Local News – Wednesday, June 22nd, 2022
The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) is issuing a critical appeal for all blood types as reserves are critically low with less than a two-day supply available. Eligible donors are being asked to give blood at the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks blood drive at the Salem Memorial District Hospital this Friday at the hospital library from 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon. Giving blood is a big deal and the theme for this blood drive is “Let’s Save a Life.” Free T-Shirts will be given to all donors while supplies, and those who do give blood will have a chance to win a weekly mystery prize valued at $200 or the $5,000 mystery grand prize. They do ask that appointments be made to manage donor flow. Call 1-417-227-5006 to schedule your appointment or go to cbco.org/donate-blood. Masks and a photo ID will be required.
The City of Salem’s Finance Committee will be holding a meeting this evening at 6:00 at the Salem Community Center @the Armory. They will discuss the proposed budget for 2022 – 2023. The meeting is open to the public.
Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, encourages everyone to incorporate safety into any plans to enjoy Missouri’s waterways. Nicer weather means an increase in activity regarding boating, swimming, and floating. Missouri’s lakes and rivers can include currents, drop-offs, and floating debris, which makes swimming more challenging. Please, wear a life jacket, take a friend with you, know your swimming ability, and stay sober around water. Pay close attention to children around water. Keep in mind that exhaustion is a very real possibility if you’ve been swimming for a long period of time. Don’t make the mistake of overestimating your swimming ability. Avoid putting yourself at risk when trying to assist someone who is struggling in the water. Assist them by tossing a floatation device or extending an object to them. Keep yourself safe! If you do have to enter the water to assist them, always put on a life jacket first. If you go floating, check the weather and the river level before your trip. A lot of rain affects the speed of the current and amount of debris in the water. Be aware of changing conditions downstream which may endanger yourself or your group. Consider each person’s level of experience and base your float plan on the person with the least experience. Pair inexperienced floaters with those who have more experience, and make sure everyone in your group knows your rescue plan. If you capsize in swift water conditions, hold onto your craft and move immediately to the upstream side to avoid being trapped between the boat and an obstacle. Float on your back, feet together and pointed downstream, and release your craft only if it improves your safety. If you need assistance or witness criminal activity on Missouri’s waterways, contact the nearest Highway Patrol troop headquarters by calling the Patrol Emergency Report Line at 1-800-525- 5555 or *55 on a cell phone. Share the waterway and use common sense, good judgment, and courtesy to ensure the safety of all.
Missouri’s state parks and historic sites offer beautiful vistas, opportunities for outdoor adventures and peaceful spots for reflection. As you spend time at Missouri state parks, take along your camera and submit your favorite photos in the Missouri DNR Photo Contest. The annual contest is open now through October 1st and includes three categories. The natural resources category includes photographs of Missouri’s air, landscapes, and waterways. The category of unique places includes photographs taken within one of Missouri’s state parks or historic sites. The third and final category includes people enjoying and exploring Missouri’s outdoors. Winning photos will be shared on the Missouri Department of Natural Resources website, on social media and showcased at the following year’s Missouri State Fair. For contest rules and to enter your photos, visit dnr.mo.gov/photo-contest. You can also email questions about the photo contest to socialmedia@dnr.mo.gov. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
The Current River Band just wants to have fun and play music, and they will be performing at Echo Bluff State Park as part of their summer concert series this Saturday evening at 8:00 in the outdoor amphitheater. Bring a blanket or a chair, dress for the occasion, and enjoy a night of music under the stars.