Local News – Thursday, October 14th, 2021

As reported by Salem Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge Tuesday afternoon, the Salem R-80 Construction Trades Program has been voted the winner of the Strong Communities Award in the Rural category and will be awarded $15,000 by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines. Among the four finalists, there were over 8,000 votes cast. The Salem R-80 Construction Trades Program provides relevant technical training; opportunities for students to develop; and creates a post-secondary pipeline for education and employment. The training program provides students with the creative and technical skills to gain valuable, real-life experience through classroom and on the job training. Much of the training requires extensive hands-on education garnered through paid apprenticeships. Upon graduation, students are fully prepared to work for small and large contracting firms that can eventually lead to roles in project management or administration, as well as gaining certification as a general contractor. In addition, the program is reviving our community through the rehab of homes and building of relationships. The project is supported by The Bank of Salem. Salem R-80 Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed stated the school is excited to be named the winner of the Strong Communities Award and are very humbled and grateful for the support from our community. She went on to say this award will go toward preparing our students with the technical skills needed to be valuable members of the workforce right here in Salem. The next step for the Salem R-80 Construction Trades Program is to construct a building for the program. Over half of the funds, $500,000 are already secured through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awarded to the City of Salem, and there are 50% Youth Opportunities Program (YOP) Tax Credits available through Salem R-80 Schools to anyone who donates toward the building’s construction. Any person, business or entity who pays Missouri Income Taxes can benefit from the Tax Credits, although you may donate to the program regardless. For additional information about the YOP Tax Credits you may contact Dr. Lynne Reed, Superintendent of Salem R80 Schools at 573-729-6642.

Staff members at Meramec State Park invite the public to its annual Halloween event, Spooktacular, this Friday and Saturday. Events will include an evening program presented by a park naturalist, an outdoor movie with free popcorn and hot chocolate, a bonfire, trick-or-treating, a scavenger hunt, a coloring contest and a jack-o’-lantern contest. On Saturday afternoon at 4:45 park staff will close the campground road to provide a safe environment for trick-or-treaters to go campsite to campsite. Campers are encouraged to decorate their campsites, and one campsite will be designated as the “Coolest Campsite.” At 6:30 that evening there will be a nature program at the amphitheater followed by and outdoor showing of the movie Halloweentown II. Saturday will feature a coloring contest beginning at 9 a.m. and a scavenger hunt and jack-o-lantern contest followed by trick or treating at 5:00. The public is strongly encouraged to follow social-distancing guidelines and be proactive in protecting themselves and others. Meramec
State Park is located at 115 Meramec Park Drive, Sullivan. For more information about the meeting, call 573-468-6072. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Farming plays a vital role in Missouri’s economy, history, and identity. In 2020, there were 199 Missouri traffic crashes involving farm equipment. In those crashes, two people were killed and 73 were injured. Whether you’re driving a vehicle or operating farm machinery, you must pay attention to the roadway, other drivers, and traffic signs. Distracted drivers are dangerous drivers. Please pay attention and share the road! Farmers should make sure your farm equipment is properly marked with lights and a “slow-moving vehicle” emblem when you travel on the roadway. If traffic accumulates behind you on the road where it is difficult to make a safe pass, pull off onto the side of the road in a level area, so vehicles can pass. Always drive as far to the right as possible. It’s harder to see you at dawn or dusk, so please don’t travel on the road during those times if possible. Remember: Missouri law allows agricultural machinery and implements to be operated on state highways between the hours of sunset and sunrise for agricultural purposes provided such vehicles are equipped with the required lighting. Like other motor vehicles, most modern farm tractors have seat belts. Always use a seat belt when operating a tractor equipped with a roll-over protection structure. Often, all-terrain vehicles are used for agricultural purposes. ATVs being used for farming can only travel on highways during daylight hours and must be equipped with lights, a bicycle flag, and a “slow-moving vehicle” emblem. The law requires anyone under the age of 18 to wear a safety helmet when operating an ATV; the Patrol, however, recommends operators wear a safety helmet regardless of age. And it’s important for drivers important to do your part. Stay alert for slow moving farm equipment. When you come up behind a tractor or other farm machinery, please slow down and be patient. Wait to pass until you have a clear view of the road ahead and there is no oncoming traffic. Never pass on a hill or curve. Collisions commonly occur when a motorist tries to pass a left-turning farm vehicle. A tractor that appears to be pulling to the right side of the road to let motorists pass, may be preparing to make a wide left turn. Watch the farmer’s hand and light signals closely. It’s important that you pay close attention to farm equipment entering and leaving the highway from side roads and driveways. Special attention must be paid when traveling at dawn or dusk when the sun makes it difficult for drivers to see.