Local News – Friday, December 17th, 2021
For City of Salem Utility customers, bills were mailed out on Thursday, December 8th. Anyone who has not received their utility bills for the October 15th through November 15th consumption period is asked to contact the utility office at 729-4117. Due to the delay with bills going out, the due date was adjusted accordingly to December 27th which is stated on the bills.
Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley released results of two court cases heard in Crawford County on Tuesday in front of Judge Michael Randazzo. In the first case heard, Craig Carter of Salem pled guilty to the distribution of Methamphetamine to an undercover officer. Prosecutor Curley sought 1o years in the Department of Corrections under Section 559.115 program due to the distribution of meth. Carter requested probation as he had no prior felony convictions and a limited misdemeanor criminal history. Judge Randazzo granted Carter probation with a suspended execution of his sentence and Carter was ordered to enter drug court over the state’s objection. In the second case, Dustin Norris of Edgar Springs pled guilty to three counts of felony distribution of a controlled substance and one felony possession of a controlled substance charge. Prosecutor Curley sought ten years in the Department of Corrections while Norris sought probation or be allowed to participate in the Section 559.115 program. Norris’ request was denied and he was sentenced to serve his time in the Department of Corrections.
The Salem Police Department has released their report for the month of November. They served 18 summonses to appear in court, performed 110 traffic stops resulting in 86 warning tickets and 12 traffic tickets, plus they also served five fugitive warrants and two city warrants. The department investigated 10 traffic accidents, had 13 ambulance assists, investigated one death report, wrote five stealing reports, and one resisting or interfering with an arrest charge. The department investigated four driving while having a license revoked or suspended charges, investigated two forgery reports, one sexual offense report, one possession of a controlled substance charge, and two reports for the possession of drug paraphernalia, as well as a charge of leaving the scene of an accident. The department also responded to a report of shots being fired, two prowler reports, one exparte’ violation, performed 21 well-being checks, wrote one property damage report and eight stealing reports, and conducted 37 follow up investigations. The department drove 5,539 miles during the month and also served four hours as court bailiff. The department had 609 calls for service and had 8 walk-ins to the station. There were 10 males and 7 females arrested during the month of November.
With the new year upon us, ‘tis the season for taxes. To help farmer’s navigate tax preparation, the IRS publishes a “Farmer’s Tax Guide”. The publication explains how the federal tax laws apply to farming and serves as a guide to figure your taxes and complete your 2021 farm tax return. Also included in the publication are administrative and law changes for 2021. To obtain a copy of “Farmer’s Tax Guide – Publication 225”, visit your local University of Missouri Extension Office at the Dent County Judicial Building on the second floor or call 729-3196. The Dent County Extension Office will be closed for winter break starting December 24th through the January 2nd, 2022. They wish you a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!!
An accident happened Thursday morning just before 6:45 in Phelps County on westbound Interstate 44 near the 188-mile marker. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2011 Ford Flex being driven by 21-year-old Abigail Bunch of Rolla, began hydroplaning causing the Ford to strike the back of a 2011 Peterbilt by 41-year-old Steven Woothtakewahbitty of Elgin, Oklahoma. Bunch was taken by ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. The Peterbilt sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene. The Ford received moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Dishman’s Towing. The report went on to state that Bunch was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.