Archive for 2022

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees held their regular meeting on Thursday, June 23rd. Health Center Administrator Zach Moser said the May communicable disease report included the investigation of 36 new COVID-19 cases, no cases of Influenza A, and 3 animal bites. Moser noted that the DCHC recommends everyone over the age of 5 get vaccinated against COVID-19. In the diagnostics report Moser said that 159 blood draw appointments were completed and the Health Center can conduct most tests at reduced cost for those without insurance. There were 59 COVID tests during the month. COVID tests are $10 for rapid antigen test, $35 for COVID/FLU combo test, and $50 for molecular C19 Test. Most people can qualify for free testing and no doctor’s orders are required. Moser said that 140 COVID-19 vaccines were administered, plus 72 other vaccines. There was a total of 405 appointments during the month. Assistant Administrator Roma Jones gave the environmental report and said she conducted 5 inspections and fielded 7 environmental questions. In the Administrators report Moser said that the only items left on the construction list were replacing the back door and the installation of the remainder of the new flooring. He reported that the Health Center’s new nurse practitioner, April Greener, DNP, will be able to start seeing patients on July 5th and Dr. Jessica King from TCMH will be Greener’s collaborating physician. Moser said that currently the DCHC is waiting on over $196,000 in outstanding payments from the State of Missouri. He reported that the Childcare Subsidies Program is still awaiting a working contract template for childcare providers before that program can be initiated and a draft contract has been obtained, but no final copy has been received. The Board approved Moser and Jennifer Rodermann to attend the NACCHO 360 Conference in Atlanta in July and Moser’s attendance at the MoAlpha Conference in September in Columbia. DCHC expenses for May were reviewed and approved by the Board. In new business the Board enthusiastically approved addition of a Tardiness Policy to the personnel manual. The Policy is based on a point system that will trigger disciplinary action if necessary. Moser reported on the WIC Enhancement Grant’s change in tone that was offered back in December. WIC has now agreed to pay 40% of the upfront cost of the phone system and 40% of the ongoing cost. WIC also authorized 40% of the 20-seat arrangement for the waiting room at a total cost of $6,529.08, with WIC picking up $3,912.05. The Board approved the purchases. Moser reported that the Dent County Commission agreed to pay for the electronic sign using ARPA funds. Moser requested the purchase of a large TV for the conference room for presentations and the Board approved the purchase. Before adjourning the next meeting date of the Board was set for July 28th at 5:00 at the DCHC.

The Dent County Commission met last Thursday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said grading would be done on Dent County Road 5600 while brush would be cut on county road 5610. He said services were done on county pickup truck #77. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported crews cut brush on county road 3260 and two men patched chip and seal roads 3260 and 3280. They patched chip and seal roads every day this week. A new road sign was installed on county road 2200. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles repeated that the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District will have about $150,000 for waste reduction and recycling projects for the upcoming year. Skiles said the grant program began July 1st and those interested can go online to find the links at meramecregion.org and applications MUST be turned in by 12:00 noon on August 19th or they will not be considered for the grant. For more information, contact the Meramec Regional Planning Commission at 573-265-2993 and speak with Jill Hollowell or Tammy Snodgrass. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the last day to register to vote in the Primary in August will be July 6th, and absentee voting will continue through August 1st. The deadline for a mailout absentee ballot to be sent is Wednesday, July 20th, and the testing of the election equipment will be held at 9:00 that morning. The commission will be holding a special meeting on Wednesday, July 6th at 10:00 to open bids for the courthouse renovation with engineer Corky Stack. The meeting will be open to the public.

The Dent County Fire Protection District board of directors this evening at 6:00 at the fire station located at #2 South Main Street. THIS MEETING HAS BEEN POSTPONED AND NO RESECHEDULED DATE HAS BEEN SET.

The deadline to nominate a Missouri veteran or active duty service member for the 2022 Missouri State Fair Military Flag Retreat Ceremony, sponsored by Capital Materials, Retrieving Freedom, Inc., and Starline Brass, is quickly approaching! Veterans and active-duty service members from across Missouri are eligible to be honored in a Military Flag Retreat Ceremony taking place near the Historic Administration Building on the Missouri State Fairgrounds during one of the eleven days of the Missouri State Fair. Individuals can be nominated using a form available on the Missouri State Fair website. Nominees must be Missouri residents and available to attend one of the eleven days of the 120th Missouri State Fair, Aug. 11-21. Once a nomination form is complete, it can be mailed, faxed, or emailed to the Missouri State Fair office. The deadline to submit nominations TODAY.