Local News – Thursday, June 29th, 2017

The Salem Police Department released their report for the month of May. During the month, they wrote four equipment repair orders, 21 summons to appear in court, 21 warning tickets, and 14 traffic tickets. The Salem Police Department investigated 13 accidents, three assaults, one burglary, one report of counterfeiting, two reports of disorderly conduct, one report of domestic assault, seven reports of domestic violence, one report of driving while intoxicated and/or drugged, two reports of driving while intoxicated, two reports of driving while having a license revoked and/or suspended, one report of identity theft, and one report of leaving the scene of an accident. The department also investigated one report of a missing person, four reports of property damage, 12 reports of stealing, one report of a towed vehicle, and one report of a violation of an exparte and/or full order of protection. They also investigated three reports of possession of marijuana and one report of possession of drug paraphernalia. The police department received 1,305 calls for service during the month, handled 91 walk-ins to the station, and redirected 59 calls to the animal control officer. They spent 13 hours in court testifying and 10 hours as court bailiff. The Salem Police Department drove a total of 8,750 miles and arrested 36 males and 13 females during the month of May.

Beginning July 1st, deer hunters can apply online through the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) website for a shot at more than 100 managed deer hunts throughout the state for archery, muzzle loading, and modern firearms from mid-September through mid-January at conservation areas, state and other parks, national wildlife refuges, and other public areas. Some managed hunts are held specifically for youth or for people with disabilities. The managed deer hunt application period is July 1st thru July 31st. Hunters are selected by a weighted random drawing. Draw results will be available September 1st through January 15th. Applicants who are drawn will receive area maps and other hunt information by mail. Get more information on managed deer hunts, preview hunt details, and apply starting July 1 at mdc.mo.gov/managedhunt. Details about managed hunts can also be found in MDC’s “2017 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information” booklet available starting in early July at MDC offices and nature centers, from permit vendors around the state, and online at mdc.mo.gov.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways and the Shannon County Museum will host a Celebration of the River Community at Round Spring on Sunday, July 2, at the picnic pavilion located next to the spring branch. At 4:00 p.m. Interpretive Rangers will be available to provide a short tour of the Round Spring Cave to visitors attending the event. Bring a picnic dinner and join us at the pavilion for an evening meal at 6:00 p.m. At 7:00 p.m. we will enjoy music provided by the Current River Bluegrass Band and the Shannon County Museum Pickers. Special guests will be invited to share stories about life along the Current River. Current and former members of the Round Spring community will join the reunion to share memories from earlier days on the Current River. Historic families from the Round Spring area include names such as Chilton, Light, Weese, Smith, Banks, Stewart, Ramsey, and others. It will be a wonderful time of sharing and an opportunity for visitors to learn what it was like to live along the Current River decades ago. The Celebration of the River Communities includes a series of events to honor the important contribution made by communities along the Jacks Fork and Current rivers. In May, celebrations were held at Akers Ferry and Mt. Zion Church. July 2nd is reserved to honor the Round Spring Community and in September we will gather at Alley Spring. For more information visit, www.nps.gov/ozar or call 573-323-4236.

The public will have an opportunity to learn to kayak at free weekly clinics at Current River State Park south of Salem. The first kayak clinic will be held June 30 with additional clinics scheduled for July 7, July 14, July 21, July 28 and Aug. 4. The clinics will be from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm so expect a full day of learning and being on the water. The instructors for the clinics are certified by the American Canoe Association and all equipment will be provided. The morning session will be conducted on the lake with an optional afternoon session on the Current River paddling from Current River State Park to Round Spring. The clinics are free but space is limited so pre-registration is required. To register or for questions, contact the park at (573) 751-1224 or (573) 323-4235. The kayak clinics are sponsored by Missouri State Parks in conjunction with the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Missouri State Parks is celebrating 100 years in 2017. Visitors can experience all the park system has to offer with the Centennial Passport. Visit mostateparks.com/passport for more information. Current River State Park is located on Highway 19 approximately 23 miles south of Salem and 15 miles north of Eminence. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.