Archive for 2018
Local News – Thursday, July 5th, 2018
The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Independence Day Parade “Celebrating the American Dream” drew a large crowd along the route to watch the numerous entries in the parade that was accentuated by a number of politicians running for office. The Grand Marshall was VFW Post Commander Eric Surles. Later that evening, a large crowd attend the 4th of July fireworks display at the Commons that is sponsored by the City of Salem. People also watched the fireworks from the City Park, Salem High School Parking lot and from areas along Highway 72 and Route J. A big thank you goes to the Salem Police Department, Dent County Sheriff’s Department and Missouri State Highway Patrol for their help with traffic for the parade and fireworks display.
An accident happened Wednesday afternoon at 2:23 in Phelps County on Highway 63 about six miles north of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2012 Jeep Wrangler driven northbound by 18-year old Laura McCutcheon of Rolla, was making a left turn when the Jeep was struck from behind by a 2008 Pontiac G6 driven northbound by 25-year old Asia Lee of Columbia. McCutcheon and a passenger in the Wrangler, 15-year old Kyle McCutcheon of Rolla, both suffered minor injuries and were taken to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center by the Phelps County EMS. Lee also suffered minor injuries and was also taken to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center by the Phelps County EMS. Everyone involved was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Pontiac was totaled and removed from the scene by Dishman’s Towing while the Jeep sustained moderate damage and was driven from the scene.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways is hosting a free Junior Ranger Day Camp at Round Spring starting Monday, July 9th. Children are invited to spend the morning with a Park Ranger from 9:00 a.m. to noon each day from Monday, July 9th, through Thursday, July 12th. The day camp will be a great opportunity for kids to enjoy fun, exciting and educational activities as they become “Junior Rangers.” Activities will focus on the development of outdoor skills and the study of natural wonders in the park. On Monday, Junior Rangers will explore river critters and try their luck fishing. Tuesday will be trails and outdoor skills day, with an opportunity to explore the newly constructed Round Spring Spur of the Ozark Trail. On Wednesday, a paddling class will be presented by certified instructors from the American Canoe Association. Thursday will be exploration of the underground wonders of Round Spring Cave. At the conclusion of the program, participants will receive a Junior Ranger badge. This program is targeted at children seven to twelve years of age. Space is limited, so call the Round Spring Ranger Station at (573)323-8093 to reserve a spot for your children and to receive detailed information about the program schedule and activities.
Onondaga Cave State Park invites the public to an informational meeting 11:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon on Saturday, July 7th, at the park’s visitor center. The public is invited to share comments about the park and its operations. Park staff will be on hand to provide information and answer questions. Input from the public is important to Missouri State Parks. These informational meetings, which are being held in all state parks and historic sites, help create two-way communication with the public. The meetings give staff the opportunity to let people know the current status and future plans for the park, and they offer visitors the opportunity to comment on the facilities. Onondaga State Park is located 7556 Hwy. H, Leasburg. For more information about the informational meeting, call 573-245-6576.
Echo Bluff Sate Park invites the public to enjoy a night of summer sky star gazing during its Mid-Night Madness astronomy program beginning at 11:00 Saturday night, July 7th, at the park’s Bluff Top Pavilion. This unique program gives participants a one-of-a-kind opportunity to join the Dent County Astronomers group to look at constellations and star clusters and more in this dark sky event. The moon will not rise until after the program’s conclusion at 1:00 in the morning. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for this outdoor event and to bring a chair. There will be several telescopes set up and binoculars available to view the different parts of the sky. For more information about this free event, contact Connie at 573-751-1224 or at connie.weber@dnr.mo.gov.
There will be a Splash and Dash Fun Run at the Salem City Park Friday night starting at 7:00. Participants will meet at the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Swimming Pool. After the Fun Run, all racers will have free admission to the pool. The cost is $20 for adults and $15 for those 17 and under. Also Friday night starting at 8:45, the movie, ”Rio” will be shown and it’s FREE to everyone. The movie was originally scheduled for the Summer Kickoff Event and was postponed due to lightning. The doors will open at 8:30 for the free movie. Bring a chair to watch from the deck or a floatie and watch from the pool! If you have questions about the Splash and Dash Fun Run or the movie “Rio”, call Healthy Dent County at 729-8163.
