Local News – Thursday, August 26th, 2021
Mayor Kim Steelman has called a special meeting of the City of Salem Board of Aldermen for Thursday night at 7:00 to consider the appointment of an East Ward Alderman who will then take the oath of office if approved by the board. The Aldermen will then choose a President of the Board before adjourning. The meeting is open to the public.
Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley was in Crawford County on Tuesday in front of Judge Michael Randazzo in the 42nd Judicial Circuit Court for two cases. In the first case, Brian Weber of Salem pled guilty to a charge of felony assault with a deadly weapon and the distribution of methamphetamine to an undercover drug task force officer. Judge Randazzo sentenced Weber to 10 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections as requested by the state. In the second case, Rex Leonard of Salem pled guilty to failing to register a change of address as a sex offender. Randazzo sentenced Leonard to seven years in the Missouri Department of Corrections under the Section 559.115 program as requested by the state. Leonard requested to be placed on probation without the 120 days, but that request was denied by the judge.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds drivers with schools now back open to be vigilant always, but especially near school zones, playgrounds, bicycle paths, and crosswalks when schools are in session. Expect pedestrian and bicycle traffic to increase near schools on days where the weather is good. When schools are in session, drivers should expect a change in traffic patterns as school buses and parents taking their children to school and many young drivers will join other motorists on the road and affect the morning and afternoon commute. Whatever route you drive, expect this additional traffic and prepare by allowing extra time to reach your destination. In 2020, no one was killed in traffic crashes involving school buses; however, 152 people were injured. In Missouri last year, 453 traffic crashes involved school buses. Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about riding a bus, walking, or driving to school in a safe manner. 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, occur during the afternoon between 3:00 and 4:00 when school typically lets out. Many of these drivers are young and inexperienced. It is important to encourage those young drivers to remember driving is a full-time job. Using a cell phone, texting, 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. Every driver needs to be aware of the increased traffic during this time and not just in areas around schools. Some of these young drivers are headed to an after-school activity or going to work.
The Dent County Extension is offering a Barn Quilt Class on Thursday, September 2nd at the Creative Arts Center at 202 South Main Street in Salem from 9:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon. The cost is $40 and there is a limit of 15 participants for the class. TODAY is the last day to register so call the Dent County Extension Center at 729-3196 or stop by at 112 East 5th Street. Participants will need to bring their own sack lunch.
A two-vehicle accident happened Monday afternoon around 5:15 in Phelps County about a mile south of Rolla in the southbound lane of US Highway 63. According to the report released by the highway patrol, a 2015 Lincoln MKC being driven by 60-year-old Lana Blankenship of Rolla was making a right-hand turn and was struck from behind by a 2008 Dodge Caravan being driven by 23-year-old Hailey Salts of Vienna. Blankenship suffered minor injuries and was taken by Phelps Health EMS to Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla. Both vehicles sustained moderate damage. The Lincoln was able to be driven from the scene. Salts sought her own towing company for removal. The report went on to state that both drivers were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.