Local News – Monday, November 30th, 2020
The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met for their regular meeting Thursday, November 19, at the Health Center. Administrator Kendra Mobray updated the board on the Health Center’s continued response to Covid-19. She reported that cases are rising rapidly across Dent County. Case numbers are being updated on Facebook every Monday and Thursday. The Health Center Staff is now focusing on case investigation and asking positive patients to do their own contact tracing. Due to the increase in cases, reports of positive cases from testing sites are delayed by days and some are never reported. A COVID patient guidance tool is available on SMDH’s website, The Salem News online and DCHC’s Facebook page. The Health Center encourages anyone being tested to follow that guidance tool. Clients are still being seen by appointment at the Health Center. Mobray stated that according to calls with the Missouri Division of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) there is concern that Missouri’s hospital capacity could become overwhelmed over the next few weeks if cases continue to increase at the same rate. As the holidays approach, it is important that everyone do their part in preventing further spread of the virus by following CDC guidelines. The Health Center Board voted for a one-time mid-month payroll to be completed by December 15th to account for half of the month’s COVID response hours so the Health Center could include those funds in the CARES Act claim. She went on to report that Flu shots are being given by appointment and three drive-thru Flu shot clinics have been conducted. Free flu shots are available for uninsured adults and children, as well as high-dose flu shots for seniors and quadrivalent flu shots for anyone over 6 months of age. Mobray noted that the Health Center is in frequent communication with DHSS regarding COVID-19 vaccine updates and distribution planning. Mobray reported that the October and November Show-Me Healthy Women (SMHW) clinics were cancelled due to lack of patients. Uninsured and under-insured women ages 35-64, that meet income guidelines, can receive well women care at no cost through the program. Interested women should call the Health Center at 729-3106 and ask for Ashley. The next regular meeting of the Trustees was set for December 19th at 5:00. The meeting was then adjourned.
The Salem Christmas Committee is holding a window decorating contest for any business in Salem. Here is a list of those businesses that have already signed up: A Look a Ground, Edward Jones Office, Shelter Insurance, the Salem Public Library, attorney-at-law Carrie Gerischer, the Beehive, the Salem License Office, the Main Street Café, the Country Chic Boutique, Duncan Family Chiropractic, Tax Masters, That Special Touch Florists and the old Bottorff’s store downtown. Business who would still like to sign up should contact Tabitha at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce office by the end of business Tuesday, December 1st. They are located in the Crossroads Shopping Center and the phone number is 729-6900. Judging will be held Thursday night and the winner will be announced on Friday, December 4th. The winner will receive a banner as well as $250 cash.
The office of Dent County Assessor Jamie Homeyer has released this information in preparation for the new option of online assessment filing, your 2021 Assessment forms will not be mailed until the week of December 16th. Your yearly assessment is based on what personal property you own on January 1st and your completed assessment forms are due by March 1, 2021. The Assessor’s office is open from 8:00 to 4:30 Monday through Friday and you may call us at 573-729-6010. If we are unable to answer the phone please leave a message and we will return your call.
The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the city of Salem have set the date of Saturday, December 5th for the Christmas parade to beginning at 5:30. The parade will begin at SBU and wind its way to the courthouse. The theme this year will be “Favorite Christmas Movie”. Businesses, organizations, and individuals that would like to have an entry in the parade will need to return an entry form available at the Chamber office in the Crossroads Shopping Center no later than December 2nd. For more information you can email the Chamber office at chamber@salemmo.com or call the 729-6900.