Local News

The Salem Christmas Committee wants to congratulate the winner of the 1st Annual Business Window Decorating Contest for this year’s Christmas season. For the 2020 year that business was A Look Aground located at 101 West 4th Street in Downtown Salem. They received a $250 cash prize for their efforts and a banner stating they took 1st place in this year’s window decorating contest. The committee wanted to thank all those businesses who participated and looks to have even more businesses next year enter the contest!

Starting today, the City of Salem Administrative Offices at 400 North Iron Street will reopen to the public in a limited capacity. While the remodel project is not complete, Mayor Brad Nash and City Administrator Ray Walden wanted to reopen the utility office at the location for the public’s convenience while the remaining remodel tasks are completed, including widening the drive-up lane which is expected to be completed in the next couple of weeks. The after-hours drop box for utility payments has been relocated from the west side of the building to the north end near the drive-up window. Customers will be asked to social distance and members of the public needing services other than utilities are asked to call 729-4117 to make appointments until the renovations are completed. Anyone feeling ill is asked to call the office at 729-4117 to see if their needs can be met without coming in. Business hours for the utility office are 8:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon Monday through Friday. While most aspects of the facility will be operational, the full renovation project is not expected to be completed until early next year due to a supplier issue with some of the materials. Mayor Nash and Administrator Walden appreciate the public’s patience while offices were operating out of the council chambers during the remodel.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will meet this evening at the City Hall Council Chambers at 7:00. At the meeting, the board will hear bids for assorted electric and water meters. and also bids for a number of needed materials for the city hall auditorium/theater including ceiling tiles, a sound system, safety lighting and lighting controls. Following the consent agenda, the board will hear a report from Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission Gary Brown from the meeting held on November 30th where a request for a conditional use permit at 407th East 4th Street for a meadery was heard. The board will also hear a report from City Administrator Ray Walden about a new office policy and they will also receive updates on current city projects. The board will hear Resolution 20-2020 which would authorize the mayor to execute a four-year memorandum of understanding between the city and the Salem R-80 School District that would allow the city hall to be used during an emergency situation for the rest of the current school year and to be reviewed and the end of the 2024-2025 school year. The board will then go into closed session to discuss contract and personnel before adjourning. The meeting is open to the public.

The final date for Medicare Part D open enrollment will be Monday, December 7th. Look at your health care coverage today, and see if you need to make any changes for next year. If you’re happy with the Medicare plan you have now, and the plan is still being offered next year, you’re all set. But if you’re thinking about making any changes, look at plans in your area and pick the best mix of benefits and costs that meet your needs and budget. If you are not sure you have the best plan, you are strongly encouraged to have your current plan reviewed to make sure you are enrolled in the most cost-efficient plan for your needs. Aging Best has a team of Community Options & Services professionals standing by to review plans and assist with the changes. It is very important for participants to review their plan each year as many factors can affect their current coverage. To discuss your current plan please call 800-369-5211. Once you’ve made your choice, enrolling online is easy. Easily search and compare all your coverage options at Medicare.gov.

The “Holidays at Home” will be in full gear this weekend starting today with the Christmas sale at the Country Chic Boutique and Photography store at #6 North Iron. Tomorrow will be a full day of fun with the First Saturday Market being held at the Rusty Pig at 404 East Scenic Rovers Blvd starting at 9:00 in the morning. At 11:00, A Look Aground will be celebrating their one year anniversary at 101 West 4th Street and they will be open until 8:00. The American Legion will be hosting a “Visit with Santa” drive-through at the Walker-Roney Post #99 on Highway 32 West. At 3:00, the Santa Dash will be held sponsored by Healthy Dent County at 4th Street and Highway 19. Haven’t registered yet? You can do so Saturday at the courthouse lawn prior to the dash at 2:00. The cost is $25 for students up to 18 years of age and $30 for adults. For more information, call Kelsey at 729-8163. Following the dash at 5:30, enjoy the Christmas “Parade of Lights” with the theme this year being your “Favorite Christmas Movie.” Bob and Judy Thompson will be the Grand Marshall’s and the parade will start out near SBU and wind its way to the courthouse square. Then on Sunday, the Keeping Christmas @Home Craft Fair will be held at the Salem Upper Elementary School from 1:00 to 4:00.

