News – Monday, October 7th 2024

An accident happened Saturday afternoon around 4:38 in Franklin County that took the life of a woman from Salem. According to the highway patrol report, 41-year-old Jody A. Pierce of Salem, was driving a 1999 Ford northbound on Oak Grove Church Road when the Ford traveled off the right side of the road, then returned to the road where the front left corner of a 2009 Chevrolet Impala driven northbound by 45-year-old Donald Pierce of Union, struck the rear right corner of the Ford. The Ford then crossed the center of the roadway and went off the left side of the road where it began overturning with the vehicle top striking a tree. According to the report, the Ford continued down an embankment and came to rest on its top in the Little Meramec River. After the collision, the Chevy left the scene with moderate damages. Jody Pierce was pronounced dead at the scene at 4:57 on Oak Gove Church Road north of Mill Hill Road by the Meramec Ambulance personnel. Her body was taken to the St. Louis Morgue by the Superior Mortuary Transport Service. The Ford was totaled and was removed from the scene by Vogelsang Towing. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by the Union Police Department and the Franklin County Deputies.

The City of Salem’s Parks and Recreation Board held a meeting on Thursday evening at 5:00 in the Old Auditorium. After approving the agenda, the board heard a consideration to adjust the budget for the Al Brown Field concession stand renovations, presented by Melissa DuBois. The concession stand has been allocated $9,000 from the Parks Capital Improvements Budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Several significant upgrades to the building have already been completed, including: removing the ceiling, upgrading electrical outlets, breakers, and wiring, and purchasing new food handling equipment. These improvements have helped to make the space operational as a concession stand. However, to ensure the longevity of these upgrades and protect these investments, Melissa stated that they would need to upgrade two doors that have previously been damaged, and all three windows, to enhance security at the Al Brown location. She stated they have received a quote for $4,723.50, plus shipping, for three manually retractable security shutter doors. For the replacement of the two steel doors, they received a quote from a local vendor of $1,100 each. Additionally, the construction crew has estimated the cost for exterior paint and supplies to be around $1,100. The board approved a budget adjustment by transferring $8,500 from the prior year’s fund balance to the Parks Capital Improvements fund to complete upgrades to the Al Brown concession, restrooms, and storage building. The Board also approved the Salem R-80 High School FFA’s request to use the Old Fairgrounds property for their upcoming Field Day, then adjourned the meeting. 

One of the simplest steps Missourians can take to protect their families is to install smoke alarms in their homes. Installing smoke alarms reduces the risk of dying in a home fire by more than 50%. That’s why this year’s theme for Fire Prevention Week that began yesterday and continues through the 12th is “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” State Fire Marshal Tim Bean says it cannot be emphasized enough the importance of having working smoke alarms in your home. Many Missouri fire departments, working with the American Red Cross, can even provide and install smoke alarms for families at no cost. Families in need of assistance should contact the American Red Cross of Missouri through a form at www.redcross.org. A report this year from the National Fire Protection Association showed that while in 1977 less than one-quarter of U.S. households had smoke alarms, it’s now estimated that over 90% of homes have at least one smoke alarm. But it is essential that smoke alarms are regularly tested, and batteries are replaced so that they remain in working order. Bean says people should install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home. They should also test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button; but replace any smoke alarm that is 10-years-old or older. Bean also wants to remind people that the end of daylight saving time, when clocks are adjusted to “fall back” an hour, can serve as an easy reminder to change smoke and CO alarm batteries. This year, daylight saving time ends at 2:00 in the morning on Sunday, November 3rd. Remember, when you change the time, change the batteries. According to Bean, smoke alarms need to meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities. Smoke alarms provide precious time to escape a burning home. Each family member should know escape routes from every room in a residence. Families should also regularly practice their fire escape plans.

MoDOT has scheduled highway maintenance on Route H from Route 72 to U.S. Route 63 in Phelps County. During these operations, one lane will remain open with flaggers directing traffic through work zones.