Local News

An accident happened Tuesday afternoon at 12:10 in Howell County on Highway 63 about four miles north of West Plains. According to the highway patrol report, a 2016 Ford F-150 being driven southbound by 26-year-old Sarah Elrod of Rolla, ran off the roadway and became airborne before overturning and coming to rest in the northbound lane. Elrod suffered serious injuries and was taken by Air Evac to Cox South Hospital in Springfield. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Midway Towing of Pomona. The report went on to state that Elrod was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors held a special meeting Wednesday at the hospital library. Prior to the meeting being called to order, Karen Carmier, whose mother passed away earlier in the evening, asked to speak to the board and told the board how wonderful the staff was who cared for her mom. Summarizing her strong statement, she asked the board to pull their heads together and figure things out as the hospital has a tremendous staff and is a critical asset to this community. After the meeting began, board member Judy Thompson read a prepared statement where she apologized to the board for her actions at the last two board meetings that had been caused by ill health and stress. She said she also sent apologies to RHG staff members and Lab Director Melissa Carter for her actions. In her statement, she said she would be retiring from the board after the last meeting in December or earlier depending on her health. She said it is time for younger blood and new ideas to be on the board. The board then accepted the resignation letters of A.J. Seay and Willie Strader with a 4-0 vote, and approved accepting applications from people from District 4 and District 6 who would like to serve on the board. Applications can be made at the hospital administrative offices during regular business hours. A special board meeting will be held Tuesday, April 15th to interview board candidates. The board also approved the operational budget for the fiscal year 2023-24 that was presented at the June meeting, but wanted to delay accepting the capital budget until after Interim CEO Jason Edwards has had a chance to speak with department heads. The board then went into closed session.

The Mudbugs next event at the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History will be “Photo Find” is this afternoon from 2:00 until 3:30 in the afternoon. Participants will look at a picture and then try to find that exact spot at the Bonebrake Center they saw in the photo. The activities are designed to get children outside and comfortable in nature at their own pace. The suggested contribution for each program is $2.00 but additional donations are always welcome. All monies collected go to the Bonebrake Center. Each program is geared toward children from six to 12-years of age, but all aged children are welcome. They ask that parents please accompany their children. For more information, contact Janet Price at moonshadowmomentsllc@gmail.com. You can also leave a voicemail by calling 729-3400.

The Creative Arts Center will be holding a two-day book binding workshop where you can learn to make your own journal. The workshop will be held this Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 until 3:00 in the afternoon with Alexandra ‘Lexie” Mutch. Participants will learn the technique of coptic bookbinding as they will be tearing down paper, cutting and gluing covers unique to their tastes, then sewing a strong and lovely binding for their own blank book. The cost is $30 per person for those 12 years of age and above and all supplies are provided. Interested persons can sign up at the salemcommunitybetterment.com website under “Programs” for the Creative Arts Center. A minimum of three people will need to sign up to hold the class and it will be limited to no more than 12.

An accident happened Thursday morning just after 3:20 in Phelps County on Highway 72 about one miles east of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2017 Jeep Renagade being driven by a 17-year-old female juvenile of Columbia, was traveling eastbound when she attempted to turn into a driveway and traveled off the side of the driveway into a ditch. The driver, along with a 17-year-old female juvenile from Rolla and a 17-year-old male juvenile from St. Louis, all suffered minor injuries and were taken by the Phelps Health ambulance to Phelps Health hospital for treatment. The Jeep was totaled and removed from the scene by Big Boys Towing. The report went on to state that the driver was wearing a seat restraint while the passengers were not.

Join park team members for a wild herbal class from 8:00 to 3:00 this Saturday and Sunday at the Current River State Park. Have you ever wondered about some of the lotions and potions that your ancestors made that helped with tick bites, sunburns and more? You won’t find the cure to the common cold, but you will learn how to make herbal teas that are comforting and taste good. You will also learn how to make “hiker’s helper” and lip balms, along with some sugar and salt scrubs. These classes are free and cover the same material each day. Participants are encouraged to bring snacks and a drink. Registration is required, and the classes fill up quickly, so be sure to sign up soon. To register or to find out more information, contact Connie at 573-751-1224 or email connie.weber@dnr.mo.gov. Current River State Park is located at 11053 County Road 19D in Salem.

An accident happened on Highway 72 at Lake Springs in Dent County at 5:00 Monday afternoon. According to the highway patrol report, a 2011 Dodge Dakota driven westbound by 35-year-old Albert Bowling of Rolla, was stopped in traffic and waiting to turn left. Stopped behind the Dakota was a 2005 Ford Aerostar, driven by 31-year-old Caleb Steinbarger of Springfield. At that time, a 2012 Chevy Equinox driven westbound by 18-year-old Reagan Neff of Salem, failed to notice the stopped vehicles and struck the Aerostar from behind forcing that vehicle into the Dodge Dakota. The Equinox then overturned into the eastbound lane and was struck by a 2013 Dodge Ram Pickup driven eastbound by 35-year-old Bradley Abbott of Salem and a 2022 Nissan Frontier driven by 52-year-old Tina Inman of Salem. Suffering moderate injuries was Neff who was taken to the Salem Memorial Hospital by the Salem EMS. Suffering minor injuries was Abbott who was also taken to the Salem Memorial Hospital by the Salem EMS. Steinbarger, Abbott and Inman were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident while Neff and Bowling were not. The Equinox and Aerostar were totaled and removed from the scene by American Automotive. The Dodge Ram Pickup sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. The Dodge Dakota had moderate damage and the Nissan Frontier had minor damage, and both vehicles were driven from the scene.

