Local News

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse for their regular meeting. In the road report, District 1 Road Supervisor Jason Akins gave the report for Commissioner Wes Mobray who was not in attendance due to other commitments. Akins said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 5610 while only grading would be done on county roads 6380 and 6670. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson indicated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 4055 while brush would be cut on county roads 5200 and 5225. Larson said crews would be installing a driveway pipe on county road 2315 and workers will be getting the equipment ready for the expected snow on Wednesday and Thursday this week. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that he attended the MRPC Legislative Day last Tuesday and met with Senator Justin Brown and Senator Elaine Gannon as well as Representatives Ron Copeland, Bennie Cook and numerous others. They addressed the Transportation Advisory Committee prioritized list of improvements that need to be made, and also discussed legislation to protect counties from the Department of Revenue debacle that affected Dent County that could have crippled a county that didn’t have the reserves Dent County did. Then on Thursday, Skiles said he, Larson and Mobray accompanied Representative Jason Smith to the Royal Oak Charcoal plant north of Salem to find out more about their 40-million-dollar expansion. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she has prepared the 2021 Dent County financial statement that will be published in the Salem News. At the last meeting held Thursday after the public hearing, the commissioners approved the contract between the Dent County Jail, Dent County Sheriff Bob Wells and the Ozark Correctional Health Care LLC to provide medical services at the jail. The commission also approved the renewal policy for buildings and their contents for the County of Dent to Savers Property and Casualty Insurance Company through Town and Country Insurance in Salem. It was noted the courthouse will be closed on Friday, February 11th for Lincoln’s Birthday and on Monday, February 21st for Washington’s Birthday. The commission will also start meeting on Thursday mornings again starting this Thursday at 9:00 at the Dent County Courthouse and that meeting will be open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released the following reports for the end of December. On Monday, December 27th, at approximately 3:30 in the morning officers were dispatched to the area of Third and Iron Mountain Road for a report of a possible gunshot. Upon arrival officers contacted a suspicious male walking in the area. As contact was made with the subject it was found the subject, later identified as Issac Ghormley, had three felony warrants out for his arrest. Ghormley fled from officers on foot. After a short foot pursuit Ghormley was taken into custody and incarcerated at the Dent Couty Jail. No evidence of a gunshot was located. That afternoon, at approximately 4:30, an officer conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Askins and International for improper registration. As a result, it was found the driver, identified as 40-year-old Sarah Folgate of Bunker, had an active warrant out of Reynolds County. Folgate was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail. Then on Friday evening, December 31st, at approximately 8:00, an officer was dispatched to Third and Iron Mountain Road for a report of a disturbance. Upon further investigation contact was made with a male subject identified as Brandon Conklin. Conklin was intoxicated and combative, plus it was found that Conklin had an active warrant for his arrest for 1st Degree Assault out of Wright County. Conklin resisted arrest and forced officers to utilize a taser to subdue him. Conklin was arrested and incarcerated at the Dent County Jail pending extradition. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

Producers selling local foods at farmers markets can learn about best practices, marketing tips, state regulations and available resources in a five-part webinar series presented in February by University of Missouri Extension. Participants will hear from extension specialists, successful producers and representatives from the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and exchange ideas. The five sessions, held via Zoom, will be from noon-1:00, Monday through Friday, February 7-11. The sessions include growing “niche produce” to reach new customers; boosting sales by participating in the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program and/or Double Up Food Bucks; learning the state regulations you need to know to sell your product at the market; discovering the best marketing and customer service practices; and finding out about resources available from MU Extension and the Missouri Department of Agriculture. The cost is $20 for the entire five-part series. All sessions will be recorded and available for a period of time after the event. Register at extension.missouri.edu/events, go to the search bar and type in farmers market and go the “2022 Selling at the Farmers Market” entry. For more information, contact Leslie Bertsch at bertschl@missouri.edu or 314-400-2115.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control and the Shannon County Sheriff’s Department are investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of human remains on January 12th. The remains were discovered on the state right of way on Highway 60 near Winona. An autopsy performed on the remains determined the cause of death was homicide. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is requesting the public’s help in determining the person’s identity and any information that could be pertinent to the investigation. The victim is a female, approximately 55-years of age, and has two legible tattoos. Photos of the tattoos can be found with this news release on the Patrol’s website. Anyone with information should contact Troop G Headquarters at (417) 469-3121.

