Archive for 2022

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met for their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, January 20th. Administrator Zach Moser updated the Board on the current COVID status in Dent County. In December, there were 331 new cases of COVID-19 investigated. According to MoDHSS, as of January 16th, 35.4% of Dent County residents have received their first dose of vaccine and 31.5% have completed the series. Dent County’s 7-day Positivity Rate was 35.4%. Moser noted that Pediatric C19 vaccine is available at the Health Center and adult vaccine is available at Moser Pharmacy, Vandivort Pharmacy, Sinks Pharmacy and Wal-Mart Pharmacy. Moser stated that 79 appointments for blood draws in the lab were held in December and that the Health Center can conduct most blood tests at a reduced cost for those without insurance. Anyone can have their labs done at the Health Center. The number of COVID tests has continued to increase with 355 being done during December. The cost of the rapid antigen test is $10 and PCR test, which can be sent to the state lab and Labcorp under certain circumstances, are now available at the Health Center. Zach reported that 470 COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered during the month and that the Health Center continues to offer the $50 gift card to Country Mart through a program funded by the state for anyone getting their first or second dose of COVID-19 vaccine. There were 528 appointments in CureMD for the month of December, with 613 in Acuity. In the administrator’s report, Moser reported that the Health Center started using the new electronic health record system and is adapting to the system, Monoclonal antibody treatments will be halted due to Omicron, and the Health Center does not have the supplies to administer sotrovimab due to shortages. He informed the Board that new COVID testing resources are coming and the Board set the price of the rapid molecular tests at $105. Moser went on to say that the new health insurance company requires electronic funds transfer (EFT) instead of paper checks. The Board authorized the monthly transfers via EFT. The Board also authorized the biannual audit with the CPA firm that’s done the latest audits at a cost of $4,000. Zach reported on IT difficulties that are due to the state’s firewall and that to fix them the Health Center will need to be closed half a day. It was brought to the Board’s attention that required sinks in the Lab and Pharmacy areas were left off the original plans and that all new flooring needs to be used in the area, rather than reusing the old flooring. The changes were approved by the Board. Health Center financials for the month of December were approved and Moser presented the 2022 budget. The Board moved to postpone adoption of the budget until the February meeting. In contract updates he said that the Increasing Adult COVID-19 Immunization Contract had provided the implementation of the electronic health records system. Moser went on to say that the Enhancing Laboratory Capacity CARES expansion contract was awarded, and the final signed contract has been received. He noted that the Maternal-Child Health (MCH) contract has been renewed and that child safety is the focus of this contract. WIC appointments have picked up and Sho Me Healthy Women, which provides free breast and cervical screenings for women who qualify, can be scheduled by calling the Health Center at (573) 729-3106. Moser reported that he had applied for a C19 Health Disparities Grant which would allow expanding laboratory capabilities. At the December meeting, the Board pre-approved bids for a blood chemistry analyzer and an A1c analyzer in the amounts of $15,714 and $3,896 respectively, if and when the funding becomes available. Zach stated that the roofing replacement has been completed and that the 1006 E Scenic Riverways Blvd construction is underway. The Board viewed the progress after the meeting. In closed session the Board discussed personnel and long-range planning. The Board also authorized a new receptionist position and approved the December 30th closed session minutes. In open session and prior to adjournment the Board set the next regular meeting date for Thursday, February 17th.

Missouri turkey hunters can apply online during February for 2022 spring turkey managed hunts through the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) website at mdc.mo.gov. Managed hunt details and application procedures are outlined on the webpage. Drawing results will be posted starting March 15. To apply, you must be 11 years old or older by the date of the managed hunt in order to apply and you must be hunter-education certified or exempt prior to the managed hunt. For a youth managed hunt, you must be between 11 and 15 years of age. Some managed hunts require hunters to attend a mandatory pre-hunt orientation. If you cannot attend the orientation, do not apply. The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds everyone that you may apply for only one hunt. You may apply for that hunt individually or as a group of two or three hunters. Those applying for a youth-only hunt may apply individually or with one other youth. The spring turkey hunting youth portion will be April 9 and 10 with the regular spring season running April 18 to May 8.

