Archive for 2018

The Salem Memorial District Hospital held their public tax rate hearing Tuesday afternoon at 5:45 at the hospital library. The tax rate is determined by dividing the amount of revenue required by the current assessed valuation, then multiplied by 100 to show the tax rate expressed by cents per $100 assessed valuation. Last year the tax rate was 19.2 cents per $100 assessed valuation. The total assessed valuation for the four counties that make up the hospital district for 2019 is $250,198,261 which is up from the $244,240.452 from 2018. The budgeted tax receipts the hospital anticipates is $475,000. At 19.2 cents per $100 assessed valuation, the hospital would receive $480,381 if everyone paid. The board elected to leave the tax rate the same at 19.2 cents per $100 assessed valuation for the 2019 by a unanimous vote as it will meet their required budgeted amount. The public hearing was then adjourned.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On Saturday, August 11th deputies responded to a residence on Private Lane 413 in reference to a domestic disturbance. It was discovered that a 23-year old Salem man had struck his wife in the face, causing physical injuries. The husband had left the residence and was not located by law enforcement. Charges are being sought for this incident. On Monday, August 12th, deputies traveled to the 1000 block of Highway 19 North in an attempt to locate an individual for a previous crime. A “Consent to Search” the residence was granted and a 27-year old Salem woman was found hiding in a closet. She was discovered to have a warrant though the Salem Police Department. She was arrested and taken to the Dent County Jail. On Thursday, August 16th, Dent County Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Franklin Street near Highway 19. The driver, a 33-year old Salem man, was arrested on a felony Dent County warrant. He was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Friday, August 17th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Highway 19 near Center Street. A passenger, a 25-year old Salem man, was arrested on a felony Dent County warrant. He was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Saturday, August 18th, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the Wal-Mart parking lot. The driver, a 19- year old Salem man, was arrested for driving while having his license suspended. He was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. This past Sunday, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Highway 32 West at the Scenic Rivers Taxidermy. The driver, a 61-year old Salem man, was arrested for driving while being intoxicated. He was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. If anyone has information regarding an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’ Department at 729-3241.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors regular meeting was held Tuesday at the hospital library. According to Chief Financial Officer Monica Stogsdill, the hospital showed a loss from operations of $50,888 in July with an excess of expenses over revenues for the month of $45,056. Cash decreased for the month by $43,843 and days cash on hand for the hospital was reduced to 83. Stogsdill said the days in net Accounts Receivable for charges was at 58 days which is down from the 60 days last month. Stogsdill mentioned the inpatient admissions at the hospital were up in August with 78 admissions and 257 census days that included 98 swing bed days and 21 observation days. During the month, there were 774 emergency room visits, 222 ambulance runs with 157 patients being transported to the hospital, 37 surgery services, 1,445 outpatient registrations, 274 home health visits, 6,780 lab tests, 1,039 radiological procedures and 663 rehab treatments. Chief Nursing Officer Debbie Hines reported on the Quality Improvement Program and some changes will be made to where the program is now “project oriented” instead of just reporting data that may cross over into more than one department. She also reported on the HCAHPS survey from the 1st quarter of 2016 through the 3rd quarter of 2017. The Salem Hospital fell six surveys short of getting the “star rating.” The survey response rate was 32% which is about average. The hospital auxiliary will be meeting on Tuesday, September 4th at the Salem Community Center@The Armory at noon for lunch. The Hospital Foundation has announced the next “Dancing with the Salem Stars” will be held January 26th at the Salem High School Gymnasium. Chief Operating Officer Chris Strickland indicated the hospital continues to work on its community perception as new radio ads are being cut and new videos are in the process of being made. He also said the hospital will continue to attend a number of activities in the region including the Chamber Rodeo Labor Day Weekend, Community Wellness Expo on September on September 13th and more. A new billboard will be going up at the corner of Highway 72 and 32 West heading toward Licking. He indicated 20 women have already gotten mammograms from the new mammography machine and a Grand Opening date has been set for October 1st at 10:00 at the hospital. He also reported Britney Christesen, D.C. has signed a services agreement for the new Sports Medicine Program at the Salem R-80 High School. She will be at the school on Wednesdays from 2:30 until 6:00 to see student athletes. In old business, the board approved the updated Capital Purchase Policy and Purchasing Policy before approving the appointment of Judy Thompson, A.J. Seay and Ray Bruno to the 2019 Finance Committee. The board will address any by-law changes during the annual by-law review in September. They approved the purchase of a Sentec CPAP/BiPAP machine for the cardio-pulmonary department for $2,085, and they approved the erection of a new SMDH Entrance sign. It will now be 21 feet in the air on two steel posts with new lit sign faces under the SMDH current pan facing that will be used at the top of thee sign. The total cost of installation and changes came to $10,930. The board then went into closed session.