Local News – Thursday, August 16th, 2018
An accident happened in Dent County at 7:10 Wednesday morning on Route H near Dent County Road 2400. According to the highway patrol report, a 2016 Chevy Malibu driven westbound by 61-year old Eva Lewis of Salem, began to slide on wet pavement, crossed the centerline and traveled off the left side of the roadway where the Malibu struck a mailbox. The Malibu continued forward and traveled down a steep embankment and overturned. Lewis suffered minor injuries and was transported to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by the Salem Hospital Ambulance. Lewis was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The 2016 Chevy Malibu was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.
The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold a tax rate hearing at 5:50 this evening followed by the regular board meeting at 6:00 at the Salem District Administrative Offices Boardroom. At the meeting, the board will hear from Superintendent John McColloch about Professional Development Days before the principals from all the schools will give their reports on open houses and the first day of school. The school board will review and approve the annual Secretary of the Board’s report, discuss the proposed tax rate from the hearing held prior to the regular meeting, approve the Dent County Developmental Preschool Lease, consider a truck purchase for the Construction Trades Program an consider a construction bid for the Phase 10 Project. The board will then go into closed session to discuss personnel. The Salem R-80 Board of Education meeting for Thursday will start with the tax rate hearing at 5:50 followed by the regular board meeting at the District Administrative Office and both are open to the public.
The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a semi-pro rodeo, sanctioned by MRCA/URA and produced by Outlaw Rodeo Productions this Labor Day weekend at the Commons on Highway 72 North. On Saturday, September 1st and Sunday, September 2nd beginning at 7:30 each night, you can watch the spirit of the Old West come alive with events such as team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, and the all-time crowd favorite, bull riding! Saturday night is also Red, White and Blue Night in honor of our Veterans. Advanced tickets are available at The Bank of Salem, Town and Country Bank, Riverways Federal Credit Union, Progressive Ozark Bank and the Salem Chamber office at 200 S Main. Prices are $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 5-11. If you have any questions, or would like to become a vendor, contact Tabatha at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce at 729-6900.
Today is the first day of school in Dent County and the Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds drivers this brings a change in traffic patterns as school buses will be back on the road and parents will be taking their children to school. Add this to the other motorists on the road and it could affect the morning and afternoon commute. It is critical for drivers to be alert, especially near school zones, playgrounds, and bicycle paths. Whatever route you drive, expect this additional traffic and prepare by allowing extra time to reach your destination. In 2017, five people were killed and 401 people were injured in 869 traffic crashes involving school buses. Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about riding a bus, walking, or driving to school in a safe manner. They should remind their children not to be on their cell phone while driving. Texting is against the law for anyone under the age of 22. Distractions are one of the major causes of traffic collisions with young people before and after school. 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.
Labor Day weekend brings a surge of travel across the nation. During the summer’s last holiday many will make the conscious mistake of driving impaired. Getting arrested could be the least of your worries. An impaired driving arrest could cost you thousands of dollars in fines, court costs and lawyer fees, not to mention you could also lose your license, lose your job or even take someone’s life! This year’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” high-visibility crackdown will run this Friday, August 17th through the Labor Day holiday on September 3rd. Statewide, law enforcement made 242 driving while being intoxicated arrests, 27 driving under the influence drug arrests and 23 minors in possession arrests during this campaign last year. In 2017, 196 people were killed and 605 seriously injured in Missouri crashes that involved at least one substance-impaired driver. We are all a part of the solution. To learn more about impaired driving and how you can Arrive Alive, visit saveMOlives.com.
The “Fall’s-a-Comin” Art Party will be held this Friday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 at the Creative arts Center behind the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center. For $25 per person, adults can paint a fun autumn scene and put their own creative spin on it. All supplies are provided including the acrylic paints, aprons, brushes, canvas and easel. Danielle Norris will lead the class. Make your reservation by calling 247-0279 t pay your registration and secure your spot