Salem Park and Recreation Board meeting originally scheduled for tonight has been postponed and rescheduled for Wednesday, February 16th. The meeting will be held at the Salem Community Center@The Armory at 5:30 in the Rotary Room. The agenda will remain the same and include a presentation from People Centric about “getting the most out of the board.” Kyle Williams will also discuss the Frisbe Golf Course before any other business is addressed. The meeting will then be adjourned. The Salem Park and Recreation Board meeting is open to the public.

Presiding Circuit Judge of the 42nd Judicial Circuit, Michael Randazzo, has determined that due to the severe weather and hazardous road conditions, the security of court personnel in Dent County in the 42nd Judicial Circuit would best be ensured by closing the office today and tomorrow all day.

A public meeting of the City of Salem’s Utility Committee has been called by Committee Chair Catherine Dent for this evening at 6:00 at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory, 1200 West Rolla Road. The board is expected to discuss utility disconnections during the meeting before adjourning. The meeting will be open to the public.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released reports for the week of January 24th through the 30th. On Wednesday, January 26th, a deputy traveled to a residence on Magnolia Lane in an attempt to serve an arrest warrant. The deputy made contact with a 22-year-old Jadwin man who was arrested on that active warrant out of Dent County. He was transported to the Dent County jail and incarcerated on the warrant. On Friday, January 28th, a deputy traveled to the Dent County Judicial building to serve an arrest warrant. The deputy made contact with a 23-year-old Salem man who was arrested on an active warrant out of Dent County. The man was taken to the Dent County jail and incarcerated on the warrant. On Saturday, January 29th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at Highway 19 and Highway 32. During the stop, a 43-year-old Salem man and a 43-year-old Salem woman were arrested for the possession of marijuana. They were both transported to the Dent County Jail where they were fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. If you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

City of Salem Public Works Director Mark Nash is asking the public to refrain from parking on any snow route within the city limits of Salem with the impeding bad weather being predicted. Routes labeled as “Snow Routes” have priority over other streets for the clearing of snow, ice or other debris: Third Street to the west from Highway 19 to Dilworth Lane, and Third Street to the east from Pershing Avenue to Iron Mountain Road; Fourth Street from Pershing Avenue to McArthur Avenue; Sixth Street (Rolla Road) from McArthur Avenue to Pershing Avenue; Jackson Street to the north from Sixth Street (Rolla Road) to the dead end; Tenth Street from Highway 19 to Walnut Hill Drive; Pershing Avenue from Tenth Street to Highway 32/72 East; Center Street from Highway 19 to Craig Industrial Drive and from Missouri Avenue to Dilworth Lane; Carty Street from Highway 32/72 East to Center Street; Craig Industrial Drive from Highway 32/72 to Iron Mountain Road; Babb Lane from Highway 32/72 West to Roosevelt Street; Doss Road south from Highway 32/72 East to the city limits; Roosevelt Street to the east from Highway 19 to Babb Lane and west from Highway 19 to Wines Street; Wines Street from Roosevelt Street to Highway 32/72 West; Missouri Avenue from Highway 32/72 West to Third Street; Park Street from Highway 32/72 West to Sixth Street (Rolla Road); Franklin Street from Pershing Avenue to Highway 72; Dilworth Lane from Rolla Road to Highway 32 West. Remember to remove your vehicle from these routes when an accumulation of ice and snow is expected so that the route can be cleared. Your car or truck could be towed at your expense, or you could be sited for a parking violation.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to remind the public that driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed on Friday, February 11, in observance of Lincoln’s birthday. Normal operations will resume on Monday, February 14. Examination stations will also be closed on Monday, February 21, in observance of Washington’s birthday. Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, February 22. Too many people die in traffic crashes each year in Missouri. The choices you make when you’re behind the wheel matter.