Archive for 2025

The Salem Memorial Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday evening in the Hospital Library. The board heard from CEO Brook Bollman who stated she attended the Missouri Hospital Association District 3 meeting where rural health transformation funding was discussed. She reported that the providers are transitioning to a new staffing model where the emergency room and hospital staff are covering both departments. She also stated there was a fiscal year 2025 on site audit prep with the new CPA firm Wipfli out of St. Louis as they plan to have the return for the hospital done on time. Bollman also stated there was a team facility and landscaping workday, plus the Long-Term Care Center held their 1st ever fall festival. Bollman gave the summary of operations for the month of September where the hospital had 52 inpatient admissions with 122 inpatient census days. The hospital showed a gain from operations of $833,138.92 and revenues over expenses after taxes of $1,002,518.71. This was a result of a change suggested by their new accounting firm of recognizing allowances and uncollectibles by service and insurance in September. During the month, there were 629 emergency room visits as well as 218 ambulance runs. Outpatient registrations came in at 1,180 for the month with 855 cardiopulmonary procedures, 5,465 lab tests, 1,202 radiology procedures and 532 rehab treatments, while 1,175 visited the rural health clinic. Bollman reported there were 23 days cash on hand at the end of September, but that is up to 30 days as of Tuesday. She also stated the 340B program had $118,044 in revenues for September that netted out at $59,454. Chief Nursing Officer Amber Hogan reported the state Long Term Care inspectors showed up on the day of their fall festival and even though they are waiting on the report, they were told only three small things were found and they were not patient related. Hogan said she attended an MHA workforce innovation workshop, discussed staffing updates, developed an EMT training program which has ten students, her LPN IV push certification program is finished, and the skillapalooza will be held on December 9th and 10th for all clinical departments. Hogan stated the hospital had three hires in September, but there are still 12 openings at the hospital including a need for a full-time paramedic for EMS. Quality Improvement and Risk Management Officer Kendra Mobray stated Sarah Arnett has taken over as the TORCH grant manager, plus she developed an internal application process for emerging leaders to participate in. Mobray said there were a total of 27 risk assessment reports that were investigated in September. The board approved the purchase of a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation monitoring system from ScottCare for $54,000, approved the purchase of a blanket warmer for the hospital from Getinge for $6,377.00; and the board also approved hiring the physician recruiting firm Jackson Physician Search with an initial fee of $3,500, $3,000 per month for advertising and outreach, and a $23,000 placement fee if a physician is hired within four months which drops to an $18,000 fee if it takes six months. The meeting was then adjourned.

It’s that time of year when young ghosts, vampires, clowns, and superheroes are out for their night of trick-or-treating. While some local events take place in large parking lots, many trick-or-treaters will be out on Halloween night. It’s imperative that drivers and pedestrians stay alert. During this exciting time, children could dart in front of a vehicle. Slow down and drive with extra caution. Expect an increase in the number of slow-moving vehicles in neighborhoods as motorists pick up and drop off trick-or-treaters. Please be courteous to other drivers and stay alert for trick-or-treaters of all ages. Distracted drivers are dangerous drivers─ when you’re driving, keep your eyes on the road, not on your phone! Parents, please remind children of safe trick-or-treating practices: approach only familiar houses that are well-lit, don’t enter strangers’ houses or vehicles, and look both ways before crossing the street. Consider trick-or-treating with your children for their safety and because it’s a fun way to spend an evening with the family. Give some thought to safety when choosing a costume. Consider using make-up rather than wearing a mask, which can obstruct a child’s vision, making it difficult to see an oncoming vehicle. A light-colored costume is easier for drivers to see at night and adding reflective tape to dark costumes makes them visible after dark. Flame resistant costumes are encouraged. An adult should always accompany small children, and older children should stay in groups. Halloween isn’t just for children. Many adults enjoy dressing up and visiting haunted houses or attending gatherings. If you are driving to a costume party, make sure your costume doesn’t hamper your vision. If you attend a Halloween party that includes alcohol, designate a sober driver for the trip home. Alcohol, even in small amounts, slows reaction time and dulls the senses. Driving after you’ve had alcohol could have a sad and possibly deadly result. Have a safe, happy Halloween!

A Flat Reed Basket Weaving Class will be held Sunday afternoon from 2:00 to 4:00 with Connie Light. In this class you will learn a basic basket making technique that can be used as a foundation to many other future basket making projects. You will make a white oak pie basket with a handle! This class is for those who are 14 years of age and older. The cost is $55 which includes all your supplies. At least two people need to sign up for the class which would be limited to six. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center.

Intercounty Electric Cooperative Association will be holding their Member Appreciation Day at the Dent County Commons from 11:00 this morning until 1:00 this afternoon. Everyone is welcome to come out for free hot dogs, chips and soda, while members can register for a $50 electric credit.

