Local News – Monday, January 8th, 2018
An accident happened in St. Francois County Thursday afternoon at 3:05 at the intersection of Loughboro and Rock Road. According to the highway patrol report, a 2002 Chevy Malibu driven southbound by 18-year old Steven Wirey of Bismarck was traveling southbound on Rock Road when Wirey failed to stop for a posted stop sign. The Malibu struck the right side of a 2008 GMC Savanna G3500 Van driven westbound on Loughboro Road by 40-year old Richard Champney of Salem, sending the van off the left side of the roadway where the van struck a fence, ejecting Champney from the vehicle. Champney suffered serious injuries and was transported by Air Evac Helicopter to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Wirey and a passenger in the Malibu, 16-year old Michael Bass, Jr. of Bismarck, suffered minor injuries and were taken to the Parkland Health Center in Farmington by a private vehicle. Another passenger in the Malibu, 17-year old Emma Simonton of Bismarck, suffered moderate injuries and was taken to the Parkland Health Center by the St. Francois County Ambulance. No one in either vehicle was wearing a seat restraint. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage and were towed from the scene by Buckley’s Towing.
The Salem Police Department has released some reports for shoplifting at Wal-Mart before the end of 2017. The first incident occurred on Thursday, December 28th at 9:28 in the evening. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 19-year old male of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $0.99. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. The on Saturday afternoon, December 30th at about 1:35, an investigation led to the arrest of a 27-year old male of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $71.60. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Another report came in on New Year’s Eve at about 8:19 in the evening. That investigation led to the arrest of a 21 year-old male of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $0.78. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released.
Schools, churches or charitable organizations contemplating a small community project that needs funding should apply for a small grant from the Meramec Regional Community Foundation (MRCF). For the last six years, MRCF has awarded grants to further local projects through its community grant program. An estimated six grants of $250 each will be available to nonprofit, 501(c)3 organizations, schools, faith-based organizations and governmental entities looking to address local needs that will enhance the quality of life within the community. 2012 marked the inaugural year for this grant program, and in the last six years, $9,400 in grant funds have been awarded to 34 community projects throughout the region as a result. Awardees in 2017 included the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History in Salem, Esther’s House of Redemption, Newburg Community Revitalization Program, Owensville Chamber of Commerce, Pulaski County Salvation Army and the Washington County Community Partnership. Applications for the 2018 grant round will be accepted online only until 5:00 PM on January 31st. Organizations, schools and governmental entities must be based in the Meramec Region to qualify. This includes Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties. For more information, contact Maria Bancroft at mbancroft@meramecregion.org or 573-265-2993 extension 114. Online applications may be found and submitted at www.formstack.com/forms/CFO-mrcfgrantapp.
Wondering what the GRO Salem economic development project is all about? Come out to support the Salem High School basketball team at their January 12 home game against the Thayer Bobcats and hear about student internships at local businesses, downtown streetscape improvement plans, old city hall improvements, “I Heart Salem” and more! Representatives from GRO will be in attendance starting at 6:00 at informational tables will be located in the lobby of the high school to provide with you with details and more information, and you can buy “I Heart Salem” t-shirts, decals and signs that evening to show your support!