Local News – Thursday, August 15th, 2019
School in Dent County starts today and the Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds drivers this brings a change in traffic patterns. In good weather, pedestrian and bicycle traffic increases close to schools. It is critical for drivers to be alert, especially near school zones, playgrounds, and bicycle paths. Whatever route you drive, expect this additional traffic and prepare by allowing extra time to reach your destination. In 2018, five people were killed and 457 people were injured in 969 traffic crashes involving school buses. Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about riding a bus, walking, or driving to school in a safe manner. If they ride a bike, please make sure they wear a helmet and follow traffic laws. Missouri law states that on a two-lane road, if a school bus is stopped and displaying warning signals while loading or unloading children, drivers must stop when meeting and following the bus. However, it is only necessary to stop on a four-lane highway when following the bus. Drivers, when you see a stopped school bus, stay alert and follow the law. Children may not be aware of traffic and dart unexpectedly into the roadway. Most traffic crashes involving young drivers under the age of 21 in 2018 occurred between 3 and 4 p.m., when school typically lets out. Many of these drivers are young and inexperienced. Parents, it is important to encourage those young drivers to remember driving is a full-time job. Using a cell phone, texting, talking with friends or adjusting the radio can be the distraction that leads to a traffic crash. Texting is against the law for anyone under the age of 22, but everyone should refrain from using their phone near any school zone to stay focused. Every driver needs to be aware of the increased traffic during this time—and not just in areas around schools. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. The only 100 percent survivable crash is the one that never happens.
Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley has released a number of trial results that were held Friday in front of Judge Megan Seay. Judge Seay revoked the probation of Trenton Stacy of Lenox for the charge of possession of a controlled substance. He was sentenced to the Department of Corrections under RSMO 559.115. That same day, James Stobbs of Salem had his probation revoked and was sentenced to seven years in the Department of Corrections under the same statute. Howard Stephens of Salem entered an ALFORD plea to the possession of meth and was sentenced to three years on that charge. He also had his probation for domestic assault in the 3rd degree revoked from a guilty plea in April and was sentenced to an additional seven years in the Department of Corrections for a total of ten years to be served. Also on Friday, Judge Seay granted John Campbell of Salem four year suspended execution of sentence for failing to register as a sex offender and five years supervised probation which as recommended by probation and parole. The state argued for a four years sentence under RSMO 559.115. Campbell had guilty to the charge on June 7th. On Tuesday, August 6th in Crawford County in front of Judge Seay, Todd Harget of Rolla pled guilty to the distribution of methamphetamine, felony stealing of over $750, and a felony charge of driving without having a valid operator’s license. He was sentenced to 14 years in the Department of Corrections under RSMO 559.115.
The Dent County Sheriffs Office has released some reports for August 1st and 2nd. On Thursday, August 1st, deputies received a report of an altercation which had taken place on County Road 3190. The reporting party was requesting a well-being check be done on her grandchildren due to erratic driving. Deputies located the vehicle in a parking lot at 1204 East Highway 32. Deputies conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and during the course of the traffic stop, a 41-year-old Holts Summit man was arrested for possession of controlled substance. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, fingerprinted, issued summons and released. On Friday, August 2nd, deputies observed a male subject who they knew to have an active warrant through Phelps County. Deputies arrested the 32-year-old Salem man and transported him to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail. Later that same day deputies received a report of a vehicle crossing the center line, speeding and throwing trash out the window on Highway 68. Deputies traveled to the area and observed a vehicle that matched the description of the vehicle the reporting party gave. Deputies conducted a traffic stop with the vehicle in the 1000 block of Highway 68. During the course of the traffic stop, a 21-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 3rd offense, and for littering, a 1st offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, fingerprinted, issued summons and released. If you have information about any ongoing investigation, please call 729-3241.
The Salem Chamber singers will be having a car wash this Saturday morning starting at 10:00 at the Salem Church of Christ located at 1700 South Main (Highway 19 south). Come help the chamber singers raise money for their trip to compete at nationals in Washington D.C in April. They will also perform vacuum services on the inside of your vehicle for an additional fee. The minimum donation to get your car washed is five dollars, or if you just want to stop by and not get your car washed, any donations would be appreciated.