Local News- Monday, October 15th, 2018
Captain James W. Remillard, commanding officer of Troop I, announced that on Thursday, October 11th, a coordinated effort in Phelps County led to several narcotics-related arrests. This effort is a result of a lengthy narcotics investigation conducted by the South-Central Drug Task Force. Arrest teams assisting in these arrests consisted of troopers, officers from the Rolla Police Department, and deputies from the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department. Bond set for the twenty individuals arrested ranged from $25,000 to $250,000. 34-year old Danielle M. Griffes and 31-year old Melissa L. Andrews, both of Rolla, Missouri were the only ones whose bonds were set at $250,000. The charges for which these individuals have been arrested are accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. The South-Central Drug Task Force is a multi-jurisdictional drug task force coordinated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The task force specializes in narcotics-related investigations and is composed of narcotics officers from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, Rolla Police Department, Dent County Sheriff’s Department, and Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department.
On Friday night at the SHS Homecoming, Kristen Golden was crowned the 2018 Salem Football Homecoming Queen by last year’s queen, Madi Shaw. The Homecoming Court consisted of freshman Evelyn Labastida, sophomore Ashton Mink, junior Addie Konkell and seniors Londyn Cook and Lexy Woolman.
An accident occurred Thursday at noon in Gasconade County on Route B about 11.5 miles north of St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 Ford Taurus, driven by 23- year old Dethena Trusty of Rolla, failed to negotiate a curve, traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a utility box. Trusty suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Phelps County Regional Medical Center. Trusty was wearing her seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing of St. James.
An accident happened in Franklin County Saturday morning at 8:48 on Interstate 44 in the westbound lanes at 244.4 mile marker. According to the highway patrol report, a 2016 Ford Focus driven by 47-year old Todd Giesler of Rolla, traveled off the right side of the roadway and crossed the north outer road. The Ford front left corner then struck a ditch and the vehicle came to rest. Giesler suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Mercy Hospital in Washington by the Union Ambulance District. The Ford Focus had minor damage and was towed by Vogelsang’s Towing. Giesler was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.
This Wednesday morning from 11:00 until noon at the Salem Senior Center at 604 N. McGrath Lane, a workshop will be held on knowing the 10 signs of the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. This workshop will separate the myths from reality and address commonly-held fears about Alzheimer’s disease. This workshop will show you how to recognize the signs, learn the benefits of early detection and discover resources to help. This program is absolutely free and is being offered in collaboration with the central Missouri Area Agency on Aging.
This Friday, the Salem Memorial District Hospital will be giving away 25 free mammograms to uninsured women 40 years of age and older. The hospital is also giving away one free mammogram everyday through October 31st in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If you have never had a mammogram or haven’t had one in a long time, this is an outstanding opportunity for you to get one at no cost. There are still openings available and interested women need to call the hospital to sign up at 729-6626 and ask for Julie Malone. The availabilities will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Julie can also answer questions women may have about the new mammography services at the Salem Memorial District Hospital or in having your records transferred from another location.