Local News – Wednesday, August 11th, 2021
The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees held a special meeting Thursday, August 5th. Health Center Administrator Zach Moser presented a plan for administering Covid antigen tests at the Health Center. The Board authorized the testing plan for the BINAX Now antigen test at $10.00 each. Moser presented a plan to purchase 240 COVID-19 PCR test for $9,840.00 and the ID Now machine would be included at no cost. The purchase would be covered by the ELC Grant. The Board voted to purchase the tests and set the fee for the test at $50.00. Moser presented addition information on the testing procedure and the decision tree. Protection of Health Center Staff during Covid testing was discussed. Moser explained that proper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) would be worn through-out the procedure and testing would take place in the carport until a safe indoor space could be created. Moving Moser’s office to another location in the building was discussed. The Board authorized Moser to purchase a portable HEPA air filtration system and seek bids on a more permanent air filtration system for the room. The potential need for additional staff to conduct the testing was discussed and a decision was deferred until the next regular meeting. Moser explained the arrangement with Phelps Health to obtain the Pfizer COVID vaccine. The Pfizer vaccine is the only brand currently authorized for use in children ages 12-18. The need for an ultra-cold freezer to store the vaccine was discussed. Moser presented information on four models ranging in price from $5,700 to $12,500. He explained that the Stirling model for $5,700 was not only the most affordable, but the most flexible as it included a 12v power adapter and could be set at regular freezer temperatures if ever necessary. The Board noted that they wanted to make good use of taxpayer dollars so they approved the purchase of the Stirling model for $5,700. With no further business the meeting was adjourned.
The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has submitted the following reports for the end of July. On Thursday, July 29th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of 3rd and 4th streets. During the course of the traffic stop, a 49-year-old Salem woman was arrested for the possession of a controlled substance. The woman was transported to the Dent County Jail where she was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On Friday the 30th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 9000 block of East Highway 32. At the traffic stop, a 29-year-old Salem man was arrested for having an active warrant through Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. That same day, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 4120. During the course of the traffic stop, a 35-year-old Bunker man was arrested for driving while being intoxicated. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released to a family member. Still on the 30th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 5000 block of West Highway 32. A 32-year-old Salem man was arrested for having active warrants through the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and for driving while having his license revoked or suspended. A woman was also arrested during the traffic stop for having active warrants through the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and Probation and Parole. Both the man and woman were transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. Finally, on Saturday July 31st, a deputy traveled to a residence in the 500 block of County Road 4180 to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 39-year-old Salem man was arrested for having an active warrant through Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. If anyone has information regarding any ongoing investigation, contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.
An accident occurred Thursday night about 7:15 in Crawford County on Highway 19 one and-one-half miles south of Steelville. According to the Highway Patrol Report a southbound 2006 Ford Fusion, driven by 34-year-old Darren Brinkley of Steelville, traveled off the right side of the road and struck a pedestrian. The pedestrian, 40-year-old Matthew Gaghen of Steelville, suffered serious injuries and was transported by helicopter to Mercy in Creve Coeur. The report stated that Darren Brinkley was impaired and distracted. According to the report Brinkley was wearing a safety restraint when the accident occurred. The Ford sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Miles Towing.
The South-Central Missouri Community Action Agency will hold a school readiness event this Saturday from 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 that afternoon. This will be a drive-through event to provide free school supplies to children. In order to speed up the line pre-registration is required, and parents or guardians of school age children can call 729-3500, Extension 10 to set up an appointment. You will need to bring social security cards for everyone in the household. Households with last names starting with A through L will pick up supplies from 10:00 until noon; then M through Z will be from 12:00 until 2:00. School supplies and backpacks are funded 100% at $34,000 with federal funds received from the US Department of Health and Human Services and Family Support Division, with other support provided by community partners in the Dent County Area.