Local News – Monday, May 3rd, 2021
An accident happened Saturday evening at 10:25 in Iron County on Highway 49 in Annapolis. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Chevy Silverado driven southbound by 36-year-old Benjamin Smith of Salem, traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned, ejecting Smith from the vehicle. Smith suffered serious injuries and was taken by Air Medical to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Smith was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Silverado was totaled and removed from the scene by Forshee Towing.
The Salem R-80 Board of Education held a special meeting Tuesday at the Salem R-80 District Administrative Offices. The board immediately went into closed session where they employed Brittany Brown as a high school science instructor and Bryson Barnes as the high school head football coach. The meeting was then adjourned.
The City of Salem Utility Committee will be meeting tonight at 6:00 in the City Hall Council Chambers at 202 North Washington before the board of aldermen meeting. Committee Chair Shawn Bolerjack will discuss billing cycle options before adjourning. The Salem Board of Aldermen will then meet this evening in council chamber at 7:00. During the hearing of persons, Marty Anderson from 801 Thomas Avenue would like to discuss his electric bill, and Heather Johnson from Salem R-80 would like to request a street closure between 1st and 2nd streets in front of the Developmental Preschool for Farm Day. After the consent agenda, the board will look at bids for the 4th of July Fireworks and a Biochemical Oxygen Demand Incubator. During the introduction and reading of bills there are eleven items to be discussed. Resolution #8-2021 authorizes the mayor to execute an agreement between the city and the Dent County Commons for the 2021 4th of July fireworks display; Bill #3478 would create an ordinance to authorize the mayor to execute an agreement for the TAP project between the city and the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission to install and improve pedestrian facilities along 4th Street from Iron to Washington Streets; Resolution #9-2021 would authorize the mayor to sign an agreement between the City of Salem and United Healthcare for medical insurance for city employees; Bill #3479 would create an ordinance authorizing the mayor to sign an execute an agreement between the city of Salem and Donald Maggi, Inc. for the sewer extension at Route J and Highway 72; and Resolution #10-2021 that would authorize the mayor to execute an agreement between the city and Terex Financial Services for the lease of a hydraulic rotating digger derrick with a turntable winch. The board will discuss Resolution #12-2021 and #13-2021 that would authorize the city to accept perpetual utility easements on property on Highway 19 south owned by Bryan and Rebecca S. Smith, and another perpetual utility easement located on or near Route J and Highway72; Bill #3480 that would allow the city to resume assessing utility penalties and disconnect services for non-payment as described under City of Salem Code Chapter 700; Resolution #14-2021 that would authorize the mayor to execute an agreement between the City of Salem and Fusion Link Communication LLC for public relations; and Resolution #15-2021 that would authorize the mayor to execute an agreement between the city and Exceleron Software LLC that would allow customers to pay be credit card, debit card, and E-check through a mobile app and online through the payment portal. The board will then hear from City Administrator Ray Walden who will give an update on city projects. Both the Utility Committee and the Board of Aldermen meeting are open to the public tonight.
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) crews will be making driving surface improvements on Highway 19 in Shannon County this week. Starting on Wednesday, a seal coat treatment will be used to create a smoother driving surface on Highway 19 between Route A and Route KK. Crews will close one lane on each route between 6:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. each day. Flaggers and a pilot car will be in place to guide traffic through the work area. Seal coats are a pavement repair process that is used by MoDOT on roads with lower traffic volumes to maximize available resources and extend the life of a roadway. Hot emulsion oil is sprayed onto the surface of the road, followed by finely ground rocks which are then compacted to adhere to the roadway. Excess material is swept off the surface, leaving an improved roadway that will hold up longer against the elements. Drivers are encouraged to slow down in work zones, obey all traffic signs and give crews on the road plenty of room. Delays are possible and MoDOT says they appreciate the patience of travelers while the work takes place. As part of National Work Zone Awareness Week, MoDOT is asking drivers to work with us this construction season. Always buckle up and keep your phone down, and slow down and move over in work zones.