Local News- Wednesday, October 30th, 2019

On Monday, October 28th, the Dent County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a burglary which had occurred at a residence in the 3000 block of Route F. A deputy traveled to the residence and after an investigation discovered that a jewelry box that contained miscellaneous jewelry had been stolen. If you have any information regarding the burglary contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol encourages everyone to have a safe Halloween. Here are some tips they would like to pass along. Give some thought to safety when choosing a costume. Consider make-up rather than masks, since masks can make it difficult to see oncoming traffic. Wear light-colored clothing or add reflective tape to dark costumes to make them visible. Flame resistant costumes are the best ones. Parents, please remind children to approach only familiar houses that are well lighted. Talk with them about never entering a stranger’s house or vehicle. Consider trick-or-treating with your children for their safety and because it’s a fun way to spend an evening. Trick-or-treaters are reminded to watch for traffic while they are out and about this Halloween. Remember to look both ways when crossing the street. Use sidewalks wherever possible when you're walking around a neighborhood. Increase visibility by using a flashlight, especially after dark. An adult should always accompany small children, and older children should stay in groups. If you are driving, stay extra alert on Halloween. Young children excited by Halloween could dart in front of a vehicle. Slow down, and drive with extra caution. If you are headed to a costume party, make sure the costume doesn’t hamper your vision while you’re driving to the event! Motorists picking up and dropping off trick-or-treaters may result in an increase in the number of vehicles on the road, therefore affecting traffic patterns. Please be courteous and stay alert for trick-or-treaters of all ages. Distracted drivers are dangerous drivers─when you’re driving, keep your eyes on the road, not on your phone! Halloween isn’t just for children. Many adults enjoy dressing up and visiting haunted houses or attending gatherings of friends. If you attend a Halloween party that includes alcohol, make sure you have a sober, designated driver for the trip home. Alcohol, even in small amounts, slows reaction time and dulls the senses. Drinking alcohol could have a sad and possibly deadly result.

Have you signed up for this year’s Trees and Trains Exhibit at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center? Exhibit entry forms are now being accepted for this year’s entries with the theme this year being “Miracles on Main Street.” You can pickup you’re an application form at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center at 202 South Main or call 729-0029 for more information. All exhibit entry forms must be turned in TODAY! The exhibit will start with an open house on November 17th from 1:00 until 4:00 in the afternoon. Refreshments and entertainment will be provided. The exhibit will continue to run through Christmas Eve from 9:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon starting Monday, November 18th. The exhibit will also be open on Saturdays from 9:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon. You will also be able to visit Santa’s Workshop December 7th & 14th.

The Healthy Dent County Prevention Coalition would like to invite you to a Communities Talk event to learn more about underage drinking and substance abuse. This event will be held on Monday, November 4th from 11:45 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon at the Salem Community Center@the Armory. Participants will hear from a panel of local high school students who will share about the challenges facing young people about alcohol and drug use and what factors influence the positive choices they make to be alcohol and drug free. In addition, participants will learn how they can support local youth and their alcohol and drug free choices. To register, call 729-8163 or e-mail Sherry Lea at sherry@salemcommunutycenter.org. You must register to attend. Lunch will be provided by several sponsors. The event is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. For more information, visit the website StopAlcoholAbuse.gov/townhallmeetings.