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The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that two people died during the Christmas holiday counting period, which occurred from 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 23^rd, to 11:59 p.m. Sunday, December 26^th. The Patrol investigated 487 traffic crashes, which included one of the fatalities and 122 injuries. Troopers arrested 51 people for driving while intoxicated during this year’s Christmas holiday. During last year’s counting period, the Patrol investigated 494 traffic crashes, which included 11 fatalities and 148 injuries. Troopers arrested 42 people for driving while intoxicated over the 2009 Christmas holiday. The number of fatalities over a 78-hour Christmas holiday counting period has never been this few. Statistics such as these have been tracked since 1978, when the Patrol joined the Operation C.A.R.E. effort. During two years, 1996 and 2002, there were only one and two fatalities, respectively. However, those counting periods totaled only 30 hours.

Officials at the state agency that regulates banks and credit unions in Missouri say consumers should watch their account statements closely - they may notice fees for services that used to be free. The Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration (DIFP) is getting an increased number of questions from Missourians about unfamiliar fees on their accounts. Due to recent federal regulations, banks and credit unions may have a more difficult time collecting fees from consumers when they overdraw on their accounts. To make up for that lost revenue, they may resort to charging new fees on accounts that have traditionally been free. The DIFP says consumers are reporting fees for account inactivity, balance transfers, ATM Consumers should watch your account statements, either online or by mail, for fees; read your account holder agreement, which includes your terms and conditions and is provided when you open an account. To request another copy, contact your financial institution. Consumers should also watch for notices from your bank or credit union about new fees. These notices may come through the mail, e-mail or in your monthly statement.  If you get your account statement by mail, don't ignore stuffers in the envelope. A document called "notice of change in terms and conditions" could be included.  If you see unfamiliar fees on your account statement, contact your bank or credit union for an explanation. Consumers who have questions or complaints against a bank can contact the Missouri Division of Finance at finance.mo.gov or 573-751-3242; for credit unions, contact the Missouri Division of Credit Unions at cu.mo.gov or 573-751-3419.

Sheriff Rick Stallings indicated that the Dent County Sheriff's Office is investigating a theft of about $845 consisting of a heater as well as copper parts and other metal from an air conditioning unit from a residence on Route CC. He also said that two men were taken into custody on December 23^rd for possession of methamphetamine. He said the arrest came from a report from a citizen that two men were burning something that had an unusual smell on Dent County Road 4350 and gave a description of the vehicle. A Dent County Deputy responding to the call saw a vehicle matching the same description as the one reported and stopped the vehicle. After getting consent to search the vehicle, methemphatamine was discovered and the men were incarcerated in the Dent County Jail.

Dent County Collector Dennis Medlock wants to remind taxpayers that his office in the Dent County Courthouse will be open an hour later each evening until 5:30 through December 31^st, for those who need to still pay their taxes. If you have any questions, feel free to call the Dent County Collector’s office at 729-3911.

The State Health Department is offering advise on how to reduce your risk from carbon monoxide poisoning. Home heating systems help ward off winter’s chill, but faulty systems also increase the risk. Make sure your furnaces and other heat sources are working properly. Carbon monoxide is released when fuels including gasoline, natural gas, propane gas, propane, kerosene, charcoal and wood are burned. Because the gas can go so easily unnoticed, the department recommends carbon monoxide detectors, which are similar to smoke detectors. Some of the early symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure include headache, dizziness, weakness, sleepiness, nausea and vomiting. Anyone suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning should get fresh air immediately and seek medical attention. Be sure and install and operate gas-fueled appliances according to the manufacturers instructions, have the systems inspected annually, do not use appliances such as an oven, cooking stove or clothes dryer to heat your home, do not burn charcoal inside any building, do not operate such appliances in enclosed areas.

The Salem Sesquicentennial Committee is sponsoring a semi-formal “Snow Ball” dance to be held January 22^nd at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center from 6:00 to 10:00 PM. There will be a DJ with dancing, a video with 2010 events and photo props will be available to commemorate the event. The ONCRC will be decorated with a snow and ice theme. Dress for men should be suits and ladies should wear a cocktail dress. Tickets will be available starting January 3^rd for $15.00 if bought before January 18thn and $20 at the door. Only 150 tickets will be sold to the event. For more information, call 729-0029.

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