The winner for the Salem Christmas Committee’s 1st annual business window decorating contest for Christmas will be announced today at 4:00 on KSMO Radio and on the KSMO Facebook page. The winner will receive $250 cash and also a banner from the Christmas Committee. The winner will also be recognized on the Salem News website and Facebook page, the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page and the City of Salem Facebook Page. If you haven’t been around yet to the 22 businesses that entered the contest, here is the list again in case you missed it. Check out the windows at A Look AGround, Edward Jones Office, Shelter Insurance, the Salem Public Library, attorney-at-law Carrie Gerischer, the Beehive, the Salem License Office, the Main Street Café, the Country Chic Boutique, Duncan Family Chiropractic, Tax Masters, That Special Touch Florists, Allen’s Treasure Chest & Den, Curley and Company Salon, J & D Automotive, Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center, Salem Housing Authority, VIP Properties, Century 21 South Central Realty, Dent County Vet Clinic, Progressive Ozark Bank, and Victor Plumbing. Enjoy all the hard work put in by these local businesses in celebrating the season through their decorated windows!

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley has released a couple of reports. On Monday, November 23rd in Dent County in front of Judge Kelly Parker, Nelson Bolster of Salem pled guilty for failing to register as a sex offender. Bolster was sentenced to 4 years in the Department of Corrections which is the maximum sentenced allowed for this crime as requested by Prosecutor Curley. On Wednesday, Kim Boyer of Salem was in Crawford County in front of Judge Megan Seay. Boyer had her probation revoked and she was sentenced to 5 years in the Department of Corrections as requested by the prosecutor.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports for Thursday, November 12th and Sunday, November 15th. On Thursday night, November 12th around 9:30, an officer was dispatched to the 800 block of North Pershing for a report of a domestic disturbance. One of the involved parties had an active warrant for their arrest. As a result, a 37-year-old Salem woman was arrested and incarcerated on her warrants. That same evening around 11:45, an officer was dispatched to a suspicious occupied vehicle at #2 Mullnack Drive. Contact was made with the occupants and it was found that one of the occupants had an active warrant for their arrest. As a result, a 21-year-old Salem man was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. On Sunday afternoon, November 15th around 1:00, an officer was dispatched to the 100 block of North Water street for a report of a stolen firearm from a vehicle. It was reported that a Kel Tec Sub gun was taken out of a vehicle parked at the residence that was valued at $400. This incident is still under investigation. That same afternoon around 1:45, an officer was on routine traffic patrol when he saw a man who he knew to have an active arrest warrant. The officer made contact with the man and the warrant was confirmed. As a result, a 41-year-old Salem man was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Dent County Sheriffs Department has released some reports. On Wednesday November 11th, the Dent County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a one vehicle traffic accident on East Highway 32 between Salem and Boss for a motor vehicle accident. Deputies traveled to the location and during the course of the incident, the driver of the vehicle, a 34-year-old Salem man, was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 1st offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. The next day, November 12th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Wilkins Avenue and Highway 72. As a result of the traffic stop, a 65-year-old Bunker man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On Sunday the 15th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 100 block of Route EE. As a result of the traffic stop, a 26-year-old Salem man was arrested for having an active warrant through the Salem Police Department. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated. On Wednesday, November 18th, a deputy observed a 33-year-old Salem man in the 1300 block of South Wines Street. The deputy knew the man to have an active arrest warrant through Dent County. He was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. If you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation please call the Dent County sheriffs office at 729-3241.

