bennett Chapel in Steelville. Visitation will be from 9:00 until service time. Interment will be in the Steelville Cemetery.

Funeral services for Clarence Turnbough of Cuba, formerly of Steelville, age 90, will be held Saturday at 2:00 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville. Visitation will be Friday from 4:00 to 8:00, with a Masonic Service at 7:00. Interment will be in the Freeman Cemetery in Cherryville. Memorials are suggested to the Freeman Cemetery or Gibbs Care in Steelville.

Weather [TOP]