Your World Today, Salem, Missouri

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Jennifer Whitson of Steelville, has been recognized for caring for her students in need and helping serve our troops and veterans. Whitson was selected from among hundreds of citizen hero nominations as a Medal of Honor recipient and selected as one of 20 finalists for the Citizen Service Before Self Award. Whitson, a middle school teacher, ensures that her students always have coats and shoes (especially in the winter), or a ride home or to karate lessons if parents cannot afford gas. Beyond going the extra mile for students, she encouraged her class to collect items for troops through A Solder’s Wish List (ASWL), and following the entire school, which gives at record numbers. She also has inspired a movement to resurrect a local monument for area Korean War Veteran by initiating strong fundraising and beginning the planning process. Jennifer Whitson’s devotion to her students in need and to our troops and veterans continues to be an inspiration and a credit to the state of Missouri and to her fellow Americans. Three of the 20 finalists will be selected and the recipients will be announced on Monday, March 22, 2011, and then honored at a ceremony on Friday, March 25, 2011, at 1:15 p.m. in conjunction with National Medal of Honor Day. The ceremony will be held in the shadow of the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Each finalist will receive an embossed certificate signed by the President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

The Salem Police Department released their reports involving credit card fraud, forgery, two burglaries and an assault. On Wednesday, March 2nd at 9:00 in the morning, an officer was contacted at the station in reference to the fraudulent use of a credit card. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown used the debit card of another in the amount of $36 without the consent of the owner. At 11:36 that same morning, an officer was contacted at the station in reference to a forgery. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown stole a check, signed it and cashed it in the amount of $200. At 4:21 that afternoon, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of North Warfel in reference to a burglary. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown entered a residence by force and attempted to take numerous items from the residence. Upon further investigation, the items were located near an exit of the residence. On Thursday, March 3rd at 9:37 in the morning, an officer was contacted at the station in reference to a burglary. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown entered a residence in the 300 block of North Park and took a checkbook and $80.00 cash. At 11:37 that same morning, an officer was detailed to the Salem High School in reference to an assault. The investigation of the report revealed that a 17-year-old Salem female had assaulted another 17-year old Salem female. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was issued a summons to appear in court and was released. Anyone with any information regarding the credit card fraud, forgery or the burglaries, which are still under investigation, is asked to contact the Salem Police Department by calling 729-4242.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will conduct their March meeting on Thursday, March 10^th at the fire station beginning at 6:00 pm. After approval of the agenda and the minutes from the previous meeting, the Board will review bills and sign file copies. There will then be a calendar review and the Board will address the reimbursement report. In old business the Board will be updated on the roof settlement status. Chief Brad Nash will then report on the 100-Acre Wood Rally, the Ladder 81 status, station inventory and the new phone system status. The Board will then set their next monthly meeting for April 6^th at the fire station and may then vote to go into Closed Session to discuss personnel. The regular monthly meeting of the Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors is open to the public.

Sports [TOP]

The Salem Winter Sports Banquet was held Tuesday night at the Salem High School Cafeteria for Boys and Girls Basketball. Coach Phillip Karr handed out the awards for the 2010-2011 Lady Tigers. Kristy Bermudez won the award for Most Assists by a Guard, Most Rebounds by a Guard and she received a Team Captain plaque. Alayna Sellers was presented the awards for the Best Field Goal Percentage by a Guard, Best Free Throw Percentage by a Guard and was given a Team Captain Plaque. Coach Karr then awarded Jennifer Herndon the awards for Most Steals, Best Field Goal Percentage, Best Free Throw Percentage, Best 3-Point Shot Percentage and Most Rebounds.

The Boys Basketball Awards were handed out by Coach Carey Davison and Coach Nic Zenker. Coach Davison awarded the only JV Award to C.J. Davison. Coach Zenker said that this year the varsity team awards were voted on by the players. The Hustle Award was a tie between Jarred Patterson and Dex West, the Defensive Player of the Year Award was presented to Jarred Patterson, the Most Improved Player Award winner was Chad Elliott and the Most Valuable Player Award went to Jonathan Hambacker. Coach Zenker said that a new award was being established this year that would remain in the locker room and would be for the player who best exemplifies the face of Salem Tiger Basketball on and off the court, in the classroom and in the community. The First Tiger Pride Award went to Jacob Kettner.

The St. Louis Blues will be in Columbus starting at 6:00 in the tail end of a home and home series. You can hear the game on KSMO Radio.

The Missouri Basketball Tigers will be taking on Texas Tech in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City. Game time tonight will be at 8:30. You can hear the game on KSMO. If Missouri wins, they will play Texas A&M tomorrow night also at 8:30. Missouri is seeded 6^th in the tournament. The winner of the Big 12 Tournament receives an automatic birth in the NCAA Tournament.

Ryan Lavarnway hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning, helping the Boston Red Sox edge the St. Louis Cardinals, 8-7, in Grapefruit League play. Cardinals starter Jaime Garcia gave up three runs on seven hits and three walks in three innings. Matt Carpenter led the St. Louis offense with three hits, a walk, and an RBI.

Drew Stubbs hit a three-run homer, as the Cincinnati Reds defeated the Kansas City Royals 5-2 in Cactus League action. Billy Butler supplied the only offense for Kansas City with a two-run homer. Kyle Davies got the starting assignment and worked three scoreless innings, yielding four hits and one walk while striking out three. Danny Duffy followed Davies and allowed three runs on one hit and walked a pair in two innings of relief.

Obituaries [TOP]

Graveside services for Robert J. Ditmeyer of Salem, age 69, will be held today at 2:00 at the Miles Cemetery in rural St. James. Memorials are suggested to the Phelps County Hospice or Miles Cemetery. All arrangements are under the direction of the James and Gahr Mortuary in St. James.

Funeral services for Tina Marie (Delor) Grant of Salem, age 42, will be held Thursday at 5:00 at the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel. Visitation will be from 4:30 until service time Thursday.

Graveside services for Virginia Franke of Bowling Green, Kentucky, age 82, will be held Saturday at 2:00 at the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society. All arrangements are under the direction of the James and Gahr Mortuary in Salem.

Weather [TOP]

Today..Cloudy with areas of drizzle into the afternoon, high of 42.
Tonight..Mostly cloudy through the evening with a 30% chance for rain or snow, then partly cloudy after midnight, low of 29.
Thursday..Mostly sunny, high of 45.
Thursday night..Mostly clear, low of 32.
Friday..Mostly sunny, high around 60.