Local News

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met for their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, December 16th. Administrator Zach Moser updated the Board on the current COVID status in Dent County. In November there were 109 new cases of COVID-19 investigated. According to MoDHSS, as of December 16th, 34.2% of Dent County residents have received their first dose of vaccine and 30.4% have completed the series. Dent County’s Positivity Rate was 19.4%. Moser noted that Pediatric C19 vaccine is available at the Health Center and adult vaccine is available at Moser Pharmacy, Vandivort Pharmacy, Sinks Pharmacy and Wal-Mart Pharmacy. He reported that Flu season has begun with at least two cases reported so far. Moser stated that 80 appointments for blood draws in the lab were held in November and that the Health Center can conduct most blood tests at a reduced cost for those without insurance. Anyone can have their labs done at the Health Center. The number of COVID tests has continued to increase with 130 being done during November. The cost of the rapid antigen test is $10 and PCR test can be sent to the state lab and Labcorp under certain circumstances. Zach reported that 480 COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered during the month and that the gift Health Center continues to offer the $50 card to Country Mart through a program funded by the state for anyone getting their first or second dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Sixty-three Influenza vaccines were given, and 19 other vaccines were administered. There were 837 appointments for the month of November. In the administrator’s report Moser reported that the Health Center started using the new electronic health record system, Ashley Esquivel was hired as a new RN, Monoclonal antibody treatments have started, the MOSWIN radio was reinstalled after being down for over a year due to the move from MacArthur Avenue, and Sandra Headrick has confirmed that she will continue to provide services for the Sho Me Healthy Women program. Health Center financials for the month of November were approved. In contract updates he said that the Increasing Adult COVID-19 Immunization Contract had provided the implementation of the electronic health records system. Moser went on to say that the Enhancing Laboratory Capacity CARES expansion contract was awarded, and the final signed contract has been received. He noted that the Maternal-Child Health (MCH) contract has been renewed and that child safety is the focus of this contract. WIC appointments have picked up and Sho Me Healthy Women, which provides free breast and cervical screenings for women who qualify and Healthy Women, which provides free breast and cervical screenings for women who qualify and can be scheduled by calling the Health Center at (573) 729-3106. Moser reported that he has applied for a C19 Health Disparities Grant which will allow expanding laboratory capabilities. In anticipation of the Grant being funded the Board pre-approved bids for a blood chemistry analyzer and an A1c analyzer in the amounts of $15,714 and $3,896 respectively, if and when the funding becomes available. He stated that the roofing color has been chosen and delivery of materials will be soon as the color chosen was in stock. Moser said that an informal bid for the planned renovation work had been received and others are expected soon, so no action was taken by the Board. Zach discussed the legal impact of the Robinson vs. DHSS ruling in Cole County, which is moot as Dent County Health Center was not enforcing quarantine and isolation orders as a matter of law, plus Missouri School Boards Association has sent a letter to the schools emphasizing their ongoing responsibility to protect their students and staff, as the ruling did not affect schools. Before adjourning the Board set the next regular meeting date for Thursday, January 20th.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting Tuesday evening, December 28th, at 6:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers. After the Roll Call and approval of the Consent Agenda, which includes Utility Committee meeting minutes of October 19th and December 20th, the following Bill and Resolution will be introduced and read. Bill #3496, an ordinance amending Chapter 700, Article 1, of The Code of Ordinances of the City of Salem, pertaining to disconnection of Utility Services. Resolution #38-2021, a Resolution authorizing the filing of an application with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Clean State Revolving Fund Program for an engineering grant under the Missouri Clean Water Law (Chapter 644, RSMo.). Following those items of business will be the reports of city officials, boards and committees. The Board of Alderman will then go into closed session to consider contracts. The regular meeting of the City of Salem Board of Alderman Tuesday evening is open to the public.

Everyone at Your World Today and KSMO Media wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas. Due to the holiday, there will not be a new edition of Your World Today on Christmas Eve.