The Salem Hospital Board of Directors have called a special meeting for tonight at 7:00 at the hospital library. In new business, the board will discuss the resignation two board directors and the plan to fill the board vacancies caused by those resignations. The board will also discuss the 2023-24 year budget before adjourning. The meeting Wednesday is open to the public by personally attending or by electronic means or telephone. Any person that would like to attend by telephone or other electronic means should contact the Salem Hospital Administrative Offices at 729-6626, ext 4005.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting Tuesday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. After the agenda and consent agendas were approved, Mayor Greg Parker excused himself as the board was going to discuss the sanitation bid and he works for WCA. Board President Shawn Bolerjack led the discussion on the only bid received and that was from WCA, the current provider of trash and recycling services in the city. The bid from WCA was for three years starting with a new rate of $18.50 for residents starting September 1st with senior citizens paying $17.50 and those outside the city limits paying $21.50. The rates increase slightly in both 2024 and 2025. This bid did not offer recycling services as WCA would be phasing out household recycling collection after September 1st as the cost to recycle was high and the amount of contaminated recycling was a problem. WCA did say they would work with the city and the Solid Waste Management District through the MRPC to find a way for people to take their recycling to a location where WCA would transport the recycled materials. Utility Committee Chairman Kyle Williams wanted the utility committee to be able to review and discuss the bid. The board then tabled any decision on the bid until after the utility committee makes their recommendation, possibly at a special meeting. Public Works Director Mark Nash asked the board to enter into a preventive maintenance agreement with Vandivort Engineering from St. Louis for services on the nine city pumps and five lift stations. The board wanted a list of the pumps and lift stations and how old they are before approving the request and tabled this item. The board approved Resolution #25-2023 to allow the mayor to execute the agreement with the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce for $10,000 to operate the visitor center and provide tourism services to the area. The board also approved Resolution #26-2023 authorizing the mayor to sign the supplemental agreement #1 between the City of Salem and H.W. Lochner to perform professional services for engineering and project oversight of six T-hangers at the Salem Memorial Airport in the amount of $135,500. The board approved the Planning and Zoning Board recommendation to approve a conditional use permit to Chris Hendrix at 1000 West Scenic Rivers Blvd at Wilson Mortuary to add a crematory; and the board approved the Salem Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation to deny a conditional use permit to Michael Florence for a motorcycle repair and detail service. According to the discussion, the application was denied due to population density. The mayor appointed and the board approved Sherry Lea to replace the late Gary Brown on the Salem Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, and the board approved the mayor naming Alderman Kyle Williams to be the city representative on the MRPC Board. The board heard the first reading of Bill #3556 to create an ordinance to establish a procedure to disclose potential conflicts of interest for certain municipal officials, Bill #3558 to create an ordinance to allow the subdivision of 1506 South MacArthur; Bill #3559 to create an ordinance to allow the subdivision of 501 North Washington into two parcels, and bill #3560 that would create an ordinance to rezone 903 West Scenic Rivers Blvd in the City of Salem from Residential R-1 to Commercial R-1. The last three bills were all recommended by the Salem Planning and Zoning Commission. In the second reading of bills, the board approved Bill #3554 amending the budget for the City of Salem beginning July 1, 2022. In the reports of city officials, Public Works Director Mark Nash said here were 49 utility disconnects with 36 of them reconnected by the end of the day. He said four are still disconnected, but he believes the people may have left the area. Alderman Kyle Williams said the Utility Committee meeting will be at the Salem Community Center@The Armory tonight at 6:15 with a full agenda including a water testing quote, utility fee discussion, water and wastewater service availability fee by usage discussion, outside the city utilities rates with an emphasis on new requests for utility service and the existing account holders. The meeting of the utility committee is open to the public. The board of aldermen then went into closed session.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning for their regular meeting. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams presented the sales tax revenue monies received in August from the state. She reported the General Revenue Fund and Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund each received $88,687.64 which is $11,860 less than for August of 2022. Year-to-date, the General Revenue Fund and the LEST funds are down $18,027.56. The Road and Bridge Fund received $43,367.63 in August which is down $4,626.34 from August of 2022. Year-to-date, that fund is down $6,207.08. The Jail Operating and Trust funds each received $87,157.20 and that is down $8,797.35 from August 2022 receipts. Year-to-date, that fund is down $8,970.46. These figures are all net of the monthly withholding by the Department of Revenue. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said grading would be done on Dent County 6210 Monday and the road would then get re-rocked Tuesday. He went on to say materials would be added to county road 6320, as well as to county road 5080 where they will also be installing culverts in preparation for that road being prepared for chip and seal next year. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said materials would be added and grading done on county roads 2240 and 2270. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he attended the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management Advisory Committee meeting. He said at the meeting the board wanted to get more input from the advisors, and it was disclosed that Dent County had the most illegal dump sites in the district. Larson said he learned at the meeting that it may be possible for the county to get a glass recycling container for residents. The county will look into that further. Larson also wanted to remind citizens about the electronics and tire collection that will be held in Salem on September 9th from 9:00 until noon at the 3rd and Grand Streets at the City Water and Construction Building. Engineer Corky Stack was in attendance to let the commission know that most of the new dormers and the windows have arrived. The dormers will now have to be painted at Hi-Tech Collision in Rolla before being installed. The peak dormers have not yet arrived. He also said the final payment for the balance of the dormers and windows as well as work on the courthouse was due in the amount of $291,401.30. There was a discussion on the new electric pole for the electric service coming into the building. Stack wanted to put up a new pole while Commission Larson questioned why the concrete pole on the county square couldn’t be used. Stack said he would talk with the city about that and get an answer back to the commission. He also presented some preliminary information about the new Christmas lights for the courthouse. Stack mentioned the commission could use a single light LED system or a three light LED system from Trim Light out of Ste. Genevieve. Stack guesstimated a cost of $35,000 to near $47,000, depending on the system. The LED triple bulb strips would constitute a change order from the contract, but the state auditor said if the contractor took down the lights, they needed to put them back up allowing Stack to get more prices. Courtney Wegman from A.J. Hart discussed a preliminary analysis on the construction funds leftover in the UMB Bank account. She said the funds could be left in the account for any future work on the jail allowed from the ballot language; declare the project completed and transfer those funds to the certificate fund to pay principal and interest; or prepay a portion of the bonds to save interest expense. The Commission made no decision. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Thursday at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will hold their tax rate hearing and regular meeting this evening at 6:00 at the fire station located at #2 South Main Street. The Board is then expected to review and approve the minutes of the July meeting before hearing the financial report, approve the bills, as well as reviewing the budget and calendar. After the monthly reimbursement report, any old business will be addressed. In new business, the board will hold their tax rate hearing. The current tax rate is 0.2377. Due to the Consumer Price index, reassessment and the Hancock Amendment, the rate will have to remain the same. No increase is available for the district. Fire Chief Brad Nash will make his report to the Board and the date will then be set for the September meeting before adjournment. The meeting and hearing is open to the public.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will meet at 6:00 this evening in the City Hall Council Chambers. After the consent agenda, the board will discuss the sanitation bid for the City of Salem from WCA, discuss the purchase of Lora modules for the west side of town, discuss a preventative maintenance agreement for city lift stations, hear and discuss Resolution #25-2023 authorizing the mayor to execute a one-year memorandum of understanding between the City of Salem and the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce for the continued operation of the Visitor Center at 1136 South Main, and hear and discuss Resolution #26-2023 authorizing the mayor to sign supplemental agreement #1 between the City of Salem and H.W. Lochner to perform professional engineering and project oversight of six T-hangers at the Salem Memorial Airport. The board will hear two recommendations from the Salem Planing and Zoning Commission for conditional use permit requests from Chris Hendrix at 1000 Scenic Rivers Blvd to add crematory services, and from Michael Florence to do motorcycle work at 1507 South Gertrude. After the planning and zoning recommendations, the mayor will make a recommendation to fill the term of the late Gary Brown on the Salem Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. Five bills will be read for the first time including the setting of a procedure to disclose potential conflicts of interest for certain municipal officials, the authority to allow the mayor to execute a contract for waste services with WCA for three years, creating an ordinance to allow the subdivision of 1506 South MacArthur, the creating of an ordinance to allow the subdivision of 501 North Washington and a bill to rezone the property at 903 West Scenic Rivers Blvd from Residential R-1 to Commercial C-1. The board will hear the second reading of bill #3554 to amend the annual budget for the City of Salem beginning July 1, 2022. After the reports of city officials, the board will go into closed session. The meeting of the Salem Board of Aldermen is open to the public.

