Local News

A drowning incident occurred Sunday morning around 5:00 in Dent County on Route TT at Crooked Creek. According to the Missouri highway patrol report, a vehicle entered a flooded roadway and began to be swept away. The driver of the vehicle and a six–year old boy exited the vehicle and were both swept downstream. The driver was able to find safety, however the six-year old boy was swept further downstream and was later found dead. He was later identified as Ryan Martin, Jr. of Salem. He was found at approximately 8:27 and pronounced dead at the scene by Dent County Coroner Gina White at 9:30. The body was taken to the Dent County Coroner’s Office. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by the Dent County Fire Protection District, Salem EMS and the Dent County Sheriff’s Department. This is the seventh drowning in Troop I in 2020.

In closed session at the Salem R-80 Board of Education meeting last Thursday, the board agreed to reduce a student’s suspension from 180 days to 10 days outside school suspension. The board evaluated Dr. Reed’s evaluation before accepting the resignation of Derek Freeman as the middle school football coach and Jo Medlock as the high school family consumer science teacher. The meeting was then adjourned.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, the superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, reminds everyone there may be an increase in traffic over the Thanksgiving holiday. If so, drivers should remain alert to changes along their normal route. Regardless of traffic patterns, safety should remain a priority. The counting period for the 2020 Thanksgiving holiday weekend will be from 6:00 this Wednesday, through 11:59 Sunday night, November 29th. Troopers will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E., enforcing all traffic laws, and will be available to assist the public. Over the 2019 Thanksgiving holiday counting period, 11 people were killed and 634 injured in 1,594 traffic crashes. Drivers should make sure their vehicles are in good condition and that they are well rested before they start driving. Remember: There is never a reason to speed, drive aggressively, or drive impaired. The public is encouraged to call the Patrol’s Emergency Report Line (800) 525-5555 or *55 on your cellular phone if you witness criminal activity or experience an emergency.

The Salvation Army Dent County Service Unit will soon begin raising funds with the familiar red kettle at Christmas time. The famous red kettle will be located at Country Mart, Dollar General and Wal-Mart from the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and then on every Friday and Saturday until Thursday, December 24th which of course is Christmas Eve. Counter kettles will also be located at various locations throughout the community. The kettles are the primary way that funds are raised to continue to meet the needs of the less fortunate in our community. Volunteer bell ringers are needed each year to help raise funds. To volunteer to ring the bell at the red kettle, please call Susie at 729-6771 or 247-7099 or The Salvation Army office at 729-8163.

