Local News – Wednesday, March 4th, 2020
In the Dent County Circuit Court on Monday in front of Judge Megan Seay, Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley reported that a review of a RSMO Statute Section 559.115 probation hearing was held for Macaulay Boschen who is currently in the penitentiary at Boonville. The state objected to his release due to three conduct violations by Boschen. The counsel for Boschen requested his release to probation. The request for probation was denied and Boschen’s seven-year sentenced was ordered to be executed by the judge. Also on Monday, Dale Hunter of Rolla had a previous sentence of 10 years in the Department of Corrections executed under RSMO Section 217.362 that included long term treatment in connection with his probation revocation as requested by the Missouri Board of Probation and Parole. The court also heard a guilty plea from Carla Loughridge of Salem for the possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine, and the possession of drug paraphernalia- a meth pipe. In the sentencing hearing, Loughridge requested probation while the state requested seven years under RSMO 559.115. Loughridge was sentenced to seven years suspended execution of sentence with drug court. Also on Monday, Sethe D. Berry admitted to violating his probation by possessing a cigarette lighter within the Dent County Jail, while serving shock time ordered in connection with a previous order for 20 days shock incarcerated issued for a probation violation for failing to report. Berry had previously pled guilty to distribution of a controlled substance and was placed on probation. Defense counsel requested continued probation and the Prosecutor Curley requested execution of the defendant’s sentence. After argument, defendant’s probation was revoked and his sentence of ten years incarceration in the Missouri Department of Corrections was executed.
City Administrator Ray Walden wanted to let everyone know that the penalty date for the February utility bills has been extended to March 25th. Walden said that various members of the public had pointed out a current city ordinance that indicates penalty dates for utility bills shall be twenty days from the bill date. As the February bills had a February 14th bill date, the February 28th penalty date initially indicated for the February bills was postponed. During Monday night’s meeting, the Salem Board of Aldermen approved an ordinance granting the City Administrator authority to adjust the discount and penalty dates with approval by the Mayor or President of the Board of Aldermen, if deemed necessary. Walden stated city staff are working with customers regarding questions about their bill and in some cases, have been able to use the new AMI system to assist customers in identifying possible ways to save on their utility bills. The city has an informational sheet available showing typical electric usage for different devices and with the city’s current electric rate, how much different devices might cost to operate on a monthly basis. You can get a copy of this information at the utility office or find it on the city’s Facebook page. Walden stated the March utility bills will not be processed before March 25th and actions will be taken to verify dates listed on all future utility bills. Anyone with questions are asked to contact the city utility office at 729-4117.
Small brooms in the days of wind and sail were often made from bits of rope. One such boom was called a Sailor’s Whisk. The Salem Area Arts Council is hosting a workshop on Saturday, March 7, 2020 starting at 3:00 p.m. at the Creative Arts Center in Salem. This traditional naval skill will be taught by Wayne Douglass, an authentic sailor! Using rope, each whisk broom will be formed using special knots that make each unique, resulting in a useful item or a memorable gift! All supplies and instruction will be provided for anyone from eight to eighty to learn and take home a finished product. A TRULY special price of $5.00 per person will cover all costs to make a whisk–a terrific bargain for both the activity and product. Call or text 247-0279 to register and arrange payment to hold your spot! The Creative Arts Center is behind the ONCRC.
The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks is experiencing a shortage of all negative blood types. Donations are needed immediately to ensure that adequate reserve levels are maintained. The next blood drive in Salem will be Tuesday, March 10th from 1:00 to 6:00 in the afternoon at the First Baptist Church at 201 North Mac Arthur. During the month of March, donors will receive a blue “Rewind” t-shirt; a retro look back on your favorite cassette mix tapes of the past. To be eligible to give blood, you must weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health, and present a valid photo ID. For more information, contact Cindy Sachs at 729-4241.