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Local News – Thursday, March 24th, 2022
The Salem Memorial District Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday evening in the Hospital Library. In the summary of operations for the month of February, the hospital had only 70 inpatient admissions with 219 inpatient census days which is the lowest this fiscal year. The hospital showed a loss from operations of $1,018,306, but received American Relief Fund monies well as Phase 4 monies as non-operating revenues of $2,336,196 to have an excess of revenues over expenses of $1,361,497. During the month, there were 516 emergency room visits with 55 admissions, plus there were 176 ambulance runs where 129 patients were transported. In February, there were 32 surgery cases, 1,070 outpatient registrations, 4,814 lab tests, 901 radiological procedures, 406 rehab treatments and 155 home health visits with 16 home health admissions. The days in account receivable during the month went up to 81 which is the same as January and days cash on hand was back at 53 which is normal for critical access hospitals. The hospital had a cash increase in February of $2,918,352. Hospital Administrator CFO Doug Hoban said the hospital had additional expenses with temporary employees, the CHC extension and RHG contract as well as higher than normal maintenance costs. Chief Nursing Officer Ashley Sullins gave the Acute Care Staffing by Patient Acuity report that showed the average acuity at 20 per day with 8 patients per day. She also gave the six-month Home Health Report that showed 92% overall care in the patient satisfaction survey. Sullins also gave the COVID-19 update and said the number of COVID cases as of Tuesday in Dent County was 5 with a positivity rate of about 2% of those tested. As of Tuesday, the community vaccination rate is 36.4% for the first dose and 32.7% fully vaccinated. Sullins stated the Community Health Needs Assessment that must be updated every three years is now available at the SMDH.net website with paper copies available at local financial institutions and health care offices. Those surveys are due by April 15th. In the lab update, the CLIA survey from March 9th showed no deficiencies. The new Vitros Chemical Analyzer is scheduled to be in April 4th and it will take two to three weeks to calibrate before CLIA will return for full certification. Right now, staffing is a problem in the lab as they have a lab director, a full time temp and a weekend person. CEO Bill May reported Tabitha Stanfast will be the RN Program Coordinator for the Delta Regional Community Health System Development Program. The board heard from Reese Baker from RHG who said the hospital will not submit attestation in March and will wait until CMS opens the hardship window. The hospital will file under the Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances and CMS looks at these on a case-by-case basis. Baker will have a full risk assessment complete by June for the board who approved this strategy for the hospital. The board talked about the closure of the lagoon and the estimated cost to create a closure plan of $4,640 came from Darren-Krehbiel Consultants. The board felt that they were told by City Administrator Ray Walden that the city would pay for the closure of the lagoon in a presentation to the board a few years ago if the hospital agreed to become part of the city’s wastewater system. The administration will follow up on that. The board then went into closed session.
The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released a number of reports. On Sunday, March 13th, a deputy investigated a suspicious subject at Shawnee Mac Conservation Area. During the investigation, a 34-year-old Salem woman was arrested for the possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. The woman was transported to the Dent County Jail where she was placed on a 24-hour hold pending issuance of a warrant. On Tuesday, March 15th, a deputy investigated a report of property damage on Dent County Road 2560. The investigation revealed that an unknown person or persons had damaged a mailbox belonging to the reporting party. No further information was available, pending further investigative leads. Later in the week on Thursday, March 17th, an employee of the Dent County Road and Bridge Department reported the theft of fuel from a tractor on Dent County Road 5240. Evidence at the scene revealed unknown person or persons siphoned approximately twenty gallons of diesel fuel from the vehicle. The investigation will continue from the evidence found. Later that day, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Pershing Avenue. During the stop a 46-year-old man was arrested for resisting or interfering with an arrest for a felony, the possession of a controlled substance except for 35 grams or less of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid, the unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia from a prior drug offense and driving while having their license revoked or suspended. He was also found to have an active arrest warrant through Greene County. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was held on the warrant and placed on a 24-hour-hold. If you have any information on any ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 573-729-3241.
