Local News – Thursday, July 29th, 2021

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met Thursday, July 22nd. Administrator Zach Moser updated the board on the current COVID status in Dent County. To date, there were 1,117 confirmed COVID cases and 234 probable cases had been investigated. He stated that 99 of those cases have required hospitalization, and at the time of the Board meeting there were 4 people hospitalized. Moser did say that 40 deaths have been confirmed from the COVID-19 virus. He stated that according to the Missouri Division of Health and Senior Services, 23.4% of Dent County residents have received their first dose of vaccine and 20.3% have completed the series as of July 22nd. Moser went on to note that Dent County’s positivity rate was at 25.3% and that the vaccine continues to be available at the Dent County Health Center, Moser Pharmacy, Vandivort Pharmacy, and Wal-Mart Pharmacy. Assistant Administrator Roma Jones reported that Board member Dennis Floyd and his crew brought the MOSWIN antenna and radio over from the MacArthur property and a decision will need to be reached as to where to install it on the current building. Floyd will make some inquires and make a recommendation to the board. A motion was made and passed to include the new Federal Holiday, Juneteenth, as a holiday in the current personnel manual. Jones informed the Board that all of the original paperwork for the sale of the MacArthur property and the purchase of the Scenic Rivers Boulevard property had been placed in the bank box at the Bank of Salem downtown location. Jones noted that no communicable disease report was available as the CD nurse had been in training all week, that face to face WIC appointments are continuing to take place, and that there were 87 labs drawn in June. Moser, Jones and Joan Raulston will be attending a one-day Local Agency Plan meeting in Jefferson City August 3rd, and they hope to be able to submit Dent County Health Center’s plan by the end of the meeting. Jones went on to note that no Sho-Me Healthy Women (SMHW) clinics are scheduled for July so the next appointments will be scheduled for August 23rd. To set up an appointment or for more information about SMHW contact the Health Center office at 729-3106. Jones reported that one food establishment that had not been inspected had to be closed until they submit a plan and become an inspected facility. She said Chapter 8 of the current food code gives the local agency the power to shut establishments down who are not in compliance. There is paperwork that must be submitted to Jones 30 days prior to opening and she is able to do an inspection. With Administrator Moser being new to the Health Center the Board voted to postpone the Dent County Health Center audit until 2022, which will still be within the recommended time frame of every 2 to 3 years since the last audit. Jones reported that Administrator Moser will be attending a New Administrators training in Jefferson City July 29th and 30th. The Board authorized Moser to search for and acquire the best option for two credit or debit cards for health center’s operations. A brief discussion was held on physical priorities for the Dent County health Center building. Health center expenses for June were approved and the next meeting was set for Thursday, August 19th at the Dent County Health Center.

Missouri State Parks invites the public to participate Learn2 Paddle kayaking classes offered at select parks this summer. The program is for anyone who wants to experience kayaking but is not sure where to start. It is also perfect for those who want to get out on the water but don’t own a kayak. In the Salem and Dent County area, the Current River State Park will host a two-hour kayaking class on Friday, August 6th from 1:00 until 3:00. The Missouri State Parks will provide the kayaks, paddle, life jackets and instructors. Participants must be at least 10 years of age. Children 14 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the entire program. Participants should be comfortable around water. All Missouri State Parks rules and regulations apply. This is a family-oriented program; alcohol and tobacco products are not allowed while participating in the Learn2 Paddle program. The class registration fee is $5 per participant; registration is required. For registration information, visit mostateparks.com and click on their Learn 2 button under Topics. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Being outdoors can be a fun and relaxing experience, and the Missouri State Parks team wants to remind park visitors about the importance of practicing safety measures when visiting a state park or historic site. Missouri State Parks Director Mike Sutherland said the safety of our visitors is our top priority. While it’s not always the first thing on your mind, practicing safety measures will help ensure your experience is an enjoyable one, and that you keep yourself and others around you safe. When visiting a Missouri state park or historic site, please remember to wear appropriate clothing, stay hydrated, follow any guidelines posted throughout the park, know your severe weather plan, only swim in designated areas and leave wildlife be. Many of the outdoor features in state parks have conditions that cannot be controlled or managed. To make your experience in Missouri state parks great when enjoying any water-related activity, follow these safety tips: only swim in designated areas and follow signage, familiarize yourself with the area first before entering the water, watch for underwater obstacles such as stumps, logs, etc., never swim, wade or access any water feature alone, always wear a personal flotation device, never leave children unsupervised near the water, learn to swim and know your swimming limits and never drink alcohol and swim. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

If you are not feeling well and want to know if it could possibly be COVID-19, the Dent County Health Center wants to remind people that they can get tested for COVID-19 in Dent County at the Salem Memorial District Hospital with a Physician’s order. This will be a drive-up COVID Test at the Emergency Department entrance. Contact your primary care physician and have them submit the order or call 739-1915.