Local News – Wednesday, December 6th, 2023
According to a press release from Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley, Jacob Likes of Salem, who was arrested and charged in connection with a standoff involving law enforcement after his spouse reported an incident of domestic violence that had occurred the evening of July 20th, 2022, was sentenced on November 30th by Judge Michael Randazzo to serve four years in the Department of Corrections, while retaining jurisdiction pursuant to RSMO Section 559.115, giving Likes a possibility of release to probation after he is remanded to the custody of Missouri Department of Corrections for 120 days. Likes pleaded guilty to the charges on June 22, 2023. At the sentencing hearing, Prosecutor Curley presented surveillance camera footage and body camera footage of the initial report made by his spouse to the Salem Police Department, along with footage of the incident that resulted in the non-fatal shooting of Likes in the neck by local law enforcement. Prosecutor Curley recommended a sentence of eight years in the Missouri Department of Corrections due to the nature and circumstances of the incident, along with the defendant’s criminal history. The counsel for the defendant sought probation due to the reformative actions taken by Jacob Likes since his release on bond. Judge Randazzo took all the information into consideration by both attorneys in presenting his four-year sentence. Curley said the injury suffered by Likes could have been avoided if Likes had disarmed himself when told multiple times to do so by local law enforcement. Instead of complying, he brandished a loaded 9-millimeter pistol towards law enforcement and stated loudly that he had “another bullet for one of you guys.” Curley appreciate the efforts of the members of the Salem Police Department, Dent County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri Highway Patrol and Emergency Medical Responders. These heroes regularly place themselves in harm’s way for our protection. In this case, the same officers that were threatened by Likes provided him with aid immediately following the incident. This conviction will prohibit Jacob Likes from possessing firearms in the future.
The Salem Police Department has released some reports for the week of November 18th to November 25th from the 148 calls for service they received. On Saturday morning, November 18th, near 1:00, officers conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Highway 32 and MacArthur for lane violations. Contact was made with the driver and after a short investigation, the officer noticed the driver was intoxicated. As a result of the stop, a 38-year-old Salem male was arrested and later released on summons for excessive blood alcohol content. That Saturday afternoon around 5:00, officers conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle with no license plates near Highway 19 and Iron Street. It was found the driver had a revoked driver’s license. As a result, a 51-year-old Salem male was arrested and later released on summons for Driving while having his license revoked. On Thursday afternoon, November 23rd, at about 2:00, officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at Highway 19 and Franklin Street for suspected impaired driving after a concerned citizen contacted the Salem Police Department. During the investigation, it was apparent the driver was impaired. As a result of the investigation, a 56-year-old Salem female was arrested and later released on summons for driving while drugged in the city. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.
The Salem Creative Arts Center will host a class on Wheat Weaving a Christmas Angel Ornament with Suzanne Douglass this Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00. Come join in celebrating the Christmas season by creating a beautiful old-fashioned, traditional angel out of wheat straw to be hung on your tree, or anywhere in your home, as a symbol of Christmas. This class is for anyone age 10 and older. The cost of the class is $25 which includes all supplies needed. At least one person must sign up for the class to be held and the class will max out with 5 people. Class registrations are first come, first serve basis with online registrations. Interested persons can sign up under “Programs” at salemcommunitybetterment.com.
On Thursday, December 7th at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center at the “Trees and Trains” exhibit called “A Snowy Tree Lot,” the Salem High School Chamber Singers will be performing at 6:30 a number of beautiful traditional Christmas carols. There is no charge to attend.