Local News – Monday, August 31st, 2020
Salem R-80 Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed reports the Dent County Health Department notified the Salem R-80 School district Friday that one individual at William Lynch has tested positive for COVID-19 and one individual at the Upper Elementary meets the definition of a “probable” case. The staff at the health department spent Friday calling staff members and parents of students who had direct contact with these individuals, and they will be asked to quarantine for 14 days. Based on the health department’s contact tracing, it is not necessary to do full building closures at this time. The Salem R-80 custodial staff worked over the weekend to fully sanitize all affected areas. Dr. Reed wanted to remind everyone that out of respect for those with direct contact, the district waited until they were notified to release a public statement. Dr. Reed wanted to thank the public for their patience and support as the district will do everything they can to keep students and staff safe. If you have any questions, please contact Assistant Superintendent John Smith or Superintendent Dr. Reed at 729-6642). While the district will protect the privacy of those directly impacted, they will make every effort to be as transparent as possible. The school nurse has provided information regarding COVID-19 on the school webpage. Please refer to it regarding symptoms, quarantine guidelines and more at www.salemr80.org.
An accident occurred Saturday evening at 7:47 in Crawford County on Interstate 44 at mile marker 220.2. According to the highway patrol report, a 2000 GMC Jimmy driven by 63-year old Lyle Price of Effingham, Illinois, was traveling westbound and when the Jimmy traveled off the left side of the roadway. The GMC then returned to the roadway and overturned. Lyle suffered serious injuries and was flown by Arch Air to Mercy Creve Coeur. An occupant in the Jimmy, 59-year old Cynthia Indelicato of Salem, suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Missouri Baptist Sullivan by North Crawford Ambulance. All injured parties were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. The Jimmy was totaled and removed from the scene by Chuck’s Towing.
A Steelville resident was injured in a one vehicle accident Friday morning shortly before 11:00 in Crawford County on Highway 8 about one mile west of Steelville. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 1998 Dodge Dakota being driven by 39-year old Mark Palmer of Steelville was westbound when he traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck several trees. Palmer, who was not wearing a safety restraint, suffered moderate injuries and was transported by EMS to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. The Dodge had minor damage and was removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing. The highway patrol was assisted by the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department, Steelville Fire Department and the Steelville Police Department.
The Dent County Fire Protection district board of directors will be meeting Tuesday, September 1st at 6:00 at the fire station at #2 South Main Street. After approval of the consent agenda the board will review and approve minutes from the August meeting before hearing the financial report and approving bills. The board will then review the calendar and hear the monthly reimbursement report before hearing any old and new business and various reports. The date will then be set for the October meeting before the meeting is adjourned. The meeting of the Dent county fire protection district board of directors is open to the public.