Local News – Monday, July 17th, 2017
On Friday morning, Govenor Eric Greitens announced more Missouri homeowners, renters and businesses, and local government agencies can receive vital federal disaster assistance after the Federal Emergency Management Agency approved his request to expand the federal disaster declaration for spring flooding and severe storms in Missouri. FEMA has approved the Governor’s request to expand assistance to eligible homeowners, renters and businesses in Christian, Crawford, Dent, Greene, Iron, Ste. Genevieve, Wayne and Wright counties. Homeowners and renters who sustained damage or losses due to the flooding and severe storms can register for disaster assistance by calling the FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week, or by going online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Homeowners, renters and businesses are urged to apply quickly as the FEMA deadline to apply for assistance is August 1st. In all, more than $71 million in payments – including FEMA grants, National Flood Insurance Program payments to policyholders and U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest loans – has now flowed into Missouri, helping fuel the recovery of Missouri families. SEMA is now working to schedule regional state Applicant Briefings to inform county and municipal governments; public water, sewer and other special districts; and nonprofit agencies of the FEMA Public Assistance application process. Meeting notifications will be made once the briefing schedule has been set. Disaster Unemployment Assistance is now available in Crawford, Dent, Iron, Wayne and Wright counties because of FEMA designation of those counties in the disaster declaration. Claimants must file by August 14th by calling their Regional Claims Center Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., or online at uinteract.labor.mo.gov. Beginning July 17, 2017, all private water samples received at the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory for bacteriological testing will require the normal $10.00 handling fee in order to be approved for testing. Visit Recovery.mo.gov for more flood recovery resources. The site is updated daily.
The Salem Police Department released a number of reports. On Thursday, July 6th at 10:04 in the morning, an officer received a report of a sexual assault. The investigation of the report revealed that a 14-year-old male juvenile of Salem had sexually assaulted a 5 year-old female juvenile of Salem. Further investigation led to the detention of the male who was later released to his parents. The investigation was turned over to the Juvenile Office. That evening at 5:15, an officer was conducting a theft investigation in the 600 block of South Jackson. During the investigation, a 22-year old Salem female was found to be in possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia. She was placed under arrest and later released to go to a treatment facility pending the application for warrants. On Sunday afternoon, July 9th at 12:05, an officer was detailed to a residence in the 1000 block of West Ellis in reference to theft from a vehicle. The report revealed someone unknown took a stereo unit valued at $90.00 from a red 2005 Pontiac Grand Am. That same night at 10:19, an officer transported a 26-year old Rolla female from the Phelps County Jail to the Dent County Jail due to an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. She was incarcerated pending a court appearance. Also on Sunday, July 9th at 10:41 at night, an officer transported a 34-year old male of St. Louis from the St. Francis County Sheriffs Department to the Dent County Jail due to an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. He was incarcerated pending a court appearance. Call the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.
A new shower house will be installed in the Alley Spring Campground next week starting today. In order to ensure visitor and staff safety while heavy equipment and large trucks are on site for installation, most of the campground will be closed temporarily beginning at noon today. The 100 and 200 Loops will remain open during installation, and the entire campground is expected to re-open by the evening of Wednesday, July 19. During the temporary closure, access through the campground to the Bluff Hole swimming area will also be restricted. The new shower house is a CXT Concrete Building unit, a pre-fabricated concrete structure which is assembled on-site, requiring heavy equipment for installation. CXT structures are very durable for long-term use in an area prone to flooding. Following the initial on-site installation, park staff will need several days to complete final installation steps and ready the shower house for public use. For more information, contact 573-323-4236.
The Bonebrake Center of Nature and History will present “Mother Goose is Going Buggy” on Tuesday, July 18, starting at 6:30 p.m. Mother Goose will be sharing information about the world of insects and arachnids, the good, bad and ugly! This program is especially designed for toddlers, preschoolers, and up to early elementary school-aged children. The cost is $1.00 per person or $5.00 for the whole family. Phone reservations are requested to plan for snacks and activities. Please call the Bonebrake Center (573.729.3400) or e-mail at bonebrakecenter@embarqmail.com.