The Houston Police Department responded to a scene Thursday evening to assist EMS with an unresponsive male. Upon arrival, they found three people inside a residence with fatal gunshot wounds. Officers investigated and they believe that 66-year-old Gregory Pardun died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after shooting and killing 57-year-old Deborah German and 16-year-old Benjamin Pardun. The Houston Police Department worked with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Texas County Sheriff’s Office, the Houston Fire Department, and the Texas County Coroner’s Office. The investigation of the incident is still ongoing.

A one vehicle accident happened Friday night just before 8:00 in Dent County on Dent County Road 2060 about a mile east of Lake Springs. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Honda Element being driven east by 17-year-old female from Salem, was traveling eastbound too fast for conditions, lost control of the vehicle and overturned. The teenager was transported by a private vehicle to Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. She was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Honda was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors held a special meeting Friday afternoon at the hospital library. At the meeting, Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas updated the board on the status of hospital employees with the COVID-19 vaccination mandate. As of Friday, there are 251 total employees of which 141 are fully vaccinated, 19 are partially vaccinated and 66 are exempt from the vaccination. Lucas said of the 25 employees who have yet to be vaccinated, 16 are scheduled to have their first vaccination at the next hospital clinic, while five have filled out an exemption application and it is not known what the other four employees are planning to do. Those employees must have their first vaccination by February 13th. Lucas reported on the hospital revenue cycle that will now be in house and the changes that are being made in Phase 1 and Phase 2. First, the contract with Trubridge for collection efforts expired on December 31st and it will not be renewed. Secondly, when a patient goes for pre-registration, their latest information will be collected including their insurance benefit eligibility. Patients will be notified of the services their physician has requested and will also be notified of their financial responsibility based on their insurance coverage and their deductible. At registration, the service collection of the co-pay and/or their deductible will be discussed, and there will be a review of the insurance authorization before services are provided. Many of these changes are being created from the new Managed Medicare accounts. The Billing and Accounts Receivable Management personnel will then follow through on the patient accounts. In Phase 2 which will begin March 1st, the department will review the charge capture and cash posting including revenue cycle meetings to ensure accounts are sent and returned in a timely fashion. Lucas then updated the board on the Laboratory and that a complete contract for Emergency Blood Release post transfusion has been reached with the Texas County Memorial Hospital, with complete release policy and procedures to be done by February 1st. Lucas said training for Emergency Blood Release Evaluation and Training will be held February 8th and will be recorded for future training sessions. By February 11th, completion of the Vitros Chemical Analyzer online training will be done with the completion of the Vitros validation and quality control study to be completed by February 28th. By March 15th, the complete remaining patient remediation of the lab is to be completed. This plan will allow for 90% of the laboratory services the hospital provides to be available for patients. The hospital is still looking for a new lab director and a technical supervisor as they continue to fill open lab positions such as the hiring of a new full time evening phlebotomist. The board then went into closed session. The hospital board will meet in closed session tonight at 7:00 at the hospital library.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met for the regular meeting Tuesday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. After approval of the consent agenda, Bill #3498 that would create an ordinance amending Chapter 700, Article 1 of the code of ordinances pertaining to the disconnection of utility services was read by City Clerk Tammy Koller. The board did not approve this bill that clarified some of the language on a previous bill concerning reconnections during extreme weather conditions. The board recommended the ordinance be sent to the Utility Committee for further clarification. The board approved the purchase of a new police car for $45,579 with a trade allowance of $31,000 and an administration fee of $399 for a balance of $14,978. A total of $8,000 will come from the Capital Improvement Sales Tax fund and the remainder would need to come from a budget adjustment. The board approved purchasing 20 class two 30-foot and 20 class four 45-foot utility poles for the Electric Department at a cost of $14,520. This is a budgeted expense. City Administrator Ray Walden asked Tod Kinerk and Tabitha Utley to provide an update on the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. They thanked the city for their financial support to promote tourism. They reported that the Tourism Tax has provided funding for the digital display sign as well as rent for the new chamber office. The Chambers revenue comes from member dues, corporate sponsorships as well as the rodeo, which is their largest fundraising event. Walden reported that the Salem Community Center @ the Armory had a total of 5,359 participants for the month of December. There will be a Park Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 2nd at 5:30 pm at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. A joint Utility and Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for February 15th. Bids are being requested for the Fourth of July fireworks display as well as designs for the new Soccer Complex. Mayor Kim Steelman encouraged citizens that have had their electric restored during cold weather, that was previously disconnected for non-payment, to make every effort to pay as much on their bills as possible. She reminded citizens that payment plans are available. Public Works Director Mark Nash reported that the Street Department building roof is getting repairs and that there have been several water line breaks in the past week. Alderman Shawn Bolerjack wanted to remind citizens of the text blast service that is available to get important alerts and reminders from the city. Alderman Greg Parker recently met with the Airport Board and that they are working on bids for a card reader, a motor for the gate and a fuel pump that will be brought to a future board meeting. Finance Director, Stacey Houston presented a financial statement for the 6-month period from July 1st through December 31st, 2021.Total fund balances for all funds are $5,234,395. Major Revenue sources for the first six months of the fiscal year were the 1% General Revenue sales tax at $699,608, the Park and Recreation 3/8ths of a cent sales tax total at $262,366, the Capital Improvement 1/2 cent sales tax at $349,804, electricity sales of $2,623,829, water sales of $524,030 and sewer sales at $499,670. All are expected to exceed the budgeted amount. The board then went into closed session.