Obituaries – Thursday, March 24th, 2022
Funeral services for Bill Cowen of Salem, age 90, will be held Saturday morning at 11:00 at the Salem Chapel of the James and Gahr Mortuary. Visitation will be Friday evening from 5:00 until 7:00. Interment will be in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Arrangements under direction of the Shepard Funeral Chapel in St. Louis and the James and Gahr Mortuary of Salem.
Graveside services for Jude Ann Wilkins of Edgar Springs, age 83, will be Saturday at 11:00 at the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Visitation will also be Saturday from 10:00 until 11:00 at the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel.
Funeral services for Larry George Shadle of Salem, age 87, will be held Friday, April 1st at 11:00 in the morning at the Salem Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held from April 1st from 10:00 in the morning until time of service. Burial with Military Honors will be held at 2:00 Friday afternoon, April 1st, in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery Waynesville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lutheran World Relief or Parkinson’s Foundation. All arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Mortuary.
Sports – Thursday, March 24th, 2022
The Salem Lady Tigers Spring Softball team is scheduled to play Stoutland today at the Salem City Park at 4:30, weather permitting. GAME POSTPONED. WILL BE RESCHEDULED AT A LATER DATE.
The Salem Boys Baseball Tigers are scheduled to be at Ellington to face the Whippets at 4:30. If played, you can hear the game on KSMO Radio (1340 AM and 95.7 FM) or online at ksmoradio.com. Salem is 1-2 on the year.
The Salem Tiger Track meet at Waynesville for Thursday has been postponed and rescheduled for Friday. The Salem Tiger Tennis Team is scheduled to travel to West Plains this afternoon at 4:00, weather permitting.
The St. Louis Blues play Philadelphia tonight at 6:30 or right after Salem Baseball on KSMO.
The Houston Astros pounded out 14 hits and beat the St. Louis Cardinals Wednesday, 10-3 for the Red Birds first spring loss. Paul Goldschmidt and Luken Baker each had two hits for St. Louis as the Cards will be off today and play the Nationals on Friday.
Zack Greinke gave up one unearned run in three innings pitched and the Kansas City Royals banged out 13 hits and scored eight runs as they beat Colorado, 8-4 to stay unbeaten in spring training at 5-0. They play the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday.
Weather – Thursday, March 24th, 2022
Today..Cloudy with a 60% chance for rain, high near 41.
Tonight..Cloudy, low around 32.
Friday..Sunny and breezy, high of 61.
Friday night..Mostly clear, low of 34.
Saturday..Sunny, high near 56.
Saturday night..Mostly clear, low around 30.
Sunday..Mostly sunny, high of 58.
Local News – Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022
The Salem Board of Aldermen met Tuesday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. After the consent agenda, the board approved Resolution No. 7-2022, a resolution to execute an agreement with the Meramec Regional Planning Commission for HUD Housing Inspection Services as part of the Federal Home Loan Bank project. The rate of $450 per unit will be paid from the grant project budget. The board approved Resolution No. 8-2022 to amend the utility policy regarding the disconnect date on the 28th of each month if payment is not received by 5:00 PM on the 27th. The board approved Ordinance No. 3502 to execute contract change order No. 11 for Smith and Edwards Contractors for specified sewer system improvements at the Ballpark Grinder Pump Station at a cost of $6,911.36. Resolution No. 9-2022 was approved for a change order to allow Donald Maggi Inc to install a larger pump station near the Spring Creek Crossing of Highway 72 than was originally planned for. This pump station includes the work at the Salem Memorial District Hospital and any future residential expansion. The total cost of $67,988 will be paid from COP funding already budgeted. Jeff Meadows with Archer Elgin gave a project status report that included the Wastewater Treatment Plant Phase 2 improvements with funding to be sought from the states ARPA funds. The hospital pump station is scheduled to be tested today, and the Westwood/Ballpark pump station is complete except for the installation of fencing. Planning and Zoning Committee Chairman Gary Brown reported on the March 14th public hearing for a cell tower to be built at 102 Doss Road. There was one citizen in attendance that had an objection due to a perceived cancer risk. City Building Inspector Jarrod Brown informed the committee that the proposed tower design is too