Local News – Wednesday, February 21st, 2024
The Salem R-80 Board of Education met last Thursday for their regular board meeting. In the Parents as Teachers report, Dr. Herman Blau reported with Mrs. Mary Beth Patrick that the program currently services 20 families and 22 children. There is currently a waiting list as the program tries to build capacity. In the Superintendent’s report, Dr. Lynne Reed said the Construction Trades building is done except for the setting of the transformer which cannot be done by the city until June. She also noted the batting cages have been installed in the new tin gym. She said all the necessary paperwork was submitted to the Dent County Clerk’s office for the ballot measures in time to be put on the April ballot. The “We Support Education” committee has been established, with co-chairs Dustin Howard & Abbie Woolf, and treasurer Sherman Odom. Reed stated the insurance loss ratio at Salem R-80 was the lowest it’s been in a few years at 80%. This means for every dollar paid in premiums, 80 cents is paid out in claims. The school has run as high as 142% in recent years. After the building principals gave their reports, the board approve the contract with HTK for the FEMA building, approved the 2024-2025 school calendar, and clarified board policy GCBA to indicate that graduate hours toward a degree or certificate beyond a teacher’s current education level will be compensated on the salary schedule. The school board set the March Board of Education meeting for March 14th at 5:30 at the district administrative offices, and set the William Lynch open house for March 12th from 4:00 until 6:00 in the afternoon. The board heard the first reading of an MSBA Board policy update before accepting the resignations of Jackson Mitchell, Dr. Amanda Irwin, Kim Dunn and custodians Steven McDonald and George Ward. The board went into closed session where the board approved hiring Mark Howard as assistant track coach and Sheri Green as volunteer assistant track coach. A motion was then made to offer all principals and directors a contract for the 2024-2025 school year which was approved by the board with Chris Heavin abstaining. A motion was then approved by the board to employ Clay Moody as an assistant high school principal for the 2024-2025 school year. After a personnel issue was discussed, the meeting was adjourned.
A meeting of the city of Salem Utility Committee has been called by Committee chair Kyle Williams for this evening at 6:15 at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. After the roll call and approval of the minutes from the January 10th meeting, the board will hear reports and updates concerning financials, and utility billing and payments. That will be followed by an update on the electric rate study that will be done after the financial audit of the city that will be presented at the next alderman meeting. The committee will get an MMMPEP update from the January meeting and hear work reports from city employees. A question and comment period will be held before the meeting is adjourned. The meeting this evening is open to the public.
Route A in Reynolds, Dent and Shannon counties will be reduced to one lane as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform edge rut repairs. This section of roadway is located from Highway 72 in Reynolds County to Highway 19 in Shannon County. Weather permitting, this work will take place from 8:00 this morning until 2:00 in the afternoon. The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area. For additional information, contact MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/southeast.
An accident happened Tuesday morning at 7:25 in Phelps County on Highway 8 about a half mile east of St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 Chevrolet Suburban being driven west by 18-year old Kaien Martin of St. James, failed to negotiate a curve. Martin then overcorrected and traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned, coming to rest on its side. Martin, who was not wearing a seat restraint, suffered minor injuries and was taken to Phelps Health by a family member. The Suburban was totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing.
The Salem Acoustic Jam will be held this Saturday at the Creative Arts Center at 6:30. Come on out, bring your instrument and join in, or just come to listen to the music and tap your feet. All types of music are played, and whether you are a beginner or seasoned pro, everyone is welcome to participate and there is NO CHARGE to attend.