Local News – May 4, 2017

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors held their May meeting Tuesday evening at the fire station. After approval of the minutes from the April meeting, bills were reviewed and approved for payment and there was a budget review as well. During a review of the district calendar it was noted that personnel will participate at Serendipity May 11th from 8:00 am to noon, a hazardous mitigation meeting from 2:00 to 4:00 at the old city hall on May 15th and conducting several tours of the station for elementary age students during the month of May. The monthly reimbursement report for April showed that there were 15 calls that included: three calls for structure fires, three calls for brush fires, one call for a landing zone, three calls for vehicle accidents, three calls for mutual aid and two calls for training. Total calls for year to date are 111. There was no old or new business but during reports, Fire Chief Brad Nash reported that he had been in contact with the McLiney Company and they are willing to work with the fire district for money to finish the station upgrade projects. Nash asked the Board to sign the underwriting, which does not bind the district to anything but will allow the McLiney Company to go forward. The Board approved his request. Nash then presented the Board with a copy of the invitation to bid for items that the district has to be sold and the Board approved the list and asked Chief Nash to go forward. For more information about the items stop by the fire station, call 729-3250 or find them on Face book. The Board then set their June meeting for Tuesday, June 6th at the fire station beginning at 6:00 PM and the meeting was then adjourned.

The Salem Police Department released some reports. On Thursday, April 20th at 8:03 in the morning, an officer was detailed to the 600 block of East Roosevelt in reference to a theft. The report revealed that a person or persons unknown took 8′ x 18′ plastic loading runners valued at $600 from a demolition site. On Friday, April 21st at 10:00 in the morning, officers of the Salem Police Department and the Dent County Sheriffs Department served a search warrant at a residence on county road 4180. Officers recovered a 2015 Honda Grom motorcycle that had previously been reported stolen. A second motorcycle that was stolen during the theft with the Honda Grom, a 2004 Kawasaki ZX6R, was recovered in Viburnum. On Saturday evening, April 22nd at 9:17, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The report led to the arrest of a 26-year old Salem female for stealing merchandise valued at $76. She was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Sunday, April 23rd at 2:23 in the early morning, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The stop led to the arrest of a 28-year old Salem male for driving while being intoxicated and driving while having his license suspended. He was issued summonses to appear in court and released. At 7:32 that night, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The stop led to the arrest of a 32-year old Salem male for driving while having their license suspended and on an active fugitive arrest warrant from Laclede County. He was issued a summons to appear in court and was incarcerated on the warrant pending extradition. That same night at 8:47, an officer responded to a residence on Ray Lane in reference to theft of a vehicle. The report revealed a 28-year old Salem male took a 2002 black Pontiac Aztec with out having permission to take it. On the same date, the suspect and vehicle were located near North Grand and Rolla Road. He was taken into custody for 1st degree tampering with a motor vehicle, possession of a controlled substance and no operator’s license and was incarcerated pending warrant applications. You are asked to call the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

The Ozark Artisans Exhibit at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center (ONCRC) opens May 30th at 202 South Main (Hwy 19) in Salem. Sponsored by the Spring Creek Artisans of Salem and the Current River Artists of Licking, it will feature works by artists and artisans from the Ozarks. The beauty and resources of the Ozarks have inspired artists and artisans since settlers first came to Missouri. Here in the Salem Plateau area, we are blessed with talented individuals who are skilled in wood carving, quilting, pottery, basket weaving, engraving, fine arts and other time honored skills. The exhibit is free to the public. There will be a Meet the Artisan Reception at the ONCRC on Monday, June 5th from 6-8pm. To participate in the exhibit, contact the ONCRC by calling 573-729-0029 or emailing them at oncrc@salemmo.com. Registration to reserve an exhibit space closes May 22nd. Again, the deadline to provide your input is Wednesday, May 31.