Local News – Monday, March 12th, 2018
Salem High School Principal Marty Anderson released a statement that Friday night, March 9th, the school received a report of a possible threat to the Salem R-80 School by a high school student. A comment was posted on Snapchat and was forwarded to district officials by students, plus they received messages from parents with concerns. Law enforcement was immediately contacted and an investigation followed. The student was identified as 17-year Manual Lee of Salem. He was arrested Saturday and has been charged with a felony in the 1st Degree for issuing a terrorist threat. The threat came after supposed incidents involving Lee occurred at the school on Friday. Anderson in his statement said that although the school does not believe there is an existing threat, a police presence will be in and around school today for precautionary purposes as student safety is a top priority.
The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has a report from Wednesday March 7th. Dent County Deputies conducted a search at a residence on West Franklin Street. A small child was located in the residence seated in a “Johnny Jumper” next to a mattress on the floor. A glass-smoking device with a crystalline substance was on a small table next to the bed. The glass-smoking device was approximately 5 feet from the child. A baggie containing a clear crystalline substance (methamphetamine) and cigarette pack with a green leafy plant matter was located on the same table. All within easy reach of the child. The parents to the child were located in a bedroom. Arrested and incarcerated were 35-year old Charles Martin of Salem on a 1st degree Class B felony charge of drug trafficking, 1st degree Class D felony charge of endangering the welfare of a child and a Class D felony possession charge of a controlled substance (methamphetamine). His bond was set at $150,000 cash only. Also arrested was 28-year old April Brawley of Salem on a 1st degree Class D felony charge of endangering the welfare of a child and a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine). Her bond was set at $20,000 cash only. If anyone has any information regarding any ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.
The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Thursday, March 1st at 11:51 in the morning, an officer was dispatched to a traffic accident at Highway 32 and Macarthur. The investigation of the accident led to the arrest of a 51-year old male of Salem for driving while being intoxicated. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Saturday evening, March 3rd at 6:18, an officer was sent to the Mobil service station located at Missouri Highway 32 and Highway 19, in reference to the theft of fuel. The investigation of the report revealed an unknown female pumped fuel valued at $30.13 and left without paying. The report is under investigation. Earlier that morning at about 3:10, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. That investigation led to the arrest of a 34-year old male of Salem for driving while being drugged, possession of methamphetamine and driving while having his license revoked. The suspect was released pending an application for a warrant. On Sunday afternoon, March 4th at about 3:48, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 28-year old female of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $26.55. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. If you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation, please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.
Captain James W. Remillard, commanding officer of Troop I, announces that sometime during the month of March, troopers assigned to Troop I will be conducting a DWI saturation patrol in Phelps County. Troopers assigned to these special enforcement operations will patrol those highways where in the past a higher number of alcohol-related arrests and traffic crashes have occurred. Captain Remillard would like to remind motorists that they can report highway emergencies and serious traffic offenses to the nearest troop headquarters by dialing *55 on a cellular telephone.
Salem High School hosted the SCA Quiz Bowl Tournament on Thursday, March 8th. Salem took Second Place in both Varsity and Junior Varsity divisions. Thayer took first place with 390 points to Salem’s 360 points, a matter of three questions. Meanwhile, Salem JV took on Thayer JV in the JV Finals. Salem took second place with Thayer winning first place by only 20 points. Several Salem players earned Individual Medals. In the Varsity Division, Richard Parks took the Third Place medal, Jacob Stacy took the Fourth Place medal, and Olivia Erway took the Sixth Place medal. In the Junior Varsity Division, Katrina Parks took the First Place Individual medal, Emma Schott took the Third Place medal, and Martin Jones took home the Sixth Place medal. The Varsity Team is comprised of Jacob Stacy, Richard Parks, Olivia Erway, Sam Swindell, Jordan Fulton, and Quin Blankenship. Playing for the Junior Varsity team are Katrina Parks, Emma Schott, Martin Jones, and Kaylee Avery. Salem will next travel to Houston in April for the District Quiz Bowl Tournament.