tall for the city codes. This matter will be discussed at a future Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustments meeting and then brought before the city council for approval. Finance Director Stacy Houston presented a financial report that represented 8 months of budgeted income. The city’s fund balances total $5 million. The 1% sales tax revenue for general fund totaled $945,000, the 3/8 cent Park and Rec tax totaled $354,535 and the ½ cent Capital Improvement tax totaled $472,000. City Administrator Ray Walden announced that Healthy Dent County received a small grant from MRPC for their Project RISE program. Walden noted there are funds in this year’s budget for a Planning and Zoning map and a proposal will be brought to the next meeting. Mayor Kim Steelman wanted to remind citizens to go to the polls next Tuesday and vote. Public Works Director Mark Nash gave updates on several city projects. He noted that Tuesday’s electric outage was because of a pole that fell and is currently tied up because trucks could not get in to fix it and that it might be this way until July. Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge gave updates on the FHLB project and tree clearing at the Industrial Park. The board approved the Salem R-80 Schools request for a Senior Parade route from Country Mart to the school on Saturday, May 14th at 5:00 pm. The board then went into closed session.
Dr. Kyle Ouzts of the Dent County Veterinary Clinic in Salem will be hosting a live fifteen-minute radio call in show on KSMO Radio 1340 AM and 95.7 FM TODAY at 1:00 in the afternoon. So, get your questions ready and call Dr. Ouzts starting at 1:00 at 573-729-6659.
The City of Salem Parks and Recreation Board met March 8th at the Community Center at the Armory. After the minutes from the June meeting were read and approved. Parks and Recreation Director, Melissa DuBois gave her report since the last meeting. The board approved using Capital Gains funds on correcting and restructuring the frisbee golf course to make it more playable and attractive to potential guests. Next was the discussion of raising pool prices, but it was tabled until the next meeting to get a feel for neighboring pool prices on daily ticket and family plan prices. DuBois then brought up the current condition of the Parks and Recreations vehicle to the board’s attention. The vehicle needs replacing as it was handed down from another department. After weighing the cost of repairs versus replacement and safety concerns the board deemed replacement made more financial sense. The Board made the recommendation to have a replacement vehicle written into the budget. Then People Centric discussed with the board and set some objectives for the Board on volunteering and getting in front of the community and ways to better serve them.
A one vehicle accident happened Sunday evening just before 9:30 in Crawford County on Highway 49 about three miles west of Viburnum. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2014 Jeep Cherokee being driven by 19-year-old Cole Chandler of Ashland, Missouri, was traveling northbound when he traveled off the right side of the road, striking several trees and a fence before coming to a stop. A passenger in the vehicle, 20-year-old Madalynn Todd from Viburnum, suffered minor injuries but refused treatment at the scene. The Jeep was totaled and removed from the scene by Blackies Towing. Chandler was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident, but it was not known if Todd was wearing a restraint. Chandler was arrested by the highway patrol for a DWI causing physical injury, failure to drive on the right half of the roadway and no insurance. Chandler was taken to the Crawford County jail where he was later released.
The William Lynch Elementary School will be holding Kindergarten registration for the 2022-23 school year tomorrow from 8:30 in the morning until 2:30 in the afternoon. Information you will need to registration your child will be a proof of residency, your child's immunization shot records and their birth certificate. Please call 729-6611 to make your appointment or for any questions you may have.
Obituaries – Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022
Funeral services for Darrell Wayne “Buck” Storm of Licking, age 66, will be this afternoon at 1:00 at the Fox Funeral Home in Licking. Visitation will this morning from 11:00 until service time. Interment will be in the Licking Cemetery.
Funeral services for Leo Lunn of Salem, age 84, will be this afternoon at 2:00 at the Salem Chapel of James and Gahr Mortuary. Visitation will be today from noon until service time. Burial with military honors will be in the Cedar Grove Cemetery.
