Local News – Monday, June 18th, 2018

Saturday night in downtown Salem, 4th Street was full of people at this year’s “Moonlight Madness” to hear featured singer, Mo Pitney. He did not let the crown down playing a number of songs from his new album, classics from Merle Haggard, Roger Miller and Keith Whitley as well as songs from his current album including his top ten single, “Country.” The day was full of music from a number of talented acts and a number of vendors lined 4th Street selling everything from kettle corn to ice cream, pulled pork, lit balloons and more. Congratulations to the Dent County Music Association for a fine lineup at this year’s event!

A St. James man, 44-year old Leaman George Crews, III, surrendered Friday morning in federal court to an indictment charging him with five counts of wire fraud in connection with his scheme to defraud Brewer Science Incorporated of Rolla, Missouri who employed him. The indictment alleges that between May 2nd, 2008 and August 11th, 2017, Crews was employed as the Director of Information Systems for Brewer Science. He was given a Brewer Science credit card to order software equipment on behalf of the company. Instead of purchasing software and computer equipment for the company, Crews used the credit card to fund over one thousand wire transfers to various PayPal and bank accounts. Crews ultimately used the funds for personal expenditures unrelated to the legitimate BSI business, including cash withdrawals and personal credit card purchases. The total amount of loss is approximately $1,851,520. If convicted, Crews faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of not more than $250,000 or both on each count. Restitution to the victim is also mandatory. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges. To help vindicate the interests of the victim, the government has also sought forfeiture of real estate Crews purchased with the proceeds of his crime and a money judgment for all of money stolen in favor of the United States. This case was investigated by the Rolla division of the FBI. Lindsay McClure-Hartman is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s office. The U.S. Attorney’s Office recognizes the assistance of Brewer Science in preparing the case. The charges set forth in an indictment are only accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Salem Board of Alderman will hold their regular meeting this evening at 7:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers following a Utility Committee meeting that begins at 6:00 in the council chambers. At the Utility Committee meeting, the committee will review the utility financials to date before discussing the anticipated utility expenses for the 2018-2019 year and any needed rate adjustments to cover those expenses. At the Board of Alderman meeting, Randy League from the Current River Blue Oval Rally will be in to ask for the street closure around the courthouse for their annual event to be held September 8th. The board will then hear bids for a new copier with a five-year lease before going over the consent agenda. In unfinished business, the board will hear a report from the Planning and Zoning Commission from their June 4th meeting that was not reported to the board. This was concerning the subdivision of 400, 402, 500 and 502 North Water Street. City Administrator Ray Walden will give his report that will include an update from Phillip Karr from the City Auditorium Committee who will request approval to repair the fixed seating in the auditorium. Alderman Chad Heithold, chairman of the Utility Committee, will also give a report from the meeting held before the alderman meeting. Mayor Brad Nash will follow with his report. In the introduction and reading of bills, the board will hear Bill #3390 to create an ordinance to annex into the city limits the Al Brown Fields. The board will also approve the annual submission of trailer court licenses before the meeting is adjourned. The Utility Committee meeting and the Board of Aldermen meeting are both open to the public.

The replacement of the Route F bridge over Holt Creek southwest of Salem in Dent County is complete. The bridge and road opened on Thursday, June 14th. While that bridge south of Highway 32 has now been opened, the Route F bridge over Dry Fork is now closed, for a similar replacement. That bridge, located north of Route E, will remain closed until early September, with detours set up to guide motorists around the work area. MoDOT appreciates the patience of motorists during the road closure. For more information about these projects or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636).

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will conduct their June meeting Tuesday night in the hospital library beginning at 6:00 pm. After approval of the agenda, will be the approval of the minutes from the May 22nd meeting. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas will present the summary of operations and statistics, plus discuss the hospital foundation and give an update on the auxiliary and community marketing. In old business the Board will address a finance committee meeting report. During new business the Board will address purchases made for the hospital and the election of officers scheduled for the July meeting. The regular June meeting of the Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors is open to the public.