Local News – Wednesday, October 13th, 2021

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met for the regular meeting Tuesday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. The board approved Bill #3493 that amended Chapter 700, Article II, Section 700.130 that allows the board to increase or decrease electric rates without the vote of the alderman based upon comparative charges from January to December for a given year to the prior year from the electric wholesale supplier. Alderman Bolerjack said this ordinance was changed from the month of July to June to January to December to allow the utility committee a chance to review the rates and make budget recommendations in March for the next fiscal year. The board approved the bid from Leo Morgan of Lebanon to install a fence around the electric and water department buildings on Wines Street for a cost of $9,700.00. City Administrator Ray Walden reported on some issues with pieces of the bundle maintenance project that has not yet been passed by the board. The Salem Community Center@The Armory roof as well as the roof on the building at 3rd and Grand are leaking and need attention quickly. He said there are also some problems with three air conditioning/heating units that will also have to be addressed. Walden said the bundle of projects price has gone up about 5% since it was presented to the board. Aldermen Kevin James said he wasn’t comfortable with all the projects in the bundle and would like bids on the individual projects presented to the board. Walden said he will get those bids. Mayor Kim Steelman said she is working with Sarah Massengale of the University Extension to provide training for people on boards and committees so that these members know what their responsibilities are as well as their role. Steelman said she met with Tyler Naramore and discussed some exciting ideas for the airport which she will tour for the first time today. She said work is still being done on some policy changes and the first round of interviews for the finance director are being held. Public Works Director Mark Nash said there were 120 utility disconnects with 88 people coming the next day to pay, and now 106 of those have paid. There are 14 accounts outstanding. Nash said the hospital to Dilworth Lane pipe project is now underground and the Highway 19 south project is complete waiting on the property owners to have their plumber tie into the line. Nash indicated there have been three main water line leaks that have been repaired: South Hickory, behind Arranda’s and behind the Farmers Market. He went on the say the street department is still sealing cracks, but have been slowed by the rain. Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois gave her report that showed this summer there were 13,463 daily admissions to the pool with 36 pool parties and 85 swimming lessons. She said the summer league baseball, softball and T-Ball program had 39 teams with 452 participants while the flag football and cheerleading program had 143 participants. She did say the city has officially been awarded the LWCF grant for the soccer field complex. Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge reported the Salem R-80 Construction Trades program won the $15,000 Strong Communities Award. She said the school is still offering CDBG Missouri state tax credits on 50% of a contribution to that program and the credits can be sold until September of 2022. The CDBG Grant funds though MUST be expended by December 31st of 2022 and can’t be used until all the credits are sold. For information on the tax credits, call the Salem R-80 Administrative Offices at 729-6642. The board then went into closed session to discuss contracts.

An accident happened in Dent County on Route B about two miles east of Doss Tuesday morning around 9:00. According to the highway patrol report, a 2010 Freightliner Dump Truck driven westbound by Noah Sapp of Salem, went off the right side of the roadway when the load it was carrying shifted. The Freightliner returned to the roadway, then traveled off the left side of the road and overturned into a fence. Sapp suffered minor injuries and was taken from the scene to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. Sapp was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Freightliner sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing in Salem.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways has a variety of great trails for everyone to enjoy. Hikers can enjoy fall colors on this Saturday beginning at 10:00. Participants will see spectacular fall colors along the Cave Spring Trail. Meet at Devils Well to hike 2.2 miles to Cave Spring and then return using the loop trail which is 2.7 miles for a total of approximately five miles. Hikers should take weather conditions into consideration and be prepared during all seasons. Drinking water, rain gear, map, snacks, flashlight, sturdy hiking shoes, clothing appropriate for the weather and terrain, and emergency campfire supplies are recommended. Always remember to inform someone of your plans. For more information about any of the hikes, contact Skyler Bockman at (573) 323-8093 or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/ozar.

A tie-dye T-Shirt Class will be held Thursday from 5:30 to 7:00 at the Creative Arts Center in Salem behind the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center. Laura Miller will help you design and create your own colorful tie-dye T-shirt you will be proud to wear or give as a gift. The cost is $20 per person, but if you bring your own white T-shirt, you get $5 off. All the supplies are included. You can register at the ONCRC, by calling 247-0651 or 247-5306 or by e-mailing salemartscouncil@outlook.com.