News – Tuesday October 15th 2024

Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors has called for a special meeting at 1:00 today in the Hospital Library. After the call to order and roll call the Board will vote to go into closed session, followed by adjournment.

The Salem Police Department will be testing the storms sirens tomorrow morning, October 16th, at 10:00. If there is inclement weather that day, they will postpone to the following Wednesday, October 23rd.

Airport Board President Tyler Naramore has called for a meeting of the Board this evening at 6:30 at the Old City Hall Auditorium. Agenda items include approval of the minutes of the August 19th meeting, an Airport Update, Hangar updates on Leases and Policies, plus other business. The meeting is open to the public.

The City of Salem Mayor Greg Parker has called a special meeting of the Board of Aldermen for this evening at 5:30 in the Old City Hall Auditorium. The Call to order and roll call will be followed by approval of the agenda. Bill No. 3627, an ordinance to allow the subdivision of 1305 East First Street owned by Michael and Destiny Loveday, will be considered. Also to be considered is Bill No. 3629, an ordinance authorizing the City of Salem to enter into a grant agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for the Airport Infrastructure Grant Program for the development of airport improvements at the Salem Memorial Airport; authorizing execution of necessary documents; and prescribing other related matters. The meeting will then be adjourned.

The Salem Library Board of Trustees held their regular meeting on Thursday evening at 5:00 in the library conference room. After approving the minutes from the last meeting, Director Kate McBride presented the librarian’s and the treasurer’s reports. The board welcomed new Trustee Member, Kyle Williams. During old business, Kate stated the north parking lot has been cleared of weeds and overgrowth, and the city has sprayed the lot, as well as the grounds around the building. Kate is going to pursue an insurance claim to replace the ADA automatic door opener that was damaged during the summer when one of the building’s transformers experienced a power surge. The library is still trying to find a way to replace the inoperable light in the parking lot. Kate stated she spoke with Public Works Director, Steve Paine, and City Administrator Sally Burbridge, who stated they will not replace the light. During new business, Kate explained that the south basement flooded during the week of September 23rd. Staff discovered the damage on the 26th. Some boxes with older donated books were damaged beyond repair, and some blueprints and maps were also damaged, but they were able to be salvaged. Foundation Recovery Systems from Springfield will be visiting to assess the damages, and advise on what to do to prevent and remediate any mold issues caused by the flooding. The library will be updating its computer policy, allowing access to residents who are not members, without fees. The Board voted to increase the price of the Interlibrary Loans Program from $5 to $6 to cover the rising cost of postage. Karen Jones, a retired educator from the Salem R-80 district, will be hosting a story time for all ages, on October 18th and again on November 2nd. The library will be participating in the City’s Trunk or Treat event. They received $100 from The Friends of The Library to purchase treats. Kate wanted to remind residents that the library has a breast cancer display of materials and information near the circulation desk, along with a raffle for a free gift basket. The annual fall Book-O-Lanterns competition is also happening, entries can be submitted until Friday the 19th. Voting will be completed by the public, on the Library’s Facebook page. The next Library Board of Trustees meeting will be held the evening of November 14th at 5:00.

Many recognize the southeast region of the state as Missouri’s Bootheel, but did you know it is also at the center of one of the country’s most active earthquake zones? The New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) spans more than 100 miles and averages over 200 small earthquakes a year. To prepare for any future earthquakes, registration is now open for the 2024 Great Central U. S. ShakeOut earthquake drill on Thursday, October 17th. Missouri is one of 14 participating central U.S. states that could be impacted by a NMSZ earthquake. Earthquakes occur without warning, so it’s important to prepare now. The ShakeOut drill is a great opportunity to practice so you know what to do when the shaking starts. At 10:17 a.m. on October 17th, hundreds of thousands of Missourians will practice the “Drop, Cover, Hold On” technique: DROP to your hands and knees, COVER your head and neck with your hands and arms under a table or desk if you can, and HOLD ON until the shaking stops. Studies show that in developed countries with modern structures, falling debris is the most common source of injury in an earthquake. Experts advise that when an earthquake occurs in the U.S., the “Drop, Cover and Hold On” technique is the best protection from falling debris. To sign up for the ShakeOut, register online at shakeout.org/centralus. Schools, businesses, community organizations or any other group can register as well as families and individuals. Once registered, participants will receive regular updates on the drill and information on earthquake preparedness and safety. In 1811 and 1812, the NMSZ produced some of the largest earthquakes in U.S. history, and seismic experts agree that similar quakes still pose a risk today. Shaking from another major earthquake in this zone would be felt not only in Missouri but throughout the Midwest, damaging much of the southern and eastern parts of the state, including the St. Louis metropolitan area. To learn more about earthquakes in Missouri and how to prepare, please visit sema.dps.mo.gov/earthquake_preparedness.