News – Wednesday, May 13th, 2026

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met last night for its meeting within the City Hall Auditorium located at 202 North Washington Street. After the call to order, Pledge of Allegiance, and roll call, the board approved the agenda and consent agenda, which included disposal of records and the April Salem Police Department monthly report. Under new and miscellaneous business, the board approved the disposal of the Electric Department’s 2007 Ford F-150. The board approved four maintenance contracts between the city and Viking Painting, LLC. for the maintenance, inspection, and rehabilitation of its water towers. The board also approved two ordinances annexing adjacent territory into the city. An ordinance authorizing subcommittees under the Community Involvement Committee failed due to a lack of a motion. Meanwhile, the board heard a first reading of two amendments to city codes to reflect Water Department operations, stating the city does not install, inspect, or test backflow devices, and has not for several years. Two ordinances authorizing a task order with Toth and Associates, Inc. for professional land surveying services had first and second readings, one related to the Westwood Drive lift station property for $5,500 and the other with the Ninth Street Right-of-way dedication for $8,500. Both task orders were approved. There were then reports from city officials. Mayor Greg Parker reported that spring clean-up has been successful so far with approximately 116 tons transported. Public Works Director Steve Paine reported construction crew members have finished a stormwater issue on Coffman Street, resolving an issue where a home was taking on water. Crew members have also begun replacement of a stretch of sidewalk on Coffman and Pershing reported as a tripping hazard. Street department crew members are hauling riprap from the quarry to the city park for a ditch remediation project funded partially by FEMA. City mechanic interviews have been conducted and the hiring process has begun. Paine reminded the public that if there are any public works issues to call the Administration Office at 573-729-4811 during daytime hours. If after hours, call the Salem Police Department at 573-729-4242. Meanwhile, Aldermen Rick Letchworth reported that after receiving notice from several residents, he reached out to a property owner off of Center Street regarding the current state of their property, to which the owner assured Letchworth it was temporary and will be cleaned up within 60 days. The board then adjourned. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be May 26th and will be open to the public.

Montauk State Park has released that contractors are to begin repairing the damaged section of asphalt parking lot at the White Oak Hole, along with two sections of main road through the campground. These sections were damaged by flooding in November 2024 and repairs are being funded by FEMA. Visitors will still be able to use the campground road, but traffic will be limited to one lane during repairs.

Heather Johnson of the Salem R-80 School District was recently awarded the Celebrate Rural Schools grant of $5,000 through the Louis L. and Julia Dorothy Coover Foundation, a partnership between Community Foundation of the Ozarks and The Commerce Trust Company. The Celebrate Rural Schools grant program helps support projects that celebrate, strengthen, and elevate the unique identity of rural schools and the communities they serve. The program encourages districts to amplify local voices, showcase student success, and strengthen community connections. This grant will support the 2027 High School Service Project Day, allowing students to continue making a positive impact through community service projects throughout the City of Salem. Congratulations to Mrs. Heather Johnson!

In celebration of Get Caught Reading Month, the Salem Public Library will be hosting a competition now through May 26th. To participate, residents are encouraged to send a picture of themselves or someone they know getting caught reading in an unusual place, anywhere you wouldn’t expect someone to be reading. Pictures can be sent through Facebook messenger on the Salem Public Library Facebook page or handed to a librarian at the circulation desk. Be sure to include your name, age, and phone number. Those who submit a photo will have their names entered in a drawing. Winners will be selected randomly. This competition is for fun and to encourage literacy as summer vacation begins. This program is appropriate for all ages, and there is no fee or library card required to participate.