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State and federal officials are working overtime to determine the extent of an Emerald Ash Borer infestation. The infestation came to light on July 23^rd when U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists discovered seven suspicious beetles on traps at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s Greenville Recreation Area in Wayne County. The emerald ash borer is a small, metallic green beetle, slender, bullet-shaped and about a half inch long, native to Asia. Its larvae burrow into the bark of ash trees, causing trees to starve and die. While the emerald ash borer does not pose any direct risk to public health, it does threaten Missouri’s ash tree populations. Missouri is the 9^th state to have a confirmed emerald ash borer infestation. Emerald ash borer traps are purple, prism-shaped devices with sticky outer surfaces. The borers are attracted by the color and by chemical scents that mimic a stressed ash tree. So far, emerald ash borers have not shown up on any other traps throughout the state. State officials urge Missourians not to transport firewood from one site to another. It is suggested that campers buy firewood locally.

The Salem Police Department released their report involving traffic stops. On July 13^th at 1:01 in the morning, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation that led to the arrest of the driver and three occupants. The driver, a 19-year old Lake St. Louis male was arrested for driving while drugged. He posted bond and was released with a court date. A 17-year old O’Fallon female was arrested for possession of marijuana. She was issued a summons to appear in court and released. A 20-year old Wright City male was arrested for methamphetamine. He was incarcerated pending the application for a warrant. An 18-year old O’Fallon male was arrested for possession of Heroin and drug paraphernalia. He was incarcerated pending the application for a warrant. On July 14^th at 3:01 in the morning, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation that led to the arrest of a 29-year old French Village male for driving while drugged, endangering the welfare of a child and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was incarcerated pending the application for warrants. On July 19^th at 7:25 in the evening, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation that led to the arrest of a 19-year old Springfield male for a minor in possession of intoxicants. He was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On July 21^st at 12:45 in the morning, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation that led to the arrest of a 47-year old Salem male for driving while intoxicated. He was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On July 23^rd at 1:49 in the afternoon, a vehicle was involved in a traffic accident. The investigation of the accident led to the arrest of a 47-year old Salem male for driving while intoxicated. He was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On July 25^th at 5:17 in afternoon, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation that led to the arrest of a 31-year old Nokomis, Illinois male for possession of marijuana. He was released on bond and given a date to appear in court. On July 26^th at 2:59 in the afternoon, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation that led to the arrest of a 19-year old Salem male on an active warrant from Dent County. He paid the fine and costs and was released. On August 1^st at 3:25 in the morning, an officer was detailed to an accident on the Wal-Mart parking lot. The investigation of the accident led to the arrest of a 47-year old Salem male for driving while intoxicated. He was issued a summons to appear in court and released. 

The first day of school in Bunker will be today while the Salem and Dent County schools will begin classes tomorrow. Remember to watch for children on the roads and allow time for school busses picking up these children.

Sports [TOP]

Hanley Ramirez blasted a three-run homer to lead the Florida Marlins over the St. Louis Cardinals, 4-3, in the second contest of a four-game set at Dolphin Stadium. Ryan Ludwick drove in all three runs for the Cardinals, who fell to 2-3 on a 10-game road trip. Kyle Lohse (13-5) continued to struggle after getting tagged for four runs on six hits in just 4 1/3 innings. The righty has now lost three of his last four starts since going unbeaten (9-0) over his previous 14 trips to the mound. The game was delayed one hour, 53 minutes due to rain. The Cardinals and Marlins play again tonight at 5:50 on KSMO.

Javier Vazquez threw eight shutout innings, and Jermaine Dye hit a two-run homer and drove in three, as the Chicago White Sox blanked Kansas City, 9-0, in the first of three games with the Royals. Brian Bannister (7-11) took the loss after giving up four runs on four hits in seven innings of work. He also walked just two and struck out seven, but gave up all three White Sox homers en route to losing his fifth consecutive decision. Alex Gordon tripled and Mike Aviles doubled for the Royals, who have lost five of six. The Royals and White Sox play again tonight.

Major League Baseball has uspended Kansas City Royals minor league pitcher Victor Jorge 50 games for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.

Major League Baseball Scores:

Cincinnati 5, Pittsburgh 1
NY Mets 4, Washington 3
LA Dodgers 4, Philadelphia 3
Houston 12, San Francisco 4
Arizona 4, Colorado 2
Milwaukee 5, San Diego 2
Chicago Cubs at Atlanta, pstpnd, rain
Cleveland 7, Baltimore 5
Toronto 6, Detroit 4
NY Yankees 9, Minnesota 6 (12 inngs)
Boston 19, Texas 17
Oakland 2, Tampa Bay 1
LA Angels 7, Seattle 3

Obituaries   [TOP].

Today and tonight..Partly cloudy, high of 86, low around 60.
Thursday and Thursday night..Partly cloudy, high of 87, low of 63.
Friday and Friday night..Mostly cloudy with a 40% chance for thunderstorms, high of 81, low of 62.
Saturday and Saturday night..Mostly cloudy with a 40% chance for showers and thunderstorms, high of 82, low of 61.