An accident happened Tuesday afternoon around 1:40 in Dent County on Highway 32 about fifteen miles east of Salem. According to the report released by the highway patrol, a 2021 International being driven by 52-year-old Robert Crocker of Salem, was passing a 1999 Chevrolet S-10 being driven by 60-year-old Walter Acord, also of Salem. As the International was passing, the S-10 changed lanes and collided with the International. The Chevy then traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a tree, and overturned. Acord suffered minor injuries but refused treatment at the scene. The International sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene. The S-10 was totaled and removed from the scene by American Automotive Towing. The report indicated that both drivers were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident.

An accident happened Tuesday night at 7:50 in the Salem Memorial District Hospital parking lot when 69-year-old Robert Wood of Salem, was driving a 1999 Jeep Wrangler eastbound when he lost consciousness due to a medical emergency. The front of the Wrangler made contact with the west side of the building. Wood suffered moderate injuries and walked into the Salem Memorial District Hospital Emergency Department after the crash. He was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

A Poplar Bluff resident was injured in a one vehicle accident Wednesday morning just before 9:00 in Dent County on Highway 32 about 8 miles east of Salem. The highway patrol reports that a 2010 Dodge Nitro being driven by 35-year-old Arika Ballenger lost control of the vehicle on a curve. The Dodge traveled off the right side of the roadway striking two signs and a tree. Ballenger was taken by EMS to Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment of serious injuries. The Dodge was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing. The report went on to state that Ballenger was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

Missouri’s 2021-2022 deer-hunting season ended January 15th with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reporting a preliminary total deer harvest for the season of 293,670. Of the deer harvested, 143,049 were antlered bucks, 26,599 were button bucks, and 124,022 were does. Top harvest counties for the overall deer season were Franklin with 6,392 deer harvested, Texas with 5,478, and Callaway with 5,452. Other counties in our area harvest numbers were Dent with 4,183, Crawford 4,002, Shannon 3,360 and Phelps with 2,937 deer taken. Hunters harvested 297,214 deer during the 2020-2021 deer hunting season with 140,855 being antlered bucks, 28,652 being button bucks, and 127,707 being does. MDC Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle said that this year’s harvest total was slightly behind last year’s mark and about 3% above the previous five-year average. He added that we’ve seen an increasing trend in statewide deer harvest for about the past eight years and that the deer population has continued to increase across much of southern Missouri while we’ve seen a population recovery in most of the counties impacted by the severe hemorrhagic disease outbreak that occurred in 2012. For more information on deer hunting in Missouri, visit mdc.mo.gov. MDC reported four firearms-related hunting incidents during deer season with all being self-inflicted and three non-fatal with one fatal.

