Local News – Wednesday, September 6th, 2017
An accident happened at 5:50 Monday afternoon in Phelps County on Highway 63 just south of Phelps County Road 6033. According to the highway patrol report, a 1998 Toyota Camry driven northbound by 38-year old Lindee Sprong of Salem, went off the right side of the roadway and struck a guardrail, then a tree and came to rest on an embankment. Suffering minor injuries was 27-year old Christopher Prater of Salem and he was taken to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center by the Phelps County Ambulance. Sprong did not suffer any injuries. Everyone involved was wearing a seat restraint. The Toyota had extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Lucas Towing.
The Salem Board of Aldermen met for their regular meeting at the city hall council chambers Tuesday night. Mayor Brad Nash was not present at the meeting due to a Dent County Fire Protection District meeting. In the Hearing of Persons, City Administrator Ray Walden presented a request from the Dent County Connect group to hold a fund raising “Paddle Party” on September 23rd at the Commons to raise funds for the new All-Inclusive Playground. Since the project is already fully funded, the board approved the fundraiser with the stipulation that the Park Board determine how that money will be used for the playground. Parks and Recreation Director Tye Lydon presented two bids for a splash pad to be built on the north side of the All-Accessible Playground near the restrooms. The board approved the bid from My Splash Pad for $36,158 with most of the money being paid for out of the Park and Recreation Department Budget with additional money coming from Healthy Dent County. In reports, City Administrator Ray Walden reported the Old Middle School committee is still reviewing options before making a recommendation to the board on their decision. Walden hopes to have that recommendation at the next meeting. Walden reported the Salem Community Center@The Armory had 5,266 visitors in August to their programs and facility. Walden said the Missouri Community Betterment judges will be in town on Tuesday, September 12th between 3:00 and 4:45. This is a date change from their original scheduled visit. He also reminded everyone about the electronic waste collection to be held on September 30th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the corner of Grand and Third Street. The board approved Bill #3341 that authorized the mayor to execute a contract between the City of Salem and WCA Waste Collection to collect, haul and dispose of all refuse, rubbish and waste generated from residences in the City of Salem. The board also approved sending City Clerk Mary Happel to the LAGERS annual meeting at Tan Tar A Resort in Osage Beach October 19th and 20th. The city employees will be sending Jared Brown. The board then went into closed session to discuss real estate and contracts.
Captain James W. Remillard, commanding officer of Troop I, announces that sometime during the month of September, troopers assigned to Troop I will be conducting a DWI saturation patrol in Crawford County and Phelps County. Troopers assigned to these special enforcement operations will patrol those highways where in the past a higher number of alcohol-related arrests and traffic crashes have occurred. Captain Remillard would like to remind motorists that they can report highway emergencies and serious traffic offenses to the nearest troop headquarters by dialing *55 on a cellular telephone. The only 100 percent survivable traffic crash is the one that never happens. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Every day as we travel on Missouri’s roadways, we trust that every driver on the road is going to obey the speed limit, pay attention, and drive sober.