Your World Today

The Salem Memorial District Hospital is now re-routing all Outpatient patients and patient visitors to the North front entrance at the circle drive. Those doors will be open from 7:00 in the morning until 7:00 in the evening, Monday through Friday. Only individuals that need EMERGENCY medical attention should enter through the Emergency/ER entrance. For all other hospital business, please enter through the north entrance. As a reminder, any individuals experiencing cough, shortness of breath, fever AND have had contact with a CONFIRMED case of COVID-19, should contact their health care provider or the hospital Emergency Department by PHONE. Individuals will be asked to supply information about their symptoms, when and how they had contact with a confirmed case. Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms AND that have had contact with an individual with COVID-19, should NOT arrive at a Health Care Provider or Emergency Room without contacting their provider or the emergency room ahead of time so they can receive instructions on where to go. The health care provider may either suggest testing via a commercial lab or involve public health resources. Those individuals should also practice Social Distancing to avoid the spread of any illness to family, friends and neighbors. There are NO medications specifically approved for COVID-19. Most people with mild coronavirus illness will recover on their own by drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and taking pain and fever medications. Also, the Salem Memorial District Hospital has reported that due to the current COVID-19 guidelines, SMDH Family Medicine will be adjusting their clinic hours effective Monday, March 30th. The clinic hours will be Monday through Friday from 8:00 in the morning until 6:00 in the evening. To schedule an appointment, please call 573-729-8000. They will continue to offer SAME DAY appointments and will re-evaluate the operating hours as COVID-19 guidelines change.

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks is now accepting applications for the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund Grant Program. This assistance is targeted for nonprofits serving vulnerable citizens affected by the coronavirus outbreak across the CFO’s 58-county service region of central and southern Missouri. The CFO serves communities within the state of Missouri south of the Missouri River and outside the metro areas of St. Louis, Kansas City and Jefferson City. Agencies may apply for up to $25,000 in funding. Agency partnerships working in a collective impact model of at least three collaborating organizations may apply for up to $40,000. Lead applicant agencies must be nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organizations, government entities, school districts or tax-exempt faith-based organizations. Agencies and agency partnerships able to provide a plan for generating matching dollars as a component of their application will receive preference in the grant making process. Matching dollars do not have to be raised in advance as long as a well-formed plan is established to acquire those matching funds. Agencies can begin the application process at the website cfozarks.org/applyforgrants. This grant program will remain open as long as funding is available throughout the COVID-19 recovery process. Applications will be reviewed by a committee comprised of community volunteers and CFO staff representatives. For questions regarding the application or the online system, contact Bridget Dierks, Vice President of Programs, at (417) 864-6199. For those groups that are interested in applying, contact Mary Beth Cook from the Dent County Community Foundation and she will be more than happy to help. You can e-mail her at mbcook16@gmail.com or call her at 573-453-6091.

The Missouri Department of Conservation George O. White State Forest Nursery near Licking is offering residents a variety of low-cost native tree and shrub seedlings for reforestation, windbreaks, erosion control, and wildlife food and cover. Orders are being accepted through April 15th. The Department of Conservation has extended the seedling shipping timeframe through the end of May. According to MDC, the shipping season typically winds down in early May after nursery staff have shipped millions of seedlings to schools, landowners, and MDC staff for planting all over the state. Since the precautionary measures in place to decrease the spread of COVID-19, the nursery has been closed to the public and has plenty of seedlings left. Order seedlings online at mdc.mo.gov/seedlings, or fax an order form to 573-674-4047. Contact the nursery at 674-3229 or email StateForestNursery@mdc.mo.gov for an order form. Virtual Tours of the nursery are available at short.mdc.mo.gov/Zey.

Effective Wednesday, the Dent County Extension Office has been closed by the University of Missouri. Soil testing forms are available on the 2nd floor of the Judicial Building outside the Extension Office. You can still submit soil tests, but you will have to send them directly to the University of Missouri Lab. You can find out how to submit soil test by going to the University of Missouri Extension Website. If you need help have questions, call 729-3196.

The Missouri Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) would like to remind producers of the program sign-up deadlines to be considered for Fiscal Year 2020 funding. The Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) application deadline is March 30th, 2020; the Environmental Quality Incentive Program-Regional Conservation Partnership Program (EQIP-RCPP) application deadline is also March 30th, 2020; and the Conservation Stewardship Program-Classic (CSP-Classic) application deadline is June 1st, 2020. Producers may submit a signed and dated application via the mail, fax, scan, email, or submit through the agency approved Client-Gateway at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov website. You may also submit application requests to your local NRCS office through telephone, email or letter received by the sign-up cut-off date listed above. NRCS will follow-up to obtain applicant signature’s prior the application being ranked. If an application is not signed and returned to the local NRCS office prior to ranking, the application will be considered invalid. For more information contact the NRCS office in Rolla at 364-2088 or in Houston at 417-967-2028.

