Local News – Wednesday, December 15th, 2021
A one vehicle accident happened Monday evening just before 9:30 in Phelps County on Phelps County Road 3120 just east of Phelps County Road 3110. A 2002 Ford Mustang being driven by 49-year-old Eric Sparks of Rolla, traveled off the right side of the road, struck a ditch and overturned. Sparks was taken by St. James Ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla for treatment of serious injuries. The Mustang was totaled and removed from the scene by Tunes Towing. The report went on to state that Sparks was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident.
The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met for the regular meeting Tuesday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. After the consent agenda was approved, West Ward Alderman Kevin James, read a prepared statement thanking the alderman, the mayor and city staff as well as his family for helping him during his time of service. Mayor Steelman thanked him for his service to our community. Steelman appointed and the Board approved having Catherine Dent to fill the unexpired term of James. City Clerk Tammy Koller then gave the Oath of Office to Dent. The board then elected East Ward Alderman Shawn Bolerjack as the new Board President. City Administrator Ray Walden reported that a Request for Proposal for the city-wide financial software has been advertised with a deadline for the end of January for submission. He is working with a consultant for the utility audit. The Salem Community Center@the Armory had a total of 4,915 participants in November. The city offices will be closed on Thursday, December 23rd and Friday, December 24th as well as Friday, December 31st for the holidays. Mayor Steelman announced that her top priorities to complete before her term ends in April is to upgrade software, take a comprehensive look at employee benefits with ways to attract top talent, and continue to update city codes, especially those for properties. City of Salem Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge reported that progress is being made on the Certified Site at the Industrial Park and bids for site clearing are due on December 27th. A Request for Qualifications is out now for a Housing Study and although the city was not funded for the full Federal Home Loan Bank grant, they are an alternate project that could still receive some funding. Applications are now being taken for the next round of home demolition. Public Works Director Mark Nash reported that the electric department is making several upgrades in service. A new water line was installed at 503 Jackson Street and Well #8 has had some repair work done on the well controls. Park and Recreation Director Melissa DuBois reported that the Light Up the Park has 30 displays and encouraged everyone to visit the City Park to see the lights and listen to Christmas music on 97.5 FM. City of Salem basketball practices have now started with games scheduled to begin in January at the Salem Community Center@the Armory gymnasium. There are 15 teams and 1 cheer squad. Alderman Bolerjack announced a Utility Committee meeting will be held on Monday, December 20th at 6 PM at the Salem Community Center@the Armory. Alderman Parker announced that he has decided to file for the Mayoral position. Chief Joe Chase requested approval to submit a request to the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant to purchase updated ballistic helmets and shields for critical incidents. The board approved this request. Chase reported that he and Sheriff Bob Wells are working on securing storm shelter locations and will announce a list in the future. The board then went into closed session to discuss contracts.
The Dent County Sheriff's Department has released several reports. On Thursday, December 9th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at Route P and Dent County Road 5130. As a result of the stop, a 32-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while being intoxicated. He was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. The next day, Friday the 10, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at Highway 19 and 3rd Street. During the stop a 52-year-old Salem woman and a 56-year-old Bucyrus man were arrested for possession of a controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Both were transported to the Dent County Jail, where they were fingerprinted and incarcerated pending the application of warrants. And finally on Sunday the 12th, a deputy stopped a vehicle at the junction of Highway 68 and Highway 19 North. During the stop, a 32-year-old man from Salem was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended. A 19-year-old Salem man was also arrested for a warrant out of Dent County. Both were transported to the Dent County Jail and fingerprinted. The 19-year-old man was incarcerated on his warrant and the 32-year-old man was issued a summons to appear and released.
The Salvation Army is proud to announce that all the angels from the “Angel Tree” at Wal-Mart have now been adopted. They want to thank all those who made the conscious effort to select an angel and make sure that these children will have a wonderful Christmas morning. Don’t forget the bell ringers will be ringing the bell this Friday and Saturday and again next Friday at Wal-Mart, Country Mart and Dollar General as they continue their quest to reach their goal to provide assistance to people in 2022. If you would still like to ring the bell, please call Sherry at 729-8163.