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An accident occurred at 12:55 Monday afternoon in Dent County that took the life of a Salem man. According to the highway patrol report, 36-year old Bradley Lovell of Salem was driving a 1979 GMC Sierra east on Route B about 12 miles east of Salem when he ran off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. Lovell was transported to the Salem Memorial District Hospital and then flown to Mercy in St. Louis. Lovell was later pronounced dead Dr. Forstot at 6:03 that evening. He was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The GMC was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing of Salem.

The City of Salem Board of Alderman met Monday evening in the City Council Chambers.  After approval of the Consent Agenda, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman Jerry Craig reported on last week’s Commission meeting.  Craig cited three issues that were discussed.  The first was what he referred to, as the “postage stamp affect” where the city limits have been extended and city utilities passed residences that were not in the city limits.  The second issue was the confusion over residential classes of R1, single family, R2 two-family and R3 multiple family classifications.  The third and final issue was rental property occupancy permits.  The Commission took no vote on any of the issues and they will continue working on them.  In City Manager Ray Walden’s report, he recommended an informational letter be developed to go to the property owners that fit the situation described by Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman Craig and Council Members felt that was a good idea.  Walden noted that the City Offices will be closed Thursday and Friday in observance of Thanksgiving and that the Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade would be Saturday December 6th.  He went on to say he’d met with a few Department Superintendents and the Engineering Firm on Waste Water Update.  Alderman Phillip Giacomelli asked about the unfinished approaches on McArthur.  Walden said they are to be concrete and are part of Pace Construction’s responsibility.  Mayor J.J. Tune noted that he attended the Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting.  He said he had many complaints about the McArthur Project and was planning to meet with MoDot Engineer Preston Kramer about the quality of the work.  Mayor Tune went on to say that he trusts the Utility Committee will address the issue of sewer rates.  He noted that the Spring Creek Garden Club had sent a thank you letter for the City’s assistance with watering the planters down town and other city help.  Mayor Tune said that he’d had complaints about nuisances, building structure concerns, trash complaints, etc., but residents were reluctant to sign a formal complaint.  There was discussion as to whether a signature was required to lodge a formal complaint.  The ordinances will be checked as to what type of complaints require a signature and which ones do not.  Currently aldermen are paid $400 per month.  A motion was made and passed 4-0 to set the salaries of the two aldermanic positions that up for election at $400 per month.  The City of Salem Board of Aldermen then voted to go into closed session to discuss litigation and contracts.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office released a report that occurred on Sunday, November 23^rd at 1:58 in the early morning, a deputy was traveling north on Highway 19 when an approaching vehicle crossed the centerline nearly striking the front of the patrol vehicle. A pursuit was initiated with the suspect vehicle. The driver, while trying to avoid the deputy, drove down several county roads at excessive speeds. The driver, identified as Mr. Daniel Bisby, was later arrested for felony driving while intoxicated and felony resisting arrest by fleeing. Mr. Daniel Bisby is being held on $7,000 cash only bond with conditions. The above information is just mere accusation, and is not evidence of guilt.  Evidence in support of any charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

The Salem Police Department has released more of their reports. On Sunday, November 16^th at 5:24 in the evening, an officer was detailed to a residence in the 600 block of South Elmer in reference to a domestic disturbance. The investigation revealed that a 41-year old male and a 42-year old Salem female had been huffing paint fumes and creating a disturbance. They were arrested for huffing and possession of drug paraphernalia and issued summonses to appear in court. The male was released while the female was incarcerated on a probation and parole warrant. On Monday, November 17^th at 10:34 at night, an officer was detailed to a residence in the 1400 block of South Washington in reference to a peace disturbance. That investigation revealed that the resident was playing loud music. Further investigation led to the arrest of a 41-year old Salem female for peace disturbance. She was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Tuesday, November 18^th at 10:51 in the morning, officers were detailed to Wal-Mart in reference to a bomb threat that was made over the phone to an associate. The investigation led officers to clear the building and a search was conducted. No explosives were located and the call is believed to be a hoax. Later that afternoon at 3:00, an officer was contacted at the station in reference to a forgery. That investigation revealed that someone forged 14 checks for a total of $5923.60 on a closed account. A little later that afternoon at 3:42, an officer was dispatched to the Salem High School in reference to a student that had been caught distributing a controlled substance. That investigation revealed that a 17-year old Salem male had distributed a controlled substance to another student on campus. He was arrested and incarcerated pending the application for a warrant. On Thursday, November 20^th at 10:54 in the morning, an officer was detailed to the Salem Villa Apartments in reference to damage to private property. That Investigation revealed that someone vandalized freshly poured concrete, causing damages valued at $1,500. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding the bomb threat or property damage, which are still under investigation.

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