Local News – Wednesday, September 22nd, 2021

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met for their regular meeting Thursday, September 16th at the Health Center. After approval of the minutes for the August 19th regular meeting, Dent County Health Center Administrator Zach Moser updated the Board on the current COVID status in Dent County. To date, there are 1,597 confirmed cases and 382 probable cases that have been investigated. As of Thursday’s meeting, there were 11 people hospitalized, 47 confirmed cases and 49 probable cases. Fifty-three COVID related deaths have been confirmed. As of the meeting date, 29.6% of Dent County residents have received their first dose of vaccine and 25.2% have completed the series according to the Missouri Department of Health and Social Services. The seven-day positivity rate is at 15.0%. Moser reminds residents that the COVID vaccine is available at the Health Center, Moser Pharmacy, Sinks Pharmacy, Vandivort Drug and Walmart Pharmacy. Moser reported that on September 2nd, a document clarifying Dent County’s rules for isolation and quarantine was published to assist the schools in determining the isolation and quarantine periods. Moser reported that an AED was purchased for emergencies that may occur in the Health Center building or on the parking lot. Expiring MCH funds were used to make the purchase. The Board approved utilizing grant funds for the replacement of the Health Center roof by Williams American Construction, Inc., in the amount of $28,275, replace the problem front door for $3,373, and for an awareness campaign in the Salem News and online in the amount of $3,886. In new business, Assistant Administrator Roma Jones reported new food establishments that have been inspected include Master’s Donuts, Whispering Pines Kitchen, El Toro Food Truck, Bigos on Wheels, Dominos, and Custard by C. Sue for compliance. She noted that Chapter 8 of the current food code gives the local agency the power to shut establishments down who aren’t compliant. There is paperwork that must be submitted to Jones 30 days prior to opening so she can complete and inspection. Jones said that one sewer complaint was investigated in August. Moser updated the Board on Communicable Diseases noting that in August there were 438 new cases of COVID-19 investigated, there were four cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and one case of Hepatitis A reported. He also said that there were 102 lab draws and 177 COVID tests conducted. As of the meeting date, 157 COVID tests had been conducted in September. Moser also said there were 258 appointments for COVID-19 vaccines in August and 168 for other vaccines, such as 8th grade and kindergarten shots. The Health Center had 731 appointments scheduled in August. Moser gave an update on the Increasing Adult Covid-19 Immunization Capacity contract, which includes an Electronic Health Record System and an Awareness Campaign. Moser is to have more information for the October Board Meeting. He reported on the Enhancing Laboratory Capacity CARES grant which is on track and continues to help pay for COVID-testing and contract tracing. Zach reported that the Maternal-Child Health contract is nearing its end and due to COVID-19, the Health Center has had difficulty completing obligations of the contract, which resulted in about $6,000 left unbilled in this contract. He also said that WIC has had a slow start for the year, but the Health Center is now on track with the program. The Sho-Me-Healthy-Woman program has appointment openings for September 27th and women wanting to schedule an appointment should call the Health Center office at (573) 729-3106. The Board then voted to go into closed session to discuss personnel.

A two-vehicle accident happened Monday afternoon at 4:30 in Crawford County on Highway 19 just north of The Rafting Company. The highway patrol report states that a 2008 Chevrolet Impala being driven by 53-year-old Kimberly Volner of Doolittle was attempting to pass another vehicle and failed to observe a 2014 Dodge Ram being driven by 52-year-old Jody Skaggs of Cuba in the oncoming lane. The Impala struck the Dodge head-on. Volner suffered minor injuries and was taken by North Crawford County Ambulance to Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. Two occupants of the Dodge, 50-year-old Lillie Ferges of Steelville suffered moderate injuries, and 23-year-old Heather Ferges of Cuba received minor injuries. Both were taken by Steelville Ambulance service to Missouri Baptist in Sullivan. The report went on to state that all involved were wearing seat restraints. The Impala was totaled while the Dodge had extensive damage. Both were removed by Miles and Sons Towing.