Local News – Friday, March 5th, 2021

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports On February 24th, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 2000 block of North Highway 19 to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 22-year-old Salem man was arrested for having an active warrant through Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated. On February 28th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of 4th Street and Jackson. During the course of the traffic stop, a 27-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, and for the possession of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid of 10 grams or less, a prior drug offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On March 1st, a deputy responded to a residence in the 700 block of Dent County Road 3240 for a report of a neighbor shooting at the reporting party. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a 64-year-old man was the reported victim. During the course of the investigation, a 67-year-old Salem man was arrested for unlawful use of a weapon, subsection 4, for exhibiting armed criminal action and for harassment in the 1st degree. The man was taken to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated. If anyone has any information regarding an ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241

Missouri Department of Transportation crews are focusing on pothole repair through April. When you see a MoDOT crew making repairs, motorists should slow down and move over a lane to give them room to work. Crews started working to address the pesky potholes as soon as there was a break in the weather last week. MoDOT will have about 300 pothole patching crews statewide working to make roadways safer. In 2020, MoDOT patched approximately 760,000 potholes spending $18 million on pothole patching. Natalie Roark MoDOT state maintenance director says While following COVID-19 social distancing procedures, MoDOT is working as hard as we can to fill the potholes quickly and that brutally cold temperatures coupled with ice and snow throughout February have led to a high number of potholes blossoming on Missouri highways already. They ask motorists to please be patient with us as the repairs are being done. MoDOT maintains 34,000 miles of road including interstates, U.S. and Missouri routes and lettered routes. Potholes form when temperatures warm up during the day but continue to be cold at night. The rain and snow from winter leave moisture that seeps into cracks and joints in the pavement. Frozen water in cracks and under the surface of the roadway causes the pavement to bulge and bend. Then when ice melts, the pavement contracts and leaves gaps or voids in the surface under the pavement. When cars and trucks drive over the bulging pavement, it weakens the roadway eventually causing chunks of pavement or asphalt to pop out, creating potholes. Short-term repairs are made using a cold asphalt mix with a priority to fill the deepest potholes first. The long-term fix, a hot asphalt mix, isn’t effective until temperatures remain warm for a prolonged period.

Spring is right around the corner and its arrival occasionally brings severe weather that could include hail and high winds. The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance wants consumers to know the importance of making sure they’re adequately covered BEFORE a severe weather event occurs. Although you may already have a homeowners or renters insurance policy, make sure you know exactly what it covers. If you don’t own a policy, arrange to purchase one as soon as possible in order to protect yourself and your family from a devastating loss. Waiting until a storm arrives may be too late to protect your home and belongings. It’s important to review your policy each year to make sure your coverage is adequate. It’s easy to forget about important purchases or additions you’ve made to your home and your current level of coverage may not be enough to replace what you own. And, not all policies and levels of coverage are equal – in fact, they vary greatly. While one policy may cover full replacement of a damaged roof, another policy may depreciate the coverage based on the age of the roof. Flood damage is not covered by standard homeowner’s policies. If you live in an area prone to flooding, you will need to purchase a federal flood insurance policy through your agent to cover flood damage. Consumers should do this as early as possible, as there is typically a 30-day waiting period from the date of purchase before a policy goes into effect. Being prepared will make it easier for you to file a claim following a severe weather event. Complete a detailed inventory of your household furnishings and take photos of each room in your home. Make lists of other valuables and equipment that don’t appear in the photos. Keep these materials in a safe place outside your home, such as a safe deposit box. The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance provides more severe weather resources and tips for consumers on their website.