Archive for 2021

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met Thursday, July 22nd. Administrator Zach Moser updated the board on the current COVID status in Dent County. To date, there were 1,117 confirmed COVID cases and 234 probable cases had been investigated. He stated that 99 of those cases have required hospitalization, and at the time of the Board meeting there were 4 people hospitalized. Moser did say that 40 deaths have been confirmed from the COVID-19 virus. He stated that according to the Missouri Division of Health and Senior Services, 23.4% of Dent County residents have received their first dose of vaccine and 20.3% have completed the series as of July 22nd. Moser went on to note that Dent County’s positivity rate was at 25.3% and that the vaccine continues to be available at the Dent County Health Center, Moser Pharmacy, Vandivort Pharmacy, and Wal-Mart Pharmacy. Assistant Administrator Roma Jones reported that Board member Dennis Floyd and his crew brought the MOSWIN antenna and radio over from the MacArthur property and a decision will need to be reached as to where to install it on the current building. Floyd will make some inquires and make a recommendation to the board. A motion was made and passed to include the new Federal Holiday, Juneteenth, as a holiday in the current personnel manual. Jones informed the Board that all of the original paperwork for the sale of the MacArthur property and the purchase of the Scenic Rivers Boulevard property had been placed in the bank box at the Bank of Salem downtown location. Jones noted that no communicable disease report was available as the CD nurse had been in training all week, that face to face WIC appointments are continuing to take place, and that there were 87 labs drawn in June. Moser, Jones and Joan Raulston will be attending a one-day Local Agency Plan meeting in Jefferson City August 3rd, and they hope to be able to submit Dent County Health Center’s plan by the end of the meeting. Jones went on to note that no Sho-Me Healthy Women (SMHW) clinics are scheduled for July so the next appointments will be scheduled for August 23rd. To set up an appointment or for more information about SMHW contact the Health Center office at 729-3106. Jones reported that one food establishment that had not been inspected had to be closed until they submit a plan and become an inspected facility. She said Chapter 8 of the current food code gives the local agency the power to shut establishments down who are not in compliance. There is paperwork that must be submitted to Jones 30 days prior to opening and she is able to do an inspection. With Administrator Moser being new to the Health Center the Board voted to postpone the Dent County Health Center audit until 2022, which will still be within the recommended time frame of every 2 to 3 years since the last audit. Jones reported that Administrator Moser will be attending a New Administrators training in Jefferson City July 29th and 30th. The Board authorized Moser to search for and acquire the best option for two credit or debit cards for health center’s operations. A brief discussion was held on physical priorities for the Dent County health Center building. Health center expenses for June were approved and the next meeting was set for Thursday, August 19th at the Dent County Health Center.

Missouri State Parks invites the public to participate Learn2 Paddle kayaking classes offered at select parks this summer. The program is for anyone who wants to experience kayaking but is not sure where to start. It is also perfect for those who want to get out on the water but don’t own a kayak. In the Salem and Dent County area, the Current River State Park will host a two-hour kayaking class on Friday, August 6th from 1:00 until 3:00. The Missouri State Parks will provide the kayaks, paddle, life jackets and instructors. Participants must be at least 10 years of age. Children 14 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the entire program. Participants should be comfortable around water. All Missouri State Parks rules and regulations apply. This is a family-oriented program; alcohol and tobacco products are not allowed while participating in the Learn2 Paddle program. The class registration fee is $5 per participant; registration is required. For registration information, visit mostateparks.com and click on their Learn 2 button under Topics. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Being outdoors can be a fun and relaxing experience, and the Missouri State Parks team wants to remind park visitors about the importance of practicing safety measures when visiting a state park or historic site. Missouri State Parks Director Mike Sutherland said the safety of our visitors is our top priority. While it’s not always the first thing on your mind, practicing safety measures will help ensure your experience is an enjoyable one, and that you keep yourself and others around you safe. When visiting a Missouri state park or historic site, please remember to wear appropriate clothing, stay hydrated, follow any guidelines posted throughout the park, know your severe weather plan, only swim in designated areas and leave wildlife be. Many of the outdoor features in state parks have conditions that cannot be controlled or managed. To make your experience in Missouri state parks great when enjoying any water-related activity, follow these safety tips: only swim in designated areas and follow signage, familiarize yourself with the area first before entering the water, watch for underwater obstacles such as stumps, logs, etc., never swim, wade or access any water feature alone, always wear a personal flotation device, never leave children unsupervised near the water, learn to swim and know your swimming limits and never drink alcohol and swim. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

If you are not feeling well and want to know if it could possibly be COVID-19, the Dent County Health Center wants to remind people that they can get tested for COVID-19 in Dent County at the Salem Memorial District Hospital with a Physician’s order. This will be a drive-up COVID Test at the Emergency Department entrance. Contact your primary care physician and have them submit the order or call 739-1915.

