Local News – Monday, March 28th, 2022
The Salem Memorial District Hospital has revised their visitor restrictions effective last Tuesday. Although you still must wear a mask while visiting anyone at the hospital unless you have respiratory issues doing so, many of the former restrictions have been lifted with visitor hours now from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday through Friday and from 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday. There are different rules for patients with or without COVID-19. You can view all the revised visitor instructions online at SMDH.net or contact the hospital at 729-6626 if you have questions.
An accident occurred on the morning of Saturday, March 19th in Salem on Highway 32. According to the Salem Police Report, a 2020 Ford F-150 driven by Joseph Nelson of Ava, was traveling west towards the intersection of Highway 72 where a deer was standing in the road. The Ford traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a MODOT yield sign and began sliding in the grass. The Ford then struck a ditch and overturned. During the accident, damage was caused to the fence owned by American Muffler and Tire. Nelson indicated he had hip pain but declined medical attention. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by American Muffler and Tire.
Volunteers for AARP continue to offer free tax filing assistance at the Salem Community Center@The Armory computer lab on Fridays, but appointments are filling up fast. New appointments will continue to be made on Fridays now through April 15th and times are still available. This local service is provided entirely by AARP trained volunteers and will be the 18th year that Healthy Dent County has partnered with AARP to provide this free tax service to our community. The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers are trained in filing certain tax forms and schedules, including the Form 1040. However, the Volunteer Protection Act requires that the volunteers stay in the scope of the program. If counselors feel they do not have adequate knowledge or your return is too complex, you may need to seek another qualified counselor or get paid tax assistance. Items you will need to bring with you to have your tax returns prepared include: Proof of identification such as a picture ID; Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents; or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration. You should also bring birth dates for you, your spouse, and dependents on the tax return. Also needed are wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099- Misc from all employers; year-end Social Security Statements showing total SS received and Medicare payments; and interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099). You should bring a copy of last year’s federal and state returns if available; plus proof of your bank account routing numbers and account numbers for Direct Deposit, such as a blank check or deposit slip. To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms. The Salem Community Center @ the Armory is located at 1200 West Rolla Road. If you still need tax help, make an appointment by calling 729-8163.
Team members at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park invite the public on a spring wildflower hike at 10:00 Saturday morning, April 2nd. This informational trek will provide details on the types of flowers, their medicinal uses and some wild edibles that can be found right in your own backyard. Participants should meet at the Horseshoe Trailhead for a 1.5-mile guided hike. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather, bring water and wear sturdy shoes and insect repellent. In the event of inclement weather, the hike will be canceled. The public is strongly encouraged to follow social-distancing guidelines and be proactive in protecting themselves and others. For more information, contact the park naturalist at 573-546-2450, ext. 1003. You can also find more information on state parks and historic sites, by visiting mostateparks.com.