Archive for 2023

The Missouri Department of Conservation encourages people to enjoy fall foliage through camping, hiking, driving tours, or even floating. To help, department will offer weekly online fall color updates from agency foresters all over the state at mdc.mo.gov/fallcolor. Foresters are posting reports that show users where trees are beginning to turn and even suggest great places to see changing leaves. The drought that was experienced over the summer could affect this year’s color. Dry conditions we saw this summer could cause trees to lose their leaves early or begin changing colors earlier than normal, which may affect the amount of fall color we see later in the season. The chilly evenings we see in the fall season are critical for leaves to change color. Chilly nights cause the breakdown of green pigments, allowing the fall colors to show through. Missouri trees first begin changing color in the northern part of the state, then move southward. Sassafras, sumac, and Virginia creeper are some of the earliest to change in mid-September. In late September, the black gum, bittersweet, and dogwoods began turning. The peak of fall color usually hits around mid-October. Trees like maple, ash, oak, and hickory are at the peak of their fall display by the middle of October and that normally by the end of the month, colors are fading and leaves are falling. Missouri’s fall color can be enjoyed from almost anywhere. For spectacular vistas, choose routes along rivers with views of forested bluffs, and along ridges with sweeping scenes of forested landscapes. Conservation areas or Missouri state parks are wonderful places to take in the fall color, plus fall color isn’t just limited to trees. Prairies and roadsides display beautiful shades of gold, purple, olive, and auburn with autumn wildflowers, shrubs, and grasses. In cities and towns, enjoy places with mature trees such as older neighborhoods, parks, and even cemeteries. MDC provides its annual fall color update at mdc.mo.gov/fallcolor. The weekly reports include what species of trees are turning and the best places to see them. The updates will run through November.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met Thursday evening at the district administrative offices. After approving the consent agenda, the board heard from Choir Director Elaine Russell who was requesting an out-of-town trip for choir members as well as chaperones in April of 2024, from the 18th through the 21st. She would like to go to either Washington, D.C or Nashville. She also prepared a “code of conduct” form for non-staff chaperones that they must sign to go along. The board approved her request. Architect Matt Patterson discussed with the board an updated survey of the upper elementary school and found the proposed elementary and FEMA addition straight off the south side would put the building into the tree line with about a seven foot drop. He offered two options: the first option would rotate the plans creating a bit of a triangle at the south side of the school changing the corridor and classroom; while the second option would slide the addition to the northwest and cut into the green space at the playground. The cost for either would be about the same. The board will get input on the options from other administrators, principals and others before deciding. Patterson he would like to know in about two weeks so he can move forward with the plans. Chris Salzman from ESP brought in a notebook binder that featured the original contract with the R-80 district for the Tin Gym project that included transactions orders, change orders, subcontractor agreements and change orders, scope of work to be performed, applications for payment and lien releases. It also included a summary of ESP fees and their profit as well as a request for the final payment along with documented proof of performance. The building principals discussed with the board their CSIP building improvement plans while Athletic Director Clay Moody reported the improvements to the baseball field have been completed. He said the fall sports are wrapping up and winter sports begin on October 30th at the high school. Moody said the bus driver situation has improved and said if things work out, they are close to having a full staff. The board approved a 12-month bus lease from Dalton Sanders for $7,000 with Sanders providing maintenance. The board then selected Carolyn Faith Pryor as the Belcher Scholarship Nominee. Principal Jody Heavin recommended the board go with Graduation Day as Friday, May 17th with Sunday, May 19th as the rain date. The board then went into closed session.

An accident happened Thursday afternoon in Phelps County around 2:15 on Route H about a mile east of Edgar Springs. According to the highway patrol report, a 2011 Chevy Equinox driven westbound by 62-year-old Kimberly Brugman of Edgar Springs, traveled off the left side of the roadway and went airborne before returning to the roadway. The Chevy then traveled off the right side of the road and struck a gate. Brugman suffered minor injuries and was transported to Phelps Health for treatment. Brugman was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevy Equinox sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Lucas Garage.

