Your World Today

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees meeting September 16th continued following the closed session. Health Center Administrator Zach Moser discussed his findings relative to the Emergency Rural Health Care Grant and presented proposals for the usage of the funds. Ideas presented included development of a mobile vaccination unit, which would probably be a van, purchase and renovation of additional property, and renovation of current property. The Board passed a motion approving Moser to contact MRPC to assist with the application process since they are due in October and to move forward with the mobile vaccination unit and renovations/improvements to the current building. Moser reported that he learned of a federal program that would cover the administration cost for the Health Center for COVID vaccines and testing. The Board approved the purchase of a Square register for point of sale and to switch from Court Money to Square as the credit card processor. Zach reported that a statewide standing order for Regeneron Monoclonal Antibodies for COVID-19 has been approved and that Dr. Prince has signed off on the Health Center providing the service. The limiting factor conduct the treatment is space and currently no space is available. The Board considered the 1-year lease of 1006 E. Scenic Rivers Boulevard, which had expired at the end of August. The Board voted to terminate the lease and expressed their appreciation of the lessees. It was noted that the future plans when the building was purchased was to expand into that portion of the building. Health Center expenses for August were approved and the next regular Board meeting was set for October 21st.

Step back in time at the Dent County Museum Sunday afternoon from 1:00 until 4:00 at 400 North Pershing in Salem. You are invited to come view the donated items that tell the story of Dent County. There will be a special event at 1:00 as a tree is dedicated to former board member James Coffman. Stop by for cookies and lemonade as the museum celebrates the last opening of the season.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways has a variety of great trails for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can explore trails independently or can participate in several ranger-led hiking events planned throughout the fall. Social distancing will be encouraged during ranger-led hikes. For hikes where shuttles are offered, masks will be required for visitors on the shuttles. On Saturday, September 25th, beginning at 10 that morning a 4.3-mile hike will explore three trail loops south of Big Spring, where you’ll experience beautiful scenery while learning about the cultural history of the original Big Spring State Park. Meet at the Chubb Hollow pavilion, just south of the Big Spring Lodge and Cabins on State Route Z. Plan accordingly when hiking or participating in any outdoor recreational activity. Hikers should take weather conditions into consideration and be prepared during all seasons. Drinking water, rain gear, map, snacks, flashlight, sturdy hiking shoes, clothing appropriate for the weather and terrain, and emergency campfire supplies are recommended. Always remember to inform someone of your plans. For more information about any of the hikes, contact Skyler Bockman at (573) 323-8093 or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/ozar.

An accident happened in Washington County at 6:05 Wednesday evening on Highway 185 about a quarter of a mile south of Goose Creek Road. According to the highway patrol report, a 2002 Hyundai driven by 39-year-old Thomas Blake of Rolla, traveled off the right side of the road edge and then returned to the roadway where Blake overcorrected. The Hyundai then traveled back off the right side of the right road edge and overturned. Blake suffered moderate injuries and was taken by ambulance to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. The Hyundai was totaled and was removed by Chuck’s Towing from the scene.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met for their regular meeting Thursday, September 16th at the Health Center. After approval of the minutes for the August 19th regular meeting, Dent County Health Center Administrator Zach Moser updated the Board on the current COVID status in Dent County. To date, there are 1,597 confirmed cases and 382 probable cases that have been investigated. As of Thursday’s meeting, there were 11 people hospitalized, 47 confirmed cases and 49 probable cases. Fifty-three COVID related deaths have been confirmed. As of the meeting date, 29.6% of Dent County residents have received their first dose of vaccine and 25.2% have completed the series according to the Missouri Department of Health and Social Services. The seven-day positivity rate is at 15.0%. Moser reminds residents that the COVID vaccine is available at the Health Center, Moser Pharmacy, Sinks Pharmacy, Vandivort Drug and Walmart Pharmacy. Moser reported that on September 2nd, a document clarifying Dent County’s rules for isolation and quarantine was published to assist the schools in determining the isolation and quarantine periods. Moser reported that an AED was purchased for emergencies that may occur in the Health Center building or on the parking lot. Expiring MCH funds were used to make the purchase. The Board approved utilizing grant funds for the replacement of the Health Center roof by Williams American Construction, Inc., in the amount of $28,275, replace the problem front door for $3,373, and for an awareness campaign in the Salem News and online in the amount of $3,886. In new business, Assistant Administrator Roma Jones reported new food establishments that have been inspected include Master’s Donuts, Whispering Pines Kitchen, El Toro Food Truck, Bigos on Wheels, Dominos, and Custard by C. Sue for compliance. She noted that Chapter 8 of the current food code gives the local agency the power to shut establishments down who aren’t compliant. There is paperwork that must be submitted to Jones 30 days prior to opening so she can complete and inspection. Jones said that one sewer complaint was investigated in August. Moser updated the Board on Communicable Diseases noting that in August there were 438 new cases of COVID-19 investigated, there were four cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and one case of Hepatitis A reported. He also said that there were 102 lab draws and 177 COVID tests conducted. As of the meeting date, 157 COVID tests had been conducted in September. Moser also said there were 258 appointments for COVID-19 vaccines in August and 168 for other vaccines, such as 8th grade and kindergarten shots. The Health Center had 731 appointments scheduled in August. Moser gave an update on the Increasing Adult Covid-19 Immunization Capacity contract, which includes an Electronic Health Record System and an Awareness Campaign. Moser is to have more information for the October Board Meeting. He reported on the Enhancing Laboratory Capacity CARES grant which is on track and continues to help pay for COVID-testing and contract tracing. Zach reported that the Maternal-Child Health contract is nearing its end and due to COVID-19, the Health Center has had difficulty completing obligations of the contract, which resulted in about $6,000 left unbilled in this contract. He also said that WIC has had a slow start for the year, but the Health Center is now on track with the program. The Sho-Me-Healthy-Woman program has appointment openings for September 27th and women wanting to schedule an appointment should call the Health Center office at (573) 729-3106. The Board then voted to go into closed session to discuss personnel.