At the special meeting of the Salem Board of Aldermen held on Monday, City of Salem Mayor Brad Nash declared a State of Emergency in response to COVID-19. Nash stated the proclamation will help expedite our emergency response efforts and allow the city to procure needed resources more easily and adapt as necessary in our ongoing efforts to protect public health and safety. This declaration will remain in place for sixty days or until the Board of Aldermen takes other action, whichever comes first. Nash said the city appreciates the efforts of the many businesses that have already altered their operations to help in our community’s efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Under the Emergency Declaration in response to COVID-19, effective immediately the City of Salem will temporarily suspend utility penalties and shut-offs for non-payment. The City of Salem offers payment plans for utility customers facing challenges. Call the Utility Office at (573) 729-4117 for more information and give us a chance to help. The city is closing all restrooms, playgrounds and pavilions at city parks. While parks will remain open, the public should adhere to the 6-foot personal space guideline between non-family members. The City has also suspended scheduled events at all City facilities with ten (10) or more expected people including the Salem Community Center @ the Armory and Old City Hall. The lobby at the city administrative offices is currently closed in response to the coronavirus. Utility customers should use the drive-through or drop box for utility payments or call (573) 729-4117 to pay by phone. To access other City services call (573) 729-4811 or visit the City’s Facebook page. They also encourage residents to call, text or e-mail your neighbors to check on their well-being. The City of Salem will continue to work in coordination with our partner agencies, as well as the state and federal government, to monitor this evolving situation and to ensure our response actions are based on the latest facts. The City will communicate updates to the Salem community as the situation changes and as we make additional decisions regarding our local response. According to the CDC, the most effective ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to practice preventative hygiene and follow social distancing recommendations of staying home when possible and maintaining six foot of personal space when you do go out. Residents should stay informed and ensure they are receiving information from reliable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). the Dent County Health Center and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. They have a 24/7 phone hotline for the public or providers to receive information or guidance related to COVID-19. The hotline number is (877) 435-8411.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold a special meeting Monday, March 30th at 6:00 to consider a health insurance carrier at the district administrative offices.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri Conservation Commission announce they are temporarily waiving permit requirements for sport fishing and daily trout tags for Missouri residents and nonresidents whose fishing privileges are not otherwise suspended. The waiver of needing a permit or trout tag to fish will run from Friday, March 27th through April 15th. The Missouri Department of Conservation will reassess the situation at that point. All season dates and limits will continue to apply and be enforced. Three of Missouri’s public trout parks remain open for day use and fishing during that time. Those state parks include Bennett Spring State Park in Lebanon, Montauk State Park near Salem, and Roaring River State Park near Cassville. They are operated by Missouri State Parks under the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR). MDC manages the trout hatcheries at these locations. To reduce possible increased social congregation, the Department of Conservation will suspend daily trout stocking at all trout parks starting Friday and has suspended other fish stocking in waters around the state until further notice. The James Foundation announced it has closed Maramec Spring Park in St. James to the public for trout fishing and all other activities until further notice. Maramec Spring Park is owned and operated by the James Foundation. MDC manages the trout hatchery at Maramec Spring Park. For more information, visit maramecspringpark.com. Conservation makes Missouri a great place to fish and Missouri has more than a million acres of surface water with most of it providing great fishing. More than 200 different fish species are found in Missouri, with more than 20 of them being game fish for the state’s more than 1.1 million anglers. To get more information on Missouri fishing, go to huntfish.mdc.mo.gov. The Department of Conservation reminds everyone to continue to wash your hands and use other public-health measures while fishing and during other outdoor activities, including maintaining at least six feet of distance between all individuals who are not family members.

The Doe Run Company is pleased to announce the promotion of Denise Callahan to director of IT, effective April 1st. In her new role, Callahan will lead the implementation and management of the company’s information technology systems and project management office (PMO), as well as manage digital transformation initiatives. Callahan has more than 25 years of experience managing projects and leading IT organizations. During her 15-year tenure with Doe Run, she served as director of PMO, analytics and strategic planning. In this role, she was responsible for development and execution of the enterprise-wide strategy through portfolio, program and project management. In 2018, the Doe Run PMO was selected as the United States representative for the 2018 PMO Global Awards and was the runner-up for the 2010 PMO of the Year Award. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in information technology from Missouri State University and a master’s degree in information technology from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. She is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