The Salem Utility Committee meeting was held Monday evening at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Jeff Medows from Archer-Elgin Engineering gave an update on all the active projects going on as well as an update on the wastewater treatment plant improvements. The city and Missouri Department of Natural Resources met at the end of November to discuss what to do next after the EPA did not like the variance submitted in 2020 and approved by the Cleanwater Commission. DNR suggested the city go through the permitting process that would have a long schedule of compliance to meet the TMDL limit. They also suggested going for a bigger improvement in the facility that would make an improvement in water quality. If going that route, Medows recommended pursuing the DNR Economic Resilience Grant for the facility plan update and then pursue ARPA funding and a potential bond issue for SRF grant funding. It was noted the city bills were late in November due to a sickness in the office. City Administrator Ray Walden said staff is being cross-trained so that there should be no delays in the future, and if there would be a special circumstance, the city will use the local media, the city’s text blast, and social media to get out the information. The committee discussed and approved keeping the 1% discount for customers. The committee also discussed having another cost and rate study done by Missouri Rural Water, but Walden recommended to wait until the city gets more information about phase two of the wastewater treatment plant upgrade before getting another study done. The committee pondered having an audit performed on the utility billing and the meter project update, but a proposal of a one-year audit was $70,000 and a two-year audit was $120,000. There is also a request for proposals for new utility billing and financial software that is due at the end of January. The committee agreed to put the audit on hold until there is more information on the new utility billing and financial software and a need to have an audit done. Walden then went over the survey results to see if there would be interest in the city offering a prepaid utility plan and offer view usage if available. From the survey results, 68% of those responding would like to know their usage, but only 9% were interested in a prepay option. The committee also recommended submitting an updated “hot and cold” weather rule for electric disconnection to the Board of Aldermen for their approval that is based upon temperature. The meeting was then adjourned.

In Pulaski County in front of Judge John Beger, former Texas County Sheriff James Sigman was sentenced to three years supervised probation and a fine for forging an employee’s timecard in 2018. Sigman’s girlfriend at the time and former Texas County jailer Jennifer Tomaszewski, also received three years supervised probation and a fine in a related case. The case was moved on a change of venue and each defendant was originally charged with eight counts. All the other counts aside from the forgery charges were dismissed during their trials in September due to insufficient evidence. The forgery charges involved the former sheriff approving a timecard for Tomaszewski for hours she didn’t work. In the end it was determined by Judge Beger that there was enough evidence to show that Sigman and Tomaszewski knew the timecards were false.

Have you and your family members finished their wish list for the holiday? Is safe, crash free travel on those lists? If not, please add it! Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers wish everyone a merry and safe Christmas. One way for it to be merry is for everyone to arrive at their holiday celebrations safely. Last year over the Christmas holiday, there were 746 traffic crashes during the counting period. In those crashes, 10 people were killed and another 310 were injured. This year’s traffic crash counting period begins at 6:00 this evening and ends at 11:59 Sunday night, December 26th, 2021. Please remember to wear your seat belt, pay attention to your driving, and please, don’t drink and drive. Travelers are reminded that holiday drivers will affect traffic patterns. If you’re planning a trip during the holiday, please keep this in mind. Drivers are encouraged to make sure they are well rested, and their vehicle is in good working condition before driving to their destination, no matter how short the distance. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. The Road Condition Report number is 1-800-222-6400. If bad weather is expected, make sure your vehicle is winterized. Allow extra time to reach your destination and obey all traffic laws. If faced with a traffic emergency, motorists can contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. This emergency number will ring into the nearest Highway Patrol headquarters. Motorists should use this number if they are in a traffic crash, witness a crash or crime, or pass a stranded motorist in need of assistance, etc. The Patrol encourages motorists to protect themselves from all types of hazardous drivers by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Please obey all traffic laws, and if alcohol is part of your holiday, designate a sober driver. Every driver can help make our roadways safer this holiday season.

The Dent County Sheriff’s office has released the following reports. On Monday, December 13th, deputies traveled to a residence on Highway 19 North to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the event, a 59-year-old Salem man was arrested on two warrants out of Dent County. He was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated on the warrants. Then on Saturday, December 18th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at Highway 32 and Dent County Road 4235. During the course of the stop, a 73-year-old Viburnum female was arrested on a warrant out of Crawford County. She was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated on the warrant. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s office at 729-3241 if you have any information on any investigation.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education in closed session Thursday night heard an A+ citizenship appeal. The board unanimously approved the appeal of the student. The Board also heard from an employee who requested back pay of 18 days but voted to deny the request by a 5-1 vote. They also unanimously approved awarding the Belcher Scholarship to Kennedy Chapman. In other action taken, the board approved moving Aaron Steelman one step on the salary schedule due to a change of job responsibilities, approved giving a raise of $1.00 an hour to Andy Rowe due to a change of job responsibilities, and to move Traci Wulff from step 16 to step 24 on the salary schedule due to a change of job responsibilities. The school board then accepted the resignation of Kristi Steelman as assistant Volleyball coach; and Phil Karr as a high school physical education teacher, head softball coach, and athletic director effective at the end of the 21-22 school year. After a personnel issue was discussed, the meeting was adjourned.