Obituaries – Thursday, July 5th, 2018
Funeral services for Rita Kay McDonald or Salem, age 65, will be Friday at 11:00 at the Grace Community Church. Visitation will be this evening from 5:00 until 8:00 at the Church. Interment will be in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Grace Community Church Youth Group.
Funeral services for Jerry “Jim” Morris of St. James, age 83, will be held Saturday at 1:00 at the First Assembly of God Church in St. James. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from noon until service time. Interment will be in the Corinth Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First Assembly of God Church in St. James. All the arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Mortuary of Salem.
Sports – Thursday, July 5th, 2018
The Salem Memorial District Hospital will be offering Free Sports Physicals this Friday at the SMDH Family Medicine on the SMDH Hospital campus on Highway 72 North from 8:00 in the morning until 6:00 in the evening. If you need a sports physical for football or any other fall sport, you can get your physical FREE this Friday. If possible, please call and set up a time at 729-8000.
Yadier Molina and Yairo Munoz homered, Miles Mikolas threw six strong innings and St. Louis beat Arizona 8-4 on Wednesday night and took two of three from the first-place Diamondbacks. The Cards start a four game series in San Francisco tonight at 8:20 on KSMO Radio.
Trevor Bauer pitched effectively into the eighth inning and the Cleveland Indians beat the skidding Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Wednesday night for a three-game sweep. The plummeting Royals have lost six straight and 18 of 21. The Royals will have the day off today before hosting Boston this weekend.
Weather – Thursday, July 5th, 2018
Today..Mostly sunny, high near 94 with a heat index of 102.
Tonight..Partly cloudy with a 20% chance for showers before midnight, low around 70.
Friday..Cloudy early with a 30% chance for showers and thunderstorms before noon, then partly sunny, high of 87.
Friday night..Clear, low of 61.
Saturday..Sunny, high around 84.
Local News – Tuesday, July 3rd, 2018
The Salem Police Department reported that 38-year old Michael Chilton of Salem is being held in jail with a $1 million dollar bond for statutory rape, statutory sodomy and rape. The charges were files after a probable cause statement was forwarded to the Dent County Prosecutors Office. The charges stem from recent allegations that Chilton had sexual intercourse with a young female numerous times since she was 12 years of age. After the allegations were brought to authorities, an investigation was held by the Salem Police Department with the assistance of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. A search warrant was obtained for Chilton’s home and evidence was seized as a result. Chilton was arrested at his home in Salem and has been incarcerated pending the application of warrants. Following his arrest, another young female came forward with similar allegations against Chilton. According to the probable cause statement, Chilton had been making threats to harm his accusers prior to his arrest.
The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Monday morning at the courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams brought in the CART figures that were received in the month of June. She stated Dent County received $57,055.37 which is down from the 2017 figure of $57,862.86. She did say that year-to-date the CART fund is up $1,548.83. Williams also reported on the PILT payments the county received. The Payment in Lieu of Taxes received this year is $169,802.00 which is up from the 2017 figure of $150,416.00 by $19,386.00. In the last two years, the PILT payments have continued to rise. In 2016, the county received $136,490.00 which went up $13,926.00 in 2017. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5170, 5510, 6240, 6245 and 6490 while brush would be cut on county road 4220. Purcell also reported the culvert pipes were being cleaned out on county road 4170. District 2 Supervisor Sam Gorman indicated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 3020, 3050, 3060, 3070, 3170, 3175 and 4290 while materials will be added and grading done on county road 4340. Another man would be screening rock. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to remind those interested they can now apply for recycling grant funding that is now available through the Solid Waste Management District. Skiles stated about $200,000 is available this year. For those who have not applied before, a workshop will be held at the MRPC on July 24th from 10:00 in the morning until noon. All applications are due by NOON on August 24th. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the last day to register to vote in the August Primary is July 11th and absentee voting continues now at her office. Don’t forget you need a photo ID to vote. She said sample ballots are available at her office for all parties and for those non-partisan voters to review. Dent County Sheriff Bob Wells came in to announce the awarding of the oil change bid for the 18-car fleet for the sheriff’s department to Whitaker’s Auto Body and Towing at a cost of $44.50 per vehicle. The bid is good for one year and begins immediately. At 11:00, Steve Davis from Shive-Hattery Architect and Nick Smith from Septagon who will be the construction manager, discussed the building design and they are ready for the bidding process. They also went over the timeline on the jail project. Bids will be taken on everything from general construction all the way to food service. A pre-bid meeting will be held on July 19th at 2:00 at the Bank of Salem Courtesy Room solely for interested bidders. The bid request will be advertised in the Salem News locally as well as on Dodge, Construct Connect, Bid Clerk and Isquarefoot. The Builders Association in Jefferson City will be contacted and those contractors who have already made contact with interest will be called. Bidders can contact Nick Smith for more information at 1-660-827-2112. All bids will be due in the County Clerk’s office by 2:00 on August 9th. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.