Registration for students at all Salem R-80 schools will be starting. William Lynch Elementary School will be registering new students on Wednesday, August 11th from 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon and from noon until 6:00 on Thursday, August 12th. At the Salem Upper Elementary School, registration will be Monday, August 9th and Wednesday, August 11th from 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon, and on Tuesday, August 10th and Thursday, August 12th from noon until 6:00. These dates are for all students, both new and returning. Students that will be attending Salem Middle School and the high school must attend registration in August to receive their schedules and locker assignments. A parent or guardian must also attend and complete all district required enrollment forms. Registration for the middle school will be start on Monday, August 9th in the middle school cafeteria from 9:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon for NEW students who have not been registered in any Salem school in grades 6-8. Registration continues on Tuesday, August 10th for all students entering 8th grade; the 7th grade registration will be held Wednesday, August 11th; and for students needing to register for 6th grade, your registration will be Thursday, August 12th. Those who miss their scheduled registration days may register on Friday, August 13th. Students who will be attending high school will be able to register the same week in the lobby of the high school from 10:00 until 3:00 each day. Those who will be seniors can register Tuesday, August 10th, juniors will register on Wednesday the 11th, sophomores on the Thursday, August 12th and freshmen on Friday, August 13th. Those in high school will receive their locker assignments only upon the return of all completed registration forms. The middle school will hold an open house on Thursday, August 19th from 4:30 until 6:00 and the high school open house will be on the 19th as well from 6:00 until 7:30. Missouri state law requires the immunization of all school children. Students must be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and hepatitis B with 3 doses for those in grades 7 through 12, unless an exemption has been signed by a physician and filed with the school. All students must present proof of compliance with the immunization rule by the first day of school but are encouraged to bring their record on enrollment day. This applies to all students, including transfer students. Parents should the Dent County Health Center if they have questions regarding required immunizations at 729-3106.

Time is running out for deer hunters to apply online through the Missouri Department of Conservation’s website for a shot at more than 100 managed deer hunts throughout the state this fall and winter. MDC offers managed deer hunts for archery, muzzleloading, crossbow, and modern firearms from mid-September through mid-January at conservation areas, state and other parks, national wildlife refuges, and other public areas. Some managed deer hunts are held specifically for youth or for people with disabilities. The managed deer hunt application period is now through July 31st. Hunters are selected by a weighted random drawing. Draw results will be available August 15th through January 15th, 2022. Applicants who are drawn will receive area maps and other hunt information by email, or mail if an email address is not located on the customer’s account. You can get more information on managed deer hunts as well as preview the hunt details at mdc.mo.gov/managedhunt. Details about managed hunts can also be found in the MDC “2021 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information” booklet, available starting in early July at MDC offices and nature centers, from permit vendors around the state, and online at mdc.mo.gov.

There will be a Fall Management of Beef Herds workshop at Cook Station at the Wurdack Research Farm on Thursday, August 5th from 5:00 until 7:00. Participants will learn various topics surrounding fall management of beef cattle. The topics will include the management of fall calving cow herds, stockpiled forage strategies, and pasture economics. You can register online or call the Crawford County extension office at 573-775-2135 and speak with Gatlin Bunton if you have any questions. There is no cost to attend this workshop.

Randy League, Vice-President of the Midwest Blue Oval Club, has indicated the Current River Blue Oval Rally scheduled for this September 11th around the courthouse square in Salem has been cancelled this year to the increase in COVID-19 cases in Dent and surrounding counties. Safety is the club’s first concern and the last thing the club wanted to do is to create a situation where someone could get ill by simply attending the rally. Also, the Salem Memorial District Hospital Chief Operating Officer Jason Edwards at the last Board of Directors meeting reported the Wings and Strings event scheduled for that same Saturday, September 11th had been cancelled.

