Local News – Friday, September 11th, 2020
Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley reports that on Wednesday, September 9th in front of Judge Megan Seay in Crawford County, a sentencing hearing was held for Christopher Wingfield of Salem. Prosecutor Curley sought eight years in the Department of Corrections under State Statute 559.115 for Wingfield as he failed to register as a sex offender, and was residing less than 1,000 feet from a school. Wingfield’s legal team requested probation, but Judge Seay sentenced Wingfield to eight years in the Department of Corrections. Also on Wednesday, Roy Heath of Bixby was in attendance for a probation revocation hearing. Heath admitted to violating probation and his probation was revoked by Judge Seay who ordered Heath to serve seven years in the Department of Corrections as recommended by the state and requested by the defendant. A furlough request had been made by Heath but it was denied by Judge Seay. Finally on Wednesday, a Section 559 review hearing was held to consider the release of Raymond Ledbetter of Lonedell from prison. Ledbetter had two conduct violations while in prison, yet the Department of Corrections did note that Ledbetter’s participation in the program was satisfactory. As a result of the conduct violations, Prosecutor Curley requested the judge deny the release and for Ledbetter to serve the remainder of his sentence. The counsel for the Ledbetter sought the release of the defendant from prison. After consideration, Judge Seay denied the release of Ledbetter from prison.
The Doe Run Company released its most recent sustainability report which is available at sustainability.doerun.com. Doe Run’s 11th sustainability report provides updates on the company’s efforts to meet its commitments to employees, the environment, the community and the local economy. Workplace safety continues to be a top priority for Doe Run. Companywide, employees completed about 15,000 hours of environmental, health and safety training in 2019. This focus on safety helped several locations achieve significant safety milestones, with no lost-time accidents in 23 years at Sweetwater Mill, 16 years aboveground at Sweetwater Mine, 14 years at the SEMO port and 13 years at Brushy Creek Mill. Over the past 10 years, Doe Run invested more than $580 million on environmental projects, including more than $108 million dedicated to remediation projects to restore former mine sites. Doe Run also has invested more than $2 million in its neighboring communities over the past 10 years. In 2019, the company donated nearly $33,000 to support STEM programs and scholarships for local elementary through college-level students. Doe Run contributes $1.2 billion in annual economic impact to Missouri, including spending $169 million with 665 Missouri businesses in 2019.
The Senior Farmers’ Market vouchers are still available in Dent, Laclede & Washington Counties. The program, coordinated by Aging Best and funded by USDA Food and Nutrition Service, allows qualifying seniors to receive up to $50 in vouchers to be used at local farmers’ markets. The program was designed to increase the consumption of Missouri grown produce and honey while supporting local farmers. Applications must be completed by October 1st and the program will end October 31st. If you are or know of a senior who may be interested in receiving vouchers call 800-369-5211 for more information. If you are homebound it is not necessary to be present to redeem your vouchers. A friend or family member of your choice may be assigned as a proxy.
The Salem Police department reports that an accident happened Friday afternoon, September 4th, just after 3:30. According to their report, a 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo being driven by Randall Johnson of Salem was attempting to pull out of the west drive of Mobil and turn left onto Highway 32. Johnson’s front bumper struck the front bumper and passenger fender of a 2006 Ford Fusion owned, by Catherine Chafin, that was eastbound in the center turn lane of Highway 32. A witness behind the Monte Carlo confirmed the details of the accident. The Chevrolet sustained extensive damage while the Ford had moderate damage. Both vehicles were moved prior to the arrival of officers. Chafin suffered probable minor injuries but stated she would seek her own medical treatment.