Archive for 2020

If you’re looking for an outdoor hiking and paddling adventure this fall, the Ozark National Scenic Riverways (ONSR) has just the activity for you! ONSR, in partnership with Missouri State Parks and Ozark Trail Association, is inviting visitors to complete the Current River Challenge (CRC) along the upper Current River. This self-guided challenge includes three “legs” to complete. These are a 4-mile hike from Round Spring to Echo Bluff State Park, a 4-mile hike from Echo Bluff to Current River State Park, and a 4-mile float from Current River State Park to Round Spring. Hikers can pick up an informational map brochure at the Round Spring Ranger Station or Echo Bluff State Park. At the conclusion of each leg, participants will stamp their map at designated kiosks. After completion of all three legs, participants can present their stamped map at the Round Spring Ranger Station to receive an award recognizing the accomplishment. Because this is a self guided activity, it can be completed at your own pace, in any order and timeframe desired. It can be completed in one day or over multiple days. It’s up to you to decide how you want to challenge yourself! For more information about the Current River Challenge, contact Skyler Bockman at (573) 323-8093

An accident occurred Thursday evening shortly after 7:00 on highway 68 four miles north of Salem. According to the report released by the highway patrol a 2016 Honda Metropolitan being operated by 71 Charles Immekus of Salem was northbound when he lost control, overturned, and was ejected. Immekus was not wearing a safety device at the time of the accident and suffered moderate injuries. He was transported by Salem EMS to Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment. The Honda sustained minor damage and was removed from the scene by a private party.

The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds anglers that a definition for “invasive fish” has been added to the Wildlife Code of Missouri and effects what type of fish is allowed for use as live bait. The definition includes a list of bighead carp, silver carp, grass carp, and common carp. Invasive carp were imported into the United States for many purposes. Due to releases or escapes caused by flooding, they’ve spread in recent decades and thrive in many rivers and lakes. These species eat native fishes’ food, can hurt boaters, and damage equipment. Anglers can use invasive carp as bait if the fish are dead. It is recommended that netted bait fish be placed on ice in coolers. The temperature shock kills the carp, but keeps them fresh for use as bait. Additionally, anglers should use caution when using live bait in any lake or river, including small community lakes. Unused bait from any source should be contained and put into the trash, rather than dumped into the water. For more information on invasive carp, visit the MDC website.

The Dent County Health Center Administrator Kendra Mobray is saddened to report that there have now been two COVID-19 related deaths of Dent County residents. One individual was in their 80’s, the other in their 70’s. They are taking all necessary precautions to keep our patients and community safe and will continue to diligently monitor the COVID-19 situation and follow CDC guidelines to help protect the public health and limit spread of this infection. It is important that everyone continues to practice basic preventative measures to help decrease the spread. These measures, as outlined by the CDC, include: avoiding contact with people who are sick, covering coughs and sneezes, proper hand-washing, cleaning frequently used surfaces, and staying home when sick. The Health Center highly encourages anyone who suspects that you have COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, to contact your healthcare provider.

An accident happened in Reynolds County on Highway 21 about two miles south of Centerville at 4:53 Wednesday afternoon. According to the highway patrol report, a 2013 Buick LeSabre driven westbound by 37-year old Christine Patterson of Salem, failed to yield to a 2013 Jeep Wrangler driven southbound by 53-year old Mark Shanahan of Rogers, Arkansas. The LeSabre crossed the roadway and was struck by the Wrangler. Patterson suffered serious injuries and was flown to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. A passenger in the Wrangler, 53-year old Karen Baskin of Centerville, Arkansas, suffered moderate injuries and taken by ambulance to the Poplar Bluff Regional Hospital. It was unknown if Patterson was wearing a seat restraint when the accident happened while Shanahan and Baskin were wearing their seat restraints. The Buick sustained extensive damage and the Jeep had moderate damages. Both vehicles were removed from the scene by Hills Metals and Motors from Ellington.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday evening in the Hospital Library. The Hospital Controller gave the summary of operations for the month of August where the hospital had 65 inpatient admissions with 208 inpatient census days. There were 1,776 outpatient registrations, 1,415 cardiopulmonary procedures, 6,994 lab tests, 1,101 radiology procedures, 681 rehabilitation treatments, 25 surgeries, 295 home health visits and 658 emergency room visits. There were a total of 194 ambulance runs with 116 patients transported with 78 dry runs. The hospital showed a loss from operations of $127,091 and expenses over revenue after taxes of $88,546 after receiving $36,100 in COVID-19 stimulus funds. Chief Nursing Officer, Deb Hines gave the nursing report for August. A state survey was conducted, which was a revisit from a March survey where a plan of corrective action was accepted. They also investigated a patient safety complaint and found the complaint unsubstantiated. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas reported there would be no Auxiliary meetings for the remainder of 2020. Chief Operating Officer Jason Edwards reported that the next fundraiser would be the Dancing with the Salem Stars on Saturday, January 30. The foundation has submitted a grant application for the USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine to provide a tele-health system called TytoCare to area schools. There will be a demonstration of the equipment for the doctors to review. Lucas reported that the month-long health fair has been well received by the community. Hines shared an update on the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 14 staff have tested positive with 6 being recovered and 8 still have active cases. There were 2 patients in the Long-Term Care that tested positive and 2 other patients admitted into the hospital. The hospital is currently testing between 20-30 people each day and finding 5-6 positive cases. Lucas gave an update on the current expansion and renovation project for the MRI building. The building is being re-shielded due to excessive moisture content in the plywood that was used. This should be complete by the end of September with the machine being installed in October and ready to use in November. The Window Project is complete and the sewer project is ongoing with some electrical wires being relocated overhead. The board then went into closed session.

On September 18, 2020, the Salem R-80 School District was notified a student at William Lynch had tested positive for COVID-19. The students, their families, and other staff members in close contact with the student were notified by the Dent County Health Department as it relates to possible quarantines. Yesterday the district was notified that a staff member at William Lynch tested positive for coronavirus. The students, their families, and other staff members in close contact with the staff member are being contacted by the Dent County Health Center as it relates to possible quarantines. The Salem R-80 School District will continue to work closely with local health officials to monitor evolving circumstances and revise our plans as needed. They have placed a dashboard on their website where you can view reporting information for the entire district. Thank you for your understanding as they continue to work to keep our schools safe, healthy, and open.