Local News – Thursday, January 28th, 2021
The Salem R-80 School Board held a special meeting Tuesday evening and unanimously voted to end the hybrid model of learning that has been in effect at the Salem High School since last October. Students will begin attending school with in-seat classes five days a week beginning on Monday, February 1st. The mask mandate has been in effect for students in the district since the beginning of the 2nd semester.
The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met for their regular meeting Thursday, January 21st, at the Health Center. Administrator Kendra Mobray reported that incumbent Bob Parsons was the only one that filed for the Board position so no election will be held. She updated the Board on the current Covid-19 status in Dent County. Mobray said that to date there have been 907 confirmed cases and 162 probable cases that have been investigated. At meeting time, there were 29 confirmed active cases and nine probables. Sixteen deaths have been confirmed and she noted that confirmation of deaths through the Bureau of Vital Records can take several weeks so the numbers are reported as deaths are confirmed. Mobray went on to say that the Health Center is working closely with SMDH to secure vaccine for Dent County and mass vaccination clinics will be held as soon as possible. The Health Center will release information to the public through Facebook and local media outlets as more is known. She went on to report that 414 Flu shots have been administered to date and are still available and are being given by appointment. The Health Center is able to bill private insurance and Medicaid. Flu shots are free to adults that are uninsured. Mobray said the season-to-date total of reported influenza cases remains at one. In closed session the Board discussed and set salaries for 2021. Mobray presented the 2021 Budget for Board review. She reported that the Health Center remains fiscally sound with ending year revenues over expenses of $46,370.79. Mobray said that $51,461.63 in assets were purchased and $11,679.82 in principal payments were made in Fiscal Year 20. She noted there was a decrease in cash available of $2,143.15 from December 31, 2019. After much discussion the Budget was approved and December 2020 expenses were approved. The next regular meeting of the Trustees was set for February 18th at 5:00. The meeting was then adjourned.
An accident happened in Phelps County Wednesday morning at 9:25 on Highway 63 at Yancy Mills. According to the highway patrol report, a northbound 2005 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 69-year-old Ronnie Hood of Licking, began sliding on the roadway and struck an unknown northbound pickup pulling a trailer that was passing in the passing lane. The Chevrolet came to rest in the roadway, while the unknown vehicle continued northbound. Hood suffered minor injuries and was transported by EMS to Phelps Health. The report stated that he was wearing his safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevrolet sustained minor damage and was removed by a private party.
Missouri state park and historic site indoor spaces, including visitor centers, nature centers, museums and offices, will remain closed through Sunday, February 28th. Outdoor spaces and amenities, including day-use areas, lodging, campgrounds, boat ramps and trails, will remain open and available under normal offseason status, unless otherwise designated. While safety, stewardship and service are all very important to Missouri State Parks, safety is the top priority. Visitors should come prepared and view the online park and site status map before heading to the park for any weather-related closures that may impact their visit. Contact information of staff will be posted on signage throughout the park for visitors who may have questions or need assistance. Campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis at most Missouri State Parks campgrounds and some offer reservations during the offseason period. For more information on camping, visit mostateparks.com/activity/camping. Out of a continued abundance of caution, interpretive programming at parks and sites has been postponed. Many parks and sites have virtual alternatives and are providing other opportunities, such as virtual tours, lesson plans and online programming for visitors, educators and families. Learn more about what is being offered at each location by calling the park or site office or following Missouri State Parks on Facebook. When visiting a Missouri state park or historic site, visitors are strongly encouraged to follow social-distancing guidelines and be proactive in protecting themselves and others amid ongoing public health concerns. Come prepared with hand sanitizer and bottled water, avoid large and congested crowds and please stay home if sick. Face coverings are encouraged when social-distancing measures are difficult to maintain, and may be required by local orders. For more information, please contact the Missouri State Parks Division at moparks@dnr.mo.gov.
An accident happened in Crawford County at 7:50 Wednesday morning on the South Outer Road about two miles east of Cuba. According to the highway patrol report, a westbound 2006 Ford Fusion, driven by 72-year-old Patrick Leonard of Bourbon, crossed the center line of the roadway causing the front of an eastbound 2002 Lincoln Navigator to strike the left side of the Ford. The Lincoln was driven by 42-year-old Amanda Beauchamp of Cuba. Leonard suffered serious injuries, while Beauchamp suffered moderate injuries. Both were transported by the North Crawford Ambulance to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. The report stated that both drivers were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. Both vehicles were totaled in the accident. The Ford was removed from the scene by Patriot Towing of Sullivan, while the Lincoln was removed by Miles and Sons of Steelville.