News – Thursday, October 2nd 2025

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors held its regular meeting Tuesday evening in the hospital’s Doctor’s Library. After approving the agenda and the minutes from the previous meeting, CEO Brooke Bollman presented her report. She highlighted ongoing efforts to prioritize education advocacy, including participation in several conferences such as the National Rural Health Association Conference. She also discussed exploring new technologies and tools to improve efficiency and patient satisfaction, evaluating capital improvement priorities, considering AI solutions for provider documentation and dictation, pursuing two grant applications in support of the EMS department, and preparing for upcoming community events. In August, the hospital recorded 45 inpatient admissions, 1,113 outpatient registrations, 629 emergency room visits, and 248 ambulance runs. Total operating revenue for the month was approximately $1.5 million, while expenditures totaled about $2.1 million, resulting in a net loss of $551,772.07. The 340B program generated net revenue of $39,106. Bollman also presented the fiscal year 2026 operating budget, projecting approximately $29.7 million in revenue and $29.5 million in expenditures, with an anticipated surplus of $219,360.90. The board approved both the financials and the FY2026 budget. Chief Nursing Officer Amber Hogan reported on staffing updates, upcoming nursing education opportunities, and ongoing efforts to reorganize and update the Nursing Policies and Procedures. In August, the hospital welcomed five new hires and experienced four resignations. Bollman stated that she anticipates the nursing department will be fully staffed by the end of the month. During the Risk Management Report, Kendra Mobray noted that August saw the lowest number of medical documentation errors on record. The board also approved new privileges for six physicians and adopted updated policies and procedures across five departments before adjourning to executive session to discuss legal matters.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met in a special meeting called Tuesday afternoon. After the meeting was called to order by Board President Dru Howard, the board moved into closed session to discuss personnel issues. The board then unanimously rejected the resignation of Band Director Gannon Craig from teaching and his extra duty contracts. The board also updated the substitute list before going back into open session and adjourning the meeting.

The Doe Run Company and the Viburnum community are celebrating the rich mining history of southeast Missouri at the 39th Annual Old Miners’ Days festival. The community event runs Friday through Sunday, October 3rd through the 5th, and features entertainment for all ages including free tours of Doe Run’s Buick Mine on Saturday. Community activities get underway Friday afternoon at 5:00 with the annual Tiny Tot Contest and Miss Viburnum Scholarship Pageant at the Elmer P. Beard Gymnasium in Viburnum. Saturday events begin at 9:00 in the morning in the outdoor Viburnum Center. Visitors who are 12 years-of-age or older may sign up for a free underground tour of a working Doe Run mine. Tours begin at 9:00 AM and conclude at 4:00 PM. Guests will travel through the shaft more than 1,000 feet underground and see the company’s Buick Mine, including heavy mobile equipment, the maintenance shop, and rock pillars full of valuable ore. Free bus transportation will be provided to shuttle guests the short distance from the Viburnum Shopping Center to the Buick Mine and back. Throughout Saturday, guests will enjoy live music, kids’ games, food trucks and booths, craft vendors, a community parade, and much more. This year, a Fall Rocks attraction located in the old Dollar General building, will run from 11:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon on Saturday offering indoor interactive activities, including “gold” panning, a mineral trivia game, dress like a miner, and much more. In the evening, Christian the Magician will provide comedy magic for the whole family with his show beginning at 6:30 in the Elmer P. Beard Gymnasium. Doors to the gym will open at 6:00. Sunday activities include a morning community church service hosted by local area churches at 11:00 in the Viburnum Center and a car show that runs from noon to 2:00. Learn more about Old Miners’ Days, including a full schedule of events, at https://www.oldminersdays.com/.

Come draw or paint our beloved Dent County Courthouse during the 155th anniversary of the Courthouse from 11:00 Saturday morning until 3:00 in the afternoon at the Courthouse downtown Salem.  Bring your chosen drawing/painting supplies. Some supplies will be provided by the Salem Area Arts Council if needed, so come and enjoy a relaxing time of making art!  All ages are invited and photos of the building will be furnished for those wishing to work from a photo reference. Finished artwork may be displayed at the Salem City Library upon completion.