News – Thursday, October 30th 2025

The Salem Memorial Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday evening in the Hospital Library. The board heard from CEO Brook Bollman who stated she attended the Missouri Hospital Association District 3 meeting where rural health transformation funding was discussed. She reported that the providers are transitioning to a new staffing model where the emergency room and hospital staff are covering both departments. She also stated there was a fiscal year 2025 on site audit prep with the new CPA firm Wipfli out of St. Louis as they plan to have the return for the hospital done on time. Bollman also stated there was a team facility and landscaping workday, plus the Long-Term Care Center held their 1st ever fall festival. Bollman gave the summary of operations for the month of September where the hospital had 52 inpatient admissions with 122 inpatient census days. The hospital showed a gain from operations of $833,138.92 and revenues over expenses after taxes of $1,002,518.71. This was a result of a change suggested by their new accounting firm of recognizing allowances and uncollectibles by service and insurance in September. During the month, there were 629 emergency room visits as well as 218 ambulance runs. Outpatient registrations came in at 1,180 for the month with 855 cardiopulmonary procedures, 5,465 lab tests, 1,202 radiology procedures and 532 rehab treatments, while 1,175 visited the rural health clinic. Bollman reported there were 23 days cash on hand at the end of September, but that is up to 30 days as of Tuesday. She also stated the 340B program had $118,044 in revenues for September that netted out at $59,454. Chief Nursing Officer Amber Hogan reported the state Long Term Care inspectors showed up on the day of their fall festival and even though they are waiting on the report, they were told only three small things were found and they were not patient related. Hogan said she attended an MHA workforce innovation workshop, discussed staffing updates, developed an EMT training program which has ten students, her LPN IV push certification program is finished, and the skillapalooza will be held on December 9th and 10th for all clinical departments. Hogan stated the hospital had three hires in September, but there are still 12 openings at the hospital including a need for a full-time paramedic for EMS. Quality Improvement and Risk Management Officer Kendra Mobray stated Sarah Arnett has taken over as the TORCH grant manager, plus she developed an internal application process for emerging leaders to participate in. Mobray said there were a total of 27 risk assessment reports that were investigated in September. The board approved the purchase of a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation monitoring system from ScottCare for $54,000, approved the purchase of a blanket warmer for the hospital from Getinge for $6,377.00; and the board also approved hiring the physician recruiting firm Jackson Physician Search with an initial fee of $3,500, $3,000 per month for advertising and outreach, and a $23,000 placement fee if a physician is hired within four months which drops to an $18,000 fee if it takes six months. The meeting was then adjourned.

It’s that time of year when young ghosts, vampires, clowns, and superheroes are out for their night of trick-or-treating. While some local events take place in large parking lots, many trick-or-treaters will be out on Halloween night. It’s imperative that drivers and pedestrians stay alert. During this exciting time, children could dart in front of a vehicle. Slow down and drive with extra caution. Expect an increase in the number of slow-moving vehicles in neighborhoods as motorists pick up and drop off trick-or-treaters. Please be courteous to other drivers and stay alert for trick-or-treaters of all ages. Distracted drivers are dangerous drivers─ when you’re driving, keep your eyes on the road, not on your phone! Parents, please remind children of safe trick-or-treating practices: approach only familiar houses that are well-lit, don’t enter strangers’ houses or vehicles, and look both ways before crossing the street. Consider trick-or-treating with your children for their safety and because it’s a fun way to spend an evening with the family. Give some thought to safety when choosing a costume. Consider using make-up rather than wearing a mask, which can obstruct a child’s vision, making it difficult to see an oncoming vehicle. A light-colored costume is easier for drivers to see at night and adding reflective tape to dark costumes makes them visible after dark. Flame resistant costumes are encouraged. An adult should always accompany small children, and older children should stay in groups. Halloween isn’t just for children. Many adults enjoy dressing up and visiting haunted houses or attending gatherings. If you are driving to a costume party, make sure your costume doesn’t hamper your vision. If you attend a Halloween party that includes alcohol, designate a sober driver for the trip home. Alcohol, even in small amounts, slows reaction time and dulls the senses. Driving after you’ve had alcohol could have a sad and possibly deadly result. Have a safe, happy Halloween!

A Flat Reed Basket Weaving Class will be held Sunday afternoon from 2:00 to 4:00 with Connie Light. In this class you will learn a basic basket making technique that can be used as a foundation to many other future basket making projects. You will make a white oak pie basket with a handle! This class is for those who are 14 years of age and older. The cost is $55 which includes all your supplies. At least two people need to sign up for the class which would be limited to six. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center.

Intercounty Electric Cooperative Association will be holding their Member Appreciation Day at the Dent County Commons from 11:00 this morning until 1:00 this afternoon. Everyone is welcome to come out for free hot dogs, chips and soda, while members can register for a $50 electric credit.