Archive for 2024

Coming to the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center on Highway 19 starting Saturday, March 23rd and lasting through May the 5th, is the exhibit called “Crossroads: Change in Rural America.” This exhibit offers small towns a chance to look at their own paths to highlight the changes that affected their fortunes over the past century. The exhibition will prompt discussions about what happened when America’s rural population became a minority of the country’s population and the ripple effects that occurred. Despite the massive economic and demographic impacts brought on by these changes, America’s small towns continue to creatively focus on new opportunities for growth and development. Economic innovation and a focus on the cultural facets that make small towns unique, comfortable, and desirable have helped many communities create their own renaissance. The future is bright for much of rural America as small towns embrace the notion that their citizens and their cultural uniqueness are important assets. The “Crossroads” exhibit is part of the “Museum on Main Street,” a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and state humanities councils nationwide. Support for Museum on Main Street has been provided by the United States Congress.

An accident happened Wednesday evening just before 8:30 in Reynolds County on Reynolds County Road 906. According to the highway patrol report, a 2000 Ford tractor being operated by 48-year-old James Dorris of Bunker, was traveling uphill on private property when a mechanical failure happened causing the tractor to overturn. A passenger on the tractor, 50-year-old Shelly Hodge of Viburnum, suffered serious injuries and was taken by Phelps Air to the Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. The tractor had minor damage and was left at the residence at the owners request.

An accident happened Wednesday afternoon just before 3:20 in Crawford County on Interstate 44 westbound at the 215.6 mile-marker. According to the highway patrol report, a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado being driven by 50- year-old Jennifer Stevens of Steelville, had a tire blowout causing the Silverado to travel off the right side of the roadway and overturn. Stevens, along with two passengers in the vehicle from Steelville, 18-year-old Amber Dodson and 18-year-old Tiffany Stevens, suffered minor injuries. Jennifer Stevens and Dodson were taken by Missouri Baptist EMS to the Missouri Baptist Hospital. Tiffany Stevens was transported by North Crawford EMS to St. Louis. The Silverado was totaled and removed from the scene by Patriot’s Towing. The report went on to state that neither the driver or the two passengers were wearing seat restraints.

A one vehicle accident happened Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 in Reynolds County on Reynolds County Road 752 just west of Route Y. The highway patrol report states that a 1995 Ford Ranger being driven by 28-year-old Zachery Prater of Viburnum, was traveling east bound when he lost control of the Ford, then overcorrected and ran off the right side of the roadway and overturned. A passenger in the vehicle, 22-year-old Alexis Setzer of Davisville, suffered serious injuries and was taken by Reynolds County EMS to Ellington where she was then transported to a St. Louis hospital by Lifenet 24. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Aissie Towing. Neither Prater or Setzer were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5600 and 6080, and a truck was going to be taken to Columbia for maintenance. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk stated grading would be done on county roads 2090, 3160 and 4330 while brush would be cut on county road road 4020. A truck from his district was being taken to Springfield to have maintenance performedon it. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported he attended an MRPC meeting last Thursday and on Tuesday, he attended a Solid Waste Management District meeting in St. James. Larson along with Treasurer Denita Williams and Deputy Rick Letchworth attended an opioid fund meeting at the MRPC offices. Treasurer Williams gave the report on the CART tax money received in March which came to $70,787.89 and the county is up .76% for the year. It was reported the courthouse will be closed on Good Friday which is March 29th. Brian Williams from McCoy Forestry and Construction visited with the commission about a backhoe. William Terry from the National Park Service called the commission and told them the plan was still to place the boulders at TanVat. He also said work was going to be done on the parking lot and the parks service was going to put in a circle drive. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday at 9:00 and the meeting will be open to the public.

The Salem Memorial Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday evening in the hospital library. In the Administrator’s Report, Interim CEO Jason Edwards reported that Amber Hogan has been hired as the new Emergency Medical Service Director, and Chantel Garrison has been hired as the TorRCH program manager. Lisa Delany will be retiring at the end of March and Misty Atchley has been hired to replace her. The board received the official 2023 audit report from FORVIS. Edwards said a “meet and greet” for the Delta Project is tentatively set for April 23rd and the 9th annual Hospital Foundation Golf Tournament will be held June 9th. In the summary of operations for February, Chief Financial Officer Doug Hoban reported the hospital had a loss from operations of $290,358 with an excess of expenses over revenues of $160,298. The hospital showed an increase in cash of $21,120 which is the third straight month that cash on hand has increased. Hoban reported hospital admissions in February were 86 which included eight Swingbed and 30 observation admissions with a total of 301 patient census days. In February, there were 1,366 Outpatient Registrations, 2,017 Cardiopulmonary Procedures, 6,222 Lab Tests, 1,195 Radiology Procedures, 628 Rehabilitation Treatments and 39 Surgical Procedures. There were 607 Emergency Room visits with 65 patients being admitted. A total of 188 ambulance runs were made with 134 patients being transported. Hoban said days cash on hand at the end of February was 23. The clinic showed a net loss of $23,884 for the month, but has showed a $77,389 profit for the fiscal year The 340B plan showed revenues over expenses of $47,007 and the hospital converted three CDs worth $400,000 with an interest rate of .07% to 5.05% for nine months. Chief Nursing Officer Ashley Owen said there still is a need for five full time night time nurses. She said the hospital was represented at the ECC Rolla Career Fair for RN, LPN, Radiology Techs and Surgery Tech students. The hospital is also in the early stages of planning and implementing the Annual Nursing Skills Lab. In Human Resources, the hospital hired three new people in February and six employees left. In the Chief of Staff’s report, the doctors approved the Medical Staff Bylaws with no changes before they approved updated Critical Lab values. Administrator Edwards said the state funding the hospital expected to receive has been delayed again, this time by a Department of Health glitch. They have contacted Representative Copeland for his assistance in getting the matter straightened out. A tentative strategic planning update has been scheduled for May 10th with department leaders, med staff, administration and board members. The board approved the bid from Commercial Bus and Vehicle, LLC for an old hospital ambulance for $2,013. The board then went into closed session.

