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Pulaski Sheriff’s Office Advises Residents To Check Halloween Candy

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assorted brand chocolate bar packs

Photo by Vishnu Mk on Unsplash

Halloween is just around the corner and officials with the Pulaski County Sheriff’s office have a word of caution for parents.

Sheriff Jimmy Bench says parents should always check the candy before children consume it, in case there have been metals or other dangerous items placed into the candy.

Just last week during a traffic stop, Bench says a deputy found Marijuana Edibles that mimicked popular candy often given out for Halloween.

Some of the candy included Sour Skittles and Sour Infused Gushers.

Walgreens/CVS To Work With Government To Release COVID Vaccine When Ready

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Walgreens and CVS are working with the Federal Government in an effort to supply the coronavirus vaccine, once one is approved, directly to long-term care facilities like nursing homes.

According to a release, Deputy Chief of staff for the Health and Human Services Department Paul Mango called the two major drug chains “The best place to send the mobile units” in order to vaccinate seniors and other vulnerable people.

The vaccinations are a voluntary program for every nursing home and it will be left up to the drugstore chains to determine the best way to deliver and store these vaccines, as well as how to collect fees in order to keep the vaccines free of charge.

Public Schools Can Request Rapid COVID 19 Antigen Tests

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Public schools throughout Missouri may soon get a rapid COVID-19 antigen test for students.

According to officials at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the tests can provide a result within 15 minutes.

They say that districts must request these tests by Wednesday at Noon to get one.

Already 180 districts across the state have submitted their request for the new tests.

DESE officials expect the tests to be delivered by the end of the month.

For more information on the tests, see below:

COVID ANTIGEN TEST

Missouri Hospital Association Weekly Report Shows Ventilator Capacity Nearing Red Zone

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The latest weekly report from the Missouri Hospital Association shows ventilator capacity nearing the red zone.

Officials say the recommended capacity is 22 ventilators per 100,000 people, but Missouri is currently at 24 machines per 100,000 people.

The association says the state has 1,665 ventilators available out of the 2,384 machines they have in stock.

Additionally, the report shows ICU availability at 30.57% and regular beds at 41.71%.

Lake Regional Celebrates Emergency Team Week

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Lake Regional Hospital is celebrating Emergency Team week, as Christian Blood reports.

Each year, Lake Regional Hospital recognizes numerous professionals in its Emergency Department, including nurses, patient care techs, health unit coordinators and physicians.

Emergency Team Week continues through Saturday.

Emergency personnel give 24-hour support and treat more than 33-thousand patients each year.

Lake Regional Hospital is a Level II Stroke Center, a Level II Heart Attack Center and a Level III Trauma Center.

No other hospital between Springfield and Columbia fits all three of those categories.

 

Lake Regional Celebrates Emergency Team Week

 

OSAGE BEACH, Mo. — Lake Regional Health System recognizes Emergency Department employees during Emergency Team Week, Oct. 11-17.

 

This week celebrates the dedication and expertise of Lake Regional’s Emergency Department nurses, patient care technicians, health unit coordinators, mid-level providers and physicians. Lake Regional holds the observance annually to coincide with National Emergency Nurses Week.

 

“We have such a dedicated group within our Emergency Department, and I could not be more proud of the work they do,” said Amy Funderburk, R.N., Lake Regional Emergency Department director. “The members of our Emergency Department staff are incredibly strong, and we come together every day dedicated to saving and improving lives.”

 

Lake Regional Health System’s Emergency Department provides 24-hour emergency medical service and treats more than 33,000 patients annually. The nursing staff maintains certifications in basic life support, advanced cardiac life support and pediatric life support, as well as specialized training in stroke and heart attack care, pediatrics, and trauma. The hospital is a Level II Stroke Center, Level II STEMI (heart attack) Center and Level III Trauma Center. No other hospital between Columbia and Springfield is a state-designated center for all three of these time-critical diagnoses. Visit lakeregional.com to learn more.

 

Photo Caption: The theme of Emergency Team Week at Lake Regional is “strong.” This year has been extraordinarily challenging for health care workers, but the team members at Lake Regional Emergency Department have continuously adapted to provide exceptional care to patients.

 

 

Lake Regional CEO Back To Work / Says COVID Cases Are Severe In The Community

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Lake Regional CEO Dane Henry

Lake Regional Hospital CEO Dane Henry is back to work following his a positive COVID-19 test late last month.

