News
The Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting Tuesday night at the City Hall Council Chambers. Martin Watts from Ozark River Portable Sinks was in attendance to dispel any rumors of his business closing. He says that they have made a major investment into the community and are not closing their doors. He commented that instead of aldermen damaging businesses with rumors, they ought to be helping out businesses when they struggle. Watts says that he was not seeking this type of attention, but the comments made by Alderman Nash has affected his current staff members, future employees thinking the business is struggling and leaves a negative impression from the general public. He said that the public should demand a professional demeanor from our elected officials and they should take responsibility for their actions. Officials should culture small businesses, not harm them. In a prepared response, Nash apologized that for not investigating more saying that he contacted Ozark Rivers and talked with a receptionist, after going by their facility and only finding four cars and the doors locked. He stated that he got his information from Tracy Brakefield about the Heartland Metal second shift being laid off, that the sink factory was closing and that the Brickhouse needed a liquor license to survive. The Board heard from Sherry Lea, the executive director of the Council for a Healthy Dent County, about the project to renovate the old armory was approved for a Neighborhood Assistance Program grant of $500,000. Investors will get a 70% state tax credit for their investment. She said that a capital campaign would be ready later this month. She stated that plans for renovation include expanding the building so that the Salem Fitness Center would be consolidated, make the building handicapped accessible, expanding the bathrooms and more. The board approved the bid from Bridgewell Resources from Arkansas for 30-foot electric poles for $198.70 each and 40-foot electric poles for $338.90 each. The final cost for the poles needed would be $3,576.60 for the 30-foot poles and $6,100.20 for the 40-foot poles that comes to a total cost of $9,676.80. The board approved the bid from Smith and Edwards out of Mountain Grove for the construction, removal and installation of the old weir troughs at the Waste Water Treatment Plant. The total cost would be $18,053 per weir and that is made up of $14,880 each to construct, $1,033 to remove the old weir troughs and $2,040 to install the new weir troughs. City Administrator Clayton Lucas thanked everyone for attending the Strategic Planning Meeting held on September 25th at the city hall auditorium and that the next meeting would be held on October 23rd at 6:00. He reported that new software has been installed at the City Administrative Offices that takes care of time cards, purchase orders, etc. for the city. He also said that Ray Walden started as the new Economic Development Director or the city. Alderman Philip Giacomelli wanted to thank all those people who held and visited yard sales on Saturday. Mayor Gary Brown wanted to thank Jay Anderson and his group for the new benches on 4th Street, and that this Friday there will be a meeting at Tan-Tar-a of the Mid-Missouri Municipal Power Energy Pool. The board approved Bill #3263 that allowed the annexation of the property located at 1504 Roberts Street, owned by Scott and Wilma McFarland. They also approved Resolution 27-2012 with stipulations that allow the mayor to sign any and all documents dealing with the infrastructure grant with the Delta Regional Authority. City Attorney Camm Seay said he opposed mandatory arbitration if the two sides cannot agree on issues, wanted in writing who was to do the bookkeeping and who was going to keep track of the in-kind contributions of the city. The board approved setting the Halloween Trick or Treating hours from 6:00 to 8:00 on October 31st, and approved holding the Fall Clean-Up Week October 15th through the 19th. The board then went into closed session.
The Salem Police Department has released several reports. On Friday, September 21st at 10:22, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 300 block of East Hunt in reference to a domestic disturbance. The investigation revealed that a 34-year old Salem male had assaulted a 21-year old Salem female and was in possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested and incarcerated pending the application for warrants. On Sunday, September 23rd at 3:46 in the afternoon, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. That investigation led to the arrest of a 21-year old Salem male for possession of drug paraphernalia and a 20-year-old Salem male on an active warrant from Phelps County, as well as possession of drug paraphernalia. The 21 year-old was issued a summons to appear in court and released while the 20-year old was incarcerated pending extradition. On Monday, September 24th at 11:39 in the morning, an officer was dispatched to the Upper Elementary School in reference to a theft. The investigation revealed that someone took two bicycles valued at $1,800. On Wednesday, September 26th at 4:45 in the afternoon, the police were contacted by Children’s Division in reference to child molestation. That investigation revealed that a father had possibly molested two of his female juvenile daughters. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding the theft or child molestation, which are still under investigation.
The Central Missouri Area Agency on Aging will help you review your Medicare Part D drug coverage, FREE of charge! Medicare Plan D plans change premiums, deductibles, co-pays and formularies every year. The CMCAA can help you find the plan that best meets you personal needs and financial situation. Jackie Overby, a CMCAA Care Coordinator, will work with you using the Medicare Plan Finder to find plans available, plus she can review your eligibility for the three programs that can help you reduce the cost of prescription drugs or premiums, and your Medicare Part B premium. The open enrollment dates will begin on October 15th and end December 7th this year. All Medicare beneficiaries are encouraged to call 729-5697 to make an appointment.
Sports [TOP]
The Salem Lady Tiger Volleyball team will play in Thayer tonight. JV will start at 6:00 with the varsity to follow.
Chris Carpenter continued his postseason dominance and Pete Kozma hit a three-run homer as the St. Louis Cardinals spoiled the first playoff game in the nation's capital in 79 years with an 8-0 win over the Washington Nationals in Game 3 of their National League Division Series. Carpenter scattered seven hits and two walks over 5 2/3-scoreless innings. He improved his postseason record to 10-2 in 16 career starts. Matt Holliday added two RBI, while Allen Craig, Yadier Molina and Daniel Descalso each knocked in a run for the Cardinals, who hold a 2-1 edge in the best-of-five series and can move on to the NLCS with a victory in this afternoon's Game 4, in which Kyle Lohse will take the mound. You’ll be able to hear the game on KSMO starting with the pre-game show at 2:32.
St. Louis Rams punter Johnny Hekker has been named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Week 5. Hekker punted seven times and averaged 56.9 yards per punt in the Rams' 17-3 win over Arizona, which is the highest average in a game in franchise history.
Obituaries [TOP]
Funeral services for Arthur Dale Schrader of Salem, age 72, will be held Friday at 11:00 at the Dent County Memorial Chapel. Visitation will be Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00. Interment will be in the Cedar Grove Cemetery with Full Military Honors.
Funeral services for Robin Rene Kerr of Salem, age 51, will be held Friday at 1:00. Visitation will be from 11:00 until time of service. Interment will be in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Kerr family.
Funeral mass for Ann Baumann of Steelville, age 81, will be Saturday at 10:00 at the St. Michael's Catholic Church in Steelville. Visitation will be Saturday from 9:00 to 10:00 at the Catholic Church. Interment will be in the Holy Cross Cemetery in Cuba. Memorials may be given to the St. Michael's Catholic Church in Steelville.
Weather [TOP]