Representatives from Missouri State Parks invite the public to attend an informational meeting at Echo Bluff State Park on Saturday morning, July 31st beginning at 11:00 at the amphitheater. The public is invited to share comments and ask questions about the site and its operations. Representatives from the site will be present to provide information and to answer questions. Input from the public is important to Missouri State Parks. These informational meetings, which are being held in all state parks and historic sites, help create two-way communication with the public. The meetings give staff the opportunity to let people know the current status and future plans for the park or historic site, and they offer visitors the opportunity to comment on the facilities. The public is strongly encouraged to follow social-distancing guidelines and be proactive in protecting themselves and others. Echo Bluff State Park is located at 34489 Echo Bluff Drive, Eminence. For more information, please contact Echo Bluff State Park at 573-751-5211. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles was not in attendance due to a family medical emergency. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley appointed First District Commissioner Wes Mobray as the temporary presiding commissioner for the meeting. In the road report, Mobray said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5180 and 6505, while materials would be added and grading done on county road 5390. He added that materials would also be added to county road 6500. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported four men would be working on the bridge on Dent County Roads 5225. They will be hauling materials to the area and are planning to pour concrete later this week in the hope of finishing up by the weekend. He also said brush would be cut on county roads 3140 and 3150. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley is reminding everyone that tax entities should be advertising their tax rate hearings in the next month to establish their new tax rates. Commissioner Mobray reported on the fuel bids taken for 7,000 gallons of diesel. The commission received three bids: Phil-Mart for $2.20/gallon, MFA for $2.2846/gallon and County Fuels for $2.2650 per gallon. Phil-Mart was awarded the bid. At the last meeting, the commissioners discussed and approved updating the policy handbook for the county. Quentin Stampley with Great Rivers Engineering held a conference call to update the commission on the Cooley Bridge FLAP project. The next step is them doing a right-a-way plan that would cost $3,000 and come out of the FLAP agreement money. The commission agreed to move forward with it. Stampley also gave an update on the Tan Vat FLAP project and they are working to complete final plans that will begin next spring. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams presented the CART monies received in July. The county received $65,861.20 and year-to-date the county is up from last year 13.75%. A reminder for those interested in purchasing the 1998 Dodge Van or the 2009 Chevy Trailblazer from the sheriff’s department, bids will be due in by 10:00, Monday August 2nd, and that will be the next meeting date of the Dent County Commission and that meeting will start at 9:00. It is open to the public.

If you plan on submitting a waste recycling grant this year to the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District, a workshop will be held on Wednesday, July 28th from 10:00 in the morning until 12:00 noon at the MRPC Office at #4 Industrial Drive in St. James. The workshop will also be available by Zoom to help those preparing the grant application. You need to register for the workshop by contacting Jill Hollowell at 265-2993, extension 109 whether you will be in person or wanting to attend by Zoom. An application packet is available at www.ozarkrivers.org. The applications MUST be submitted by noon on August 20th at the MRPC offices to qualify for the grant.

The City of Salem will be doing curbside yard waste pick-up next week starting Monday. Items that will be picked up by the city include limbs and branches that are cut to a length of 4 feet or less, and grass that is bagged in recyclable leaf bags which can be purchased at the city utility office $2.50 for ten bags. The city will pick up yard waste that has been properly bagged, cut, and placed at the edge of the curb or sidewalk. They ask that you do not block the sidewalk or place items in the street. The city of Salem reserves the right to charge for exceptionally large volumes of yard waste or to recommend removal by a private company. Items that will not be picked up include appliances, household trash, tires, electronics, lumber or building materials, furniture, or recyclables. Items must be ready and set out for pickup in July on Tuesday, the start of the first full week of the month. For more information, call the city at 729-4811.

The Kids Trout Fishing Tournament will be held Saturday, July 31st at Montauk State Park. The tournament is limited to kids 15 years old and younger and is sponsored by the Dorman L Steelman Lodge. The two age categories are 11 years of age and under and 12 to 15 years of age. The registration will be at the Lodge. Two prizes will be awarded in each age group for trout and stringer of trout by a random drawing of all entries at 2:00 Saturday afternoon at the Lodge. Gift certificates will be awarded to the winners. The tournament hours are from 7:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon. Other prizes will be awarded courtesy of the Ray Parker Memorial. For more information, call Montauk State Park at 548-2201.

The Healthy Dent County Fitness Center, located in the Salem Community Center @ the Armory, is partnering to provide complementary memberships to members of the nationally recognized Renew Active program by United Healthcare. Through this collaboration, Healthy Dent County Fitness Center will now offer older adults a way to increase their levels of physical activity while motivating them to remain active. Renew Active is the nation’s leading community fitness program designed exclusively for older adults. Renew Active is the gold standard in Medicare fitness programs for body and mind. Silver Sneakers is also offered at the Fitness Center. To learn more about its Renew Active or Silver Sneakers offerings and how you can get a free membership, call 739-1127 or stop by the Salem Community Center @ the Armory, 1200 W. Rolla Road in Salem for a tour of the facility.