Local News – Wednesday, April 12, 2023

The City of Salem held their regular Board of Alderman meeting Tuesday in the City Hall Council Chambers. The board approved Resolution 12-2023 declaring the results of the Municipal Election official where Amanda Duncan was elected as the West Ward Alderman and Shawn Bolerjack was elected as the East Ward Alderman. City Clerk Tammy Kohler then gave them the oath of office. Alderman Bolerjack was then elected as President of the Board of Aldermen. Mayor Greg Parker received approval for his recommendation for the reappointment of citizens to the city’s committees. There are currently two openings on the Finance Committee and anyone that is interested can leave word at the city administration buidling. In the hearing of persons, David Hancock representing the Salem Running Club and Healthy Dent County, reqested a street closure for the May 20th 2nd Annual Run Salem event. Approval was given to close West Fourth Street from Washington to Highway 19 and East Fourt Street from Highway 19 to Iron Street, as well as the Eastbound Lane of East Fourth Street from Iron to Pershing. The board approved Resolution No 13-2023 to execute a contract change order for the 5 J’s Landscaping and Handyman Services doing rehabilitation work at 102 S. Dilworth as part of the Welcome Home project in the amount of $16,350. The board approved a bid from Pierce Asphalt LLC in the amount of $76,550 for an asphalt overlay project to be done this summer on Water Street from Roosevelt to Margaret, on Iron Street from 5th Street to Rolla Road, the Water Street and 5th Street Loop and on Water Street between Center and 2nd Street. The board approved a bid of $29,454 from Hogan Inc for the painting of the retention tank at Well No. 4 as well as an alternate bid of $31,475 to paint the retention tank at Well No. 2 and a bid for Contact Piping Insulation on Well No. 6 and 8 for $7,400. The board rejected the cost of $6,400 for mural painting replacement on the retention tank at Well No.4. It was discussed asking the Salem R-80 Art Club to repaint the tiger mural or look into other options. The board approved OSHA required climbing gear for the new employee enrolled in the MPUA Apprenticeship Program at a cost of $2,036.26. Mayor Greg Parker thanked the citizens of Salem for approving the Sales Tax and Sewer Bond ballot initiatives. Public Works Director Mark Nash reported city crews are currently filling potholes and changing out electric poles. Aldermwoman Sisco has received complaints about the parking situation at the tire shop on McArthur Street. It was recommended that the city look at creating an enforcable parking ordinance and the administration will work with the aldermen and Police Department to come up with a list of streets that need to be included. Melissa Dubois, the Salem Park and Recreation Department Director reported that there are 300 children enrolled in the soccer program. Summer ball sign ups are going on now with 375 signups to date with one week left. The City Pool will open on May 27th with water aerobics in the morning and swimming lesson times are being changed this year. The Spring Creek Garden Club has donated trees that will be planted in the City Park next week. Alderman Sisco reminded citizens that yard waste pickups now need to be scheduled with the city thrrough a work order but that the city’s yard waste site is open at the Industrial Park for citizen use. Alderman Williams reported there will be a Utility Committee meeting on Wednesday, April 12 at 6:15 pm at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. The board then went into closed session.

Join a park naturalist on a hike to discover our wonderful world of spring wildflowers at the Johnson Shut-Ins State Park this Saturday. This informational trek will provide details on types of flowers, their medicinal uses, and some wild edibles that can be found right in your own backyard! The group will be hiking the 1.5-mile Horseshoe Glade Trail. All participants are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks for this adventure. In the event of inclement weather, the hike will be canceled. If you have any questions about this event, please contact the park naturalist, Dairan Elam-Pyles at 573-546-2450, ext. 1003. The hike will begin at 10:00 in the morning at the Johnson Shut-Ins State Park which is located at 148 Taum Sauk Trail in Middle Brook.

Team members at Current River State Park invite the public to learn to make wildflower jelly from 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon this Saturday and Sunday. If you have ever wondered how to make wildflower jelly that you see everyone posting about on social media, this class is for you. Participants should bring their lunch, a water bottle, and small 4 ounce jars to the workshop. Space is limited, so registration is required. To register or for more information, contact Connie Weber at connie.weber@dnr.mo.gov or call 751-1224. Current River State Park is located on Highway 19, approximately 23 miles south of Salem and approximately 15 miles north of Eminence. 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.