News – Tuesday, November 26th 2024

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, reminds everyone there will be an increase in traffic over the Thanksgiving holiday. The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with Wednesday and Sunday afternoon/evenings being the most heavily traveled times. Drivers should expect more traffic and the possibility of delays throughout the weekend. Regardless of traffic patterns, safety should remain a priority. The counting period for the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday weekend is from 6 p.m. Wednesday, November 27, 2024, to 11:59 p.m. Sunday, December 1, 2024. Troopers will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E., enforcing all traffic laws, and available to assist the public. Over the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday counting period, nine people were killed and 4,823 injured in 1,342 traffic crashes. If you plan to travel over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend be sure your vehicle is in good condition, obey all traffic laws, and be sure everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seat belt or secured in the appropriate child safety seat for their size and age. Remember: Missouri is now a hands-free state and there is never a reason to speed, drive aggressively, or drive impaired. The MoDOT Traveler Information Map can be a helpful tool while you are traveling. The map provides up-to-date information such as road closures, delays, construction zones, and alternative routes. You can download the app for free to your smart device or access it by using this link: traveler.modot.org/map. If being on or near the water is part of your Thanksgiving holiday weekend plans, remember that the water is becoming colder, and hypothermia is a concern. The body loses heat 25 times faster in water than in the air of the same temperature. The proper use of life jackets is imperative. 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, observe driving behavior that could cause a crash, or experience an emergency. These phone numbers are operational for both highway and water emergencies. If your celebration includes intoxicants, designate someone else to drive whether you are in a boat or vehicle. Please don’t become a statistic.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley has released information on a sentencing hearing that was held following a probation revocation hearing in front of Judge Michael Randazzo on Monday November 25th.The Defendant, Andrew Terrill of Salem, was sentenced to 10 years in the Department of Corrections, as requested by Prosecutor Curley. The Defendant had previously completed a 559.115 RSMO program in 2023. 

The Salem R-80 School District held their regular meeting on Thursday evening at 5:30 in the administration building. After approving the agenda and consent agenda, the board recognized Barrett Larimore and Kole Martin, from William Lynch Elementary, who represented the Students of the Month and students with 100% attendance, respectively. Mr. Larimore and Mr. Martin led the Pledge of Allegiance. Dr. Nathan Wills provided the Superintendent’s report which included updates on the FEMA Storm Shelter progress, calendar options, and district attendance improvement. The board approved the purchase of cafeteria tablets from Fellers Food Service Equipment, a bond prepayment of $175,000 to pay down existing bonds, Board Election Filing dates of December 12 through 31, as well as the school district audit report. The meeting then adjourned to closed session. 

The November episode of Archives & Airwaves will air tomorrow morning at 10:30. This show, hosted by Sally Granowski, will feature library director Kate McBride. They will be discussing some of the many services provided by the library, as well as upcoming events and closures for the month of December. You can tune in to listen at 1340 AM/95.7 FM as well as the KSMO Media YouTube channel. This monthly program airs on the last Wednesday of each month. 

When a deer is involved in a collision with a vehicle MoDOT State Maintenance Engineer Darin Hamelink said no one should ever jeopardize their safety by attempting to remove an animal in a high-traffic area. Instead, contact MoDOT’s customer service line at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636). He went on to note that crews will address any animal or debris that poses a safety hazard, meaning the item is in the driving lanes. Crews will safely drag the large animal debris to the outer portion of the grassy roadside, outside any active drainage ditch or channel. If a deer is located on the shoulder, MoDOT will address the deer during normal weekday work hours. MoDOT crews are not called out after hours to remove an item unless it is a road safety hazard in a driving lane. MoDOT does not employ any specialized crews assigned to remove dead animals from roadways or contract out any roadkill removal. If a deer is struck along a state-maintained road and is completely off the roadway, MoDOT will not pick it up unless it impedes mail delivery or is in a neighborhood, especially at or near a bus stop.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has announced they will be closed for Thanksgiving Day. For more news, follow the Missouri State Highway Patrol on X @MSHPTrooperGHQ.

The Salvation Army will once again partner with Wal-Mart for the annual Angel Tree program as well as the Dent County Toy Drive to help local children this Christmas. Local residents have always enjoyed adopting a child, and shopping for clothing, coats, hats, and toys.  Some families use this time of year to teach their children the importance of giving during the holiday season. The Angel Tree will be available beginning today, through Saturday, December 14th. For additional information please call 573-729-8163 or e-mail sherry@salemcommunitycenter.org. The Dent County Toy Drive can be contacted by messaging on Facebook.