Local News – Wednesday, January 10th, 2024
The Dent County Service Unit of The Salvation Army would like to announce that they have successfully reached their Christmas Kettle Campaign goal. The total raised was $35,000. Along with the monetary donations received this year, nearly 280 local children were adopted at the Angel Tree that was located at Wal-Mart. The local Salvation Army Board would like to thank everyone who made monetary donations and/or who adopted an angel. They also extend their greatest appreciation to the dedicated volunteers that took time out of their busy holiday season to ring the bells at the kettles. The community’s continued generosity will be distributed throughout 2024 to those in Dent County.
The Salem Board of Aldermen meeting scheduled for Tuesday was postponed due to inclement weather and the closing of the Salem R-80 School District. The meeting is rescheduled for Thursday night at 6:00.
Each January, EPA seeks to raise awareness of radon exposure during National Radon Action Month, encouraging residents to protect themselves and their families by having their homes tested for the presence of radon. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. If left untreated, radon can build up indoors, leading to adverse health effects. After smoking, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., taking the lives of approximately 21,000 Americans every year. Radon exposure is a preventable health risk, and testing for radon can help prevent prolonged exposure. Most homes in EPA Region 7’s four states are located in areas that fall within EPA Radon Zone One or Two, indicating high or moderate potential for elevated radon levels. To see if your home is in one of these areas, check EPA’s website to view a map of Radon Zones for your state. Radon testing kits can be bought online and in home improvement stores. National Radon Program Services at Kansas State University offers test kits for purchase online. EPA recommends taking action to fix your home if you discover radon levels above 4 picocuries per liter. If your home does have elevated levels of radon, a qualified professional can install a system to lower your indoor radon levels. For more guidance on how to address radon risks, see EPA’s radon website.
An accident occurred in Phelps County Monday afternoon at 2:30 on Route O about five miles south of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a southbound 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross, driven by 30-year-old Tiffany Jones of Rolla, traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck two signs and a telephone pole. Jones suffered minor injuries and was transported by a private vehicle to Phelps Health. The report stated that Jones was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Toyota sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by D & D Towing.
An accident occurred Monday afternoon in Phelps County at 2:45 at 17895 Highway 8. According to the highway patrol, report an eastbound 2018 Chevrolet Cruze, driven by a 17-year-old female juvenile of Steelville, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a culvert. The juvenile suffered minor injuries and was transported by St. James Ambulance to Phelps Health. She was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevrolet sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing.
The City of Salem Utility Committee will be holding a meeting tonight at 6:15 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. At the meeting, the committee will review the financial, utility billing, discussion of the electric rate study, the agenda to an upcoming MMMPEP meeting in January, and they will hear work reports from city employees. The committee will also discuss utility policy updates and discuss outside city utility policies. The meeting is open to the public.