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On Saturday, January 17^th at 7:14 a.m. an officer was detailed to the 800 block of North Washington in reference to a suicide. Investigation revealed 50-year-old William Johnson of Salem, formerly of Joplin, had taken his life via hanging in the basement area of the residence. Dent County Coroner Gina White pronounced William Johnson dead at 7:29 am and his body was released to James and Gahr Mortuary in Salem

The Dent County Coroner’s office released a report involving a male body found at a four-wheeler trail off of Dent County Road 4380. Dent County Coroner Gina White pronounced 62-year old William Joseph Rostron of Salem dead on Sunday, January 18^th at 4:44 pm. No autopsy was performed. Rostron died of an apparent heart attack while hunting. William Joseph Rostron’s body was then released to Wilson Mortuary in Salem. 

There will be a public hearing of the Planning & Zoning Commission for the consideration of subdivision of lot 904 North Pershing owned by Joe Lato at 6:45 tonight in the city hall council chambers. Following the hearing, the City of Salem Board of Alderman will conduct their meeting beginning at 7:00. During the hearing of persons, Mark Ruether and Heather Stiles from the State Auditor’s office want to let the Board know that they will be conducting a State Audit on the City that was requested from a citizen’s petition. City Attorney Nanci Wisdom will then give a report on the public hearing held prior to the meeting, along with Bill Huffman. Alderman Kenneth Nash, Jim Jackson, Bill Riley and Jim McDaniels will discuss miscellaneous items involving the City. McDaniels would also like an update on extending the city limits, airport improvements, and emergency keys. Mayor Gary Brown will give his comments on items involving the City of Salem as well as discuss public parking signs on city parking lots, and letters requesting donations and contracts for donations. After approval of bills presented by City Clerk Mary Happel, the Board will then go into Closed Session for the purpose of discussing litigation and personnel. The public hearing and the Board of Alderman meeting are open to the public.

An accident happened at 5:15 Friday evening in Phelps County on Highway 68 about ten miles south of St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier driven by 21-year old Amy McCormick of St. James was traveling northbound on highway 68, crossed the centerline and then went off the left side of the road. The Cavalier returned to the roadway then went off the right side of the road where it struck a large rock and overturned. A passenger, 12-year old Damien Warnick of Salem suffered minor injuries and sought his own treatment. Everyone involved was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevrolet was totaled and was removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing.

The Salem Police Department released their reports involving property damage, theft and shoplifting. On Wednesday, January 14^th at 12:09 p.m. an officer was dispatched to the parking lot of Wal-Mart in reference to property damage to a vehicle.  The report revealed that a person or persons unknown broke the side glass out of a red 1995 Mercury Villager.  The value of the damage is approximately $200.00. At 2:35 p.m. that afternoon, an officer was sent to Auto Zone in reference to a theft. The report led to the arrest of a 22-year old Salem female for stealing items from the store. She was issued a summons to appear in court and was released. Then at 5:30 p.m. that evening, an officer was detailed to the Fourth Street Mall in reference to a theft. The report revealed that a person or persons unknown took a Blackberry Curve cell phone valued at $239.00 from a display case.  On Thursday, January 15^th at 6:10 p.m. an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The report led to the arrest of a 29-year old Salem female for stealing a bottle of vodka. She was issued a summons to appear in court and was released. On Friday, January 16^th at 9:40 a.m. an officer was sent to Smokers Outlet in reference to a theft. The report revealed that a person or persons unknown took a lighter valued at $6.99. Anyone with any information regarding the property damage or thefts, which are still under investigation, is asked to please contact the Salem Police Department by calling 729-4242.

Today is the last day for candidates wishing to file for the East Ward Aldermanic or West Ward Aldermanic seats in the City of Salem, which are two-year terms. Incumbent Jim Jackson has filed for the East Ward Aldermanic seat as well as Edgar Gray, Sr. Filing for the West Ward Aldermanic seat are Brad Nash and Michael Thompson. Aldermen must be 21-years of age, a citizen of the United States, and they must be a resident of the city for at least one year. The filing fee is $25. Declaration of Candidacy may be filed with the City Clerk at 400 North Iron by 5:00 pm today. Declaration of Candidacy received shall be placed on the ballet for the April 7^th election in the order they are received. For more information, contact Mary Happel at the City Administrative Office at 729-5211.

Today is the last day to file for the Salem R-80 Board of Education at 5:00 pm. There are three terms available, two 3-year terms and one 2-year term. To date, incumbents Chris Heaven and Bernie Sirois have filed for one of the 3-year terms and Carrie Coffman-Snider has also filed for one of the 3-year terms. Incumbent Joe Howard has filed for the 2-year term. Those interested in filing for the Salem R-80 Board of Education can do at the Central Office by 4:00 pm today. For more information, you call the Superintendent’s office at 729-6642.

An accident happened in Reynolds County Monday afternoon at 3:05 on Highway 72 about six miles west of Bunker. According to the highway patrol report, 85-year old Lowell M. Wisdom of Bunker was driving a 1996 Ford F-150 eastbound fell when he feel asleep at the wheel causing the Ford to run off the left side of the roadway and into a ditchline before striking a tree. Wisdom suffered moderate injuries and was taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by the Salem Ambulance. Wisdom was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident and Ford was totaled. Wisdom Towing removed the truck from the scene.

Sports [TOP]

The Salem Boys Basketball Tigers face Blair Oaks tonight at 6:00 in the first round of the St. James Tournament. Salem enters the game with a 6-8 record and winners of three of their last four games. You can hear the game on KSMO Radio and online at ksmoradio.com.

The Salem Lady Basketball Tigers will host the Owensville Dutchgirls tonight starting at 6:00 with the JV game and the varsity contest will follow. Salem is 6-8 on the season.

T.J. Oshie scored the game-winner in the shootout as the St. Louis Blues rallied late for an improbable 5-4 win over the Boston Bruins at TD Bank North Garden. After scoring two times in the final 1:20 of the game, including the tying goal as time expired, the teams skated a scoreless overtime and went to the shootout. David Perron and David Backes each had a goal and an assist for the Blues. Mason came on in relief of Manny Legace, who left the game in the first period with a lower body injury, and stopped 21- of-24 shots in the win. Brad Winchester and Jay McClement also scored for the Blues who will be in Chicago on Wednesday night.

St. Louis Cardinals have agreed to terms with pitcher Todd Wellemeyer and outfielder Chris Duncan.

The Winter Youth Basketball signups for boys and girls in the 1^st through 6^th grade will be held on Thursday, January 22^nd and Friday, January 23^rd also from 4:00 to 6:00 at the Salem Freedom Activity Center. The cost is $15.00 per child. These will be the only signups for the basketball program. For more information, call 729-6290.

Obituaries   [TOP]