The Salvation Army will once again partner with Wal-Mart for the annual Angel Tree program. Local residents have always enjoyed adopting a child, shopping for clothing, coats, hats, and toys. Some families use this time of year to teach their children the importance of giving during the holiday season. The Angel Tree will be available starting Saturday, November 28th with the final date to adopt an angel being Friday, December 18th. Sign-ups for families wanting to participate in the Angel Tree will be held on TODAY from 3:30 to 5:30. Signups will also be held Tuesday, December 1st and Thursday, December 3rd at the Dent County Fire Station from 3:30 to 5:30 in the afternoon. The Salvation Army Dent County Service Unit office hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon and is located in the Salem Community Center @ the Armory located at 1200 W. Rolla Road in Salem. For additional information, call Sherry Lea at 729-8163 or e-mail her at sherry@salemcommunitycenter.org.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday evening in the Hospital Library. In the summary of operations for the month of October, the hospital had 106 inpatient admissions with 330 inpatient census days. Patients per day in Acute Care came in at 10.6 in October. The hospital showed a loss from operations of $479,327 and expenses over revenues after taxes of $477,722. Cash decreased for the month by $698,139. The days in net account receivables dropped to 100 days, down from 108 in September. During the month, there were 680 emergency room visits to go with 194 ambulance runs with 124 patients being transported, 25 surgery cases, 1,852 outpatient registrations, 274 home health visits, 7,033 lab tests, 1,083 radiological procedures including 824 rehab treatments. Chief of Nursing Debbie Hines gave the Acute Care Staffing by Patient Acuity report that showed the average acuity at 24 patients per day. She also stated that on November 2nd through the 4th, the hospital received a follow-up visit by the state from their visit in September. The hospital has not received a formal letter yet but Hines expects to receive no deficiencies. Chief Operating Officer Jason Edwards reported that due to COVID-19, all the fundraisers for 2021 at this time have been postponed until further notice. He went on to say the hospital has received the TytoCare-school focused telemedicine product and the next step is to get the product to the providers and get it tested. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas gave the Medical Staff’s report that included their request to the board to provide CRNA privileges for Karen Zang, CRNA and Jeffrey Colench, CRNA; as well as courtesy staff privileges to Johnathan Beers, DO and Thomas Byrne, MD. The board approved the Medical Staff’s request. Lucas gave the COVID-19 update and said the hospital has purchased a number of pieces of new disinfecting equipment including electrostatic sprayers, backpack sprayers and air purifiers for the sprayer. He also said the hospital is creating a new drive-up testing site that should be available possibly by the end of this week that will allow employees and patients to stay out of the weather. Lucas reported on the hospital expansion and said Canon has completed the MRI installation. He said practice scans will be starting soon. The new drywall outside the Outpatient Registration is almost finished and the HVAC is being installed. Lucas said Phase 3 of the sewer project is nearly complete and Phase 4 in the Administration Hallway is underway. Lucas stated an old Intercounty transformer is going to be moved from its current location to behind Physicians Office Building 3 near the generator. This will be a change order and will cost the hospital extra. The board approved the purchase of a non-magnetic MRI Stretcher for radiology from Merry X-Ray Corp for $3,924. They also set the dates for the election filing for District #2 for the seat currently held by Mike Swyers. Filing will begin on December 15th at 8:00 in the morning and last until January 19th at 4:00 in the afternoon. The December board meeting will be held on December 15th at noon by Zoom in the hospital library and the joint Board of Directors and Medical Staff dinner this year has been cancelled. The board then went into closed session.

The 2020 Honoring our Heroes Marathon will be held this Saturday with the marathon and marathon relay will begin at 7:00 in the morning at the Dent County Commons while the half marathon will begin at Lake Spring at 8:00 in the morning. The route those runners will be going will mostly be on Highway 72 to Lions Club Drive and then finish in the Lions Club Park. The 10k and 5k runs will be mostly at the Rolla Lions Club Park with the 10k diverting to the Veteran’s Park in Rolla before coming back to the Lions Club Park, and they will start at 8:00 in the morning. Get out, cheer on and support these runners who are helping to raise funds for veteran’s organizations, but please practice social distancing. Volunteers can still sign up to help. For more information or to sign up, go to https://www.heroesmarathon.com.

Before the Salem Memorial District Hospital regular board meeting Tuesday evening in the hospital library, an audit report from Jean Nyberg of B K & D CPA and Advisors was presented. Nyberg said an unmodified accountant’s opinion was given which indicates it was a clean audit. She mentioned this was a strange year as the hospital received deferred CARES Act funds of approximately 4.4 million dollars and Medicare Advance Payments of $3.25 million dollars that are right now considered liabilities. The hospital also issued bonds in the amount of $2.5 million dollars for renovation projects and took advantage of the Payroll Protection Program valued at $2.3 million dollars. Nyberg stated that when the hospital was without a chief financial officer, financial records were weak for accuracy as well as the patient’s accounts receivable. Reconciliation of the net income revealed numerous adjustments that totaled $3,136,236 that showed expenses over revenues of $1,298,227 for the fiscal year. She said the days revenue in accounts receivable are artificially inflated with the pandemic at 58 days while current assets for the 2020 fiscal year came in at over $25 million dollars. Days cash on hand continues to be inflated at 177 and long term debt increased to over $4 million dollars with the bond issuance and ambulance purchase. The debt to capitalization ratio went up to 36.1% which is well below the 45% acceptable range for critical access hospitals. Before the renovation, Salem was at 5.3%. Even with the loss from operations, Nyberg said the operating revenue for Salem was up which is a good sign for the hospital. With the loss, the net operating margin for the hospital dropped to –6.7% with the total margin falling to –4.8%. The audit committee letter pointed out the significant journal entries and reconciliation that had to be made to the books, the continued lack of segregation of duties between the disbursements and revenue cycle, plus the some small deficiencies with the inventory and credit card purchases. After going over some COVID-19 related provisions with the board, Nyberg updated the board on some new mandates on the horizon. She said the hospital will have to have total price transparency on at least 300 shoppable services by January 1st of 2021 or pay a $300 per day penalty until it is completed. She also said there was going to be a physician fee schedule change with Medicare’s conversion factor and a change in charges for CPT codes that will be released by December 2nd. Nyberg thanked the staff at the hospital for their cooperation with the audit.

