Local News – Wednesday, December 19th, 2018
The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday night at the City Hall Council Chambers. After the consent agenda was approved, City Administrator Ray Walden stated the City Administrative offices would be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day as well as New Year’s Day. The board approved Bill #3406 that allows the mayor to execute an agreement between the city of Salem and RFB Construction Company for tree clearing and removal at the Salem Memorial Airport for $179,345.00. The city’s portion will be 10% of the cost. The board approved the destruction of old police records from seven years ago that includes logs, non criminal incident reports and other non-essential records. There was also a discussion on the cancellation of a Board of Alderman meeting. Mayor Nash was under the assumption he could do so if there was nothing on the agenda. He said he could not reach the city attorney before the agenda needed to be released and made the decision before he could get back with him. He apologized for overstepping his authority. The State Statutes indicate that only the Board of Aldermen could cancel a meeting. So basically the aldermen have to hold a meeting to cancel a meeting. City Attorney William Camm Seay said that meeting could consist of a physical meeting or a conference call where all or a majority of the aldermen can be a part of what would constitute a meeting. He will check into that to make sure that a telephone call qualifies and will report that at the next meeting. The board then went into closed session.
The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a number of reports. On Thursday, December 6th, deputies traveled to the 24000 block of Route C for a report of a burglary. During the course of the investigation it was discovered that the back door of the business was forced open. The door frame was pushed in and no longer latched, however they were unable to gain entry inside the business. This case is still under investigation. On Sunday, December 9th, deputies responded to the 3500 block of Dent County Road 4110 for a report of a verbal domestic disturbance. It was discovered that the verbal domestic disturbance had occurred over a child custody dispute and a Salem male had trespassed on the property. Suspect information was given and the case is still under investigation. The next day Monday, December 10th, deputies responded to the lobby of the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a 33-year old female of Salem, was the reported victim of threatening the nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images. As a result of this investigation, a 33-year old Salem male was arrested. The Salem male was charged that same day with a bond of $7,000.00 cash only. On Wednesday, December 12th, deputies conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Highway 19 North and West Eighth Street. During the course of the traffic stop, an 18-year old Salem male was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended-1st offense. The man was taken to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. That same day, deputies conducted a traffic stop near the 3200 block of Highway 19 South. During the course of the traffic stop, an 18-year old Salem woman and a 17-year old Salem woman were arrested for possession of marijuana/synthetic cannabinoid of 10 grams or less and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Both females were taken to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where they were fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On Saturday, December 15th, deputies traveled to the 38000 block of Highway 72 for a report of a male breaking into a vehicle. During the course of the investigation, a 23-year old Florissant, MO male was arrested with a felony charge for tampering with a motor vehicle in the 1st degree, and for resisting or interfering with an arrest. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and incarcerated. If anyone has any information regarding and investigation, contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.
A one vehicle accident happened Tuesday morning at 6:35 in Phelps County on Phelps County Road 1220 about six miles north of St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Ford F-150, driven by 16-year old Madison Starr of St. James, was westbound when the truck traveled off the right side of the roadway, striking a fence and a utility pole. Starr suffered minor injuries and was transported by St. James ambulance to Phelps County Regional Medical Center. According to the report, Starr was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford had moderate damage and was towed by Spurgeon’s Towing.
Healthy Dent County wants to have some fun on December 21st by holding a Community Wide National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day. Let them know if your business or group wants to participate so they can get a picture to capture the holiday cheer. Dress to impress in your holiday “worst.” Just call Healthy Dent County and let them know you want to participate in the Ugly Christmas Sweater Day at 729-8163 or e-mail taylor@salemcommunitycenter.org.