News – Thursday, October 23rd 2025

The City of Salem will be offering utility payment plans to help ease the impact of the federal government shutdown. The city understands the shutdown may cause delays or interruptions in SNAP and other benefit programs that many local families rely on. They know this uncertainty can cause real stress — especially when it comes to keeping up with essential household bills. To help ease the burden, the City of Salem would like to remind residents that they offer utility payment plans for those who may need extra time to catch up on their bills. A payment plan allows city utility customers to spread out a past-due balance over time, making smaller, more manageable payments while keeping their account in good standing. Customers can take up to 12 months to pay off a past-due amount, in addition to paying their current monthly utility bill. As long as payments are made on time according to the plan, no late fees will be added to the account. To avoid disconnection of utility services, customers must set up a payment plan before Tuesday, October 28th, when disconnects are scheduled to occur. To set up a payment plan, customers must come to the Salem Administration Building at 400 N. Iron Street and sign a payment plan contract. Customers are encouraged to pay what they can at the time the plan is set up. The city understands that times like these can be difficult, and they want residents to know that help is available. Their goal is to work with you, not against you, so your utility services can stay active while you get back on track. Residents who would like more information can contact the Salem Utility Office at (573) 729-4117 or visit City of Salem Administration Building during regular business hours.

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees met, October 16th at 5:00. Administrator Zach Moser presented the Service and Statistics report for the month of September. In the Communicable Disease Report, he stated there were no cases of COVID-19 reported, however the virus is known to be present in the community, while the active lead cases were reported at 70, plus 11 Communicable Disease cases. There were no Influenza A case, 3 animal bites were report, and there were 9 screenings for sexually transmitted infections, resulting in 34 total tests. The September environmental report showed there where 12 total inspections or re-inspections conducted. The Maternal-Child Health (MCH) statistics showed there were no car seats distributed, there were two Show-Me Healthy Women appointments, 2 CPR Courses, no consultations for Childcare Health, and there were 13 Title X appointments were reported. There were no Presumptive Eligibility (Temporary Medicaid), while there were 361 WIC appointments. The Community-Specific Services Summary showed 589 total appointments other than WIC, 146 total provider appointments, 212 treatment court visits, 177 lab appointments and 90 immunization appointments. Nurse Practitioner Service Details showed 2 Show-Me Healthy Women appointment, 4 family plannings, 4 well-child visits, 2 other well-woman exams, 13 other physicals, 6 SEMO physicals, plus 57 other visits, and 58 acute illness appointments for a total of 115 visits. Laboratory details showed 177 Lab Draws, 15 appointments for Rapid Test for COVID, Flu, RSV or Strep, 3 pregnancy tests, 8 lead tests were reported, plus 17 other urine drug screenings. Phlebotomy Appointments
totaled 151, while all Lab Appointments totaling 177. Immunizations for September showed 23 for COVID-19 and 38 for Influenza, plus 74 other vaccines given during 90 appointments. In the Administrator’s report, Moser reported on the success of the October 2nd Drive Through Vaccine Clinic at the Fire Station and thanked the DCFPD for the use of their facility. He said 95 patients were vaccinated and all COVID vaccines in stock were used during the event. Moser did say that COVID vaccine is back in stock. He said staff would be arriving very early Friday morning the 17th for the Fall Health Fair. Moser reported on the launch of CareCab transportation program which provided 61 rides in September and is expected to grow quickly. He discussed the financial delays from the state of Missouri due to their process changes after their new Fiscal year, and the impact of the Federal Government Shutdown if it continues. Moser also reported on a visit by State Senator Justin Brown, Ashley Kuykendall from Beacon Reproductive Health, and Jack Seigal from Missouri Nurses Association to discuss the challenges of rural healthcare and public health. The financial reports for September were reviewed and approved by the board. The Board entered closed session at 6:00 to discuss personnel. At 8:09 the Board returned to open session having discussed personnel issues, but taking no disclosable votes, other than setting a special meeting for November 27th at 5:00 pm. In new business Zach requested guidance on the Bank of Salem CD expiring October 18th for 

approximately $207,000.00. A motion was made and carried to renew the CD with the Bank of Salem. An employee application for tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment was evaluated for $8,000. A motion was made and carried to approve the $8,000 reimbursement and loan repayment. Moser asked for direction on developing the 2026 budget. The board agreed to have Board Treasurer Bob Gravely work directly with Moser to prepare a budget for approval at later meetings. Prior to adjournment the next regular meeting date was set for Thursday, November 20th, 2025, at 5:00.

The Scenic Rivers Industries Dent County Sheltered Workshop is hosting their first ever Haunted House today, tomorrow, and Saturday from 6:30 until 10:00. The haunted house theme will be  the “The Land of Misfit Toys” where visitors can prepare for an unforgettable journey through the shadows where “Misfit Toys” will lurking around every corner. The haunted house will be held at 1200 South Babb Lane in the building next to MFA; and the cost of admission is $7.00 for adults, $3.00 for children 11 years of age and under. Popcorn and beverages will be available to purchase at the event. If you have any questions, please call the workshop Monday through Thursday at 573-729-6264.