More customers than ever before are eligible for help paying their natural gas after Ameren Missouri and the state of Missouri have expanded several utility assistance programs. As a result, families across the state can take the first step today, which is reaching out for help. The state of Missouri recently updated its federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to provide more funding and expand eligibility requirements. Here’s what that means for qualifying Ameren Missouri customers is that a disconnection notice is no longer required. Also energy assistance payments have doubled for both LIHEAP programs. It should be noted the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) payment is now $1,600 in the winter and $1,200 in the summer with assistance is available year-round. For more information on the state’s LIHEAP changes and to learn if you qualify, call the South Central Community Action Agency Salem office at 729-3500 or their Winona office at 1-800-323-4633. For customers with moderate incomes who don’t qualify for LIHEAP but have been impacted financially by COVID-19, Ameren Missouri created the “Clean Slate” program. This $1.2 million energy assistance fund has already helped thousands of Missouri families with their utility expenses. More than half of the funding is still available. Through Clean Slate, qualifying customers may receive up to $750. To learn more, go to AmerenMissouri.com/CleanSlate where you can also apply for funds. To keep a closer eye on your energy usage every month, sign up for an online account. You can log in from your phone or computer any time to see how and when you use energy, your next month’s bill projections, and sign up for alerts to help you manage your usage.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports for the week of January 17th. On Monday, the 17th, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 1400 block of South Hickory to attempt to serve an arrest warrant. The deputy made contact with a 53-year-old Salem man who was arrested on an active warrant out of Dent County. He was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Tuesday, January 18th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 2100 block of Highway 19 North. During the stop, a 35-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having their license revoked or suspended. He was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was issued a summons and released. On Thursday, January 20th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at East Highway 32 and South Carty. During the traffic stop, a 28-year-old Salem woman was arrested for driving while being intoxicated. The woman was transported to the Dent County Jail where she was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On Saturday, January 22nd, deputies traveled to a residence in the 2900 block of Route OO to attempt to serve an arrest warrant. The deputies made contact with a 54-year-old Rolla man. The man was arrested on multiple warrants out of Dent County and the Licking Police Department. He was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. If anyone has any information about any ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The City of Salem Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustment will be meeting Thursday night at 6:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers to discuss a proposed use of the structure at #10 Parkview Place to service commercial trucks on property owned by Harold Martin. The meeting was called by Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustments acting chairman, Bob Parsons.

An accident happened in Texas County Sunday evening at 5:50 on Highway 63 about 3.5 miles south of Licking. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 John Deere 2050 was being driven northbound on Highway 63 by 30-year-old Christopher Clouse of Licking when the John Deere was struck from behind by a 2015 Buick LeSabre driven northbound by 81-year-old David McGaughey of Licking. McGaughey and his wife, 76-year-old Gloria McGaughey of Licking, both suffered moderate injuries and were taken to the Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston. The Buick was totaled while the John Deere sustained extensive damage. They were both removed from the scene by Jay’s Automotive from Houston. The McGaughey’s were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident while Clouse was not.

