Local News – Thursday, May 23rd, 2024

A press release from City Administrator Sally Burbridge states that the intersection of West Dent Street and South Henderson Street will be temporarily closed this morning at 7:30 to repair a water main. The city does apologize for any inconvenience and asks that you keep the safety of our crew in mind if you are in the area.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will celebrate the arrival of their new apparatus with a “Push-in Ceremony” tonight at 6:00, weather permitting. Any and all community members that might like to witness such an event here in Dent County all welcome to attend. This type of ceremony dates back to the days of horse-drawn equipment when members had to push the equipment into the bay. Over time, with the invention and adoption of motorized apparatus, the need to manually move the equipment was gone. However, the legacy of the push-in was secured. Now in honor of those crews, many fire departments hold a push-in ceremony when taking delivery of a new apparatus or in this case, new to the Dent County Fire Protection District.

The Salem Memorial Hospital held their monthly board meeting this past Tuesday. Prior to the regularly scheduled meeting, a presentation by Carmen Cooper and Tabitha Stone of the National Rural Health Resource Center was given to the board. The presentation covered SMH’s progress through the Delta Region Health Systems Development Program since their entry in September of 2021. Carmen lead the presentation as she praised SMH’s progress and outlined SMH’s remaining modules required for program completion. The board, lead by Interim CEO Wes Murray, reassured her that while the hospital is in a leadership transition they’re committed to completing the program and will schedule the remaining project modules after the new CEO Brooke Bollman is on-board July 1. Tabatha Stone then spoke primarily to newer board members summarizing the Delta program and answered questions. Following the presentation, the regular board meeting was held with the exception of Wanda Tatom who was not present. In the Administrator’s Report, Interim CEO Wes Murray commented that Hospital Week went very well as he toured and visited several departments. He also said the foundation golf tournament will be held June 7th at the Spring Creek Golf Club. Chief Financial Officer Kayla Chamberlain reported the hospital had a gain from operations of $385,630 with an excess of revenues over expenses of $396,583. Chamberlain reported hospital admissions in April were 73 which included five Swingbed and 34 observation admissions with a total of 218 patient census days. In April, there were 1,468 Outpatient Registrations, 801 Cardiopulmonary Procedures, 6,835 Lab Tests, 1,169 Radiology Procedures, 763 Rehabilitation Treatments and 23 Surgical Procedures. There were 596 Emergency Room visits with 54 patients being admitted. A total of 212 ambulance runs were made with 158 patients being transported. She said days cash on hand at the end of April was 27. The clinic had a profit from direct operations for the month of $104,297, and the hospital cash flow statement showed an increase in cash for April of $560,800. In the Chief Nursing Officer report, Emily Hunter was named the “Nurse of the Year” with Stephanie Cooper the runner-up during Nurses’ Week. A number of nursing positions are open including Chief Nursing Officer and anyone interested should check out the availabilites at SMDH.net. In April, there were eight new hires and one person left the hospital employment. The board approved new staff privileges for Andrew Smith, MD in telepsychology; and Christine Orsmby, MD and Selasi Naakhaima, MD in teleradiology. In new business, the organizational chart was updated, discussion on a tax levy increase was tabled, and discussion about an employee salary increase was tabled until after the finance committee meets which will be on June 14th at noon. The board then went into closed session.

Memorial Day weekend brings Missouri to life with busy state parks, lakes, and attractions, along with sporting events, barbecues, and gatherings of friends and family. Our state has a lot to offer, especially when the weather is nice. A little planning will go a long way to making your Memorial Day weekend activities a success. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds everyone to include safety when they plan their holiday weekend. Everyone should expect more travelers on Missouri’s roadways. Drivers are reminded to follow all Missouri’s laws and be courteous. Always wear a seat belt when traveling in a vehicle. This year’s Memorial Day holiday counting period begins at 6:00 this Friday evening, and ends at 11:59 Monday night. Every available trooper will be on the road enforcing Missouri laws and assisting people. Troopers on our roadways will focus their attention on hazardous moving violations, speed violations, and impaired drivers. The Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort) during Memorial Day weekend. Over the 2023 Memorial Day holiday weekend, 13 people died and 403 were injured in 990 traffic crashes. (Troopers worked 287 traffic crashes involving 12 fatalities and 117 injuries.) For road condition reports, travelers can call 1-888-275-6636. Motorists are encouraged to do their part to make Missouri’s roadways safer. Speed, inattention, and impaired driving are leading causes of traffic crashes. Please obey all traffic laws and make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint.

As Americans fire up their grills for Memorial Day celebrations, a new study by US Foods settles the age-old hot dog debate and reveals the secrets to crafting the perfect hot dog. This all-American summertime staple has fueled barbecue debates nationwide, especially over ideal toppings. According to survey data, the perfect hot dog is grilled on a white bun, topped with mustard, ketchup, onions, relish, and chili. The study shows 93% of Americans love hot dogs with Chicago-style reigning supreme. Americans are eating an average of 2 hot dogs a month and are willing to spend $5.88 on a hot dog. The most popular sides are French fries, potato salad, potato chips, baked beans, and macaroni and cheese.