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The Salem Police Department has released their reports. On Sunday, April 8^th at 10:30 in the evening, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a theft. The investigation revealed that a 39-year old Salem female had stolen money from the cash drawer. She was arrested, issued a summons to appear in court, and released. Later that night at 11:23, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 900 block of South Oak in reference to a domestic disturbance. The investigation revealed that an 18-year old Salem female had assaulted a 22-year old Newburg male. On Monday, April 9^th at 8:00 in the evening, an officer was dispatched to the Break Time Convenience Store in reference to a theft. The investigation revealed that a male in a gold GMC Sierra pumped $10.01 in fuel and left with out paying. Later that night at 9:58, an officer was dispatched to Phil-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation revealed that a 25-year old Salem female took a case of Bud Light beer valued at $16.95 and left the store without paying. She was arrested, issued a summons to appear in court, and released. Later on that night at 11:55, an officer attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation. The vehicle failed to stop and led officers out of the city limits. Officers discontinued following the vehicle and through further investigation identified the driver as a 19-year old Salem male. He was taken into custody and issued 8 summons to appear in court and incarcerated pending the application for warrants. On Thursday, April 12^th at 6:56 in the evening, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 19-year old Salem male for possession of marijuana. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding the thefts or domestic disturbance, which are still under investigation.

With prom and graduation season here, Missouri law enforcement want to make sure Missouri youth are celebrating safe and sober. Law enforcement will crack down on underage drunk driving from Monday, April 30^th through Sunday, May 13^Th. It is illegal for anyone under 21 to possess or consume alcohol in Missouri, yet youth make up a significant proportion of drunk drivers causing traffic crashes on Missouri roadways. Many drunk drivers are under the age of 21. From 2009-2011, there were 83 fatal crashes and 233 disabling injury crashes involving an impaired driver under 21. There were 94 people killed and 368 seriously injured in these crashes. Missouri has a Zero Tolerance Law.  If you are under 21, your license will be suspended if you’re caught driving with even a trace of alcohol in your system. Consequences of drunk driving include jail time, loss of their driver licenses, or being sentenced to use ignition interlocks. Insurance rates go up. Other financial hits include attorney fees and court costs. When family and friends find out, violators can also face tremendous personal embarrassment and humiliation. In 2011 in Missouri, 217 people were killed and 867 seriously injured in crashes involving an impaired driver. For more information, please visit www.saveMOlives.com.

The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting Saturday, April 28^th, in the gymnasium located in Current River State Park outside of Salem. The informational meeting will begin at 4 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided. Current River State Park is currently under development. Staff will be on hand to discuss the development of the park including roadways into the park property. This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites. Current River State Park is located 25 miles south of Salem on Highway 19 in Shannon County. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling (573) 858-3015.

An accident occurred at 4:05 Wednesday afternoon in Dent County on County Road 5130 about three miles east of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 1989 Chevrolet 1500 driven by 16-year old Clarissa Blaylock of Salem crested a hill, began skidding, traveled off the left side of the roadway, and struck a tree. Clarissa and an occupant, 13-year Marissa Blaylock of Salem, suffered minor injuries and were taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. Another occupant, 17-year old Emily Blaylock of Salem, suffered moderate injuries and was also taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. They were not wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. The Chevy sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

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