The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday evening for their regular meeting the city hall council chambers. The board approved the closing of Water Street to Franklin for two occasions including for a community outreach program for the Grace Community Church on Sunday, September 16th from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM, and also on October 31st between 4:00 and 9:00. The board also approved the closing of Doss Road on Halloween from 4:00 to 8:00 PM for the Salem Methodist Church. After some discussion on the bids for the city hall roof replacement, the board approved the bid from Williams American Construction, Inc for $26,352. This included a 15-year material warranty and two-year workmanship warranty. This was a budgeted purchase. After some discussion on the copier for the police department, the board approved the bid from Xerox for $118.00 per month plus $0.0069 per black and white copy and $0.055 per color copy. Xerox provides the toner, equipment repair, as well as parts and pays the personal property taxes. The police department will have to pay $1,439 to get out of the contract with Corporate, but over five years the department will save over $2,000. The board elected to go with the Xerox lease for five years. City Administrator Ray Walden said the City Administrative Offices would be closed Wednesday for Independence Day and the parade that evening will be held at 6:00 in the evening with the fireworks starting at dark at The Commons. He said the information on the new utility programs should be ready this month for people to pick up and look over. The board approved the appointment of Madonna Mosley to the Salem Housing Authority Board for four more years before going into closed session to discuss personnel and contracts.
Sports – Tuesday, July 3rd, 2018
Yadier Molina homered and had three RBIs and Carlos Martinez pitched six effective innings as the St. Louis Cardinals ended a four-game losing streak with a 6-3 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday night. Jedd Gyorko also homered for the Cardinals who play Arizona again tonight at 7:45 on KSMO Radio.
Francisco Lindor homered twice, including a grand slam, and finished with a career-high seven RBIs as the Cleveland Indians beat the Kansas City Royals 9-3 on Monday night. The Royals and Indians play again tonight.
Sunday night, the St. Louis Blues acquired center Ryan O’Reilly from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for forwards Patrik Berglund, Vladimir Sobotka and Tage Thompson, plus a first round pick in 2019 and a second-round pick in 2021.
The Blues also signed three free agents Sunday: forwards Tyler Bozak and David Perron, who the Blues lost in the expansion draft last year to Las Vegas, and goaltender Chad Johnson.
Obituaries – Tuesday, July 3rd, 2018
Funeral services for Rita Kay McDonald or Salem, age 65, will be Friday at 11:00 at the Grace Community Church. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 5:00 until 8:00 at the Church. Interment will be in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Grace Community Church Youth Group.
Funeral services for Jerry “Jim” Morris of St. James, age 83, will be held Saturday at 1:00 at the First Assembly of God Church in St. James. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from noon until service time. Interment will be in the Corinth Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First Assembly of God Church in St. James. All the arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Mortuary of Salem.
Weather – Tuesday, July 3rd, 2018
Today..Mostly cloudy with a 30% chance for showers, high of 89 with a heat index of 99.
Tonight..Partly cloudy, low of 70.
Independence Day..Mostly sunny, high near 90.
Wednesday night..Mostly clear, low around 70.
Thursday..Mostly sunny, high near 90.
Thursday night..Partly cloudy, low around 70.
