Local News – Friday, May 27th, 2022

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, Representative Ron Copeland was in attendance and discussed legislation sent to the governor for his signature. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said brush would be cut on Dent County Road 2470 while the road crews will be out checking for washouts and storm damages from Wednesday’s downpour. Mobray said a man would also be stockpiling rock at the maintenance shed. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said grading would be done and brush would be cut on Dent County Road 4290. He said pipes will be cleaned out on county road 4050, older pipes will be removed from county road 4020 and some trees will be removed on county road 4010. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that he and the other commissioners attended the Industrial Development Authority meeting Wednesday night and received financial updates. Skiles said Salem and Dent County Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge provided updates on the certified site at the Masters’ Industrial Park and other projects. Skiles said the courthouse will be closed for Memorial Day. The commissioners decided to put out for chip and seal bids and they will be due in the Dent County Clerk’s office by June 16th at 10:00 in the morning. At the last commissioner meeting, the commission approved unanimously to purchase a new MANTIS mower/tractor from Springdale Tractor for $205,089. The funds for the purchase will come from the county ARPA Funds. The next commissioner meeting will be Thursday, June 2nd at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met last Thursday, May 19th. Health Center Administrator Zach Moser said the communicable disease report included the investigation of only 1 COVID-19 case, 5 cases of Influenza A, and 4 animal bites. Moser noted that the Health Center recommends everyone over the age of 5 get vaccinated against COVID-19. In the diagnostics report there were 170 blood draw appointments they were completed The Health Center can conduct most tests at reduced cost for those without insurance. There were 40 COVID tests during the month and tests are available ranging in price from $10 to $50, however most people can qualify for free testing and no doctor’s orders are required. Moser said that 133 COVID-19 vaccines were administered, plus 36 other vaccines. There was a total of 392 appointments during the month. Assistant Administrator Roma Jones gave the environmental report and said she conducted 4 inspections and fielded 14 environmental questions. In the Administrators report, the only items left on the construction list were replacing the back door, installing the concrete ramp to the front door, installation of a countertop in the testing room, and the installation of the remainder of the new flooring. Moser reported that the Health Center had reached an agreement with April Greener, DNP to work at the Health Center. Greener starts June 6th. According to Missouri Law, she will require a 1-month period of shadowing her collaborating physician before she can begin seeing patients. Moser said currently the Health Center is waiting on over $100,000 in outstanding payments from the State of Missouri. He said the van for the mobile unit, which was purchased in April, came in under budget. Insurance, title, and license have all been paid for and we’re awaiting on the window graphics. The Use of Company Vehicle Policy was reviewed by the Board and approved. Moser reported that the Childcare Subsidies are awaiting a working contract template for childcare providers before that program can be initiated, plus lab equipment approved for purchase last month has been delivered. Health Center expenses for March 2022 were not available at the last meeting so both the March and April expenditures were reviewed and approved by the Board. Moser reported that the Dent County Commissioners had appointed Dennis Floyd back to the Board and he will serve until the next municipal election, when he must file for the final 3 years of his term. The Board of Trustees elected Bob Parsons Chairman, Sandra Headrick Vice-Chair, Dennis Floyd Treasurer and Shirley Larson and Kim Smith as members at large. Then bids were presented for a new phone system with 8 different quotes being reviewed with varying installation and monthly costs. After much discussion the Board approved the purchase through Avaya Directly for a monthly cost of $318.14 and an implementation cost of $2,175. ARPA funding was discussed, and it was recommended that Moser draw up a proposal for lost revenue as a request for ARPA fund use. The Board then went into closed session where they discussed and declined a proposal concerning personnel, and approved a part time summer intern position. The Board set the next meeting date of June 16th at 5:00 at the DCHC.

The Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to the boating season. During the 2021 Memorial Day weekend, there were 12 boating crashes which included one fatality and three injuries. One person drowned over last year’s Memorial Day weekend. Last year, troopers made 57 driving while intoxicated and eight boating while intoxicated arrests. This year’s Memorial Day holiday counting period begins at 6:00 tonight and will last through Monday night, May 30th, at 11:59. Always be courteous and pay attention, whether you’re operating a vehicle or a vessel, and choose to be a sober driver on land and on the water. A safe, fun weekend starts with planning and good decisions. Boaters in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use the Highway Patrol’s Emergency Assistance number 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. Please be courteous to others on the water, wear a life jacket, and obey the law regarding safe operation of a vessel and no wake zones. Causing harm to another person or their property with an excessive boat wake may subject you to enforcement action or civil liability. Always treat other boaters and property owners as you want to be treated. Never operate a boat while you are impaired; never ride with an impaired operator. Remember: Life jackets save lives.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to remind the public that driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed Monday in observance of Memorial Day. Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, May 31st.