An accident happened in Cape Girardeau County Monday morning at 6:55 at the intersection of Route K and Highway 25. According to the highway patrol report, a 2021 Kia Sorrento driven westbound by 33-year-old James Tanner of Jackson, turned into the path of a 2014 Jeep Cherokee driven northbound by 24-year-old Courtney Spencer of Rolla, and was struck. Spencer suffered moderate injuries and was taken by an ambulance to St. Francis Medical Center. Everyone involved was wearing seat restraints. Both vehicles were totaled with the Jepp being removed from the scene by Midwest Truck Towing and the Kia being taken from the scene by Carnell’s Towing.

The Missouri Department of Conservation reports hunters harvested three elk during the firearms portion of the elk-hunting season, from December 11th through the 19th. An archery portion ran October 16th through the 24th with two elk harvested. Five Missouri hunters were selected for elk permits through a random drawing. Last year’s inaugural elk hunt ended with all five hunters harvesting bull elk during the firearms portion. No elk were taken during the 2020 archery portion.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Energy is accepting grant applications now through February 28th, 2022, to reimburse farmers for energy-saving equipment through its Energize Missouri Agriculture Program. The department is offering up to $3 million in cost-share grants to agricultural operations for energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy equipment. Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified applicants. The program will reimburse approved applicants up to 75% or a maximum of $7,500 of the purchase cost, excluding time and labor costs, of qualifying energy-saving equipment and systems per applicant. Some examples of eligible projects include solar-powered watering systems and fencers, irrigation upgrades, GPS systems for tractors and applicators, ventilationand insulation. Anyone interested in more information or applying for the Energize Missouri Agriculture Program should visit dnr.mo.gov/energy for more details. Purchases made prior to signing the terms and conditions agreement will not qualify for reimbursement. Those without internet access may obtain a paper application form by contacting the department by phone at 573-751-2254 or 855-522-2796. The Energize Missouri Agriculture Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and is part of the funds managed by the department’s Division of Energy.

The Missouri Conservation Commission and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) recognize citizens who make outstanding contributions to conservation in Missouri and are accepting nominations for their Master Conservationist Award and the Missouri Conservation Hall of Fame through December 31st. The Master Conservationist Award honors living or deceased citizens while the Missouri Conservation Hall of Fame recognizes deceased individuals. Those who can be considered for either honor are Missourians who performed outstanding acts or whose dedicated service over an extended time produced major progress in fisheries, forestry, or wildlife conservation in Missouri. Employees of conservation-related agencies who performed outstanding acts or whose dedicated service over an extended time produced major progress in fisheries, forestry, or wildlife conservation in Missouri. Anyone can submit a nomination, which should include a statement describing the nominee’s accomplishments and a brief biography. A screening committee appointed by the MDC director meets annually to consider nominees, with the Conservation Commission conveying final approval. Get more information on the Master Conservationist Award and Missouri Conservation Hall of Fame nomination forms at mdc.mo.gov. Nominations must be submitted by December 31st to Missouri Department of Conservation, Attention Julie Love, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180.

Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk says her office and the Dent County Assessor’s office will be open the week after Christmas including New Year’s Eve from 8:00 in the morning until 5:30 in the afternoon for those who wish to make tax payments. Payment of your taxes may be made at the collector’s office, by mail, using the drop box at the southwest corner of the courthouse square, or online. Fees will be the same as last year and will be charged on all credit or debit cards. For more information, call 729-3911. Remember, the 2022 Dent County Assessment Lists will be mailed the first week of January 2022. To avoid a late filing penalty, your completed assessment forms will be due in the assessor’s office by March 1st. Online filing will also be available from January 2nd through April 30th. The courthouse will be closed this Thursday and Friday for the Christmas holiday.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. Grant Wilson from Jason Smith’s office was in attendance to wish the commission Happy Holidays. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated grading would be done on Dent County Road 5580 while service will be performed on county trucks #123 and 125. Mobray said a backhoe was going to be used on Dent County Road 6430 to clean the debris out from around a culvert and truck it off for disposal using county truck #119. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 3020 while only grading would be performed on county road 2120. Larson stated crews would also be checking for washouts from the rains Friday and Friday night. He indicated a tree was reported down on county road 5225 and crews were taking care of that. He said one man was hauling in rock to stockpile for the winter while another was screening rock. Larson also said crews would be replacing a number of road signs including some stop signs that had been stolen including the post to hold the sign. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles was in Jefferson City Friday regarding the CCAM lawsuit filed against Senate Bill 53. He wanted to remind everyone the courthouse would be closed Thursday and Friday for the Christmas holiday. The commissioners will also be meeting on Thursday, December 30th at the courthouse to pay bills for the last time before the next year’s budget is approved. Any vendor of the county is asked to get your statement or invoice in before Thursday to be paid or you will be waiting until late January. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that she talked with the art classes at the high school last Tuesday about designing a new “I voted” sticker for the 2022-2023 elections. She went on to say that her office and the treasurer’s office balanced on all accounts for the month of November. At the last meeting, Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk brought in her monthly report that shows collections in November at $1,656,158.25. Also at the last meeting, the Dent County Extension requested their budget be increased to $45,000 in 2022 from the $40,000 they received in 2021. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 14,896 deer during the antlerless portion of the firearms deer season, December 4th through 12th. Top harvest counties statewide were Callaway with 467 deer harvested, Pike with 376, and Morgan with 354. In our area the Crawford County total was 166, Dent County harvested 151, Phelps 120, and Texas County antlerless harvest was 149. Last year’s antlerless-portion harvest total was 15,620. The antlerless portion was extended from three days to nine days this year. MDC Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle said that prior to last year, the average harvest during the three-day antlerless portion had been just under 8,000 deer. We had some fantastic hunting conditions during last year’s antlerless portion, which resulted in a harvest total that was nearly double the average. So, although we were below last year’s mark, this year’s total was well above the average harvest over the last several years with the shorter season. Archery deer season runs through January 15th, 2022. The alternative methods portion runs December 25th through January 4th, 2022. Find more information on deer hunting from MDC’s 2021 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available where permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley released results of three court cases heard in Dent County on Wednesday in front of Judge Michael Randazzo. In the first case heard, Richard LaBrash, Jr. of Salem had a sentencing hearing regarding his probation violation of receiving stolen property. Randazzo sentenced LaBrash to seven years in the Department of Corrections under the Section 559.115 program. LaBrash had requested continued probation due to his medical conditions and the likelihood that he would lose his disability benefits. The request was denied by the judge. The second case heard involved defendant Rebecca Hughes of Salem. Judge Randazzo revoked her probation for the possession of a controlled substance due to her new charge for the possession of Vicodin in the Dent County Jail. Hughes was sentenced to serve seven years in the Department of Corrections as requested by Prosecutor Curley. The last case heard Wednesday was a sentencing hearing for Max Openshaw of Bunker after his plea of guilty to a felony assault and the unlawful use of a weapon. Prosecutor Curley requested 11 years to be served in the Department of Corrections. Openshaw requested probation. Judge Randazzo sentenced Openshaw to seven years in the Department of Corrections for the incident that occurred in June of this year. The co-defendant in the case Larry Suhling, received 10 years at his prior sentencing hearing.

An accident occurred Friday evening at 9:45 in Phelps County on I-44 near mile marker 188.4 in the westbound lane. According to the highway patrol report a 1998 Dodge Ram Truck driven by a 17-year-old male juvenile from Steelville lost control, slid off the left side of the road and struck the towed unit of a 2016 Volvo Tractor. The driver of the Volvo is unknown at this time as the Volvo was parked in the median due to a previous crash. The juvenile suffered minor injuries and was transported by private conveyance to Phelps Health. He was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Dodge was totaled, and the Volvo sustained minor damage both remain at the scene due to weather conditions.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to remind the public that driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed on Friday, December 24th, in observance of Christmas. Normal operations will resume on Monday, December 27th and again on Friday, December 31st, in observance of New Year’s Day. Normal operations will resume on Monday, January 3rd, 2022.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met in the high school library Thursday evening for their regular meeting. The board heard from the new school auditor, Ken Schultz about the 2020-2021 audit and he gave it a clean opinion as the Salem R-80 school uses cash basis accounting which he said was fairly stated recognizing expenses when paid and income when money is received. Schultz said there is what he called a “caution” paragraph that deals with the unique educational challenges brought on by COVID-19. Schultz said the district had revenues over expenses of $346,746 for the fiscal year after the school had deficit spending the year before of $148,742. He did say the school had additional 2,668,000 in revenues this past fiscal year with most of that coming from the sale of the 2020 General Obligation Bonds of 3.3 million dollars that will help the district save over $123,000 in interest. Schultz talked about fund balances and also talked to the board about the pension plan and where it currently stands. The board approved the audit as presented. Assistant Superintendent John Smith discussed the MAP standards for 2021 data received by the school. The data was not to be used as a performance report or comparison needs. Smith said most school used some sort of hybrid method during the COVID dictated year and he showed the total scores for Salem, the state and then those for the students who were actually attending school in the classroom. The scores showed in almost every case where the students in the classroom faired better than those attending virtually. Smith said MSIP 6 rules will apply as the testing this year will be the new baseline for schools. He said the school is already preparing for the 2021-2022 MAP testing as the Upper Elementary is using a system called Edulastic. This will be discussed more in the new year. Superintendent Lynne Reed said she had some preliminary floor plans for the Tin Gym Project that would be enough to get a bid, but they would not be the final design. As of now, the Tim Gym and the new structure would NOT be attached. She also said she was looking for project leaders for the CSIP programs on student achievement, facilities and teacher recruitment and retention. Board members Steve Patterson and Andrew Wynn were both interested in the facility program, but no one spoke out for the other two programs. Reed also said she would be looking to create a committee for a new elementary school and is going to do a feasibility study on contracting out the school’s food service. In new business, the board was going to discuss the selection of the MSBA Belcher Scholarship Recipient in closed session. The board approved the Missouri United School Insurance Council insurance (MUSIC) for the school that included the same coverage as before and approved declaring surplus property to be sold on deals.com. The board also approved continuing the SRCSP Policy from November before going into closed session.