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday evening for their regular scheduled meeting as well as a public hearing on the personal property and real estate tax rate for 2018. At the meeting, they postponed the purchase of a sewer machine tank. The board isn’t sure if there isn’t another option other than buying a 700 gallon tank like working with a sister city to provide the sewer services, but the city does not have any agreements to that effect with other cities. The board held a public tax hearing about the proposed rate for 2018 as set by the state auditor of $0.6533 per $100 assessed valuation for real estate and personal property within the city limits. There were no public comments. The rate for 2018 is the same rate as 2017. After the consent agenda was approved, City Administrator Ray Walden told the crowd the city offices would be closed on September 3rd for Labor Day. He said the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce is holding a rodeo Labor Day Weekend and Timber Days will follow on Monday, September 3rd. Walden said the next meeting will be held September 10th. He also reported there is still an issue with the card reader and fuel pump at the airport. Part of the problem may be too slow of an Internet speed, but an attendee at the meeting said someone has been drilling under the road which may be a fiber optic cable. The city will check it out. The board approved the recommended tax rate for 2018 of $0.6533 per $100 assessed valuation for real estate and personal property, and then approved Bill #3397 creating an ordinance that set the tax levy for 2018. The board also approved Bill #3398 that added Chapter 106, a Code of Ethics for Public Officials to the municipal code book for the City of Salem. The chapter is directly from Missouri State Statutes. The board went on to approve Bill #3399 amending the annual budget for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1st, 2017. The board also approved the request from Chief Keith Steelman for the Salem Police Department to seek a Local Law Enforcement Block Grant which is a 100% funded block grant that the council must approve before it can be applied for. The grant funds will be used for equipment. The board then went into closed session where no votes were taken. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Salem Police Department released the following reports for August 7th through the 9th. On Tuesday morning, August 7th, at about 10:32, an officer was contacted at the Salem police department by a city employee for a report of stealing of city utilities. The investigation revealed the lock on a water meter had been tampered with and water had been used without authorization. The value of the water used was $26.60. The report is still under investigation. Later that same evening at 10:00, a vehicle was stopped for an equipment violation. The investigation led to the arrest of a 25-year old male from Salem for the possession of marijuana. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. At 2:31 the morning of August 8th, an officer was dispatched to Mobil in Salem in reference to a male subject trying to purchase items with a counterfeit bill. During the investigation it was determined that the male subject had sold personal items and was given the bill as payment for the items. It was also determined that the male subject had an active warrant for his arrest. The 30-year old male, from Potosi was arrested and incarcerated for the warrant. The investigation into the counterfeit bill is still under investigation. At 2:45 that same afternoon, an officer was dispatched to the St. Francois Country Sheriff’s Office in reference to a subject being held on City of Salem warrants. A 30-year old subject was arrested and taken back to Salem and incarcerated for two warrants for his arrest. That same evening at 10:43, a vehicle was stopped for an equipment violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 22-year old male subject from St. Louis for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. The subject was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Thursday evening, August 9th at 8:05, a vehicle was stopped for an investigative stop due to suspicious activity. The investigation led to the arrest of a 21-year old male from Salem for possession of marijuana. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. At 10:16 that same night, an officer was dispatched to the Salem Memorial Hospital in reference to a 96-hour detention and Evaluation warrant. The warrant was served and the 32-year old female from Salem was transported to Osage Beach for evaluation. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