A second phase of a long-term narcotics investigation including the Dent County Sheriff’s Department, Salem Police Department, the South Central Task Force and Missouri Highway Patrol and Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley resulted in the arrest of 25 individuals on Monday, November 22nd. Over the course of the past 18 months, the South Central Task Force and a deputy with the Dent County Sheriff’s Department conducted a series of covert narcotics investigations involving the distribution/sales of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl and prescription medications. Arrest warrants for each defendant were obtained through the Dent County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office prior to the arrest operations being initiated Monday morning at 6:00. Members of the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, Salem Police Department and Missouri State Highway Patrol made the arrests. More arrests may still be made from this undercover investigation. Arrests on Monday included 30-year old Sierra McCurdy, 25-year old Dakota Bone, 30-year old Courtner Mendenhall, 30-year Ashley Soder, 33-year old Amber Good, 41-year old Vada Calkins, and 41-year old Tiffany Billiot, 25-year old Jesse Inman, and 21-year old Shane Murr, all of Salem, who were arrested on a Dent County warrant issued for one count of delivery of a controlled substance with bond set at $20,000; plus 33-year old Ashley Anderson of Rolla and 41-year old Tiffany Billiot of Lecoma, were also arrested on a Dent County warrant issued for one count of delivery of a controlled substance with bond set at $20,000. More arrests included were 42-year old Cheri Sturdivant and 35-year old Justin Miller of Salem along with 30-year old Devin Glore of Branson were each arrested on a Dent County warrant issued for one count of delivery of a controlled substance with bond set at $30,000; 40-year old Meredith Michaels and 34-year old Lavar Mullen of Salem as well as 39-year old Mark Calkins of Rolla were each arrested on a Dent County warrant issued for two counts of delivery of a controlled substance with bond set at $40,000. Other arrests include 25-year old Austin Carter, 30-year old Brandon Inman and 36-year old Megan Heath-Fisk of Salem, as well as 35-year old Danielle Casados of Rolla and 33-year old Kathleen O’Donnell of St. James who were arrested on a Dent County warrant issued for one count of delivery of a controlled substance with bond set at $50,000; plus 35-year old Dawnyale Coffman of Salem, 30-year old Joshua Coffman and 30-year old Brice Mullins of Salem as well as Faith Brown of Steelville were each arrested on a Dent County warrant issued for two counts of delivery of a controlled substance with bond set at $60,000. The charges for those arrested are just accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be present before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

You still have time to sign up for the first annual “Santa Dash” to be held this Saturday afternoon beginning at 3:00 sponsored by Healthy Dent County. Right now you can pre-register for the event at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory at 1200 W. Rolla Road in Salem. The first 30 people to do so will get a Santa themed crew neck sweatshirt. All participants will receive a Santa hat, and glow necklace. The cost for student up to 18 years of age is $25 and adults are $30 each. Santa or holiday attire is encouraged!! Registration will also be held Saturday afternoon at 2:00 at the courthouse square. At 3:00, Dashers will head down 4th Street from Highway 19, to MacArthur and back. For any questions or for more information, please contact Kelsey Schatz at 729-8163 or kelsey@salemcommunitycenter.org.

