Local News – Wednesday, February 8th, 2023

During the week of January 21st to January 27th, there was a total of 113 calls to the Salem Police Department for service. Police officers conducted 11 traffic stops for various traffic violations with two resulting in a summons or arrest. There were no traffic accident investigations, but there were three informational reports. From the calls for service and traffic stops, a numer of reports were generated. On Sunday, January 22nd, at approximately 3:30 in the afternoon, officers contacted a male subject who had warrants out of the City of Salem for not appearing in court on the charge of property damage. As a result 62-year-old Calvin Fears of Salem, was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. That same night at approximately 11:30, officers were dispatched to the areas of Second and Hickory Streets for a report of burglary. It was reported the residents were away from home when someone broke in and stole approximately $2,200 worth of items from the home. This incident is still under investigation as some of the items have been located. Then on Monday, January 23rd, near 3:00 in the afternoon, officers contacted a woman who had warrants out of the City of Salem for not appearing in court on the charge of shoplifting. As a result 26-year old Tamera Halbrook of Salem, was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. On Thursday afternoon, January 26th around 12:30, officers contacted a male subject who had active warrants out of Dent County for failing to appear on a driving while having their license suspended charge. As a result 72-year-old Emanuel Moore of Salem, was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. That same night around 11:00, officers contacted a female subject during a burglary investigation who had active warrants for her arrest out of Dent County. As a result, 24-year old Phylicia Tinker of Salem, was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

Project RISE is a program that will help teach individuals to reach financial independence through support and education. This program, sponsored by Healthy Dent County, will help families reach personal and financial goals through employment and career development, time management, goal setting, relationship building, money management and community involvement. The objectives of Project RISE are to increase support systems, resources and community connections as well as providing education that will allow families to develop tools that can improve their financial health and empowerment. While enrolled, families can earn gift cards and other financial incentives, plus meals and childcare are provided during the meetings. The program is 16 weeks long and only 4-7 families will be selected. Families will meet weekly during the evening hours to focus on succeeding in life. Ms. Lacey Walker, Administrative Professional with Healthy Dent County, will serve as the coordinator for this program. To make this project a success, Healthy Dent County will work with social service agencies, churches, health care and employment specialists and community leaders. The wealth of knowledge from these professionals will be invaluable to improving the lives of these families for generations to come.Applications are available at the Salem Community Center@The Armory office. For more information on Project RISE or to determine a family’s eligibility, please contact Lacey Walker at 729-8163 or e-mail her at lacey@salemcommunitycenter.org.

The City of Salem’s Utility Committee will hold a meeting this evening at 6:15 at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Items on the agenda to be discussed include City Budget 101, Sales Tax Presentation, Utility Financials, a complete breakdown of the Exceleron Pre-Pay System, Updates on Water and Electric Loss, and Per Unit or Meter Size fees. The meeting of the City of Salem’s Utility Committee tonight is open to the public and was called by Committee Chair Kyle Williams.