News – Monday, December 23rd 2024
Relative to the fire on Tuesday that destroyed the Scenic Rivers Industries, investigators say the cause of the massive fire that destroyed the recycling facility and over 130 bags of toys is undetermined. Firefighters do not believe the fire is suspicious. A spokesperson for the Missouri Department of Public Safety mistakenly told KY3 News midday on Friday that the fire had become a criminal investigation. KY3 has updated the story online to reflect the mistake.
The Salem R-80 School Board of Education held their regular meeting on Thursday evening at 5:30 in the district office. After approving the agenda and consent agenda, the Board recognized six students from the Salem Upper Elementary School who had their artwork chosen for the art show. Assistant Superintendent Dan Copeland updated the board on the performance results. The overall test score for the district is 78.7 APR, which is up from last year’s results, and above the state’s average. The Salem R-80 district has also seen substantial improvements in math and is up two points on attendance scores. Superintendent Nathan Wills gave an update on the FEMA shelter construction and stated that some of the principals attended the West Plains job fair, to make connections and meet people that may be interested in coming to Salem. During the administration reports, Dr. Blau stated that the students at William Lynch Elementary were able to provide Christmas for twelve families and with the help of Oak Grove Baptist Church, passed out twenty food baskets, thanks to their Community Benevolence program. Mr. Piatt stated that thanks to various donors from the community the Upper Elementary was able to provide Christmas for eight families. Dr. Green stated that the students at the Salem Middle School decided to donate $300, the proceeds from ticket sales of their winter dance, to the Shelter Workshop. Mrs Heavin stated that Salem High School allows students who have at least 95% attendance and no in-school or out-of-school suspensions the option to opt out of one of their finals. This semester, there were 400 students that qualified for final exemptions. Two students from the High School updated the Board on their attendance at the Missouri Association of Student Council Meeting. The Board approved the 2025-2026 tuition rate of $9,775.00. After discussing the recent resignations and new hires, the meeting adjourned to closed session.
An accident occurred Friday morning at 7:20 on County Road 8360, one mile west of Highway 63. According to the Highway Patrol report a 2007 Jeep Liberty, driven by a 26-year-old Licking female, crossed the center line and struck a 2012 Ford Escape, driven by a 73-year-old Rolla female. The Licking female suffered moderate injuries and was transported by Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health. The Rolla female suffered minor injuries and was transported by a private conveyance to an unknown hospital. The report stated that the 26-year-old female was not wearing a safety device, while the 73-year-old woman was. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by C & C Towing.
Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley released this court case on Wednesday December 18, Tristan Gaddy of Salem, was on probation for possession of a controlled substance, meth. He originally pled guilty in March of 2022. His probation was extended by 1 year in 2024 due to violations of probation. On Wednesday December 18, 2024 the defendant was again found to have violated probation. Prosecutor Curley sought revocation under 559.115. Gaddy sought continued probation with in-patient treatment at Teen Challenge. Over the objection of the state, the defendant will continue on probation by Judge Randazzo.
There will be no Your World Today tomorrow or on Christmas Day. From All of us a KSMO Radio, KSMO Media, and Your World Today, we wish you a very merry Christmas and safe holiday travels.