The Dent County Sheriff’s office has released a number of reports. On Monday the 2nd, deputies traveled to a residence in the 3000 block of Highway P to serve an arrest warrant. Deputies arrived on scene and during the course of the incident, a 49-year-old Salem man was arrested for having an active warrant through Dent County. He was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. Then on Thursday the 5th, a deputy responded to the 6000 block of Dent County Road 5610 for a report of a burglary. The deputy arrived on scene and discovered that a 54-year old Salem resident was the reported victim. This report is still under investigation. The next day, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 200 block of county road 4060 to serve an arrest warrant. As a result of the investigation, a 31-year-old Salem woman was arrested for an active warrant through Probation and Parole. She was transported to the Dent County Jail where she was incarcerated. That same day a deputy conducted a traffic stop at Highway 72 and Dent County Road 3210. During the course of the traffic stop, a 50-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On Saturday the 7th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 200 block of West Third Street. As a result of the stop, a 57-year-old Salem man was arrested for possession of controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana/synthetic cannabinoid, and driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 1st offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated. On Monday the 9th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 3000 block of South Highway 19. During the course of the traffic stop, a 22-year-old Salem man was arrested for the possession of a controlled substance and driving while having his license revoked or suspended. He was taken to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated. If you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s office at 729-3241.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Saturday night, November 7th at about 9:00, an officer was dispatched to the 700 block of north Washington for the report of an intoxicated male subject acting belligerent. Upon arrival at the scene, a man was located that was visibly intoxicated and acting erratic. It was found that he had an active warrant for his arrest through the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. As a result, the 35-year-old Salem man was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. On Monday afternoon, November 9th, near 3:30, an officer was dispatched to the 100 block of South Washington Street for a report of items being stolen out of a vehicle during the overnight hours. It was reported that cash and other miscellaneous items were taken from inside the vehicle valued at about $290. This incident is currently still under investigation. Then on Tuesday, November 10th around noon, an officer was on routine traffic patrol when he noticed a black Dodge Charger traveling at a high rate of speed weaving in and out of traffic near Wal-Mart on Highway 32-72 West. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop but the driver continued to drive in a careless manner failing to stop for the pursuing officer. The Charger traveled south on Highway 19 before turning around aggressively in the South Town Furniture parking lot and continuing back north. The driver finally came to a stop at Subway. After further investigation, a 23-year-old Piedmont man was arrested for Careless and Imprudent Driving and Resisting Arrest. He was later released on a summons to appear in court. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports 10 people died in traffic crashes during this year’s Thanksgiving holiday counting period. During the Thanksgiving holiday counting period, troopers report the following preliminary traffic statistics for 2020. The Patrol investigated 321 crashes resulting in 72 injuries and 9 fatalities. One fatality occurred in Springfield on Glenstone Avenue. In addition there were 100 DWI arrests and 78 drug arrests. During the 2019 Thanksgiving holiday counting period, troopers investigated 404 traffic crashes, which included seven fatalities and 166 injuries. Statewide, 11 people died and 634 people were injured in 1,594 traffic crashes over last year’s Thanksgiving holiday. Troopers arrested 94 people for driving while intoxicated and made 63 drug arrests during the 2019 Thanksgiving holiday counting period.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Monday at the courthouse. Matt Presti was in attendance to ask to use the courthouse lawn for a patriotic rally for Saturday December 5th, but the lawn had already been reserved. Presti then asked to hold the rally on December 12th from 1:00 to 4:00 in the afternoon and the commission approved his request. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams gave the amount of CART money received this month and it came to $55,375.81 which is down from last year by $2,885.69. Year-to-date, CART receipts are down $31,487.86. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 4080 while only grading would be done on county road 6110. Purcell said brush would be cut on county road 5610, and a technician will be installing a new starter on the grader that serves the Bunker area. Once that is done, grading will be done on county road 5615. Purcell said that all crews before starting on their assigned duties would be checking for downed limbs and trees from the high winds on Sunday. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 2010 and 5330 while only grading would be done on county road 2110. He also said brush would be cut on county road 2403. Dent County Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said a contractor would be working on the existing Christmas lights on the courthouse to have them ready by Saturday. He discussed with the other commissioners about putting out a request for proposals to do a study and overall evaluation of the courthouse for numerous repairs and improvements. They discussed the need to get this done so that it can be included in the 2021 county budget. Skiles also corrected an error in the minutes from the previous meeting for a pre-approval for the Scenic Rivers Industries as the amount they asked for $7,393.38 and not $73,393.38. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she was working on the 2021 county budget. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

A one vehicle accident happened Sunday evening at 6:45 on Highway 32 about 15 miles west of Salem. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2005 Ford Mustang being driven by 25-year old Brittany Taylor of Salem, was westbound when she traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck several trees. Taylor suffered minor injuries and was transported by a private vehicle to Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment. According to the report, Taylor was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Mustang was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 176,604 deer during the November portion of firearms deer season, Nov. 14-24. Of the 176,604 deer harvested, 95,654 were antlered bucks, 16,045 were button bucks, and 64,905 were does. Top harvest counties were Howell with 3,496 deer harvested, Franklin with 3,409, and Texas with 3,375. In the local area, Dent County hunters checked 2,241 deer, Shannon County had 2,155 deer harvested, Crawford County reported 2,056 deer taken, Reynolds County had 1,790 deer checked, Phelps County had 1,406 deer harvested and Iron County had 1,235 deer taken. Last year hunters checked 179,960 deer during the November portion of firearms deer season with 91,917 being antlered bucks, 17,330 being button bucks, and 70,713 being does. The Department of Conservation reported three firearms-related hunting incidents during the November portion of the firearms deer season with all being non-fatal and self-inflicted. Archery deer season resumes November 25th through January 15th, 2021. The antlerless portion of firearms deer season runs December 4th – 6th, followed by the alternative methods portion December 26th – January 5th, 2021.

