Local News – Wednesday, September 21, 2022

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met Thursday evening in the R-80 Board Room. After the approval of the agenda and the consent agenda, communications were heard including an update by Sheman Odom on the Technology and Construction Trades Building fundraising efforts. In the Superintendent’s and Assistant Superintendent’s reports by Drs. Reed and Wills, it was reported that site work will begin on the Tin Gym once permits are issued and 85% of the HVAC work is completed around the district. It was noted that eleven staff members completed enrichment grant applications, which focused on the social emotional health of R-80 students. The board was told instructional coaches are currently working their way through every classroom in the district doing a very informal needs assessment and are sending out a survey of staff to determine what specific needs they have. Dr. Wills gave a preliminary update on MAP/EOC scores, and Dr. Reed informed the board of a preliminary meeting with Missouri Capital Asset Advantage Treasury. Dr. Reed also updated the board on R-80’s social media and branding upgrades as well as update on the district’s website design which will include a staff directory with photos. In new business, the board approved the Construction Trades building request for quotes, approved HTK Architects for the initial pre-bond work for a new elementary school, approved the Special Education Compliance Plan, and also approved the bus routes for 2022-2023. Resignations were accepted from Paige Aguilar, Emmogene Welch and Sandra Lakes. Chris Jessen submitted a letter of retirement. The board then went into executive session where Stacy Tiefenthaler was approved as the custodial night supervisor and Jamie Tomnitz as assistant band director.

A one vehicle accident happened Monday afternoon just before 3:00 in Dent County on Highway 32 about 15 miles east of Salem. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2022 Freightliner being driven by 40-year-old Gabriel Amor of Riverview, Florida was eastbound when he traveled off the right side of the road and overturned. Amor had minor injuries but refused treatment at the scene. The Freightliner was totaled and secured at the roadside. The report went on to state that Amor was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol joins the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the National Safety Council, Safe Kids Worldwide, and other safety advocates to commemorate National Child Passenger Safety Week, now through the 24th. Every year, children suffer needless injuries. In 2021, 14 children under the age of eight were killed in traffic crashes, and another 1,749 were injured. Troopers issued citations to 1,185 drivers who failed to secure children less than eight years old in a child restraint or booster seat in 2021. Troopers issued citations to an additional 184 drivers who failed to secure a child 80 pounds or more or over 4’9” in a seat belt in 2021. Missouri law requires children less than four years old are required to use an appropriate child passenger restraint system. Children less than 40 pounds, regardless of age, must be secured in a child passenger restraint system appropriate for the child. Children ages four to eight years old who weigh at least 40 pounds, but less than 80 pounds, and are under 4’9” tall, must be secured in a child passenger restraint system or booster seat appropriate for that child. Children ages eight through 15 must wear seat belts regardless of the type of vehicle in which they are riding or where they are seated. Like the child restraint law, this is a primary law, meaning you can be pulled over by law enforcement for noncompliance. Persons less than 18 years of age operating or riding in trucks, regardless of gross weight for which licensed, must wear seat belts. No person under age 18 is allowed to ride in the unenclosed bed of a truck with a licensed gross weight of less than 12,000 pounds on lettered highways, federal, state-maintained highways, and within city limits. There are exemptions for agricultural purposes, special events, and parades. There are many styles of child safety seats from which parents may choose. Infant seats are designed for children up to 22-30 pounds depending on the seat manufacturer. This type of seat should be placed into a vehicle so the infant faces rearward in a semi-reclined position. It is important to remember rear-facing infant seats should NOT be used in a front passenger seat equipped with an active air bag. If deployed, an air bag could hit the infant seat and injure or kill the baby. Airbag or not, the back seat is the safest place for a child. For safety reasons, the Missouri State Highway Patrol discourages the purchase of child safety seats at a garage sale or other secondhand outlets. Also, a safety seat that has been in a vehicle during a traffic crash should be replaced. There is no one “safest” child safety seat. Use the one that fits your child, fits in your vehicles correctly, and one that you will use correctly every trip, every time. For more information about the proper use of child restraint systems or to schedule a child safety seat inspection, contact the nearest Missouri State Highway Patrol troop headquarters and ask for the public information and education officer, or visit www.seatcheck.org.