Archive for 2021

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce has proudly announced the winners of the Christmas Parade of lights for 2021. The winners for the Commercial Float was Town & Country Bank while the winner for the Non-Commercial Float was the Salem Care/Seville Care Center. Kimberly Stewart was named the horsemanship winner. The Salem Chamber of Commerce wanted to thank everyone who had an entry in the parade and for all the spectators attending. Sinks Pharmacy was the winners sponsor of this parade. A huge “thank you” goes out to the Grand Marshal Jann Craig who was selected for her community service and LovePacks program which began back in 2009. Currently it takes about 30 volunteers to pack up and distribute around 6000 bags to nine Dent County Schools. Later this afternoon at 4:00, the chamber will announce the winner of the Business Window decorating Contest. The winner will receive a $250 cash prize.

The Salem Area Arts Council announces a “Week of Christmas” at the Creative Arts Center in Salem. Starting at 4:00 this afternoon, “Glazed Impressions” will be instructed by Isabella Knaack where people will select a ceramic figure or functional piece to glaze, then come back a week later after it has been fire to pick it up. The cost is $5 with an additional cost for the piece selected. On Tuesday evening, “Straw Stars” will be instructed by Suzanne Douglas from 6:00 until 8:00 where those attending will create handmade star ornaments to hang on the tree. On Wednesday evening from 5:00 until 7:00, Artist Terry Phelps will show those attending how to use wool to create a unique ornament to take home in a workshop called “Felted Ornaments.” On Thursday evening from 6:00 until 8:00, instructor Shannon Phelps will show new techniques on how to create and beautifully decorate cupcakes to take home. Each participate will have six cupcakes to take home after the class. Friday evening will bring the “Winter Wonderland Paint ‘N Sip” from 6:30 until 8:30 where artist Danielle Norris where those attending will paint a winter wonderland using acrylic paint on canvas. Bring a friend and the beverage of your choice. The workshops Tuesday through Friday each cost $25. On Saturday, the Creative Arts Center will host “Santa’s Workshop” from 1:00 until 4:00. Brings the kids and have pictures taken with Santa and his Mrs. Claus! Snacks will be provided and donations will be accepted. If you have any questions about the any of the programs to be presented, call 247-0651 or 247-5306. You can also e-mail salemartscouncil@outlook.com.

An accident happened late Thursday afternoon just after 5:15 in Phelps County on Highway 63, about two miles south of Rolla. The highway patrol report states that a 2018 Jeep Compass being driven south by 40-year-old Lynn Miller of Edgar Springs, was stopped to make a left hand turn. The Jeep was then struck from behind by a 2001 Chevrolet S-10 being driven by 51-year-old Barbara Williams of Licking. Miller was taken By the Phelps Health EMS to Phelps Health Hospital for the treatment of minor injuries. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by D & D Recovery. The report went on to state that Miller was wearing a safety device while Williams was not.

A one vehicle accident happened Friday night at 9:00 in Phelps County on Interstate 44 near the exit 185 off ramp. The highway patrol report states that a 2005 Mercury Sable being driven by 21-year-old Megan Slater of Rolla, was attempting to overtake another vehicle and began hydroplaning. Slater then traveled off the right side of the road and struck a sign before traveling over the ramp and into some trees. A passenger, 20-year-old Nevaeh Hudson of Rolla, was transported by ambulance to the Phelps Health Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The Mercury sustained minor damage and was removed from the scene by C & C Towing. Both occupants were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

You are invited to join a town hall meeting today from 11:45 in the morning and lasting until 1:00 at the Salem Community Center@the Armory, 1200 West Rolla Road. A panel of students will discuss substance use affecting teen in our community. You’ll also learn about the JAG program from local, participating students, and join a discussion about local substance use prevention programs. Lunch will be provided and registration IS required. For more information or to register, please call 573-729-8163. The town hall meeting is being sponsored by Your Community Health Center, Prevention Consultants of Missouri, and Health Dent County.

Don’t forget to check out the lights and displays at the Salem City Park as part of the “Light up the Park” through December 31st off of Route J. The lights will go on nightly at dusk and remain on until around 11:00 at night. The “Light Up the Park” is free for the public’s enjoyment. The Salem Park and Recreation Department asks that you enter the park from Route J and exit through the north gate of the Salem City Park onto Park Street. The second part of the “Light up the Park” Display is off of Park Place Drive near the Pavilion. Remember to shut your lights off when driving through the park and Christmas music will be available 24/7 at 97.5 FM courtesy of KSMO Radio.