Funeral services for Bill Cowen of Salem, age 90, will be held Saturday morning at 11:00 at the Salem Chapel of the James and Gahr Mortuary. Visitation will be Friday evening from 5:00 until 7:00. Interment will be in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Arrangements under direction of the Shepard Funeral Chapel in St. Louis and the James and Gahr Mortuary of Salem.
Sports – Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022
The Salem Lady Tigers Spring Softball game against Ellington was postponed due to wet weather. The game will be rescheduled at a later date. The Lady Tigers are scheduled to play Stoutland Thursday at the Salem City Park.
David Perron scored a goal for the 7th straight game and four other Blues players scored as St. Louis dominated Washington Tuesday, 5-2. The Blues will play Philadelphia Thursday night at 6:30 on KSMO after Salem Baseball.
Nolan Arenado homered and drove in two runs in a three-run 4th inning, and Brendan Donovan hit a solo homer in the 5th inning which proved to be the game winner as St. Louis beat the Miami Marlins Monday, 4 to 3. The Cards are 4-0 in the spring and play Houston today.
The Kansas City Royals scored five runs in the last three innings to beat the Oakland A’s, 5-3 Tuesday. The Royals are 4-0 on the spring and they will play Colorado this afternoon.
Weather – Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022
Today..Mostly cloudy with a 60% chance of showers, high of 46.
Tonight..Mostly cloudy with a 30% chance of showers, low of 34.
Thursday..Mostly cloudy with a 30% chance for rain, high near 48.
Thursday night..Mostly cloudy, low around 33.
Friday..Mostly sunny, high of 61.
Friday night..Mostly clear, low of 35.
Local News – Tuesday, March 22nd, 2022
The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated patch grading would be done on the roads used in the road rally over the weekend. He said grading will be done on Dent County Road 2430 while driveway culverts will be installed on county road 4170 in the Adams Subdivision and on county road 4124. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 4330 and 4340. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported on the meeting held Thursday in Springfield he attended with Attorney Travis Elliott while a staff member from the Department of Revenue along with a legal representative and finally their chief counsel attended by Zoom. The meeting lasted about three hours and department has not yet provided the information requested by Attorney Elliott. The department indicated they would be getting him more information and another meeting will be scheduled in the near future to address the situation. Skiles also said Tuesday is the 1st anniversary of the Dent County Commission and Dent County Sheriff’s Department signing the Dent County 2nd Amendment Preservation Act. Skiles went on to say the county thanks all those who volunteered to help with the 100 Acre in the Wood Road Rally this past weekend in making it a tremendous success. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reminds everyone that Wednesday is the last day to apply for and mail out an absentee ballot for the April 5th Municipal Election. She also said if you need to update your registration or your address to stop by her office in the courthouse or call 729-4144. The commission agreed to let bid specs out for culverts and they will be due back in the office by 10:00 in the morning on April 4th. Dent County Sheriff Bob Wells came in and discussed jail sewer problems. JWC Environmental is the sole source for Muffin Monster Parts and Equipment to perform repairs. Dent County Health Director Zack Moser came in to notify the Commission that there will be a vacancy on the board. Due to the Health Department not advertising in time and holding an election, he will get legal advice and get back to the Commission. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.
A road closure hearing will be held Thursday morning at 10:00 at the Dent County Judicial Building in the Associate Circuit Courtroom and not at the Dent County Commission Offices as what was originally planned due to an expected large crowd. The hearing is to close 1.2 miles of Dent County Road 5490 between the farms owned by Donny Hodges. Those in favor or in opposition may attend the hearing or may give letters to the Dent County Clerk in advance of the meeting in support or opposition to the closure if you are unable to attend. The hearing will be open to the public.
