Archive for 2025

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees met Thursday evening, March 20th at 5:00. Administrator Zach Moser presented the Service and Statistics report for the month of February. In the Communicable Disease Report, he stated there were no cases of COVID-19 reported, while there were 46 active lead cases, 147 Influenza A cases exceeding January’s number of 84, which both of which are the highest numbers since December of 2022, one animal bite report, and there were 8 screenings for sexually transmitted infections, resulting in 10 total tests. The February environmental report by Assistant Administrator Roma Jones showed there where 5 total inspections conducted, no recalls, no sewer complaints, and no environmental questions were fielded. The Maternal-Child Health (MCH) statistics showed there was one car seat distributed, no CPR Courses, no consultations for Childcare Health, one Show-Me Healthy Women appointments, no Title X appointments were reported, there was one Presumptive Eligibility (Temporary Medicaid), and 334 WIC appointments. The Community-Specific Services Summary showed 358 total appointments other than WIC, 155 total provider appointments, 90 treatment court visits, 165 lab appointments and 33 immunization appointments. Nurse Practitioner Service Details showed was one Show-Me Healthy Women appointment, 5 family plannings, 1 well-child visit, 16 online appointments, 3 other well-woman exams, 2 other physicals, no SEMO physicals, 16 other visits, and 66 acute illness appointments. Physician Service Details showed no well-visits, no online appointments, one other physical, no SEMO Physicals, 14 other visits, and 42 acute illness visits. Laboratory details showed 138 individual patients, 34 appointments for Rapid Test for COVID, Flu, RSV or Strep, pregnancy tests were not reported, and there were 16 lead tests reported. Phlebotomy Appointments totaled 115, while all Lab Appointments totaled 165. Immunizations for February totaled 6 for COVID-19, 7 for Influenza, and 69 other vaccines given for a total of 82 total doses given during 33 total appointments. In the Administrator’s report, Moser reported that the Health Center would conduct a Health Fair May 2nd, plus he reported on the Community Health Assessment meeting with community leaders held March 12th. He shared the report from Jessica Ricks, MPH, Population Health Director, on the CHA visioning meeting. The draft survey questions were shared and a timeline for the rest of the project was laid out. Moser updated the Board on the audit which was moving into the “Single Audit” portion. The lease agreement with the Dent County Soil and Water Conservation District was shared, followed by the consideration of proposals from Family Trash Service and GFL for waste collection. DCHC financials for February were reviewed, discussed, and approved. Zach shared the draft of the DCHC Annual Report and the Mutual Aid Resolution 2025-01, which was adopted by the Board. The next regular meeting of the Board was set for Thursday, April 17th, 2025, at 5:00.

The City of Salem Utility Committee convened for a special meeting last Wednesday evening at 6:15  in the Old City Hall Auditorium, to review proposed amendments to the utility policy. The recommended changes encompassed several key updates, including: clarifying office closure protocols to explicitly define closures approved by the Mayor and Board President, revising deposit information to align with the current details on the City of Salem’s website, and addressing minor grammatical inconsistencies. These proposed modifications are intended to enhance the clarity and precision of the Utility Policies.

An accident occurred in Dent County Thursday morning at 7:33 on Highway 72 in front of Salem Memorial Hospital. According to the Highway Patrol report a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze, driven by a 26-year-old female from Cuba, Missouri, turned into the path of a 2023 Nissan Rogue, operated by a 64-year-old man from Poplar Bluff. The driver of the Chevrolet suffered minor injuries and was transported by Salem Police to Salem Memorial Hospital. A passenger in the Nissan, a 54-year-old Poplar Bluff female, suffered minor injuries and was transported by Salem Ambulance to SMH. The report stated that all occupants of the two vehicles were wearing safety restraints. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. The Highway Patrol was assisted by the Salem Police Department and the Dent County Sheriff’s Office.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said grading will be done on Dent County Roads 4080, 5650 and 6305, and other workers will be assisting District 2 crews by bringing them rock for work on Missouri Department of Conservation roads. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said rock will be added and grading will be done on Dent County Road 2500, while only grading will be done on county roads 3180, 3200 and 4380. Williams said a blade would be changed out on Grader #40. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson stated he attended the Meramec Regional Community Foundation meeting Tuesday where the board heard about two grants being awarded by the MRCF, plus they were updated on the damages in Phelps County from the tornadoes. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported the excused and non-excused absentee voting for the Municipal Election continues through April 7th. Curley said her office will be open for absentee voting on Saturday, April 5th from 8:00 in the morning until 12:00 noon. She also wanted to remind the public the testing of the voting equipment will be held Tuesday, April 1st at 9:00. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk was in to let the commission know the paper applications for the Homestead Tax Credit would be ready by and available in her office Tuesday, April 1st. There are still some tweaks being done to file the application online and she would update the commission Monday on that progress. VanKirk wanted to remind the public that only those who are 62-years of age and older as of January 1st can apply for the Homestead Tax Credit. The applications are free and if you have any questions, please contact Collector Shannon VanKirk at 573-729-3911. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday morning at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

