News – Tuesday, March 18th 2025

The tornado that struck the Rolla community has been confirmed as an EF2. The storm caused significant damage, with over 750 structures affected within Rolla city limits. An additional 150+ structures are estimated to have been damaged outside Rolla within Phelps County. Utility teams are actively working across the 

area to restore services, and they have a goal of doing so within a week. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is saddened to report a weather-related fatality resulting from a generator being operated inside a residence. They urge everyone to prioritize safety by never operating generators indoors or near residences. The damage across the region is extensive, and the recovery journey will be challenging. Citizens are being asked to please remain patient as response teams work tirelessly and to continue to check on your neighbors. Volunteers are still needed to assist with cleanup efforts. If you can help, check in at the Big Lots on 1001 S Bishop in Rolla, from 9 to 5. Donated supplies can also be brought to the Big Lots parking lot. Anyone in need of cleanup assistance is encouraged to call 573-415-9878.

The City of Salem Utility Committee held their regular meeting last Tuesday evening at 6:15 in the auditorium. After approving the agenda and meeting minutes, the Committee voted on services from Hometown Grid, which includes flex pricing of $3,000 up front, $10,000 to be paid in the first year, and a total of $7,008 for the remaining four years, plus costs for tests and messages. The funds for the upfront costs for year one will be pulled from prior year reserves and the costs will be included in the budget and rate calculations for future years. The committee approved this proposal, with member Harold Hamilton abstaining. The committee then discussed the Phase 2B sewer plant improvements with an estimated cost of $5.6 million. The City was awarded about $2.75 million in grant funds, leaving approximately $2.1 million remaining to be financed. Regarding the sewer budget and rates for fiscal year 2026, the Committee voted to maintain the base rate at $12 but increase the volume rate to $11.04. These increases will leave a surplus of about $2,600 in the sewer fund. That will help to repay the bond for the sewer plant improvements. A public hearing for the rate increase will be announced at a later date. The committee received updates on billing, net metering, and the MPUA and MMMPEP meetings. During his report, Public Works Director Steve Paine stated they continue to work with FEMA and that 72 more hydrants should be serviced this year, with the remainder to be completed in the next fiscal year. The discussion about utility policy changes and updates have been tabled and a special meeting will be held on the evening of March 26th at 6:15, and will be open to the public. With no major questions or comments from those in attendance, the meeting adjourned.

The Salem Police Department has recently released their report for the month of February. The department responded to 18 accidents during the month. Officers responded to four alarms sounding and addressed 51 animal calls, investigated two assaults or fights, a burglary, performed 13 well-being checks and 15 area checks in February. Police investigated 11 domestic disputes, five verbal disturbances and one physical disturbance, conducted 24 follow-up investigations and provided 16 escorts. They investigated five harassment reports, a parking complaint calls, an intoxicated pedestrian one leaving without paying report, three trespassing calls and four property damage reports. The Salem Police wrote eight stealing reports, responded to nine traffic complaints and assisted two motorists. Officers responded to a report of a suicidal person, seven suspicious circumstance calls, five suspicious person calls, and three suspicious vehicle calls. The Salem Police in February investigated two reports of shots fired, two sex offense calls, and checked out an abandoned vehicle call. Officers attempted to serve four warrants and conducted 41 traffic stops during the month. The police responded to a total of 351 incidents in February with the average response time to calls being two minutes and three seconds. The average time spent on the scene was 32 minutes and 41 seconds. If you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation, contact the Salem Police Department by calling their non-emergency phone number at (573) 729-6550 or speak with them in person at 500 N. Jackson Street in Salem.