Local News – Wednesday, February 9th, 2022
The Salem Board of Aldermen met Tuesday evening in the City Hall Council Chambers. At the meeting, after the approval of the consent agenda, the board approved Bill #3499 to create an ordinance that would amend Chapter 115, Article 1 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Salem pertaining to the qualifications of elected and appointed officials dealing with exceptions. This ordinance is being updated to follow statue guidelines. The board then approved a bid from Fleetwood Fireworks for the 4th of July Fireworks display at a cost of $12,524. Also approved was a rebuilt fuel pump and card reader for the airport for $8,525 that was purchased from Gas Pump Exchange. The price does not include installation. Police Chief Joe Chase will contact Mid State Petroleum for installation. City Administrator Ray Walden reported the HVAC building maintenance project has begun at four city buildings. There were 7,444 participants in programs and events at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory during the month of January. The city administration offices will be closed Monday, February 21st for Presidents’ Day. Jeff Meadows from Archer-Elgin gave an update on several projects ranging from the upgrade of the Wastewater Treatment facility, the Route J & Highway 72 sewer extension and downtown revitalization. Public Works Director Mark Nash reported staff has been working on snow removal and will address all potholes in the near future. If a citizen would like to report a pothole, they are asked to call the city offices at 729-4811. Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge gave an update on several projects She said Godi Excavating is doing the site clearing at the Industrial Park Certified Site project. Burbridge also reported the city has been awarded the Federal Home Loan Bank Affordable Housing grant in partnership with Riverways Federal Credit Union. Burbridge will update the board after agreements have been signed and training has been conducted. In the aldermen reports, each council member thanked the city employees for their hard work during the recent snowstorm. The board then went into closed session.
Your Community Health Center is excited to announce their name change to Four Rivers Community Health Center. Stuart Gipson, CEO of Four Rivers, said that their mission has always included serving persons from Phelps, Maries, Crawford, Dent and Pulaski counties, but now with their expansion to have physical buildings in these communities, their name will reflect their regional footprint. Four Rivers provides comprehensive healthcare services for pediatrics, adolescents, and adults. Services include primary medical care, dental, behavioral health, oral surgery for all ages, OB/GYN, well-child exams, and medication assisted treatment program to support those struggling with addiction, plus a new service of providing free Medicaid application support. For more information contact Felisha Richards online at frichards@fourrivers.org or call 573-426-6033.
Create a hand-made felted Valentine or other artistic piece out of wool on Thursday, February 10th at the Creative Arts Center. Join Terri Phelps from 6:00 until 8:00 and learn about Felting, which is a tatting technique with a needle on wool, to apply details and create form. You will get to take your creations home and enjoy sharing conversations about your experience creating with this unique technique. All the supplies for the class are provided and the cost is $25 For more information or to register, call 247-0651 or 247-5306 or you can e-mail salemartscouncil@outlook.com.