Local News – Wednesday, November 8th, 2023

The Salem R-80 School District will again salute veterans this year with a Veteran’s Day Assembly on Friday, November 10th. Breakfast for the veterans will be held in the high school cafeteria at 8:15 before they enter the gym around 8:45 and take their place in the special seating area for the assembly. Principal Jody Heavin will say the Pledge of Allegence before the Salem Chamber Singers sing the National Anthem. A former veteran will be the guest speaker and will give a short 10-15 minute speech before the band plays a patriotic number. Following their performance, a slide show prepared by the yearbook staff will be shown. The assembly us expected to last less than hour. All veterans can park in the bus lanes on the circle drive and enter in the front doors to the lobby, or they can enter through the main office doors which are handicapped accessible. All veterans are welcome and if you have any questions, contact the Salem High School at 729-6641.

This week’s is Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Missouri. Being prepared is the best way to protect yourself and your families during the winter months. All Missourians are encouraged to take this time to plan ahead and prioritize safety. Have an emergency kit in your vehicle, commit to avoiding travel during inclement weather, understand the risks of prolonged exposure to the cold, and review additional steps you can take to ensure a safe and healthy winter season both at home and on the road. SEMA and the National Weather Service Forecast Offices serving Missouri will be sharing winter weather safety messaging via social media throughout the week with a different theme each day. Often, too little attention is paid to the danger posed by prolonged exposure to the cold. According to the Department of Health and Senior Services, 52 people died in Missouri as a result of low body temperatures due to prolonged exposure to cold weather in 2022. Protect against frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting clothing in several layers. Avoid alcohol, limit time spent outdoors in frigid temperatures and stay indoors if possible. Find more information on hypothermia and nearby warming center locations on the Department of Health and Human Services website health.mo.

Businesses or organizations can show off their holiday display as part of the “Light up the Park 2023” at the Salem City Park. The display will begin the night of December 2nd and last until December 31st. Registration for each display is $50 to cover timers and electricity. The lights and displays will go on nightly at dusk and remain on about six hours after dusk. Those who want to participate in the “Light up the Park” display must have their display set up by Friday, December 1st. Contact Melissa DuBois at 729-6290 or e-mail her at salemparks@salemmo.com to reserve your spot.

The 2023 “Honoring our Heroes” Marathon will be held Saturday, November 18th. There is still time to sign up for the full marathon, half marathon, marathon relay, the 10k and 5k runs. Veterans and active duty military families get a 50% discount off the normal registration price. You can register through Friday, November 17th, but the earlier you register the cheaper the fee. There are also “virtual” options available for all of the events. On Friday afternoon, November 17th from 4:30 until 7:00, those running the marathon, half marathon and marathon relay can pick up their packets at the Salem Community Center@The Armory and enjoy a free pasta party. There will also be numerous vendors at the free expo event that Friday evening in the Salem Community Center@The Armory Gymnasium which is open to anyone. For those who can’t make it to the Friday night packet pickup who are running the marathon, half marathon and marathon relay, those runners will need to get their packet early Saturday morning at the Rolla Lions Club starting at 5:00 for the marathon and marathon relay runners, and at 6:00 for the half marathoners. The marathon and marathon relay begins at 7:00 in the morning at the Dent County Commons while the half marathon will begin at Lake Spring at 8:00 in the morning. The route those runners will be going will mostly be on Highway 72 to Lions Club Drive and with the finish in the Lions Club Park. The 10k and 5k runs will be mostly at the Rolla Lions Club Park with the 10k diverting to the Veteran’s Park in Rolla before coming back to the Lions Club Park, and they will start at 8:00 in the morning. This year from 12:00 to 2:00 in the afternoon, you can take part in our “Honor Walk” in Lions Club Park. Get out, cheer on and support these runners who are helping to raise funds for veteran’s organizations. For more information on volunteering to help out or to sign up for the marathon, go to www.heroesmarathon.com. For questions about the packet pickup on November 17th, the pasta party or vendor expo event that Friday night at the Salem Community Center@The Armory, contact Jackie at 729-8163.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their Annual Membership Banquet Tuesday night, November 14th with the doors opening at 6:00. Dinner will be served at 6:30 featuring lasagna, green beans, salad, bread, dessert and a drink. The entertainment will begin at 7:00 and will feature Chris Stanley with comedy, magic and fun. The event will be held hosted by the Wilson Mortuary at the Wilson Family Center and all chamber members are welcome to attend for FREE, but you must let them know you are coming. Contact the chamber office at 729-6900 to reserve your seat for the banquet or stop by the office at 1136 South Main Street in the Crossroads.

Danielle Norris will be leading a “Hello Winter” Sign & Wine workshop this Friday evening from 6:30 to 8:30. If you attended the fall sign class, at this class you can paint the back side of your sign with the winter design. If you didn’t attend the last class, you can just paint the front side with your own winter ideas. Make it your own! You can hand letter it yourself, or add pre cut vinyl lettering. You will end up with a neat personalized sign to display year after year! This class is for persons age 12 and older. If you attended the Fall class, the cost is just $20. If you are a new class participant, the cost is $35 per person and all supplies are provided. Interested persons can sign up under “Programs” at the salemcommunitybetterment.com website for activities at the Creative Arts Center.