      NEWS-10-15-2020 LR COVID 1 - 15th October 2020

Henry also tells KRMS News the hospital is still seeing several severe cases of COVID-19.

      NEWS-10-15-2020 LR COVID 3 - 15th October 2020

Henry says around one of three patients at Lake Regional Hospital right now are there because of the Coronavirus.

Parson Orders Capitol Dome Lit Purple For Alzheimer’s Awareness

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The Governor’s ordered the dome at the state capitol and the Governor’s Mansion to be lit purple starting Tuesday.

It’s an effort to recognize Alzheimer’s Awareness Day.

The color purple is the signature color of the Alzheimer’s Association and recent numbers show over 200-thousand people 65 or over living with the disease in Missouri.

Images of the purple lighting will be posted to the Governor’s Flickr page.

Last week, Governor Parson ordered the dome to shine red for National Fire Prevention Week.

The normal lighting will return Wednesday.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 5, 2020

Governor Parson Orders Capitol Dome and Governor’s Mansion Lighted Purple in Recognition of Alzheimer’s Awareness Day

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – Governor Mike Parson has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome and Missouri Governor’s Mansion to shine purple on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, in recognition of Alzheimer’s Awareness Day. 

“Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that affects many of our loved ones. It is important to spread awareness and remember that there is still much work to be done to find a cure,” Governor Parson said. “Tonight, we will light the dome and the People’s House purple to show our support for the many Missourians impacted by this illness.”

The dome and Governor’s Mansion will light up at sunset on October 6 and remain lit through sunrise on October 7. The color purple is the signature color of the Alzheimer’s Association. Combining the calmness of blue and the passion of red, purple represents the uncompromising strength of the Alzheimer’s Association and its supporters.

In coordination with the lighting, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) will host a department walk in Jefferson City from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on October 6 in recognition of Alzheimer’s Awareness Day. There will also be a Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Jefferson City on October 11. Please visit the Walk to End Alzheimer’s website to find a walk near you.

“Alzheimer’s disease will continue to be a growing public health crisis until we find a cure. The most recent data shows there are 210,000 people age 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s in our state,” said Jessica Bax, DHSS Division of Senior and Disability Services Director. “Creating awareness during this month reminds us all of the importance to work together to support Missouri families affected by this disease.”

Pictures of the lighting will be available on Governor Parson’s Flickr page. Citizens are encouraged to share pictures on social media.

Six More Die Due To COVID 19 In The Lake Area

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Six more people have died as a result of COVID 19 in the Lake Area.

5 of the deaths came from Camden County and 1 Death was out of Morgan County.

That brings the total deaths to 33 since March.

Right now, there are 445 active cases lakewide, including 212 from Camden, 95 from Morgan, 79 from Benton and 59 from Miller.

Overall, there have been a total of 2,075 positive cases in the four-country region, of which 1,616 people have recovered from the virus.

Due to a report lapses, there are a total of 84 cases currently unaccounted for.

Read more here: LAKE COVID NUMBERS

Mushroom Recall Linked To Salmonella Outbreak In 10 States

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Heads up local restaurant owners.

The CDC is recalling some bad mushrooms.

Officials say the Kikurage Dried Black Fungus mushrooms, distributed by Wismettac Asian Foods, have been linked to 42 cases of Salmonella in 10 different states, including Missouri.

The company is voluntarily recalling their mushrooms, which are only sold to restaurants and not to the public.

You can read the CDC Report here or the recall report here.

 

Do not eat, sell, or serve recalledexternal icon dried wood ear mushrooms distributed from Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc. These mushrooms were sold only to restaurants and not directly to consumers.

Consumers can ask restaurants where mushrooms are from before ordering to avoid eating recalled mushrooms. Wood ear mushrooms are also commonly referred to as Kikurage, Dried Black Fungus, Dried Fungus, or Mu’er/Mu Er/Mu-Err.

  • Restaurant employees should check for recalled dried mushrooms and not serve or sell them. If you can’t tell where your dried mushrooms are from, throw them away.
  • Mushrooms were distributed to restaurants in six packs of five-pound bags labeled as Shirakiku brand Black Fungus (Kikurage) with Universal Product Code (UPC) bar code 00074410604305, item #60403, imported from China.
  • Clean and sanitizeexternal icon all surfaces that recalled mushrooms have come in contact with, including cutting boards, countertops, utensils, and storage bins.
  • In general, dried mushrooms should always be reconstituted using boiling water to kill any pathogens. This advice does not apply to recalled mushrooms, which should be thrown away.