August has arrived and with it the 2023-2024 school year. The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to encourage parents to include conversations about safety when preparing their student for school. It’s also important that drivers be prepared for the change in traffic patterns as students begin another year of instruction. In 2022, two people were killed and 361 injured in traffic crashes involving a school bus. In Missouri last year, a total of 884 traffic crashes involved school buses. Troopers ask that motorists always be vigilant, but especially near school zones, playgrounds, bicycle paths, and crosswalks when schools are in session. Expect pedestrian and bicycle traffic to increase near schools on days where the weather is good. When schools are in session, drivers should expect a change in traffic patterns ─ school buses, parents taking their children to school, and many young drivers will join other motorists on the road and affect the morning and afternoon commute. Whatever route you drive, expect this additional traffic and prepare by allowing extra time to reach your destination. Missouri law states that on a two-lane road, if a school bus is stopped and displaying warning signals while loading or unloading children, drivers must stop when meeting and following the bus. However, it is only necessary to stop on a four-lane highway when following the bus. Drivers, when you see a stopped school bus, stay alert and follow the law. Children may not be aware of traffic and dart unexpectedly into the roadway. Students walking to school should stay alert! Cross the street at intersections or marked crosswalks and never between parked cars. Use sidewalks when they are available. If it is necessary to walk on the roadway, stay close to the left edge and step off to the left when traffic approaches. Never dash into the street after a friend or to retrieve something. Riding a bicycle to school is a fun way to travel. If you’re riding your bike, be sure to wear a helmet and obey all traffic signs and signals. Ride as near to the right side of the roadway as is safe and use the proper hand signals when you plan to change directions, slow, or stop. Never carry passengers. Keep both hands on the handlebars except when signaling. It’s important to maintain your bicycle in good condition. If you ride a school bus, check the weather and dress accordingly. Wait in line for the bus on the shoulder or sidewalk. Use the handrail when getting on or off the bus. Never try to retrieve items that fall under the bus and walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus when crossing the street. Sit quietly on the bus and keep the aisle clear. If anything goes wrong, stay calm and follow the instructions of the bus driver. The start of school also increases the amount of traffic on the road with young and inexperienced drivers. lMost traffic crashes involving young drivers (under the age of 21) occur between 3:00 and 4:00 in the afternoon when school typically lets out. Parents: It is important to encourage those young drivers to remember driving is a full-time job. Using a cell phone, texting, or adjusting the radio can be the distraction that leads to a traffic crash. It’s also against the law for this age group.

