Local News – Monday, June 5th, 2023
An accident occurred Saturday afternoon around 12:45 in Dent County on Highway 72 about one mile north of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 1999 Toyota 4 Runner driven by 22-year-old Jordan Shults of Salem, was traveling westbound and was slowing for stopped traffic. At that time, a 2017 Harley Davidson Sportster operated by 20-year-old Johnathan Stark of Salem, was also traveling westbound and struck the rear of the Toyota. Stark suffered minor injuries and was transported by the Salem EMS to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. The report states Stark was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Harley Davidson sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by a family member. Schults was not injured in the accident and was wearing a seat restraint when the accident happened. The Toyota sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene.
A meeting of the City of Salem’s Capital Improvement Committee has been called by committee chairman Shawn Bolerjack. The meeting will be held this evening at 6:00 at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory, 1200 W. Rolla Road. After the roll call, the committee is expected to finalize the fiscal year 2023-2024 capital improvements before adjourning. The meeting this evening will be open to the public.
During the week of May 20th to May 26th, there were a total of 112 calls for service to the Salem police department. Officers conducted 16 traffic stops for various traffic violations with three of the stops resulting in a summons or arrest. They also conducted three traffic accident investigations along with six informational reports. From the calls for service and traffic stops, these reports were generated. During the evening of Saturday, May 20th at around 8:30, officers were dispatched to Dollar General for the report of an intoxicated man trying to leave in a vehicle. It was reported that the man was acting erratic and had injured himself by punching a mirror. After a short investigation, a 20-year-old Salem man was arrested and placed on a 12-hour safe keep for disorderly conduct. On Wednesday morning, May 24th, near 11:00, officers took a report of a handgun that was stolen out of a vehicle that was parked and unoccupied near the intersection of Fourth and Iron Streets. Video surveillance of the area has been reviewed and this incident is still under investigation. Later that same evening at 8:30, officers were dispatched to the 900 block of South Water Street for the report of a stolen lawn mower. It was reported that someone had stolen a John Deere riding lawn mower from a residence between May 19th and 20th. Video footage was reviewed from the area and this investigation is still ongoing. On Friday, May 26th around 6:00 in the evening, officers were dispatched to Wal-Mart for a report of shoplifting. It was reported that a woman who had previously shoplifted from the store and had been asked not to return to Walmart, did trespass and had shoplifted again. After a short investigation, a 38-year-old Salem woman was arrested and issued a summons to appear in court for the incident. Due to the prior convictions and trespass warnings, she will be facing charges of Burglary in the First Degree. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.
The University of Missouri Extension will be offering a free program called “Soil Health Improvement in the Garden” Tuesday, June 6th, from 6:00 until 7:00 at 801 N Cedar Street in Rolla. This program provides education to the local gardeners about soil and nutrient management in their gardens. The speaker will talk about function and composition of soil, and soil organic matter. The standard procedure for soil sampling will be discussed in the meeting. There will be discussion about essential plant nutrients, soil test report interpretation and fertilizer application. Interested participants need to register online or call to Phelps County Extension Center at (573) 458-6260.
The Ozark National Scenic Riverways will host an “Art in the Park” evening at Alley Spring on Saturday evening from 6:30 – 8:30. This event is free and open to the public. Professional and aspiring artists are invited to paint, draw, sculpt or photograph during this open-air event on the bank of Alley Spring. Visitors are welcome to walk among the artists and see their creations. In addition, parents are encouraged to bring their kids for special art projects. A variety of art supplies and project options are available. Bring your creative energy, a chair or blanket, and any special art projects you’d like to display. Alley Spring is located five miles west of Eminence on Highway 106. For more information, call (573) 226-3945, visit the park’s Facebook page, or visit our website at www.nps.gov/ozar.