With deer and turkey hunting underway in Missouri, the Missouri Department of Conservation reminds non-hunters to practice safety measures when afield during hunting seasons. According to Hunter Education Coordinator Justin McGuire, safety while hunting is ultimately the responsibility of the hunter. Hunters must clearly identify their targeted game animals before even putting their fingers on the triggers of their firearms or before drawing their bows when archery hunting. They must also be aware of what is behind their targets and should never shoot at movement or sound. McGuire added that non-hunters out in hunting areas can also practice some safety measures. Here are some safety tips for non-hunters: Wear bright clothing to be more visible, such as a bright orange hat, jacket, or pack; place a bright orange vest or bandana on the canines who join you and keep them leashed;   avoid earth-toned or animal-colored clothing such as tan and brown; be aware that hunters are often most active during the early morning and late afternoon, when game animals are most active; and be especially aware of your own visibility during these times when light is dim. McGuire also says to stay on designated trails. Trails are designed to improve the safety of public users and to protect sensitive habitats. Enjoying recreational activities only on designated trails will reduce the likelihood of entering hunting areas, plus don’t forget to let someone know where you are going and when to expect your return. McGuire says hunters or non-hunters need to identify hunting seasons and lands open to hunting. Learn where and when hunting is taking place. Plan your recreation activities based on this information. Find out more information on Missouri hunting seasons at mo.gov/hunting-trapping. If you are not sure which conservation areas allow hunting and those that do not by using the MDC Places to Go web feature at mo.gov/discover-nature/places. Going on now, Archery deer and turkey hunting and that season runs through November 14th, then opens again November 26th through January 15th, 2026. The Firearms turkey hunting season is now open until October 31st. Firearms deer hunting season opens with the early antlerless portion October 10th through the 12th followed by several other hunting portions through January 6th, 2026.

Healthy Dent County will be having their 7th Annual Casino Night Fundraiser this Saturday, November 1st at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory with a “Red Carpet Glamour” theme. If guests dress to match the theme, they will receive an additional $1,000 in gaming money when they arrive. Doors will open Saturday evening at 5:30 with the gaming beginning at 6:30 and lasting until 9:00. The event features game tables much like the ones you will find in a real casino, as well as a number of professional dealers to run the games. Traditional games such as craps, roulette and blackjack are available, alongside a cash bar. An additional blackjack table has been added and new this year, reservations are available! Eliminate the hassle of arriving early to grab a table! Now, you can reserve a table for you and your friends for just $100! Returning this year will be the simulated horse races provided by KSMO Media throughout the evening. The winners of these races will receive special tickets for a drawing to win a stay at the Crown Lake Resort in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas, featuring a two bedroom, two bath condo with a full kitchen for Sunday, July 6th through Saturday, July 11th! At the end of the evening, prizes will be drawn including a $300 Wal-Mart gift card; Virtual Reality Metaquest; Wood Barrell, Waver Vibration Plate, Book Shelf, three piece Lounge Chair Set; Customized Name Log; Futon Chair/Bed; King Size Quilt, Vacuum, Stevens 243 Rifle Furniture, 55-inch TV, Propane Gift Certificate, Missouri State Park Map, Charcoal, and more. Event ticket holders will receive $10,000 in “gaming” money to play the casino games of their choice throughout the evening. At the end of the evening, prizes are drawn after exchanging gaming money for tickets. The event would not be possible without many local businesses sponsoring the event with American Family Insurance agent Jonah Schafer being the main event sponsor. Casino Night tickets are still available at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory at 1200 West Rolla Road. For more information, please call 729-8163.

Governor Mike Kehoe announced the application for Missouri’s Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act Scholarship is now open. The scholarship delivers tuition support for first responders and their families. Full-time police officers, firefighters, paramedics, telecommunicator first responders, emergency medical technicians, and advanced emergency medical technicians with at least six years of service may be eligible to receive the scholarship. Additionally, the dependent children of those with at least 10 years of service may also qualify. Applicants must also meet certain eligibility requirements, including be a Missouri resident and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To apply, interested individuals must create an account and complete the application through the State Financial Aid Portal. In addition to the application, individuals will be required to upload and submit documentation verifying employment, Missouri residency, and other eligibility requirements. The scholarship application and supporting documents must be submitted to the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) by November 5th, 2025, to be considered for the 2025-2026 school year. This covers tuition and fees for the entire academic year, including the current fall semester. For more information about the Public Safety Recruitment & Retention Act Scholarship, visit the MDHEWD website. 

