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Salem Mayor Brad Nash announced Wednesday his appointment of John J. (Joe) Chase as the next Chief of Police for the City of Salem. The city received five applications for the poition with two selected as finalists for interviews by a panel comprised of local law enforcement from outside the city along with city officials. Mayor Nash said a timely decision was necessary given the announced retirement by current Salem Police Chief, Keith Steelman on February 14th. Mayor Nash’s appointment was approved by the Board of Aldermen during Monday night’s closed session. Mayor Nash appreciates the service and leadership that retiring Chief of Police Keith Steelman has provided over the years. Chief of Police Appointee Chase has been with the Salem Police Department since 1997 and since 2011 at the rank of Sergeant. He has over twenty-two years of law enforcement experience and has worked with the F.B.I., D.E.A., U.S. Marshal’s Service, and various other state and local law enforcement agencies. His certifications include Firearms Instructor, K-9 Handler, Field Training Officer, and Academy Instructor. Chase grew up in the Salem area with his parents Virginia and Lyal Chase. A devoted family man, Chief of Police Appointee Chase lives in Salem with his children and fiancé Charity. Chase will commence his duties as the next Salem Chief of Police on February 15th, 2020.

The Dent County Coroner’s office has released two reports on recent death investigations in Dent County. On Saturday morning, January 4th, the coroner’s office was contacted to assist with a death investigation. During the course of the investigation, one person was found dead inside a residence on Route C in the Lenox area. Upon investigation, the person found was identified as 55-year old Archie Allan Stacy Jr. of Salem. At this time, the cause of death is still pending the toxicology report. This death is still under investigation by the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, and the Dent County Coroner’s Office. Then on Tuesday, January 7th, the coroner’s office was contacted to assist with another death investigation. During the course of the investigation, two people were found dead inside an RV at the Dent County Commons. The autopsies are scheduled for Thursday, January 9th at the Boone County Medical Examiners Office in Columbia. At this time, these deaths are currently under investigation by the Dent County Sheriffs Office, and the Dent County Coroners Office.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met at 6:00 Tuesday evening for their regular monthly meeting. After the roll call a motion was made and carried to approve the consent agenda as well as minutes from the December meeting being reviewed and approved as presented. The financial report was then reviewed with bills being reviewed and approved as well as the 2019 final budget and 2020 budget being reviewed. During the monthly reimbursement report the board made note of 16 calls for the month. In new business the board discussed card readers to access the building. This would increase security and allow for quicker access than the current code system. The board will gather more information before making a final decision. Board president Craig Smith reported to the board that the building renovation could be complete as soon as one month if the weather continues to hold. The date for the next meeting was set for Tuesday, February 4th at 6:00 at the firehouse. The meeting is open to the public.

A section of Highway 32 in Salem between Highway 72 and Craig Industrial Drive will be named the “Gerald T. Lizotte Jr. Memorial Highway” at a ceremony scheduled for 11:00 this Saturday morning at the Dent County Commons located at 162 County Road 2300 in Salem. Lizotte, who was a 10-year MoDOT veteran, was killed on the job in August of 2001. Highway 32 was one of the last roadways he worked on as a construction technician. Lizotte’s family worked with Senator Justin Brown to introduce a bill for a Memorial Highway Designation which was passed by the legislature and signed by Governor Mike Parson during the 2019 legislative session. Lizotte’s daughter, Nicole, and Dennis Brady, who worked with Lizotte at MoDOT, will be speaking at the ceremony.

On Monday, January 6th, the Dent County Prosecutor Andrew M. Curley reported that for the year of 2019 the amount of $125,895.80 was collected in connection with fines from state criminal prosecutions. This sum has been turned over to the Dent County Treasurer and benefits the local school system. Prosecutor Curley indicated his office will continue to engage in efforts to assist the education of our youth.