In an effort to help ease the financial burden and provide continued connectivity for customers impacted by coronavirus, Fidelity Communications today announced that effective immediately, it will be waiving late fees and offering payment deferrals for its customers for the next 60 days. Julie Laulis, President and CEO says they understand that their customers rely on their Internet service to stay connected to family, work, school and information, and they’re are committed to ensuring they receive the assistance they need during this time. The company plans to reassess after 30 days based on the continued impact and evolving nature of the virus. Customers with questions can call 800-392-8070 for more information.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held a special meeting Monday night at the City Hall Council Chambers. Alderwoman Rachel Hinderliter was unable to attend the meeting due to her work. The board heard Bill #3442 that created an ordinance repealing Ordinance #3438 that amends Chapter 515 Electricity, amended Chapter 705 for Water Regulations and amended Chapter 710 Sewers of the municipal code of the City of Salem pertaining to the prompt payment discount and the delayed payment penalty. The board also approved Bill #3443 that created an ordinance authorizing the Mayor of Salem to make the Declaration of Emergency for the city due to the coronavirus and authorizing temporary protocols and practices for the city during the State of Emergency. The mayor then signed the proclamation that explained the “State of Emergency” for the City of Salem. This proclamation by the city will help the citizens out as it prohibits the city from disconnecting anyone’s utilities for non-payment and it will also allow the city to waive late fees for the duration of the State of Emergency. The board also approved Bill #3444 that created an ordinance adding the new provisions relating to the Emergency Employee Sick Leave Act and the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act according to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The board, after a few corrections, passed Resolution #5-2020, a resolution adopting a new policy to help utility customers qualify for a payment plan to replace the previous payment plan adopted by Resolution #1-2018 for the City of Salem. With no further business at hand, the meeting was adjourned.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On March 4th at about 5:11 in the afternoon, an officer responded to the 200 block of Rolla Road in an attempt to contact a female who had an active arrest warrant. As a result, contact was made, and a 27-year-oldwoman was arrested on an active City of Salem Warrant. The female was incarcerated at the Dent County Jail. The next night at 11:44, an officer conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Route J and Dilworth Street. As a result of the traffic stop the driver, a 23-year-old Salem male was found to have an active traffic warrant for his arrest. He was able to post bond and was released. On Friday afternoon, March 6th near 2:30, an officer was dispatched to transport a 79-year-old Salem man to Sullivan for a 96-hour commitment. On Sunday, March 8th at approximately 3:54 in the afternoon, an officer responded to the 400 block of East First Street to attempt to contact a subject with an active arrest warrant. Contact was made with a 23-year-old Salem male who had an active arrest warrant from the Rolla Police Department. The man was arrested and transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office for incarceration awaiting extradition by Rolla PD. On Monday, March the 9th near noon, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart for a report of a shoplifter. The officer was informed that a female had stolen $211.71 worth of merchandise and left walking west. A short investigation was conducted and as a result a 32-year-old homeless female was arrested and issued summons to appear in court. Then on Thursday afternoon, March 12th at about 3:00, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart for another report of a shoplifter. The officer was informed that a female had stolen $27.94 worth of merchandise. As a result of the investigation, a 37-year-old Salem woman was arrested and issued summons to appear in court. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

Out of an abundance of caution and in reaction to the presence of COVID-19 in Missouri, Missouri State Parks will temporarily close all campgrounds and lodging, effective this Friday, March 27, through Thursday, April 30. This includes campgrounds, park-run lodging and concessionaire-run lodging. Missouri State Parks will remain open to the public, including day-use areas, boat ramps and trails. All fees associated with camping and park-run lodging reservations, including reservation, cancellation and modification fees, beginning the night of Friday, March 27, through the night of Thursday, April 30, will be refunded. Park staff will inform guests already in the campgrounds of this change and will work with them to adjust their reservations and on any needed refunds. The call center will contact campers with reservations who have yet to arrive. If you have an existing reservation at a state park or historic site campground or park-run lodging, please call the Reservation Call Center at 1-877-422-6766. The call center is open daily 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For an existing reservation with concessionaire lodging at Montauk State Park or Echo Bluff State Park, please contact them directly. The number at Montauk is 573-548-2434 and the number at Echo Bluff is 844-322-3246.

The City of Salem Planning & Zoning Board of Commissioners Chairman Gary Brown has called a Planning and Zoning Commission public meeting to hear a request for a waiver to allow parking in the 30-foot front setback of new development which includes lots 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11 of the South Aire Annex. This subdivision of land consists of fourteen (14) lots and being part of lot two of the Southwest Quarter of Section Nineteen (19), Township Thirty-four (34) North, Range Five (5) West, in Dent County, Missouri, owner Central MO Investments, LLC. The meeting at the City Hall Council Chambers at 202 North Washington begins at 6:00 PM on Monday, March 30th and it is open to the public.

A two vehicle accident happened just before 2:00 Sunday afternoon in Maries County on Highway 63 about a mile north of Vienna. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2019 Chevrolet Sonic being driven by 52-year old Sheila Eaves of St. James, was stopped in the southbound lane waiting to make a left turn and was struck from behind by a 2011 Chevy Cruze being driven by 18-year old William Patterson of Vienna. A passenger in the Sonic, 46-year old Charles Eaves, also of St. James suffered minor injuries and was transported by Maries Osage ambulance to Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City. Both vehicles sustained moderate damage and were secured in a private lot.