Take action if you have symptoms of a Salmonella infection:

  • Talk to your healthcare provider.
  • Write down what you ate in the week before you started to get sick.
  • Report your illness to the health department.
  • Assist public health investigators by answering questions about your illness.
Symptoms of Salmonella Infection
Illustration of a person with stomach pain. 

  • Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 6 hours to 6 days after being exposed to the bacteria.
  • The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment.
  • In some people, the illness may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other places in the body.
  • Children younger than 5 years, adults 65 years and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.
  • For more information, see Symptoms of Salmonella Infection.
Latest Outbreak Information
Illustration of a megaphone. 

  • 41 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Stanley have been reported from 10 states.
    • 4 hospitalizations have been reported. No deaths have been reported.
  • Epidemiologic and traceback information show that wood ear mushrooms distributed by Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc., are the likely source of this outbreak.
    • 4 illness clusters were identified at restaurants serving ramen in three states.
    • 8 of 9 ill people linked to restaurant clusters reported eating wood ear mushrooms or ramen containing wood ear mushrooms before becoming sick.
    • Information from restaurants where ill people ate showed that wood ear mushrooms came from Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc.
  • On September 23, 2020, Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc., recalledexternal icon all Shirakiku brand imported Black Fungus that was distributed to restaurants because it may be contaminated with Salmonella.
  • This investigation is ongoing. CDC will provide more information as it becomes available.
Investigation Details

September 24, 2020

CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and FDA are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Stanley infections.

Public health investigators are using the PulseNet system to identify illnesses that may be part of this outbreak. PulseNet is the national subtyping network of public health and food regulatory agency laboratories coordinated by CDC. DNA fingerprinting is performed on Salmonella bacteria isolated from ill people by using a standardized laboratory and data analysis method called whole genome sequencing (WGS). CDC PulseNet manages a national database of these sequences that are used to identify possible outbreaks. WGS gives investigators detailed information about the bacteria causing illness. In this investigation, WGS showed that bacteria isolated from ill people were closely related genetically. This means that people in this outbreak are more likely to share a common source of infection.

As of September 24, 2020, a total of 41 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Stanley have been reported from 10 states. A list of the states and the number of cases in each can be found on the Map of Reported Cases page.

Illnesses started on dates ranging from January 21, 2020, to August 26, 2020. Ill people range in age from 2 to 74 years, with a median age of 27. Sixty-two percent of ill people are female. Of 32 ill people with information available, 4 hospitalizations have been reported. No deaths have been reported.

Illnesses might not yet be reported due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported. This takes an average of 2 to 4 weeks. Please see the Timeline for Reporting Cases of Salmonella Infection for more details.

Whole genome sequencing analysis of 26 bacterial isolates from ill people did not predict any antibiotic resistance. Standard antibiotic susceptibility testing by CDC’s National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) laboratory is underway.

Investigation of the Outbreak

Epidemiologic and traceback information show that wood ear mushrooms distributed by Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc., are the likely source of this outbreak.

In interviews, ill people answered questions about the foods they ate and other exposures in the week before they became ill. Of 18 people with information, 16 (89%) reported eating ramen at a restaurant in the week before their illness started. Several people reported eating at the same ramen restaurants, showing they may be part of illness clusters.

A foodborne illness cluster is defined as two or more people who do not live in the same household who report eating at the same restaurant location, attending a common event, or shopping at the same location of a grocery store in the week before becoming ill. Investigating illness clusters can provide critical clues about the source of an outbreak. If several unrelated ill people ate or shopped at the same location of a restaurant or store within several days of each other, it suggests that the contaminated food item was served or sold there.

Four illness clusters were identified at restaurants serving ramen in three states. Eight (89%) of the nine ill people linked to restaurant clusters reported eating wood ear mushrooms or ramen containing wood ear mushrooms in the week before their illness started.

FDA and states are conducting a traceback investigation to identify the source of the wood ear mushrooms eaten by ill people. Review of records collected to date identified that Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc., supplied wood ear mushrooms (dried fungus) to the illness cluster restaurants.

The California Department of Public Health collected dried fungus at one of the restaurants linked to an illness cluster for testing. Testing identified Salmonella in a sample of dried fungus distributed by Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc. WGS analysis is being done to determine if the Salmonella identified in the dried fungus is the same as the Salmonella from ill people.

