Local News – Wednesday, April 15th, 2020

With school being cancelled for the rest of the year as ordered by Governor Mike Parson, free breakfast and lunches for children age 18 and under are still available at a number of locations through May 15th. These meals are available for ALL children. It doesn’t matter if you attended Salem R-80, any of the rural schools or were home schooled. In town meals can be picked up at Salem Upper Elementary at 1601 Doss Road from 10:30 until 12:00. This location is primarily for those living south of Highway 32/72 and those that live south of the city limits. The second in town location will be the US Foods Parking lot at 502 South Carty Street from 10:30 to 10:50 for those living north of 32/72 and east of Highway 19. The final in town location will be the Southwest Baptist University at 501 South Grand from 11:00 until 11:20 for those that live north of Highway 32/72 and west of Highway 19, as well as those living west and north outside the city limits. Out of town locations will include Junction of P Highway and Dent County Road 5070 from 10:30 until 10:50. This location is primarily for those living on P Highway and the surrounding county roads. The second out of town location will be the Junction of Highway 32/72 and Dent County Road 4235, near the old candy stripped store, from 11:00 until 11:20 for those living east on Highway 32/72 and the surrounding county roads between Highway P and Highway W. The final out of town location will be at the Junction of Highway 32/72 and Highway W from 11:30 until 11:50. This location is mainly for those living east on Highway 32/72 past Highway W, as well as those living on Highway W and the surrounding county roads.

The Salem Police Department has released reports for March 28th through the 30th. On the evening of March 28th at approximately 7:48 an officer was flagged down at the gas pumps at Phil Mart in reference to a disturbance that had taken place. It was reported that there was a verbal argument over another subject damaging the reporting parties’ vehicle. A description of the vehicle was given out and area officers located the vehicle. As a result of the investigation a 38-year-old Salem man was arrested and issued a summons for driving while revoked. The next day, Sunday the 29th, approximately 9:51 in the morning an officer was dispatched to the 600 block of East Coffman for a report of property damage. After meeting with the victim it was reported that a tire on their vehicle had been slashed. This incident is still under investigation. Later that same afternoon at around 12:47 an officer was dispatched to the Ranch Motel for a report of a theft from a motor vehicle. Upon arrival the officer was contacted by the victim and informed that someone had stolen an amplifier out of his trunk. The amplifier was valued at $150. This incident is still under investigation. On Monday the 30th at around 10:37 in the morning an officer was dispatched to the 1200 block of west Rolla Road for a report of property damage. It was reported that someone had damaged a Coca-Cola vending machine. This incident is still under investigation. Later that afternoon at around 4:30 an Officer was dispatched to SMDH to transport a 26-year-old female from Webb City for a 96-hour evaluation. The female was transported without incident to Phelps County Regional Medical Center and released to hospital staff. Then on the morning of Thursday, April 2nd at 7:51 an officer was dispatched to the 500 block of south Warfel for a report of a theft from a motor vehicle. It was reported that a vehicle had been broken into and a debit card and a tire gauge was taken out of the center console. The incident is still under investigation. That same morning at 10:20 an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart for a report of a stolen purse. It was reported that the purse was left in a shopping cart and the suspects were seen on video surveillance entering the bathroom with the purse. This investigation is still ongoing. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any investigation.

For now, the University of Missouri Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory remains open. They understand the essential role the lab plays in supporting Missouri’s agricultural industry and as long as they can continue to operate safely, the MU Soil Testing Laboratory in Columbia will continue to accept samples. The MU Soil and Plant Testing Lab has served farmers and homeowners for at least 70 years. Tests provide unbiased, research-based recommendations for efficient nutrient management and improved production. Due to COVID-19, many MU Extension centers are not currently accessible. If your county extension center is closed at this time, you can submit your samples directly to the MU Soil and Plant Testing Lab, 23 Mumford Hall, Columbia, MO 65211. Visit the lab’s website at soilplantlab.missouri.edu for detailed instructions and to generate a UPS shipping label. Include a completed sample information form. Forms are available for download. Just click on the “soil analysis” tab and proceed to the bottom of the page and click on “Forms for Samples.” For questions, visit soilplantlab.missouri.edu or call 573-882-0623.

The Dent County Sheriffs department has released some reports. On Friday, April 10th, a deputy traveled to the Salem Memorial District Hospital for a report of a verbal disturbance in the parking lot. Upon his arrival and investigation, a 31-year-old Salem woman was arrested for having active arrest warrants through Dent County. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and was incarcerated. That same day a deputy traveled to 404 South Warfel for the report of a domestic disturbance. During the course of the incident, a 41-year-old Salem woman was arrested for having an active arrest warrant through Christian County. The woman was arrested and transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where she later posted bond and was released. Then on Saturday, April 11th, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 7500 block of South Highway 19 for a report of a burglary. Upon arrival, the deputy discovered that a 69-year-old woman was the reported victim. The total value of the property which had been stolen was approximately $8,000.00. This report is still under investigation. Please contact the Dent County Sheriffs office at 729-3241 if you have any information on these investigations.