The “Haunting at the Mill” event will be held this Saturday at Montauk State Park where Halloween and history combine, bring life to the Montauk mill. Come early from 3:30 to 5:30 for “spooky crafts” appropriate for all ages at the picnic shelter near the mill. You will find pumpkin crafts, face painting and other activities. Then discover the “spirits of Montauk Valley” at the old grist mill where they will remember the “good ol’ days” when they were alive. This not-so-scary, historical event will begin at 5:00, 6:00, 7:00 and 8:00 Saturday evening with a limit of 45 guests per show. Enjoy this presentation of area history from a unique perspective! This is a family event.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be holding their regular meeting tonight at 5:30 in the Salem R-80 board room. After approval of all consent agenda, the board will hear the Superintendent’s reports given by Dr. Reed and Dr. Wills including a review of the survey for the FEMA construction, a review of accounting from ESP with Chris Salzman and CSIP progress. That will be followed by reports from the principals of William Lynch Elementary, the Upper Elementary, the middle school, and high school. Clay Moody will then report to the board on athletics and activities followed by other reports. New business to be discussed include discussion to approve a bus lease with Dalton Sanders, the selection of a Belcher Scholarship nominee, the setting of the graduation date, and the board will consider an out-of-state choir trip. The board will then adjourning and moving into executive session to discuss personnel, and real estate. The meeting is open to the public.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways will host a free, one-day workshop about the basics of fly fishing for youth between the ages of 12 and 16 this Sunday, October 22nd at the Akers Visitor Center. This free workshop is limited to 10 youth participants and at least one parent or guardian for each youth. Reservations are required. Park Ranger Mark Van Patten will lead the workshops. Ranger Van Patten will demonstrate various fly rod casting techniques, proper catch and release techniques, and strategies for fly presentation. Instruction will also include lessons on aquatic entomology, recommended equipment, reading the water, and understanding flies. Fly fishing is not just for trout. Fly rods and reels will be available for those who do not have their own. The book Fly Fishing A-Z will be provided. The clinic is expected to last the full day. Participants should bring a valid Missouri fishing permit and trout stamp if 16 years or older. A trout stamp is required for all ages, and if under 16, the cost is $5.00. Waders or something to wear while wading but no open-toed shoes. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, lunch and water. This workshop is made possible through the support of the Ozark Riverways Foundation and a grant from the National Park Foundation. For more information, please contact the Pulltite Ranger Station at (573) 858-3397.

In a case heard last Wednesday, October 12th, in front of Judge Michael Randazzo, Melissa Lea of Salem had her probation revoked surrounding two cases involving the possession of methamphetamine. Lea was sentenced to serve seven years in the Missouri Department of Corrections under RSMO 559.115 as requested by Prosecutor Andrew Curley.

Dent County University of Missouri Extension Council invites residents to join the 2023-2024 group of volunteers that make Dent County a better place to live through Extension programs. Representatives will be elected in a non-partisan election from January 8th through the 12th. Candidates must be at least 18-years-old and reside in the county. Applications to be a candidate are available by calling 573-729-3196, online at extension.missouri.edu/dent or email at dentco@missouri.edu. Completed applications are due November 16th at the Dent County Extension at 112 East 5th Street in Salem, MO. Designated by state statute as the official body to cooperate with the University of Missouri in delivery of Extension programs, the council has roles in programming, fiscal and personnel. The Dent County Extension Council is the local link between county residents and the University of Missouri four-campus system. Responsibilities include attending monthly meetings (4th Monday), identify concerns of the community to connect citizens with Extension resources, administer the county budget and assist in planning, promoting, and carrying out Extension efforts. Individuals interested in serving on the council may contact Ray Walden, County Development Specialist, at the Dent County extension office (573-729-3196). Information about the Dent County Extension office can be found on the web at www.extension.missouri.edu/dent.

Lexie Mutch will be hosting two Make Your Own Journal Coptic Bookbinding workshops at the Creative Arts Center this Saturday and next Saturday, October 28th, from 4:00 till 6:00. This workshop is for anyone interested in learning the technique of coptic bookbinding, making their own art journals, books, or a gift for a friend. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon tearing down paper, cutting and gluing covers unique to your own taste, and sewing a strong and lovely binding. Come enjoy an afternoon learning how to make your own coptic-bound sketchbook or journal. This coptic-bound book will lay flat, a joy to work within and lovely to behold and hold! No previous knowledge is required to attend. This process involves utilizing sharp blades, a bit of muscle, and can be hard on arthritic hands at certain points. Handmade books are a treasure to use yourself or to share with someone you cherish. Each participant will make their own blank book, with paper torn and folded, covers chosen, cut and glued, and bindings sewn together all themselves. This workshop is for ages 12 and up, the cost is $30. There must be at least 3 attendees and no more than 10 attendees. Interested persons can sign up on salemcommunitybetterment.com website for activities at the Creative Arts Center under “Programs.”

