Local News – Wednesday, January 31st, 2018

The Salem Police Department has submitted more reports. On Monday afternoon, January 22nd at approximately 1:17, an officer was contacted in reference to property damage. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown cut the tires on three vehicles that were parked in the 600 block of East Coffman. The report is under investigation. On Tuesday afternoon, January 23rd at approximately 1:11, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 700 block of South Macarthur in reference to a theft. That investigation revealed a person or persons unknown took the license plates valued at $27.75 from a maroon 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The report is under investigation. Later that afternoon at approximately 2:15, an officer was detailed to the Salem High School in reference to an assault. The investigation of the report revealed a 12-year old male juvenile of Salem had assaulted a 12-year old male juvenile also of Salem. The juvenile suspect was released to a parent and the report will be forwarded to the Juvenile Office. On Wednesday afternoon, January 24th at approximately 5:26, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 23-year old male of Salem for driving while having his license revoked. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation ongoing.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On January 22nd, deputies responded to a residence in the 33000 block of Highway 72 in reference to a burglary. It was discovered that a storage building had been broken into and several items, including antique and metal signs, were stolen. This report is still under investigation. On January 26th, deputies responded to the 5000 block of Highway 32 West for a burglary. It was discovered that someone had broken into a detached garage and stolen a blue stand up air compressor on wheels and a Briggs and Stratton 6500 watt generator. This report is still under investigation. On January 28th, deputies responded to the 1000 block of Route P for a report of a domestic disturbance. It was discovered that an assault had occurred and a 55-year old Salem man was arrested. He was incarcerated in the Dent County Jail and charges were sought for domestic assault. If anyone has information regarding any ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

Forms for the 2017 U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Census of Agriculture are due February 5th. The University of Missouri Extension economists urge farmers to complete the census. It can be returned by mail or securely submitted online at agcensus.usda.gov. MU Extension economist Ryan Milhollin says federal, state and local governments as well as agribusinesses, researchers, trade associations and others use the data to serve farmers and rural communities. Milhollin says the The Census of Agriculture is the only source of uniform, comprehensive and impartial data for every county in the U.S. USDA conducts the survey every five years and the law requires a response, even if you are no longer farming. The census forms are to be returned to USDA statisticians based in Columbia. Otherwise, USDA follows up with mailed questionnaires, phone calls or visits from a USDA enumerator. Information from the Census of Agriculture shapes programs that benefit many farm groups, including MU Extension programs. It gives a picture of the economic impact of agriculture in the country. Data collected helps policymakers see emerging trends such as young and beginning farmers and ranchers; women, veteran and minority farmers and ranchers; specialty crops; and organic production. The Census data helps legislators make decisions that protect the future of agriculture. For more information, call 888-424-7828 (toll-free) or contact Robert Garino at 573-876-0950.

Owls have fascinated mankind for centuries, from the wise owl of the Greek goddess Athena to Winnie the Pooh’s friend. To learn more about these creatures of the night, join rangers from Ozark National Scenic Riverways on an Owl Prowl at 5:30 in the afternoon on Friday, February 2nd, beginning at the Alley Spring General Store. Those attending will learn fact and folklore about these little understood hunters of the night. Using recorded owl calls, rangers will try to get the owls to answer and maybe even approach close enough for a good look! The walk will be less than a mile, but please come prepared because it may be chilly! Visitors can enjoy hot drinks at the General Store before and after this free program. The Alley General Store is on the grounds near Alley Spring, located six miles west of Eminence on Highway 106. Please dress warmly and make sure all children are accompanied by an adult. For more information, contact Ranger Josh Chilton at (573) 226-3945