Archive for 2021

The Salem Board of Aldermen met in a special closed session meeting on Monday, March 8th at the City Hall Council Chambers to discuss personnel and the attorney/client privilege. The roll call showed that those in attendance included Mayor Brad Nash, all four alderman, city attorney James Weber, temporary City Clerk Tammy Koller, City Administrator Ray Walden and Don Harkey from People Centric. According to the minutes provided by temporary City Clerk Koller, Harkey was excused from the meeting first before any issues were discussed. City Administrator Walden and City Clerk Koller were also asked to leave the meeting at 7:05 before being asked to return twenty minutes later at 7:25. A discussion on personnel had been held in a closed session with only the four aldermen and the mayor were present. Following the discussion, Mayor Brad Nash recommended to the alderman that long time City Clerk Mary Happel be terminated from her position. Alderman James made a motion to approve the recommendation with Alderwoman Steelman seconding the motion. The vote was unanimous at 4-0. The board went back into open session at 7:53 and the meeting was then adjourned. Happel had been on suspension without pay prior to the vote to terminate her employment. She had been an employee of the city for 42 years and four months before being relieved of her duties.

A one vehicle accident happened Saturday afternoon, March 6th, just before 2:00. According to the report released by the Salem Police Department a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado owned and operated by David Gray of Salem was following a Toyota Tacoma south on Missouri. Gray stated that the Toyota was going to slow and he was in a hurry. Gray attempted to pass the Toyota and sped up, swerving to the left and struck a curb. The Silverado went off the left side of the roadway and struck a city of Salem utility pole causing it to break and fall to the ground. The utility pole had extensive damage and had to be replaced. The Silverado sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. Gray suffered minor injuries in the accident.

Older adults are at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, so if you're 65 or older, it's especially important for you to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The current authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective in preventing severe illness from COVID-19. If you haven't got your vaccination yet, please visit CDC.gov for tips on how to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Each state has its own plan for how and when residents can get vaccines. When you go, bring your red, white, and blue Medicare card or Medicare Number when you go to get your vaccine, so your health care provider or pharmacy can bill Medicare. Medicare covers the COVID-19 vaccine, so there's no cost to you. Depending on the vaccine you receive, you might need a second shot 3 or 4 weeks after your first shot. Remember, even after you're fully vaccinated, it's important to continue taking precautions in public places. Keep your social distancing in place and continue to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer continuously to prevent you from getting a virus from surfaces or people. The CDC has new information about how to protect yourself and others when you've been fully vaccinated.

Time is running out to take advantage of the Salem Memorial District Hospital health fair screenings that are being held now. Appointments can still be made to get you health screening through Monday, March 15th at the Salem Memorial District Hospital Campus. The screenings will start at 6:00 and continue until 10:00 each morning. You will not find better prices on the barrage of tests you can get including the health fair profile lipid profile, diabetes A1c test, a thyroid test, a prostate test, a urine test, bone density test and a Vitamin D test. If you signed up for all of these tests, your total cost would only be $150.00!!! Because of these prices, no insurance will be accepted. Cash, checks, credit and debit cards are accepted, SMDH will pre-register and schedule the health fair screening to be performed at the facility. Participants will enter at the north entrance of the hospital and be COVID screened. Since patients will already be registered fees will be collected and consent forms will be signed prior to testing. To schedule your appointment as well as pre-register, please call Karen Brown at 573-729-6626 Monday through Friday from 8:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon.

The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) wants to make Missourians aware of a Special Enrollment Period in response to the public health emergency which will allow consumers to purchase new individual health coverage or change their Marketplace plan for 2021.This Special Enrollment Period, which runs from February 15th through May 15th, 2021 allows consumers to enroll for the coverage they need for 2021. Consumers may enroll for these benefits on the HealthCare.gov website. Some health insurers are also offering the opportunity to enroll for coverage for 2021 outside the federal Marketplace as well. If you purchase through the federal Marketplace, your cost may be reduced if you are eligible for an advanced premium tax credit (APTC). The credits are only available if you buy insurance on the Marketplace. For more information and to utilize the department’s shopping tool, visit the department’s website at www.insurance.mo.gov or call the Insurance Consumer Hotline at 800-726-7390.