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The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released several reports. On Friday, September 23^rd a written statement was received from a victim in reference to a burglary that occurred between September 12^th and 22^nd on Highway 19 North. He stated that his red and white 2005 Yamaha Raptor, which had been parked at the Dent County Over Head Door, was stolen. The 4-wheeler is valued at $5,200. On Thursday, September 29^th at 9:45 in the morning, a call came in from a victim reporting that his orange 1974 Harley Davidson Custom motorcycle had just been stolen from Highway K. He described the suspect’s vehicle as a black 2005 Dodge four door pulling a green bumper hitch trailer, with the front portion of the trailer having a silver tarp over it. The motorcycle has 21-inch ape hanger handlebars and a 250 Series back tire. Later that evening at 5:00, a deputy was dispatched to Hayes Auto Salvage in reference to a burglary and theft. Upon arrival, the victim stated that their Dell computer tower, valued at $400, had been stolen. Anyone with any information regarding the previously mentioned reports is asked to contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department by calling 729-4231.

In anticipation of winter trout fishing, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages trout anglers to help prevent the spread of a new threat to Missouri’s cold-water streams and rivers called “didymo” (Didymosphenia geminata) or “rock snot.” This invasive alga forms large, thick mats on the bottoms of cold-water streams and rivers, reducing the quality and quantity of food vital to fish such as trout. Didymo also clogs water intakes and boat motors. It interferes with fishing gear and eventually makes fishing nearly impossible, with devastating economic and environmental consequences. While it has not been found in Missouri, rock snot has been found just south of the Missouri-Arkansas border in the White River. Missouri’s wealth of limestone creates higher pH levels in Show-Me waters. These higher pH levels can allow didymo to spread unchecked. Recreational equipment such as boats, lifejackets and fishing gear, particularly porous-soled waders, are the most likely ways for didymo to spread into Missouri. The Missouri Conservation Commission has approved a regulation change banning the use of porous-soled waders or footwear incorporating or having attached a porous sole of felted, matted, or woven fibrous material when fishing in trout parks and other specific trout waters. Pending public comment through the Secretary of State’s office, the new regulation will go into effect March 1^st, 2012. To help reduce the spread of didymo, MDC encourages anglers to check, clean, and dry their gear. To help anglers clean their waders before entering Missouri trout streams, MDC has installed wader wash stations at Montauk State Park near Salem and Maramec Spring Park near St. James. For more information, visit www.mdc.mo.gov and search “didymo.”

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is requesting nominations to honor businesses and individuals at this year’s awards banquet. The banquet and auction will be held Thursday, November 3rd, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Salem City Hall. Awards will be given in 5 categories: Small Business of the Year 0-25 Employees, Business of the Year 26-50 Employees, Business of the Year over 50 Employees, Non-Profit Organization of the Year, and Customer Service Award. Businesses, organizations, and/or individuals have to be a current chamber member and/or an employee of a chamber business. Criteria/eligibility and nomination forms for these awards can be picked up at the Chamber office located at 200 South Main Street or requested from chamber@salemmo.com. Nominations will be accepted through Wednesday, October 12^th.  Completed nominations can be mailed, faxed to 729-6741, or brought to the Chamber office.  Banquet tickets can also be purchased for the evening’s festivities at the Chamber office for $20. For more information you can call 729-6900.

Attorney General Chris Koster announced that his office has developed an Identity Theft Prevention and Repair web page where Missourians can learn more about how to protect themselves from being a victim and how to repair the damage caused by identity theft. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States and the FTC estimates that as many as nine million Americans are victims of identity theft each year. Identity thieves can get your personal information a number of ways, including going through your trash, stealing your mail or your wallet or purse, obtaining your credit report by posing as an employer or landlord, or filling out a “change of address” form diverting your mail to another location. The site includes detailed information about how you can prevent identity theft, what to do if you suspect you may be a victim of identity theft, what to do once you know your identity has been stolen, and how to get free annual credit reports. This website provides you with detailed information to help you prevent the theft of your identity and outlines the action you should take to repair damage caused by identity theft. The new web page can be accessed at http://ago.mo.gov/publications/idtheft.htm.                                                            

The public is invited to a ‘Welcome Reception’ on Monday, October 10^th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm to meet the new City Administrator, Clayton Lucas and his family. The Welcome Reception will be held at the Salem TCRC in the Freedom Activity Center located at 1200 West Rolla Road. The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, Community Betterment Association and the City of Salem are sponsoring the reception. Light refreshments will be served. Clayton and his family just moved to Salem and he started work on Monday, October 3^rd. The public is invited to stop by to help welcome Clayton and his family to the community. The Board of aldermen will hold its regular city council meeting following the reception in the TCRC meeting room.

Sports [TOP]

Samantha Parker hit a two-run home run but it wasn’t enough as the Salem Lady Softball Tigers gave up three early runs and never led as they lost to the St. Clair Lady Bulldogs 8-5 in the first round of Districts. Cortney Putman and Kaytlyn Wells each drove in a run as Salem finishes the year with a record of 17-8.

David Freese finished 2-for-3 with a two-run home run and drove in four as the St. Louis Cardinals forced a fifth and deciding game in their NL Division Series with a 5-3 decision over the Philadelphia Phillies. Skip Schumaker added two hits with a run scored and Lance Berkman posted an RBI double for the Cardinals, who evened the set at two games apiece. St. Louis’ starter Edwin Jackson had a shaky first inning, but settled down to scatter five hits and two runs while fanning four in six innings. Game 5 will pit former teammates and Cy Young award winners Chris Carpenter and Roy Halladay against each other. That game can be heard on KSMO Friday night with the pre-game show starting at 7:02.

Cardinal’s broadcaster Mike Shannon is one of 10 nominees for the 2012 Ford C. Frick Award, given annually for excellence in baseball broadcasting by the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The winner will be announce December 6^th.

Obituaries   [TOP]

Funeral services for Shirley M. Mach of Salem, age 58, will be held Sunday at 2:00 at the Dent County Memorial Chapel. Visitation will be held Saturday night from 6:00 until 9:00. Interment will be in the Cooksey Cemetery in Salem.

Funeral services for Patrick Marion Layton of Newburg, age 69, are incomplete at this time but under the direction of the James and Gahr Mortuary in Rolla.

Weather [TOP]