Local News – Monday, July 10th, 2017
A standoff occurred Sunday at the Rolla Post Office as a gunman walked in and took three hostages at near 1:30 in the afternoon. The gunman was reportedly an overnight employee of the post office. The hostages were reported later removed from the building unharmed. During the standoff, Rolla Chief of Police Sean Fagin indicated that the gunman was threatening to kill himself. When the law enforcement officials entered the building later, the gunman, whose identity had not been released at print time, was found dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot.
The City of Salem Planning & Zoning Commission will conduct a meeting, called by Chairman Gary Brown, tonight at the City Hall Council Chambers located 202 North Washington beginning at 6:30 pm. The purpose of the meeting is a request by the Dent County Commission about using Water and Iron Streets in Salem for their new jail and justice center project. The City of Salem Board of Alderman will then conduct their regular meeting starting at 7:00 pm. During the hearing of persons, Christa Barnes with the Grace Community Church is requesting permission to block off Water Street from the south end of their parking lot to the corner of Water and Franklin for the purpose of a community outreach to be held on Saturday, July 22nd from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm; Sunday, September 17th from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm; and on Tuesday, October 31st from 4:00 to 9:00 pm. Also during the hearing of persons, Tammy Walker wishes to talk to the Board concerning the city’s water and sewer rates. Then in bids, City Administrator Ray Walden will be presenting bids for five 37.5 KVA single phase pole mount transformers, six 50 KCA single phase pole mount transformers and ten 50 KVS single phase pole mount transformers. He will also present bids for a load of utility poles Class 2, 40-foot in length. Gary Brown, Chairman of the Planning & Zoning Board, will report to the Board the results of their meeting held prior to the Alderman meeting. Walden will then report on various items concerning the City of Salem as will Mayor Brad Nash. During the introduction and reading of bills and resolutions, Bill # 3333 an ordinance required to set the new water and sewer rates will be presented for the Board’s approval. In new and miscellaneous business, City Clerk Mary Happel will present a trailer court license renewal for the Board’s approval and Water and Sewer Superintendent Emory will present a bill for over $3,000 to repair a pump at the lift station for the Board’s approval. The Board may then vote to go into closed session. The meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission and the City of Salem Board of Alderman are both open to the public.
An accident occurred at 1:05 Saturday morning on Dent County Road 6510 about fourteen miles south of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2000 Lincoln LS, driven by 31-year old Lendsey Phillips of Salem, ran off the left side of the roadway, struck a fence and a tree before returning to the roadway. According to the report, neither Phillips of a passenger in the vehicle, 23-year old Sierra Jordan of Salem, were wearing their seat restraints. Jordan suffered minor injuries and refused treatment at the scene, while Phillips injuries were unknown as he fled the scene after the accident. The Lincoln was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker Towing.
The National Weather Service (NWS) and the Missouri Department of Senior Services wants to remind everyone that the hottest days of the summer season are approaching soon and how you prepare for those days are very important. Here are some safety tips to help you deal with the excessive heat: drink plenty of water and natural fruit juices, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages and drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and colas. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. If you must go out, use sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat. Remember that sunburn reduces the skin’s ability to provide cooling. Avoid going out during the hottest times of the day. Take frequent breaks if working during the heat of the day. Using a buddy system between co-workers in high heat-stress jobs can help ensure that signs of heat stress do not go unnoticed. Inside during the day, keep shades drawn and blinds closed. Use air conditioning whenever available. Even just two hours per day in air conditioning can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illness. Fans should only be used in a ventilated room. Blow hot air out a window with a fan during the day, and blow in cooler air at night. Take cool (not icy cold) baths or showers. Eat frequent, small meals. Avoid high protein foods, which increase metabolic heat. Fruits, vegetables, and salads constitute low protein meals. Do not leave children or pets in a closed vehicle with the windows up. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach over 140 degrees within minutes. Provide extra water and access to a cool environment for pets.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested 42-year old Charles Walker of Viburnum Friday afternoon in Iron County. Walker was arrested for a felony charge of possession of methamphetamines, two felony charges of being in possession of a controlled substance, a felony charge for the unlawful use of a weapon, a charge for the unlawful use of drug paraphernalia, as well as for a misdemeanor warrant from Dent County for failure to appear on a charge of receiving stolen property. He was incarcerated in the Iron County Jail.