Archive for 2025

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors have called for a special meeting this evening at 7:00 in the Hospital Library. After the call to order, roll call and approval of the agenda will be Public Comments/Presentations. Speakers must sign in and will be limited to a time limit of 3 minutes. No old or new business is scheduled and there will be an Executive Session for discussion with Legal Counsel. Any person that would like to attend by telephone or electronic means should contact the SMH Administration office at 573-729-6626, extension 4005, to obtain access information.

An accident occurred in Phelps County Monday afternoon at 2:58 on eastbound I-44 near the 183-mile marker. According to the Highway Patrol report a 1997 Pontiac Grand Am, driven by a 46-year-old Rolla male, lost a tire, traveled off the left side of the roadway, overturned and struck a group of trees. A passenger, a 14-year-old Rolla male juvenile, suffered minor injuries and was transported by Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health. Another passenger, a 49-year-old Rolla female, suffered moderate injuries and was also transported to Phelps Health. The report stated that none of the three occupants were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Pontiac was totaled and removed from the scene by Ron Dishman Towing.

The Doe Run Company and its employees showed support for local communities in 2024 through food drives, event sponsorships, and charitable activities. Throughout the Southeast Missouri region, the company and its employees closed out the year collectively donating nearly $92,000 and devoting more than 545 hours to help a variety of local charities. As part of this charitable initiative, Doe Run’s Buick Resource Recycling Division and Southeast Missouri Mining and Milling teams collectively donated $10,000 to the Old Miners’ Day Committee, and $5,000 to the Salem Community Center at the Armory. These teams made additional donations to the Dent County Trunk or Treat event, Viburnum Sports Club and Salem High School Project Graduation. Leading up to the holidays, Doe Run employees contributed more than 1,300 canned and dry goods to the Disabled Citizens Alliance for Independence food drive in Viburnum. Through the “Santas for Seniors” program, Doe Run employees donated $800 worth of gifts to the Guardian Angel Settlement Association, and by donating $537 worth of toys and gifts to children in need through the Iron County School District’s adopt-a-family program. Throughout the year, volunteer hours were devoted to these organizations as well as a variety of additional community events, including Trash Bashes at Sweetwater, Casteel and Buick sites, and organizing and staffing the Spring Rocks ‘n Roll event at the Missouri Mines State Historic Site. Additional donations were made to the Missouri University of Science & Technology for STEM summer camps, VFW Post 6660 of Reynolds County, Reynolds County Sheltered Workshop, Reynolds County Rotary Club, Bunker Volunteer Fire Department, Bunker R-3 School District, Valley R-6 School District, backpack programs at local schools, the Iron County Fair Board, Shriners Hospital, Ellington Chamber of Commerce, Viburnum Lions Club, multiple community sports teams, as well as school band programs and more.

The Dent County Health Center is providing warming items for those in need with winter coats, gloves, mittens, hats and NEW socks. They will continue to provide the service this year. If you would like to help restock the items people have already picked up, you can donate gloves, mittens, all sizes of hats, new socks and blankets. For more information, to donate items or to make monetary donations for staff to purchase items for the warming center at the Dent County Health Center, or if you need someone to pick up your donations, feel free to call them at 729-3106 or stop by the Dent County Health Center on Highway 32-72 East.

The Dent County Commission will hold a special meeting will be held this morning at 9:00 to discuss the Emergency Management Director salary for budgeting. The meeting is open to the public at the Dent County Courthouse.

An accident occurred Saturday morning at 10:00 in Texas County on Highway 137 three miles north of Raymondville that left two Salem residents with minor injuries. According to the Highway Patrol report a northbound 2008 Toyota Prius, driven by a 54-year-old female, traveled off the right side of the roadway impacting a metal sign and a tree. The driver, along with a 48-year-old male passenger, were both wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Toyota was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing at the owner’s request.

The Dent County Service Unit of The Salvation Army would like to announce that they have successfully reached their Christmas Kettle Campaign goal of $37,500. Along with the monetary donations received this year, nearly 180 local children were adopted at the Angel Tree that was located at Wal-Mart. The local Salvation Army Board would like to thank everyone who made monetary donations and/or who adopted an angel. They also extend their greatest appreciation to the dedicated volunteers that took time out of their busy holiday season to ring the bells at the kettles. The community’s continued generosity will be distributed throughout 2025 to those in need in Dent County. If you would like to find out more about the Salvation Army Service Unit helping during the 2025 holiday season with bell ringing, please call 573-729-8163.

