Local News – Thursday, April 2nd, 2020
The Salem R-80 Board of Education held a special meeting Monday evening at the District Administrative Boardroom. The board amended the agenda to include a closed session to discuss real estate and personnel. The board approved leaving the SECE Insurance Consortium that provided health insurance for the Salem R-80 School District through June 30th. The board also approved accepting a bid from United Health Care for health insurance for the 2020-2021 school year pending a bid from a local agent. In closed session the board approved purchasing the house and land located at 1407 West Rolla Road adjacent to the R-80 Administrative Central Office from Town and Country bank for $51,100. The house and land were paid using an donation from the Judson Young Foundation that came to $52,600. Also in closed session, the board approved employing Dr. Herman Blau as the next principal at William Lynch Elementary as well as the Federal Programs Coordinator. With no other business at hand, the meeting was then adjourned.
The Salem Police Department has released reports for March 22nd and 24th. On Sunday night, March 22nd, at approximately 10:30, an officer responded to the 700 block of south Orchard Street after hearing of a pursuit involving a car with license plates that checked back to this address. Contact was made with the owner of the vehicle and it was found that the vehicle had been taken from the residence. The vehicle was listed into MULES as stolen. On Monday, March 23rd, the vehicle was found abandoned in Licking and returned to the owner. The incident is still under investigation. Finally on Tuesday morning, March 24th, at approximately 11:55, an officer was dispatched to the 300 block of north Pershing for a report of a stolen UTV. It was reported that the UTV was taken from the residence at an unknown time. The UTV is described as a 2014 red and black Polaris Ranger. This incident is still under investigation. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an investigation.
Out of an abundance for caution and in response to recent events, Missouri State Parks will modify operations at five state parks to address overcrowding and concerns regarding public safety. The modifications, including the temporary closure of four of Missouri’s state parks and partial closure of one additional park, go into effect at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 2nd, and are scheduled to continue until April 30th. Carol Comer, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, said we’re continuing to evaluate the situation and make adjustments to operations as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves. As conditions and recommendations change, we will make additional closures as needed. Before heading out to a state park, we encourage our citizens to check mostateparks.com for advisory updates and the latest actions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the KSMO listening area the operation modifications will include Elephant Rocks State Park. Missouri State Parks encourages those who visit a park to carry hand sanitizer, soap, wipes and drinking water as services may be limited. In addition, please be considerate of others and the Missouri State Parks staff who continue to serve the public. If you have any questions, please contact Missouri State Parks at moparks@dnr.mo.gov. For the latest updates on Missouri State Parks’ response to COVID-19, visit mostateparks.com/response.
While it’s important to know how to keep yourself and your family safe from physical harm during severe weather events, preparation for these weather emergencies doesn’t end there. The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance wants consumers to know the importance of making sure they’re adequately covered BEFORE a severe weather event occurs. Although you may already have a homeowners or renters insurance policy, make sure you know exactly what it covers. If you don’t own a policy, arrange to purchase one as soon as possible in order to protect yourself and your family from a devastating loss. Waiting until a storm arrives may be too late to protect your home and belongings. It’s important to review your policy each year to make sure your coverage is adequate. It’s easy to forget about important purchases or additions you’ve made to your home and your current level of coverage may not be enough to replace what you own. And, not all policies and levels of coverage are equal – in fact, they vary greatly. While one policy may cover full replacement of a damaged roof, another policy may depreciate the coverage based on the age of the roof. Flood damage is not covered by standard homeowners policies. If you live in an area prone to flooding, you will need to purchase a federal flood insurance policy through your agent to cover flood damage. Consumers should do this as early as possible, as there is typically a 30-day waiting period from the date of purchase before a policy goes into effect. Being prepared will make it easier for you to file a claim following a severe weather event. Complete a detailed inventory of your household furnishings and take photos of each room in your home. Make lists of other valuables and equipment that don’t appear in the photos. Keep these materials in a safe place outside your home, such as a safe deposit box. The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance provides more severe weather resources and tips for consumers on their website.