Local News – Friday, February 9th, 2018
There is currently a petition drive to have a state funeral for the last Medal of Honor recipient from World War II that would honor all 16 million of those courageous men and women who fought to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. Of that sixteen million, only 464 received the Medal of Honor, of which only four recipients remain alive today. They are Hershel “Woody” Williams, U.S. Marine Corp Corporal of West Virginia; Charles Coolidge, U.S. Army Technical Sergeant of Tennessee; Robert D. Maxwell, U.S. Army Technician Fifth Grade of Oregon; and Francis S. Currey, U.S. Army Private First Class of New York. Back in September of 2017, a nationwide petition drive was launched to convince the President of the United States to designate a state funeral in Washington D.C. for the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. In the history of the United States there has never been a state funeral held for an enlisted person, while the honoring ceremonies has been reserved for presidents, vice-presidents, generals and other high ranking officials. This single state funeral would provide special recognition for all Medal of Honor recipients, and serve as a final salute to the “greatest generation” of men and women who served during World War II. Petitions are located at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory, American Legion Post #99, and various business locations around Salem, Dent County and surrounding counties. Signers of the petition must be a registered voter. If you have questions or concerns feel free to contact Richard LaBrash, State Chairman of the World War II Salute Initiative in Missouri, at (573) 729-1394 or people can go online at WorldWar2Salute.org to sign the petition.
An accident happened Sunday morning in Dent County on Highway 19 north about a half mile north of Highway 117. According to the highway patrol, a 2011 Ford Fusion driven by 21-year old Steven Baez of Salem, failed to negotiate a curve causing the Fusion to cross the centerline and travel off the left side of the roadway. The Fusion then struck a culvert pipe and began to overturn. A passenger in the Fusion, 23-year old Natasha Hudson, was ejected from the car and suffered serious injuries. She was flown by Air Evac to the Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Another passenger, 22-year old Lane Hudspeth suffered moderate injuries, was taken by the Steelville Ambulance to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center. Hudson was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident while Baez and Hudspeth were. Baez suffered no injuries but was arrested with a felony DWI that resulted in a serious injury, driving without having a valid driver’s license and failure to drive on the right side of the roadway resulting in a traffic crash. The Ford Fusion was totaled in the accident and was removed from the scene by Whitakers’ Towing. The highway patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and Dent County Fire Protection District.
An accident happened in Dent County this Wednesday afternoon at 5:45 on Dent County Road 4410 on private property that left a 58-year old man with serious injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 2010 Volkswagon Jetta driven westbound by 58-year old Edward Deubler of Boss, went off the left side of the road and struck a utility pole. Deubler, who was not wearing a seat restraint, suffered serious injuries and was flow to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. The Jetta sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.
An accident happened Wednesday evening at 6:15 in Dent County on Highway 119 about 12 miles southwest of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 Chevy Tahoe driven northbound by 24-year old Tiffany Taylor of Salem, attempted to avoid a deer in the roadway when he went off the road and struck a fence and small tree. Taylor suffered moderate injuries and was transported by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Taylor was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevy Tahoe sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene. The highway patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Department, Montauk Fire Department and Salem Ambulance at the scene.
The Salem Area Arts Council will be holding a Couple’s Art Party TONIGHT. Just in Time for Valentine’s Day! The cost of the program is $40 for couples who will get a chance to spend a little adult time, and $25 for singles and it will be held the Creative Arts Center behind the ONCRC on Highway 19 south. All the supplies are provided (such as easels, brushes, acrylic paints, aprons, etc.) and no talent or previous experience is required, just a happy spirit and a willingness to give it a try. You can make your reservations by calling 247-0279. Bring your own personal style and your favorite beverage and they will do the rest!