Local News – Wednesday, November 27th, 2019
Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, reminds everyone to expect an increase in traffic over the Thanksgiving holiday. More vehicles on the road will mean changes to your normal traffic route, making courteous and attentive driving just that much more important. Driving with the highest degree of care is everyone’s responsibility, and following all traffic laws is imperative. The counting period for the 2019 Thanksgiving holiday weekend is from 6:00 tonight through 11:59 Sunday night, December 1st. Troopers will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E., enforcing all traffic laws, and will be available to assist the public. Over last years Thanksgiving holiday counting period, 13 people were killed and another 498 people were injured in 1,640 traffic crashes. Whether you’re on the road visiting family and friends or out shopping for a good deal, please make sure your car is in good condition before you travel. It is also important that you are well rested before you start driving. Remember: There is never a reason to speed, drive aggressively, or drive impaired. The public is encouraged to call the Patrol’s Emergency Report Line (800) 525-5555 or *55 on your cellular phone if they witness criminal activity or experience an emergency. These phone numbers are operational for both highway and water emergencies. If your celebration includes alcohol, designate someone else to drive and don’t become a statistic.
The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released the following reports. On Wednesday, November 20th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at 800 East Highway 32. During the course of the traffic stop, a 30-year old Salem man was arrested for felony driving while having his license revoked or suspended. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Then on Friday, November 22nd, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the Wal-Mart parking lot. During the course of the traffic stop, an 18 year-old Salem man was arrested for operating a vehicle on a highway without a valid drivers license, a 1st offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released.
Current River State Park would like to invite you to celebrate a Country Christmas from 11:00 until 2:00 on this Saturday. Visitors will be able to make nature-inspired decorations and gifts and enjoy hot apple cider and cookies. Current River State Park is located on Highway 19, approximately 23 miles south of Salem. For more information, call Current River State Park at 573-751-1224. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Thursday, November 14th at about 9:21 in the evening, an officer was contacted near the 300 block of North Park in reference an assault. The investigation of the report revealed a 33-year-old male from Salem had assaulted a 22-year-old female of Salem. Further investigation led to the arrest of the man for fourth degree domestic assault. He was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Friday, November 15th near 7:40 in the evening, an officer was dispatched to Walmart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 37-year-old male of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $29.76. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Wednesday night, November 20th at about 9:30, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of South Jackson in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown took a Homelite chainsaw valued at $100.00 from a residence. The report is under investigation. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.
Don’t forget to get your entry in for the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and City of Salem “Cowboy Christmas” Parade of Lights. It will be held Saturday, December 7th starting at 5:30 on the normal parade route starting at SBU Campus, moving east to MacArthur on Franklin, then north on MacArthur to 4th Street where the parade will go east. The parade will conclude around the courthouse square. Entry forms are available at the Salem area Chamber of Commerce office at 200 S. Main Street and need to be submitted by December 2nd.. This year’s parade Grand Marshall will be Melba Headrick from KSMO Radio. If there are questions, please contact the Chamber office at 729-6900.