Local News – Wednesday, June 28th, 2023

Department responded to the 2900 block of Route F for a wanted subject. A 31-year-old Salem man was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant. He was transported to the Dent County jail and incarcerated. The next day, Saturday, June 17th, deputies responded to the Dent County Commons for a reported assault. It was discovered that a 49-year-old Salem man allegedly threatened to assault a 67-year-old Salem man. The investigation is ongoing. On Wednesday, June 21st, a deputy responded to Dent County Road 6280 for a reported burglary. An investigation revealed that an unknown person or persons had entered a cabin at the location and stolen multiple items. The investigation is continuing. Finally on the 22nd of June, a deputy responded to the 15000 block of Route C for a reported assault. The investigation revealed that a 53-year-old Nixa woman was repeatedly punched by a 49-year-old Licking woman. The suspect was located, arrested and transported to the Dent County jail where she was processed and released on citation. If you have any information regarding an investigation please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

The Shannon County First Responders have received a generous grant from the non-profit Jacks Fork Community Foundation. The six thousand dollar grant will enable the First Responders to purchase additional radios and three Automated External Defibrillators or “AEDs.” These are the famous devices that use electricity to jolt a patient’s heart back into a healthy rhythm. Currently, in an emergency, the First Responders have to go to a central location and pick up the AED, as the organization only has one per town. These three new AEDs will be carried in the vehicles of some of the responders, making it more likely that a device will be nearby when needed. This will make the response time to cardiac emergencies much quicker, which is vital. The Shannon County First Responders are an all volunteer organization funded entirely by grants and donations. Their purpose is to serve the community by arriving before the ambulance and providing life sustaining care until EMS arrives. They have a Facebook page where you can find more information.

With ongoing drought conditions around state, the Missouri Department of Conservation reminds everyone to be extra careful with fireworks, campfires, and other sources of fire that could cause a wildfire. During the upcoming July 4th holiday, don’t light fireworks in any areas where the sparks could ignite dry grass, leaves, or other potential fire fuel. Always have an approved fire extinguisher and an available water supply to douse sparks or flames. Wet the area around where fireworks are being discharged and check with local ordinances and authorities for bans on fireworks and open burning. Don’t burn outdoors during the wrong conditions. Dry grass, high temperatures, low humidity, and wind make fire nearly impossible to control. Check with local fire departments regarding burn bans that may be in place. A person who starts a fire for any reason is responsible for any damage it may cause. When driving off-road remember that wildfires can start when dry fuel, such as grass, comes in contact with catalytic converters. Think twice before driving into and across a grassy field. Never park over tall, dry grass or piles of leaves that can touch the underside of a vehicle. When driving vehicles off road, regularly inspect the undercarriage to ensure that fuel and brake lines are intact, and no oil leaks are apparent. Always carry an approved fire extinguisher on vehicles that are used off road. Check for the presence of spark arresters on ATV exhausts. When camping, clear a generous zone around fire rings. Store unused firewood a good distance from a campfire. Never use gasoline, kerosene, or other flammable liquid to start a fire. Keep campfires small and controllable. Keep fire-extinguishing materials, such as a rake, shovel, and bucket of water, close. Extinguish campfires each night and before leaving camp, even if it’s just for a few moments. Call 911 at the first sign of a fire getting out of control. Wildfires are sometimes set by vandals. Help stop arson by calling 800-392-1111 and reporting any potential arson activities. Callers will remain anonymous, and rewards are possible.

The deadline to nominate a Missouri veteran or active duty service member for the 2023 Missouri State Fair Military Flag Retreat, sponsored by Capital Materials, Retrieving Freedom, Inc., and Starline Brass, is quickly approaching! The Military Flag Retreat Ceremony honors veterans and active duty service members from across Missouri, and will be held in front of Historic Administration Building on the Missouri State Fairgrounds. The ceremony will take place all 11 days of the Missouri State Fair and honor one individual each evening. As a part of the selection process, individuals can be nominated using a form available on the Missouri State Fair website. Nominees must be Missouri residents and available to attend one of the 11 days of the 121st Missouri State Fair, August 10th through 20th. Once a nomination form is complete, it can be mailed, faxed, or emailed to the Missouri State Fair. The deadline to submit nominations is July 5th, 2023. Send in your nominations now to join us in honoring our military service men and women at the Military Flag Retreat Ceremony at the 2023 Missouri State Fair!

The Mudbugs next event at the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History will be “Pick a Pocket” this Thursday from 2:00 until 3:30 in the afternoon. Children will have to decide which pocket to choose and then whatever is inside, they will have to find it somewhere at the Bonebrake Center…if they can! The suggested contribution for each program is $2.00 but additional donations are always welcome. All monies collected go to the Bonebrake Center. Each program is geared toward children from six to 12-years of age, but all aged children are welcome. They ask that parents please accompany their children. For more information, contact Janet Price at moonshadowmomentsllc@gmail.com.