Local News – Monday, November 27th, 2023

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees held their regular meeting Thursday, November 16th. The minutes of the October regular meeting were approved followed by Administrator Zach Moser’s report. There was no Communicable Disease Report due to the resignation of the CD Nurse. In the diagnostics report, Moser said 238 blood draw appointments were completed in October, plus there were 29 COVID tests and 14 lead tests performed. The COVID-19 vaccinations totaled 178, while there were 262 influenza doses, and 75 other types of vaccinations were administered. A total of 758 appointments were held during September, plus WIC appointments totaled 316. There were also two Show-Me Health Women appointments and six Title X Family Planning appointments. Moser noted there were 80 urine drug screenings conducted on behalf of the Dent County Treatment Court. Assistant Administrator Roma Jones gave the environmental report where two total inspections were conducted, there were no recalls, there were two sewer complaints, and ten environmental questions were fielded. In the Administrator’s report, Moser reported that Miller Glass has ordered the materials for the doors, but they have not been delivered yet. He noted that the Lead (Pb) Project Manager has been hired. and the Youth Vaping Town Hall meeting will be December 14th at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory. The Health Center financial reports for October, including the review from H & R Block, were reviewed. Discussion was held on the balance sheet, income statement, and budget statements. After these questions were answered, the financial reports and the report from H & R Block were approved. In New Business, the Board discussed the public comments relative to the proposed Food Regulations. There were 2 comments opposed and two comments in favor. The “Good” and “Okay” rating system was questioned in several comments, and the licensing period renewal at the beginning of the year was noted to be difficult due to it being a busy time of year. The DCHC staff recommended to the Board to keep the rating system as Good or Okay but to change the licensing period to begin in July instead of January. The Board approved the food regulations with the change from January to July as the licensing period. The 2024 budget was discussed and Secretary-Treasurer Bob Gravely pointed out that it was very important to dive into assumptions made and the sources of the numbers presented. He and Moser will work together to critically evaluate the budget and a tentative date of December 18th at 5:00 was set for a Board Budget meeting. Election filing dates for the two Board seats held by Lori Hasten and Carol Lacy are up for election with the filing dates being December 5th through the 26th. Due to increased personnel costs and the ending of grant funding that had subsidized the cost of lab tests, the cost of those services will have to be increased. Lab order prices will remain the same and lab draw fees will increase to $25.00 effective December 1st. No action was taken on what services the nurse practitioner should be authorized to provide. A motion was made to go into closed session and a roll call vote was taken with all being in favor. The Board exited closed session having approved a revised bid from Evapar regarding the generator. The additional costs for the 48KWH generator were necessary in order to tie into all three service points. The total cost increased from $36,930 to $42,365. The next regular meeting of the Board was set for Thursday, December 21st at 5:00.

The last signup for the Dent County Toy Drive and the Salvation Army Angel Tree will be TODAY from 3:30 until 5:30 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory at 1200 West Rolla Road. These programs are limited to children from newborn to 12-years of age, and the parent or guardian they live with MUST sign them up. The parent needs to bring with them a birth certificate or shot record or current grade card to prove the child’s age; and the parents must live in Dent County. A current utility bill or a letter from the school the child attends will also work. Only one person per family may register and no children are allowed to be present during the signups. Parents will be asked the interests of each child, and they should know their children’s clothes and shoe sizes. The Dent County Toy Drive and the Salvation Army want all children to have a great Christmas, but they are also asking parents not to sign up unless you truly need the help. If you have questions, message the Dent County Toy Drive on their Facebook page or call 729-8163.