Local News – Tuesday, January 19th, 2021

An accident occurred in Dent County Monday morning at 7:50 on Route CC about eight miles west of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, 17-year-old Chance Bryson of Licking, fell asleep at the wheel allowing the westbound 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass he was driving to cross the center line and strike an eastbound 2011 Chevrolet Impala. The Chevrolet was being driven by 37-year-old Sheena Turner of Salem. Turner suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Salem Memorial District Hospital by EMS for the treatment of her injuries. The report stated that Turner was wearing her safety restraint at the time of the accident while Bryson was not wearing his. The Chevrolet was totaled and removed from the scene by American Muffler and Tire. The Oldsmobile was also totaled and removed by Jay’s Automotive and Towing. The Highway Patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and the Lenox Fire Department.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will hold its regular meeting tonight at 7:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers. Alderwoman Rachel Hinderliter has submitted her resignation due to moving out of the East Ward and she will be recognized for her service to the city. Mayor Brad Nash will then appoint someone to replace her until the next election on April 6th. 2021. In the hearing of persons, Tod Kinerk and Tabitha Utley from the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce will give the city updates on local chamber activities. Teresa Stark will address the alderman with her concerns about loud music in the neighborhood and citations. After the consent agenda, Alderman Kevin James will give the utility committee workshop and meeting report. City Administrator Ray Walden will update the aldermen on city projects and discuss a recommendation by the communications work group. In the introduction and reading of bills and resolutions, the board will hear Resolution #1-2021 adopting a temporary emergency sick leave policy due to COVID-19 State of Emergency Declaration. They will also hear Resolution #2-2021 adopting a City of Salem Marketing and Communications Plan before hearing Resolution #3-2021 that authorizes the mayor to execute property owner’s demolition program agreements. The board will then hear Bill #3471 that would create an ordinance to make an application for a TAP grant through the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission to provide funding for new ADA compliant sidewalks serving downtown businesses along 4th Street in accordance with Phase 1 of the city’s beautification plan. In new business, Salem Park and Recreation Director Melissa DuBois will discuss the need currently for attendance vouchers for Park and Recreation events at the Healthy Dent County gymnasium. The Salem Police Department will also request to destroy records from January through December of 2014 in accordance with the Police Clerk’s Records Retention Schedule manual. The meeting will then be adjourned. The meeting of the Salem Board of Aldermen will be open to the public.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will conduct their January meeting this evening in the hospital library beginning at 6:00. After the call to order, Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas will report on the summary of the operations for the month of December followed by the Chief of Nursing Report from Debbie Hines. A report on the hospital foundation, plus the marketing and community perception report will be given by Chief Operating Officer Jason Edwards, which will then be followed by the Chief of Staff report. Lucas will then go over the COVID-19 update and provide an update to the board on the Hospital expansion and renovation, plus election filing. New business will include a “Conflict of Interest” Policy and purchases since the last meeting. The board may vote to go into closed session. Due to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, the January meeting of the Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will be conducted by zoom. The meeting is open to anyone to join. For information on how to access the meeting via zoom, please contact Karen Brown by email at kbrown@smdh.net or call her at (573) 729-5917, extension 4005.