Local News – Monday, December 7th, 2020
The Salem Christmas Committee wants to congratulate the winner of the 1st Annual Business Window Decorating Contest for this year’s Christmas season. For the 2020 year that business was A Look Aground located at 101 West 4th Street in Downtown Salem. They received a $250 cash prize for their efforts and a banner stating they took 1st place in this year’s window decorating contest. The committee wanted to thank all those businesses who participated and looks to have even more businesses next year enter the contest!
Starting today, the City of Salem Administrative Offices at 400 North Iron Street will reopen to the public in a limited capacity. While the remodel project is not complete, Mayor Brad Nash and City Administrator Ray Walden wanted to reopen the utility office at the location for the public’s convenience while the remaining remodel tasks are completed, including widening the drive-up lane which is expected to be completed in the next couple of weeks. The after-hours drop box for utility payments has been relocated from the west side of the building to the north end near the drive-up window. Customers will be asked to social distance and members of the public needing services other than utilities are asked to call 729-4117 to make appointments until the renovations are completed. Anyone feeling ill is asked to call the office at 729-4117 to see if their needs can be met without coming in. Business hours for the utility office are 8:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon Monday through Friday. While most aspects of the facility will be operational, the full renovation project is not expected to be completed until early next year due to a supplier issue with some of the materials. Mayor Nash and Administrator Walden appreciate the public’s patience while offices were operating out of the council chambers during the remodel.
The Salem Board of Aldermen will meet this evening at the City Hall Council Chambers at 7:00. At the meeting, the board will hear bids for assorted electric and water meters. and also bids for a number of needed materials for the city hall auditorium/theater including ceiling tiles, a sound system, safety lighting and lighting controls. Following the consent agenda, the board will hear a report from Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission Gary Brown from the meeting held on November 30th where a request for a conditional use permit at 407th East 4th Street for a meadery was heard. The board will also hear a report from City Administrator Ray Walden about a new office policy and they will also receive updates on current city projects. The board will hear Resolution 20-2020 which would authorize the mayor to execute a four-year memorandum of understanding between the city and the Salem R-80 School District that would allow the city hall to be used during an emergency situation for the rest of the current school year and to be reviewed and the end of the 2024-2025 school year. The board will then go into closed session to discuss contract and personnel before adjourning. The meeting is open to the public.
The final date for Medicare Part D open enrollment will be Monday, December 7th. Look at your health care coverage today, and see if you need to make any changes for next year. If you’re happy with the Medicare plan you have now, and the plan is still being offered next year, you’re all set. But if you’re thinking about making any changes, look at plans in your area and pick the best mix of benefits and costs that meet your needs and budget. If you are not sure you have the best plan, you are strongly encouraged to have your current plan reviewed to make sure you are enrolled in the most cost-efficient plan for your needs. Aging Best has a team of Community Options & Services professionals standing by to review plans and assist with the changes. It is very important for participants to review their plan each year as many factors can affect their current coverage. To discuss your current plan please call 800-369-5211. Once you’ve made your choice, enrolling online is easy. Easily search and compare all your coverage options at Medicare.gov.