Local News – Wednesday, February 23rd, 2022
An accident claimed the life of an Edgar Springs woman Tuesday afternoon at 1:45 in Texas County on Pump Station Road about six miles north of Roby. The report from the highway patrol states that 41-year-old Elizabeth Keeping-Hudson was sitting in a 2005 Chevy Trailblazer facing eastbound, when a tree fell on the roof of the vehicle. Keeping-Hudson was pronounced dead by Texas County Coroner Marie Lasater at 2:45 and was taken to Fox Funeral Home in Licking. The Trailblazer was removed from the scene by Arrington’s Towing. The highway patrol was assisted on the scene by the Roby Fire Department.
The Salem Board of Aldermen met Tuesday evening in the City Hall Council Chambers. At the meeting after approval of the consent agenda, the board tabled Bill No. 3500 an ordinance to extend the project time period for work on taxi lanes at the airport until corrected dates are received. The board approved Resolution No. 4-2022 authorizing the mayor to enter into the affordable housing program agreement with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines and Riverways Federal Credit Union for the Welcome Home 2021 Project. Salem Park and Recreation Director Melissa DuBois reported there were 60 basketball games held at the Salem Community Center@the Armory during the youth basketball season. The recent Youth Football Skills and Drills camp was successful. Soccer signups are going on now with the final date to register is February 28th. Again this year a summer camp will be held for two weeks in July. The Ozark Actors Theater will host a youth Performing Arts Camp at the City Hall. DuBois is currently seeking sponsors for the baseball season where banners are placed on the ball field fences. The City of Salem Parks and Recreation Department will partner with the Bonebrake Center to split a college intern for the 12-week program. Applications are currently being accepted. City Administrator Ray Walden reported that budget meetings will be held in the near future. Public Works Director Mark Nash reported staff has been working on installing new electric service, changing poles and transformers, and fixing potholes. Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge reported that timber clearing is continuing at the Master’s Industrial Park, and that she and Finance Director Stacy Houston will attend upcoming training for the Welcome Home 2021 Project. The board then went into closed session.
Dr. Kyle Ouzts of the Dent County Veterinary Clinic in Salem will be hosting a live fifteen-minute radio call in show on KSMO Radio 1340 AM TODAY at 1:00 in the afternoon. Dr. Ouzts talks about pet safety and different things that effect your furry friends. So, get your questions ready and call Dr. Ouzts starting at 1:00 at 573-729-6659.
The Salem R-80 Board of Education in closed session Thursday hired Ashley Gordon as the Assistant Volleyball Coach for the 2022-23 school year. The board also extended the contracts of principal Rich Parks of Salem Middle School one year through 2023-24, principal Melanie Wisdom at the Upper Elementary School one year through 2023-24, Athletic Director and Transportation Director Clay Moody for one year through 2023-24, William Lynch Elementary School Principal Herman Blau an additional year through 2023-24, Jody Heavin had her contract extended one year to 2023-24, Assistant High School Principal Tori Snitker had her contract extended two additional years through 2023-24, and the Administrative Intern Branden Piatt had his contract extended a year through the 2022-23 school year. Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed also discussed the growth plans and evaluations for all district administrators. The closed session and meeting were then adjourned.
Join Alley Spring Park Rangers on Saturday evening, February 26th at 6:00 at the Alley General Store for a guided evening interpretive hike to listen for and learn about owls and coyotes. It will be a “hoot of a time” and one “howl of a prowl”! You’ll learn fact and folklore about these little understood creatures of the night before hiking up Alley Hollow in search of the nighttime predators. All things “owl” and “howl” will be displayed in front of the Alley General Store prior to the hike. Rangers will use recorded calls to encourage owls and coyotes to respond and venture close enough for a good look. The hike will be less than a mile, but please come prepared for chilly temperatures. Visitors are encouraged to bring a flashlight for the night hike. Bring your sweetheart for a little belated Valentine’s celebration, as owls should be looking for their own “valentine” around this time of year. The Alley General Store is on the grounds near Alley Spring, located six miles west of Eminence on Highway 106. Visitors can park in front of the General Store Visitor Center. Please dress warmly and make sure all children are accompanied by an adult. For more information, phone (573) 226-3945, or visit the park’s Facebook page or website at www.nps.gov/ozar.