A two-vehicle accident happened Monday afternoon at 4:30 in Crawford County on Highway 19 just north of The Rafting Company. The highway patrol report states that a 2008 Chevrolet Impala being driven by 53-year-old Kimberly Volner of Doolittle was attempting to pass another vehicle and failed to observe a 2014 Dodge Ram being driven by 52-year-old Jody Skaggs of Cuba in the oncoming lane. The Impala struck the Dodge head-on. Volner suffered minor injuries and was taken by North Crawford County Ambulance to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. Two occupants of the Dodge, 50-year-old Lillie Ferges of Steelville suffered moderate injuries, and 23-year-old Heather Ferges of Cuba received minor injuries. Both were taken by Steelville Ambulance service to Missouri Baptist in Sullivan. The report went on to state that all involved were wearing seat restraints. The Impala was totaled while the Dodge had extensive damage. Both were removed by Miles and Sons Towing.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said workers will be pouring the concrete bridge floor and sides on Dent County Road 4210 this week, weather permitting. He also said he was almost finished with his Local Public Agency training for the MoDOT FLAP project and that it is still moving forward. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson was not in attendance, so Travis Turner from District 2 gave the report. He said brush was being cut on county roads 3250 and 3260, and maintenance work was being done on trucks #69 and 75, and workers are also working on the tailgate for truck #116. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he and Commissioner Mobray attended the Regional Economic Development meeting held on Tuesday, September 14th at Echo Bluff State Park. Skiles said it was very good meeting with over 45 people attending from numerous counties as well as Senator Blunt’s office and other officials to discuss the needs of the region, and talk about how they may be able to work together to help one another. Skiles also said he attended the Salem Area Community Betterment Association meeting last week and they will be having a “Trivia Night” on Saturday, October 23rd at the Farmers Market Pavilion starting at 5:30. Skiles stated Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge invited him to a meeting with Steelville Telephone Exchange Representative Kent Sherrow. Sherrow indicated they are looking to expand fiber optics into Dent County and Salem to provide additional high-speed Internet services. To find out how interested people are in having this service, Skiles said Steelville Telephone Exchange has targeted individuals that have slow or no Internet services to receive a survey in the mail with a QR Code that they can access through their smart phone. The response they receive will help them determine if there is enough interest from the people for the project to move forward. Dent County Health Center Director Zach Moser came by to visit with the commissioners. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams last week attended the Missouri County Treasurer’s Association Conference at Old Kinderhook in Camdenton. Williams was elected president of the association and will serve in 2022 and 2023. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The University of Missouri will be conducting a Home Food Preservation class the evening of Thursday, September 23rd from 6:00 until 8:00 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. The class entitled Salsa, is a class that focuses on safe and correct food preservation methods in the home setting. Whether you are new to canning, or you just need a refresher on something you’ve been doing for years, University of Missouri Extension’s Food Preservation Series can help you preserve your produce safely and efficiently. Each participant will take part in hands on training in preparing and canning salsa! Due to the 2-hour time period of the class, the canned salsa produced in class will not be shelf stable. Home canned products must rest undisturbed for 12-24 hours after canning. The products of this class should be refrigerated and eaten within 7 days because they will be transported following canning. Don’t worry they will be tasty! The cost of the class is $25 and to register contact Rachel Buenemann online at rachelbuenemann@missouri.edu or call (573) 458-6260.

The Creative Arts Center in Salem will be offering a beginner’s oil painting class. The class will be one day per week for four weeks beginning Thursday, September 23rd then on September 30th and October 7th and 15th. Classes are being held from 9 until noon. The class will be taught by professional artist Tana Kettner. Necessary supplies will be provided. You will learn about color theory, painting techniques and other skills. No previous experience is necessary. The cost is $120 for all 4 session or $35 per 3-hour session. For questions or to register you may email salemartscouncil@outlook.com.

The City of Salem Utility Committee will be meeting Thursday evening at 6:00 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. The meeting was called by the committee chairman, Shawn Bolerjack. The Utility Committee will be updated on utility billing, hear an update on the audit of the utility meter and billing project, hear an update on the utility bills layout, discuss the fiscal year 2021-2022 Utility and Street Department projects update, and receive an update on the Exceleron pre-paid project. The meeting will then be adjourned. The Utility Committee meeting is open to the public.