Archive for 2021

As reported by Salem Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge Tuesday afternoon, the Salem R-80 Construction Trades Program has been voted the winner of the Strong Communities Award in the Rural category and will be awarded $15,000 by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines. Among the four finalists, there were over 8,000 votes cast. The Salem R-80 Construction Trades Program provides relevant technical training; opportunities for students to develop; and creates a post-secondary pipeline for education and employment. The training program provides students with the creative and technical skills to gain valuable, real-life experience through classroom and on the job training. Much of the training requires extensive hands-on education garnered through paid apprenticeships. Upon graduation, students are fully prepared to work for small and large contracting firms that can eventually lead to roles in project management or administration, as well as gaining certification as a general contractor. In addition, the program is reviving our community through the rehab of homes and building of relationships. The project is supported by The Bank of Salem. Salem R-80 Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed stated the school is excited to be named the winner of the Strong Communities Award and are very humbled and grateful for the support from our community. She went on to say this award will go toward preparing our students with the technical skills needed to be valuable members of the workforce right here in Salem. The next step for the Salem R-80 Construction Trades Program is to construct a building for the program. Over half of the funds, $500,000 are already secured through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awarded to the City of Salem, and there are 50% Youth Opportunities Program (YOP) Tax Credits available through Salem R-80 Schools to anyone who donates toward the building’s construction. Any person, business or entity who pays Missouri Income Taxes can benefit from the Tax Credits, although you may donate to the program regardless. For additional information about the YOP Tax Credits you may contact Dr. Lynne Reed, Superintendent of Salem R80 Schools at 573-729-6642.

Staff members at Meramec State Park invite the public to its annual Halloween event, Spooktacular, this Friday and Saturday. Events will include an evening program presented by a park naturalist, an outdoor movie with free popcorn and hot chocolate, a bonfire, trick-or-treating, a scavenger hunt, a coloring contest and a jack-o’-lantern contest. On Saturday afternoon at 4:45 park staff will close the campground road to provide a safe environment for trick-or-treaters to go campsite to campsite. Campers are encouraged to decorate their campsites, and one campsite will be designated as the “Coolest Campsite.” At 6:30 that evening there will be a nature program at the amphitheater followed by and outdoor showing of the movie Halloweentown II. Saturday will feature a coloring contest beginning at 9 a.m. and a scavenger hunt and jack-o-lantern contest followed by trick or treating at 5:00. The public is strongly encouraged to follow social-distancing guidelines and be proactive in protecting themselves and others. Meramec
State Park is located at 115 Meramec Park Drive, Sullivan. For more information about the meeting, call 573-468-6072. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Farming plays a vital role in Missouri’s economy, history, and identity. In 2020, there were 199 Missouri traffic crashes involving farm equipment. In those crashes, two people were killed and 73 were injured. Whether you’re driving a vehicle or operating farm machinery, you must pay attention to the roadway, other drivers, and traffic signs. Distracted drivers are dangerous drivers. Please pay attention and share the road! Farmers should make sure your farm equipment is properly marked with lights and a “slow-moving vehicle” emblem when you travel on the roadway. If traffic accumulates behind you on the road where it is difficult to make a safe pass, pull off onto the side of the road in a level area, so vehicles can pass. Always drive as far to the right as possible. It’s harder to see you at dawn or dusk, so please don’t travel on the road during those times if possible. Remember: Missouri law allows agricultural machinery and implements to be operated on state highways between the hours of sunset and sunrise for agricultural purposes provided such vehicles are equipped with the required lighting. Like other motor vehicles, most modern farm tractors have seat belts. Always use a seat belt when operating a tractor equipped with a roll-over protection structure. Often, all-terrain vehicles are used for agricultural purposes. ATVs being used for farming can only travel on highways during daylight hours and must be equipped with lights, a bicycle flag, and a “slow-moving vehicle” emblem. The law requires anyone under the age of 18 to wear a safety helmet when operating an ATV; the Patrol, however, recommends operators wear a safety helmet regardless of age. And it’s important for drivers important to do your part. Stay alert for slow moving farm equipment. When you come up behind a tractor or other farm machinery, please slow down and be patient. Wait to pass until you have a clear view of the road ahead and there is no oncoming traffic. Never pass on a hill or curve. Collisions commonly occur when a motorist tries to pass a left-turning farm vehicle. A tractor that appears to be pulling to the right side of the road to let motorists pass, may be preparing to make a wide left turn. Watch the farmer’s hand and light signals closely. It’s important that you pay close attention to farm equipment entering and leaving the highway from side roads and driveways. Special attention must be paid when traveling at dawn or dusk when the sun makes it difficult for drivers to see.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met for the regular meeting Tuesday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. The board approved Bill #3493 that amended Chapter 700, Article II, Section 700.130 that allows the board to increase or decrease electric rates without the vote of the alderman based upon comparative charges from January to December for a given year to the prior year from the electric wholesale supplier. Alderman Bolerjack said this ordinance was changed from the month of July to June to January to December to allow the utility committee a chance to review the rates and make budget recommendations in March for the next fiscal year. The board approved the bid from Leo Morgan of Lebanon to install a fence around the electric and water department buildings on Wines Street for a cost of $9,700.00. City Administrator Ray Walden reported on some issues with pieces of the bundle maintenance project that has not yet been passed by the board. The Salem Community Center@The Armory roof as well as the roof on the building at 3rd and Grand are leaking and need attention quickly. He said there are also some problems with three air conditioning/heating units that will also have to be addressed. Walden said the bundle of projects price has gone up about 5% since it was presented to the board. Aldermen Kevin James said he wasn’t comfortable with all the projects in the bundle and would like bids on the individual projects presented to the board. Walden said he will get those bids. Mayor Kim Steelman said she is working with Sarah Massengale of the University Extension to provide training for people on boards and committees so that these members know what their responsibilities are as well as their role. Steelman said she met with Tyler Naramore and discussed some exciting ideas for the airport which she will tour for the first time today. She said work is still being done on some policy changes and the first round of interviews for the finance director are being held. Public Works Director Mark Nash said there were 120 utility disconnects with 88 people coming the next day to pay, and now 106 of those have paid. There are 14 accounts outstanding. Nash said the hospital to Dilworth Lane pipe project is now underground and the Highway 19 south project is complete waiting on the property owners to have their plumber tie into the line. Nash indicated there have been three main water line leaks that have been repaired: South Hickory, behind Arranda’s and behind the Farmers Market. He went on the say the street department is still sealing cracks, but have been slowed by the rain. Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois gave her report that showed this summer there were 13,463 daily admissions to the pool with 36 pool parties and 85 swimming lessons. She said the summer league baseball, softball and T-Ball program had 39 teams with 452 participants while the flag football and cheerleading program had 143 participants. She did say the city has officially been awarded the LWCF grant for the soccer field complex. Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge reported the Salem R-80 Construction Trades program won the $15,000 Strong Communities Award. She said the school is still offering CDBG Missouri state tax credits on 50% of a contribution to that program and the credits can be sold until September of 2022. The CDBG Grant funds though MUST be expended by December 31st of 2022 and can’t be used until all the credits are sold. For information on the tax credits, call the Salem R-80 Administrative Offices at 729-6642. The board then went into closed session to discuss contracts.