The Salem R-80 Board of Education in closed session Thursday hired speech language pathologist Kaylie Jay, upper elementary teacher Katlyn Swyers and upper elementary Special Education teacher Melynda Dillon. The board reassigned Marty Anderson to the position of Special Programs Director and assigned Tori Snitker to the position of High School Principal for the 2022-2023 school year. They also reassigned Branden Piatt to the position of Assistant High School Principal for the 2022-2023 school year. In sports, the board employed head football coach Bryson Barnes, head volleyball coach Kristen Barnes, Bryan Carty as varsity boys’ basketball coach, Derek Freeman as head track coach, Tony Edwards as head baseball coach, Will Hubbs as head tennis coach, Travis Sampson as head cross country coach, Kyle Anderson as head golf coach. They also employed Bryan Carty, Kyle Anderson, Dustin Bell and Tony Edwards as an assistant football coaches, and Mark Howard and Jared Patterson as the middle school football coaches. The board went on to hire Elizabeth Hogan for fall cheerleading, Courtney Smith for middle school cheerleading, Kristen Barnes as the middle school volleyball coach; Andy Felkerson as the assistant boys’ basketball coach, Chris Kamprath as the 8th grade boys’ basketball, Calvin Malone as the 7th grade boys’ basketball coach, Travis Sampson and Chris Kamprath as assistant track coaches. Probationary instructors were also hired for all Salem R-80 schools before closed session was exited and the board meeting was adjourned.
The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will meet Tuesday evening at 6:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers. After the consent agenda is approved, the board will hear and discuss Resolution 7-2022, authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement between the City of Salem and the Meramec Regional Planning Commission for housing inspection services. The board will also discuss Resolution 8-2022, that amends the City of Salem’s utility policy regarding utility disconnect date for non-payment. Ordinance 3502 will be heard and discussed by the board authorizing the mayor to make a change order between the city and Smith Edwards Construction for specified sewer system improvements, while Resolution #9-2022 will propose another change order between the City of Salem and Donald Maggi, Inc. for a grinder pump station and sewer work south of the Spring Creek crossing on Highway 72. The board will hear reports from City Administrator Ray Walden, Mayor Kim Steelman, Public Works Director Mark Nash, Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge, Park and Recreation Director Melissa DuBois and any alderman who wants to give a report. Then the board will go over new business that includes a request from Sierra Rusco to hold a Salem R-80 senior parade on May 14th at 5:00 PM. The board may then go into closed session to discuss contracts before they adjourn. The meeting is open to the public.
The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will conduct their March meeting tonight at 6:00 in the hospital library. Hospital Interim Administrator Bill May will report on the summary of the operations and statistics for the month of February while the board will hear the Chief Nursing Officer report from Ashley Sullins. The board will also hear a report on the hospital foundation, as well as the marketing and community perception report, followed by the Chief of Staff Report. In old business, the board will hear a report on the Cerner conversion, and a lab update, COVID-19 update and a report on the Delta Regional Community Health System Development Program. In new business the board will be updated on the lagoon closure. The board may vote to go into closed session. The SMDH Board meeting tonight at the hospital library is open to the public.
Obituaries – Tuesday, March 22nd, 2022
Funeral services for Donald Becherer of Salem, age 64, will be this afternoon at 1:00 at the Salem Chapel of James and Gahr Mortuary. Visitation will be this morning from 11:00 until service time. Burial will be at the North Lawn Cemetery at a later date.
Funeral services for Darrell Wayne “Buck” Storm of Licking, age 66, will be Wednesday at 1:00 at the Fox Funeral Home in Licking. Visitation will also be Wednesday from 11:00 until service time. Interment will be in the Licking Cemetery.
Funeral services for Leo Lunn of Salem, age 84, will be Wednesday at 2:00 at the Salem Chapel of James and Gahr Mortuary. Visitation will also be Wednesday from noon until service time. Burial with military honors will be in the Cedar Grove Cemetery.
Funeral Services Larry George Shadle, age 87, of Salem will be held Friday April 1st in the morning at 11:00 at the Salem Lutheran Church. Burial with Military Honors will be held at 2:00 Friday afternoon, April 1st, in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery Waynesville. Visitation will be held from Friday morning from 10:00 until time of service. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Lutheran World Relief or Parkinson’s Foundation and left at Wilson Mortuary. All arrangements are under the direction of Wilson Mortuary.