Local News – Wednesday, May 10th, 2023

The City of Salem’s Utility Committee will meet tonight at 6:15 at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory located at 1200 West Rolla Road. There will be a financial update and budget discussion at the meeting followed by a rate discussion, infrastructure update, manhole lining demonstration and question and comment period. The meeting of Salem’s Utility Commitee has been called by Committee Chair Alderman Kyle Williams and it is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department have generated reports that occurred on April 15th and 16th. On Saturday night, April 15th around 9:00, officers were dispatched to the area of Country Mart for a report of an attempted theft. It was reported that a male subject had attempted to gain access to an unauthorized location to obtain cash. The male subject was wearing a mask and acting suspicious. The male subject fled the store. Officers investigated the incident and later located the person. The male subject had changed clothes after fleeing and those clothes were located stashed behind the building. As a result, an 18-year-old Salem man was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail pending the application of warrants. On Sunday night, April 16th at approximately 7:00, officers were dispatched to the area of Warfel and Dent Streets for a report of a domestic disturbance. Officers learned that one party involved had fled the scene and the man was later located. During the investigation, the male subject involved was found to be in possession of Methamphetamine and Methamphetamine paraphernalia. As a result of the investigation, a 48-year-old Salem man was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have information regarding any investigation.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Tuesday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. The board heard from David Lytle of “A Light in the Woods Promotions” concerning the closing of the streets around the courthouse square for “Summerfest” on June 17th from 10:00 in the morning until 7:00 in the evening. He also said they would be holding a similar event in October on October 28th with the same hours. The board approved the request to close the streets on both dates. The board approved the bid from Fletcher-Rinehardt for #2 U.G. Primary Wire that will be used for the new McDonalds construction project for $12,468.00. McDonalds will reimburse the city for the wire. The board approved the purchase of brass fittings for water line breaks from Core & Main for $16,850.52, approved the purchase of 30 LED lamps for street lights for $5,439.90, and approved the purchase of a 500-foot roll of 1/0 wire for $6,072.00. This wire will be used when services are upgraded or when new service is being installed. The bids for the lamps and wire both came from Fletcher-Rinehardt. The board approved Mayor Greg Parker signing the Financial Assistance Agreement and the General Terms and Conditions Agreement for the city to receive partial reimbursement of their five million dollar DNR grant for waste water treatment plant engineering services. The city will get a partial grant amount of $1,262,500 with the city’s 1% match coming to $12,500. The city will be receiving their grant reimbursement in pieces from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. In an emergency item added to the agenda, the board approved the purchase of a new Flygt return activated sludge pump from Vandevanter Engineering of Fenton for $29,623.00. This pump takes the settled sludge from the clarifier back to the ditch at the waste water treatment facility and comes with a five-year warranty. City of Salem Administrator Sally Burbridge is preparing budgets for the upcoming meetings. Mayor Greg Parker thanked Alderman Shawn Bolerjack for presenting the City Proclamation to KSMO General Manager Stan Podorski last week at the Salem Baseball Field Complex for his service to the community. He also extended his condolences to the family of Gary Brown on his passing. Parker said he considered him a mentor and friend. Public Works Director Mark Nash said asphalt work was done in Salem Tuesday on Water Street where 530 tons were used and the job was completed. He said the new bucket truck the city ordered almost two years ago was being delivered and he was going to have secure it as it can’t be used until it is checked out. It was also reported that a number of city committee meetings were going to be held in the next few weeks. The board then went into closed session.

Join women for a fun-filled girls’ nights out this Thursday for bird-watching basics at Echo Bluff. Ladies will take a short walk around the area to see if they can spot some birds. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars if they have them. Field guides will also be available. Classes are held at the bluff top from 6 to 8 p.m. All equipment is provided. Participation is limited to women 18 years or older and registration is required. To register, contact Connie at 573-751-1224 or connie.weber@dnr.mo.gov. Echo Bluff State Park is located at 35244 Echo Bluff Drive in Eminence. For more information, call 573-751-5211.