Local News – Wednesday, March 29th, 2023
A Franklin County man has been accused of a federal criminal sex act with a minor. According to a report from the office of the United State Attorney for the Eastern District Court of Missouri, 46-year-old Scott M. Arnold-Micke was indicted March 22nd on one count of the transportation of a minor to engage in a criminal sex act. Arnold-Micke appeared in U.S. District Court in St. Louis Friday after his arrest, and pleaded not guilty. The indictment alleges that from approximately the spring of 2018 through the fall of 2020, Arnold-Micke transported a child who was as young as 11 with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. The charge carries a potential penalty of 10 years to life in prison and a $250,000 fine. He is scheduled to be back in court Wednesday for a detention hearing. A motion has been filed seeking to have Arnold-Micke held in jail until trial. The motion accuses him of continuously sexually assaulting at least six other minors indicating Arnold-Micke traveled into seven states with minors to engage in sexual intercourse. An alleged victim listed in the indictment sought medical treatment after Arnold-Micke allegedly knocked teeth out of the minor’s mouth for refusing to engage in sexual intercourse as stated in the motion. Any other potential victims are asked to contact the FBI in St. Louis at 314-589-2500 or call the Rolla Police Department at 573-308-1213 and ask for a detective. The case was investigated by the FBI, the Rolla Police Department, and the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dianna Collins is prosecuting the case. The charges set forth in an indictment are mere accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt.
This past weekend, High School Juniors from across their service territory gathered at Intercounty Electric Cooperative Association’s headquarters office in Licking for their final judging in the annual Youth Tour contest. On Saturday they each interviewed for the top prize, a free trip to Washington, D.C. this summer. The two runners up from each school were awarded a free trip to Jefferson City this summer. The first place winners from each school in our area included Alyssa McBee from Salem, Finley Sullins from Licking, Hossein Libre from Rolla, and Pagie French from St. James. Student who cam in second and third place from area schools included Makiya Mullins and Jamal Metcaff from Salem, Ryleigh Barton and Emalee Breeden from Licking, Adam Aldefer and Ashlyn Henson from Rolla, and Dionna Lynch and Erica Kinkead from St. James. Congratulations to all these students who were chosen as the top three essays at their school, plus Intercounty Electric wanted to thank all the students that wrote and submitted an essay in the contest.
During the week of March 4th to March 10th, there was a total of 150 calls to the Salem Police Department for service. Officers conducted 15 traffic stops for various traffic violations with two resulting in a summons or arrest. Officers conducted two traffic accident investigations along with six informational reports. Of the calls for service and traffic stops, the following reports were generated. On Saturday evening around 6:45, March 4th, an officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Fourth Street for a theft report. It was reported that a stand-up propane heater valued at $350 had been stolen. This incident is still under investigation. Then just after 1:00 early Sunday morning, an officer conducted a traffic stop at Highway 19 and Franklin Street. As a result of the stop it was found the driver was driving with a revoked driver’s license. During the investigation, the passenger in the vehicle gave false information in an attempt to elude arrest due to an active warrant. As a result of the investigation 25-year-old Stephanie Denney of Salem, was arrested on her active warrant and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. The driver was issued summons for driving while having their license revoked. On Tuesday, March 7th, around 12:00, an officer was dispatched to Country Mart for a report of shoplifting. It was reported that a female had pushed a cart out of the store without paying for the items. It was reported that the female abandoned the property after placing the items in an acquaintances car. The items were returned to the store. Contact will be made with the female regarding this incident. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.
The City of Salem will be holding its second Town Hall to share information and answer questions concerning the proposed additional sales tax and the sewer bond issue on Thursday evening at the Old City Hall Auditorium at 202 North Washington from 6:30 until 8:00. There will be presentations and information available from city staff and aldermen. Light refreshments will be provided. The additional sales tax and sewer bond issue will be on the April 4th election ballot for the public to cast their vote. Residents are encouraged to come out and learn why these projects are occurring and the impact they will have on our community. For more information, contact Sally Burbridge, City Administrator at 729-2428.
National Nutrition Month is the perfect time for older adults to educate themselves and consider the impact certain food choices have on their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The Salem Senior Center can help with education on nutrition and how to live a healthy lifestyle. Today at noon, the Dent County Health Department will present “new age, new nutrition.” Then on Thursday at noon, there will be a presentation on what happens when aging steals your sense of taste. These presentations are a great way to learn more about health and nutrition while enjoying good food, visiting with friends, and having fun. For more information, contact Jody Schaefer, 573-729-2373.