News – Thursday, May 22nd 2025

The City of Salem’s Finance Committee will be holding a workshop this evening in the Old City Hall Auditorium located at 202 N. Washington Street at 6:00, to discuss the draft budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. This meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees met Thursday evening, May  15th at 5:00. Administrator Zach Moser presented the Service and Statistics report for the month of April. In the Communicable Disease Report, he stated there was one case of COVID-19 reported, while there were 46 active lead cases, zero Influenza A cases, two animal bites report, and there were 6 screenings for sexually transmitted infections, resulting in 24 total tests. The April environmental report showed there where 14 total inspections conducted, no recalls, no sewer complaints, and no environmental questions were fielded. The Maternal-Child Health (MCH) statistics showed there were no car seats distributed, no CPR Courses held, no consultations for Childcare Health, two Show-Me Healthy Women appointments, and 30 Title X appointments were reported. There was one Presumptive Eligibility (Temporary Medicaid), while there were 339 WIC appointments. The Community-Specific Services Summary showed 607 total appointments other than WIC, 167 total provider appointments, 169 treatment court visits, 166 lab appointments and 87 immunization appointments. Nurse Practitioner Service Details showed one Show-Me Healthy Women appointment, 7 family plannings, 5 well-child visits, no online appointments, 3 other well-woman exams, no other physicals, no SEMO physicals, 63 other visits, and 71 acute illness appointments for a total of 158 visits. Physician Service Details showed no well-visits, no online appointments, 8 other physicals, no SEMO Physicals, 3 other visits, and 6 acute illness visits. Laboratory details showed 208 Lab Draws, 2 appointments for Rapid Test for COVID, Flu, RSV or Strep, 3 pregnancy tests, and there were 3 lead tests reported. Phlebotomy Appointments totaled 158, while all Lab Appointments totaling 166. Immunizations for April totaled one for COVID-19, one for Influenza, and 114 other vaccines given, including 77 MMR vaccines, for a total of 116 total doses given during 87 total appointments. In the Administrator’s report, Moser reported that the Health Center Health Fair May 2nd, was a success with 87 patients. He reported on the Community Health Assessment and that the Community Survey is now open and collecting feedback from the community. The survey can be completed by going to https://dentcohealth.org/cha/cha2025/. Moser said that the audit report is expected soon. Moser discussed the transportation program pause to figure out a plan for dispatching. He said that Human Resource Management Software is nearing a decision. Moser requested changes in the leave policies, particularly around unpaid leave and procedure for when leave is exhausted. The Board approved the changes. DCHC financials for April were reviewed, discussed, and approved. The Board went in to closed session where no motions were made. After the closed session the next regular meeting of the Board was set for Thursday, June 19th, 2025, at 5:00.
Northwood R-4 School has earned the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Tier 3 Award of Excellence. This is R-4’s first year of receiving Tier 3 recognition, highlighting their commitment to supporting every student’s academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. Hats off to Mr. Flores, the teachers, staff, and administration for their outstanding work and dedication to student success.

Memorial Day Weekend begins the Summer Concert Series at Echo Bluff State Park on Highway 19 South. Everyone is invited and all the events are free. Bring a lawn chair, quilt or blanket and enjoy these free concert under the stars. On Friday, May 23rd starting at 8:00 in the evening, listeners can enjoy the sounds of the Open Road Band who are new to the Echo Bluff’s summer series. The Open Road Band will open this year’s series with some old-time country music. On Saturday, May 24th at 8:00, Kirk Pierce will perform again at the Echo Bluff concert series. Pierce will use his soothing, sultry voice to perform a mix of covers and original songs. Then on Sunday, May 25th at 8:00 in the evening, the Travelin’ Kind returns to Echo Bluff where members Trish and Mickey are sure to delight once again as they perform covers and original songs. All concerts take place in the amphitheater at 35244 Echo Bluff Drive in Eminence.

This Saturday, starting at 8:30 in the evening, visitors to the Onondaga Cave State Park and observe “Starry Sky Nights.” The public is invited to meet in front of the visitor center at 7556 Route H in Leasburg to view the unobstructed night sky. Visitors will learn about some of the objects that can be seen. Astronomy experts will demonstrate how to use telescopes to identify stars and planets. The program is subject to rescheduling due to poor viewing conditions. Those who wish to attend can register online at icampmo.com to receive updates about the program.