News
The Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting at the City Hall Council Chambers Monday night. At the meeting, the board approved the consent agenda that showed that sales tax collections for the month of February were down from last year’s February’s figures. City Administrator Clayton Lucas said that MoDOT indicated the McArthur Road project work phase was on time and on budget. Citing the fact the cemetery work crew would be over-budget if he hired part time help before July 1st, Lucas asked the alderman if they wanted to hire a part timer and go over budget in that department or make it with the current crew and stay within budget. The board said not to go over budget and Lucas said that budget permitting, an additional worker may be added after July 1st. Alderman Ryan Whitaker indicated that some of the playground equipment was in need of repair at the city park and Lucas said that will be checked out, and Alderman Kenneth Nash asked about a street light at 21 Westwood Drive that was not working. Mayor Gary Brown said that the parts are on order, and Lucas said he was responsible for the delay in ordering parts due to the dual electric payment in March to make sure that the city was fiscally sound. Mayor Brown said that the sound system at the City Hall Auditorium needs to be updated to include the playing of CD’s, and DNR officially has withdrawn the soccer field grant. City Clerk Mary Happel wanted to thank Clayton Lucas and his wife, Chief of Police Keith Steelman and his wife, and her family for attending her “swearing in” ceremony as the President of the State of Missouri City Clerks and Financial Officer Association. The Board approved Bill #3268 to create an ordinance to disclose potential conflicts of interests for certain municipal officials, approved Resolution #3-2013 that allows the mayor to execute an agreement with the Commons Committee for the city to use the Commons for the annual 4th of July activities, and approved Resolution #4-2013 allowing the mayor to sign a CHDC grant application for a Community Development Block Grant. Administrator Clayton Lucas said that an independent human resources consulting firm went over the City of Salem Employee Manual and made some additions and corrections. He asked the alderman to review the manual and bring back any recommendations at the next meeting. The board then went into closed session to discuss litigation.
The Missouri Department of Transportation is concentrating on patching potholes and keeping highways smooth and safe for motorists as part of its Missouri Pothole Patrol program launched statewide. MoDOT has dedicated staff and resources to repair minor road damage quickly and is seeking the public’s help to spot potholes and notify the agency of their location. The Missouri Pothole Patrol runs now through April 14th. There are multiple ways for motorists can report potholes: Call the MoDOT’s Customer Service Center, available 24/7, at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636), online from your computer or smartphone at modot.org; or by e-mail at comments@modot.mo.gov.
Sports [TOP]
The Salem Baseball Tigers beat the Cuba Wildcats in the Houston Tournament, 2-1, in the make-up game in the first round of the tournament. Salem will take on Houston today at 4:00 in the second round of the tournament at Houston.
Dale Weise's second-period tally proved to be the difference, as the Vancouver Canucks held off the St. Louis Blues, 3-2, on Tuesday at Rogers Arena. Jaden Schwartz and Patrik Berglund each scored for St. Louis. Jake Allen allowed all three goals on 19 shots for the Blues, who will play the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday.
Matt Carpenter's two-run double in the fifth inning helped support four shutout frames from Shelby Miller, and the St. Louis Cardinals held on for a 5-4 victory over the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium. Allen Craig added a solo homer for St. Louis, with Daniel Descalso finishing 2- for-4 with a run scored in the victory. The Cardinals have the day off today.
The St. Louis Cardinals released infielder Ronny Cedeno on Tuesday. The eight-year veteran had signed a one-year contract with the Cardinals during the offseason, but asked for his outright release. He hit for a .290 average with one home run and five RBI in 16 spring training games with the club.
Corey Dickerson and DJ LeMahieu each finished with two hits and a pair of RBI on Tuesday, as the Colorado Rockies rolled past the Kansas City Royals, 7-2, in spring training action. Mike Moustakas smacked a solo home run and Rey Navarro added an RBI single to account for the Royals' runs. The Royals will play the L.A. Dodgers this afternoon at 3:05.
Obituaries [TOP]
Funeral services for Lowell Jordan of Bunker, age 80, will be held this morning at 11:00 at the McSpadden Funeral Home in Bunker. Interment will be in the Greeley Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Graveside services for Jerry N. Housewright of O’Fallon, age 81, will be held today at 12:00 (noon) at the Barnicle Chapel Cemetery in Steelville. Arrangements are under the direction of Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville.
Memorial services for Thomas William Wheat of Licking, age 52, will be held today at 12:00 (noon) at the Wilson Mortuary in Salem. Visitation will be from 11:00 until service time. Interment will be in the Green Forest Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Wheat Family.
Funeral services for Robert Chamberlain of Salem, age 62, will be held Thursday at 7:00 pm at the Dent County Memorial Chapel. Visitation will be from 6:00 until service time. Graveside services will be Friday at 11:00 at the Cedar Grove Cemetery.
Memorial services for Frances M. Wallen of Rolla, age 88, will be held Saturday at 11:00 at the First Presbyterian Church in Rolla. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church. All arrangements are under the direction of the James and Gahr Mortuary in Rolla.
Funeral services for Gloria Harke of Steelville, age 85, will be Saturday at 2:00 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville. Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 to 8:00 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville. Memorials may be given to the BJC Sullivan Hospice.
Funeral services for Eva E. Albright of Rolla, age 96, will be held Saturday at 12:00 (noon) at the James and Gahr Mortuary in Rolla. Visitation will be from 11:00 until service time. Interment will be in the St. James Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Seasons Hospice of Springfield.
There will be no service for Jessie Lorene Laughlin of Jadwin, age 70. A fund has been set up at Town and Country Bank for the family. All arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Mortuary in Salem.
There will be no service for Elizabeth Laughlin of Jadwin, age 57. A fund has been set up at Town and Country Bank for the family. All arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Mortuary in Salem.
Weather [TOP]
