Archive for 2018

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met Monday night, December 17th at the Health Center. Assistant Administrator Roma Jones reported there were 32 clients who received outpatient lab services in November. She said flu shots are still available at the Health Center on a walk-in basis and they will bill most insurances, Medicaid, and Medicare. Jones stated the Staff Incentive Day will be Friday, January 11th and the Health Center will close at noon that day. Jones also said that one case of Salmonellosis and two cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever were investigated in November. The board approved the Health Center Administrative Manual, which included updates to the emergency calling tree and the Deputy Registrar list. The Personnel Manual was also approved by the board with a holiday date correction and a change to employee health insurance to 30 hours worked per week instead of 3/5 time to match ACA guidelines. The next meeting of the Board of Trustees was set for Monday, January 28th at 5:00.

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways and Missouri State Parks will be hosting the third annual Winter Paddling Clinic and First Day Float from December 30th through January 1st. The Winter Paddling Clinic will be held at Echo Bluff State Park on December 30 and 31 in conjunction with their New Year’s Eve Celebration. On January 1st paddling club members from St. Louis, Springfield, and Kansas City will celebrate the New Year with a float on the Current or Jacks Fork Rivers and will gather at Current River State Park for a bonfire and warm beverages. All are invited to attend this free paddling clinic and join the paddling clubs for float opportunities on New Year’s Day. Those who would like to make lodging reservations at Echo Bluff State Park can call their reservation desk at 844-322-3246. Millions of floaters enjoy Missouri rivers each year from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Experienced paddlers continue to visit our rivers in September and October, but paddling activity can continue during the winter months with the right equipment and a few simple precautions. Winter paddling offers several advantages. For more information about the Winter Paddling Clinic and First Day Float opportunities, contact Ranger Dave Tobey at 573-323-8093 or dave_tobey@nps.gov. For the complete schedule of events for December 30th through January 1st, visit the Ozark National Scenic Riverways at www.nps.gov/ozar.

Dent County Collector Dennis Medlock reminds tax payers the hours the Dent County Collector’s Office have been extended for today, Friday and Monday, New Year’s Eve from 8:00 in the morning until 5:30 in the evening. If you mail your taxes in on New Year’s Eve, your taxes MUST be postmarked December 31st, 2018. Otherwise, you could be responsible for a late payment and interest. You can also drop off your payment in the drop box in the front southwest corner of the courthouse lawn. Again, that needs to be dropped off before midnight, December 31st. You can also pay your taxes online. Refer to your tax bill on instructions on how to pay online. There are additional fees associated with paying your bill online. If you have any questions, please call the Dent County Collector’s Office at 729-3911.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol, encourages everyone to make good decisions regarding their New Year’s celebration. A traffic crash or jail cell would be an unfortunate way to begin 2019. Last year over the 2018 New Year’s Holiday counting period, nine people died and 291 people were injured in 845 traffic crashes. Thus, a person was killed or injured every 15.6 minutes during that time frame. Many Missourians will plan special events to welcome 2019. Everyone knows a successful event includes planning, and the most important details should focus on the safety of every guest. As you drive to your New Year’s celebration, remember to buckle up and make sure all your passengers do the same. Remember that you are transporting special cargo, so pay attention and obey all traffic laws. Be a courteous driver: When in doubt, yield the right-of-way. Be sure to use your turn signal to communicate your intentions. The posted speed limit reflects the roadway’s classification and is not a suggestion! There’s no reason to speed—the party starts after you arrive safely. Driving is a responsibility you should take seriously. If your plans include alcohol, remember that nothing ruins a party like a DWI arrest or a drinking-related traffic crash on your way home. If you’re driving, you should be the designated driver. Otherwise, make sure your group has one before you get to the party. The roadway is no place for a driver who has been drinking. If you cause a traffic crash, your New Year might begin with being arrested, facing legal fees and medical bills, and perhaps jail time! You could lose your license and will have to face your family and friends. If you kill or injure someone, you’ll pay the price for the rest of your life. No one wants to begin 2019 in jail. Be smart! Designate a sober driver or take a taxi. Before you travel, check road conditions by calling 1-888-275-6636. Allow extra time during inclement weather or consider staying home. Remember: Missouri law states if you’re using your windshield wipers, your headlights must be turned on. The only 100 percent survivable traffic crash is the one that never happens. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint.

A fatality accident occurred Sunday morning at 9:25 in Dent County on Route H about six miles west of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2003 Chevrolet Impala was traveling westbound, being driven by 70-year old Thomas San Roman of Lenox, when the vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. San Roman was pronounced dead at the scene by Dent County Coroner Gina White. San Roman stated the driver was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Impala was totaled in the accident and removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing. The body was transported to the Dent County Coroner’s office.

An accident occurred Friday afternoon at 1:58 on Highway 72 about ten miles north of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox driven by 31-year old Vanesa Culwell of Rolla, was traveling northbound when she struck the back side of a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze driven by 19-year old Kenadee Barnitz. The Chevrolet Cruze was stopped in the northbound lane waiting to make a left hand turn. Barnitz suffered minor injuries and was transported to Salem Memorial Hospital by a private vehicle. Both Culwell and Barnitz were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Equinox sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by Dishman’s Towing. The Cruze was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker Towing.

The Salem R-80 Board of education held their regular monthly meeting last Thursday at the District Administrative Offices. Superintendent John McColloch reported on Board of Education filings and incumbents Bernie Sirois and Dustin Howard have filed. McColloch gave a facilities update and said the gym project is near completion as the gas lines still have to be hooked to the units. He said that the football field restroom toilets, urinals, sinks and partitions will be installed the first of January, plus tile will be laid next week. McColloch said both projects would be completed by the middle of January. He went on to say that new doors have been installed at the Upper Elementary and the new doors at the High School will be installed soon. McColloch updated the board on the new Wellness Program requirement for the district health insurance and he introduced Jordan Brown, the new School Resource Officer, to the board. The principals’ reports for all buildings were then heard by the board. A motion was made and passed to renew the school’s insurance policy with the Missouri United School Insurance Council for the district’s property, liability and workman’s compensation for a total of $202,795. A motion was made and passed to add $5,000,000.00 umbrella policy through MUSIC in the amount of $6360.00. The resignation of Jessica Duehning, High School math instructor, effective at the end of the school year was accepted. A motion was then made to move into executive session at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of discussing personnel issues. After returning to open session a motion was made and approved to select Olivia Erway as the recipient of the local MSBA Belcher Scholarship. The meeting was then adjourned.

On January 1st, start the year off on the right foot with a First Day Hike at the Current River State Park and learn the history of Missouri State Parks while hiking the Centennial Trail. This 1.5-mile hike features two overlooks of the Current River. This trail has steep grades and is natural material and can be uneven in areas. The hike will be held from 9:00 until 11:00 in the morning and will start out at the lodge. A First Day Hike will also be held at Echo Bluff State Park on January 1st from 1:00 until 2:30 New Year’s Day. Hikers will be hiking Painter Ridge Trail, which is a two-mile hike. This is an unpaved, moderate trail with uneven surfaces. On this trail, you will see dolomite out-croppings and ledges. You may also see animals and waterfalls, if possible, from a wet-weather creek. Interested hikers can meet at the Painter Ridge Trail Trailhead. For more information, contact Connie Weber at 573-751-1224 or connie.weber@dnr.mo.gov.