News – Thursday, July 24th 2025

Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health (SEMO BH), a trusted provider of mental health and substance use treatment in central and southeast Missouri, will soon become part of the nation’s largest nonprofit behavioral health organization. SEMO BH is an affiliate of Brightli, a Springfield-based nonprofit that recently announced plans to merge with Centerstone, a Nashville-based behavioral health provider. The two organizations have entered into a non-binding agreement and expect to finalize the merger by November 2025. When complete, the unified organization will serve more than 250,000 people annually and operate more than 360 behavioral health facilities across nine states. For residents of Dent County and surrounding areas, this merger means that services currently provided by SEMO BH will be strengthened through access to broader resources, expanded provider networks, and advanced, research-backed care models. SEMO BH will continue to operate as usual with no disruptions in patient care. Clients will keep seeing their current care teams and accessing services close to home. The demand for mental health and addiction services is at record levels following the COVID-19 pandemic, providers like SEMO BH face increasing challenges—from workforce shortages to evolving regulations. By joining forces, Brightli and Centerstone aim to stabilize and expand community-based services in rural areas like Dent County, ensuring local access to life-saving treatment now and into the future. The combined organization will have more than 10,000 employees and over $1 billion in annual revenue, positioning it to lead innovation and expand care nationwide. The National Council for Mental Wellbeing has praised the merger as a model for strengthening the U.S. behavioral health system through collaboration. For more information you can contact Rance Burger by call or text at (573) 286-9393 or email at rance.burger@burrellcenter.com

According to a press release from the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) they have announced they’re compliance and implementation strategy following the passage of Senate Bill 63. MSHSAA Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Rukstad sent a letter to all member schools on July 15. In summary, effective August 28, 2025, this new law expands participation opportunities to full-time homeschool, full-time Family Paced Education (FPE), and full-time virtual school students with the public or charter school which serves the place they live. The law applies to a broad scope of athletics, fine arts, and integrated co-curricular activities, not just those governed by MSHSAA. MSHSAA will refer to students who are eligible and choose to participate under Senate Bill 63 as resident participant students. To align with Senate Bill 63, MSHSAA member schools will implement by-law changes via a Special Ballot, which will be open to them from August 11-22. Full rule changes will take effect August 25, upon ballot certification. Dr. Rukstad said that MSHSAA member schools must approve the Special Ballot and that it’s not a matter of preference but of legality. Member schools are strongly encouraged to accept the by-law changes to ensure uninterrupted, equitable access to interscholastic athletics and activities and protect student eligibility. MSHSAA will allow relief for resident participant students from current by-laws for early participation to coincide with the beginning of the fall sports season.

Landowners and conservation enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity this fall to learn firsthand how to improve habitat for Missouri’s wild turkeys. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will host a Turkey Nesting and Brood-Rearing Workshop on Saturday, September 6th from 10 in the morning to 2 in the afternoon at a private farm located at 55-1 Old Mine Road in Cook Station, approximately 20 miles north of Salem off Highway M. This hands-on, field-based event is designed to educate attendees on what constitutes high-quality nesting and brood-rearing habitat for wild turkeys. Participants will be guided through habitat areas by MDC wildlife biologists and the hosting landowner, offering an up-close look at completed land improvement projects. The workshop will also include discussion of incentive programs that can help landowners implement similar practices on their own property. Lunch will be provided at no cost to attendees, and participants are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and wear clothing appropriate for walking outdoors. While the event is open to all ages, space is limited to 65 participants. As of this week, 32 spots remain available. A wait list will be offered for anyone unable to register in time but interested in future events in the region. The workshop will be led by MDC biologist Jeffrey Esely, and registration is required in advance. Those who need to cancel should do so before the September 6 deadline. For questions or to register by phone, call 1-888-283-0364 during weekday business hours. Email inquiries can also be directed to the instructor via the MDC website.

Need fishing gear? The Missouri Department of Conservation works with your own Salem Public Library as well as other locations around the state to loan fishing gear for free. Loaner gear includes fishing poles and simple tackle box with hooks, sinkers, and bobbers. Worms, minnows, or other bait are not provided. Call the Salem Public Library at 573-729-4331 or stop by at 403 North Jackson Street. You can find other locations that offer the Department of Conservation Rod and Reel Loaner Program locations at mdc.mo.gov/fishing and search for the rod and reel loaner program.