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The Dent County Fire Department Toy Drive final sign up will be held today at the Dent County Fire Protection District station from 3:00 to 7:00. Rules for the 2009 Dent County Fire Toy Drive are: any person living in Dent County who feels they cannot provide Christmas to their children, ages birth to 12-years of age, are encouraged to participate; it is for only children ages birth to 12-years of age and there will be NO EXCEPTIONS. This year those signing up must provide proof that children are living their home more than 50% of the time (copy of school report, printout from local agencies from whom they receive services, etc) and they must also provide proof of residency (electric bill, mail, etc); and proof of the date of birth of the children. Any child who was chosen for the Shop with a Cop program will not be allowed to participate in the Dent County Fire Toy Drive. The pick up dates will be the Thursday and Friday, December 17th and 18th and they will sign up for pick up times when they sign up for the toys. Children are not allowed to come with parents on toy pick up day. For more information regarding the 2009 Dent County Fire Toy Drive call the Dent County Fire Protection District at 729-3250. Those wishing to assist the toy drive by dropping off new or used toys in good clean condition, can drop them off at the Dent County Fire Protection District, the Salem Police Department, Dollar General or at the KSMO Radio station in the front room. Monetary donations are also being accepted.

The Salem Police Department released their reports involving disorderly conduct, a burglary, a vehicle fire and an accident. On Sunday, November 29^th at 2:27 a.m. an officer was detailed to 203 North Grand to the Salem Treatment Center in reference to a fight. The report led to the arrest of a 34-year old man from Diamond, Missouri for disorderly conduct. He was issued a summons to appear in court and released to a family member. On Monday, November 30^th at 2:00 a.m. an officer was dispatched to 802 West Highway 32 to the Smokers Outlet in reference to an attempted burglary. The report revealed that a person or persons unknown had gained entry to the business through a rear door and left prior to officer’s arrival. No items were reported stolen from the business. At 10:30 p.m. that evening, an officer was sent to the 100 block of East Third Street in reference to a 1996 Dodge Intrepid on fire. On Tuesday, December 1^st at 1:00 a.m. an officer responded to a traffic accident at Highway 19 and Center Street.  Investigation of the accident led to the arrest of a 27-year old Salem man for traffic violation’s and driving while drugged. He was issued summons to appear in court and released to a family member.

U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill announced that the Intercounty Electric Cooperative Association has been awarded a total of $1,121,372.27 in federal grant money through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). According to FEMA, the Intercounty Electric Cooperative Association is receiving a grant to help offset the costs to repair its electrical distribution system in Dent, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski, Shannon, Texas and Wright counties after electrical services were knocked out in May 2009 due to high winds, heavy rain and tornadoes.

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways is preparing their facilities for winter, draining pipes in unheated restrooms and turning off the water to other systems. This means changes in campgrounds such as the restrooms, dump stations, drinking fountains and hydrants. Most public water systems were turned off by October 15 this year. Heated restrooms will continue to be available at Alley Spring Campground, Big Spring Campground, and Round Spring Picnic Area. Because of the reduced services, camping fees will not be charged until services and water systems are restored on April 15^th. Campground fees will resume at that time. Camping Fees at all primitive campgrounds will also be suspended until April 15^th due to lack of regular trash and janitorial services available during the winter months. Group Campgrounds do not charge fees for the winter, as there are limited restroom facilities. As a reminder, private property, including campers, cannot be left unattended in a national park for more than 24 hours. Camping and canoeing remains an excellent recreational opportunity for park visitors in the fall, winter, and spring. With planning and preparation for cold weather, campers can enjoy beautiful fall colors, or frost flowers and ice draped bluffs in the winter. The scents of witch hazel blooming in January along the river can be almost intoxicating. March and April bring spring wild flowers. Quiet solitary float trips allow canoeist to see abundant wildlife. For safety, a winter canoeist should dress in materials that retain body heat when wet, or wet/dry suits, to prevent hypothermia in case of an unexpected dunking. Extra dry clothing and matches and fire starter should be carried in a waterproof container. Let someone know where you will be.  Be safe, have fun, and don’t forget the camera! 

Sports [TOP]

The Salem Lady Basketball Tigers will host the Sullivan Lady Eagles tonight at the high school gym. The JV will play first, but only two quarters of play, with the varsity contest to follow. You can hear the varsity game on KSMO Radio and ksmoradio.com starting at about 6:45 tonight.

A.J. Ogilvy tallied a game-high 25 points, as the Vanderbilt Commodores notched an 89-83 win over the Missouri Tigers in a non-conference showdown at Memorial Gym. Kim English headed the charge for Missouri (4-2) with 20 points and five rebounds. Zaire Taylor put forth 17 points and five assists, while Michael Dixon and J.T. Tiller chipped in with 11 and 10 points, respectively. Missouri will face Oregon this Saturday at 3:30.

The St. Louis Blues will be in San Jose to face the Sharks tonight at 9:30. You can hear the game on KSMO Radio. The Blues have dropped two straight games.

Kansas City Chiefs have added offensive lineman Jermail Porter to the practice squad.

Obituaries   [TOP]