A resurfacing project is scheduled to begin this week in Phelps and Dent counties. A contract was awarded to Willard Asphalt Paving Inc. to resurface on Route H from U.S. Route 63 in Phelps County to Missouri Route 72 in Dent County. During this ongoing construction, the routes will be narrowed to a single lane with flaggers and a pilot car to direct traffic through the work zone. All work is projected to be complete by the end of May 2025. A total of 30.5 miles will be resurfaced. MoDOT is asking all motorists to work with them by buckling up, putting your phone down, obeying all traffic signs, and slowing down and moving over in work zones. Motorists are advised to use extra caution through work zones, obey all traffic signs, and avoid any distractions. For traffic updates or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit our Traveler Information Map. Information is also available 24/7 via social media.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen convened for their regular meeting on Tuesday at 6:00 PM in the Old City Hall Auditorium, located at 202 N. Washington Street. Following the call to order, the Board approved the meeting agenda after removing the airport gate bid approval item. Tim Dotson, representing the Sonlight Riders Local Chapter, presented a request to close 4th Street between Highway 19th and Iron Street for their annual bike show. The Board approved the street closure request; the event is scheduled for August 23rd from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The Board also approved Resolution No. 10-2025, authorizing a bid for playground tile repair from All Inclusive Rec, LLC. The total project cost is $305,488.22, to be paid from the prior year’s fund balance, which currently stands at $591,143.00. At this time, the potential for FEMA reimbursement remains uncertain. Public Works Director Steve Paine presented Resolution No. 11-2025 for the procurement of Wastewater Treatment Plant Aerator Power Panels from Aesthetik Electric, at a total cost of $53,655.00. The panels are essential for maintaining appropriate oxygen levels in the overflow catch basin. The City of Salem intends to pursue FEMA reimbursement for this expenditure. Additionally, he also presented a bid addressing the procurement of aircraft fuel for the Salem Municipal Airport. The City received a sole bid from Naegler Oil of Springfield for 2,900 gallons of fuel at $3.99 per gallon, resulting in a total cost of $11,583.47. The Board subsequently approved the resolution and accompanying request. Resolution No. 9-2025 authorizing the City of Salem to enter into a service agreement with Hometown Grid, through the Missouri Electric Commission for software and outage reporting services was approved. The agreement involves an initial investment of approximately $10,000 for the first year, with additional costs of $7,008 projected over the subsequent four years. The City will draw the upfront costs from prior years’ reserves. Future expenses will be strategically incorporated into the city’s budget and rate calculations. The Board unanimously passed Ordinance Bill Numbers 3649, 3650, and 3651, which will amend the Clean Air Sections within the City of Salem’s Code of Ordinances, and Bill Number 3652, which authorizes a time extension change order for the ongoing Salem Sidewalk Improvements Project with Donald Maggi, Inc. After the reports of city officials, the meeting adjourned to executive session to discuss personnel. 

Healthy Dent County would like to invite everyone out to the fun community event, the “Non-Newlywed Game.” You won’t want to miss this event. It is couple vs. couple in this hilarious version of the classic game show where you will discover just how much our couples know (or don’t know) about their spouse! This fundraising event will be held on Friday evening, April 4th at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory beginning at 6:30. Four local married couples have been selected to play the game including Austin and Julia Wulff; Cameron and April Greener; Zach and Mary Moser, and Dylan and Kala Sisco. These couples have graciously volunteered their time to play this fun game and entertain the audience. VIP sponsored tables can be reserved with a $300 donation. The VIP Tables include reserved seating, and light refreshments. A limited number of individual tickets will be sold for $25 per ticket. The individual tickets will not have reserved seating. Last year this event sold out with tickets not being available at the door. A concession stand and cash bar will be open during the evening. Get your tickets now by calling 573-729-8163 or dropping by the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Healthy Dent County is a local non-profit that is dedicated to providing opportunities to improve health and quality of life by partnering with our community.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture has lifted the suspension of poultry and waterfowl auctions, shows and swap meets in Missouri effective March 24, 2025. The Department suspended waterfowl activity in January in counties impacted by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) to help prevent the spread of the virus. HPAI is known to be deadly for domesticated poultry. Missouri State Veterinarian Steve Strubberg Avian Influenza continues to be a risk, especially with spring wild bird migration across the Midwest. He strongly encourage producers to continue a high level of biosecurity protocols to help protect their flock. Specifically, keep your birds from commingling with wild waterfowl. Missouri saw a significant increase in confirmed avian influenza cases over the winter, especially in southwest Missouri. Since the outbreak began in 2022, there have been 60 confirmed cases in Missouri flocks. Poultry producers should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds and report sick birds or an unusual increase in death loss to their local veterinarian or the state veterinarian’s office at (573) 751-3377. For more information about avian influenza in Missouri, visit Agriculture.Mo.Gov/avian-influenza.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors held their regular meeting Tuesday evening at 7:00 in the Doctor’s Library. After approving the meeting agenda and minutes, CEO Brooke Bollman provided her report, in which she highlighted the hospital’s financial progress. She  noted that this was the first time since 2019 that they were ahead financially, and would now be focusing their efforts on improving patient connections, as well as education and training for clinical staff. There will also be more focus placed on recruitment and retention by introducing referral bonuses for hard to recruit positions like nursing and radiology, employee service discounts, and retirement match programs. Financial performance for the month of February showed gross patient revenue at $5.2 million, with total operating revenue at $2.3 million. Management is addressing some accounting and accrual issues and expects to have these corrected by the end of March. The 340B revenue program generated $64,548 in profit for the month. The hospital is actively developing its emergency preparedness capabilities and working on becoming a training entity for emergency medical services, with plans to potentially start on an EMT-B program in June or July. They are also exploring county-wide emergency preparedness drills and expanding their emergency response capabilities. Additionally, they are working on a patient experience project to streamline registration processes and improve overall customer service. Quality and patient satisfaction are key focus areas. The hospital received a five-star rating on Medicare.gov for its long-term care facility, being the only five-star rated facility within 25 miles. They are tracking patient surveys and plan to highlight positive feedback through social media and internal communications. Before adjourning to executive session, the Board voted to move the April meeting from the 29th to the 22nd at 7:00 in the Doctor’s Library.