Local News – April 28, 2017
The Dent County Commission held their meeting Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road reports, both District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell and District Two Commissioner Gary Larson wanted to remind residents that with the amount of rain which has already fallen and with the anticipated amounts expected over the weekend, please do not drive through rising water at low water crossings, water flowing over the road, or areas that are ponding. The ground is already saturated and with any amount of rain received over the weekend, there could be several temporary road closures. If a sign has been posted, turn around: it is not worth risking your life or the life of anyone in your vehicle. They went on to say that as soon as the weather breaks, those roads that have had washouts problems will be addressed as soon as possible. Purcell then reported that his district had received several calls on removing downed trees. He reported a crew would be working on some electrical issue with the pup trailer as well as working on dump trucks #117 and #123. He also said that the order of polypropylene culverts that were ordered came in and would be separated for use. Larson reported crews were out checking roads for downed trees and washouts. He went on to say work was being done on the hydraulics on a brush cutter. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to remind folks about the Veterans Affairs Day today from 10:00 am until 2:00 at the American Legion/VFW Post in Salem. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.
In closed session on April 18th at the SMDH Board of Directors meeting, they approved a contract with Rural Sleep Solutions to provide sleep studies at the SMDH Hospital. The hospital will have to be certified first, and they hope to be able to start offering these services in the outpatient area around July 1st. The board also approved a Nursing Scholarship for Samantha Smith from the LPN to RN Bridge Program. The board then approved providing a Pharmacy Internship through the St. Louis College of Pharmacy from May of 2017 to February of 2018. The meeting was then adjourned.
The Salem Police Department released reports involving a shoplifter, a fight, a domestic disturbance, a burglary and property damage. On Sunday, April 16th at 2:16 in the afternoon, an officer was detailed to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 30-year old male of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $38.71. He was issued a summons to appear in court and released. That night at 7:04, an officer was detailed to the parking lot at Missouri Highway 32 and 19 in reference to a fight that had taken place. The report revealed a 16-year-old male juvenile of Salem had been assaulted by a 16-year old male juvenile of Rolla. The report is under investigation. On Monday evening, April 17th at 5:30, an officer was sent to a residence in the 100 block of North Carty in reference to a domestic disturbance. The report revealed a 30-year old Salem male had assaulted a 26-year old Salem male. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was incarcerated pending the application for warrants. On Wednesday, April 19th at 8:34 in the morning, an officer was detailed to a building in the 700 block of South Grand in reference to a burglary. The report revealed someone unknown took a 2015 Honda Grom motorcycle valued at $4,500.00 and a 2004 Kawasaki ZX6R motorcycle valued at $3,500.00 from a building. The report is under investigation. There is a reward offered for the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for stealing the motorcycles. Later that night at 8:53, an officer was detailed to the Scenic River Center West building located in the 800 block of Highway 32 in reference to property damage. The report revealed someone unknown broke a window valued $465.00 with a rock. The report is under investigation. You are asked to contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.
The National Day of Prayer will be held on Thursday, May 4th during the noon hour at the Grace Community Church on Water Street. Those who will be participating can envoy a light lunch at 11:45 and prayer time at 12:15 along with the National Anthem and the Pledge of Alliance. For more information, call 729-4573.