The Salem R-80 School district held their regular meeting Thursday evening at 5:30 in the district office. After approving the agenda and consent agenda, the board recognized Salem Middle School students Braxton Hopkins, John Kiser, and Jermaine Watson for their work on Tiger Talk Middle School News Production, and received an update from Cahill’s Construction regarding the FEMA building. During the Superintendent’s Report, Dr. Nathan Wills addressed various CSIP Goals and provided updates on the high school men’s restroom. He also acknowledged significant donations totaling $126,000, including $58,000 from the Dragonfly Wing Foundation, $50,000 from the Judson Young Foundation, and $8,000 from Mary Coffman for the Construction Trades Building, and $10,000 from the Judson Young Foundation for the Family and Consumer Science Program. In New Business, the board approved several items, including MSBA Policy Updates, the Conflict of Interest Ordinance, and a transfer of $148,796 from Fund 1 to Fund 4 for food service purchases. The board then moved into Executive Session to discuss student and personnel matters before adjourning. 

Each January, EPA seeks to raise awareness of radon exposure during National Radon Action Month, encouraging residents to protect themselves and their families by having their homes tested for the presence of radon. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. If left untreated, radon can build up indoors, leading to adverse health effects. After smoking, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., taking the lives of approximately 21,000 Americans every year. Radon exposure is a preventable health risk, and testing for radon can help prevent prolonged exposure. It is estimated that on the average, one in three homes in Missouri have dangerously high level as of radon. You can check the EPA’s website to view a map of Radon Zones for Missouri. The EPA recommends taking action to fix your home if you discover radon levels above 4 picocuries per liter. If your home does have elevated levels of radon, a qualified professional can install a system to lower your indoor radon levels. For more guidance on how to address radon risks, see the EPA’s radon website.

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees met Thursday evening, January 16th at 5:00. Administrator Zach Moser presented the Service and Statistics report. In the Communicable Disease Report, he stated that due to the departure of the Communicable Disease Nurse there were no COVID-19,  lead, Influenza, or animal bite reports, however there were 8 screenings for sexually transmitted infections, but total tests were not reported. The environmental report by Assistant Administrator Roma Jones showed there where 11 total inspections conducted, no recalls, one sewer complaint, and 14 environmental questions were fielded. The Maternal-Child Health (MCH) statistics showed there was no car seats distributed, two CPR Courses conducted, no consultations for Childcare Health, no Show-Me Healthy Women appointments, 10 Title X appointments, 3 Presumptive Eligibility (Temporary Medicaid), and 334 WIC appointments. The Community-Specific Services Summary showed 419 total appointments other than WIC, 161 total provider appointments, 111 treatment court visits, 157 lab appointments and 86 immunization appointments. Nurse Practitioner Service Details showed no Show-Me Healthy Women appointments, 1 family planning, no well-child visit, 6 online appointments, no other well-woman exams, no other physicals, 3 SEMO physicals, 11 other visits, and 39 acute illness appointments. Physician Service Details showed no well visits, 3 online appointments, no other physicals, 9 SEMO physicals, 35 other visits, and 54 acute illness appointments. Laboratory details showed 145 individual patients, 19 appointments for Rapid Test for COVID, Flu, RSV or Strep, 2 pregnancy tests and 5 lead tests reported. Immunizations for December totaled 43 for COVID-19, 37 for Influenza, and 113 other vaccines given for a total of 193 total doses given. In the Administrator’s report, Moser reported that the Health Center Lead Assessor had passed her tests. He reminded the Board that community members can bring in items to be tested with the XRF scanner to see if they have lead. Moser went on to report that the Health Center would conduct a Health Fair May 2nd, plus with the purchase of the property at 1014 East Scenic Rivers Boulevard the conference room had been moved to the new building and the old conference room had been set up for office space. He reported on the ToRCH grant the Health Center received to support a DCHC Dietitian. The Board moved to approve the addition of the dietitian position. Moser gave a summary of other grants which had been applied for or were in process, including a proposal sent to the Opioid Settlement Board for Dent County as well as a partnership grant between Health Dent County, Salem Memorial Hospital and DCHC. Financial reports showed the Health Center revenue for FY24 was $1,766,750.66 and expenses were $1,369,203.88 for net revenue of $397,546.78. Financials were reviewed and approved. No closed session was held. The next regular meeting of the Board was set for Thursday, February 20th at 5:00.

The Creative Arts Center in Salem will hold a Winter “Paint N’ Sip” class on Friday, January 31st from 6:00 until 8:30 with Danielle Norris. Come and paint a winter scene with a cardinal complete with glitter! Bring your bestie, your favorite snack and a beverage of your choice! Adults only. The cost is $25. The class is open adults only. All supplies are included. There must be six people sign up to hold the class and it will be limited to 20. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center.