Local News – Friday, March 12th, 2021
The Salem Police Department has released some reports for the end of February. On Sunday, February 21st at about 9:52 in the morning, an officer was dispatched to the Salem Police Department for the report of a theft. It was reported that a cell phone valued at $900 was stolen out of a purse at Dollar General. This report is still under investigation. Later that evening around 11:30, an officer was dispatched to the area of Henderson and Roosevelt Streets for a report of a vehicle stuck in the ditch. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the driver of the vehicle and found her intoxicated. After a short investigation, a 63-year-old Salem female was arrested for DWI and later released on summons. On Tuesday morning, February 23rd near 11:30, an officer was dispatched to Wilsons Mortuary for a report of a stolen truck. It was reported that a Silver Chevy Silverado was stolen from behind the business. Approximately a week later the vehicle was found in Reynolds County and as a result a suspect was obtained. At this time, the suspect is currently incarcerated and charges for this incident have been requested through the Prosecutor’s Office. On Thursday afternoon, February 25th around 2:15, officers with the Salem Police Department executed a search warrant at the 1200 block of East Third Street. The search warrant was obtained after an investigation into the location of two wanted fugitives who were staying at the residence. As a result of the search warrant both subjects, a 40-year-old Salem female and a 44-year-old Salem male were taken into custody and incarcerated on their warrants. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.
Missouri State Fire Marshal Tim Bean recommends Missourians use the return of daylight savings time this weekend as a reminder to change the batteries and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their homes. At 2:00 this Sunday morning, people will need to ‘spring ahead’ their clocks one hour. Bean says this should serve as a reminder for families to practice their family escape plan, and to get into the habit of regularly planning how to evacuate their home in the event of a fire. Bean said every family member, including children, should know two escape routes from every room in their residence. Parents should also go over fire evacuation plans with babysitters. He also said that as extended families begin considering overnight visits again, it is essential to think of their safety in the event of a fire. It is reported that one-half of home fire deaths occur between 11:00 at night and 7:00 in the morning when most people are asleep. Bean also reminds Missourians that they should have carbon monoxide alarms for their homes. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, tasteless, invisible gas that results from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, which can be deadly if undetected. The fire marshal recommends you check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly by pushing the test button. You should also replace smoke alarms every 10 years because they lose their effectiveness over time. Beans says you should probably install additional smoke alarms if you don’t have a minimum of one alarm on every level of the home, inside all bedrooms, and outside bedrooms. Bean says that families should also select a safe gathering place outside the residence in the event of a fire so that everyone can be accounted for.
Travelers in Missouri should remain alert for the possibility of flooding as heavy rainfall is forecast for much of the state throughout the weekend. Flash flood warnings have been issued from north of Interstate 70 to the Arkansas border. The Missouri Department of Transportation urges all motorists to be alert for flood waters in roadways as heavy rain and localized river crests can cause road conditions to change quickly. Floodwaters can be deeper than they appear and can hide such hazards as sharp objects, electrical wires, sewage and chemicals. There is a possibility that the road that was once where the water is no longer exists. Even the best four-wheel-drive vehicle will lose against rapidly moving water and no traction. For your own safety and the safety of everyone in your vehicle, please take heed of these lifesaving tips. Don’t drive through flooded areas. Taking extra time to drive a detour sure beats running out of it. Less than six inches of water can turn your car into a poorly engineered canoe, with no ability to slow down, steer…or float. When you see water over the roadway, assume that the roadway below it is either damaged or destroyed. Your driving headlights should be turned on whenever you are using your windshield wipers. It’s the law! Reduce your speed for the conditions. Turn Around, Don’t Drown! To find out about roads closed to flooding, MoDOT reminds all motorists to check on current road conditions in their areas and on their routes by consulting MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at traveler.modot.org, or through MoDOT’s smartphone app, available for iPhone and Android mobile devices.
The Grace Harbor Color Walk/Run scheduled for Saturday morning has been postponed due to the weather. It will be rescheduled at a date yet to be determined. If you have any questions, please call 573-247-7062.