The Dent County Commission met for their regular meeting Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said work crews would add materials and try to grade Dent County Roads 5600 and 6600, while crews will only try to grade county road 6370. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated work crews would try to grade Dent County Roads 2110 and 4050, while other workers would be repairing and replacing downed or stolen road signs. Larson went on to say work was going to be done on the snowplow blades on county trucks #116 and #122, while maintenance work would be done on county truck #68. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended the CCAM Board meeting last Wednesday and worked on the commissioner training that will be held in February. He said they also received a report on the upcoming legislative session. Skiles said that Thursday, he and Representatives Ron Copeland and Bennie Cook visited Montauk State Park to look over the complex and see if some state money can be allocated toward improvements at the park to the lodge, cabins and more. Skiles said he would be attending the MRPC Legislative Day today at the capitol. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she attended the MAC board meeting Wednesday before the Missouri Association of County Clerk Election Authority board met with legislators with a pamphlet that outlined what has to be done county wide to hold elections. She said they also received updates on the proposed redistricting. She said today is the final date for the election authorities to submit their certification for the municipal election. Curley said she has received five submissions from high schoolers for a new “I Voted” sticker with the last day to submit being February 4th. The commission then voted on a proposition to extend the Road and Bridge Sales tax which is scheduled to expire this year. They discussed the ballot language that read, “Shall the County of Dent, Missouri, retain the countywide sales tax at the rate of 1/4th of one percent for the purpose of maintaining and improving roads and bridges?” A “yes” vote will continue the current countywide sales tax of 1/4th of one percent for the maintenance and capital improvements for roads and bridges that has been imposed since 2015 and will remove the requirement to place the question on the ballot for the renewal after seven years but will not result in an increase in sales tax. A “no” vote means the current tax will expire would expire on September 30th. The commissioners approved the language and certifying the issue to be placed on the April 5th ballot. Commissioner Skiles said the public hearing for the 2022 county budget would be this Thursday morning at 10:00 at the commission’s office and it is open to everyone. There will be no regular commission meeting that day, but the commissioners will be paying bills after the budget is approved.

The Salem R-80 School Board in closed session Thursday night discussed Superintendent Lynne Reed’s evaluation, then made a motion to extend her contract through the 2024-2025 school year. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Salem Tigers Basketball Homecoming will be held Friday night between the JV and varsity basketball games against Licking at the Salem High School Gym. The Homecoming Court is Khloe Baldwin for the freshmen, Leya Russell for the sophomores and Hannah Brookshire for the juniors. The three seniors vying for title of Homecoming Queen will be Evelyn Labastida, Faith LaJoie and Alyssa Russell.

The Salem Board of Alderman will meet this evening at 6:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers. After the consent agenda, the board will hear Bill #3498 which would create an ordinance amending Chapter 700, Article 1 of the Code of Ordinances pertaining to the disconnection of utility services. The amendment indicates residential customers will not be charged for a reconnection fee when electric is temporarily restored, and that the electric consumed during the emergency reconnect time will be billed to the customer. The board will hear bids for police vehicles and for 30 and 45-foot utility poles. The board will hear the report from City Administrator Ray Walden, Mayor Kim Steelman, Public Works Director Mark Nash and aldermen reports. The board will also review the city’s financial statemen for the 6-month period from July 1st through December 31st, 2021. The board may then go into closed session. The meeting of the Salem Board of Aldermen tonight at 6:00 is open to the public.

The Dent County Sheriff’s office is requesting the public’s help with any information on a male individual found deceased on the side of the road on Highway DD. Anyone who may have seen a male individual walking or receiving a ride on any of the county roads in the area of Anutt to Route DD, or if any residence in the area had a knock on the door between dusk on January 19th to the early morning of January 20th, please get in touch with the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. In addition, the Sheriff’s Office is asking any residents in the area to review their security camera footage for anything suspicious. Anyone who has any information is asked to please contact Detective Matt Atkinson at the Sheriff’s Office at 573-729-3241, Ext 2.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released reports from the department’s activities in the last two weeks On Monday, January 10th, a deputy traveled to a residence in Bunker to serve an arrest warrant. A 20-year-old Bunker woman was arrested on an active warrant out of Dent County. She was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. Then on Thursday the 13th, deputies traveled to a residence on South Jackson Street to serve an arrest warrant. As a result, a 47-year-old Salem man was arrested on an active warrant out of Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. That same day a deputy conducted a traffic stop at Highway 68 and Route U. As a result of the stop, a 42-year-old Salem man was arrested for trafficking drugs in the 2nd degree and for the unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. The man was taken to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted and incarcerated. Finally on Friday the 14th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Highway 19 North. During the course of the stop, a 38-year-old Salem woman was arrested for driving while having her license revoked or suspended. The woman was transported to the Dent County Jail, where she was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. If anyone has any information regarding and ongoing investment, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