On September 24, 2020, Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc., issued a recallexternal icon of all Shirakiku imported dried fungus after the California Department of Public Health found Salmonella in the product.

Restaurants should not sell or serve recalled wood ear mushrooms distributed by Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc.

This investigation is ongoing, and CDC will provide more information as it becomes available.

Missouri Revises Long-Term Care Facility Rules For Essential Caregivers

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The state of Missouri is revising its long-term care facility rules for Essential Caregivers.

Officials say now established essential caregivers can resume general visits both inside and outside a nursing home or special needs facility.

The new guidance recommends ways to safely facilitate visits, including using proper PPE and following CDC Guidelines.

The rule also states that only five visitors may be designated for each resident, with only two people allowed to be present at any given time, by appointment only.

 

Missouri Releases Revised Guidance to Safely Reunite Families with Loved Ones in Long-Term Care Facilities

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – This week, the state released revised guidance for long-term care facilities in Missouri that choose to establish an Essential Caregiver program and/or resume general visits either inside or outside the facility.

Facilities should have a policy in place to determine how contact with loved ones can occur while protecting the health of residents. Each facility will ultimately make the decision as to whether or not to adopt this guidance.

“COVID-19 has had a major impact on our most vulnerable citizens and their families,” Governor Mike Parson said. “We have worked hard to strengthen our prevention and mitigation strategies in long-term care facilities, and we understand the importance of spending time in-person with families and caregivers. These visits serve as an important part of  residents’ overall well-being.”

When COVID-19 first knowingly entered the United States in January, it was quickly discovered that those living in long-term care facilities were at a higher risk for contracting the virus. Health officials began to see the virus impact Missouri long-term care facilities in late March. Since that time, more than 650 Missouri long-term care facilities have reported at least one case among staff or residents. 

On May 18,  Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) Director Dr. Randall Williams issued an order requiring congregate living facilities, including long-term care, to report to DHSS within 24 hours when a positive test result is received among staff or residents.

Additionally, increased testing capacity in Missouri allowed the state to execute new strategies for addressing outbreaks early or before they start and arrange for comprehensive testing. The “boxed in” testing strategy has been implemented in 586 facilities since May 18 and has been effective at decreasing morbidity and mortality. 

“With increased resources and knowledge of the virus and its impacts as well as the hard work of so many Missourians, we are thankful to reunite residents with their families,” Director Williams said. “Like our federal partners, we believe allowing contact with loved ones and residents of our long-term care facilities is important to overall health especially after a prolonged separation.”

The new guidance, which recommends ways to safely facilitate visits in long-term care facilities, will supplement the state’s guidance issued for facilities in June. In accordance with newly revised federal guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, facilities must allow visits by outside health care providers and the Ombudsman program. Infection control, screening guidelines, and proper PPE use must be in place. 

Facilities that have not had any cases of COVID-19 among staff or residents, or those that have not had a facility-acquired case in the past 14 days, are able to allow general indoor visits for residents who do not or are not suspected to have COVID-19 (or who have been released from isolation).

Outdoor visits may occur in any facility for residents who do not or are not suspected to have COVID-19 (or who have been released from isolation). The guidelines dictate that five visitors may be designated for each resident, with two allowed to be present at a given time by appointment and with social distancing being practiced. Proper hand hygiene and face coverings should be used. 

“I am grateful for the opportunity to work with legislators, DHSS, the Missouri Health Care Association, families, and other interested parties to craft guidance which acknowledges the vulnerability of nursing home populations,” said Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe. “This responsive and responsible plan will help repair COVID’s impact of loneliness and isolation by providing options to help improve mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health.” 

The Missouri Health Care Association is Missouri’s largest association of licensed, long-term health care facilities, residential care facilities, and assisted living facilities and is dedicated to improving quality of life for the residents of long term care.

“We appreciate all the work done by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and DHSS to put together a responsible plan that allows for the safest visitation options possible in Missouri’s long-term care facilities,” said Missouri Health Care Association Executive Director Nikki Strong. “Although the virus is still a significant threat to the vulnerable citizens we care for, it is time to safely reunite our residents with their loved ones.”

In addition to general visits, each resident may have one essential caregiver designated through the Essential Caregiver program. Designated by the resident (or guardian or legal representative), essential caregivers are able to provide health care services or assistance with daily activities to help maintain or improve the quality of care or quality of life. This may include assistance with bathing, dressing, eating, or emotional support. One additional essential caregiver may also be designated if the individual is a clergy member.

