Local News – Monday, April 29th, 2024
The Salem Memorial Hospital, through its Board of Directors, announces that Jason Edwards, Interim CEO, and Doug Hoban, Chief Financial Officer have submitted their resignations to become effective May 22, 2024 siting personal reasons. The Board would like to thank Jason for his time, dedication, and service to Salem Memorial Hospital. In 20 years with us, Jason has served as our dietitian, Chief Operating Officer, and, most recently, as Interim CEO. The Board recognizes Jason for taking the reins and providing a steady hand during a time of transition for the Hospital and its staff. Likewise, the Board recognizes Doug Hoban, CFO, who has also provided a crucial service to the Hospital during a difficult financial audit and transition period after the departure of Rural Hospital Group. We wish them both the best in their future endeavors. Prior to these resignations, the Board had started the process of selecting a permanent CEO. The Board will continue this process as planned and hopes to have the CEO role filled with the best candidate as soon as possible. Contingency plans are in place to minimize any potential impact of the departure of these two important employees. The Board is committed to ensuring that Salem Memorial Hospital continues to thrive and serve as the nexus of healthcare in the Salem area. The Board continues to evaluate all options, including partnerships, affiliations, and management agreements to further the goal of providing quality healthcare to the residents of the District. The Board, again, thanks Jason and Doug for their services and looks forward to the many opportunities the Hospital has to improve; for every patient, every encounter, every time.
The Dent County sheriffs office has released several report. On Saturday, April 20th, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 1300 block of East Scenic Rivers Boulevard . The operator was a 53-year-old Salem woman who was found to be driving on a suspended and revoked driving privilege. She was arrested and transported to the Dent County jail. On Tuesday the 23rd, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the unit block of County Road 5035. The driver was a 36-year-old St. James woman who was found to be driving on a revoked driving privilege. She was arrested and transported to the Dent County jail. Two days later on the 25th, deputies responded to the Truman Trailer Court in an attempt to serve an arrest warrant. The suspect, a 31-year-old Salem woman, was located and arrested. She was transported to the Dent County jail and incarcerated. The next day deputies responded to the 1000 block of County Road 6230 for the report of a burglary. The victim was a 42-year-old Salem woman who told deputies that a chainsaw was missing from her storage shed. The investigation is ongoing. That same day deputies conducted a traffic stop at Highway 19 and Highway 68. The driver was a 37-year-old Salem man, was found to be a felon in possession of a firearm. He was arrested and transported to the Dent County jail. If you have information regarding an investigation please call the Dent County sheriffs office at 729-3241.
Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley has released results from recent court cases in Dent County. On Wednesday, April 17th in front of Judge Nathan Kelsaw, Steven Stagner of Salem pleaded guilty to the possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine; and for a felony charge of driving while having his license revoked. He was sentenced to six years in the Missouri Department of Corrections as requested by the prosecutor. Then on Tuesday, April 23rd in front of Judge Michael Randazzo, Amy Jo Jackson of Salem pleaded guilty to a felony charge of driving while having her license revoked and for a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated,a first offense. Jackson was sentenced to four years in the Missouri Department of Corrections as requested by the prosecutor. The next case of the day saw Lacy McIntire of Bland pleading guilty to the possession fentanyl. She was sentenced by Judge Randazzo to a seven year suspended execution of her sentenced with five years probation and parole as well as treatment court which is what the prosecutor requested. Judge Randazzo on April 23rd also revoked the probation of James Wallace of Salem as he was ordered to the Missouri Department of Corrections for 120 days under the Missouri Revised State Statute 559.115 program as requested by Prosecutor Curley. Wallace was on probation for two cases for the felony possession of a controlled substance.
The Salem Chamber Singers attended the 2024 MSHSAA State Festival for Solos and Small Ensembles this past Friday. In the Vocal Solo category Corby Ball, Hannah Greener, and Neely Leathers each received gold for their performance as well as Riley Darby and Leay Russell receiving silver. Then in the Vocal SSAA Quartet, Ayva Callicutt, Neely Leathers, Caroline Pryor, Leya Russell got top marks with gold.
Also at the MSHSAA State Festival, Salem Marching Blue soloists Mason Tomnitz and Thomas Harris each took gold playing their euphoniums. Xander During, playing his bass clarinet took silver.
The Salem High School Art Students attended the Rho Tau District Art Show at Liberty High School this past Friday and with seven other schools participating, Salem took first place with 283 points! Individually Salem students took home 17 first place ribbons, 25 second, 16 third, 10 fourth, 22 honorable mentions, and 16 students choice ribbons for a total of 95 ribbons and five Community Choice awards.