Your World Today - June 4, 2008

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Dennis Wright of Salem was sentenced to 15 years in prison and lifetime supervised release Tuesday morning on federal charges of producing and possessing child pornography according to a joint press release by United States Attorney Catherine L. Hanaway, Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Jessica Sparks and Dent County Sheriff Bob Wofford. Between June 2005 and August 2007, Wright used a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct that he videotaped surreptitiously. In October 2005, Wright used a different minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct, which he also videotaped surreptitiously. The minors were unaware of his conduct. Additionally in August 2007, Wright possessed multiple computer images containing child pornography, which he had downloaded to his computer and different computer CDs. The 49-year old Wright pled guilty in March to two felony counts of production of child pornography and four felony counts of possession of child pornography. He appeared Tuesday morning for sentencing before United States District Judge Stephen Limbaugh, in St. Louis. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In addition to the Dent County Sheriff, Hanaway commended the work on the case by the Dent County Prosecuting Attorney, the Regional Computer Crime Education and Enforcement Group, and Assistant United States Attorney Carrie Costantin, who handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

An accident happened Monday morning at 5:55 in Dent County on Highway 32 about five miles east of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis driven eastbound by 43-year old Peter Swenson of Salem was on Highway 32, and attempted to pass a tractor-trailer unit. To avoid an oncoming car, the Mercury ran off the left side of the roadway, struck two large rocks, then overturned onto it’s side, coming to rest partly on the roadway. Swenson and a passenger, 40-year old Robert Miner of Salem, both suffered serious injuries. Miner was taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by ambulance. Swenson was Air Evac’d to St. John’s Medical Center in Creve Coeur. The Mercury was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing of Salem. Citations are pending in the accident.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department released their reports from the last two weeks. On Saturday, May 17th at 9:42 in the evening, a Dent County Sheriff's Deputy observed a vehicle on Route VV with no taillights. Upon stopping the vehicle, a further investigation led to the arrest of the driver, a 17-year old male, who was charged with driving while intoxicated. On Wednesday, May 28th at 6:30 in the evening, while serving process, a Dent County Sheriff's Deputy observed a suspicious vehicle on Route O. The vehicle turned onto Dent County Road 205 and after stopping the vehicle, a further investigation led to the taking of a 29-year old male into custody for a warrant out of Phelps County. The driver was also issued citations for an open container, operating a motor vehicle while having their license suspended and failure to maintain financial responsibility. On Saturday, May 31st at 8:11 in the morning, the Dent County Sheriff's Department received a report of a theft from a residence located off of Highway 119. Forced entry was made through a window of a tool trailer located on the property. The incident was reported to have occurred the night before. Reported taken were a Makita 1/2" impact wrench, Dewalt sawzall, Dewalt cordless drill with 6" saw and light, Dewalt cordless drill with case, drill bits, saw blades, electric grease gun, and a Husqvarna 375 chainsaw. Anyone with any information regarding the theft, which is still under investigation, is asked to please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department by calling 729-3241.

The High School Graduation pictures are now in at the High School office.

Sports [TOP]

Yadier Molina blasted a three-run homer in the first inning, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat Washington, 6-1, in a game that was delayed over 2 1/2 hours by rain at Nationals Park. Kyle Lohse (6-2) won his third consecutive start, allowing four hits and a run over five innings. Ryan Ludwick doubled twice, drove in a run and scored once for the Cardinals, winners in five of their last seven games. However, the victory was tempered by an injury to Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols. He left in the fourth inning due to tightness in his left calf. This was the opener of a nine-game road trip for the Cardinals, who are 4-0 against the Nationals this year. The two teams will square off again tonight at 5:50 and you can hear the game on KSMO Radio.

Todd Wellemeyer was named the National League Pitcher of the Month as he went 4-0 in six starts with a 2.19 ERA. In only one outing -- his first start of the month -- was he unable to go six innings. Wellemeyer gave up only 28 hits in 37 innings, while striking out 12 batters and walking 12. In honor of his achievement, Wellemeyer will receive a specially designed trophy and a flat screen TV. At 6-1 on the year, Wellemeyer has arguably had the best season of any starter in the Cardinals' rotation.

Carlos Quentin and A.J. Pierzynski both clubbed two-run homers, as the Chicago White Sox downed the Kansas City Royals, 9-5, in the opener of a three-game series from U.S. Cellular Field. Zack Greinke (5-3) was roughed up for eight runs on nine hits in six innings for Kansas City, which had won two straight following a season-long 12-game losing streak. Mark Teahen hit a two-run homer, while David DeJesus went 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. The Royals' Luke Hochevar (3-5) and Chicago's John Danks (4-4) are scheduled to start tonight.

Major League Baseball Scores:

Houston 2, Pittsburgh 0
Philadelphia 3, Cincinnati 2
NY Mets 9, San Francisco 6
Atlanta 5, Florida 4
Milwaukee 7, Arizona 1
Chicago Cubs 9, San Diego 6
Colorado 3, LA Dodgers 0
Boston 7, Tampa Bay 4
Texas 12, Cleveland 7
Baltimore 5, Minnesota 3
Toronto 9, NY Yankees 3
Oakland  5, Detroit 4 (11 inngs)
LA Angels 5, Seattle 4

Obituaries   [TOP]

Graveside services for Peggy Briner of St. James, age 84, will be held today at 11:00 at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis. All arrangements are under the direction of the James & Gahr Chapel in St. James.

Private funeral services for Wayne L. Farho of Salem, age 55, will be held at a later date in Florida and services are under the direction of the James & Gahr Mortuary in Salem.

Memorial services for Daniel Estel of Edgar Springs, formerly of California, age 56, will be held this morning at 11:00 at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Rolla. All arrangements are under the direction of the Dent County Memorial Chapel in Salem.

Funeral services for John Katunar, III of Rolla, formerly of Detroit, Michigan, age 59, will be held Thursday at 11:00 at the James & Gahr Mortuary in Rolla. Visitation will be tonight from 5:00 to 7:00. Interment will be in the Rolla City Cemetery.

Funeral services for Alta Bell Martin of Salem, age 91, will be held Friday at 11:00 at Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00. Interment will be in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.

Weather [TOP]

Today..Partly cloudy with an 80% chance for showers this morning, breezy, high of 88.
Tonight..Partly cloudy, low of 71.
Thursday..Partly cloudy and windy, high of 89.
Thursday night..Partly cloudy and breezy, low of 72.
Friday.Partly sunny with a 50% chance for thunderstorms, breezy, high of 86.