Local News – Wednesday, January 31st, 2024

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees held their regular meeting Thursday, January 25th. The minutes of the December 21st regular meeting were approved followed by Administrator Zach Moser’s report. In the Communicable Disease Report, Moser stated that there were 103 COVID-19 cases reported, 36 lead cases, three screenings for sexually transmitted infections, 11 cases of Influenza and nine animal bites. In the diagnostics report, Moser said 168 blood draw appointments were completed in December, plus there were 153 appointments for rapid tests for COVID, Flu, RSV, and Strep, plus one lead test was performed. COVID-19 vaccinations totaled 54, while there were 47 influenza doses and 42 other vaccinations administered. A total of 460 appointments were held during December, plus WIC appointments totaled 315. There was also one Show-Me Health Women appointment and four Title X Family Planning appointments. Moser noted that 93 urine drug screenings were conducted on behalf of the Dent County Treatment Court. Assistant Administrator Roma Jones gave the environmental report where there were ten total inspections conducted with one recall, no sewer complaints, and five environmental questions were fielded. In the Administrator’s report, Moser reported Miller Glass installed the new doors on January 24th. He reported that the DCHC was awarded an $80,000 mentorship grant as a mentee for Healthcare acquired infections and antimicrobial resistance. Currently there are two additional NACCHO grants under investigation. Moser is currently working with Healthy Dent County and Salem Memorial Hospital on a rural health network planning grant, plus a coalition of local organizations is also working on an application to the USDA for “Food Prescriptions”. He also reported on the progress on the actions cited in the strategic plan and that the DCHC staff had proposed a modified list of values and proposed a vision statement which were approved by the DCHC Board. The Health Center financial reports for December, including the review results from H & R Block, were presented. Discussion was held on the balance sheet, income statement, and budget statements. After these questions were answered, the financial reports and the report from H & R Block were approved. Moser reported that only Lori Hasten and Carol Lacy had filed for the two open board seats so no election will need to be held. Their new terms begin April 2nd. Bids for snow removal and sidewalk treatment were received from American Automotive, Total Lawncare, and Preferred Services with each having benefits and drawbacks. The bid from Preferred Services was approved by the board. Due to the receipt of several state and federal payments Moser recommended the purchase of a three-month CD for $150,000 and the recommendation was approved by the board. He also recommended that the Bank of Salem Money Market account in the amount of $2,511.50 be closed and moved into the checking account. The closure was approved by the board. No closed session was held. The next regular meeting of the Board was set for Thursday, February 15th at 5:00.

Route KK in Iron County will be reduced as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a culvert under the roadway. This section of roadway is located between Highway 32 and the Iron County line. Weather permitting, the work will take place TODAY from 8:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon. The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area. For additional information, contact MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/southeast.

The Creative Arts Center will host a three-part “Introduction to Wheel Throwing” class starting Monday and Tuesday, February 5th and 6th, followed by a third class on Tuesday, February 13th. The class will be from 5:30-7:30 in the evening with Tana Kettner & Wanda Nickles. This introductory class will include three sessions which will focus on throwing on the wheel, trimming and adding handles, and glazing, consecutively. In this class you will learn the basics of working with clay on the potter’s wheel and will create your own small wheel-thrown pieces to take home. Future classes will be offered for more advanced throwing. Short fingernails are strongly recommended for this class. The cost of the class is $80.00 and that includes all the supplies. At least four students are needed to make the class, with a six student maximum. Class registrations are on a first come, first serve basis with online registrations. Interested persons can sign up under “Programs” at the salemcommunitybetterment.com website for activities at the Creative Arts Center. For more information, contact: Tana Kettner @ tanakettne65@gmail.com.

An accident happened Monday afternoon at 1:50 in Miller County on Highway 42 at Highway 134. According to the highway patrol report, a 2020 Volkswagon Jette being driven north on Highway 134 by 38-year-old Shana Dunn of Rolla, failed to yield to a 2009 Buick Lucerne being driven east on Highway 42 by 72-year-old August Johns of Richland. Dunn suffered minor injuries in the accident. Johns and a passenger, 79-year-old Juanita Johns of Richland, both received minor injuries. All were taken by ambulance to Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach. The Volkswagon sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Hi-Tech Towing. The Buick had minor damage and was removed by Woods Towing. Both drivers and the passenger in the Buick were wearing seat restraints.

An accident happened Monday morning just before 8:00 in Phelps County on Highway 63 near Phelps County Road 7480. The highway patrol report states that a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 being driven north by 32-year-old Robert Maxwell of Edgar Springs, began sliding on a patch of ice causing the Dodge to travel off the left side of the roadway and overturn. A passenger in the vehicle, 29-year-old Victoria Haynes also of Edgar Springs, who was not wearing a seat restraint, suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Phelps Health Hospital. The Dodge sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Lucas Towing.