News

An accident occurred on Tuesday, June 5^th at 2:55 in the afternoon in Dent County on Highway 19 and Fourth Street. According to the Salem Police report, a 1996 Buick LeSabre driven by Dollie Cook of Salem proceeded west through the intersection when a 2008 Ford F150 driven by Ellis Snodgrass of Salem proceeded south, the two vehicles then made contact. The impact caused the LeSabre to travel off the north side of Fourth Street striking the south exterior wall of The Bank of Salem at 100 West Fourth Street. Both vehicles and The Bank of Salem sustained moderate damage. No injuries were reported.

An accident occurred at 1:25 Wednesday afternoon in Phelps County on at the 193-mile marker of I-44 in St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a 1995 Peterbilt tractor-trailer driven by 45-year old Kenneth McGugin of Ohio was passing a 2009 Triumph motorcycle driven by 41-year old John Rust of Festus when a tire on the tractor-trailer exploded. An airborne tire tread then struck Rust. Rust suffered moderate injuries and was taken to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center. The motorcycle sustained no damage and was removed from the scene by Elite Auto Sales. The tractor-trailer sustained minor damage but no tow was needed.

District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson has reported that Dent County Road 3210, also known as the hospital road, is now open. Motorists are urged to proceed through the bridge area with caution, as only one lane is open. 

The Salem Police Department released their reports involving a domestic disturbance, assault, a burglary, and theft. On Monday, May 28^th at 5:22 in the morning, an officer was dispatched to the 700 block of West Seventh in reference to a domestic disturbance. The investigation revealed that a 30-year old Salem male restrained a 26-year old Salem female using a handgun. He was arrested for armed criminal action, felonious restraint, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon, and 2^nd degree domestic assault. He was then incarcerated pending the application for warrants. On Tuesday, May 29^th at 2:00 in the early morning, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1100 block of West Franklin in reference to an assault. That investigation revealed that a 33-year old Salem male had assaulted a 31-year old Salem female. He was arrested for assault, issued a summons to appear in court, and released. At 10:12 that same morning, an officer responded to Heartland Metal in reference to a burglary. The investigation revealed that a person or persons unknown entered the building and took copper valued at $8,050. That night at 9:39, an officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of West Franklin in reference to an assault. That investigation revealed that a 34-year old Salem male had assaulted a 33-year old Salem male.  The suspect was arrested and incarcerated pending the application for warrants. Later that night at 11:36, an officer was dispatched to the 1500 block of South Gertrude in reference to a theft. The investigation revealed that two pillows and two pillowcases valued at $67 was taken from a residence.  Anyone with any information regarding the burglary and theft reports, which are still under investigation, is asked to contact the Salem Police Department by calling 729-4242.

The regular monthly meeting of the Meramec Regional Planning Commission will be held tonight at the MRPC office located at #4 Industrial Drive in St. James. After approval of the agenda and several contracts, there will be a report from the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting. Tammy Snodgrass will reports on solid waste activities, Kraig Bone will report on the Meramec Regional Emergency Planning Committee meeting, and Tom Klebba will report on business loan activities. Connie Willman will then report on the Meramec Community Enhancement Corporation meeting, and T.R. Dudley will report on workforce development activities. Chair Laura Antolak will report on MRCF activities and Chairman Gary Brown and Director Bonnie Prigge will then report on issues of interest. A Closed Session may be needed if the Board wishes to discuss any item in detail. The regular monthly meeting of the MRPC is open to the public.

Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster is warning Missourians about recent activity by identity thieves to steal information by offering fake prizes like Walmart or Costco gift cards. According to Koster, these scam text messages ask the consumer to click a link to claim their prize.  Unfortunately, when the consumer clicks the link, her cell phone is automatically infected with malware that allows identity thieves access to personal information, such as social security numbers and bank information.  This kind of scam is called “smishing.” Consumers are urged that if they are ever in doubt as to whether to open a link, just delete it. Koster also suggested consumers consider putting “security freezes” on their credit reports. Missouri law allows Missouri residents to notify credit-reporting agencies not to give any business or person your credit information unless you so authorize.  If you have a freeze on your account, thieves who steal your information will not be able to open credit accounts in your name. There is a small fee to set up the security freeze, limited by law to $5. If you have already been a victim of identity theft, there is no fee. 

The South Central Missouri 2012 Cattlemen’s Tour brought to you by Maries and Dent County and the MU Extension and will run from July 16^th to July 19^th. The tour departs on the 16^th at 7:00 am from the SC Regional Stockyards in Vienna. The first stop will be to the Southwest Research Center in Mount Vernon. Throughout their tour they will also make other stops to the Pasture Based Dairy Farm Tour in Monett, the Ratcliff Ranches in Vinita, Oklahoma, the Gray G Bar Ranch in Grainola, Oklahoma, the Stockyard City and National Stockyards in Oklahoma City, the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation in Ardmore, Oklahoma, the Oklahoma City National Memorial/Bricktown and the last and final stop on July 19^th will be at the Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, Missouri. Registration forms can be obtained at the MU Extension. For more information contact Ted Cunningham at 729-3196 or the MU Extension in Maries County at 573-422-3359.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Salem invites businesses, organizations, and individuals to participate in the community’s 2012 4^th of July parade on Wednesday, July 4^th.  This year’s theme is “America’s Past, Present and Future” and it will start at 6:00 PM. The Grand Marshall this year is Ed Gill, a lifelong Salem resident and businessman, who achieved the rank of Lieutenant Senior Grade in the United States Navy. Gill served aboard a minesweeper during the Invasion of Normandy in WWII. A one hundred dollar prize will be awarded to the best “Commercial” and “Non-Commercial” float. Get your entry form at www.salemmo.com; request a form from chamber@salemmo.com or stop by 200 South Main. Parade entry forms are due by June 26^th.  The parade route runs from the old fairgrounds to the Dent County Courthouse. No ATV’s will be allowed. Your line up position will be ready on June 29^th. For more information call 729-6900.

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