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On July 27, 2009, law enforcement officers from the Phelps County Sheriff's Department, Rolla Police Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and United States Forest Service, arrested 38 individuals on drug-related charges.  These arrests were a result of an approximate 18-month investigation, where undercover operatives with the South Central Drug Task Force, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Rolla Police Department, and U.S. Forest Service were able to conduct a series of covert narcotics investigations involving the distribution /sales of methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and prescription drugs. At approximately 6 a.m. Friday morning, members of the South Central Drug Task Force, in coordination with the above listed agencies, made 27 additional arrests as a result of the 18-month investigation. Those arrests and those from July 27, 2009, involve loosely affiliated individuals from Phelps, Dent, Pulaski and Texas counties.  Law enforcement officials would again like to thank the 25th Judicial Circuit Court and the grand jury which was convened by its authority. Indictments from this grand jury were obtained through the Phelps County Prosecuting Attorney's Office prior to both mass arrest operations. Arrest teams consisted of members from the Phelps County Sheriff's Department, Rolla Police Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the United States Forest Service. The arrest teams were assisted by sheriff's deputies from Dent, Pulaski, and Texas counties during the apprehension of suspects from those respective counties. The following are the individuals from Dent County that were arrested in connection with this investigation and were transported, processed, and were being held at the Phelps County Jail for bond. They include 25-year old David J. Sutton of Salem who received a Phelps County warrant for distribution, delivery, manufacture, production, or possession of a controlled substance  (two cases); 26-year old Michael L. Norris of Salem, who was served a Phelps County warrant for distribution, delivery, manufacture, production, or possession of a controlled substance (four cases); 34-year old Krystal G. Volner of Salem, who received a Phelps County warrant for distribution, delivery, manufacture, production, or possession of a controlled substance; and also a warrant for distribution, delivery, manufacture, or production of a controlled substance near a school; and 40-year old Elizabeth R. Hunter of Salem, who was served a Phelps County warrant for distribution, delivery, manufacture, or production of a controlled substance near a school (two cases); and also a Phelps County warrant for the distribution, delivery, manufacture, produce, or possession a controlled substance (two cases). The charges for which these individuals have been arrested are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

The Salem Police Department released their reports involving property damage, assault, thefts and a domestic dispute. On Monday, August 3^rd at 12:30 p.m. an officer was contacted at the station in reference to property damage. The report revealed that a person or persons unknown had damaged a fence in the 200 block of South Highway 19. The damage estimate is $500.00. On Tuesday, August 4^th at 6:12 p.m. an officer was detailed to the 300 block of East Tenth in reference to property damage. The report revealed that a male juvenile threw rocks breaking the glass in a door and window. The damage estimate is $600.00. The report will be forwarded to the juvenile office. At 8:20 p.m. that evening, an officer was dispatched to the 200 block of East Margaret in reference to an assault. The report revealed that a 12-year old male juvenile had assaulted an 8-year old male juvenile both of Salem. The parents were contacted and the report will be forwarded to the juvenile office. On Wednesday, August 5^th at 12:30 p.m. an officer was contacted at the station in reference to a theft.  The report revealed that a computer laptop valued at $50.00 was missing. At 2:29 that afternoon, an officer was contacted at the station in reference to a theft. The report revealed that a person or persons unknown entered a Chevrolet truck in the 600 block of North Highway 19 and took turquoise and silver jewelry valued at $700.00. On Thursday, August 6^th at 9:25 p.m. officers were detailed to the 700 block of Highway 72 East in reference to a domestic disturbance in progress. The report revealed that a 29-year old male from Dixon, had assaulted a 32-year old female from Rolla, and left the scene. An officer in route to the disturbance located the suspect and further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect for 2^nd degree domestic assault, 2^nd degree assault and driving while intoxicated. He was incarcerated pending an application for warrants. Anyone with any information regarding the property damage reports or the theft reports, which are still under investigation, is asked to please contact the Salem Police Department by calling 729-4242.

Businesses who suffered property damage or loss from the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from May 8^th through the 16th can register for federal disaster assistance. Registration is available by calling 1-800 621-3362 from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week, or at www.disasterassistance.gov. In order to complete an application, the following information is necessary: a phone number, address of the damaged property, a brief description of damages, a Social Security number, any insurance information and a current mailing address. The counties in which residents are eligible to register for disaster assistance are: Dent, Shannon, Texas, and surrounding counties. Businesses of any size and private, non-profit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets The U.S. Small Business Administration also sends loss verifiers to inspect damaged property of those who have submitted completed loan applications. And local building and safety inspectors may come to see if damaged structures are safe. All of these inspectors should have photo identification.

Residents who suffered property damage or loss from the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from May 8^th through the 16th can register for federal disaster assistance. Registration is available by calling 1-800 621-3362 or at www.disasterassistance.gov from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week until further notice. In order to complete an application, the following information is necessary: a phone number, address of the damaged property, a brief description of damages, a Social Security number, any insurance information and a current mailing address. The counties in which residents are eligible to register for disaster assistance are: Dent, Shannon, Texas, and surrounding counties. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, in addition to grants for serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property. FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate victims for their entire loss. For those with insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered by insurance. Residents who applied for disaster assistance and are not insured can expect to hear from an inspector who will schedule a visit to look at damaged property. FEMA schedules inspections within 7 to 10 days to verify losses.

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Funeral services for Chris Howard of Bunker, age 50, will be held today at 1:00 at the McSpadden Funeral Home in Bunker. Visitation will be held from 10:00 this morning until service time. Interment will be in the Bunker Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the United Way or the American Cancer Society.

Funeral services for Edwin “Leon” Lunn of Salem, age 72, will be held Wednesday at 1:00 at the Wilson Mortuary Chapel in Salem. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 Tuesday evening. Interment will be in the Cedar Grove Cemetery.

Funeral services for Jane Gibbs of Salem, age 53, will be held Wednesday at 11:00 at the Dent County Memorial Chapel. Interment will be in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society.

 Funeral services for Sybil Joyce Burnham of Salem, age 82, will be held Wednesday at 3:00 at Wilson Mortuary. Visitation will be Wednesday at 2:00 until service time. Interment will be in the Cedar Grove Cemetery.

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