Obituaries – Friday, November 13th, 2020
Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge is reminding small business owners with 30 or less full time employees that there is less than one month left to apply for the Dent County CARES Act grant funds! The deadline to submit your application is December 10th. The funding limit is $50,000 per business. There is still roughly $800,000 remaining and anything not used by our Dent County businesses and non-profits will have to be sent back to the Federal Government. These funds are there to help you if your business is struggling with a hardship created by COVID-19? Don’t forget that non-profit organizations also qualify. If your business experienced employee layoffs, had to purchase additional safety items or had additional expenses due to COVID, you may get reimbursed for these items. Expenses may also be reimbursed if you had lower revenues or had to change the way you do business due to COVID that put a strain on your business. The grant funds may be used for operational needs, such as employee expenses, lease or mortgage payments, utilities, materials, supplies and services. You can also check out the Dent County CARES Act funding application at meramecregion.org/cares-act-funding. If you are not sure if your expenses qualify, contact Kelly Sink at kellysb@meramecregion.org or 573-265-2993. Even if you have applied or received other COVID-19 specific funding, that DOES NOT disqualify you for this program!
As more Missouri families turn on their furnace and spend time by the fireplace, it is time to remind everyone who uses natural or propane gas that now is a great time to review gas safety measures. When used properly, natural gas and propane are safe and efficient sources of energy, but it’s important to understand the hazards associated with a gas leak. People should use their senses to detect a leak and act fast if they smell gas. The odor is that of what some call “like rotten eggs.” Other gas safety tips include if you smell an odor or hear a hissing or leaking sound, evacuate immediately, taking all people and pets with you. Once you are safe, call 9-1-1. In the event of a suspected indoor gas leak, do not use light switches, cell phones, garage door openers or any electrical device that could generate a spark. If you spot an unusual area of dead vegetation near a pipeline, it could be a sign of a gas leak. Blowing dirt, ground fires, or continuously bubbling water may also indicate a gas leak. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, vacate the premises, get fresh air and call 9-1-1. Don’t try to be a hero when it comes to gas. Let the professionals discover the problem and correct it before going back into your home.
The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On the afternoon of October 29th just before 4:00, an officer was dispatched to the police department to take a report of stealing. It was reported that a vehicle parked in the 100 block of south Washington had a Citizen Watch stolen out of the center console sometime during the overnight hours. This incident is still under investigation. The value of the watch is estimated to be $396.00. That same afternoon shortly after 4:00, an officer conducted a traffic stop after observing the driver of a vehicle who appeared to be someone that had an active warrant. The warrant was confirmed, and a 27-year-old Salem woman was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. On Sunday morning, November 1st just before noon, an officer was dispatched to the 600 block of east Coffman for a report of a stolen firearm. It was reported that $50 in cash and a SCCY 9mm handgun was stolen out of a parked vehicle during the overnight hours. Video surveillance was reviewed, and the investigation is still ongoing. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.
Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, invites the public to visit the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s YouTube channel. Colonel Olson said they are launching the YouTube channel and invites the public to visit the channel. Their mission of service and protection extends to every person in this state. While the most important contacts are those that occur when a trooper speaks with someone or stops to assist them, it’s important that they reach their stakeholders wherever they happen to be. The Patrol’s YouTube channel provides them with another platform for educating and informing the public. The Patrol’s YouTube channel will host original videos to educate the public about traffic safety, the agency, the services it provides, and show the wide variety of career opportunities with the Patrol. Colonel Olson invites the public to take a few moments to visit the patrol’s YouTube channel, and view their launch video, “This is your Missouri State Highway Patrol.” The patrol intends to have an active YouTube channel, so stay tuned. Of course, you’ll still be able to find the highway patrol on their social media accounts.