The Salem R-80 School Registration for the 2023-24 school year is this week at all of the schools. At the high school library from 10:00 until 2:00, seniors will register today, juniors tomorrow, then sophomores on Wednesday followed by freshmen on Friday and that includes new students. A late registration will be held on Tuesday, August 15th from 4:00 in the afternoon to 8:00 that evening. If a family has more than one child or sibling in high school, you are more than welcome to register all of them on the same day when one of the students is required. At the middle school in the cafeteria from 8:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon, 8th graders will register today with the 7th graders registering tomorrow, and 6th graders on Wednesday New students and those that missed their designated registration date can register on Friday. The high school and middle school will have an open house on Monday, August 21st from 4:30 until 7:00. The Salem Upper Elementary School student registration will be held from today through Wednesday from 10:00 in the morning until 6:00 in the evening. The William Lynch Elementary School registration will be held Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00 in the morning to 2:00 in the afternoon. All students must have a parent or guardian with them to register at any school. If you have questions, please call the school you child attends.

A one vehicle accident happened early Saturday morning just after 2:35 in Crawford County on Route O just north of Riverside Drive. According to the highway patrol report, a 2019 ChevroletEquinox being driven by 26-year-old Amber Smith of Cuba, was traveling northbound and traveled off the left side of the road striking a group of trees. The vehicle then overturned coming to rest on its side. Smith along with a passenger, 34-year-old Sheri Miller also of Cuba, suffered serious injuries. Both were taken by the North Crawford County ambulance to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. Neither were wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Equinox sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Chris and Sons Towing. Smith was arrested by the highway patrol for driving while intoxicated leading to a crash with physical injury.

An accident happened Thursday morning just after 9:20 in St. Francois County on Route NN south of Highway 221. According to the highway patrol report a 2018 GMC Terrain being driven north by 55-year-old Lisa Francis of Black hydroplaned on wet pavement and ran off the roadway and struck a tree. Francis, who was wearing a seat restraint, suffered minor injuries and was taken by St. Francois County ambulance to Parkland Health Center in Farmington. The GMC sustained moderate damage and was towed from the scene by Marlers Towing.

The Current River State Park Lodge will host a “Wild Spa Night” for ladies only Thursday from 6:00 until 8:00. Ladies will learn how to make teas from plants found in the “wild” that are very tasty. You can also make your own facial and body scrubs. For more information call Connie at 573-751-1224 or you can e-mail her at connie.weber@dnr.mo.gov.

Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors Chairman Ray Bruno reported Thursday in a press release that effective immediately, Jason Edwards would become the interim CEO of the Salem Hospital until further notice. Edwards has served the hospital in a variety of roles for 20 years. Bruno says under Edwards leadership, the hospital will continue to move forward and provide the highest quality patient-centered healthcare with compassion and professional excellence. He will be replacing Wayne Reid who had been the hospital CEO since last August. Bruno said he was sad that board members A.J. Seay and Willie Strader elected to resign from the board, rather than work on the different philosophies the board members had for the future of the hospital. He indicated the board is looking to fill the two board vacancies from the resignations. There is now an opening for a new member from District 4 and a new member from District 6. Anyone who is interested in serving on the board from those districts may apply at the Salem Hospital administrative office during regular business hours. Bruno said a special Board of Directors meeting would be held on Tuesday, August 15th to interview candidates for the board. In response to the 30-day termination letter, Bruno commented that RHG was hired to an original 90-day contract back in February of 2022 to stabilize the financial operations of the hospital and they did. In April of 2022, the contract was extended for a full year to help continue to improve the operations and get the hospital through the payback of Medicare payments. In April of 2023, the board renewed the contract for one year with a 30-day out by a 4-2 vote, and RHG used that out to terminate their management services. Later Thursday after the press release, Rural Health Group said the naming of Edwards as CEO was in violation of the contract signed in April. They sent a letter to Chairman Bruno giving the hospital until the close of business Monday to sign an amendment that RHG provided handing pay and supervision of the CEO over to the SMH Board of Directors. The amendment would release any employees or agents of RHG from liability. If the hospital does not sign the amendment, RHG can terminate the agreement immediately by written notice to the hospital. Also in the letter, RHG was willing to stay on until September 1st to help with the transition provided the amendment is signed and that the hospital would continue to honor the terms and provisions of the agreement.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning in the courthouse. In the road report District One Commissioner Wes Mobray said that brush would be cut on Dent County Road 5130 and his crew was out checking roads after Wednesday night’s storms. He indicated there were probably a lot of trees down. District Two Commissioner Gary Polk reported that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2183, 2190, 2200 and 2370, plus rock would be put on the hill on county road 2210 and they would be patching a washout on county road 2150. He also reported that rock would be hauled to county roads 2150, 2190, 2200 and 2370. Polk noted that his crew would be patching a washout around the Anutt Community Center. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported he received information from MRPC about MoDOT’s Central District public meeting in Jefferson City August 8th, to discuss the draft of the updated High Priority Unfunded Needs list for transportation in central Missouri. The meeting will be held Tuesday afternoon and evening from 4:30 until 6:00 at the Missouri River Regional Library Art Gallery at 214 Adams Street. Larson went on to say that he would attend the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting Thursday afternoon and that there would be a special waste collection in Salem in September. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reminded the public entities to advertise their upcoming tax rate hearings. Mobray said the commission would seek lease-purchase financing for the two new graders scheduled to arrive in September. He will notify the banks by phone and will be delivering bid specs to them. Mobray said bids will be due in to the Dent County Clerk’s office by 10:00 Monday, September 11th and the amount to be financed is $485,897.15. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday morning at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew M. Curley on Thursday, August 3rd, presented a check for the sum of $40,527.19 to the Missouri Department of Social Services. The money returned to the state of Missouri is the result of efforts by law enforcement involving the recovery of misused Medicaid funds that occurred in Dent County.

