News – Tuesday, July 1st 2025

The Salem Planning & Zoning Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and meeting this evening at 6:00 at 202 North Washington in the Old City Hall Auditorium. After the call to order the Board will recognize anyone that wished to speak to three requests. Number 1 is a request for subdivision of a parcel located at 803 East Center Street owned by Bean Properties, LLC. Request number 2 is for R3 zoning (multifamily residential) of a 14.36-acre property owned by Brady and Micah Adams located in the 1000 to 1200 block on the north side of West Roosevelt, contingent upon annexation by the Board of Aldermen. The third request is for approval of the plat for the 14.36-acre property owned by the Adams on West Roosevelt, contingent upon annexation by the Board of Aldermen. The hearing will be closed, and the public meeting will be called to order to consider acceptance or rejection of the three requests. Planning and Zoning Mapping Direction will also be considered prior to adjournment.

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors convened its regular meeting last Tuesday evening at 7:00, in the Doctor’s Library at the hospital. Following roll call, the Board noted a correction to the meeting agenda, clarifying that the gathering was a regular session rather than a special business meeting as originally labeled. Minutes from the previous meeting were approved with minor corrections. During her CEO Report, Brooke Bollman informed the Board that the hospital recently underwent an unannounced CMS Recertification Survey. While the survey identified several areas of insufficiency, Bollman emphasized that the hospital already has plans in place to address and correct the noted issues. She also reported that efforts are underway to update the hospital’s price transparency information on its website, in alignment with federal guidelines. Additionally, Bollman confirmed that the hospital will conclude its discussions with Phelps Health regarding a potential affiliation, bringing those conversations to a formal close. Bollman also delivered the Summary of Operations for May, reporting that inpatient admissions, outpatient registrations, emergency room visits, and ambulance runs remained consistent with previous months. Financially, the hospital reported a total operating revenue of approximately $2.9 million and operating expenses of about $2.1 million, resulting in a net profit of around $770,000 for the month. The hospital’s 340B pharmacy program contributed a net gain of $75,841 in May, and the facility currently has 26 days of cash on hand. The Board unanimously approved the financial report. Chief Nursing Officer Amber Hogan provided an update on staffing, noting three open positions across various departments. She also shared efforts to establish a local chapter of the Nurses’ Honor Guard, an organization that recognizes the dedication and service of nurses. Kendra Mobray presented the Human Resources and Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) reports, noting that the hospital welcomed seven new hires in May while four employees left their positions. A total of 117 patient surveys were received—an increase from April—with an average satisfaction rating of 4.82 out of 5. There were 28 risk reports filed, primarily related to documentation errors, and the hospital continues to focus on identifying and addressing systemic issues. In old business, the Board approved the $36,403 purchase of TruCode, a medical coding software designed to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of healthcare documentation and billing. Under new business, the Board approved revisions to policies and procedures across several hospital departments, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve operations and compliance. The Meeting then adjourned. The next regular Board of Directors meeting will be held July 29th at 7:00 in the Doctor’s library. 

In the Dent County Associate Circuit Court Thursday in front of Judge Nathan Kelsaw, Rolando Solis of Steelville pled guilty to the possession of methamphetamine. He was sentenced by Judge Kelsaw to five years in the Missouri Department of Corrections as requested by Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley.

The Arcadia Valley Chamber of Commerce will again partner with Missouri State Parks and Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site to celebrate Independence Day with a fireworks display Friday, July 4. The event will go from 7:00 to 10:30 p.m. on the historic site grounds. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring insect repellent and a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. For more information, contact the site’s office at 573-546-3454. The Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site is located at 118 E. Maple in Pilot Knob. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.