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The weather on Saturday was fantastic for the 2009 Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks display. The day was enjoyed by many both young and old. With approximately 50 entries and even more when you count all the beautiful horses, this year’s theme was “Let Freedom Ring.” Winning the Non-Commercial prize was the Scenic Rivers Industries – Dent County Sheltered Workshop with their float beautifully decorated and topped off by a bell made by all the employees at the Sheltered Workshop. Town and Country Bank won the Commercial prize for their entry that included the original bell from the William Lynch School. Both the Commercial and the Non-Commercial Winner will receive a $100.00 check as their prize from the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. Congratulations to those winning the prizes. The day was then topped off with a beautiful half hour fireworks display at the Commons in front of a jammed packed crowd there and at many surrounding locations.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting Monday evening at the city hall council chambers. The board approved a request from Scott Radford to waive the fees for the use of the city hall basement to hold a MOCHIP Child ID program on Saturday, May 8, 2010 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This will be for all children 18 and under and there is no charge and will be held in cooperation with the Salem Police Department, Dent County Sheriff’s Department and Troop I. City Engineer Bill Huffman said that he believes the city has taken care of the “damming” of water on South Jackson by dropping down the sidewalk allowing the water to flow freely over the sidewalk. He also said that the Planning and Zoning Commission postponed making any decision on the proposed used car lot at 404 West Fourth Street until July 20^th when Wayne Woods is supposed to provide additional information concerning plans for the lot.  Alderman Jim McDaniels said that the Independence Day festivities at the Commons was a huge success as vendors were very pleased and the large crowd really enjoyed the fireworks display. He wanted to thank everyone involved who helped make the event a success.  Alderman Jim Jackson and Kenneth Nash both heard complaints about people who were routed nine miles out of the way to get home after the fireworks display. The aldermen believe the route was set up by the sheriff’s department to help with traffic flow. Nash also wants to discuss user fees at the Salem Freedom Activity Center, pool and other programs. Mayor Gary Brown said that this topic would be added to the agenda for the next meeting. Brown said that he met with SEMA representatives to know what itemization will be needed for the city to be reimbursed. He also met with FEMA officials and they want to remind everyone to call 1-800-621-3362 to sign up for disaster assistance from the storms in May. Brown said that Well #8 is down as there was a bearing in the shaft. To replace the well pump as it was would cost $35,470.53 and it would take about 3 to 4 weeks to get the parts, or they could use a submersible pump and that would cost $29,027.08 and it would take about a week to install. Brown sad that he decided to go with the submersible pump so that the well can be put back on line as quickly as possible as that is the only well on a backup generator. He said that McArthur is not going to be repaired this year as MoDOT said that the cost to repair the road is more than they anticipated and it would have to be put into the budget for next year. They approved Bill #3171 that corrected an error in the sewer rates for those living outside the city limits of Salem, approved Bill #3172 establishing a utility deposit of $25 for new utility customers and those who have to be reconnected, and they approved Bill #3173 that allows the Mayor to sign an agreement with a collection agency in order to help to collect past due accounts to the city. The board postponed making any decision on the recommended pay scale for mechanics for the city, but they did approve the policy changes that would allow a disabled senior citizen to call in a work order and have the service person bring it to them to sign, and to charge a $50 reconnect fee for utility customers who have been disconnected three times for non-payment. The board also approved charging fees for the use of the city hall auditorium and Salem Freedom Activity Center during normal business hours to businesses, individuals and organizations outside the city limits of Salem who want to the rent the facility during those times. They also agreed to not allow a refund for the renting of the city hall auditorium or Salem Freedom Activity Center within 45 days of the scheduled event. After the bills were approved, the board went into closed session.

This is a gentle reminder that the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce July Membership meeting is this Wednesday the 8^th of July at My Place Restaurant. The guest speaker will be Joe Brand from Edward Jones Investments and he will be speaking on “Investment Perspectives”. Cost is $8.00 per person and you will need to RSVP no later than noon Tuesday the 7^th. Call 729-6900 or come by 200 South Main Street.

Businesses who suffered property damage or loss from the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from May 8^th through the 16th can register for federal disaster assistance. Registration is available by calling 1-800 621-3362 from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week, or at www.disasterassistance.gov. In order to complete an application, the following information is necessary: a phone number, address of the damaged property, a brief description of damages, a Social Security number, any insurance information and a current mailing address. The counties in which residents are eligible to register for disaster assistance are: Dent, Shannon, Texas, and surrounding counties. Businesses of any size and private, non-profit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets The U.S. Small Business Administration also sends loss verifiers to inspect damaged property of those who have submitted completed loan applications. And local building and safety inspectors may come to see if damaged structures are safe. All of these inspectors should have photo identification

Residents who suffered property damage or loss from the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from May 8^th through the 16th can register for federal disaster assistance. Registration is available by calling 1-800 621-3362 or at www.disasterassistance.gov from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week until further notice. In order to complete an application, the following information is necessary: a phone number, address of the damaged property, a brief description of damages, a Social Security number, any insurance information and a current mailing address. The counties in which residents are eligible to register for disaster assistance are: Dent, Shannon, Texas, and surrounding counties. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, in addition to grants for serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property. FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate victims for their entire loss. For those with insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered by insurance. Residents who applied for disaster assistance and are not insured can expect to hear from an inspector who will schedule a visit to look at damaged property. FEMA schedules inspections within 7 to 10 days to verify losses.

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Funeral services for Gilbert (Gibby) Wisdom of Salem, age 84, will be held this morning at 11:00 at the James and Gahr Mortuary Chapel in Salem. Interment will be in the North Lawn Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church in Salem.

Funeral services for Eunice Gilbert of St. James, age 82, will be held Thursday at 1:00 at James and Gahr Mortuary in St. James. Visitation will be Thursday morning from 10:00 until service time. Interment will be in the Matlock Cemetery.

Funeral services for Velta L. Stroder of Salem, age 75, will be held Friday morning at 10:00 at the Fox Funeral Home Chapel in Licking. Visitation will be held Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00. Interment will be in the Boone Creek Cemetery.

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