News – Thursday, July 10th 2025

A Dent County resident was involved in an accident Sunday afternoon at 1:00 on I-44 at the 155.2-mile marker. According to the Highway Patrol report a westbound 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse, driven by a 60-year-old Salem woman, hydroplaned off the left side of the roadway and overturned. The woman suffered minor injuries and was transported by Pulaski County Ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. The report stated that the woman was wearing a safety restraint. The Mitsubishi was secured roadside for later tow.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the following 2025 July Fourth holiday statistics for the counting period from 6:00 Thursday evening, July 3rd, through 11:59 Sunday evening, July 6th. Troopers worked nine boating crashes, which included four injuries and zero fatalities. Troopers made 13 boating while intoxicated arrests. There were no drownings over the Independence Day holiday weekend. In 2024, there were 10 boating crashes, which included seven injuries and no fatalities. No one drowned during last year’s July Fourth holiday while troopers made 12 boating while intoxicated arrests. This year on the roads, troopers worked 246 traffic crashes, which included 115 injuries and eight fatalities. Troopers also made 114 DWI arrests. During the 2024 counting period, 14 people were killed and 560 injured in Missouri over the holiday in 1,366 traffic crashes. Last year during the counting period, troopers arrested 149 people for driving while intoxicated. The fatality statistics could change if late deaths occur, or if other departments report late fatalities.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting Tuesday evening at 6:00 in the City Hall Auditorium at 202 N. Washington Street. After approving the agenda and consent agenda, the board made several committee appointments: Carrie Sutterfield was officially appointed as the new Economic Development Director, and Sherry Lea was reappointed to another term with the Housing Authority. The board also held second readings of several bills, including Bill No. 3673, which aimed to maintain existing electric rates but failed due to lack of motion. Bill No. 3674 was approved, amending section 700.090 of the city code to update electric rate structures. Under the new ordinance, commercial customers will pay a $12.00 service availability charge and $0.1308 per kilowatt-hour (KwH), with a minimum charge of $52.32 for 400 KwH or less. Residential customers will be charged an $8.00 service fee and $0.1276 per KwH, with a $25.52 minimum for 200 KwH or less. Bill No. 3675 also passed unanimously, requiring a demand meter for customers who have a monthly kilowatt demand (KwD) of 25 or more over the past 12 months. These customers will now pay $0.1240 per KwH and $3.60 per KwD, in addition to a $12.00 service fee. Bill No. 3676 was unanimously approved as well, providing Employment Incentive Rates for commercial customers that meet the program’s eligibility requirements. Under this program, they will pay a $12 monthly service fee, plus $0.0875 for every kilowatt-hour, and $5.63 for each KwD. All new rates are effective immediately. During the City Official’s reports City Clerk Tammy Koller thanked the cemetery staff for their continued work, and Mayor Greg Parker expressed appreciation to everyone who helped organize the Fourth of July festivities. Public Works Director Steve Paine reported on ongoing street repairs and reminded residents to call the main office for concerns with pavement repair. Parks and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois noted that the city pool is operational but Westport Pools has been scheduled to inspect the pump as it is running rather loudly. She also announced upcoming flag football sign-ups. Newly appointed Economic Development Director Carrie Sutterfield introduced herself to the board. Alderman Letchworth offered prayers to flood victims in Texas, and Alderwoman Dent thanked the community for their support of the Salem Choir’s Independence Day performance. The meeting adjourned to an executive session to discuss attorney-client privileges.