Local News – Monday, February 7th, 2022
The Board of Trustees at Salem Memorial District Hospital (SMDH) in a closed session meeting Thursday have relieved Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas of his duties as CEO effective last Thursday, February 3rd. The board also named Bill May as their Interim CEO, effective Friday, February 4th. Bill May will be onsite to begin his duties today. Mr. May has over 30 years of CEO experience in rural hospitals similar to SMDH and is affiliated with Rural Hospital Group (RHG). RHG and its partners have worked with over 800 hospitals in 42 states, a large percentage being rural providers. RHG was founded to help keep health care accessible to rural communities through professional management. RHG leaders have extensive experience developing and operating hospitals in rural settings. RHG was brought into SMDH by the Board of Directors for an initial period of 90 days to assist the hospital in responding to the financial crisis sweeping the rural hospital industry which has partially been caused by the ongoing global pandemic. Starting today, RHG will begin discussion with staff, providers and the community in an effort to stabilize and improve operations for SMDH.
Committee Chair Catherine Dent has called a meeting of the City of Salem’s Utility Committee for this evening at 6:00 in the City Hall Council Chambers at 202 N. Washington St. The committee will be meeting to consider Utility Disconnections before they adjourn. The meeting is open to the public.
An accident happened Thursday morning at 9:30 in Franklin County on eastbound Interstate 44 near the 227-mile marker. According to the report released by the highway patrol a 2014 International Harvester Lonestar being driven by 34-year-old Christopher Frisby of Rolla was stopped due to a previous accident ahead. At that time, a 2016 Freightliner Cascadia being driven by 46-year-old Mohamed Siad of Columbus, Ohio was inattentive and struck the rear of the International. Both drivers suffered moderate injuries, and both were transported to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan by Missouri Baptist EMS. The International was totaled and removed from the scene by Big Boys Towing. The Freightliner sustained extensive damage and was towed by Patriots Towing. The report went on to state that both drivers were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident.
These reports were released from the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. On Tuesday, February 1st, a deputy was dispatched to the 5400 block of Highway 19 for a report of property damage. During the course of the investigation, a male juvenile admitted to the incident. A referral was made to the Juvenile Office concerning the incident. Then on Thursday, February 3rd, deputies were dispatched to the 2700 block of Highway 119 for a reported burglary. During the course of the investigation, a 39-year-old Salem man was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail. He was placed on a 24-hour hold pending formal charges. If anyone has any information regarding these incidents, please call the sheriff’s office at 729-3241.
Come join Patty Burmeister and learn about Sherenschnitte and learn the “old world” craft of paper cutting to create some valentines, decorative wall hangings and more by using paper and special scissors. The two-hour session will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 this evening at the Creative Arts Center. The cost of the class is $25 for the patterns, scissors and supplies. This class is appropriate for all ages. For more information or to register, call 247-0651 or 247-5306 you can e-mail salemartscouncil@outlook.com.