Local News – Thursday, May 20th, 2021
The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be meeting this evening at 6:00 in the High School Library for their regular meeting. After the consent agenda the Board will hear communications. Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed will report on a variety of issues, followed by Administration Reports. In new business the board will approve meal prices for 2021-2022, consider bus purchases, consider fall and spring softball schedule for 2021-2022, consider bids for a storage building, and set the June meeting date if different from June 17th. The Board will then hear resignations before adjourning and moving into Executive Session for the discussion of personnel. The regular Board meeting in the High School Library is open to the public.
The Alice Lou Craig Municipal Swimming Pool will be opening this weekend and Family Pool Passes are still available for $160 which is good for four people. Any additional family members can be added for $45 per person. Private Pool Parties can also be booked starting at $150 for an hour. For a pool party during regular hours, the cost is $75 which includes thew use of the pavilion and 10 guests. Aerobics and swim lessons will again be offered this year. The pool will be open Monday through Saturday from noon until 6:00 PM and Sunday afternoon from 1:00 until 6:00. The daily cost is $4.00 for children, $5.00 for adults and seniors 62 and older can get in for $4.00. For more information, call 729-6290 of 573-247-6031.
An accident occurred in Dent County Tuesday afternoon at 5:16 on Route 68 about 2 miles north of Salem. According to the highway patrol report a northbound 1995 GMC Pickup, driven by 24-year-old Zhackiary Heuser of Cook Station, struck a northbound 2000 Ford F150, driven by 64-year-old Jerry Norris, of Salem, in the rear as the Ford was making a right turn. Norris and an 8-year-old Juvenile passenger in the Ford both suffered minor injuries and were transported by EMS to Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment of their injuries. The report went on to state that all occupants of the two vehicles were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. Both vehicles sustained moderate damage. The GMC was removed by the owner, while the Ford was able to be driven from the scene. The Highway Patrol was assisted by the Dent County at the scene by the Sheriff’s Office.
The Missouri Department of Conservation is set to launch a new canine unit through its Protection Branch this summer. The new unit, consisting of five dogs and their conservation agent-handlers, will be stationed around the state and used as necessary to work throughout Missouri. According to MDC, the capabilities of canines are extensive in conservation related
work, but common uses include tracking, evidence recovery, search and rescue, wildlife detection, and public outreach programs. Another rapidly growing use of canines is in the field of endangered and invasive species. There are currently 36 other states using dogs in their conservation efforts. Retriever-style dog breeds were specifically purchased for the MDC program, which consists of three Labrador Retrievers and two German Shorthaired Pointers. The dogs will be used for a variety of enforcement investigations, such as evidence recovery and wildlife trafficking. They will also be used in public outreach programs at fairs and schools. MDC has partnered with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, which has its own canine training program, to provide certified canine training services. The canine handlers and their partners initiated a rigorous nine-week training program with Indiana DNR in February and graduated from the program May 14th. The launch of the MDC canine unit is supported through a partnership with both Diamond Pet Foods and Purina, which sponsored the canine team and is providing dog food.
A carnival with proceeds to benefit Grace Harbor Homeless Shelter will be held this Saturday afternoon May 22nd from 2:00 until 5:00 at the Salem United Methodist Church. Tickets may be purchased in advance by contacting Kathy Bryant at 739-9163 or Jenny Summers at 247-7062. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. You are invited to bring your lawn chair, blanket, and your family and friends. Please keep in mind that smoking, vaping, and drugs and alcohol are not allowed on the grounds of the church.
A summer “kick off” will take place at Akers for the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. The free event features an open-air celebration of the
Akers community beginning at 9:00 this Saturday. The lawn around the Akers Visitor Center will host information booths and exhibits about historic communities on the banks of the Current River. Participants will be able to take part in activities including a paddle from Welch to Akers, a self-guided hike to Welch Spring and cave, a tour of Mt. Zion Church, and a tour of Akers Cemetery with a civil war “ghost”. Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserves the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, the surrounding natural resources, and the unique cultural heritage of the Ozark people. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/ozar or call (573) 323-4236.