An accident happened Sunday afternoon at 12:40 on Highway 63 about three miles south of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2016 Hyundai Elantra driven southbound by 30-year-old Steffen Suggs of Edgar Springs, traveled off the right side of the roadway and went airborne. The Hyundai landed and struck a curb, then became airborne again and struck a large sign. Suggs suffered serious injuries and was transported to Phelps Health by the Phelps Health EMS. Suggs was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Hyundai was totaled and removed from the scene by D & D Towing.

The City of Salem Utility Committee Chairman Shawn Bolerjack has called a meeting for this evening at 6:00 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. At the meeting, the committee will receive project updates from Archer-Elgin Engineering, get an update on the utility billing, discuss the one percent discount, discuss water and sewer rates, get an update on the audit of the utility billing and meter project, receive an update on the utility billing software as well as an update on the Exceleron Prepay Project. The committee will also discuss the city hot and cold weather rules for disconnects before they adjourn. The Utility Committee meeting tonight is open to the public.

This holiday season, keep spirits bright by keeping spirits off the roads. The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety is urging drivers to avoid driving impaired as they travel to and from holiday gatherings. Statewide, law enforcement will be on the lookout for substance-impaired drivers, with targeted enforcement efforts now through New Year’s Day. There were 60 people killed and 270 seriously injured in Missouri traffic crashes between December 10th, 2020, and January 1st, 2021. Fourteen of the fatalities and 44 of the serious injuries involved a substance-impaired driver. Those consequences include fines, jail time or even death. Missouri is on pace to see more than 1,000 fatalities on the highways in 2021, the most in 15 years. Have a plan to arrive to your holiday gatherings and home safely. If you plan to drink, don’t drive. Choose a designated driver, call a sober friend, order a rideshare or spend the night. But never drive impaired. If you feel different, you drive different. Missouri’s strategic highway safety plan, Show-Me Zero, focuses on four ways every Missourian can help eliminate traffic deaths – buckle up, phone down, slow down and drive sober.

For City of Salem Utility customers, bills were mailed out on Thursday, December 8th. Anyone who has not received their utility bills for the October 15th through November 15th consumption period is asked to contact the utility office at 729-4117. Due to the delay with bills going out, the due date was adjusted accordingly to December 27th which is stated on the bills.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley released results of two court cases heard in Crawford County on Tuesday in front of Judge Michael Randazzo. In the first case heard, Craig Carter of Salem pled guilty to the distribution of Methamphetamine to an undercover officer. Prosecutor Curley sought 1o years in the Department of Corrections under Section 559.115 program due to the distribution of meth. Carter requested probation as he had no prior felony convictions and a limited misdemeanor criminal history. Judge Randazzo granted Carter probation with a suspended execution of his sentence and Carter was ordered to enter drug court over the state’s objection. In the second case, Dustin Norris of Edgar Springs pled guilty to three counts of felony distribution of a controlled substance and one felony possession of a controlled substance charge. Prosecutor Curley sought ten years in the Department of Corrections while Norris sought probation or be allowed to participate in the Section 559.115 program. Norris’ request was denied and he was sentenced to serve his time in the Department of Corrections.

