Local News – Thursday, May 24th, 2018
An accident occurred Tuesday afternoon at 1:00 in Dent County on Highway 32 at Boss that took the life of a Salem woman. According to the Highway Patrol Report a 2007 Pontiac G5, driven by 36 year-old Laurel Cottingham, was eastbound when the vehicle crossed the center line, traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck the bridge abutment. The Pontiac then spun around and struck the other side of the bridge. Cottingham was pronounced deceased at 1:30 by Dent County Sheriff Bob Wells. The report stated that the victim was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Pontiac was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.
The Dent County Sheriff's office has released some reports. On Tuesday, May 8th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Roosevelt Street near Highway HH. The driver, a 26-year old Salem man, was arrested for driving without a valid license. He was fingerprinted, issued a citation, and released. On Wednesday, May 9th, deputies conducted a knock-and-talk investigation at a residence on County Road 2380. Consent to search was granted and a glass methamphetamine smoking device was located. The smoking devices field tested positive for methamphetamine. Also located was a pistol. As a result, a 50-year old Salem man was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, unlawful use of a weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm. He was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Thursday, May 10th, deputies responded to Private Lane 619 for a domestic disturbance. Consent to search a vehicle was granted and Ziploc bags of marijuana were located in the trunk. As a result, a 26-year old Salem man was arrested. He was fingerprinted, issued a citation, and released. On Saturday, May 12th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on County Road 4110. The driver, a 29-year old Salem man, was arrested for while revoked. He was fingerprinted, issued a citation, and released. Later that day deputies responded to a residence on Highway 68 for a domestic disturbance. After an investigation a 26-year old Salem man was arrested for felony domestic assault 3rd degree. He was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Monday, May 5th, deputies responded to the
20,000 block of Highway C for a burglary. It was reported that the lock to the gate had been cut and a window had been broken. At a nearby residence, a light fixture had been pulled out of a light post. This report is still under investigation. On Tuesday, May 15th, deputies attempted to serve a felony arrest warrant at a residence on Highway K. Consent to the search was granted and the 33-year old Salem man was located hiding in the attic. He was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Thursday, May 17th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on County Road 6210 near Highway Z. The driver, a 24-year old Salem woman, was arrested for driving while suspended. She was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. If you have information regarding an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at (573) 729-3241.
The American Legion Walker-Roney Post 99 in Salem will host a Memorial Day Service on Memorial Day Monday, beginning at 10 am at the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Master of Ceremonies will be Chaplain Richard LaBrash. The Boy Scouts will decorate graves, the National Anthem will be led by Barbra Medlock and the Ladies Auxiliary. The Invocation will be by Chaplain Richard LaBrash and everyone will be welcomed by Commander Dennis Charland. Glenda Wofford will place a wreath, Katelyn Schwartz, Miss Salem 2018, will present We Remember, Sheri Stack will sing America the Beautiful and Bill Stack will be the guest speaker. Closing remarks will be by Commander Charland. The ceremonies will end with a benediction, rifle salute and the playing of Taps. Lunch will be served at the post following the ceremonies.
Saturday the renovated Alice Lou Craig Municipal Pool in the Salem City Park will re-open to the public at noon. The pool will be open from noon to 7:00 in the evening Monday through Saturday, and from 1:00 to 6:00 on Sunday. The pool has been changed significantly even though the initial footprint of the pool has not been altered all that much. The pool now offers a zero depth entry with plenty of new features including a dual gator aqua slide, Felipe Frog Aqua Spout, Billy Box Turtle Aqua Spout, a Pools and Fall Play Center, three bubblers, two aqua arches and two jet ways. In the middle section of the pool, there is a new adjustable water basketball goal, a two flume water slide and a brand new feature that only the Salem pool has called an Aqua Zip’N. In the deep end is a one meter diving board and a 16-foot rock climbing wall. All new stainless steel gutters were installed on the pool with a “cool” to the touch grate. Those who are physically challenged will find two ADA lift chairs and a 40-foot walking assist entry into the pool from the zero-depth entry. Four huge “funbrellas” will provide some welcome shade to the area and new loungers have also been purchased to enjoy those who want to be in the sun. The pool house has been renovated and now has an ADA family changing room, a new roof with lighting, new entry way, has been repainted on the inside and out with a traction paint put on the floor. The concession stand will also have two serving windows for those in or out of the pool who would like to sample the new healthy menu that will be served this year.