News – Tuesday, January 27th 2026

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors will hold their regular meeting tonight at 7:00 in the hospital’s library. After the call to order, roll call and approval of the agenda, the board will approve policies and procedures from several departments including: Cardiopulmonary, Family Medicine Clinic, Dietary, Revenue Cycle, Infection Prevention, and Nursing Services, as well as approving the credit card and Telehealth policies. Public comments or presentations that are limited to 3 minutes will then be heard. Chief Executive Officer Brooke Bollman will present her report as well as the previous month’s financials. Following the financials report, the board will hear reports from the Chief Nursing Officer, Human Resources, as well as Quality Improvement. No old business is on the agenda, however new business to be conducted includes discussion about the Salem Memorial Hospital Employee Handbook, the 2026-2031 strategic plan, laboratory director recruitment, and approval of medical staff privileges. The board will go into executive session to discuss personnel and legal issues. Except for the executive session, the meeting of the Salem Hospital Board of Directors is open to the public. Anyone that would like to attend by telephone or electronic means should contact the SMH Administration office at 573-729-6626 Extension 4005.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will meet for their regular meeting tonight at 6:00 in the Old City Hall Auditorium at 202 North Washington. Following the approval of the agenda and the consent agenda, the board will hear public comments. In new and miscellaneous business, the Annual Net Metering Report will be considered. The second reading of Bill No. 3695 will occur, followed by the first and second readings of Bill No. 3696 approving Change Order No. 2 for the Salem Wastewater Treatment Facility Phase 2 Improvements Project, Bill No. 3697 approving Change Order No. 2 for the City of Salem Water System Improvements-Contract B, Elevated Storage Tank Project, and Bill No. 3698 approving Change Order No. 3 for the City of Salem Water System Improvements-Contract C, Pitless Well Project. The reading of bills will be followed by reports from City Officials. The Board of Aldermen will then go into Closed Session, followed by adjournment.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) thanks Missourians for staying off the roads during this weekend’s winter storm. It’s estimated that traffic volumes were 75–80% lower than normal throughout the state over the weekend. That cooperation allowed crews to respond more quickly and safely, contributing to significantly fewer serious incidents. MoDOT Director Ed Hassinger said we are grateful to everyone who did their part by staying home and giving our crews room to work. Our teams have been out continuously in extremely cold conditions, and their efforts – combined with the public’s cooperation – helped keep this storm’s impacts from being far worse. People staying off the roads was probably the single most important thing that allowed us to make the progress we’ve made so far. As we head through these next few days, please continue to plan ahead, slow down and consider delaying travel if you can. As of Monday morning, MoDOT crews had already traveled more than 1 million miles in response, working around the clock to clear highways. Despite the storm’s severity, Missouri recorded just one weather-related traffic fatality statewide – well below average for a storm of this magnitude, and notably below the average for a typical weekend in Missouri. Over the next few days, MoDOT will continue working around the clock. Major routes should continue progressing toward mostly clear conditions, but many secondary roads may remain covered. If you must travel, plan your commute, leave early, and drive for conditions – take it slow and brake, steer and accelerate gently. Check local road conditions before heading out at traveler.modot.org. Carry extra fuel and pack essentials – blankets, warm clothes, water, snacks and a phone charger. If you slide off the road or are involved in a crash, remain inside your vehicle with your seat belt fastened until help arrives. And remember give snowplows and emergency vehicles plenty of room – do not tailgate or attempt to pass. For more information, call MoDOT at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org. To receive the latest statewide news and text alerts, sign up for e-updates. Follow MoDOT on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube.

The Dent Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees met Thursday evening, January 22nd at 5:00. The 2026 Health and Benefits plan proposed by Administrator Zach Moser was reviewed. Changes from last year include offering two-tiers of insurance to provide employees with options. Dental and vision stayed the same. A 30% employee premium share was suggested. The proposal was reviewed, discussed and approved by the board. Current CDs and CD rates were evaluated. The board moved to purchase a $200,000 CD from MOSIP at 4% interest. The meeting was adjourned at 5:08.

Congratulations go out to Mrs. Jennifer Rensch who was selected as the Salem R-80 District January 2026 Teacher of the Month, and to Mrs. Kathy Grover who was selected as the Salem R-80 January 2026 Staff Member of the Month. In total, there were thirty-seven nominations submitted from throughout the district from other members, parents, students, and community members to highlight contributions made by nominees designed to support student learning in every aspect.