Weather – Wednesday, August 7th, 2019

Today..Increasing clouds with a 20% chance of mid-day showers, high near 88.
Tonight..Cloudy with a 50% chance of showers, low of 68.
Thursday..60% chance of showers, high of 87.
Thursday night..60% chance of showers, low of 68.
Friday..60% chance for showers, high around 84.
Friday night..Mostly cloudy, 40% chance of showers, low around 65. Saturday..Chance of showers, high near 83.

Sports – Wednesday, August 7th, 2019

Tuesday night the Cardinals played the Dodgers in Los Angeles in the second of a three game series. The Dodgers defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 3 to 1. The Cards will be in LA again today for a day game at 1:15 on KSMO.

The Royals also continued a three game series on Tuesday. Kansas City beat the Red Sox 6 to 2. The Royals will finish the series in Boston tonight against the Red Sox.

Obituaries – Wednesday, August 7th, 2019

Funeral services for Gay Sharpe of Conway, Arkansas, age 66, will be held this morning at 11:00 in the McSpadden Funeral Home in Bunker. Burial will be in the Polk Memorial Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Road To Recovery in Bunker or Hope Lodge in St. Louis.

Funeral services for Dwayne “Scoop” McClellan of Salem, age 57, will be Friday at 1:00 in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel. Visitation will be Thursday from 6:00 until 8:00. Burial will be in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.

Funeral services for Darrell Lee Firestine of Salem, age 64, will be held Saturday at 2:00 in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel. Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 until 7:00 and on Saturday from noon until service time. Burial will be in the Palace Cemetery.

Celebration of life for Audrey Lee Callen of Rolla, age 63, will be Saturday from 11:00 until 1:00 at the Rolla Chapel of James and Gahr Mortuary. Memorials are suggested to the Rolla Animal Shelter.

Funeral services for Roy Dwayne McDonald of Salem, age 57, will be Saturday evening at 7:00 at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3422. Visitation will be from 5:00 until the time of service. Services are under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem.

Private family graveside services will be conducted for Tom LaPLant of Steelville, age 87. Interment will be in the Steelville Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Alfred Asher of Salem, age 72, will be held at a later date. All arrangements are under the direction of the James and Gahr Mortuary in Salem.

Local News – Wednesday, August 7th, 2019

The City of Salem Board of Alderman held their meeting Monday night. After approval of the agenda and roll call during the Hearing of Persons, the First Baptist Church was requesting to have a Fireworks Show on Saturday, October 5th at 7:30 for A Fall Fest Spectacular as well as requesting street closures from 7:15 to 8:15 for the event, was postponed until the next meeting. According to City Attorney William Camm Seay, the current City of Salem ordinance regarding fireworks displays does not allow for any other firework displays such as this request. A motion was made to amend the current firework ordinance to include exceptions and will be presented at the next meeting as well. Also during the hearing of persons, Arlene Martin wanted to discuss with the Board what can be done about water standing in her yard and the issue was reported resolved earlier in the day. In bids, the Board approved the State Bid from Landmark Dodge of $25,180 for a 2019 Dodge Charger for the City of Salem Police Department. The city requested bids for the Tap Grant Project, which is the sidewalk project from the High School to inside the Park. MoDOT will be sent the papers to prepare the contract for which the city will take half of their 20% match from the Capital Improvement Fund and the other half from the Parks and Recreation Fund. City Administrator Ray Walden stated the 3,468 participants were reported during July at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Walden also reported that due to the performance of the electric purchasing pool, the July utility bills reflected a decrease in electric rates of 8.7% applied under the city’s ordinance for automatic rate adjustments based on changes in the wholesale cost of electricity and additional savings are expected with the AMI meter project that’s in the process. They are currently installing the backhaul network for the system and expect to start replacing electric meters in September and water meters in October. Walden went on to say the support for the seat campaign for the theater was greatly appreciated and that they need donations for yet another 50 seats. Donations forms for the seats are available from the City’s Facebook page and at the utility counter at the Administrative building. The Board then voted to set Tuesday, September 3rd at 6:00 pm as the first Nuisance Workshop to be held before the Alderman meeting. The Board then voted to approve Bill #3425 an ordinance levying for the year 2019 a tax of .6522 cents upon each and every one hundred dollars assessed valuation of real estate and personal property which is down from .6533 cents for 2018 and approved Bill #3426 an ordinance to execute a State Block Grant agreement between the City of Salem and the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission and sign all documents related to the design and construction of taxi lanes for T-hangars-Phase 1 on Project 19-066A-1 in the amount of $88,110. The Board then gave approval for the Salem Police Department to seek an LLEBG-Local Law Enforcement Block Grant in the amount of $9,999.00 in order to purchase 3 new P25 radios. The Board delayed approving any trailer court licenses as this time. The Board then voted to go into closed session for the purpose of discussing contracts and personnel.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports for the end of July. In the early morning of the 29th at about 12:03, an officer was dispatched to the area of North Jackson and Acuff in reference to a disturbance. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of an intoxicated 38-year-old male of Salem for failing to obey a lawful order of a police officer.  The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On the afternoon of Wednesday, July 31st close to 4:00, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1200 block of South Louise in reference to trespassing. The investigation revealed that two females of Salem, a 20-year-old and a 24-year-old, entered onto property that gave notice of no trespassing. The 20-year-old suspect was later located, issued a summons to appear in court and released. The 24-year-old suspect has not yet been located. The report is still under investigation. Minutes later at about 4:10, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1000 block of West Ellis in reference to a burglary not in progress. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown had forcibly entered the residence and took items valued at about $800.00. The report is under investigation. At about 10:13 that same night, an officer was dispatched to a traffic accident at Henderson and Rolla Road. The investigation of the accident led to the arrest of a 23-year-old male of Salem for driving while being intoxicated and for careless and imprudent driving. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and released. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 573-729-4242 if you have any information about an ongoing investigation.

