Local News – Wednesday, June 24th, 2021

As more Americans plan July 4th celebrations, the Division of Fire Safety is reminding Missourians to put fireworks safety first this Independence Day. Public fireworks displays not only offer the best sights, they are the safest, and Missourians will have more options than last year, when many displays were canceled because of the pandemic. Remember, within the city limits of Salem, the discharge of fireworks is legal for individuals 18 years of age or older, or those under the supervision of a parent, guardian or person 18 years old or older between the period of July 1st and July 6th. By ordinance, those discharging fireworks may only do so between the hours of 8:00 in the morning until 10:00 at night except on July 4th when the hours shall be 8:00 in the morning until midnight. Only Class 1.4G fireworks in unmodified form shall be discharged. Fireworks sales at seasonal retailers are legal in Missouri starting June 20th and lasting until July 10th. Please keep in mind that July 4th is not only the busiest day of the year for fireworks, it is the busiest day of the year for fires. About 40 percent of Independence Day structure fires are the result of fireworks, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Across the U.S. in 2018, fireworks started an estimated 19,500 fires, including 1,900 structure fires, 500 vehicle fires and 17,100 outside and other types of fires. These fires caused five deaths and $105 million in direct property damage, according to NFPA. About 250 people go to emergency rooms each day with fireworks-related injuries in the 30 days around July 4th. Missourians who choose to use consumer fireworks should only use fireworks in a large open space that has been cleared of flammable materials, make sure to have a garden hose or a bucket of water nearby in case of a fire, only light fireworks one at a time; never try to re-light fireworks that have malfunctioned, and dispose of fireworks by soaking them in water and leaving them in a trash can. For questions or concerns about firework safety, firework rules, or firework dealers can contact the Division of Fire Safety at (573) 751-2930.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will meet tonight at 6:00 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory for a special meeting where a new West Ward Alderman will be appointed, a Resolution #18-2021 authorizing the mayor to sign an agreement between the city and United Health Care for employee health insurance, and Bill #3483 adopting the annual budget for the next fiscal year 2021-2022 will be discussed. The meeting is open to the public.

Are you turning 65, retiring, or becoming eligible for Medicare because of a disability? If so, there is an excellent opportunity for you to participate in the free Medicare Virtual Fair today from the comfort of your home or office that will help you navigate through the complexities of Medicare. CLAIM, the official State Health Insurance Assistance Program for Missouri since 1993, is helping residents sign up for Medicare by promoting this national virtual event from 2:00 to 6:00 TODAY. This virtual event’s goal is to teach residents about Medicare–and all its parts–and to assist people in making their initial enrollment decisions. The CLAIM volunteers provide unbiased counseling and assistance at no cost for all participants. Those interested in taking advantage of this free opportunity to receive advice provided by Medicare experts are encouraged to pre-register prior to the event online. You may log-in at www.shiphelp.org and follow the easy-to-follow steps found on the “Welcome To Medicare” information on the website. The CLAIM call center will be open and available to take telephone requests for individualized counseling after the event, too. Staff will also be providing assistance via the event’s chat function. All CLAIM services are free, unbiased and confidential. CLAIM averages around 300 volunteer counselors and 180 community partners throughout Missouri who provide local Medicare counseling in their communities. Funding is providing by the Administration for Community Living with oversight by the Department of Commerce & Insurance.

A one vehicle accident happened Tuesday morning just after 3:00 in the morning in Texas County on Highway 17 about four miles north of Houston. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 2008 Ford Focus being driven by 34-year-old Joshua Miller of Licking, crossed the centerline, traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a utility pole. Miller suffered serious injuries and was transported by ambulance to Texas County Memorial Hospital to be flown to Mercy Hospital in Springfield. A passenger in the vehicle, 33-year-old Tawnisha Dasalla, also of Licking, was transported by ambulance to Texas County Memorial Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. The report went on to state that Dasalla was wearing a safety restraint, while Miller was not. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Jays Towing.