The Salem Memorial Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday evening in the hospital library. In the Administrators Report, Interim CEO Jason Edwards reported that the MHA’s Population Health Assessment Survey had been submitted and that administration had met with BJC representatives to discuss potential services. The audit consultant is on-site for audit preparation and the Strategic Planning estimate is being sought from People Centric Group. FORVIS visited the hospital for data collection and conducted interviews for Revenue Cycle Management and Physician Practice Management training. These plans will be presented at an action planning session scheduled for November 20th and 21st.  The board approved adding Mike Swyers as the Vice Chairman of the Board to join Chairman Ray Bruno and Secretary Wanda Tatom. CFO Doug Hoban reported hospital admissions were 82 which included 8 Swingbed admissions with a total of 224 patient census days. In September, there were 1,464, Outpatient Registrations, 1,056 Cardiopulmonary Procedures, 6,669 Lab Tests, 1,174 Radiology Procedures, 587 Rehabilitation Treatments, 27 Surgical Procedures, and 239 Home Health Visits. There were 683 Emergency Room visits with 49 patients being admitted. A total of 248 ambulance runs were made with 156 patients being transported and 92 dry runs. The hospital had expenses over revenue in September of $67,006 with a loss from operations of $70,186. The 340B plan showed revenues over expenses for September of $42,579. The Rural Health Clinic net profit for September was $5,940.09. The board approved getting bids from local financial institutions for CD rates and moving funds around to get the best rate. CNO Ashley Sullins said the hospital is interviewing candidates for various nursing positions. Staff will participate in a Career Fair at the Salem High School on October 19th and conducting fall clinicals for Southwest Baptist University’s RN Bridge program. In the hospital foundation report, the “Dancing with the Salem Stars” fundraiser will be held on February 24th at the high school gym, and the “Volley for a Cure” volleyball tournament will be held on October 21st at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. The board discussed the seven-year long range capital plan and Board member Judy Thompson encouraged the board to make plans for improving patient rooms including beds, trays, draperies, etc. The board approved allowing Administration to spend $465,000 for the Long Term Capital Plan expenses and anything over $5,000 would need board approval. The board heard from Michael Smith, Interim Director of Revenue Cycle, who explained goals and objectives to work with the registration and clinic staff to improve insurance billing and registration accuracy to increase revenue. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Salem Police department has released their report for the month of September. The department responded to 10 accidents during the month. Officers also responded to four alarms sounding and addressed 45 animal calls. The department investigated four assaults or fights not in progress, performed 24 well being checks and nine area checks during the month. The department investigated 10 domestic disputes, 20 verbal disturbances, conducted 101 follow-up investigations and provided eight escorts. They investigated 11 nuisance incidents, five harassment reports, took three missing persons report, and offered assistance to three motorists. The Salem Police wrote 14 property damage reports during September, plus made 12 stealing reports and five shoplifting reports. Officers investigated five intoxicated pedestrians, 13 suspicious circumstance calls, ten suspicious person calls and 14 suspicious vehicle calls. Officers responded to seven trespassing calls and attempted to serve nine warrants in September. Officers conducted 87 traffic stops during the month. The police responded to a total of 633 in incidents in September. The average response time to calls during September was one minute and 50 seconds and the average time spent on the scene was 20 minutes and 13 seconds.

There will be a public hearing and meeting of the City of Salem Planning and Zoning Board of Commissioners tonight at 6:00 in City Hall Council Chambers at 202 North Washington. The purposes of the hearing and meeting include approval of the minutes of the August 3, 2023 meeting, and to hear public comments and consider acceptance or rejection of a request for a Conditional Use Permit at 1509 South Louise Street owned by Michael Florence. The hearing and meeting are both open to the public.

An accident happened Monday afternoon at 5:30 in Reynolds County on Highway 72 one mile west of Centerville. According to the highway patrol report, a 2010 Chevrolet Express being driven by 53 year old Vaughn Roberts of Salem was traveling east when he crossed the center line and hit head-on a 2010 Chrysler Sebring being driven west by 48 year old Andrew Bullock of Bunker. Two passengers in the Chevrolet, 33 year old Tasha Maize of Lesterville and 64 year old Michael Chitwood of Ellington both suffered moderate injuries and were taken by Washington County ambulance Iron County Medical Center. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Aissies Towing. All involved were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.