A one vehicle accident happened Tuesday afternoon shortly after 3:00 on Dent County Road 3230 at Dent County Road 3240 one mile north of Salem. The report released by the highway patrol states that 60-year old Cynthia Indelicato of Salem was driving a 2002 Dodge pickup eastbound and failed to stop at the stop sign, went through the intersection, ran off the roadway and struck two trees. Indelicato was transported by the highway patrol vehicle to the Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The Dodge was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold a special closed session meeting at 5:30 this evening for a student issue before holding their regular board meeting at 6:00 at the R-80 District Administrative Offices Board Room. At the meeting, the board will hear from Dr. Bernie Sirois on the school foundation before Superintendent Lynne Reed will update the board on the COVID-19 situation, talk about the Athletic Advisory and the leadership team meetings. Each of the building principals will give their reports and Athletic Director Phillip Karr will give an update on the Athletic Advisory committee. In new business, the nurses sub pay will be discussed as well as COVID restrictions. The board will also set the board filing dates for the next Municipal Election. The board will then adjourn and go into executive session. The regular board meeting of the Salem R-80 School Board of Education is open to the public.

A one vehicle accident happened Tuesday afternoon at 4:40 in Maries County on Highway H near County Road 422. According to the report from the highway patrol a 2010 Hyundai Elantra being driven by 20 year old Nathaniel Robinson of St. James was northbound and swerved to avoid an animal in the road causing the vehicle to travel off the left side of the road, strike a tree, and overturn. Robinson was taken by Ozark Central Ambulance to Phelps Health for treatment of moderate injuries. The Elantra was totaled and removed from the scene by Owens Towing.

