News – Friday, August 30th 2024

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors have announced they plan to affiliate with Phelps Health to continue to provide much needed quality health care to residents of Dent and surrounding counties. The two entities entered into a non-binding letter of intent Wednesday, August 28th which describes their shared vision of the arrangement. The negotiated affiliation would begin early in 2025 after both parties do their due diligence concerning the business side of the affiliation. Brooke Bollman, the CEO of the Salem Hospital, said representatives from the hospital and Phelps Health have been in discussion and believe this partnership could be a significant step forward on a shared mission of providing quality healthcare for years to come. According to Jason Shenefield, the CEO of Phelps Health, the collaboration between Phelps Health and the Salem Memorial Hospital is driven by a shared commitment to improving community health.

The 10th Annual Salem Area Chamber of Commerce pro rodeo, sanctioned by IPRA/ACRA/MRCA and produced by Outlaw Rodeo Productions will be held this Labor Day weekend on Saturday, and Sunday, beginning at 7:30 each night at The Commons on Highway 72 North with the gates opening at 5:00 for family activities. There will be a number of events held including team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping and breakaway roping with a boot toss for the kids age 10 and under as well as the Mini Buckers! Making a special appearance this year will be 2024 Miss Rodeo USA Kaelanne Quinonez and the 2024 Missouri Miss Teen Rodeo Jacie Jost. A special half-time show will be put on by trick rider Sophia Duch. Advanced tickets are still available at both Bank of Salem locations, both locations of Town and Country Bank, Progressive Ozark Bank, Riverways Federal Credit Union and the Salem Chamber of Commerce office at 1136 South Main in the Crossroads Shopping Center. Ticket prices in advance are $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 5-11, while at the gate, ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for children.  If you have any questions, call the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce at (573) 729-6900.

Echo Bluff State Park is hosting a series of free concerts over Labor Day weekend. The events will take place at the park’s amphitheater from August 31 to September 2. On Saturday, August 31 at 8 p.m., Jimmy Hill and Friends will perform a mix of classic country and rock. Sunday, September 1 at 8 p.m. features James Vankirk, a veteran musician with 36 years of experience. The Baker Family will close out the series on Monday, September 2 at 7 p.m., offering classic country, bluegrass, and original tunes. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs to the amphitheater, located at 35244 Echo Bluff Drive in Eminence. In addition, Lake Wappapello State Park will host a free movie night on Saturday, August 31. The film “Migration” will be shown at dusk in the park’s amphitheater. Lake Wappapello State Park is located at 8005 State Highway 172 in Williamsville. For more information on these and other state park events, visit mostateparks.com/events.

As Missourians prepare for the 2024 Labor Day weekend, Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, is urging everyone to plan ahead and prioritize safety, both on the roads and on the water. The Labor Day holiday is a time of heavy travel and recreational activities, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol will be actively participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort) to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors. For those hitting the road, Colonel Olson emphasizes the importance of vehicle maintenance and safe driving practices. He reminds drivers to ensure their vehicles are in good working condition before setting out, to obey all traffic laws, and to stay focused and buckle up. The 2024 counting period for the Labor Day holiday will run from 6:00 PM on Friday, August 30th, through 11:59 PM on Monday, September 2nd. Reflecting on the previous year, Missouri saw 15 fatalities and 477 injuries resulting from 1,058 traffic crashes over the Labor Day weekend in 2023, equating to one person being killed or injured every 9.5 minutes. Additionally, 125 individuals were arrested for driving while intoxicated during that period. For those planning to spend time on Missouri’s waterways, safety remains equally critical. Colonel Olson advises boaters to inspect fuel lines, test batteries, and follow proper procedures when refueling to avoid accidents. The effects of alcohol are intensified on the water due to boating stressors like sun, wind, and engine noise. Boaters are encouraged to drink responsibly and never operate a vessel under the influence of alcohol. In 2023, the state recorded 12 boating crashes during the Labor Day weekend, resulting in three injuries and zero fatalities. Marine enforcement troopers will be patrolling the waterways, focusing on preventing accidents and ensuring compliance with boating laws. Whether on land or water, the Missouri State Highway Patrol will have all available troopers on duty, enforcing speed limits, seat belt use, and laws against impaired driving, as well as assisting motorists and boaters.