Local News – Wednesday, May 25th, 2022
The Run Salem 5K/10K and Healthy Dent County Color Run is this Saturday with over 150 participants from 23 different communities including a family from Illinois to help raise funds for a future trail system in our community, and to have a family fun event in Salem. The only thing more fun than running may be going as a spectator. Spectators are most needed on Fourth Street near the Start/Finish Line near Highway 19. The 5K and 10K runs will start at 8:00 in the morning while the Color Run starts at 10:00 in the morning next to the Dent County Courthouse. The enthusiasm from spectators, whether it’s expressed verbally or through encouraging signs, can help runners fight off fatigue and stay motivated. If you are watching, it’s important to stay off the road and sidewalk that is the course route. Also, please be respectful of neighbors and businesses by not leaving behind any cheer items or trash. For those driving through Salem on Saturday, expect delays at some points along the 5K/10K route on Highway 19 and Highway 32-72 as well as Routes HH and J to allow runners to safely cross those highways. Please be aware of street closures in downtown. These streets will be closed from 6:30 in the morning until 12:00 noon on race day: West 4th Street from Washington Street to Highway 19, East 4th Street from Highway 19 to Iron Street and the eastbound lane of East 4th Street eastbound lane will be closed from Iron to Pershing. KSMO Media will livestream the entire event on the KSMO Stream Facebook page, the KSMO YouTube page and at ksmoradio.com. The stream will feature live coverage of the race as well as local interviews with race organizers, runners and community leaders. You can still participate in the 5K, 10K and Color Run! You can register at runsalemmo.com today or you can register in person at the Bank of Salem Courtesy Room located at 100 W. Fourth Street on Friday afternoon from 4:00 to 6:00 or on Saturday morning from 7:00 to 7:45. For more information on this event, please visit runsalemmo.com.
In a press release by the Dent County Prosecutor’s Office, Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley released the verdict of the sentencing hearing held this past Monday by Judge Pelikan for 54-year-old Marvin Rice of Salem and the events leading up to the hearing. On December 11th, 2011, Marvin Rice was arrested and charged with the murder of Annette Durham and Stephen Strotkamp. The charge was filed by then Dent County Prosecutor Sidney T. Pearson, who requested the assistance of the Missouri Attorney General and filed a notice of intent to pursue the death penalty. After a week of jury selection and another week of trial in August of 2017, the jury found the defendant guilty of Murder in the 1st degree of Annette Durham and Murder in the 2nd degree of Stephen Strotkamp. The jury was unable to agree as to one of the two possibilities of punishment. The two options available were life without parole or the death sentence. A sentencing hearing was scheduled later that year and Judge Kelly Parker sentenced the defendant to death in Count 1 and life without parole in Count 2. The Missouri Supreme Court later overturned the sentence of death in Count 1 but affirmed the conviction. The case was then remanded back to the trial court for a new trial for the sentencing phase only on Count 1, due to a statement made by the Assistant Attorney General during oral argument. In March through April this year, a week of jury selection was conducted and once selected, another week of trial was conducted for the sentencing of Rice. St. Charles County Judge Daniel Pelikan presided over the preceding as Judge Parker had retired. At the conclusion of the preceding, the jury unanimously agreed that a sentence of death was warranted and presented the verdict to the judge. This past Monday, a sentencing hearing was conducted to determine if the Judge was going to accept the verdict or render a sentence of life without parole. Missouri Supreme Court Rule 29.05 provides that in every criminal case, “the court shall have power to reduce the punishment within the statutory limits prescribed for the offense if it finds that the punishment is excessive.” A judge can reduce a sentence but can never increase the verdict of the jury. At the conclusion of the hearing Judge Pelikan ordered a sentence of life without parole.
Memorial Day weekend is a highly anticipated opportunity for people to enjoy Missouri’s state parks, lakes, sporting events, and attractions. This means more travelers on Missouri’s roadways and an increase in boating traffic on the state’s lakes and rivers. Drivers and boat operators are reminded to follow all Missouri’s laws and be courteous. Safety should always be part of your weekend plans. If you are driving, always wear a seat belt when traveling in a vehicle. This year’s Memorial Day holiday counting period begins at 6:00 Friday through Monday night, May 30th, at 11:59. The Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort) during Memorial Day weekend. Troopers will focus their attention on hazardous moving violations, speed violations, and impaired drivers. Every available trooper will be on the road enforcing traffic laws and assisting motorists. Over the 2021 Memorial Day holiday weekend, 10 people died and 442 were injured in 1,017 traffic crashes. Motorists in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use the Highway Patrol’s Emergency Assistance number 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. For road condition reports, travelers can visit the Patrol’s website at www.statepatrol.dps.mo.gov.
Dr. Kyle Ouzts of the Dent County Veterinary Clinic in Salem will be hosting a live fifteen-minute radio call in show TODAY at 1:00 on KSMO Radio 1340 AM and 95.7 FM as well as online at ksmoradio.com. Dr. Ouzts will talk about pet safety in the summer, hydration, fleas and ticks and other things that could affect the health of your furry friends. Call Dr. Ouzts with questions starting at 1:00 at 573-729-6659.