News – Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026

Salem Memorial District Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer Brooke Bollman will be stepping down from her role effective May 31st, 2026, the hospital announced yesterday. Named as Interim CEO by the Board of Directors was Chief Nursing Officer and Nurse Practitioner Amber Hogan, effective June 1st, 2026. Bollman has served as the CEO since her appointment in July 2024 and throughout her tenure provided leadership to strengthen operations and improve the hospital’s overall financial position. In statements shared within the press release, Bollman and Chair of the Board of Directors Dr. Leigh Ann Price emphasized that the hospital remains well-positioned for continued success, with multiple strategic initiatives and growth opportunities in progress, along with a strong leadership team. The hospital will continue to serve patients and the community without interruption. Updates regarding leadership transition will be shared as they become available, concluded the press release.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson was absent. First District Commissioner Keith Green was designated Acting Presiding Commissioner. Derrick Marfitt, Dent County Emergency Management Director, attended to discuss the estimates on the projects from Great River Engineering’s preliminary plans for three different crossings. It is still unknown at this time how much will be covered by FEMA/SEMA, due to funding approval for the organizations still pending from Congress. A discussion on payroll for the position of Dent County Emergency Management Director was held. In road reports, Green reported that crew members will be hauling rock to county roads 5130 and 2460. Grading will be done on those same roads, along with County Road 5500. Crew members will also be working on maintenance for the durapatcher. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported crew members would be hauling rock to county roads 4300, 2540, 2240, and 4290. Grading will be done on 4300, 2270, and 2240. Crew members will also be cutting brush on County Road 2540 and will be installing a crossover pipe on County Road 2240. Andrew Wynn, Vice President and Lending Officer of Salem’s Town & Country Bank, attended the meeting regarding the lease purchase agreement for two 2026 Mach Trucks for the road department, which the commissioners signed. Meanwhile, Dent County Clerk Angie Curley shared that bills and payroll have been approved. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday at 9:00 at the courthouse, and the meeting is open to the public.

Dent County Health Center (DCHC) provided an update regarding the investigation of a confirmed case of Legionnaires’ disease, suspected of being associated with Seville Care Center. Environmental health testing conducted at Seville Care Center found no Legionella bacteria throughout the facility. At this time, the investigation has been completed. DCHC worked closely with Seville Care Center and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services throughout the investigation process. Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, which is typically spread through inhalation of contaminated mist or water vapor. It is not normally spread person to person. 

The Ozark Heritage Artisans’ Springfest will be held Saturday from 9:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon. The free event will be held at the Salem Creative Arts Center at 202 South Main. You will find arts, crafts, baked goods, demonstrations and fun!