The Salem Police Department has released their report for the month of November. They served 18 summonses to appear in court, performed 110 traffic stops resulting in 86 warning tickets and 12 traffic tickets, plus they also served five fugitive warrants and two city warrants. The department investigated 10 traffic accidents, had 13 ambulance assists, investigated one death report, wrote five stealing reports, and one resisting or interfering with an arrest charge. The department investigated four driving while having a license revoked or suspended charges, investigated two forgery reports, one sexual offense report, one possession of a controlled substance charge, and two reports for the possession of drug paraphernalia, as well as a charge of leaving the scene of an accident. The department also responded to a report of shots being fired, two prowler reports, one exparte’ violation, performed 21 well-being checks, wrote one property damage report and eight stealing reports, and conducted 37 follow up investigations. The department drove 5,539 miles during the month and also served four hours as court bailiff. The department had 609 calls for service and had 8 walk-ins to the station. There were 10 males and 7 females arrested during the month of November.

With the new year upon us, ‘tis the season for taxes. To help farmer’s navigate tax preparation, the IRS publishes a “Farmer’s Tax Guide”. The publication explains how the federal tax laws apply to farming and serves as a guide to figure your taxes and complete your 2021 farm tax return. Also included in the publication are administrative and law changes for 2021. To obtain a copy of “Farmer’s Tax Guide – Publication 225”, visit your local University of Missouri Extension Office at the Dent County Judicial Building on the second floor or call 729-3196. The Dent County Extension Office will be closed for winter break starting December 24th through the January 2nd, 2022. They wish you a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!!

An accident happened Thursday morning just before 6:45 in Phelps County on westbound Interstate 44 near the 188-mile marker. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2011 Ford Flex being driven by 21-year-old Abigail Bunch of Rolla, began hydroplaning causing the Ford to strike the back of a 2011 Peterbilt by 41-year-old Steven Woothtakewahbitty of Elgin, Oklahoma. Bunch was taken by ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. The Peterbilt sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene. The Ford received moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Dishman’s Towing. The report went on to state that Bunch was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

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 November, the hospital had 88 inpatient admissions with 279 inpatient census days. The hospital showed a loss from operations of $425,801 and had an excess of expenses over revenues of $424,511. During the month, McKesson Suppliers who provide supplies for the lab department, were going through a transition so the hospital had to pay for two months of supplies that came to near $160,000. During the month, there were 635 emergency room visits with 54 admissions, plus there were 204 ambulance runs where 142 patients were transported. In November there were 27 surgery cases, 1,520 outpatient registrations, 7,283 lab tests, 1,142 radiological procedures, 686 rehab treatments and 181 home health visits with 12 home health admissions. The Long-Term Care Center currently now has 17 residents with one vacancy remaining. The days in account receivable during the month went up to 69 days from 65 in October and was down from the 103 days last November. The days cash on hand went down to 46 days and there was a cash decrease during the month of $151,754. Chief of Nursing Ashley Sullins gave the Acute Care Staffing by Patient Acuity report that showed the average acuity was 20 with an average of nine patients per day. Sullins reported that as of December 13th, there were 74 active COVID cases in Dent County. Sullins said Dent County is currently showing 30.1% of the residents are completely vaccinated and 33.8% have initiated the series. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas said the hospital continues to monitor Paylocity as part of the Cerner Conversion. The Cerner working timeline has Integrated Testing 3 scheduled for January 11th, 12th and 13th for the clinical portion; and January 18th, 19th and 20th for the financial portion with the “go-live” date set for March 14th. The hospital submitted their plan of action for the CLIA Survey but had to discontinue most of the lab testing on December 3rd as CLIA did not accept the plan of corrections at that time. Working with A & J Consultants, the hospital has implemented new policies and procedures, implemented needed educational requirements for all technicians, implemented new quality assurance equipment and software for documentation of oversight, plus implemented new chemistry and coagulation equipment. On Monday, the hospital reinstated time critical lab tests for the Emergency Department and the Medical and Surgery Department. The hospital continues to make progress toward getting the entire lab back online. The issues that affected the lab were disorganization and that the equipment needed updating and repair which is currently being done. The hospital has purchased other equipment that meets the quality assurance protocol they are using now for the tests. Lucas said there is one candidate who has registered for District 3 Board seat to date with the final day to sign-up being December 28th at 4:00. The seat is currently held by Dennis Fiebelman. The board approved a Board Resolution for Financial Transactions to sell some stock that the hospital had since they had a retirement plan with MetLife. The resolution will allow them to sell the stock from the Hanover Insurance Group, Brighthouse and Computershare, Inc. Lucas reviewed the vaccination mandate timeline with the board as no further court action has taken place on that matter. In new business, the board approved three non-budgeted purchases including the purchase of a refurbished colonoscope from Olympus America for $20,577.50, the purchase of the Point-of-Care Lab Analyzer from Abbott Diagnostics for $11,121.33, and the purchase of two Chemistry Analyzer-Piccolo Express for $15,300 each for a total of $30,600. All the purchases have a one-year parts and labor warranty. The board then spoke with Diane Godi who was in attendance about the problems with the lab to get a better understanding of how the lab works before going into closed session.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education regular meeting will be held this evening at 6:00 in the high school library. After approval of the consent agenda and approval of all previous minutes the board is expected to approve bills, the food service report, attendance report, substitute list, and program evaluations. Ken Shultz will then present the audit report for approval. The board will then hear principal’s reports from William Lynch Elementary, the upper elementary, middle school, and senior high, along with a report from the athletic department. New business is expected to include the selection of the MSBA Belcher Scholarship recipient, the MUSIC renewal, the declaration of surplus property and to consider the SRCSP revisions. The board will then go into closed session. The Salem R-80 Board of Education meeting is open to the public.

