Local News – Monday, September 11th, 2023
A fatal accident occurred Friday evening around 9:00 in Dent County on Route HH approximately one and a half miles south of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Cadillac Escalade driven southbound by 57-year-old Robert L. Clark of Licking, traveled off the right side of the roadway where the Cadillac struck a culvert and a tree. Clark was pronounced dead at the scene by Dent County Coroner Ben Pursifull at 9:45 Friday evening. The Cadillac was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. The report goes on to say Clark was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. Clark’s body was removed from the scene by the Dent County Coroner and taken to his office. The highway patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Office.
An accident occurred Friday evening around 7:57 in Pulaski County on Teardrop Road at the intersection of Route Z. According to the highway patrol report, a 2003 Kawasaki Nomad ridden by 26-year-old Matthew Pelc of Salem, was traveling eastbound and struck a deer. Pelc suffered moderate injuries and was transported by the Pulaski County Ambulance District to Phelps Health. The report states Pelc was not wearing a safety equipment at the time of the accident. The Kawasaki was totaled and removed from the scene by TC Towing.
An accident occurred Saturday morning around 10:00 in Dent County on Route U, about five miles north of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 1999 Buick LeSabre driven eastbound by 83-year-old Patsy Kennedy of Salem, was turning east from a private drive and failed to yield to a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe being driven westbound by 50-year-old Scott Flowers of Salem. Kennedy and a passenger in the Buick, 60-year-old Michelle Boyer of Desoto, both suffered moderate injuries and were taken by the Salem EMS to Phelps Health. The report states both injured parties were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. The Buick sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene from Whitaker’s Towing. The Chevy Tahoe also sustained moderate damage and was towed by a private vehicle.
A developmentally disabled adult was found safe after an extensive search Thursday lasting more than 14 hours and extending until well after midnight into early Friday morning in Shannon County. The 24- year-old was first reported missing by his father around 1:00 pm on Thursday in a thickly wooded area between Montier and the Jacks Fork River. A volunteer horse team from the Myrtle, Missouri area were the first to make contact and transported him out of the woods around 1:30 am. Friday morning. This group was organized by Dustin Madden of Couch, Missouri. Ten emergency response agencies that made up seven search teams of ten people each as well as three dog teams and a horse group from across southern Missouri were involved while Mercy EMS and the Shannon County First Responders provided medical support. About a hundred people altogether assisted in the search. Dense vegetation prevented use of a helicopter, although a drone was attempted. A thermal imaging camera, a device that detects body heat at a distance, was also utilized. The Shannon County Sheriff’s Department managed the search utilizing the West Plains Fire Department Mobile Command Post.
In 2022, there were 177 Missouri traffic crashes involving farm equipment and implements. In those crashes, seven people were killed and 63 were injured. Missouri has entered harvest season and it’s important that drivers and farmers pay attention and share the road. Farmers and motorists are encouraged be courteous drivers and to obey all traffic laws. Whether you’re driving a vehicle or operating farm machinery, you must pay attention to the roadway, other drivers, and traffic signs. Distracted drivers are dangerous drivers. Drivers across the state should stay alert for slow moving farm equipment. When you drive up behind a tractor or other farm machinery, please slow down and be patient and wait to pass until you have a clear view of the road ahead and there is no oncoming traffic. Never pass on a hill or curve. Collisions commonly occur when a motorist tries to pass a left-turning farm vehicle. A tractor that appears to be pulling to the right side of the road to let motorists pass, may be preparing to make a wide left turn. Watch the farmer’s hand and light signals closely. It’s also important that you pay close attention to farm equipment entering and leaving the highway from side roads and driveways. Special attention must be paid when traveling at dawn or dusk when the sun makes it difficult for drivers to see. Traffic safety is everyone’s responsibility.
The 11th Annual Smokin’ Hot Veteran’s Rib Cook-off will be this Saturday at the American Legion Post #99. The Rib Cookoff competition has two categories: wet and dry. Everyone is welcome to compete and the entry fee is $30 per category. You must sign up by Wednesday. Call 247-4667, 247-5074 or 729-3710 for additional information and rules.