Want to learn how to clog? Join the “Intro to Clogging” class with the Rock’n Country Cloggers led by Lavonda Lawson TONIGHT from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Creative Arts Center behind the ONCRC. Enjoy the cultural art of clogging and try it out for yourself. Get a lesson for $5. For more information or to register, call 247-0651 or 247-5306, or sign up on the Salem Arts Council Facebook page.

The Delta Regional Authority on January 12th graduated 24 regional leaders from the Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy. The 2021 Delta Leadership Institute class marks the 16th year of trained regional leaders, comprised of government, non-profit, and business professionals from all eight Delta Regional Authority states. The graduates participated in six training sessions over the past year, learning best practices employed throughout the Delta region for economic and community development in order to catalyze innovative solutions that would be implementable in their own community and region. The Delta Leadership Institute fellows learned from subject matter experts in infrastructure and transportation, small business and entrepreneurship, workforce development, public health, and other fields necessary to facilitate economic growth. This year’s executive academy graduates included Salem and Dent County Economic Director Sally Burbridge. After graduation, Delta Leadership Institute fellows become members of the Delta Leadership Network, which is comprised of more than 600 community leaders who understand the importance of regional collaboration, resource sharing, and innovative thinking. Congratulations Sally!!!

An accident happened in Dent County on Dent County Road 5170 about five miles southeast of Salem Sunday afternoon at 12:40. According to the highway patrol report, 33-year-old Johnny Barton of Salem, lost control of his 2007 Ford Escape in his driveway and the Ford struck a mobile home. Barton suffered moderate injuries and was taken by the Salem EMS to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. He was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford sustained moderate damages and was left at the scene.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will hold a special meeting tonight at 6:00 at the hospital library. This meeting will be closed to the public.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met Thursday evening at the High School Library. At the meeting, Superintendent Dr. Lynne Reed said three candidates have filed for the two open positions on the R-80 School Board: Sandy Parker, Phillip Mercer and Calvin Malone. Incumbents Dustin Howard and Bernie Sirois elected not to run again. Reed said all the school districts discussed the 2022-2023 school calendar and came up with three different options, but no decisions were reached. Reed stated she would report on this at the next meeting. Reed said she met with food service staff in anticipation of the board discussing possibly letting out an RFP for food service to discuss what options would be available for current staff. All the principals gave reports on their school. Dr. Tori Snitker told the board the high school is revamping the alternative school program that affects about five kids, opening up their afternoons to let them pursue more career-oriented paths. The board did not set any dates for the CSIP program and will await a guidance letter from DESE before setting any definitive dates. The board approved the bid on replacing the gymnasium floor from Missouri Floor Company in Maryland Heights for $162,900. The bid includes a completion date by August 5th. The price increased over the last few weeks due to the increased costs of the subfloor and Assistant Athletic Director Clay Moody said the school would put out bids for a flooring sponsor for 10 years and possible for new mats to help offset the increased costs. The board heard from Tonya Voss from Opaa Food Management about putting out a request for proposals to do the food service work for R-80. Superintendent Reed said current food service workers could stay with the district or work for the food service company, whichever would be best for them. Reed said if the board would elect to contract out food services, she said the contract would begin May 31st to allow the company a soft opening with summer school before the next full school year. The board asked if the food service management companies would work with US Foods and Voss said that could be arranged. Reed said the soonest the board could vote on any RFP would be at the March board meeting. The board approved to put out the request for proposals for the food service. The board discussed at length the Safe Return In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan and finally decided to go with any student or staff testing positive for COVID-19 would have to be isolated. Those students who came in close contact with someone who tested positive would have their parents notified, and it would be the parent’s choice if the asymptomatic child