Local News – Thursday, December 26th, 2019
The Missouri Department of Economic Development approved two organizations for a total of $1.1 million in grants and tax credits under the Workforce Training Initiative round one. The Workforce Training Initiative helps provide quality job training opportunities through non-profit organizations, local governments, community colleges, public technical colleges, and public universities. These programs will increase access to training to underserved areas and benefit 860 persons of low and moderate income. The initiative defines job training as a method of skill development derived from the practical application of work-related skills. This training prepares individuals for a specific job opportunity, particularly those within occupations that are experiencing growth. The Department of Economic Development worked closely with the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development to select organizations to receive funding. The funds may be directed towards capital improvements, equipment, program supplies, and training materials. These projects will increase the number of students trained and improve the readiness of the students to enter their respective fields. One of the recipients was the City of Salem. Funding will be used by the City of Salem to construct a facility to house construction and technical trade programs for high school students and a manufacturing trade program for post-secondary adult students. This facility will provide all students with classroom instruction and real work experience. According to Salem City Administrator Ray Walden, this grant provides the community an opportunity to expand the Construction Trades and Computer Science programs. The City of Salem and the Salem R-80 District along with other stakeholders are committed to educational opportunities for both current students and adults. It’s the city’s expectation the investment this represents will benefit our community and the State for years to come. The other recipient is Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff.
On Friday, December 20th the Dent County Republican Committee received official notification that the Dent County Assessor, Tina Whitaker, will be retiring on December 31st, 2019. The Dent County Republican Committee will be holding a special meeting at the Dent County Court House this Friday evening, December 27th at 6:00, to interview anyone interested in being recommended to fill the Dent County Assessor position. Those interested also need to let the Dent County Commissioners know of their interest in the position. If you would like to attend this meeting to be interviewed for this recommendation, please call the Dent County Republican Chairman, Mike Homeyer, at 314-609-0117 to make your appointment to speak. The Governor will make the appointment to fulfill the assessor’s term.
A one vehicle accident happened Sunday evening at 8:33 in Phelps County on Highway 68 about ten miles south of St. James. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2012 Mazda 3 driven by 25-year old Samantha Ambrocia of St. Charles was driving southbound and struck a deer in the roadway. Ambrocia was transported by St. James ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The Mazda sustained minor damage and was towed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. According to the report, the driver was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident.
The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Tuesday, December 3rd at about 11:45 in the morning, an officer was dispatched to the Casey’s General Store located on Highway 32 East in reference to the theft of fuel. The investigation of the report revealed a male driver of a white Toyota SUV pumped fuel valued at $24.56 and left without paying. The report is under investigation. On the Friday night, the 13th of December at about 8:32, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of North Iron Street in reference to damage to private property. That investigation revealed a 25-year-old male of Salem had damaged property valued at $200.00 inside the residence after an argument that resulted in a fit of rage. A further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Then on Saturday, the 14th of December at about 4:37 in the afternoon, an officer transported a 29-year-old male of Newburg from the Phelps County jail to the Dent County jail due to an active arrest warrant from the city of Salem. The suspect was incarcerated pending a court appearance. If you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation, please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.