Local News – Monday, July 24th, 2023

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees held their regular meeting Thursday, July 17th. The full board was present as were Administrator Zach Moser and Assistant Administrator Roma Jones. Also attending was Carol Lacy who had been appointed to the Board by the Dent County Commission following the resignation of Kim Smith. Lacy was sworn in by Moser. The board then elected to move Dennis Floyd to Vice-Chairman and elect Bob Gravely as Secretary-Treasurer. After approval of the minutes of the June 15th regular meeting of the Board and the Special Meeting of the Board on July 17th with Tiffany Bayer from the Center for Local Public Health at DHSS, Administrator Moser presented the communicable disease report which included no new reported cases of COVID-19 for June. He said there were 32 active lead cases in June and that six sexually transmitted infection screenings were conducted during the month. Moser noted that a total of nine total influenza cases were reported in June. He stated that this is a very unusual number of influenza cases for this time of year. Moser also reported that there were four animal bites reported in June. In the diagnostics report, Moser said 196 blood draw appointments were completed in June, plus 6 COVID tests and five lead tests. There were 13 vaccines for COVID-19 and 99 other vaccinations administered. A total of 422 appointments were held during June, plus WIC appointments that totaled 323. Moser noted in June there were 120 urine drug screenings conducted on behalf of the Dent County Treatment Court. Assistant Administrator Jones gave the environmental report where she conducted seven total inspections, addressed one recall, and fielded seven environmental questions. In the Administrator’s report, Moser noted that no bids were received for a HEPA Filtration System and it was decided to re-published the bid solicitation. Moser reported on some operational problems with the main entrance door to the building and he was approved to obtain bids on replacing it with a power door for better accessibility. Moser reminded the Board of upcoming future Health Center events including vaccines at school registration on August 7th, Back to School Fair August 12th, a Fall Health Fair on October 26th, and a drive-through flu/COVID clinic on October 12th. The health center financial reports for June, including the review from H & R Block, were reviewed. Board member Gravely had a number of questions about the report as there were some inconsistencies with past reports. WIC income was essentially double and that was due to two DHSS payment receipts in June. Another was a huge increase in net revenues for June compared to May and that was due to the Health Disparities (Childcare Grant) that runs in three month cycles. Finally, there were three pay periods in June, which caused increases in the payroll expense. After these questions were addressed Gravely moved to approve the financial reports and the report from H&R Block. The motion was seconded and it carried. Moser presented a new Vacation and Personal Leave Accrual formula since Quickbooks did not accrue vacation time on paid time off which the board approved. Moser discussed a new initiative as a partnership with the local schools to reduce the impact of vaping in teens. The “Strong Student Lungs Program” would refer the students for treatment rather than punishing them. He presented a Comprehensive Tobacco Free Policy for addition to the employee handbook. The policy was approved. Moser shared Bank Signer Resolution 2023-R002 with the Board. Minor adjustments were made and the resolution was approved. A Certificate of Deposit Resolution was presented, which will be reconsidered at the next meeting. As follow-up to last Monday’s meeting with Tiffany Bayer, Gravely discussed the need for a formal review process for the administrator, plus a need for a formal strategic plan or set of objectives for DCHC for comparison to determine progress or lack of it. It was decided that surveys of DCHC patient satisfaction, plus a staff evaluation of the Administrators is to be developed. The next regular meeting of the board was set for Thursday, August 24th at 5:00.

The Pulltite Cabin area will be temporarily closed for visitor safety following major damage from recent severe thunderstorms after a large tree, roughly three feet in diameter, crushed part of the metal roof and buckled the south wall of the cabin. The force of the impact also broke mortar between the logs and caused other structural damage. Park crews are working on a plan to remove the tree safely without causing additional harm to the structure. Following removal, the National Park Service will perform a structural assessment of the building and stabilize it to prevent further deterioration. There is no estimated time frame for completing these steps. Pulltite Cabin is located along the Current River across from Pulltite Campground and can only be reached by hiking the trail from the river. Visitors should stay at least 100 feet away from the cabin but can still use the main hiking trail to view Pulltite Spring. The cabin was built in the unique French style, where vertical logs prevent the need for notching and stacking. In the center of the cabin, an impressive 38-foot log stands. Construction of the cabin was completed in 1913.

As the drought creeps up and across the state, producers are starting to feel the effects. Many pastures are becoming short and hay feeding is crossing the minds of cattle farmers. The program, “Managing Your Herd Through Drought” will be held this Thursday evening at the Wurdack Extension Center in Cook Station from 6:00 to 8:00. Gatlin Bunton, Agronomy Specialist in Crawford County, said that the ongoing drought through much of southern Missouri presents challenges and opportunities for producers. Extension specialists will go through topics that producers should be mindful of during drought situations. Topics include livestock decisions and feeding, forage management and toxins, money considerations and management and planning for future events. In each negative event, there is always a positive. The Farm Service Agency will also be presenting on drought programs that are available to producers. View this drought as a learning opportunity and what can be done to add resilience to your operation. Register for the workshop online at extension.missouri.edu or by calling Crawford County Extension Office at 573-775-2135. There is no fee to attend. If you have questions or need special accommodations, call Rachel Hopkins at 573-438-2671.