Local News – Wednesday, June 14th, 2023

An happened in Maries County on Highway 63 Tuesday morning around 3:05. The accident happened about two miles south of Vienna where, according to the highway patrol, a southbound 2014 Toyota Avalon, driven by 22-year-old Madison Miller of Rolla, failed to negotiate a curve and traveled off the right side of the roadway. Miller was ejected from the Toyotar. She suffered serious injuries and was transported by Phelps Air to the University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia. The Toyota was totaled and removed from the scene by Plaza Towing.

A correction has been made to the accident that occurred about six miles south of Vienna on Highway 63 around 3:05 Tuesday morning. According to the highway patrol report, a southbound 2019 Ford Econoline, driven by 71-year-old Truman Reinecke of Afton, Oklahoma, struck a southbound 1997 Ford F-350, driven by 87-year-old Lyle Hutchens of Salem, from behind. As a result of the crash, the Econoline overturned and sustained moderate damage, while the F-350 had minor damage. Reinecke suffered minor injuries and was transported by EMS to Phelps Health. The Econoline was removed from the scene by D&D Towing and the F-350 was driven from the scene. Everyone involved in the accident were wearing their seat restraints. We apologize for the error.

The City of Salem’s Utility Committee will meet tonight at 6:15 at the Community Center @ The Armory at 1200 West Rolla Road. After the roll call will be the financial review followed by the proposed budget review and utility rate changes for electric and water. A sewer rate change is to be discussed at the July meeting with a new proposed ordinance. Other topics to be discussed will include AMP/Budget Billing Policy changes and e-mailing utility bills followed by a questions and comment period. The meeting is open to the public and has been called by Utility Committee Chair Kyle Williams.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met Tuesday night at the City Hall Council Chambers. After the consent agenda was approved, the board approved a permit for Larry and Karen Shelby to have pet mini-pigs at the property of the old Crane Tire property on Red Bud Lane. In New Business, the board approved the bid from Far West Line Specialties for tools for the Electric Department for $4,738.02 and the bid of $15,663.25 from Core and Main for the purchase of five new fire hydrants to replace five that cannot be repaired. City Administrator Sally Burbridge explained to the board about three grants that could be used for airport maintenance cost reimbursement. Two of these grants have already been executed and are ready to be submitted. The third grant, an ARPA grant for $22,000 has not yet been executed. She asked and the board approved allowing the mayor to sign the application for the grant. The city will work with Lochner in submitting the reimbursement that could result in a $51,000 reimbursement that would be added to the airport budget as revenue in the next fiscal year. City Building Inspector Jarred Brown presented the recommendations from the Salem Planning and Zoning Commission meeting held on May 25th. The board approved the commission recommendation for a conditional use permit for Jordan and Sarah Watson for their property at 305 West 2nd Street to be used as a vacation rental; approved the commission recommendation of rezoning of the property at 502 West Dillon Street from residential to commercial as requested by Four Rivers Community Health Center; approved the commission recommendation to issue a conditional use permit for an automobile detail shop at 906 West Center by Joe Enloe that includes a number of conditions that have to be followed including the renewal of the conditional use permit after two years; the board approved the commission recommendation to issue a conditional use permit to have trailer, vehicle, as well as agricultural and construction equipment sales at 1002 East Scenic Rivers Blvd as requested by C&A Investments, LLC with the condition of installing a privacy fence between the lot and the residential property; and the board approved the subdivision and replatting of lots as submitted by Briceno Properties, LLC. In Old Business, the board approved the purchase of a load center and electric wiring package for the Al Brown Lighting Project from Fletcher-Reinhardt for $21,871.57. The board approved the request from City Treasurer Stacey Houston to have the mayor sign the Financial Assistance Agreement as well as the General Terms and Conditions document necessary for the city to receive reimbursement for engineering services from the ARPA Drinking Water Grant Award. The city will receive a partial grant of $628,000 and the city will have to contribute $6,342.80 as their part of the grant match. The board heard the first reading of Bill #3540 which would create a lease agreement between the City of Salem and Wave Internet for the use of the bottle rocket tower, but no action will be taken until the next meeting; and the board did approve Bill #3539 that would authorize the mayor to sign and execute the contract between the City of Salem and Hogan’s, Inc. for contact painting and insulation service to Well #2 and Well #4 after the second reading. Administrator Burbridge said a meeting was held that included Public Works Director Nash, Burbridge, the Salem Water and Sewer Department, Archer-Elgin’s Jeff Medows, and Mary West from Missouri Rural Water on the final design for the wastewater engineering improvements. This will create some new verbiage and requirements that will have to be considered in the creation of the sewer rate increase. She thanked staff for the cleanup work at the Cedar Grove Cemetery and said discussion of employee health insurance rates would occur at the next meeting. Public Works Director Nash said the boom arm for the mower is back and they have been cutting creek ditches at the city park and other areas. He also said the city has installed the LORA System near the Al Brown Fields that will allow the city to read about 45 meters remotely including the water meters at the hospital. It will be tested today for accuracy. Alderwoman Kala Sisco wanted to remind citizens of the city’s text blast service and that a Finance Committee meeting will be held at 5:30 Thursday at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Alderman Shawn Bolerjack wanted to recognize those involved in the “Love Thy Neighbor” program. He said about 20 churches and near 100 volunteers helped repair a number of households in the area for people who simply could not have afforded to do it themselves. The board then went into closed session.