With all types of visits, screening of individuals should be in place along with proper PPE use and infection control measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission among facility residents.

Detailed guidance for long-term care facilities can be found at health.mo.gov/coronavirus.

Lake Regional Auxiliary To Donate $300,000 Towards Commitment To Caring Initiative

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A new initiative at Lake Regional Health System focusing on cancer and cardiac services is getting a six-figure donation from the hospital auxiliary.

      NEWS-09-23-2020 LR DONATION 1 - 24th September 2020

Terri Hall, Director of Funding Development at Lake Regional.

She tells KRMS News the Commitment to Caring Initiative got another 100-thousand dollar donation from a Lake Area couple earlier in September.

 

Hospital Auxiliary Pledges $300,000 to Lake Regional Health System

 

OSAGE BEACH, Mo. — Lake Regional Hospital Auxiliary understands that community support is vital to local health care. The Auxiliary’s commitment to providing that support has not changed since the group’s creation in 1977. To show their dedication to quality local health care, the Auxiliary has pledged $300,000 to Lake Regional Health System during the next five years.

 The Auxiliary donation will benefit Lake Regional’s Commitment to Caring initiative, which seeks community support for advancing health care services. The first project to be funded by the initiative will enhance services for heart and cancer care.

 “We are thankful to the Hospital Auxiliary for their support and for caring so deeply about our mission of providing exceptional health care,” said Dane W. Henry, FACHE, chief executive officer of Lake Regional Health System. “Currently, heart disease is the No. 1 killer in Missouri and cancer is No. 2. The Auxiliary’s donation to Commitment to Caring will help Lake Regional provide the best care to people affected by these diseases.”

 Lake Regional Hospital Auxiliary supports Lake Regional operations through volunteering and fundraising.

 “Serving in the Auxiliary is a way to give back to a hospital that has continually provided remarkable care to the community,” said Nancy Groves, Auxiliary president. “We are lucky to have a health system that has been recognized for so many of their programs and services, including cancer and cardiac care. We don’t have to travel far for quality care; it is in our own backyard.”

 The Hospital Auxiliary raises funds through sales at Lake Regional’s gift shop and from fundraising events, including the annual Auxiliary Ball. This year’s ball is a no-show event, and supporters can make donations at lakeregional.com/noshow2020. The event includes a drawing for a chance to win a diamond pendant sponsored by Duncan II Jewelry or a denim certificate sponsored by Blair’s Landing. In addition, the Auxiliary is sponsoring a no-show excuse contest. The most creative excuse will win barbecue for four delivered by Wobbly Boots Road House. All contests end on Oct. 1.

 Lake Regional Hospital Auxiliary has more than 350 good-hearted members of all ages. The volunteers are a diverse group that includes retirees, doctors, active professionals, high school students and other community members. To learn more about the Auxiliary, visit lakeregional.com/volunteers.

 

PHOTO CAPTION: Lake Regional Hospital Auxiliary receiving the 2018 Auxiliary of the Year award from the Missouri Association of Hospital Auxiliaries.

Five More People Die Due To COVID 19 In The Lake Area

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There are five more deaths from COVID 19 in the Lake area.

Four of the deaths came from Morgan County and One came from Miller County.

That means that there have been 26 deaths since March across the four-county region.

As of this morning, there are 331 active cases of COVID in the Lake region, 104 of which are from Camden County, 89 are from Morgan County, 76 are from Miller county and 62 are from Benton County.

In total, there have been 1,842 positive cases since testing began, of which 1,393 people have recovered from the virus.

There remain 92 cases with an unknown status due to lapses in reporting in Camden County.

A reminder, there are COVID tests that remain ongoing and free to the community. See below for more details:

Lake Regional Receives $100,000 Donation From Lake Couple Who’s Lives Were Saved By The Hospital

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A Lake Area couple who says their lives were saved by Lake Regional Health System is making a $100,000 dollar donation.

Both Willis and Peggy Hansen say they’re alive today because of Lake Regional.

Willis was treated for a heart attack and Peggy got rapid care from the hospital after a stroke.

The couple is donating to Lake Regional’s ‘Commitment to Caring’ initiative, which aims to transform heart and cancer care services in the Lake Area.

