Local News – Thursday, June 9th, 2022
The Salem Board of Aldermen held a special meeting Tuesday evening at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. At the meeting, the board approved Resolution #19-2022 that added June 19th or “Juneteenth” to its list of state holidays where city employees will receive paid time-off. Mayor Greg Parker recommended the addition of Angie Hammons to the Salem Public Library Board to replace Joe Brand who resigned from the board, and also to add Thomas Relford to the Capital Improvement Committee. The board approved his recommendations. The board also approved the closing of South Water from the intersection of Franklin and Water Streets and the end of the Grace Community Church parking lot from 2:00 until 6:30 for the church’s Kids Crusade this Friday, June 10th. The board went on to approve a partial payment of $40,170.75 to Godi Excavating for clearing and erosion work on the Certified Site in the Masters’ Industrial Park. That amount came to 60% of the contracted cost of $70,475. The special meeting was followed by the Utility Committee meeting to discuss electric rates. The committee was provided updated information from Finance Director Stacey Houston on the electric fund, water fund, and sewer fund. The numbers showed the projected balance of the electric fund at the end of the 2021-2022 year at a negative $15,768 with a projected negative balance at the end of the next fiscal year of $1,381,229. The water and sewer fund also showed negative balances at the end of the next fiscal year calling for the committee to adjust rates. Utility Committee Chairman Kyle Williams discussed a Service Availability Fee to cover the deficit, a straight rate increase, or a combination of a fee and rate increase. Not only was the negative fund balance a concern for the utility committee, but the lack of reserves for the electric department. It was determined the city was charging $0.106 per kwh after the last rate increase as the wholesale price they were paying was 6.8 cents per kwh. But after the calculation was made for the last full year, the city was paying $0.1037 per kwh for electric expenses. The committee came down to three options which they voted on: a Service Availability Fee of $43 for everyone every month, a 27% rate increase by itself to cover the deficit, or a hybrid of a $10 Service Availability Fee with a sunset after one year to add money to the electric reserves and a 27% rate increase to cover the deficit. The committee unanimously agreed to recommend the hybrid of a Service Availability Fee and rate increase to the Board of Aldermen at the next meeting. The meeting was then adjourned.
A one vehicle accident happened early Wednesday morning just after 5:30 in Phelps County on Highway 68 about 8 miles south of St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a 2018 Mazda CX5 being driven south by 25-year-old Kathy Piatt of Salem, struck a tree that had fallen onto the roadway. Piatt was taken by a private vehicle to the Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The Mazda sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing.
An accident happened Tuesday afternoon just after 12:30 in Pulaski County on westbound Interstate 44 near the 167.5 mile-marker. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2022 Mazda CX5 being driven by 34-year-old Hillary Sullivan of High Ridge was struck from behind by a 2014 Ford Escape being driven by 46-year-old David Bridges of Rolla. Bridges suffered serious injuries. The driver of the Mazda, along with two passengers, 68-year-old Cynthia Asher of Crestwood and a 12-year-old girl, all suffered minor injuries. All of the injured parties were transported by ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla. The report went on to state that all involved were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by T and C Towing.
The Missouri Department of Conservation invites the public to get hooked on fishing through its Free Fishing Days this Saturday and Sunday. During Free Fishing Days, anyone may fish in the Show-Me State without having to buy a fishing permit, trout permit, or trout park daily tag. Free Fishing Days is an annual MDC event that takes place statewide during the Saturday and Sunday following the first Monday in June. Aside from not needing permits, other fishing regulations remain in effect during Free Fishing Days, such as limits on size and number of fish an angler may keep. Special permits may still be required at some county, city, or private fishing areas. Trespass laws remain in effect on private property. MDC reminds anglers in Missouri that fishing permits are required before and after June 11th and 12th, unless an angler is exempt by age or other factors. All other fishing regulations are also in effect.
Montauk State Park will be hosting a free Fly-Fishing Clinic this Saturday afternoon at 1:00. The clinic will be held in the field adjacent to the Dorman L. Steelman Lodge. The clinic is open to all ages and skill levels. Experienced anglers will demonstrate fly fishing and casting techniques. Participants will be able to practice in the open field. Trout park fishing strategies and successful trout fishing tactics will be discussed. No registration is required. For more information contact the park at 573-548-2201.