returned to school or stayed home, and if they did go back, if would be up to the parent if the child should wear a mask. The board accepted the resignations of High School Junior Class Sponsor Robyn Taylor and Linda Gibbs in food service. The board heard from Pamela Haldiman from FEMA about a grant to create a public area/multipurpose building at the Upper Elementary School that would cost 2.7 million dollars. She said the board would need to apply for procurement documents and contract management to fill out, and then submit an application to FEMA for the grant which is a 75-25 match. It normally takes over a year for FEMA to review the grant application, and if approved, the board would have six months to prepare the documents to finish Phase 1 of the funding. Once that was approved, the school would have 30 months to bid and build the project in Phase 2. The government would pick up $2,025,000 of the building cost while the school would have to come up with $675,000. The board approved moving forward with the FEMA project. The board then went into closed session.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Director’s meeting was held Tuesday evening in the Hospital Library. In the summary of operations for the month of December, the hospital had 60 inpatient admissions with 205 inpatient census days. The hospital showed a loss from operations of $933,206 and had an excess of expenses over revenues of $838,563. During the month, there were 628 emergency room visits, there were 211 ambulance runs where 147 patients were transported. In December, there were 25 surgery cases, 1,390 outpatient registrations, 4,853 lab tests, 1,071 radiological procedures, 618 rehab treatments and 200 home health visits with 19 home health admissions. The Long-Term Care Center has 16 residents with two vacancies. The days cash on hand went down to 30 days while 53 is average for Missouri Critical Access Hospitals. The hospital had a cash decrease during the month of $1,803,815. The hospital is expected to receive just over one million dollars from the American Relief Fund. Chief of Nursing Ashley Sullins gave the Acute Care Staffing by Patient Acuity report that showed the average acuity was 16 per day with an average of seven patients per day. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas reported that as of January 14, there were 213 active COVID cases in Dent County with a positivity rate of 30%. He said Dent County is currently showing 31.4% of the residents are completely vaccinated and 35.2% have initiated the series. At the hospital, six employees are out with COVID, 45% of the staff is completely vaccinated while 61 employees are unvaccinated with 49 having approved exemptions. With the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Vaccination Mandate, health care employees have until February 13 to get their first dose and until March 15 to have their second dose of the vaccine. Lucas gave the Chief of Staff’s Report that recommended reappointing all medical staff privileges. The board approved the recommendation and also approved Dr. Tiffany Bland’s appointment to the Active Staff. Chief Operating Officer Jason Edwards gave an update on the laboratory. The lab has completed all the Individual Quality Control Plans for the current analyzers in use. The Medtox analyzer for urine drug screens has been validated and has received final approval from CLIA to begin patient testing. The final validations are expected to be complete by the first of February. The lab is currently operating without a Lab Director and is short on lab techs and phlebotomists. There have not been any applicants for these positions. The hospital has run out of PCR Covid tests and have not been able to reorder. District 3 election filing ended on December 28th with Wanda Tatom being the only candidate to file for the seat currently held by Dennis Fiebelman. There will be no election since Fiebelman will not seek re-election and there is only one candidate. Lucas reported that the hospital has been approved to participate in the Delta Regional Community Health System Development Program. They are one of only nine hospitals in the Delta Region that was chosen to participate. This program is a collaboration between the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the US Department of Health and Human Services to enhance health care delivery through intensive technical assistance to providers in rural communities. The program will target improving financial operations, implementing quality improvement activities to promote better health outcomes, increase telehealth, enhance coordination of care, strengthen the local health care system, provide social services to address broader socio-economic challenges, ensure access to emergency medical services, and identify workforce recruitment and retention. The board approved the purchase of a rooftop air conditioning unit for a cost of $16,200 from Victor Heating and Cooling and an ice and water dispenser for $4,648 from Scotsman. The board then went into closed session.