An accident occurred in Dent County Wednesday morning at 9:40 on Highway 68 and Route U. According to the highway patrol report, an eastbound 2017 Freightliner, operated by 57-year-old Mohamed Gelle of Minneapolis, Minnesota, turned left into the path of a westbound 2005 Dodge Dakota driven by 43-year-old Vada Calkins of Salem. Calkins suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Salem Memorial Hospital. The report stated that both drivers were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Dodge was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. The Freightliner sustained moderate damage and was driven from the scene.

A “Hoppy” Easter Paint Party will be held Friday evening from 5:30 to 7:00 at the Creative Arts Center at 204 South Main. Come and paint your very own Easter bunny!! This paint party is perfect for kids and adults alike! Kids under 5 must have an adult present! The cost is $10 for children and $20 for adults and that includes all the supplies. A minimum of six people need to register for the party to be held and it will be limited to 25 people. Register online at the SACBA website. Under programs, find the Creative Arts Center, and registrations are on a first come, first served basis.

The Dent County Sheriff’s office has released several reports. On Saturday, March 9th, a deputy responded to the 200 block of Dent County Road 4155 for the report of a burglary. A 23-year-old Salem woman, told deputies she had returned home to find numerous items missing from her home. Information was taken for a report and the investigation is pending. The next day, Sunday the 10th, a deputy responded to the 100 block of County Road 6680 for the report of a stolen vehicle. The victim was a 28-year-old Salem woman, who told deputies that a family member had taken her car without permission. Suspect information was provided and a 30-year-old Salem woman was later arrested. On Thursday, March 14th, deputies responded to the 8000 block of Route K to located a wanted subject. The suspect, a 44-year-old Jadwin man, was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated on the warrant. Finally on Friday the 15th, a deputy responded to the 2000 block of Route HH for a reported burglary. The victim in this case, a 42-year-old Salem man, told officers he had been out of town and returned to find his residence had been burglarized. Information was taken for a report and the investigation is pending. If you have any information regarding any investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s office at 729-3241.

Last Thursday in closed session, the Salem R-80 Board of Education employed Krystle Smith as an upper elementary title math teacher, employed Ashlyn Patterson as an upper elementary teacher, employed Stevee Piatt as Middle School Special Education teacher, employed Jared Patterson as a Middle School teacher as well as high school boys basketball coach. The board approved the recommended Salem R-80 probationary teachers, approved the tenured Salem R-80 teachers and approved the recommended remaining Salem R-80 paid coaches working in the district. The board approved the recommended volunteer coaches, approved the recommended Extra Duty contracts and also approved the recommended Extended Days contracts before ending closed session and adjourning the regular meeting.

Time is running out to make your appointment with the Volunteers from AARP who are conducting free tax filing assistance at the Salem Community Center@ the Armory. They currently have openings for free tax filing assistance every Friday through April 5th. Appointments can be made by calling the Salem Community Center at 729-8163. AARP provides this free tax service to our community and it is provided entirely by AARP trained volunteers. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers are trained in filing certain tax forms and schedules, including the Form 1040. However, the Volunteer Pverification letter issued by the Social Security Administration. You should also bring birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return. Also needed are wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-Misc from all employers; year-end Social Security Statements showing total SS received and Medicare payments; and interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099). You should bring a copy of last year’s federal and state returns if available; plus proof of bank account routing numbers and account numbers for Direct Deposit, such as a blank check or deposit slip. To file taxes electronically on arotection Act requires that our volunteers stay in the scope of the program. If counselors feel they do not have adequate knowledge or your return is too complex, you may need to seek another qualified counselor or paid tax assistance. Items you will need to bring with you to have your tax returns prepared include: Proof of identification such as a picture ID; Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents; or a Social Security Number married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms. The Salem Community Center @ the Armory is located at 1200 West Rolla Road. Appointments can be made by calling 729-8163.

A special waste collection for residential electronics, appliances, tires and media storage will be held from 9:00 in the monring until noon this Saturday at Cuba Public Works located at 407 Route PP in Cuba. The city of Cuba and Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC), with funding through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District (ORSWMD), are partnering on the March 23 collection. The collection is for residential items onlyand is open to residents from Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties. For the first time, media storage is also being accepted at the collection. Media storage includes records, 8-track tapes, VHS tapes, cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, floppy discs, external hard drives and flash drives. Stoves, washers, dryers, hot water heaters, and other appliances will be collected free of charge. Free electronics also include computer components, laptop computers, keyboards, hair dryers, VCR/DVD players, cell phones or anything that runs on a cord or battery. Oil and gas must be removed from tanks of any items such as push mowers, weed eaters, etc. All items must be free of debris. Tires on rims will not be accepted. Fees on certain items will be $25 for CRT TVs over 27 inches, projection screens and wood console TVs, $20 for CRT TVs under 26 inches, $15 for flat screen TVs, $10 for all computer monitors and refrigerated appliances with Freon, and $5 for printers, scanners or copiers. Fees for tires will be $2 each for passenger tires, $7.50 each for semi-truck tires and $35 each for tractor tires. For more information on items accepted or the fee structure, please contact Kathryn Hawes at MRPC at 573-265-2993 Ext. 110.