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 at Wal-Mart is now available 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 TODAY and this Thursday at the Dent County Fire Station from 3:30 to 5:30 in the afternoon. If you need more information about the Angel Tree or Salvation Army, call Sherry Lea at 729-8163 or e-mail sherry@salemcommunitycenter.org.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met for their regular meeting Thursday, November 19, at the Health Center. Administrator Kendra Mobray updated the board on the Health Center’s continued response to Covid-19. She reported that cases are rising rapidly across Dent County. Case numbers are being updated on Facebook every Monday and Thursday. The Health Center Staff is now focusing on case investigation and asking positive patients to do their own contact tracing. Due to the increase in cases, reports of positive cases from testing sites are delayed by days and some are never reported. A COVID patient guidance tool is available on SMDH’s website, The Salem News online and DCHC’s Facebook page. The Health Center encourages anyone being tested to follow that guidance tool. Clients are still being seen by appointment at the Health Center. Mobray stated that according to calls with the Missouri Division of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) there is concern that Missouri’s hospital capacity could become overwhelmed over the next few weeks if cases continue to increase at the same rate. As the holidays approach, it is important that everyone do their part in preventing further spread of the virus by following CDC guidelines. The Health Center Board voted for a one-time mid-month payroll to be completed by December 15th to account for half of the month’s COVID response hours so the Health Center could include those funds in the CARES Act claim. She went on to report that Flu shots are being given by appointment and three drive-thru Flu shot clinics have been conducted. Free flu shots are available for uninsured adults and children, as well as high-dose flu shots for seniors and quadrivalent flu shots for anyone over 6 months of age. Mobray noted that the Health Center is in frequent communication with DHSS regarding COVID-19 vaccine updates and distribution planning. Mobray reported that the October and November Show-Me Healthy Women (SMHW) clinics were cancelled due to lack of patients. Uninsured and under-insured women ages 35-64, that meet income guidelines, can receive well women care at no cost through the program. Interested women should call the Health Center at 729-3106 and ask for Ashley. The next regular meeting of the Trustees was set for December 19th at 5:00. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Salem Christmas Committee is holding a window decorating contest for any business in Salem. Here is a list of those businesses that have already signed up: A Look a Ground, Edward Jones Office, Shelter Insurance, the Salem Public Library, attorney-at-law Carrie Gerischer, the Beehive, the Salem License Office, the Main Street Café, the Country Chic Boutique, Duncan Family Chiropractic, Tax Masters, That Special Touch Florists and the old Bottorff’s store downtown. Business who would still like to sign up should contact Tabitha at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce office by the end of business Tuesday, December 1st. They are located in the Crossroads Shopping Center and the phone number is 729-6900. Judging will be held Thursday night and the winner will be announced on Friday, December 4th. The winner will receive a banner as well as $250 cash.

The office of Dent County Assessor Jamie Homeyer has released this information in preparation for the new option of online assessment filing, your 2021 Assessment forms will not be mailed until the week of December 16th. Your yearly assessment is based on what personal property you own on January 1st and your completed assessment forms are due by March 1, 2021. The Assessor’s office is open from 8:00 to 4:30 Monday through Friday and you may call us at 573-729-6010. If we are unable to answer the phone please leave a message and we will return your call.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the city of Salem have set the date of Saturday, December 5th for the Christmas parade to beginning at 5:30. The parade will begin at SBU and wind its way to the courthouse. The theme this year will be “Favorite Christmas Movie”. Businesses, organizations, and individuals that would like to have an entry in the parade will need to return an entry form available at the Chamber office in the Crossroads Shopping Center no later than December 2nd. For more information you can email the Chamber office at chamber@salemmo.com or call the 729-6900.

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.