The Salem R-80 Boad of Education will be meeting tonight in the high school library. Superintendent Dr. Lynn Reed will report on board candidate filings, give a current Covid update along with a review of the 2022-2023 school calendar and an ESP project update, food service report, and an update on the FEMA grant. The board will the hear reports from the all the building principals along with reports on athletics, activities and facilities. In new business, the board is expected to set CSIP meeting dates, consider bids to replace the gym floor, consider the short-term leave policy and SRCSP program, and approve the RPF for food service. The board will then adjourn and move into executive closed session. The regular meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Area Arts Council will be holding a jewelry class where participants will learn how to make copper leaf necklaces with Margie Moll tonight from 5:30 until 7:30 at the Creative Arts Center. You can try your hand at creating jewelry out of copper using a ball-ping hammer and torch. All the supplies and safety equipment will be included, and the cost is $25. For more information or to register, call 247-0651 or 247-5306 or e-mail salemartscouncil@outlook.com.

The Dent County Commissioners held a meeting Tuesday morning at the Dent County Courthouse since the courthouse was closed Monday for the MLK holiday. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said crews will be working on the trucks after the snow removal Saturday and trimming some low hanging limbs. Work crews will be checking roads and fixing signs where needed. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said most of his crew is out with COVID, but those who remain will be out checking roads and signs. Larson did say the road and bridge department is seeking applications for full time employees. Those who want to apply must have a CDL or acquire a CDL. Employment applications must be picked up at the county clerk’s office. Applications must be submitted by Friday, February 4th at the clerk’s office. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended the MRPC External Relations meeting and regular board meeting by phone. He said several congressional reps were on hand and said millions of dollars will be available in the state for broadband expansion. Skiles said the MRPC received an ARPA update as they have relaxed the rules on how the funds for any government can be used. The MRPC will hold a meeting in February with Attorney Travis Elliott with the latest ARPA guidance. Skiles said he attended the trial Friday in the Cole County Circuit Court for the Herman Kelly and CCAM vs State of Missouri case. The CCAM attorneys challenged parts of Senate Bill 53 that dealt with the salaries of sheriffs. Judge Dan Greene indicated he would give his ruling by the end of the month. The Northwood R-4 School District asked the commissioners to sign a letter of support for them to apply for funds from SEMA for a Tornado Safe Room. All three of the commissioners approved the request and signed the letter. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she balanced with the treasurer on all accounts for the month of December, plus she said her office balanced with the collector and assessor on all collections, add-ons and abatements for December. She said the tentative budget is available in her office if the public would like a copy. She said she would be attending the Missouri Association of Counties board meeting this week. She also said as part of the Missouri Association of Counties Clerks and Election Authorities Board, she will attend their Legislative Day at the capital. Curley wanted to remind the public the commissioners will hold the budget public hearing at 10:00 on Thursday, January 27th in the commissioner’s office. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk brought in the monthly report for December and said collections this December were about $300,000 more than December of 2020; and collections for November were up about $400,000 more than November of 2020. The total amount of taxes collected in December came to $5,838,218.26. She also said currently the collector has over 75 parcels of property on their monthly prepay program. VanKirk said people can sign up for the program anytime, but the later in the year, the more they will have to play catchup. For more information, stop by the Dent County Courthouse at the Collector’s Office or call 729-3911. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday morning at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting will be open to the public.

Missouri’s deer and turkey archery seasons closed January 15th. Deer hunting preliminary data from MDC showed that hunters checked 60,834 deer during the 2021-2022 archery deer season making it the third highest archery deer harvest on record. Top counties for the archery deer season were Jefferson with 1,563 deer harvested, St. Louis with 1,368, and Franklin with 1,274. Hunters checked 67,487 deer during the 2020-2021 archery deer season. This year’s archery deer harvest total was 10% below last year’s record harvest and 8% higher than the previous five-year average. Preliminary data from MDC showed 2,523 turkeys harvested. Top counties for the fall archery turkey season were Franklin with 69 turkeys harvested, Jefferson with 67, and Callaway with 61. Hunters harvested 2,350 turkeys during the 2020-2021 fall archery turkey season. For deer and turkey harvest totals by county and other information, visit the MDC website at extra.mdc.mo.gov.