Local News – Wednesday, January 2nd, 2019
An accident happened New Years Eve night at 8:43 in Crawford County that took the life of a Steelville man who was walking on Highway 8 about 1.3 miles east of Steelville. According to the highway patrol report, 53-year old Phillip Farrar, Jr. of Steelville was walking eastbound in the westbound lane of Highway 8 when he was struck by a 2008 Chevrolet Impala driven westbound by 74-year old Thomas Mounce of Steelville. Farrar was pronounced dead at the scene by the Crawford County Coroner Paul Hutson. Mounce and his wife, 70-year old Marilyn Mounce of Steelville, both suffered minor injuries and were transported from the scene by the Steelville Ambulance to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. They were both wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. The body of Phillip Farrar, Jr. was taken to the Huston Funeral home in Cuba by the Crawford County Coroner. The Impala sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing.
The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their final meeting of 2018. In the road report, District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell said some winds accompanied the rain Monday morning and there was a tree down on Dent County Road 5520. Some of his crew was going to be taking care of it. He said the rest of his crew was out checking roads and opening up culverts where needed. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson said he had a very short crew and the ones he had working would be taking care of a downed tree on Dent County Road 2070, plus they would be checking for clogged culverts. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wished everyone a everyone a happy and safe New Year. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that there were a few bills for the Commissioners to approve for payment before the new year. She also noted that her office continues to work on the 2019 county budget. The next regular meeting of the Commissioners will be Thursday morning at the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.
During the shutdown of the federal government due to the lapse of appropriations, national parks will remain as accessible as possible while still following all applicable laws and procedures. Park roads, lookouts, trails, campgrounds and day use areas at Ozark National Scenic Riverways, will remain accessible to visitors. Emergency and rescue services may be limited, however Law Enforcement rangers will remain on duty to provide essential visitor and resource protection. There will be no National Park Service provided visitor services at Ozark National Scenic Riverways, including public information, restrooms, trash collection, and facilities or roads maintenance. The NPS will not be providing services for NPS-operated campgrounds, including maintenance, janitorial, bathrooms, or showers. However, visitors in NPS-operated campgrounds will not be asked to leave unless safety concerns require such action. Because of the federal government shutdown, NPS social media and websites are not being monitored or updated and may not reflect current conditions. Park concession operations will remain closed as they usually are at this time of year, with the exception of Akers Ferry Canoe Rental, which will remain in operation so that the vehicle ferry can continue to provide service to vehicles wishing to cross the Current River at State Highway K.
The Salem Police Department has released some reports for December 24th and the 25th. During the afternoon of Christmas Eve at approximately 12:46, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 27-year old female of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $564.93. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and was released. Later that same evening at approximately 8:26. an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 300 block of West Fifth Street in reference to a property damage report. The investigation of the report revealed a 44- year old female of Salem had purposely damaged an electric guitar valued at $1000.00. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Early Christmas morning at about 1:25, an officer located a blue and purple Dodge dually truck that had been reported stolen from Classic Joyride on November 24th, 2018. During the investigation, a 28-year-old male of Salem was taken into custody for the theft of the vehicle. The suspect was incarcerated pending a warrant application. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 573-729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.