An accident happened early Thursday morning at 1:15 in Phelps County on Highway 63 about two miles south of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2003 Ford Escape being driven by a 16-year-old male juvenile of St. James, was traveling south when he failed to negotiate a curve and traveled off the right side of the road and struck several trees. The teen suffered moderate injuries and was transported by a private vehicle to Phelps Health Hospital. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by D&D Towing. The reported stated that the juvenile was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

The Salem Memorial Hospital held a board meeting Tuesday in the hospital library. Hospital CEO Wayne Reid gave the administrators report telling the board they had been awarded $1 million dollars in state funding for capital improvements. Board member Judy Thompson immediately asked if those funds could be earmarked for a specific project and she mentioned the kitchen drain project as she felt it was going to cost more than what has been discussed. She felt all the talk on the clinic renovations needs to put on hold until issues at the hospital have been corrected including old bedding and improved patient rooms. Reid and board president A.J. Seay said this is a matching award and the hospital will need to get another million to qualify for the award before any project or projects are earmarked, but that could be done. Reid said the hospital is applying for a $1 million dollar USDA loan as the matching amount. After conversations about how much the loan is going to cost in the long run, other financing sources, and possible funding from the MRPC, the meeting moved to a strategic planning update where former hospital interim CEO Don Babb spoke how important it is for the hospital to recruit a surgeon, fully staff the lab so that all tests can be performed, as well as staff other departments that will allow the hospital to provide their patients the treatments they deserve. The board approved looking into begin recruiting for a surgeon. The board tabled the budget review until the next meeting before the election of new officers. Ray Bruno was elected chairman while Willie Strader was again elected vice-chairman and Wanda Tatum was elected secretary. The board tabled the COVID Vaccination policy as the hospital is waiting on guidance from the CDC. Reid also said he spoke with local clergy and they will meet on August 23rd to discuss a new chaplain program at the hospital. In the summary of operations, hospital admissions for June were 87 including nine swing bed admissions with 282 patient census days. There were 1,468 Outpatient Registrations, 7,430 Lab Tests, 1,236 Cardiopulmonary Procedures, 1,293 Radiology Procedures, 620 Rehabilitation Treatments, 37 Surgical Procedures and 142 Home Health Visits. There were a total of 654 emergency room visits in June. The hospital currently has $2.6 million cash on hand with an excess of revenue over expenses for June of $75,731.88 after taxes. Reid said the hospital clinic income continues to grow, but there was still a slight loss for the month of $2,238. The hospital had 34 days cash on hand at the end of June as there have been some collection issues. Ashley Sullins gave the Chief Nursing Officer report giving the latest reports on positions available. Jodie Gorman from Human Resources then gave the human resource update for the second quarter showing that six full time employees and three PRN left while the hospital added two full time and one part time employee during that time as well as adding one PRN. The board approved courtesy staff privileges for Shiraz Daud, MD and Mohammed Jarbou, MD, and reviewed the Physician Clinical Quality Report. The board announced a public tax hearing will be held on Tuesday, August 22nd at 5:45 at the hospital library to set the rate citizens will pay on real estate and personal property taxes per $100 of assessed valuation. The rate is determined by dividing the amount of revenue required by the hospital by the current assessed valuation. Before closed session, RHG submitted their 30-day formal termination letter ending their management services for the Salem Memorial Hospital. The board then went into closed session.

The Creative Arts Center will be holding a two day-three session wheel throwing pottery class that will teach the basics of working with clay on the potter’s wheel and making small wheel thrown pieces. The class will begin on Monday, August 7th that will feature wheel throwing from 10:00 that morning until noon with trimming later that evening from 5:30 until 7:30. Then on Monday, August 21st, glazing will be taught from 10:00 in the morning until noon. The cost of the class is $80 and that includes all the supplies as well as the equipment use and firings. Interested persons can sign up at the salemcommunitybetterment.com website under “Programs” for the Creative Arts Center.

Unauthorized trails are an increasing concern throughout the Mark Twain National Forest. While the forest maintains nearly 900 miles of trails that are open to the public for a variety of activities including hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and motorized use, the creation and maintenance of unauthorized trails outside of this system is on the rise. Constructing, placing, and maintaining unauthorized trails on National Forest System lands violates federal regulations. The use of unauthorized trails causes extensive damage to delicate natural resources which can include the destruction of wildlife habitats, soil erosion, and sediment pollution of watersheds. Additionally, sensitive cultural resources may be impacted, some of which are listed on the National Register of Historical Places and are subject to protection under federal law. When the Forest Service discovers unauthorized trails, especially ones that are regularly maintained, agency staff is required to close and block them to prevent the continued use and further ecological and cultural resource damage. The sustainability of the extensive trail network throughout the Mark Twain National Forest is not managed by agency staff alone. Trail stewardship groups such as the Ozark Trail Association and Back Country Horsemen partner with the Forest Service to ensure visitors can access ecologically and geographically sound trails. Back Country Horsemen similarly supports the strategically planned, sustainably managed, designated trail system within Mark Twain National Forest. In order to avoid further damaging the resources around unauthorized trails, visitors are encouraged to view the various map resources available online at fs.usda.gov and only access those trails that are officially designated and marked as such by the Forest Service.

