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The Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Meat and Poultry Inspection program temporarily halted custom exempt processing operations at Brinks Meat Processing in Salem, due to unsanitary practices. During a routine inspection on December 28^th, two Missouri Department of Agriculture inspectors identified sanitation issues involving meat-processing equipment and temporarily suspended the custom exempt processing permissions held by the business. A re-inspection was conducted the morning of December 29^th, at which time the sanitation issues had been corrected and the custom exempt processing permissions were reinstated. Individuals doing business recently with Brinks Meat Processing should carefully examine any items processed by the facility before consuming those products. Customers are encouraged to contact local health officials with any food safety-related questions. Custom exempt processing refers to work done for livestock owners in which the meat is returned only to the owner in specially marked packaging. Facilities operating under a custom processing exemption are not allowed to sell that meat to the public. Brinks Meat Processing has processed meat primarily for livestock owners.  This was the first suspension of these permissions for Brinks Meat Processing. For more information regarding the Missouri Department of Agriculture, visit mda.mo.gov.

A four-vehicle accident happened in Crawford County Wednesday evening at 6:12 on Route ZZ about a quarter of a mile west of DeClue Road that took the life of a Cuba man and left three others with injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 2009 GMC Sierra driven westbound by 60-year old Steven Hepperman of Cuba, crossed over the centerline into the eastbound lane. At that time, the Sierra struck the left front of a 1994 Ford F-250 driven by 42-year old Thomas Hewkin of Cuba and then struck the towed unit behind the truck. The Sierra then struck a 2010 Ford Taurus driven by 35-year old Carey Portell of St. James, head-on.  After hitting the Ford Taurus, the Sierra continued west on Route ZZ in the eastbound lane and was struck on the left side by a 2004 Chevrolet Suburban driven by 17-year old Zachary fester of Steelville. Hepperman was partially ejected from the Sierra as he was not wearing a seat restraint and was pronounced dead at the scene by Crawford County Coroner Darren Dake at 6:44. His body was taken to the Britton Funeral Home in Cuba. Suffering serious injuries was Portell who was taken to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. Suffering moderate injuries from the Ford Taurus was 10-year old Mackenzie Portell of St. James and she was taken to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center in Rolla; while another passenger in the Taurus, Olivia R. Moritz of St. James, suffered minor injuries and was taken to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center. Miles and Sons Towing removed all the vehicles from the scene except for the 1994 Ford F-250 which was driven from the scene. Everyone except for Hepperman was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The highway patrol was assisted by the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department, the Cuba Fire Department and North Crawford County Ambulance at the scene.

The end of this year is fast approaching, and many Missourians will make plans to bring in 2011 in a special way. The Missouri State Highway Patrol encourages everyone to make good decisions regarding their New Year’s celebration. If the weather is bad, allow extra time for traveling or be flexible with your plans. Staying home might be safer. If you do plan to drive to a New Year’s gathering, remember to buckle up and obey all traffic laws. If your plans include alcohol, choose a designated driver or take a taxi home. The highway is no place for a driver who has been drinking. If you cause a traffic crash, your new year might bring about getting arrested, court costs, medical bills, or jail time! If you kill or injure someone, you’ll pay a price for the rest of your life. During the New Year’s traffic crash counting period from 6:00 p.m., Friday, December 31^st until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, January 2^nd, all available officers will be on the roadways. Last year, 1,198 traffic crashes occurred in Missouri over the New Year’s holiday weekend. In those crashes five people were killed and 386 were injured.

Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH) has several announcements regarding newly elected board members, re-elected members, and new board officers for 2011. Dr. Robert Massie and Darin Preis are the newest additions to MFH’s Board of Directors. Massie, a dentist by training, resides in St. Louis.  He is chief executive officer of Family Care Health Centers, a nonprofit operating two comprehensive medical and dental clinics in the City of St. Louis. Preis is executive director of Central Missouri Community Action, a Columbia-based nonprofit providing education, training, housing and assistance programs for people affected by poverty in an eight-county area. MFH’s Board re-elected three current members for 2011. Brenda Battle, of Bridgeton George Gruendel, of Salem and Dorothy Munch, of Poplar Bluff.

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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