Local News – Thursday, December 20th, 2018

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley released three reports from cases in the Circuit Court held Wednesday in Dent County with Judge Kelly Parker. David Manning of Salem requested a bond modification after arraignment in circuit court. The State of Missouri opposed the modification due to his criminal history and potential evidence at trial. The State argued against the bond modification for protection of the community. After hearing both arguments, the motion was denied by Judge Parker due to the Manning’s criminal history and a statement he made saying he was the biggest dealer in Salem. Another case heard on Wednesday saw Perry Odom of Salem plead guilty to the possession of methamphetamine as a prior and persistent offender. He was sentenced to 10 years with the execution of the sentence suspended and five years probation and parole. Also on Wednesday, Laura McElfresh of Salem pled guilty to burglary in the 2nd degree. McElfresh was given a seven year suspended sentence with five years probation and parole. This decision was made over objection of the state who sought seven years in accordance with Missouri State Statute Section 559.115.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold their regular meeting at 6:00 this evening at the Salem District Administrative Offices Boardroom. At the meeting, the board will hear from Superintendent John McColloch with a report on Board of Education Candidate filings, Facilities update and Health Insurance update. The Board will review and approve all previous minutes and bills, approve the attendance report, approve the Food Service report, approve the substitute list, and approve Program Evaluations for Vocational and Community Education. After the Principals’ Building Reports the board is expecting to select the MSBA Belcher Scholarship recipient and address MUSIC renewal. The Board will hear resignations and then adjourn and move into an executive session. The regular monthly meeting of the Salem R-80 Board of Education is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released the following reports for December 7th through December 10th. On Friday night, December 7th at approximately 8:33, an officer was sent to a residence in the 900 block of South Carty in reference to a domestic assault. The investigation of the report revealed a 38-year old male of Salem had assaulted a 66-year old female of Salem. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was incarcerated pending the application for a warrant. The next morning at approximately 10:51, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. That investigation led to the arrest of a 48-year old female of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $31.71. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Then on the afternoon of Monday, December 10th at about 12:32, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to shoplifting. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of two females of Rolla, ages 36 and 38, for stealing merchandise. The two suspects were issued summonses to appear in court and were released. Later that afternoon at about 3:35, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 700 block of Thomas in reference to a stolen license plate. The investigation of the report revealed a person or persons unknown took a license plate off the rear of a blue 1992 Lincoln that was parked near the residence. The report is under investigation. Still later on Monday evening at approximately 6:36, an officer located a 37-year old male of Bunker at the Wal-Mart parking lot who had an active arrest warrant from the State of Missouri. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. The suspect was incarcerated pending the application for warrants and on the active arrest warrant. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol asks motorists to make safety a priority this holiday season. Last year, there were 1,618 traffic crashes during the Christmas counting period. In those crashes, seven people were killed and another 541 were injured. During the 2017 Christmas holiday, troopers arrested 92 people for driving while impaired. So, what can you do to improve traffic safety this holiday season? Check your vehicle before you travel to ensure that it is in good working condition. Make sure you are well rested before driving to your destination, no matter how short the distance. Keep an eye on the weather. Above all, please, please obey all traffic laws, be a courteous driver, and drive sober. Remember: Holiday drivers will affect traffic patterns. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. The Road Condition Report number is 1-888-275-6636. Allow extra time to reach your destination and obey all traffic laws. The 2018 Christmas holiday counting period begins at 6:00 this Friday night and ends at 11:59 Christmas night. Motorists can contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. This emergency number will ring into the nearest Highway Patrol headquarters. Motorists should use this number if they are in a traffic crash, witness a crash or crime, or observe a stranded motorist in need of assistance, or other traffic emergencies. The only 100% survivable traffic crash is the one that never happens. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint.

There’s magic in these Ozark hills at Christmas time as there will be an Ozark Mountain Christmas Art Party Friday night from 6:30 until 9:00. Put on some cozy clothes, grab a warm beverage of your choice, and head on over to the Creative Arts Center!! Danielle Norris will lead you from start to finish on a winter scene just in time for the holidays! No prior art experience is needed, just your enthusiasm! The cost is $25 per person and all supplies are provided. Please sign up by stopping by ONCRC at 202 South Main Street or call Libby at 573-247-0279 to reserve your spot!!