Local News – Wednesday, March 30th, 2022
The City of Salem Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustments will be holding a public meeting this evening at 6:30 at the City Hall Council Chambers at 202 North Washington to consider a request for a variance from the city Code of Ordinances regarding height restriction. The board will consider a proposed 85-foot sign to be located at 1103 South Main at the Mobil-Dirt Cheap location owned by Greg Portell. The Salem Code of Ordinances does not allow for a structure to exceed 60-feet. The meeting is open to the public.
An accident happened in Phelps County around midnight Monday night on Phelps County Road 3410 near county road 3520. According to the highway patrol report, 50-year-old Dale Hayes of St. James was driving a YCF Dirt Buke southbound when he traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned, ejecting Hayes from the dirt bike. Hayes suffered serious injuries and was transported to Phelps Health in Rolla. He was not wearing protective gear at the time of the accident. The dirt bike was removed by the owner with minor damage.
An accident happened in Texas County on Highway 137 about two miles south of Licking Monday afternoon around 5:15. According to the highway patrol report, a 2002 Ford F-150 driven southbound by 56-year-old Glenda Sellars of Licking, turned into the path of a 2020 Kawasaki EX400 GJ driven by 26-year-old Collin Floyd of Houston, Missouri. Floyd suffered serious injuries and was flown by the Phelps Regional Air Ambulance to Mercy Hospital. Floyd was wearing protective gear at the time of the accident. The Kawasaki sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Jay’s Automotive while the Ford F-150 had minor damage and was driven from the scene.
An accident occurred Monday afternoon at 12:03 in Phelps County on eastbound I-44 at the 193-mile marker. According to the highway patrol report, a 2013 Hyundai Elantra, driven by 24-year-old Edward Courtway of Rolla, traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck the guard rail, became airborne, and came to rest in the westbound lanes. Courtway suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Phelps Health in Rolla by EMS. It was unknown whether Courtway was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Hyundai was totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing.
The Missouri Department of Conservation invites people to celebrate the value of Missouri trees and forests during Arbor Days in April by planting native trees and practicing proper tree care. Missouri Arbor Day is Friday, April 1st. Missouri has been observing the state’s official Arbor Day on the first Friday in April since 1886 when the General Assembly declared that day be set aside for the appreciation and planting of trees. National Arbor Day is recognized on the last Friday of April, which is April 29th this year. Get information on backyard tree care, including types of trees for urban and other landscapes, selecting the right tree for the right place, planting tips, watering and pruning info, and more at mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/tree-care. The MDC George O. White State Forest Nursery near Licking offers a variety of low-cost native tree and shrub seedlings for reforestation, windbreaks, erosion control, and wildlife food and cover. Orders are accepted to April 15th. For more info, visit mdc.mo.gov/seedlings. Communities around the state also hold local Arbor Day activities. For more information on Arbor Day and Missouri’s Tree City USA communities, visit the Arbor Day Foundation at arborday.org. Missouri forests cover about one-third of the state and provide outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, natural beauty, and watersheds for stream and rivers. Spending time in Missouri forests can provide a natural health benefit, too. Exposure to nature contributes to physical well-being, reducing blood pressure and heart rate, relieving stress, and boosting energy levels.