Judging for the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2nd Annual Business Window Decorating Contest gets underway Friday and will continue over the weekend until Monday afternoon. The theme this year is “A Storybook Christmas” and 20 business have entered the contest. The windows may just be painted, illuminated with a display or be a combination of both. The public in invited to view the windows of the these fine businesses in Salem: the Dent County Vet Clinic, Salem Public Library, Tax Masters, Edward Jones, Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center, That Special Touch Florist, McDonalds, Steel Magnolias, City of Salem Administration Building, Allen’s Treasure Chest & Den, Country Chic Boutique, Duncan Family Chiropractic, Main Street Café, US Bank, Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health on 4th Street, VIP Properties, Magik Herbs, Trinity, The Bank of Salem and Beehive Florist & gifts. After the judging is complete, a winner will be announced at 4:00 Monday afternoon, December 13th. Enjoy the hard work put in by these businesses during the day and night! A suggested map of the locations will be available today on the Salem Chamber of Commerce, City of Salem and KSMO Facebook pages.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports from the mid to latter portion of November. Around 1:00 in the afternoon of Sunday, November 14th, an officer was dispatched to the 500 block of North Henderson Street for a report of a burglary. It had been reported that someone had broken into a residence and stolen nine guns and hunting knives along with an undisclosed amount of cash. This incident is currently under investigation. On Sunday morning, November 15th near 1:00 while on patrol, an officer contacted a woman that had warrants for her arrest. As a result, 22-year-old Deseray Fish of Salem was arrested on the warrants and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Near 6:00 in the evening of Saturday, November 20th, an officer was dispatched to an accident where one of the subjects involved had left the scene. After a short investigation the vehicle and subject involved were located. At that time, a 42-year-old Salem man was arrested and later released on summons to appear in court for leaving the scene of an accident. About three hours later, officers dealt with an intoxicated subject that was causing a disturbance and interfering with an unrelated investigation in the 1400 block of West Scenic Rivers Blvd. As a result, a 41-year-old man from Thompsonville, Michigan, was arrested and placed on a 12-hour safekeep at the Dent County Jail. He was later released on a summons. On Sunday, November 23rd, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart for a report of a shoplifter. It was reported that a male subject had stolen approximately $10 worth of merchandise. After an investigation, a 51-year-old Salem man was arrested and later released on summons to appear in court. Around 8:00 in the evening on Tuesday, November 23rd, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with inoperable headlights. During the traffic stop it was learned that 44-year-old Jared King of Salem, had warrants out of the Franklin County Sheriff’s office for assault. King was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County jail awaiting extradition. And finally on Friday morning, November 26th near 5:30, an officer arrested 28-year-old Chris Gibbs of Salem in the 1100 block of West Scenic Rivers Boulevard. The subject was incarcerated on warrants for the possession of a controlled substance. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

Missouri Employers Mutual has announced its latest cycle of safety grant recipients, bringing the total amount of safety grants awarded to policyholders to $2.1 million since 2016. The 11th safety grant cycle awarded $259,000 to 38 policyholders. The program is designed to help policyholders pinpoint areas of their business where an injury could occur, or in many cases, purchase equipment related to injuries previously experienced. Five years into the program, safety grant recipients continue to see positive results. Since implementing the safety equipment purchased with their grants, the 280 businesses have experienced only 14 claims totaling $49,000. That’s a 96 percent reduction in claims and a 94 percent reduction in claims costs. One of those businesses who benefitted from a safety grant in 2018 was the Village Gallery in Salem. That grant allowed for the purchase of a saw stop table saw prevented a major injury to an employee at the custom cabinetry business. Owner Carl Williams said there was an incident where an operator let his guard down and wasn’t paying attention. His finger got to the blade and the saw stopped it from moving. So instead of potentially losing a finger, he received a very small nick instead. Williams said that prior to receiving the safety grant, his business experienced a claim related to use of a table saw. Although no Salem business is a recipient this year, St. James Transports in St. James received some powered landing gear kits. All of Missouri Employers Mutual policyholders are eligible for a safety grant, regardless of premium size or claims history. Successful applicants earn one-to-one matching grants up to $10,000 toward approved safety initiatives.