News – Thursday, April 16th, 2026

City of Salem Administrator Sally Burbridge reports the Electric Department will complete important maintenance work this Friday, with a planned power outage scheduled to take place from 7:30 to 9:30 in the morning. The outage is needed so crews can safely replace an electrical pole at the corner of Main Street and 8th Street. This pole cannot remain energized during the work. The outage is expected to last about two hours and will affect North Main Street, East 10th Street, East 11th Street and nearby connecting streets. Customers in these areas should plan ahead for the temporary loss of power. To prepare for this outage, those affected can turn off or unplug sensitive electronics such as computers and TVs, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed, and be prepared for brief service interruption. The city appreciates your assistance and patience as the electric department completes this work to keep the city electric system safe and reliable.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be holding a reorganization meeting prior to the start of its regular board meeting tonight at 5:30 in the afternoon, located in the board room at the Administrative Office on J Highway. After the call to order and certification of election results, there will be a swearing in of newly elected members by the secretary of the board. Superintendent Nate Wills will act as temporary chairman for the election of the new board president and vice-president. The new board president will then preside over the election of the secretary and treasurer. The board will elect the MSBA delegate and alternate, followed by adjournment of the reorganization meeting. The regular board meeting will then be called to order followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the approval of the agenda and consent agenda. The board will hear communications from Lisa Mast and Daniel Jennings. The Salem Upper Elementary will be recognized, followed by the superintendent’s report. CSIP goals will be addressed in all reports. Administration reports will be heard from William Lynch, Upper Elementary, Middle School, and High School administration. Athletics and Activities, Special Education, Technology, Maintenance, and Transportation reports will be received by the board in writing. Under new business, the board will be: approving insurance renewal, a vision specialist contract, a CTS contract for virtual SLP, SLP-A, and PT services, and a lawn mower purchase of $11,315 from Dent County Farm Supply. A hire of Sydney Dothage (ECSE P/T aide) is considered for consideration, along with the resignation of Sarah Montoya, Upper Elementary aide. The board will enter closed session to discuss personnel and student issues, followed by adjournment after returning to open session. The reorganization meeting and the regular meeting of the Salem R-80 Board of Education will be open to the public.

MoDOT has released a list of general highway maintenance and construction work planned in the mid–Missouri area from now through April 19th. Weather conditions may postpone scheduled work. Many projects will include lane closures, which could cause delays. Within all counties, in addition to the work listed, other moving operations such as pothole patching, brush cutting, striping, and pavement repairs continue in various locations. Motorists should travel with care and be alert for slow-moving equipment. In Dent County, pedestrian facility upgrades continue in the city limits of Salem on Route 19. Minimal traffic impacts are expected during the project, which is expected to be completed by September 2026. On Route B, the bridge over Dry Creek remains closed. Motorists may use Missouri Routes 19, 32 and 72 as detour routes around the closure. A project to replace the bridge is scheduled to be completed this year. In Phelps County, pedestrian facility upgrades continue in Rolla on Highway 72, with project completion expected in April 2026. The bridge rehabilitation project over I-44 continues with one eastbound lane to remain open on Business Loop 44/Route 72/Kingshighway. The bridge is closed to all westbound traffic, and a signed detour is in place. The project is expected to be completed in July 2026.

On Friday evening at the Creative Arts Center, you can create a “Think Spring” Front Porch Welcome Sign from 6:00 to 8:30 with Danielle Norris. Create a one of a kind front porch sign with your favorite idea and display it at home or work, or give it as a gift. The cost is $20 if you are painting the back of a sign you already have, or $30 for a new one. Stencils will be provided as well as all supplies. At least six people need to sign up to hold the class. To register, go online to the SACBA website, click on the “Programs” category and then go the Salem Creative Arts Council link. For questions, please e-mail salemartscenter@salemcommunitybetterment.com.