Local News – Thursday, August 18th, 2022
Healthy Dent County is bringing a new family program to Salem. The seven weeks of the Strengthening Families program will help you learn tools, skills, and strategies to build a stronger family. This program is designed for all families and provides an opportunity for families to strengthen relationships by opening up the lines of communication. It is fast-paced and offers practical information using videos, discussions, learning games, and family projects. Families who attend have fun while they learn strategies for helping their child make positive decisions in the face of increased peer pressure. This seven-week program will begin on September 13th and run every Tuesday evening through the week of October 25th from 5:00 to 7:30 at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory located at 1200 W. Rolla Road. A family meal will be provided at each of the seven sessions, along with weekly giveaways and a program completion reward for each family that completes the series. Childcare for younger siblings is also available. This program is supported by a community partnership between Healthy Dent County, Four Rivers Community Health Center, and MU Extension and is free for ALL families of youth 10 to 14 years old. Enrollment forms are available by contacting Healthy Dent County at 573-729-8163 or stopping the Salem Community Center@The Armory.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded nearly $2.4 million in financial assistance to the city of St. James for upgrades to its wastewater treatment system. The project is estimated to total just over $2.7 million and is expected to be completed by August 2023. Among an array of system improvements, the project will include construction of a new wet-weather screening structure, a chemical disinfection facility for wet weather flows and a comprehensive sludge pumping system. All improvements will be made on the city’s existing facility site. The project is expected to result in improved wastewater treatment system efficiency so that it can continue serving the city well into the future. The project’s funding consists of a nearly $2.4 million loan through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, in addition to the city’s local share of $352,017. The total project cost is estimated at just over $2.7 million. The funding provided by the department is estimated to save the city’s ratepayers approximately $733,000 in interest over the loan’s 20-year term. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund finances improvements to wastewater treatment facilities, sewer collection systems rehabilitation and extensions, combined sewer overflow corrections, and security, efficiency, and conservation measures.
Communities who borrow from the fund benefit from the below-market interest rate and from assistance provided throughout their project from a helpful department project manager. The department is committed to assisting Missouri communities with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. Through its Financial Assistance Center, the department provides funding opportunities for qualified communities with water quality, wastewater and drinking water infrastructure needs. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. For more information on wastewater and drinking water funding opportunities, visit dnr.mo.gov
MoDOT’s waiver and special over width permit allows drivers in Missouri to obtain the permit at no cost. Haul hay loads of up to 12 feet and 6 inches in width for blankets. Haul hay loads up to 14 feet in width for single trip permits. Move hay during holiday periods and at night. At night, or when visibility is less than 500 feet, drivers must use a reflective, oversized load sign and clearance lights instead of the normal flags required at the edges of the load. Drivers must adhere to all permit requirements, such as using proper signing and lighting and stopping at weigh stations. Drivers should also be advised that most of the southeastern United States is currently under a quarantine zone for imported fire ants, which can be easily spread through the movement of hay. Farmers and ranchers who believe they have received fire ants in a shipment of hay should call their local University of Missouri Extension agent as soon as possible. To obtain a permit, hay haulers should visit www.modot.org/mce to login to order hay permit or permits, or if you are not a regular user of MoDOT Carrier Express to find the link to obtain a Customer ID and password to have access to the MoDOT Carrier Express online. You will need the make, license plate number and vehicle identification number of the power unit and provide the farm business name and address. MoDOT permits cover movement within Missouri only and are required for each truck. Please call MoDOT’s Motor Carrier Services office at 1-800-877-8499 if you have questions.
An accident happened in Crawford County Wednesday afternoon at 1:55 on the Land Town Loop Road about three miles east of Leasburg. According to the highway patrol report, a 2021 Mack Granite driven westbound by 50-year-old Wesley Littrell of Leasburg, and a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix driven eastbound by 44-year-old Keith Griffin of St. James, each failed to maintain their lane and the vehicles struck each other. Suffering minor injuries was a passenger in the Pontiac Grand Prix, 31-year-old Patricia Pendleton of Steelville. She sought her own private care. Everyone involved in the accident was wearing a seat restraint. The 2021 Mack Granite had minor damage and was driven from the scene, while the 2004 Pontiac sustained moderate damages and was also driven from the scene.