Local News – Monday, July 2nd, 2018
The Dent County Sheriff's office has released a number of reports. On Saturday, June 23rd, deputies responded to a residence on Dent County Road 4170 for a report of property damage. It was reported that damage was done to windows and doors to the residence. This report is still under investigation. Later that same day, deputies responded to a residence in the 15000 block of Highway 32 West for a report of a burglary. It was reported the doorframe was broke and numerous tools, valued at $1200, were taken from inside the residence. This report is currently being investigated. On Monday, June 24th, deputies responded to a residence in the 1000 block of Dent County Road 6580 for a report of a stolen firearm. It was report that an H & K USP 9mm was stolen from the residence. This report is still under investigation. Later that same day, deputies responded to Dent County Road 3330 for a report of several people dumping trashing on the county road. A witness gave deputies a vehicle description and license plate number. This report is still under investigation. On Thursday, June 28th, deputies responded to the 1000 block of Dent County Road 5013 for a report of a burglary. It was reported that someone made entry into the home and took $100 from a purse. This report is still under investigation. If you have information regarding any ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.
The Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting this evening at 7:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers for their first regular meeting of the new fiscal year. The board will hear two requests for the closure of streets: one from Grace Community Church to close Water Street on Sunday, September 16th from 8:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon, and also on Halloween from 4:00 in the afternoon until 9:00 at night; and the other from the Salem United Methodist Church who would like Doss Road closed on Halloween from 4:00 to 8:00 for their annual Truck-R-Treat. The board will also hear bids on the city hall roof replacement or repair. After the consent agenda, the board will discuss a copier for the police department and review the information Chief Keith Steelman was able to get from the company with the current contract. City Administrator Ray Walden will follow with his report and then Mayor Brad Nash will give his report. In New and Miscellaneous Business, the board will consider the re-appointment of Ms. Madonna Mosley to another four-year term effective July 25th, 2018. Mosley has agreed to another term if appointment. The board may then vote to go into closed session.
The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On Friday morning, June 22nd at about 10:00, an officer was contacted by Missouri Probation and Parole in reference to a subject using a fake urination device to elude drug testing. The investigation of the report revealed a 44-year-old male of Bunker had used a device to submit alternative urine for a drug test sample. The incident report will be forwarded to the prosecutor pending any charges that are to be filed. That evening at about 8:00, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 26-year-old male of Salem for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and released. On Sunday morning, June 24th at about 10:24, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to the fraudulent use of a credit card. That investigation revealed that a person or persons unknown stole and used the credit card of another to make purchases valued at $98.01. The report is under investigation. On Monday, June 25th at approximately 11:24 in the morning, an officer located a 59-year old female of Salem near 5th and Iron Streets who had an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. She was taken into custody on the warrant and later released with a new court date after posting the required bond. That evening at 8:48, an officer transported a 33-year-old male of Rolla from Phelps County Jail to Dent County Jail due to an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. The suspect was incarcerated pending a court appearance. On Tuesday afternoon, June 26th at about 2:00, an officer was conducting a narcotics investigation at a residence in the 1000 block of West Coffman. At that time, a 25-year-old male of Rolla who had two active arrest warrants from the State of Missouri, fled the scene in a vehicle. Officers pursued the suspect and eventually apprehended him near 7th and Pershing Streets. The suspect was taken into custody on the active arrest warrants, for the possession of methamphetamine and resisting arrest by fleeing. The suspect was incarcerated on the warrants and on the pending applications for warrants on additional charges. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information about ongoing investigations.
Captain James W. Remillard, commanding officer of Troop I, announces that sometime during the month of July, troopers assigned to Troop I will be conducting an impaired driving enforcement patrol in Dent and Phelps County. Troopers assigned to these special enforcement operations will patrol those highways where in the past a higher number of alcohol-related arrests and traffic crashes have occurred. Captain Remillard would like to remind motorists that they can report highway emergencies and serious traffic offenses to the nearest troop headquarters by dialing *55 on a cellular telephone. The only 100 percent survivable traffic crash is the one that never happens. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint.
The “Libraries Rock” Summer Reading Program for students who have completed kindergarten through 2nd grade continues starting today from 2:00 to 3:30 at the Salem Public Library at 403 North Jackson Street. Those students are invited to get involved in all the activities. Children who have completed 3rd, 4th and 5th grades will gather at the Library from 2:00 to 3:30 on Wednesdays starting again on July on the 11th. For more information, call the Salem Public Library at 729-4331.
Obituaries – Monday, July 2nd, 2018
Funeral services for Rita Kay McDonald or Salem, age 65, will be Friday at 11:00 at the Grace Community Church. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 5:00 until 8:00 at the Church. Interment will be in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Grace Community Church Youth Group.