Tuesday at the Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors meeting, the Rural Hospital Group (RHG) submitted their formal 30-day notice to terminate their management services with the Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors. The announcement came at the end of the board meeting in the hospital library. RHG was hired by the board on February 3rd, 2022 and began their management of the hospital with Bill May their interim CEO on Friday, February 4th, 2022. The initial term of the commitment was for 90 days to assist the hospital in responding to the financial crisis sweeping the rural hospital industry which has partially been caused by the ongoing global pandemic. They were employed due to their extensive experience developing and operating hospitals in rural settings. RHG transitioned to Don Babb as the interim CEO in May before hiring Wayne Reid on August 29th of 2022 who has been the CEO since then. In the 18 months RHG has been in charge, the hospital finances have stabilized and they have showed an excess of revenues over expenses in the last six months. Also on Tuesday after the Board of Directors meeting, hospital board members A.J. Seay and Willie Strader resigned from the board effective immediately. Seay served the board from District 6 and Strader was from District 4. Seay stated his reason for resigning was that “his vision of hope for the hospital no longer aligns with the desires and management of the rest of the board of directors.” Strader in his letter of resignation indicated he “did not agree with the remaining board members vision for the future of the hospital or their plan for its management.” Both Seay and Strader wish the best of luck to “staff, administration and RHG.” Currently there are four board members left on the SMH Board of Directors.

The 2023 Back To School Readiness Event will be held Saturday, August 12th at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory. Please arrive during the correct time slot and they are last name A-L @ 10:00 to 11:30 and last name M-Z @ 11:30 to 1:00. Registration will be held at the Salem SCMCAA office at 1405 South Wines Street today and Thursday from 7:30 until 5:00. For answers to any questions you may have, call (573) 729-3500, extension 10, and ask for Sarah or Kaitie.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports for the last week. On July 21st, Dent County Deputies responded to the 4900 block of Route H for a fight. During the course of the altercation, a suspect fired multiple shots from a handgun. After fleeing the scene on foot, the suspect, a 38-year-old Salem man, was arrested. He was transported to the Dent County Jail and placed on a 24-hour hold. No subjects were struck by any rounds that were fired. On Saturday, July 22nd, deputies responded to the 3600 block of Route VV for a report of a 48-year-old Licking woman who was discharging a firearm on the reporting party’s property. Upon completion of the investigation, the woman was trespassed from the property. On Tuesday, July 25th, deputies responded to the 1900 block of Route HH for an alleged assault. The victim, a juvenile female, stated she had a verbal argument with her father, a 53-year-old Salem man. During the course of the argument, the juvenile advised she had been struck by a stun gun. Deputies assisted the Division of Family Services with an investigation and the proper reports were filed. If anyone has any information regarding any ongoing investigation, please all the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The City of Salem will be holding a City of Salem Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing and then public meeting Thursday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers starting at 6:00 with the public hearing. The meeting will be called to order at the conclusion of the public hearing. In new business, the the commission will either accept or reject the request from C.R. Financial for a plat subdivision of the property west of 400 East Bergman which is vacant and currently zoned industrial in order to build a home. The commission will also either accept or reject a conditional use permit request from Michael Florence to perform motorcycle detailing, plus the changing of motorcycle oil and tires at 1509 South Louise Street. The commission will either accept or reject a request for a plat subdivision for the property at 501 North Washington Street where AMKB Investments would like to keep some of the parking lot behind the old L.N. Coffman building, and sell or rent the other part of the property with the old Fidelity Communications building on it. The commission will then either accept or reject a request for a conditional use permit from Chris Hendrix at 1000 West Scenic Rivers Blvd to add a crematory to the current funeral home services. The commission will also either accept or reject the request from property owner Ben Campbell of Campbell Properties Unlimited, LLC., to rezone the property at 905 West Scenic Rivers Blvd from residential to commercial. The proposed use for the property, which was formally the Annie’s Grill, would to put in a Scooter’s Coffee Drive-Thru. The meeting would then be adjourned.

An accident happened in Phelps County Sunday afternoon at 5:20 on Highway 63 about six miles south of Rolla that took the life of a man from Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven westbound by 62-year-old James Clark of Rolla, was making a left turn out of a residence and failed to yield to a 2016 Chevrolet traveling northbound and driven by 56-year-old Joseph Eisele of Florissant, Missouri. The Chevy struck the Jeep causing the Grand Cherokee to overturn and come to rest in the roadway. The Chevy traveled off the left side of the roadway and came to rest in a ditch. Clark was pronounced dead at the scene by Phelps County Coroner Ernie Coverdale. Suffering moderate injuries was Eisele and a passenger in the Chevy, 63-year-old Cindy Eisele. The Eisele’s were taken to Phelps Health Hospital in Rolla by the Phelps Health Ambulance. The body of James Clark was taken to the Null and Son Funeral Home. According to the report, no one was wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Dishman’s Towing of Rolla.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray indicated grading was going to be done on Dent County Roads 6225 and 2470 while materials would be added to county road 6220. He said a driveway culvert was going to be installed on Dent County Road 6420 and workers would be replacing a side windshield that was broken on a tractor. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 3305 while grading was also going to be done on county roads 3190 and 5260. Polk went on to say brush was going to be cut on county roads 3220, 3233 and 3235, and a culvert was going to be installed on county road 3305. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he would be attending an Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting Thursday from 3:00 to 4:30 in St. James at the MRPC offices. Larson also reported the Missouri Association of Counties had founded a task force for counties for guidance on Senate Bill 190. The Dent County Commission is still requesting bids for a surplus equipment sale at the Dent County Road and Bridge Department. The bid specs are available and may be picked up at the Dent County Clerk’s office at 400 North Main during regular business hours. Interested parties may view the surplus equipment at the Dent County Road and Bridge Department which is located at 1621 West Scenic Rivers Blvd from 7:00 until 4:30, Monday through Thursday. Bids on surplus equipment will be due at the Dent County Clerk’s office before 10:00 the morning of August 14th. Please mark on the envelope that your bid is for the Road and Bridge surplus equipment. The Dent County Commission has the right to accept or reject any and all bids. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will conduct their next meeting this afternoon at 12:00 noon in the hospital library. Hospital Administrator Wayne Reid will give his report before the board hears a report on information technology. In old business, the board will be updated on the kitchen drain proposal, architectural work on the clinic, the strategic planning update, a budget review and approval before the legislative report. In new business, the board will hold the election of officers, discuss the COVID vaccination policy and also discuss purchases. Reports will then be heard on the summary of operations and statistics for the month of June as well as the 340B program, the hospital resources update, the hospital foundation report and a report from the Chief Nursing Officer Ashley Sullins. The board will also review the marketing and community relations. The board may then vote to go into closed session if needed. The meeting tdoay at 12:00 noon will be open to the public.