An accident happened Sunday night at 9:17 on Route J about a mile west of Oates. According to the highway patrol, a 2005 Chevy Silverado driven eastbound by 69-year-old Virginia Graham of Boss, crossed the centerline and struck a 1999 Lincoln driven westbound by 74-year-old Donald Barton of Boss. Graham suffered serious injuries and was transported by Survival Flight to Mercy St. Johns’ Hospital. Neither Graham nor Barton wear wearing seat restraints. The Chevy was removed from the scene by Blackie’s Auto while the Lincoln was removed by Dement’s. A Reynolds County deputy assisted at the scene.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday for their regular meeting at the courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams brought in the final sales tax monies received by the county for the 2021 year. For the General Revenue Fund and the Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund in December, the county received $93,008.11 which was $9,363.27 more than the $83,644.84 received in December 2020. For the Road and Bridge Fund, the county received $44,090.87 and that was $4,319.49 more than the 2020 figure of $39,771.38; and in the Jail Operating and Trust Funds, the county received $88,169.41 for the month of December and that is $8,618.82 more than the $79,550.59 received in December of 2020. Overall, the county funds are down between 23 and 27% from the funds received from a year ago due to the Department of Revenue sales tax blunder that the county has had to pay for. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 6580 while only grading would be done on county roads 5380 and 6190. Mobray said he would be attending a City of Bunker Council Meeting tonight. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson had a meeting to attend at 9:00 and was unable to give the road report so Travis Turner gave it for him. Turner said grading was going to be done on county roads 2130, 2270, 2403, 6120 and 6140. He further stated brush would be cut and materials would be added on county road 2370. Turner went on to say a new fuel tank was being installed on county truck #116. Larson arrived after the road reports were presented. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported on the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting last Thursday at the MRPC office in St. James. Skiles said the entire region voted on their transportation priorities for the upcoming year to be presented to MoDOT. Skiles said the top priority again this year was the replacement of the low water crossing on Route TT in Sligo with a bridge. He also said the Highway 32 bridge at Boss over the Huzzah Creek came in 4th in the scoring. Skiles said at the MRPC meeting held Thursday night, they prioritized their federal and state needs and then received an update from the Department of Economic Development. Skiles went on to say he would probably be attending a County Commission Association of Missouri Executive Board meeting on Friday in Jefferson City. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she balanced with the collector and assessor on all collections, abatements and add-ons for the month of November. She also said she would be addressing some art classes at the Salem High School to inform students of a contest to create a new “I Voted” sticker that would be used for the next two years. This is the first time this is being done in Dent County. The winner of the contest will be recognized at all the voting locations and through the local media. Also at the meeting, Sarah Massengale and Dru Howard from the extension brought in their budget request for 2022, and David Massengale from the US Forest Service came in to discuss Title II funds. The next commission meeting will be Monday at 9:00 at the courthouse and it is open to the public.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will conduct their December meeting tonight at 6:00 in the hospital library. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas will report on the summary of the operations and statistics for the month of November as well as the auxiliary report, followed by the Chief of Nursing Report with Ashley Sullins. Chief Operating Officer Jason Edwards will give the hospital foundation report as well as the marketing and community perception report. In old business, Lucas will update the board on how COVID-19 is affecting the hospital, give a report on the Cerner conversion, discuss the CLIA survey and talk about the District 3 board seat becoming available in the upcoming April election. In new business, the board will discuss any purchases. The board may vote to go into closed session. The SMDH Board meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Business Window Decorating Contest judging was held over the weekend. After all the scores were tallied, Steel Magnolias in downtown Salem on 4th Street was named this year’s winner of the $250 Grand Prize.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce has proudly announced the winners of the Christmas Parade of lights for 2021. The winners for the Commercial Float was Town & Country Bank while the winner for the Non-Commercial Float was the Salem Care/Seville Care Center. Kimberly Stewart was named the horsemanship winner. The Salem Chamber of Commerce wanted to thank everyone who had an entry in the parade and for all the spectators attending. Sinks Pharmacy was the winners sponsor of this parade. A huge “thank you” goes out to the Grand Marshal Jann Craig who was selected for her community service and LovePacks program which began back in 2009. Currently it takes about 30 volunteers to pack up and distribute around 6000 bags to nine Dent County Schools. Later this afternoon at 4:00, the chamber will announce the winner of the Business Window decorating Contest. The winner will receive a $250 cash prize.