Weather – Tuesday, August 6th, 2019

Today..Sunny, high near 90, heat index of 96.
Tonight..Cloudy, low of 66.
Wednesday..Mostly sunny, high of 90, heat index of 96.
Wednesday night..Partly cloudy, low around 67.

Sports – Tuesday, August 6th, 2019

Monday night the Cardinals opened a three games series with the Dodgers in Los Angeles. The Dodgers beat the Cardinals 8 to 0. The Cards will be in LA again tonight to take on the Dodgers at 8:15 on KSMO.

The Royals also began a three game series on Monday. The Red Sox beat Kansas City 7 to 5. The Royals will be in Boston again tonight to take on the Red Sox.

Obituaries – Tuesday, August 6th, 2019

Funeral services for Bob Santhuff of Steelville, age 88, will be held this morning at 11:00 in the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville. Interment will be in the Steelville Cemetery with full Military Honors. Memorials may by given to Victory Baptist Church or Steelville Cemetery Association.

Funeral services for Gay Sharpe of Conway, Arkansas, age 66, will be held Wednesday at 11:00 in the McSpadden Funeral Home in Bunker. Visitation will be this evening from 5:00 until 8:00. Burial will be in the Polk Memorial Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to Road To Recovery in Bunker or Hope Lodge in St. Louis.

Funeral services for Darrell Lee Firestine of Salem, age 64, will be held Saturday at 2:00 in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel. Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 until 7:00 and on Saturday from noon until service time. Burial will be in the Palace Cemetery.

Celebration of life for Audrey Lee Callen of Rolla, age 63, will be Saturday from 11:00 until 1:00 at the Rolla Chapel of James and Gahr Mortuary. Memorials are suggested to the Rolla Animal Shelter.

Funeral services for Roy Dwayne McDonald of Salem, age 57, will be Saturday evening at 7:00 at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3422.  Visitation will be from 5:00 until the time of service.  Services are under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem.

Private family graveside services will be conducted for Tom LaPLant of Steelville, age 87. Interment will be in the Steelville Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Alfred Asher of Salem, age 72, will be held at a later date. All arrangements are under the direction of the James and Gahr Mortuary in Salem.

