Local News – Thursday, June 21st, 2018

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors met for the regular meeting Tuesday evening at the hospital library. Chief Financial Officer Monica Stogsdill gave the summary of operations for May that showed a gain from operations of $96,604 with an excess of revenues over expenses of $100,174 for the month as the hospital received $259,000 from Medicaid which went against the deductions from revenue for the month. In May, only 59 patients were admitted to the hospital as acute care patients per day for May came in at 6.6. The cash flow statement showed a decrease in cash of $67,821 for the month with days in accounts receivable hovering at 61. Chief Nursing Officer Debbie Hines reported during the month there were 890 emergency room visits, 253 ambulance runs with 165 patients being transported to the hospital, 23 surgical procedures, 1,872 outpatient registrations, 398 home health visits, 8,091 lab tests, 1,156 radiological procedures and 645 rehab treatments. The days cash-on-hand for the hospital stands at 87 year-to-date and that is way over the Critical Access Hospital state average of 65. Hines said the hospital had 21 Quality Improvement projects done since the program started last July. They will be reviewing all the projects in June and make sure the projects are all still on track before starting new projects in July. Chief Operating Officer Chris Strickland reported on the hospital foundation and the golf tournament held on June 8th raised almost $15,000 as they had 21 teams participate. He said he and Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas are finalizing the organization structure of the foundation and will soon be submitting the 501 C 3 paperwork. He also said the “Dancing with the Stars” will be held January 26th at the SHS Gym as the City Hall Auditorium is having repairs made to it. Strickland said the billboard across the street from Wal-Mart has finally been installed and another billboard on Highway 19 south toward Echo Bluff has been erected. He also went over the new philosophy on the perception and marketing of the hospital through social media and You Tube. New videos will be made soon that will be added to the Hospital You Tube channel. He also said the hospital sponsored the City of Salem Baseball League, the Summer Kick off event at the pool and is part of the new Project Rise working with Healthy Dent County. He said they will be improving their website, Internal Marketing, revamp their radio ads and create TV ads for You Tube and TV, and improve the property signage. Strickland said the Health Fair in May was attended by 321 people bring the total to date of 625. The next health screening will be held on September 19th and 20th. The board received the proposed fiscal year 2019 budget at the last meeting and there were some minor changes, but they approved the budget that showed an anticipated a 1% increase in admissions, a 1% decrease in inpatient census days, a 2% increase in outpatient registrations and a 2% decrease in Emergency Room visits. Lucas reminded the board that new officers will be elected at the July meeting. Board member Ray Bruno brought up the possibility of a name dedication for the cafeteria to a long time hospital employee who recently passed away. Information will be gathered about the employee and Chris Strickland stated he would put together a press release on the event. The board then went into closed session.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will conduct their regular monthly meeting tonight at the boardroom beginning at 6:00. After approval of the agenda, Superintendent John McColloch will then give a facilities update, summer school update, and Board committee assignments. McColloch’s report will be followed by reports from principals on events and happenings at each of the buildings in the district. In old business the Board will consider adoption of the 2018-2019 budget. During new business, the Board will consider adoption of a resolution for WADA Transfer, adoption of Board Policy BBFA, review 2017-2018 budget revisions, consider a resolution to adopt the Dent County Multi-Jurisdiction Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan, and consider surplus property bids. The Board will also hear resignations and vote to go into Executive Session after adjournment. The regular monthly meeting of the Salem R-80 Board of Education is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Wednesday, June 6th at about 6:00 in the evening, an officer responded to a property damage report. The investigation revealed an unknown person had caused damage to a 2014 Jeep Cherokee between the hours of 8:00 in the morning and 3:30 in the afternoon. The report is still under investigation. On Thursday evening, June 7th at about 7:37, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation led to the arrest of a 74-year old man from Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $62.28. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Friday, June 8th at about 5:09 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. That investigation led to the arrest of a 22-year old female from Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $59.45. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Saturday, June 9th at about 4:07 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to another shoplifter. That investigation led to the arrest of a 30-year old male from Bixby for stealing merchandise and bringing it back into the store for a refund. The amount of the stolen items was $227.43. The suspect received three summons to appear in court and released. That evening at about 10:48, an officer conducted a traffic stop. The investigation led to the arrest of a 37-year old male from Salem for a felony driving while being intoxicated, and driving while having their license suspended. It was also determined the suspect had an outstanding warrant for his arrest from Pike County. The suspect was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office for incarceration. If anyone has information about ongoing reports, please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.