The Salem Area Arts Council announces a “Week of Christmas” at the Creative Arts Center in Salem. Starting at 4:00 this afternoon, “Glazed Impressions” will be instructed by Isabella Knaack where people will select a ceramic figure or functional piece to glaze, then come back a week later after it has been fire to pick it up. The cost is $5 with an additional cost for the piece selected. On Tuesday evening, “Straw Stars” will be instructed by Suzanne Douglas from 6:00 until 8:00 where those attending will create handmade star ornaments to hang on the tree. On Wednesday evening from 5:00 until 7:00, Artist Terry Phelps will show those attending how to use wool to create a unique ornament to take home in a workshop called “Felted Ornaments.” On Thursday evening from 6:00 until 8:00, instructor Shannon Phelps will show new techniques on how to create and beautifully decorate cupcakes to take home. Each participate will have six cupcakes to take home after the class. Friday evening will bring the “Winter Wonderland Paint ‘N Sip” from 6:30 until 8:30 where artist Danielle Norris where those attending will paint a winter wonderland using acrylic paint on canvas. Bring a friend and the beverage of your choice. The workshops Tuesday through Friday each cost $25. On Saturday, the Creative Arts Center will host “Santa’s Workshop” from 1:00 until 4:00. Brings the kids and have pictures taken with Santa and his Mrs. Claus! Snacks will be provided and donations will be accepted. If you have any questions about the any of the programs to be presented, call 247-0651 or 247-5306. You can also e-mail salemartscouncil@outlook.com.

An accident happened late Thursday afternoon just after 5:15 in Phelps County on Highway 63, about two miles south of Rolla. The highway patrol report states that a 2018 Jeep Compass being driven south by 40-year-old Lynn Miller of Edgar Springs, was stopped to make a left hand turn. The Jeep was then struck from behind by a 2001 Chevrolet S-10 being driven by 51-year-old Barbara Williams of Licking. Miller was taken By the Phelps Health EMS to Phelps Health Hospital for the treatment of minor injuries. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by D & D Recovery. The report went on to state that Miller was wearing a safety device while Williams was not.

A one vehicle accident happened Friday night at 9:00 in Phelps County on Interstate 44 near the exit 185 off ramp. The highway patrol report states that a 2005 Mercury Sable being driven by 21-year-old Megan Slater of Rolla, was attempting to overtake another vehicle and began hydroplaning. Slater then traveled off the right side of the road and struck a sign before traveling over the ramp and into some trees. A passenger, 20-year-old Nevaeh Hudson of Rolla, was transported by ambulance to the Phelps Health Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The Mercury sustained minor damage and was removed from the scene by C & C Towing. Both occupants were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

You are invited to join a town hall meeting today from 11:45 in the morning and lasting until 1:00 at the Salem Community Center@the Armory, 1200 West Rolla Road. A panel of students will discuss substance use affecting teen in our community. You’ll also learn about the JAG program from local, participating students, and join a discussion about local substance use prevention programs. Lunch will be provided and registration IS required. For more information or to register, please call 573-729-8163. The town hall meeting is being sponsored by Your Community Health Center, Prevention Consultants of Missouri, and Health Dent County.

Don’t forget to check out the lights and displays at the Salem City Park as part of the “Light up the Park” through December 31st off of Route J. The lights will go on nightly at dusk and remain on until around 11:00 at night. The “Light Up the Park” is free for the public’s enjoyment. The Salem Park and Recreation Department asks that you enter the park from Route J and exit through the north gate of the Salem City Park onto Park Street. The second part of the “Light up the Park” Display is off of Park Place Drive near the Pavilion. Remember to shut your lights off when driving through the park and Christmas music will be available 24/7 at 97.5 FM courtesy of KSMO Radio.