Local News – Monday, August 7th, 2023
August has arrived and with it the 2023-2024 school year. The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to encourage parents to include conversations about safety when preparing their student for school. It’s also important that drivers be prepared for the change in traffic patterns as students begin another year of instruction. In 2022, two people were killed and 361 injured in traffic crashes involving a school bus. In Missouri last year, a total of 884 traffic crashes involved school buses. Troopers ask that motorists always be vigilant, but especially near school zones, playgrounds, bicycle paths, and crosswalks when schools are in session. Expect pedestrian and bicycle traffic to increase near schools on days where the weather is good. When schools are in session, drivers should expect a change in traffic patterns ─ school buses, parents taking their children to school, and many young drivers will join other motorists on the road and affect the morning and afternoon commute. Whatever route you drive, expect this additional traffic and prepare by allowing extra time to reach your destination. Missouri law states that on a two-lane road, if a school bus is stopped and displaying warning signals while loading or unloading children, drivers must stop when meeting and following the bus. However, it is only necessary to stop on a four-lane highway when following the bus. Drivers, when you see a stopped school bus, stay alert and follow the law. Children may not be aware of traffic and dart unexpectedly into the roadway. Students walking to school should stay alert! Cross the street at intersections or marked crosswalks and never between parked cars. Use sidewalks when they are available. If it is necessary to walk on the roadway, stay close to the left edge and step off to the left when traffic approaches. Never dash into the street after a friend or to retrieve something. Riding a bicycle to school is a fun way to travel. If you’re riding your bike, be sure to wear a helmet and obey all traffic signs and signals. Ride as near to the right side of the roadway as is safe and use the proper hand signals when you plan to change directions, slow, or stop. Never carry passengers. Keep both hands on the handlebars except when signaling. It’s important to maintain your bicycle in good condition. If you ride a school bus, check the weather and dress accordingly. Wait in line for the bus on the shoulder or sidewalk. Use the handrail when getting on or off the bus. Never try to retrieve items that fall under the bus and walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus when crossing the street. Sit quietly on the bus and keep the aisle clear. If anything goes wrong, stay calm and follow the instructions of the bus driver. The start of school also increases the amount of traffic on the road with young and inexperienced drivers. lMost traffic crashes involving young drivers (under the age of 21) occur between 3:00 and 4:00 in the afternoon when school typically lets out. Parents: It is important to encourage those young drivers to remember driving is a full-time job. Using a cell phone, texting, or adjusting the radio can be the distraction that leads to a traffic crash. It’s also against the law for this age group.
The Salem R-80 School Registration for the 2023-24 school year is this week at all of the schools. At the high school library from 10:00 until 2:00, seniors will register today, juniors tomorrow, then sophomores on Wednesday followed by freshmen on Friday and that includes new students. A late registration will be held on Tuesday, August 15th from 4:00 in the afternoon to 8:00 that evening. If a family has more than one child or sibling in high school, you are more than welcome to register all of them on the same day when one of the students is required. At the middle school in the cafeteria from 8:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon, 8th graders will register today with the 7th graders registering tomorrow, and 6th graders on Wednesday New students and those that missed their designated registration date can register on Friday. The high school and middle school will have an open house on Monday, August 21st from 4:30 until 7:00. The Salem Upper Elementary School student registration will be held from today through Wednesday from 10:00 in the morning until 6:00 in the evening. The William Lynch Elementary School registration will be held Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00 in the morning to 2:00 in the afternoon. All students must have a parent or guardian with them to register at any school. If you have questions, please call the school you child attends.
A one vehicle accident happened early Saturday morning just after 2:35 in Crawford County on Route O just north of Riverside Drive. According to the highway patrol report, a 2019 ChevroletEquinox being driven by 26-year-old Amber Smith of Cuba, was traveling northbound and traveled off the left side of the road striking a group of trees. The vehicle then overturned coming to rest on its side. Smith along with a passenger, 34-year-old Sheri Miller also of Cuba, suffered serious injuries. Both were taken by the North Crawford County ambulance to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. Neither were wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Equinox sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Chris and Sons Towing. Smith was arrested by the highway patrol for driving while intoxicated leading to a crash with physical injury.
An accident happened Thursday morning just after 9:20 in St. Francois County on Route NN south of Highway 221. According to the highway patrol report a 2018 GMC Terrain being driven north by 55-year-old Lisa Francis of Black hydroplaned on wet pavement and ran off the roadway and struck a tree. Francis, who was wearing a seat restraint, suffered minor injuries and was taken by St. Francois County ambulance to Parkland Health Center in Farmington. The GMC sustained moderate damage and was towed from the scene by Marlers Towing.
The Current River State Park Lodge will host a “Wild Spa Night” for ladies only Thursday from 6:00 until 8:00. Ladies will learn how to make teas from plants found in the “wild” that are very tasty. You can also make your own facial and body scrubs. For more information call Connie at 573-751-1224 or you can e-mail her at connie.weber@dnr.mo.gov.