News

NOTICE! Due to the extreme heat and the unusually dry conditions, ALL activities scheduled for July 4^th at The Commons have been cancelled. The City of Salem Fireworks Display has been postponed indefinitely, but the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Parade will be held Wednesday, July 4th starting at 6:00 PM from the old fairgrounds and conclude at the Dent County Courthouse.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting at the Dent County Courthouse Monday morning. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell reported that crossover culverts would be installed on Dent County Roads 2400 and 2470 and ditch work would be done on Dent County Road 6410. Purcell also said that material would be hauled to Dent County Road 5460 and brush would be cut on Dent County Road 5520. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported that material would be hauled to Dent County Roads 2330, 2360 and 2380 and brush would be cut on Dent County Road 4280 and a section of Old Highway 72 that the county adopted near Lake Springs. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to remind residence of the countywide burn ban. The ban will remain in affect until the county receives adequate rainfall and the Commission rescinds the ban. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that last day to register to vote for the August Primary Election will be next Wednesday, July 11^th. Red Cummings stopped by the meeting to discuss the bridge on Dent County Road 3210. Commissioner Larson said the county has done everything they can at this point and is waiting on funds to build a new one. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 and that meeting is open to the public. 

In closed session Thursday night, the Salem R-80 Board of Education voted to hire Kim Marlin as an elementary special education teacher; Amy Cornelius as a 1^st grade teacher; Erin Blankenship as a 5^th grade teacher; Tania Wood as a 7^th grade English Language Arts teacher; Amber Vick as a 9^th grade English Language Arts teacher, Alesia White as the high school band director; Hillary Winter as the assistant band director; Clay Moody as the junior high assistant principal; Nick Frillman as the assistant softball coach; Matt Parker as the junior high boys basketball coach; and Greg Nash as the assistant girls’ basketball coach. 

Firefighters have made significant progress on The East End Fire, estimated at 622 acres, and the Madison Fire, estimated at 48 acres, burning on or near Mark Twain National Forest lands.  The East End Fire is approximately six miles east of Bixby, on both sides of Missouri Highway 32. This fire is suspected arson, and is under investigation by law enforcement. The Madison Fire, estimated at 48 acres, is located just west of Higdon, approximately seven miles north and east of Fredericktown.  A spark caused this fire from mowing equipment hitting a rock. An historic schoolhouse, outbuilding, and several abandoned vehicles were lost. Firefighters made significant progress on both fires over the weekend, with both 100% within containment lines.  Assigned resources will continue patrol and mop-up operations.  Full control on the fires is projected for mid-week, given current fire weather conditions and available resources. There are currently three hand crews, seven engines, one bulldozer, and 23 overhead personnel assigned to the wildfires; a total of 98 personnel.  There have been no reportable injuries. The current drought has created extreme fire conditions on the forest and across Missouri and over the next few weeks the probability of starting a fire is extremely high. The public is strongly advised to honor all burn bans and fireworks restrictions during this fire danger period. 

The Salem Police Department has released their most recent reports. On Thursday June 21^st at 4:56 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to Casey’s General Store located on Highway 32 in reference to a theft. The investigation revealed that the driver of a black minivan pumped $20 in fuel and left without paying. Later that evening at 9:24, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. That investigation led to the arrest of a 49-year old Salem male for possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving while revoked. He was issued summons to appear in court and released. On Friday, June 22^nd at 2:39 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 800 block of East Inman in reference to a theft. The investigation revealed that someone took mail from a mailbox of a residence. At 5:26 that same afternoon, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. That investigation led to the arrest of an 18-year old male of Mt. Olive, Illinois for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He posted bond and was released with a date to appear in court. Later on that night at 9:25, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation led to the arrest of a 25-year old Salem female for possession of marijuana and driving while revoked. She was issued summons to appear in court and released. On Saturday June 23^rd at 12:23 in the morning, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. That investigation led to the arrest of a 42-year old Salem male for possession of amphetamines and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was incarcerated pending the application for warrants. On Sunday, June 24^th at 11:06 in the morning, an officer was dispatched to Casey’s General Store on Highway 32 in reference to a theft. The investigation revealed that the driver of a Blue Jeep Cherokee pumped $45 in fuel and left without paying. Anyone with information regarding the theft reports, which are still under investigation, is asked to contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.

Sports [TOP]

The 7th & 8th grade FOOTBALL CAMP will start Monday, July 9th at 9:00 AM and will continue thru Friday, July 13th. Campers should meet at the Salem High School Weight Room on July 9th for registration and the start of camp. The 9th through 12th grade FOOTBALL CAMP will start on Monday, July 9th at 5:30 PM and will continue thru Friday, July 20th with a Team Camp Scrimmage. The cost of either camp is $25. If you have any questions, call Coach Bill Schuchardt at 729-6644.

Kyle Lohse pitched into the eighth inning while Allen Craig homered twice and knocked in three runs as the St. Louis Cardinals downed the Colorado Rockies, 9-3, in the opener of a four-game series at Busch Stadium. Lohse (8-2) scattered nine hits and two runs over 7 1/3 innings while walking two and struck out five. Matt Holliday added a home run and two RBI for the Cardinals, who won their second straight game on the heels of a three-game losing streak. The Cardinals and Rockies play again tonight and you can hear it on KSMO at 6:40.

Mike Moustakas hit his first career grand slam and drove in a total of five runs, helping the Kansas City Royals dominate the Toronto Blue Jays, 11-3, in the opener of a four-game series. Salvador Perez added a two-run homer and two runs scored for the Royals, who snapped a three-game skid. Yuniesky Betancourt had two RBI and two runs scored. Everett Teaford (1-1) allowed three runs on five hits over seven innings to pick up his first win of the season. The Royals and Blue Jays play again tonight.

Obituaries   [TOP]