Local News – Wednesday, May 4th, 2022
The low water crossing to the Round Spring day-use area is temporarily closed due to damage from recent flooding. This closure will temporarily restrict access to the Round Spring day-use area, which includes the main parking lot and walking path to the spring, as well as the Round Spring picnic pavilion. Visitors who would like to view Round Spring can park in the designated parking area near the restroom at Group Campsites 4-9 and follow the walking path from the group campsite area to the spring. This closure does not affect any campsites or river access at Round Spring. The concrete crossing suffered damage during a major flood on Spring Valley Creek in 2020 and was further undermined during recent heavy rainfall. The park’s maintenance crew will work to stabilize the crossing and reopen one lane for access to the area as soon as the water level in the creek drops enough to allow temporary repairs. The crossing is scheduled for permanent replacement in 2023 by the Federal Highway Administration, through the Emergency Relief for Federally Owned fund program, along with the other roadway and river access damage caused by the 2020 flood. For updates on this temporary closure, contact park headquarters at (573)323-4236, visit the park’s Facebook page, or website at www.nps.gov/ozar.
The community is invited to become a hometown hero and answer the call of patients in need by donating blood on Thursday afternoon, May 5th from 1:30 to 5:30 at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory located at 1200 W. Rolla Road in Salem. Donating blood is one of the simplest things a person can do to help save a patient’s life. For the hour it takes to give blood, there could be a whole community of people thankful for another birthday given to their loved one. To make an appointment or to learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Natural gas customers struggling to keep up with their energy statements have access to new funding from Ameren Missouri. Eligible natural gas customers can now receive assistance through Ameren Missouri’s Clean Slate program. This funding will help local families after a winter season with significantly higher wholesale natural gas prices, which has led to higher energy statements for some customers. Clean Slate is designed to help moderate-income customers who do not qualify for state or federal programs serving families with lower incomes. This month, Ameren Missouri expanded the eligibility requirements to support more Missouri families. With just 10% of the past-due balance paid, the Clean Slate program will cover the remaining overdue balance. Ameren Missouri has previously pledged $5 million to the Clean Slate electric program, which helped thousands of customers pay off their past-due utility bills. To be eligible for Clean Slate, customers must have household income up to 300% of the federal poverty level, pay 10% of the past-due balance, have an active Ameren Missouri natural gas account that is past due on a payment agreement or in need of reconnection, and be experiencing financial hardship. Community action agencies administer the Clean Slate program and determine eligibility. Customers should apply as soon as possible. Learn about eligibility requirements at AmerenMissouri.com/CleanSlate or by calling Ameren Missouri at 800-552-7583. Energy assistance is also available for customers with lower incomes. Missouri’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is currently accepting applications from customers with an income at or below 60% of the state median income level. For more information or to learn how to apply for LIHEAP, call the South Central Community Action Agency at 729-3500, call 855-373-4636 to request an application, or apply via the online portal at MyDSS.MO.gov/energy-assistance.
In celebration of Mother’s Day join Patty Burmeister for a mother / child paint party on Friday from 6:00 until 8:00 @ the Creative Arts Center. Let Patty lead you in an easy-to-follow step-by-step fashion through a painting, while enjoying some precious time and making fun memories with your kids. Open to all ages and skill levels. All the supplies for the class are provided and the cost is $20 for adult and $ per child. For more information or to register, call 247-0651, message them on Facebook or you can e-mail salemartscouncil@outlook.com.
Montauk State Park will be hosting the Senior Citizen’s Trout Fishing Tournament on Thursday May 5th from 6:30 in the morning till 2:00 in the afternoon. The tournament is open to women and men 60 years of age and older. Two classes will be designated, fly or bait. Two prizes will be awarded to the winners in each class for heaviest trout and heaviest stringer of trout. Gift certificates will be presented to the winners upon completion of the tournament. Registration will be taken at the Steelman Lodge. For more information contact the park at 573-548-2201.