Local News – Thursday, September 16th, 2021
The Ozark National Scenic Riverways has a variety of great trails for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can explore trails independently or can participate in several ranger-led hiking events planned throughout the fall. Social distancing will be encouraged during ranger-led hikes. For hikes where shuttles are offered, masks will be required for visitors on the shuttles. The fall hiking season will kick off with activities in the Round Spring area Saturday, September 18th, and continue with special activities nearly every weekend through early November. All activities and events are free of charge and pre-registration is not required. Now is the time to start planning fall and winter hiking adventures. Plan accordingly when hiking or participating in any outdoor recreational activity. Hikers should take weather conditions into consideration and be prepared during all seasons. Drinking water, rain gear, map, snacks, flashlight, sturdy hiking shoes, clothing appropriate for the weather and terrain, and emergency campfire supplies are recommended. Always remember to inform someone of your plans. The September 18th hike will be from Round Spring to Echo Bluff State Park. Visitors will complete the first leg of the Current River Challenge hike and float adventure and learn about other trail opportunities throughout the park. This 4.25- mile hike begins at 10 in the morning at the Round Spring pavilion parking lot. At the conclusion of the hike the Ozark Riverways Foundation, the official Friends Group for Ozark National Scenic Riverways, will host a celebration for hikers at Echo Bluff State Park with food, refreshment, and games. A shuttle back to Round Spring will also be provided by Ozark Riverways Foundation. Trails are a major attraction for visitors to the area. Many come to float and paddle on the river trails. Horse enthusiasts travel from great distances to participate in area trail rides. The Ozark Trail passes through the park and local communities. Volunteer groups attract hundreds of people to build and maintain trails. Trails are an important part of the local heritage and of the recreational opportunities available in the Ozarks today. Fall is the perfect time to enjoy all that the area trails have to offer. For more information about any of the hikes, contact Skyler Bockman at (573) 323-8093 or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/ozar.
The Salem Area Arts Council is seeking donations for the “Taste of the Arts” expo that will be held Saturday at the Creative Arts Center behind the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center at 202 South Main Street to be used for prizes and giveaways. Donations may be in the form of a percentage off of a meal, a free meal, trinkets or anything that you have to spare. Monetary donations are accepted as well. Every time someone wins a certificate your business will be announced and thanked for your donation. If you would be willing to donate any items or discount coupons, or cash, please contact President Danielle Norris at 573-247-5306 or Tana Kettner at 573-247-0651.
The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be meeting this evening at 6:00 in the High School Library. After the consent agenda, the Board will be updated on the Middle School ELA – 40 Book Challenge and hear an update on capital projects from ESP. Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed will report on a variety of issues followed by principals’ reports, as well as the athletics and facilities report. In new business, the board will approve the bus routes and Special Education Compliance Plan. The Board will also consider changes to policy SRCSP, approve revised assistant superintendent job description and approve revised policy GDBDA. The Board will then go into closed session. The regular meeting of the Salem R-80 Board of Education this evening is open to the public.
Representatives from Missouri State Parks invite the public to attend an informational meeting at Missouri Mines State Historic Site on Saturday, September 18th. The meeting will begin at 4:00 in the afternoon at the museum. The public is invited to share comments and ask questions about the site and its operations. Representatives from the park will be present to provide information and to answer questions. Input from the public is important to Missouri State Parks. These informational meetings, which are being held in all state parks and historic sites, help create two-way communication with the public. The meetings give staff the opportunity to let people know the current status and future plans for the park or historic site, and they offer visitors the opportunity to comment on the facilities. The public is strongly encouraged to follow social-distancing guidelines and be proactive in protecting themselves and others. Missouri Mines State Historic Site is located at 4000 State Highway 32, Park Hills, in southeast Missouri. For more information about the meeting, call the site at 573-431-6226. 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.
The Salem Eagles will be hosting a custom and classic car show this Saturday at 5111 West Highway 32 starting at noon and until lasting until who knows! If you have a classic car, truck, bike or big rig, come on out! There will be food, beverages and fun, and everyone is invited to come on out and enjoy!