An accident happened in Dent County on Route B about two miles east of Doss Tuesday morning around 9:00. According to the highway patrol report, a 2010 Freightliner Dump Truck driven westbound by Noah Sapp of Salem, went off the right side of the roadway when the load it was carrying shifted. The Freightliner returned to the roadway, then traveled off the left side of the road and overturned into a fence. Sapp suffered minor injuries and was taken from the scene to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. Sapp was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Freightliner sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing in Salem.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways has a variety of great trails for everyone to enjoy. Hikers can enjoy fall colors on this Saturday beginning at 10:00. Participants will see spectacular fall colors along the Cave Spring Trail. Meet at Devils Well to hike 2.2 miles to Cave Spring and then return using the loop trail which is 2.7 miles for a total of approximately five miles. Hikers should take weather conditions into consideration and be prepared during all seasons. Drinking water, rain gear, map, snacks, flashlight, sturdy hiking shoes, clothing appropriate for the weather and terrain, and emergency campfire supplies are recommended. Always remember to inform someone of your plans. For more information about any of the hikes, contact Skyler Bockman at (573) 323-8093 or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/ozar.

A tie-dye T-Shirt Class will be held Thursday from 5:30 to 7:00 at the Creative Arts Center in Salem behind the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center. Laura Miller will help you design and create your own colorful tie-dye T-shirt you will be proud to wear or give as a gift. The cost is $20 per person, but if you bring your own white T-shirt, you get $5 off. All the supplies are included. You can register at the ONCRC, by calling 247-0651 or 247-5306 or by e-mailing salemartscouncil@outlook.com.