Local News – Thursday, July 5th, 2018
The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Independence Day Parade “Celebrating the American Dream” drew a large crowd along the route to watch the numerous entries in the parade that was accentuated by a number of politicians running for office. The Grand Marshall was VFW Post Commander Eric Surles. Later that evening, a large crowd attend the 4th of July fireworks display at the Commons that is sponsored by the City of Salem. People also watched the fireworks from the City Park, Salem High School Parking lot and from areas along Highway 72 and Route J. A big thank you goes to the Salem Police Department, Dent County Sheriff’s Department and Missouri State Highway Patrol for their help with traffic for the parade and fireworks display.
An accident happened Wednesday afternoon at 2:23 in Phelps County on Highway 63 about six miles north of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2012 Jeep Wrangler driven northbound by 18-year old Laura McCutcheon of Rolla, was making a left turn when the Jeep was struck from behind by a 2008 Pontiac G6 driven northbound by 25-year old Asia Lee of Columbia. McCutcheon and a passenger in the Wrangler, 15-year old Kyle McCutcheon of Rolla, both suffered minor injuries and were taken to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center by the Phelps County EMS. Lee also suffered minor injuries and was also taken to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center by the Phelps County EMS. Everyone involved was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Pontiac was totaled and removed from the scene by Dishman’s Towing while the Jeep sustained moderate damage and was driven from the scene.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways is hosting a free Junior Ranger Day Camp at Round Spring starting Monday, July 9th. Children are invited to spend the morning with a Park Ranger from 9:00 a.m. to noon each day from Monday, July 9th, through Thursday, July 12th. The day camp will be a great opportunity for kids to enjoy fun, exciting and educational activities as they become “Junior Rangers.” Activities will focus on the development of outdoor skills and the study of natural wonders in the park. On Monday, Junior Rangers will explore river critters and try their luck fishing. Tuesday will be trails and outdoor skills day, with an opportunity to explore the newly constructed Round Spring Spur of the Ozark Trail. On Wednesday, a paddling class will be presented by certified instructors from the American Canoe Association. Thursday will be exploration of the underground wonders of Round Spring Cave. At the conclusion of the program, participants will receive a Junior Ranger badge. This program is targeted at children seven to twelve years of age. Space is limited, so call the Round Spring Ranger Station at (573)323-8093 to reserve a spot for your children and to receive detailed information about the program schedule and activities.
Onondaga Cave State Park invites the public to an informational meeting 11:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon on Saturday, July 7th, at the park’s visitor center. The public is invited to share comments about the park and its operations. Park staff will be on hand to provide information and answer questions. Input from the public is important to Missouri State Parks. These informational meetings, which are being held in all state parks and historic sites, help create two-way communication with the public. The meetings give staff the opportunity to let people know the current status and future plans for the park, and they offer visitors the opportunity to comment on the facilities. Onondaga State Park is located 7556 Hwy. H, Leasburg. For more information about the informational meeting, call 573-245-6576.
Echo Bluff Sate Park invites the public to enjoy a night of summer sky star gazing during its Mid-Night Madness astronomy program beginning at 11:00 Saturday night, July 7th, at the park’s Bluff Top Pavilion. This unique program gives participants a one-of-a-kind opportunity to join the Dent County Astronomers group to look at constellations and star clusters and more in this dark sky event. The moon will not rise until after the program’s conclusion at 1:00 in the morning. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for this outdoor event and to bring a chair. There will be several telescopes set up and binoculars available to view the different parts of the sky. For more information about this free event, contact Connie at 573-751-1224 or at connie.weber@dnr.mo.gov.
There will be a Splash and Dash Fun Run at the Salem City Park Friday night starting at 7:00. Participants will meet at the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Swimming Pool. After the Fun Run, all racers will have free admission to the pool. The cost is $20 for adults and $15 for those 17 and under. Also Friday night starting at 8:45, the movie, ”Rio” will be shown and it’s FREE to everyone. The movie was originally scheduled for the Summer Kickoff Event and was postponed due to lightning. The doors will open at 8:30 for the free movie. Bring a chair to watch from the deck or a floatie and watch from the pool! If you have questions about the Splash and Dash Fun Run or the movie “Rio”, call Healthy Dent County at 729-8163.