Local News – Tuesday, May 30th, 2017
The City of Salem and Dent County received extensive damage from high winds that were in the 85-90 miles per hour range Saturday afternoon according to the National Weather Service as determined from the damages. They determined that only straight line winds caused the damage in Salem with some intense down bursts. Numerous electric and utility poles were knocked down along with a tremendous amount of large branches and some trees. The First Baptist Church Family Life Center sustained extensive damage with some of its roof blowing to near 3rd and Jackson Streets. A part of the roof of First Baptist Church Chapel also sustained damage. Damages also occurred to buildings and trees on Route C, Route DD, Highway 72, Highway 68, Highway 19, and Highway 32 by these intense straight line winds. The Oak Grove Baptist Church served as a shelter for people who needed oxygen and other medical assistance who were without power. One estimate had over 70% of the city without power Saturday including a large contingent south of Center Street. Many businesses were closed the rest of the night Saturday and into Sunday as the utility crews worked throughout the night and day including the city electric crews, CenturyLink, Fidelity and Intercounty. The Dent County Fire Protection District cleared numerous roads that were blocked by downed trees and also responded to other calls. The city utility crews are still out there working and they want to know if your electric service has been restored at your home or business. If not, contact the utility office at 729-4117 during regular business hours and after hours, please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.
An accident happened in Phelps County Sunday morning at 12:50 on County Road 3060 about a mile east of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, 25-year old Ashley Godinez of Salem was driving a 2003 Jeep Liberty eastbound when she traveled across the center line of the road, overcorrected and then the Jeep went off the right side of the roadway where it struck a tree and overturned. Suffering serious injuries were Godinez and a passenger, 37-year old Michael Gamblin of Salem. Both were taken to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center by ambulance. It is unknown if either were wearing seat restraints when the accident occurred. The Jeep was totaled and removed from the scene by I-44 Towing.
An accident occurred at 9:25 Thursday night in Texas County on Highway 32 about two miles east of Licking. According to the highway patrol report, a 1984 Chevrolet Flatbed truck driven by 23-year old Devin York of Licking was traveling eastbound on Highway 32. The Chevrolet was then stopped in the roadway due to a mechanical malfunction. A 1992 Buick Le Sabre driven by 17-year old Joy Grover of Licking was traveling eastbound and came upon the Chevrolet, in a corner and collided with the rear of the Chevrolet. York suffered minor injuries and was transported by the Texas County ambulance to the Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston. York was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevrolet sustained minor damage while the Buick sustained extensive damage and both were towed by Jay’s Automotive of Houston.
The Ozark Solid Waste Management District has announced that two Salem R-80 students were among the 34 first and second place winners and 41 honorable mentions earning prizes in the 25th Annual Earth Day Poster, Trash and Graphic Art contest. The contest required participants to re-purpose trash into three-dimensional pieces of art or create posters, which could be hand drawn or graphically designed, based on this year theme of “Be Earth Wise.” Winners from Salem R-80 were Kelsey Stienbarger, 7th grader from Salem Middle School who won 1st Place Trash Art and Kaycee Ditch, 6th grader from Salem Middle School, who earned Honorable Mention Trash Art. The Salem R-80 students participating in the contest were under the direction of teacher Angela Dingess.
The Ozark Artisans Exhibit at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center (ONCRC) opens today at 202 South Main. Sponsored by the Spring Creek Artisans of Salem and the Current River Artists of Licking, it will feature works by artists and artisans from the Ozarks. The beauty and resources of the Ozarks have inspired artists and artisans since settlers first came to Missouri. Here in the Salem Plateau area, we are blessed with talented individuals who are skilled in wood carving, quilting, pottery, basket weaving, engraving, fine arts and other time honored skills. The exhibit is free to the public. There will be a Meet the Artisan Reception at the ONCRC on Monday, June 5th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.