Local News – Monday, April 18th, 2022
Due to what we believe to be a lightning strike from last Friday, KSMO AM is currently off the air. We are working on the problem, but at this time do not know how long the AM side will be off the air. Currently, KSMO’s FM translator is working properly at 95.7.
A fatality accident happened Friday morning at 7:30 in Lawrence Couty on private property off of Chapell Drive at the Monett city limits. A 2000 Freightliner being driven by 49-year-old Troy Dunlop of Exeter struck the trailer of a 2020 Kenworth. The Freightliner then struck a pedestrian, 69-year-old Randy Hance of Rolla. Hance was pronounced dead by Dr. Matlock at Cox Monett Hospital just before 8:00 and was taken to Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City. As required by law, the surviving driver was tested for alcohol. The results of those tests were not yet available at the time of the report.
Contractors working of the Missouri Department of Transportation will begin the initial phases of a major improvement project along Interstate 44 from Rolla to Cuba. The work begins today and will take two years to fully complete. This 52-mile project will include resurfacing of the eastbound and westbound lanes between Sugar Tree Road, west of Rolla, and Route F, west of Cuba. Other work included in the contract includes reconstruction of pavement in the eastbound lanes between Rolla and St. James, the rehabilitation of the bridges over the Bourbouse River Branch west of St. James, and culvert extension at the East Fork of Little Beaver Creek west of Rolla. In February, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded the contract for the project to Lehman Construction, which submitted the low bid of $50,452,588. The work will include periodic daytime and nighttime lane closures and delays in traffic. MoDOT appreciates the patience of those traveling around the work area. For more information about this project or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636).
The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be holding a reorganizational meeting before the regular board meeting to begin at 5:45 Tuesday evening at 5:45 at the Salem R-80 Board Room. The purpose of the meeting will be to certify the results from the April 5th election. Swearing in of the newly elected board members will then take place by the board Secretary. Afterwards, Superintendent, Dr. Lynne Reed will act as temporary chairman to select a new board President and Vice President before adjourning and opening the regular board meeting at 6:00. After approval of the consent agenda, Superintendent Reed will give her report to the board followed by principals reports from William Lynch Elementary, the Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School, and the activities and athletics report. In new business the board members are expected to approve the building project update, insurance plan, and set the tuition for the 2022-2023 school year, approve the surplus list from William Lynch Elementary and the Upper Elementary schools. Bids will then be put out for mats and runners for the gym and for a Suburban. Also expected to be adopted will be the MSBA policies and forms, and approve the RFP for architectural and engineering services for the construction trades program. If there are any resignations, they will then be heard before the board adjourns and moves into executive session. The Salem R-80 Board of Education meeting Tuesday evening is open to the public.
A one vehicle accident happened Wednesday afternoon at 12:15 in Crawford County on Interstate 44 at the 203 mile-marker. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2015 Ford F-150 being driven west by 49-year-old Angelique Blue of St. James began hydroplaning and traveled off the right side of the road and a struck a concrete culvert. Blue was transported by North Crawford ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla for treatment of minor injuries. The Ford sustained moderate damage and was towed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing. The report went on to state that Blue was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident.
An accident occurred Friday afternoon around 12:45 in Phelps County on County Road 2000 one half mile north of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report a 2000 Ford 250 driven by 60-year-old Joseph Malva from Rolla was travelling eastbound and turned into the path of a 1997 Chevrolet Silverado driven by 64-year- old Belinda Althage of St. James, who was travelling westbound. Althage suffered minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to Phelps Health. She was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevrolet was totaled and removed from the scene by Big Boy’s Towing. The Ford sustained moderate damage and was removed by a private tow.