Local News – Tuesday, August 6th, 2019

The Dent County Commission met for their regular Monday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. Sally Burbridge, City of Salem Economic Development Director was in to give a monthly update. Jamie Homeyer came in to discuss being considered for the position of the County Assessor when the Assessor Tina Whitaker retires at the end of the year. In the road report District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell reported grading will be done on Dent County Roads 6370, 6190, and 4220, while a man was going to Springfield after a load of oil for chip and seal repair. Purcell noted that maintenance was being done on the brush cutter. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2315, 2313, 5305, 4405, 5320, and 4410. He also said that materials would be added to county roads 4430, 2313, 2315, 4380, and brush would be cut on county roads 2070, 2075, and 2315. County Clerk Angie Curley reported that payroll was approved. Bids were opened for the Courthouse propane. After discussion the Commissioners approved the current supplier, Ferrellgas, at $1.185 per gallon. Motion passed 3-0. The next meeting of the Commission will be Thursday morning in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports for Sunday, July 28th. At approximately 3:15 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1400 block of South Water in reference to an assault. The investigation of the report revealed a 32-year-old male of Salem had assaulted a 23-year-old female of Salem. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was incarcerated pending the application for a warrant. Just minutes later at 3:22, an officer was dispatched to a storage unit at Highway 32 and Sligo in reference to a theft. That investigation showed that a person or persons unknown broke into a unit and took a 22-caliber rifle, a safe and jewelry valued at$8,000.00. The report is under investigation. At about 9:10 that night, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 900 block of North Pershing in reference to a fight in progress. The investigation of the report revealed that a 33-year-old male of Salem had assaulted a 25-year-old male of Salem. During the assault, a 25-year-old male of Jadwin fired a 9mm pistol in the air. A further investigation led to the arrest of the 33-year-old Salem man for assault and the Jadwin male suspect for unlawful use of a firearm. The two suspects were issued summonses to appear in court and released. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 573-729-4242 if you have any information about an ongoing investigation.

A two vehicle accident happened Friday morning at 10:30 on Highway H about a mile North of Leasburg resulting in three minor injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 2016 Chrysler 200, driven by 68 year-old Paul Leasor of Aurora, failed to yield, causing the vehicle to strike a 2006 Ford Focus driven by 24 year-old Shannon Comia of Bourbon. Paul Leasor and a passenger, 71 year-old Judy Leasor, as well as Comia reported minor injuries but all three declined treatment at the scene. The Chrysler sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Chucks Towing. The Focus was totaled in the accident and removed by Brads Towing. According to the report, all involved in the accident were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident.

Get ready for the new school year with the Annual Back to School Fair Saturday, August 10th, at the Community Center at The Armory. The event will be held from 10:00 until 2:00 for preschoolers through the 12th grade. The Back to School Fair is a partnership of community organizations, businesses and resources. Missouri Child Identification Program (MoCHIP) representatives will be on hand providing free child ID kits. MoCHIP is a comprehensive program designed to give families a measure of protection should a child become missing or abducted. The Masonic Children’s Foundation retains no information concerning the children and only keeps a signed permission form. Children will also receive haircuts, socks, shoes and underwear. Children must be pre-registered with the South Central Community Action Agency before the event and parents can register their child or children by contacting Sarah Richmond-Arnett at the office at 1405 S. Wines Street now through August 10th. If your business or community group would be interested in participating in the fair you should contact the Sarah at 573-739-3500, extension 10, or by email at sgivens@scmcaa.org.

Registration continues this week at the Salem schools. At the Salem Upper Elementary new and current students can register from 9:00 to 3:30 through Wednesday, August 7th. For more information, call 729-4812. At the Salem Middle School students can register today, Wednesday and Thursday, August 6th through 8th. On Friday, August 9th, anyone who missed registration may register on that day. All 6th, 7th, 8th grade students will enroll in the Cafeteria of the Middle School building and a parent or guardian must attend and complete the necessary required enrollment forms and paperwork. For more information, call 729-4261. At the Salem High School Juniors will register today from 1:00 to 5:00 pm.; sophomores will register from 1:00 to 5:00 pm tomorrow and freshman will register Thursday from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. On Friday, August 9th, anyone who missed registration can register from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. For more information about registration, call the Salem Senior High School at 729-6641. Don’t forget your child’s vaccinations must be up to date before they can register. Contact the Dent County Health Center if you have any questions at 729-3106.

Weather – Monday, August 5th, 2019

Today..Sunny with 90.
Tonight..Increasing clouds, low of 67.
Tuesday..30% chance of afternoon showers, high of 89.
Tuesday night..Partly cloudy, low around 67.
Wednesday..Mostly sunny, high around 90.
Wednesday night..Partly cloudy, low of 68.
Thursday..Chance of showers, high near 86.

Sports – Monday, August 5th, 2019

After loosing to the Oakland A’s on Saturday the Cardinals woes continued Sunday as the A’s took the second game to sweep the two game series by a final score of 4 to 2. The Cards will be in LA tonight to take on the Dodgers at 8:15 on KSMO.

The Kansas City Royals failed to score in a 3 to 0 loss on Sunday. The Royals were swept for the second series in row, this time by the Minnesota Twins over the weekend. The Royals will be in Boston tonight to take on the Red Sox.