Local News – Thursday, June 2nd, 2022
Eleven people died in traffic crashes over the 2022 Memorial Day weekend counting period from 6:00 Friday evening, May 27th, through 11:59 Monday night, May 30th. Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers investigated 304 crashes, resulting in 115 injuries, and nine fatalities during the 2022 Memorial Day holiday weekend. The patrol also made 121 DWI and seventy-nine drug arrests. The other fatalities were investigated by the Aurora/Marionville Police Department and the Florissant Police Department. There were nineteen boating crashes resulting in thirteen injuries and no fatalities. There was one drowning, plus 6 BWI arrests. In 2021 during the counting period, the Patrol investigated 258 traffic crashes, which resulted in eighty-four injuries and four of the ten fatalities. Also, over the 2021 Memorial Day holiday Marine Operations Troopers investigated twelve boating crashes, which included one fatality and three injuries. Troopers made fifty-seven driving while intoxicated arrests and eight boating while intoxicated arrests. One person drowned over the 2021 Memorial Day holiday.
The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Expo will be held this Saturday at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center parking lot at 1136 South Main Street from 9:00 in the morning until noon. This is a fantastic opportunity to see what Salem Chamber members have to offer. Sales will be allowed at the Expo, however, no alcohol, tobacco, or drug-related items will be permitted on the property. No food sales will be allowed as there will be samples and giveaways only. One table will be provided for each Chamber member who reserves a booth and tents will also be welcome. Non-members may contact the Chamber office to purchase booth space. Set up will take place Saturday morning between 8:00 and 9:00 and all set ups must be complete by 9:00. Chamber members giveaways, drawings, and samples are strongly encouraged although exhibitors are not eligible for prizes. For more information, you may call the Chamber of Commerce office at 573-729-6900, email chamber@salemmo.com or visit www.salemmo.com.
Spend Saturday celebrating the 30th annual National Trails Day at Missouri State Parks throughout the state. There will be many family-friendly activities such as interpretive hikes, guided bike rides and other nature programs will be taking place. The day also encourages visitors to head out for their own trail adventure in a state park or historic site. The American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day initiative is the country’s largest celebration of trails. It is a nationwide event designed to promote and celebrate the importance of trails in the United States. This year’s celebration is about bringing people together to leave the trail and outdoor community better than they found them. For more information about National Trails Day and to see other events being held in Missouri State Parks, visit mostateparks.com.
The Bonebrake Center’s first edition of the 2022 Mudbugs will be held this afternoon from 4:00 until 5:00 and is targeted at 6 to 12-year boys and girls, but all ages are welcome. These activities will be held outside and kids should be prepared to get dirty. Activities should last about an hour and they ask that a parent or guardian accompany your children. The cost of the Mudbug event is $1 per child. For more information, call Janet Price at (573) 269-1026 or e-mail bonebrakecenter@embarqmail.com.
The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold a special board meeting and budget workshop at 6:00 this evening at the Administrative Board Room. After the budget discussion in new business, the board will consider steps for all staff before considering whether or not to opt in to the State of Missouri grant to pay teachers a minimum of $38,000. The board will also consider a 1.75% increase for all classified staff before considering extra payment for all certified teachers who will earn over $38,000 in 2022-23. The board will also consider a Resolution to record the Classroom Trust Fund proceeds from Fund 1 to Fund 4 to pay for capital projects in fiscal year 2023 and fiscal year 2024. The funds include $283,252 from the 2017-18 year, $162,119 from the 2018-19 year and $188,232 from the 2019-2020 year. The board will consider a 10-year loan through the Community Foundation of the Ozarks to funds the Construction Trades Building project. They will also discuss and consider lease financing through LJ Hart and also consider a resolution to join MOCAAT. The board will also hear any resignations before going into executive session to discuss personnel. The special board meeting of the Salem R-80 School Board of Education tonight at 6:00 is open to the public.