Local News – Thursday, June 20th, 2024

This past Tuesday night, the Salem Memorial Hospital Board held their regular meeting in the hospital library. During the Administrator’s Report, Interim CEO Wes Murray noted that SMH’s service prices are significantly lower than those of surrounding hospitals. He said efforts are underway to overhaul the Charge Master. Murray also reported active recruiting measures are being taken to find a Speech Pathologist to improve the Swing Bed patient service and retention. He also mentioned the hospital is currently applying to administer vaccines to children, particularly those without insurance or on Medicaid. A review of cost-cutting strategies included significant reductions or the complete removal of various service contracts and marketing expenses, alongside a focus on departmental efficiencies. It was discussed that these cost-cutting measures, though unpopular, are not necessarily permanent but are currently necessary. The board then reviewed the Summary of Operations for the month of May. Admissions for Medical/Surgical, Swing Beds, and Observation were all down compared to May of last year and were at or below the 2024 average. Outpatient registrations were down by 389 compared to this time last year. The number of long-term care residents remained at 17. Emergency room visits were consistent with this year’s average at 626. The hospital’s total assets stand at $12.5 million, reflecting a net decrease of $3.7 million compared to May 2023. The Cash Flow Statement showed a monthly cash flow decrease of $145,061, though Days Cash on Hand remained steady at 27. The 340B Program continued to show positive revenue, outperforming expenses in four out of the five recorded months this year. In the Chief Nursing Officer Report, several current openings were noted, including five full-time RN/LPN positions, the Chief Nursing Officer position, and a Long-Term Care Director. It was mentioned that applications were low, and there is renewed interest in restarting the Student Nursing Program. In May, there were eight new hires and twelve departures. The Matching Funds obligation to receive the remaining State funds, secured by Representative Ron Copeland, was achieved in May. The Strategic Plan and Tax Levy Increase remain tabled by the board. The budget approval process is still ongoing as the board went into closed session. The next scheduled meeting will be held on July 16.

The Salem Police department has released their report for the month of May. The department responded to 19 accidents during the month. Officers responded to ten alarms sounding and addressed 26 animal calls, investigated three assaults or fights, four burglaries, performed nine well being checks and 11 area checks in May. Police investigated 11 domestic disputes, 11 verbal disturbances, conducted 33 follow-up investigations, and provided 15 escorts. They investigated two nuisance violations, three harrassment charges, two reports of fraud, took one missing persons report, and offered assistance to three motorists. The Salem Police wrote two property damage reports, made ten stealing reports, had five parking complaints and responded to eight traffic complaints. Officers investigated a shoplifter report, one sex offense charge, 16 suspicious circumstance calls, eight suspicious person calls, and five suspicious vehicle calls. Officers attempted to serve four warrants and conducted 46 traffic stops during the month. The police responded to a total of 446 incidents in May with the average response time to calls being two minutes and nine seconds. The average time spent on the scene was 23 minutes and 19 seconds.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be holding their regular meeting this evening at 5:30 in the Salem R-80 board room. After the consent agenda is approved the Board will hear communications followed by public comment by Kyla Slayer from ROAR. Reports from Dr. Reed and Dr. Wills will be heard before the principal reports are heard from William Lynch, the Upper Elementary, the Middle School, and the Senior High. Clay Moody will then give an update on athletics and activities followed by reports on Special Education and Technology. In new business, the board will review and accept roof repair bids, approve the resolution to transfer 7% WADA from Fund 1 to Fund 4 for the purpose of paying ineligible costs of the FEMA building, Signature Bank lease purchase. The board will then approve participating in the State Baseline Salary Grant of $40,000 per teacher, approve amending the 2023-2024 budget to reflect actual expenditures and revenues, approve the 2024-2025 budget, approve a revision of Board Policy JG-R2, plus approve payment of customary bills that may need to be paid between this board meeting and June 30th, 2024. The Board will hear resignations and then adjourn into Executive Session to discuss student issues and personnel. The Board will then return to open session to adjourn. The Salem R-80 School District meeting is open to the public.

The City of Salem Finance Committee Meeting will be held tonight at 5:30 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory to discuss, review and recommend the 2024-2025 fiscal year budget for the City of Salem. The meeting is open to the public.

Do you have your tickets for the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Music Festival this Saturday at the Commons? The concert will feature the Crowe Boys from New Orleans with opening act, Devon Sutterfield from Salem and St. James. The gates open at 6:00 and the live concert begins at 7:00. Sutterfield was featured recently on “The Voice” while the Crowe Boys have had success on the Internet with their single “Where Did I Go Wrong” and “The Simple Truth Hurts.” Tickets are available for $30 and are available at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and online at croweboys.com. There will be food trucks, a beer garden and more! To find out about the concert or tickets, contact the Salem Chamber of Commerce at 573-729-6900.