A drowning occurred Friday afternoon just after 4:00 in Shannon County on the Current River at Martin Hole about ten miles east of Eminence. According to the report from the water patrol, 48-year-old Jason Bollinger of Birch Tree, was floating in a 10-foot kayak when he fell into the water and failed to resurface. Bollinger was pronounced dead at the scene by the Shannon County deputy coroner at 4:21 and was transported to the Yarber Funeral Home in Mountain View. According to the report, Bollinger was not wearing a floatation .

Do you own a kayak but want to increase your paddling skills? Have you wanted to learn how to safely paddle down the river? You’re in luck! Missouri State Parks’ Learn2 Paddle River program can help you learn more about kayaking on the river. The program requires preregistration but is FREE. Participants must bring their own kayaks, life jackets, paddles, lunches, sunscreen, hats and sunglasses and wear appropriate attire for getting wet. The program will include a ground school where there will be an in-depth discussion on river safety, plans, equipment and paddling technique before the water school where participants will learn river paddling skills including ferries, eddy turns and low braces. Those in attendance will also learn how to read the river and river rescues. Classes will be held at the Current River State Park on August 6th from 10:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon and you can register for that class now. Another class will be at the Current River State Park on September 10th, also from 10:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon. Registration for those classes is going on now. To find out more information or to register, go online to mostateparks.com/learn2-paddle-river. If a class is full, please enroll using the wait list function. If you have any questions, please email Taylor.Ratcliff@dnr.mo.gov.

An accident happened in Dent County Friday night at 9:34 on Dent County Road 5013 about 6/10ths of a mile west of Route P that left six teenagers with injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 2022 Can-Am Defender UTV driven eastbound by 18-year-old Avery Erway of Salem, ran off the right side of the roadway when Erway over-corrected causing the UTV to overturn. Suffering moderate injuries were Erway who was taken to the Salem Memorial Hospital by the Salem Ambulance, and passengers 18-year-old Emma Cook of Rolla and 18-year-old Carleigh Snow of Ashland. Cook and Snow were taken by the Salem Ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. Suffering minor injuries were passengers 18-year-old Ava Millard and 18-year-old Jada Murray, both of Jefferson City who were taken by a private vehicle to the Salem Memorial Hospital for treatment. Also suffering minor injuries was 18-year-old Josie Morasch of Ashland was taken to the Salem Memorial Hospital by the Salem Ambulance. The Can-Am Defender sustained extensive damage and was secured at the scene. The highway patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Department.

An accident happened Wednesday morning in Crawford County at 5:08 on Highway 19 about 1/3rd of a mile north of Steelville that took the life of a Steelville man. According to the highway patrol report, 31-year-old Anthony Ramirez of Steelville, was riding an Eddie Bauer bicycle southbound when the bicycle was struck from behind by a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze driven by 34-year-old Sarah Chapman of Salem. Ramirez was ejected from the bicycle and came to rest partially in the roadway. The Chevy Cruze came to a controlled stop on the right hand shoulder. Ramirez was pronounced dead by the Steelville Ambulance at 5:42 Wednesday morning. He was not wearing any safety equipment at the time of the accident. His body was released to the Crawford County Coroner. The Eddie Bauer bicycle was totaled and the Cruze sustained minor damage. Both were removed from the scene by Chris and Sons Towing.

An accident occurred Saturday afternoon around 3:54 in Franklin County on Interstate 44 in the westbound lane. According to the highway patrol report, a 2020 Toyota Corolla driven by 22-year-old Sedric Hufman of Rolla, was slowing for traffic from a previous crash and was struck from behind by a 2009 Toyota Camry driven by 21-year-old Phani Chintakunta of Springfield. The Camry then traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a guard rail. Huffman suffered moderate injuries. Two passengers from Rolla in the Corolla suffered minor injures: 23-year-old Darrien LaMonica and a female infant. All injured parties were transported to the Missouri Baptist Sullivan by Missouri Baptist Ambulance. The report goes on to state that all injured parties were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Chuck’s Towing.

The Salem R-80 High School Registration for the 2023-24 school year will be held at the Salem High School Library for all grades from 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon starting on Monday, August 7th. Seniors will register that day followed by Juniors on Tuesday, August 8th; sophomores on Wednesday, August 9th; and freshman on Thursday, August 10th. New students should register with their respective grade. A late registration will be held on Tuesday, August 15th from 4:00 in the afternoon to 8:00 that evening. If a family has more than one child or sibling in high school, you are more than welcome to register all of them on the same day when one of the students is required. All students must have a parent or guardian with them to register. An Open House will be held Monday, August 21st from 4:30 to 7:00 where students and parents can meet the teachers, get the student’s schedule, find the classes and be assigned a locker. Food trucks will be available at the Open House. If you have questions, call the Salem High School at 729-6641.