An accident occurred Monday afternoon at 1:35 in Phelps County on Highway 68 about eight miles south of St. James that took the life of a Rolla man. According to the highway patrol report, a southbound 2005 Dodge Caravan, operated by 47-year old Richard Martin of Rolla, crossed the center line and struck a northbound 2006 Sterling box truck head on. The Sterling was driven by 51-year old Russell Eynard of O’Fallon, Missouri. Martin was pronounced dead at 7:43 Monday evening at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. According to the report, Russell Eynard was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident, while Richard Martin was not. Both vehicles were totaled in the accident. The Dodge was removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing and the Sterling was removed by C & C Towing of Rolla. The highway patrol was assisted by MODOT, the St. James Fire Department and St. James Ambulance at the scene.

Following up on a story from Monday, Texas County Sheriff Rowdy Douglas identified the murdered female as 56-year old Susan J. Campbell of Cabool. She died of multiple gunshot wounds Sunday afternoon. The person suspected of the crime was identified as 52-year old Kenneth R. Clark of Cabool, who is in critical condition from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was arrested by the state highway patrol Sunday on charges of first-degree murder, armed criminal action and violation of an order of protection obtained by Campbell. He was charged Monday by Texas County Prosecutor Parke Stevens Jr. Clark was ordered to be held without bond.

The Dent County Commission gathered for their regular meeting Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell indicated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 6010, 6380, 6400 and 6580 while brush will be cut on county road 2490. Purcell reported a crew would be cleaning out crossover culvert pipes, performing ditch work and adding materials to county road 5520. He also said he would be attending a South Central Community Action Agency meeting today in Winona. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2160, 2590, 4020, 4280 and 6160 while brush was going to be cut on county roads 3220, 5320, 5325 and 6150. He said materials were going to be added to Dent County Road 2590 and a downed tree was removed Monday morning from county road 2120. Larson explained crews were preparing to work on the low water crossing on Dent County Road 2070. Weather permitting, work could start as early as today. Once work begins, the road will be closed and could stay closed as long as seven days. Larson said he contacted R-3 and let them know this work was being done in case that interfered with the bus routes. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended Senator Blunt’s Advisory Council last Thursday in Sedalia. Skiles said he wanted to attend to make sure that they know how important it is to keep funding the Secure Rural Schools Act and the Payments in Lieu of Taxes in this area as they provided needed funds for the many schools in his area. He also said there was discussion on improving broadband Internet access in rural areas currently underserved. Richard LaBrash, Chaplain with the American Legion Post #99, came in to let the commissioners know that the only living Medal of Honor Recipient in the State of Missouri will be in Dent County this Labor Day weekend. His name is Donald “Doc” Ballard who was a Navy hospital corpsman in the Vietnam War. He will be presenting the check to the winner of the Cross Country Race at the “Ron’s Race for a Reason” event at Flat Nasty Off-Road Park on Saturday afternoon. He will then attend a Community Welcome at Indian Trail Archery where there will be a short film presentation as well as a meet and greet with the public that will include photo opportunities. The event is open to everyone. Ballard will also be attending the opening ceremony to the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Rodeo on Saturday evening for a special veteran salute. The commission heard from attorneys Jack Garvey and Kim Lowe on the opiate Missouri Lawsuit. The commission also heard from Larry Hart from L.J. Hart and Company from St. Louis about the bonding requirements for the Justice and Jail Center. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Thursday at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

State Auditor Nicole Galloway released her report of the regularly scheduled audit of the government of Shannon County. The audit, which received an overall rating of fair, found several areas where county officials needed to make improvements. The report found the county’s General Revenue Fund continues to be in a weak condition, with disbursements exceeding receipts in three of the last four years and an outstanding balance owed to the Special Road and Bridge Fund. In addition, county officials have not sufficiently reduced the property tax levy collected in order to meet the legal requirement of off-setting sales tax monies the county receives. The Auditor recommended that the County Commission take the necessary steps to improve the condition of the General Revenue Fund and make long-term plans to avoid future problems, as well as work with the County Clerk to reduce property tax levies to follow state law. The audit also identified the need for the County Collector to file annual settlements, so that taxes can be accounted for properly and that other county officials can verify the Collector’s accounts. Other problems in the Collector’s office included the lack of preparing bank reconciliations and lists of liabilities, the failure to maintain a running checkbook balance, and the need to make timely disbursements. Other issues found in the audit included the need for improvement in accounting controls and procedures in the Sheriff’s office; the need for the Public Administrator to implement policies to better safeguard the interests of the wards and estates for whom the Public Administrator is responsible; fiscal and administrative problems with the county’s SB40 Board; the need for improvement in county personnel policies and leave records, including addressing the appearance of a conflict of interest in which a county road and bridge employee is supervised by his brother, the Northern District Associate Commissioner; and the need to improve procedures and records to account for county property. You can review the entire audit at the www.auditor.mo.gov website.

A representative from the Veteran’s Administration will be at the American Legion Walker-Roney Post #99 this Thursday from 9:00 until 1:00 to answer questions, assist in enrollment, help with processing claims or just helping to address a specific need those veterans from Crawford, Dent, Howell, Laclede, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski, Shannon, Texas and Wright counties. This event is open to all those who served in the military branches and that includes the National Guard. If you need more information, call (573) 729-1394 or (573) 729-3710.