Wal-Mart is making it easier for you to lend a helping hand to your local Dent County Salvation Army Service Unit. Going on now, customers at the Wal-Mart Superstore in Salem have the opportunity to donate to the Salvation Army by rounding up their total to the nearest dollar when paying at the register. This can only be done at any manned register. Additionally, the Red Kettle bell ringers will get an early start outside Wal-Mart this Saturday, November 21st. Normally, the famous red kettle collections locally wouldn’t start until the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and yes, the bell ringers will also be out that day, and then every Friday and Saturday until Thursday, December 24th which of course is Christmas Eve. Counter kettles will also be located at various locations throughout the community. The kettles are the primary way that funds are raised to continue to meet the needs of the less fortunate in our community. Volunteer bell ringers are needed each year to help raise funds. To volunteer to ring the bell at the red kettle, please call Susie at 729-6771 or 247-7099 or The Salvation Army office at 729-8163.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory Monday night. Stan Podorski from the Salem Christmas Committee requested that 4th Street be closed on Saturday, December 5th from noon until 3:00 from Highway 19 to Jackson Street, and from Highway 19 to McArthur from 3:00 until 5:00 for the Healthy Dent County “Santa Dash” at 3:00 as well as to prepare for the Chamber of Commerce Parade of Lights. After the consent agenda was approved, Planning and Zoning Chairman Gary Brown addressed the board about the properties at 712 North Hickory and 713 North Oak. The owner, Noah Wills, wanted to separate the properties but they did not meet the required lot size or setbacks set by the city. Brown said the Planning and Zoning Commission voted to approve the request, if the Board of Adjustment waived the required setbacks which they did at their meeting on November 3rd. City Administrator Ray Walden reported there were some material delays on the new counters and cabinets and they are being installed this week. The new glass will then be installed along with the electric and ethernet cables, and once that is completed, the offices will then be ready to reopen. Until then, the City Administration offices will continue to run from the City Hall Council Chambers. Walden said a new updated video on city projects is on the city’s Facebook page. Park and Recreation Director Melissa Dubois reported that she has 20 participants who will have displays for the “Light up the Park” drive-through light display with possibly five or six more still possible. She also said work would continue at the old city hall as 186 seats have been ordered for the theatre section, plus the city is advertising for bids for new ceiling tiles and lights. Public Works Director Mark Nash said electric bills went out Thursday for the period of July 31st through August 29th. Walden said the city offices would be closed for Thanksgiving on November 26th and 27th. Kevin James brought up some continuing issues with the utility bills that still haven’t been solved from previous months and wants these problems addressed quickly. The board approved Bill #3466 that splits the properties at 712 N. Hickory and 713 N. Oak before discussing bills #3467 and 3468 that dealt with funding engineering services for an ADA accessibility study to city facilities. Robert Conaway from C.M. Archer Engineers explained that MoDOT is trying to make s Robert Conaway from C.M. Archer Engineers ure that cities start to comply with the 1990’s law and if they don’t comply soon, those cities may not qualify for other available grants through MoDOT like TAP. Archer will get a list from the city and check out the projects that need addressing. This will be the first step in creating a city-wide plan. The board then approved Bill #3467 that allows the mayor to execute the Traffic Engineering Assistance Program with MoDOT that will reimburse up to $8,000 in the engineering costs; and Bill #3468 that allows the mayor to execute an agreement with C.M. Archer Engineering to provide services to assess the transportation related ADA accessibility compliance of the city for $10,000. The board approved Bill #3469 that amended the qualifications for alderman as required by state statute. They also approved Bill #3470 that allowed for city to purchase property from Hershel Moser, Julia Moser and Kenneth Tyler Sherrell to build a new well for water storage for the growth of the city. In Resolution, 20-2020 the board postponed renewing the Memorandum of Understanding that allows William Lynch Elementary and the ECSE Developmental Pre-School to use the old city hall during emergency situations until the next meeting so that can add a clause that would require approval of the mayor or city administrator if for more than 24 hours. The board went on to approve Resolution 21-2020 that sets the date for the 2021 Municipal Election, filing dates, and qualifications of being an alderman. After a long discussion with City Attorney James Weber, the board elected to deny a permit for Samara Dozier at 1506 South Main to keep mini-pigs at her home. The board then went into closed session.

This fall, The Doe Run Company has pledged nearly $9,000 to support STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) curriculum at local school districts. The support is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to strengthen educational opportunities in Southeast Missouri and prepare area students for successful careers. Doe Run’s donation to Bunker R-III School District helped fund technology tools that enhance existing math curriculum. Students can use interactive tools and online videos to learn how to solve math problems, both when they are in school and at home. The donation to Viburnum Middle School will fund the purchase of CUE robots to teach coding skills, K’Nex bridge building kits, microscopes and other building materials that encourage active learning through creative problem-solving. Doe Run also helped Viburnum High School purchase two V5 competition starter kits from the VEX Robotics Company. Students in the Robotics Club will construct the robots this year to participate in the upcoming VEX Robotics competitions. At North Wood R-IV in Salem, Doe Run’s donation will fund STEM kits that enable middle school students to build prototypes, perform experiments, and analyze and interpret data. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM occupations are projected to grow by nearly 800,000 by 2029. Over the past year, Doe Run has donated $49,000 to support STEM programs and scholarships for elementary through college-level students to strengthen educational opportunities and prepare the future workforce.

Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge is reminding small business owners with 30 or less full time employees that there is less than one month left to apply for the Dent County CARES Act grant funds! The deadline to submit your application is December 10th. The funding limit is $50,000 per business. There is still roughly $800,000 remaining and anything not used by our Dent County businesses and non-profits will have to be sent back to the Federal Government. These funds are there to help you if your business is struggling with a hardship created by COVID-19? Don’t forget that non-profit organizations also qualify. If your business experienced employee layoffs, had to purchase additional safety items or had additional expenses due to COVID, you may get reimbursed for these items. Expenses may also be reimbursed if you had lower revenues or had to change the way you do business due to COVID that put a strain on your business. The grant funds may be used for operational needs, such as employee expenses, lease or mortgage payments, utilities, materials, supplies and services. You can also check out the Dent County CARES Act funding application at meramecregion.org/cares-act-funding. If you are not sure if your expenses qualify, contact Kelly Sink at kellysb@meramecregion.org or 573-265-2993. Even if you have applied or received other COVID-19 specific funding, that DOES NOT disqualify you for this program!

As more Missouri families turn on their furnace and spend time by the fireplace, it is time to remind everyone who uses natural or propane gas that now is a great time to review gas safety measures. When used properly, natural gas and propane are safe and efficient sources of energy, but it’s important to understand the hazards associated with a gas leak. People should use their senses to detect a leak and act fast if they smell gas. The odor is that of what some call “like rotten eggs.” Other gas safety tips include if you smell an odor or hear a hissing or leaking sound, evacuate immediately, taking all people and pets with you. Once you are safe, call 9-1-1. In the event of a suspected indoor gas leak, do not use light switches, cell phones, garage door openers or any electrical device that could generate a spark. If you spot an unusual area of dead vegetation near a pipeline, it could be a sign of a gas leak. Blowing dirt, ground fires, or continuously bubbling water may also indicate a gas leak. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, vacate the premises, get fresh air and call 9-1-1. Don’t try to be a hero when it comes to gas. Let the professionals discover the problem and correct it before going back into your home.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On the afternoon of October 29th just before 4:00, an officer was dispatched to the police department to take a report of stealing. It was reported that a vehicle parked in the 100 block of south Washington had a Citizen Watch stolen out of the center console sometime during the overnight hours. This incident is still under investigation. The value of the watch is estimated to be $396.00. That same afternoon shortly after 4:00, an officer conducted a traffic stop after observing the driver of a vehicle who appeared to be someone that had an active warrant. The warrant was confirmed, and a 27-year-old Salem woman was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. On Sunday morning, November 1st just before noon, an officer was dispatched to the 600 block of east Coffman for a report of a stolen firearm. It was reported that $50 in cash and a SCCY 9mm handgun was stolen out of a parked vehicle during the overnight hours. Video surveillance was reviewed, and the investigation is still ongoing. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, invites the public to visit the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s YouTube channel. Colonel Olson said they are launching the YouTube channel and invites the public to visit the channel. Their mission of service and protection extends to every person in this state. While the most important contacts are those that occur when a trooper speaks with someone or stops to assist them, it’s important that they reach their stakeholders wherever they happen to be. The Patrol’s YouTube channel provides them with another platform for educating and informing the public. The Patrol’s YouTube channel will host original videos to educate the public about traffic safety, the agency, the services it provides, and show the wide variety of career opportunities with the Patrol. Colonel Olson invites the public to take a few moments to visit the patrol’s YouTube channel, and view their launch video, “This is your Missouri State Highway Patrol.” The patrol intends to have an active YouTube channel, so stay tuned. Of course, you’ll still be able to find the highway patrol on their social media accounts.

An accident happened in Dent County at 3:51 Tuesday afternoon on Route Z about eight miles south of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, 31-year old Mary E. Moser of Jadwin was driving a 2014 Honda CRV northbound when the CRV traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. Moser suffered serious injuries and was transported by the Mercy Lifeline to the University Hospital in Columbia. A passenger, a less than one-year old female, also suffered serious injuries and was taken by the Salem EMS to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. The CRV was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. The highway patrol was assisted by the Jadwin Fire Department and the Dent County Sheriff’s Department.

