Local News – Monday, June 28th, 2021
Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley reported on three cases heard in Dent County on Monday, June 21st in front of Judge Michael Randazzo in the 42nd Judicial Circuit Court. In the first case heard, Tina Lingner of Salem had her probation revoked and was sentenced to serve seven years in the Department of Corrections as requested by the state. Christine Rightnowar of Raymondville then pled guilty to felony charges for passing bad checks to Country Mart and was sentenced to serve three years in the Department of Corrections as requested by the state. In the last case heard Monday, Justin Miller of Birch Tree who previously had pled guilty to the distribution of meth and the possession of meth back in 2020, was sentenced to serve 10 years in the Department of Corrections under RSMO Section 559.115 that provided for a shock incarceration of 120 days. Miller had requested probation while Prosecutor Curley sought the ten-year sentence under Section 559.115.
The Salem Police Department has released their report for the month of May. They served eight summonses to appear in court, gave out 57 warning tickets, and nine traffic tickets, plus they also served 13 fugitive warrants and two city warrants. The department investigated seven traffic accidents, wrote four property damage reports, 11 stealing reports, and investigated an identity theft. The department investigated a charge of driving while having a license revoked or suspended, two resisting or interfering with an arrest, a violation of an exparte or full order of protection, a possession of a controlled substance, three possession of drug paraphernalia as well as three domestic violence reports, investigated a trespassing report, a peace disturbance, and conducted one death investigation. The department also investigated two sex offenses, and one unlawful use of a firearm. There were 18 males and 12 females arrested during the month of May.
The Missouri Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program that provides benefit vouchers to low-income seniors who are 60-years of age or older is now available in Dent, Crawford and Phelps County through the Mid Missouri Aging Best office. Eligible seniors will receive 10 vouchers with a value of $5.00 each for a total of $50 each year they can be used to purchase fresh, raw, unprepared foods grown in Missouri and that includes fruits, vegetables, honey and cooking herbs. The vouchers may be used now until October 31st or earlier if your local farmers’ market closes before Octobers 31st. You have until September 30th to get your vouchers and they can be used at any Farmer’s Market that is part of the program. The maximum household income to qualify for the program is 185% of the poverty level for a single person with incremental income levels for those with multiple family members. A senior may also qualify if they participate in the SNAP program or Community Supplemental Food Program. Seniors can also name a proxy on their behalf to apply for and purchase foods on their behalf. The program application must be signed by both. For more information about the Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program for Dent, Crawford or Phelps County, contact Aging Best at 573-443-5823. The program is also available in Shannon and Texas counties through the Springfield Senior Age Agency on Aging by calling 417-862-0762.
The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the Independence Day Parade will be held on Sunday, July 4th at 6:00 PM. The theme will be “Show-Me-Missouri, Celebrating 200 Years” with Ahleesha and Mike Elwood as the grand marshals. The Chamber WILL BE assigning lineup positions for this parade after they did not last year, so participants need to contact the chamber to get their lineup position. The Line-up begins at 5:15 Sunday afternoon. The parade will follow the normal parade route going east from the corner of South Grand and Franklin, north on MacArthur, then east on 4th Street just past the Courthouse. Those who want to participate need to fill out a parade form and submit it no later than Thursday! You can drop it off at the Salem Chamber of Commerce Office at 1136 South Main in the Crossroads Shopping Center, fax it in at 573-729-6741 or e-mail it to chanber@salemmo.com. Call 729-6900 and talk with Tabitha if you have any questions or stop by the Chamber of Commerce office.
Missouri State Parks invites the public to participate Learn2 Paddle kayaking classes offered at select parks this summer. The program is for anyone who wants to experience kayaking but is not sure where to start. It is also perfect for those who want to get out on the water but don’t own a kayak. In the Salem and Dent County area, the Current River State Park will host two-hour kayaking classes on Saturday, July 10th from 10:00 until noon, and on Friday, August 6th from 1:00 until 3:00. The Missouri State Parks will provide the kayaks, paddle, life jackets and instructors. Participants must be at least 10 years of age. Children 14 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the entire program. Participants should be comfortable around water. All Missouri State Parks rules and regulations apply. This is a family-oriented program; alcohol and tobacco products are not allowed while participating in the Learn2 Paddle program. The class registration fee is $5 per participant; registration is required. For registration information, visit mostateparks.com and click on their Learn 2 button under Topics. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.