Firearm deer season will begin soon in Missouri with the Early Youth Portion to be held this weekend, November 1st and 2nd. The regular November portion runs from November 15th through the 25th followed by the CWD Portion which will be held November 26th through November 30th in open counties. The Late Youth Portion runs from November 28th through November 30th. Archery deer hunting in Missouri continues through November 14th. It reopens November 26th and runs through January 15th, 2026. Get more information on deer hunting from MDC’s 2025 Fall Deer & Turkey Regulations and Information booklet, available where permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board meeting will be held this evening at 7:00 at the hospital library. At the meeting after public comments are heard, the board will hear a report from Chief Executive Officer Brooke Bollman and the Chief Financial Officer who will provide the statistical summary of operations for the month of September as well as presenting the monthly financials for board approval. The board will also hear the Chief of Nursing, Human Resources and Quality Improvement-Risk Management reports. In new business, the board will discuss and approve cardiopulmonary equipment as well as emergency department equipment. The board may then go into executive session. The Salem Memorial Hospital Board meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse. Dent County Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson was not in attendance due to a prior commitment and Deputy Clerk Melissa Piatt appointed Jimmy Williams as temporary presiding commissioner for the meeting. KSMO Media’s Stan Podorski reported the MRPC Awards Banquet held Thursday went well with Dent County Clerk Angie Curley receiving a Community Services Award. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said brush would be cut on county roads 5520 and 5530, while other crews will be checking roads and doing shop maintenance. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported workers will be replacing the tires on Grader #37 and servicing County Truck #82. Williams indicated grading will be done in the White River Trace area and crews will be checking other roads for damages from the rain. Williams also wanted to report that Dent County Road 2070 will be closed until at least Thursday after crews last week had to replace a low-water crossing. This will give some time for the concrete to cure. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

With fall here and as winter nears, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds people that Missouri’s estimated 1,000+ black bears are focused on fattening up and can spend up to 20 hours a day foraging for food. This can lead to conflicts between bears and people, pets, and property. MDC reminds Missourians to be BearWise. MDC Furbearer Biologist Nate Bowersock said it is important that people remove or secure bear attractants from their property, such as bird feeders, trash, barbeque grills, pet food, and food waste. Bowersock went on to say that Black bears are super-focused on finding food in the fall. The quest for calories keeps bears active and foraging up to 20 hours a day. When the eating is good, a bear can put on two to three pounds a day. By hibernation time, many bears will have added about four inches of fat and gained between 20% and 50% of their summer body weight. This annual feeding frenzy is called “hyperphagia” and is driven by bears’ ticking biological clocks counting down to hibernation, when most bears in colder climates retire for the winter and live off the fat they’re working so hard now to accumulate. He said that keeping areas free of food attractants and letting bears find natural foods is in everyone’s best interest. If you see a bear, let the animal be and enjoy the sighting, but be sure to not offer it any food. Bowersock added that intentionally feeding bears can be dangerous because it makes them comfortable around people and can lead bears to cause significant damage to property while searching for food. He noted that when bears lose their fear of humans, they could approach people in search of food or may become defensive of the food sources they find near people, which could lead to conflict. When this happens, the bear cannot be relocated and has to be destroyed. A fed bear is a dead bear. MDC offers the tips to avoid attracting black bears to possible food sources. Be sure to store garbage, recyclables, and compost inside secure buildings or in bear-proof containers. Keep grills and smokers clean and store them inside a building. Don’t leave pet food outside. Feed pets each meal and remove the empty containers. Refrain from using bird feeders in bear country from April through November. If in use, hang them at least 10 feet high and 4 feet away from any structure. Keep in mind that even if a bear cannot get to the birdseed, the scent could still attract it to the area. Use electric fencing to keep bears away from beehives, chicken coops, vegetable gardens, orchards, and other potential food sources. Keep campsites clean and store all food, toiletries and trash in a secure vehicle or strung high between two trees. Do not keep food or toiletries in a tent, and do not burn or bury garbage or food waste. Black bears are generally a shy, non-aggressive species. Follow these tips when outdoors in bear country to avoid unwanted encounters. Make noise, such as clapping, singing or talking loudly, while hiking to prevent surprising a bear. It’s best to travel in a group if possible and keep dogs leashed. Be aware of the surroundings. If there is evidence of a bear, such as tracks or scat, avoid the area. Above all leave bears alone! Do not approach them, and make sure they have an escape route. For more information on how to be BearWise and to report a bear sighting, visit mdc.mo.gov/bearwise. 

A Cyanotypes 101 class will be held this Saturday morning from 10:00 until 12:00 noon with M Emilia Barbose at the Creative Arts Center at 202 South Main Street. Come enjoy the magic of cyanotypes in both paper and fabric supports as the distinct “blueprints” will emerge in front of our very eyes. At least three people aged 18 and older need to sign up for the class which will be limited at 12. The cost is $35 which includes all the supplies. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center. Are you needing a gift for a birthday, or a thank you? You can now get gift certificates from the Creative Arts Center. Simply fill out the informational form here sacba.org/event-details/digital-gift-certificate, then you may either print it or have it emailed directly to your recipient. The card is worth $25 and can be used towards any class or event now up to December 30, 2026.