Healthy Dent County has announced the Grand Opening of their new Gymnasium at the north side of the Salem Community Center@The Armory this afternoon with an open house from 4:00 to 5:30. The ribbon cutting will occur at 4:30 to officially open the gymnasium. Congressman Jason Smith representing Missouri’s 8th District will be in attendance for the event. The new gym is equipped with six retractable basketball goals and can be used for pickleball and volleyball as well. Everyone is welcome to attend! For more information about the gym, please call Healthy Dent County at the Salem Community Center@The Armory at 729-8163 or stop by 1200 West Rolla Road.

The Meramec Regional Planning Commission was awarded a $780,000 revolving loan fund from the Economic Development Administration CARES Act Recovery Assistance grants. The MRPC board approved the CARES RLF plan submitted to the Economic Development Administration for the use of the RLF funds, which will include a micro-loan lending program to meet working capital and fixed asset needs at its October 8th board meeting. The CARES RLF new loan program is designed to provide financing for small businesses, particularly those impacted by COVID-19. The loan program is structured to include simplified loan applications and closing procedures, reduced loan application fees, reduced borrower equity and collateral requirements and reduced interest rates. MRPC Business Loan Specialist Candace Connell said the MRPC has the money to lend to small businesses impacted by COVID-19 at really good rates for things like working capital, inventory, equipment, land and buildings. The MRPC and the Meramec Regional Development Corporation, who will work as the loan review agent, will consider loan requests from $5,000 to $200,000 for businesses located in the Meramec Region. The program will allow borrowers to finance up to 90 percent of the total project cost. Projects up to $50,000 do not require a participating lender. For projects over $50,000, a participating lender must finance a minimum of 25 percent up to 50 percent of the total cost. The loan terms are up to eight years for working capital and typically 15 years for fixed assets with reduced interest rates. The first loan was made at 3.5 percent. Additionally, for every $20,000 borrowed the business must create or retain one job and all businesses need to demonstrate an impact from COVID-19 when applying. This is MRPC’s third EDA-financed RLF.. Businesses and bankers interested in learning more about this new loan opportunity can contact Candace Connell, MRPC business loan specialist, at cconnell@meramecregion.org or by phone at 573-263-8651.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announces it has maintained its certification by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Forest Management Standard for 658,348 acres of state land. The certification follows an annual audit of MDC forestry practices for those lands. MDC has maintained its certified status since 2017 with annual audits confirming its forest-management practices continue to meet the SFI® standard. SFI is one of the world’s most recognized, independent third-party for forest-management certification standards and certification provides assurances of responsible practices across the forest products supply chain. MDC State Forester Justine Gartner said certification to SFI considers all aspects of our forest management process, from actions taken in the woods to the paperwork they keep in their files. MDC is extremely proud to maintain this certification, which means They have outside validation that they are properly managing forest resources to assure their health and sustainability. SFI’s Forest Management Standard is based upon principles, goals and performance measures that were developed nationally by professional foresters, conservationists and others with the intention of promoting sustainable forest management in North America. SFI and its many partners work together to balance environmental, economic, and social objectives such as conservation of wildlife habitat and biodiversity, harvesting forest products, protecting water quality, providing forest industry jobs, and developing recreational opportunities. The SFI Forest Management Standard is also the only standard that requires participants to support forestry research. To find out more information, go to https://www.forests.org/.

The Federal Highway Administration has declared this week as National Traffic Incident Response Awareness Week. Every year, 200 roadside workers lose their lives in the line of duty, according to AAA. When motorists approach MoDOT or any other responders or emergency vehicles on the side of the highway with flashing lights, they should move over. A report from the National Safety Commission revealed that 71% of Americans do not know about their state’s Move Over law. Missouri’s Move Over law requires drivers to either change lanes or slow down when approaching stationary MoDOT, law enforcement or other emergency vehicles with flashing lights. To help protect those who protect us, all 50 states enforce some form of the Move Over law.