Local News – Thursday, June 22nd, 2017

The American Legion Riders from Missouri will hold their Department of Missouri 2017 Legacy Ride starting this Friday at Fort Leonard Wood and stopping in St. James at the Missouri Veteran’s Home. The Riders will then come to Salem and stop at Mobil for a fuel stop before heading to the American Legion Walker-Roney Post #99 for lunch. Some roads may be blocked off by the Salem Police to allow the riders through to their destination. From there, they will make their way through Licking to Mansfield for a fuel and hydration stop. There will be over 100 motorcycles and they will be accepting donations for the Missouri ALR Legacy Fund. 2015 was the first year to do the Legacy Ride and they were able to donate over $64,000 (3rd largest in the nation) to the Legacy Fund. The Riders upped the ante in 2016 to collect and donate over $92,000 (2nd largest in the nation). They hope to top that in 2017!

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will conduct their June meeting on Thursday, June 22nd at the boardroom beginning at 6:00 pm. After
approval of the agenda and communications, Superintendent John McColloch will give an update on facilities and summer school. He will also update the Board with BOE committee assignments and school bus inspections. Principals from the William Lynch, Upper Elementary, Middle School and Senior High will give reports on each building. In old business, the Board will consider adoption of a 2017-2018 budget. Then in new business, the Board will address a resolution for a WADA transfer and then consider MSBA 2017 Policy updates. The Board will then approve the Food Service Procurement Plan and District Wellness Policy. Following resignations, the Board will vote go into closed session for the purpose of discussing personel. The June meeting of the Salem R-80 Board of Education is open to the public.

The Salem Park & Recreation Board will conduct a meeting tonight at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory located 1200 West Rolla Road beginning at 6:00 pm. After a review of the minutes from the previous meeting, Parks & Recreation Director Tye Lydon will update the Board on various items concerning the park and there will be a discussion on the Alice Craig Municipal Pool. The Board will discuss improvements to small parks as well as any other business that may come before the Board. The Salem Park & Recreation Board meeting is open to the public.

Join a Park Ranger and a nature photographer for a guided nature photography lesson this Saturday, June 24th at 9 in the morning. The hike will begin at Big Spring, and participants can expect to explore the nearby area for scenic views. Participants should plan to hike approximately ½-mile. There are few places that offer as many unique photographic opportunities as Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Hiking with a camera gives you a chance to capture unexpected natural wonders and is sure to bring out your creative side. Bring your own camera equipment and try out techniques used by professional nature photographers. Capture picturesque views and learn about the area’s natural history. Participants should come prepared with sturdy hiking shoes and appropriate clothing for the weather, including rain gear in case of light rain. In the event of heavy rain or lightning, the hike will be canceled. In addition, hikers may wish to bring water, sunscreen and insect repellent. This event is free and will be enjoyable for all ages. For more information, call Park Ranger Cathy Runge at 573-323-4806 or go online at cathy_runge@nps.gov.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) continues work on evaluating and repairing river and stream accesses damaged by flooding earlier this spring. Most flood damage occurred to MDC accesses in the Ozarks on the Current River, North Fork of the White River, and the Gasconade River. MDC reports most accesses have already been repaired by removing debris, filling in scour holes, and repairing and replacing ramps, parking pads, and other structures — but some remain closed due to extensive damage. Safe passage to the river is still limited at Myrtle, Hebron, Warren Bridge, Cook, Blair Bridge, and Jerome accesses due to extensive flood damage to roads, parking lots, and ramps and for public safety, these accesses remain closed at this time. To get updates on access closures along with information on other MDC “Places to Go,” log in to this website: nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places.