The Salem R-80 Middle School Registration for the 2023-24 school year will be held at the Middle School Cafeteria for all grades from 8:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon starting on Monday, August 7th. Eighth graders will register that day followed by 7th graders on Tuesday, and 6th graders on Wednesday, August 9th. New students and those that missed their designated registration date can register on Friday, August 10th. All students must have a parent or guardian with them to register. An Open House will be held Monday, August 21st from 4:30 to 7:00 where students and parents can meet the teachers, get the student’s schedule, find the classes and be assigned a locker. If you have questions, call the Salem Middle School at 729-4261.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces the arrest of 27-year-old Kristopher L. Cain of Viburnum, who was was arrested Wednesday, July 26, for four counts of possession of child pornography and one count of promoting child pornography. These charges came following an investigation by the Division of Drug and Crime Control’s Digital Forensics Investigations Unit. The investigators with the State Technical Assistance Team also assisted in the investigation. On Wednesday, the investigators executed a search warrant at Cain’s home in Viburnum. During a search of Cain’s cellular telephone, investigators discovered videos of child pornography. Investigators interviewed Cain who admitted to downloading the child pornography over the last year using his cellular telephone. Cain is currently being held in the Iron County jail with no bond. The Division of Drug and Crime Control encourages internet users to promptly report to the Patrol or local law enforcement anyone who attempts to engage in unwanted, inappropriate, or sexualized communications with children. The charges are only accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson was not in attendance due to a family emergency so Dent County Clerk Angie Curley appointed 1st District Commissioner Wes Mobray as the acting presiding commissioner for the meeting. In the road report, Mobray said crews are still rebuilding Dent County Road 5080 for chip and seal work that will be done next year on that road. He also said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2440 and 6230. District 2 Commission Gary Polk reported grading would be done on Dent County Roads 3300 and 3310 while brush would be cut on county road 3230. Mobray said the county has surplus equipment as well as a vehicle that they will be selling to the highest bidder. Bid specs on the equipment and the vehicle will be available at the Dent County Clerk’s office Monday morning, and may be seen at the Dent County Road and Bridge Department at 1621 West Scenic Rivers Blvd between 7:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon, Monday through Thursday. Bids will be accepted until 10:00 on Monday, August 14th at the county clerks office for any of the surplus items and vehicle. The bids will then be opened at 10:00 at the commissioner’s office that same morning. The commission has the right to accept or reject any and all bids. At the last meeting, Corky Stack from AEA Stack Engineering visited with the commission about the copper and aluminum that had been removed from the courthouse and put in storage. The commissioners decided to have a silent surplus material sale and those interested in bidding can meet with the commissioners at The Storage Unit on Rolla Road, just north of the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 1:00 on Thursday, August 17th. Bids will be accepted on the material at the Dent County Clerk’s Office until 11:00 Monday morning, August 21st. The bid must be sealed in an envelope with the words “sealed material bid” written on the outside of the envelope. Stack said later some windows from the courthouse will be removed and put in storage, and they will also be sold by bid at a later date. Stack and the commission talked about the redbud tree on the square where the overhead power line will go as part of the renovation electric upgrade. After viewing the tree, some limbs will be removed to accommodate the new line. County Clerk Angie Curley reminded the commission about the tax rate hearing scheduled for 10:00 the morning on August 21st for the General Revenue Fund, the Road and Bridge Fund, the Senate Bill 40 Fund and the Salem Senior Citizen Service Fund. The next commissioner meeting will be held Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

An accident happened Wednesday evening near 6:15 in Phelps County on Interstate 44 at the 174 mile-marker. According to the highway patrol report, a 2014 Ford Focus being driven eastbound by 20-year-old Allison Tucker of Rolla, struck the rear of a 2017 GMC Acadia being driven eastbound by 76-year-old Jerry Wellington of Bourbon. Allison Tucker and a passenger in the Ford, 20-year-old Rebekah Tucker of also of Rolla, had minor injuries and chose to seek their own medical treatment. A passenger in the GMC, 75-year-old Patricia Wellington of Rolla, suffered moderate injuries and was taken by ambulance to the Phelps Health hospital. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by D&D Towing. The GMC had extensive damage and was also removed by D&D Towing. The report went on to state that all involved wear wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

The statewide “Back to School” sales tax holiday will be here Friday, August 4th starting at 12:01 in the morning until midnight, Sunday, August 6th. Effective January 1st of this year, certain back-to-school purchases, such as clothing, school supplies, computers, and other items as defined by the statute, are exempt from Missouri state and local sales taxes are exempt for this time period only and that is for everyone, not just students. There are limits established for the sales tax holiday. An article of clothing cannot exceed a taxable value of $100. School supplies are not to exceed $50 per purchase and graphing calculators are not to exceed $150. Computer software cannot exceed a taxable value of $350 and personal computers or computer peripheral devices cannot exceed $1,500.

The Missouri Mines State Historic Site will host an open house-style public meeting inside the site’s Powerhouse Museum beginning at 5:00 Saturday evening, August 5th. Representatives from Missouri State Parks will be on hand to provide information about the historic site and to answer questions. The public is invited to share comments about the site and its operations. For more information about this event contact the historic site office at 573-431-6226. Missouri Mines State Historic Site is located at 4000 State Highway 32 in Park Hills.