Lake Regional wants to raise $10 million dollars through the community before breaking ground on the ‘Commitment to Caring’ facility at the hospital.

 

 

OSAGE BEACH, Mo. — A Lake Ozark couple has donated $100,000 to Lake Regional Health System to benefit it’s Commitment to Caring initiative. Through the initiative, Lake Regional is seeking to transform health care delivery for two vitally important services: heart care and cancer treatment services.

Willis and Peggy Hansen hope their donation will inspire others to support the enhancement of health services in the community. The couple has a strong personal connection to Lake Regional, as they have each received life-saving care from the health system. After suffering a heart attack, Willis Hansen received treatment at Lake Regional, and Peggy Hansen received rapid care from the hospital after experiencing a stroke.

“Lake Regional is vital to the community and area,” Peggy Hansen said. “After having my stroke, I learned that Lake Regional is the only hospital between Columbia and Springfield that is a state-designated center for stroke, heart attack and trauma.”

Karen Faiferlick, vice president of the Lake Regional Health System Board of Directors and chair of Lake Regional’s Development Council, expressed her appreciation for the Hansens’ generosity.

“We are all grateful for Willis and Peggy Hansen’s continued support of advancing local health care,” Faiferlick said. “They understand the importance of taking pride in your community health system and building for the future.”

The Hansens said they want more people to be aware of the recognitions Lake Regional has received for quality care. They also believe a continued expansion of programs and services is necessary to maintain the health system’s mission of providing exceptional health care.

“The hospital is the foundation of the community,” Willis Hansen said. “Lake Regional is equipped to take care of your diverse health needs, but it is up to everyone to support the health system. The stronger the hospital, the stronger the community.”

The Hansens are committed to supporting the service lines of cardiology and cancer care and enhanced technology that will create a world-class environment for the community. Lake Regional, with help from the Hansens and other generous donors, has raised $1 million so far for Commitment to Caring. The health system’s goal is to raise $10 million through community giving before breaking ground. Donations can be made to Commitment to Caring at lakeregional.com/donate.

Lake Regional Health System provides comprehensive health care services to residents and visitors throughout the mid-Missouri region. The hospital is a Level II Stroke Center, Level II STEMI (heart attack) Center and Level III Trauma Center. Lake Regional also provides a wide range of specialty care, including cancer care, heart care and orthopedics. Plus, Lake Regional operates primary care clinics, Express Care clinics, rehab therapy clinics, programs for home health and hospice, and retail pharmacies. To learn more, visit lakeregional.com.

Blue Star Family Survey Now Open Through The Sustainable Ozarks Partnership

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The Missouri Blue Star Survey is now open and officials are asking for your input.

The survey helps Blue Star Military Families by providing the state with data on active duty service members, including the National Guard, Reserve and Veteran service members.

Officials say the survey provides information on community connections, health concerns, education, public policy and financial challenges, among other things.

 

Blue Star Families Military Lifestyle Survey Now Open

The 2020 Blue Star Families Military Family Lifestyle Survey is now open. The survey is for research purposes only and, therefore, is entirely voluntary. The following individuals are able to complete the survey:
– Active duty service members and their family members – 18 years of age and older
– National Guard service members and their family members – 18 years of age and older
– Reserve service members and their family members – 18 years of age and older
– Veteran service members and their family members – 18 years of age and older

The survey is completely confidential and *optional* text responses are de-identified. This survey has a long history of producing confidential, statistical information used by senior defense department and military leaders to make decisions and prioritize efforts focused on all military families. It is crucial that military members and families provide a response for this survey, especially those in the Fort Leonard Wood Region.

The survey includes questions about community connections, health concerns and wellness, education, employment, military children, financial challenges, civic engagement, and public policy issues, among other topics.

We encourage those in the FLW Region to respond to the survey and also to encourage others to respond, as well. Blue Star Families has provided the following tips on how to engage others regarding the 2020 survey.

  1. Personal Asks. Sometimes all it takes is for you to ask two to three people a day in person or by phone to take the survey. Here’s an example of how to ask: “As a military affiliated person, you and I both know that we have issues and concerns that sometimes often go unspoken. Blue Star Families has a survey they do every year and they actually do something with the data they get out of it. I’m asking you as a friend to take it. Take this survey for me and for you. It may take you anywhere between 5 minutes to 15 minutes. So, will you take it this week for me?”
  2. Facebook Shares. If you follow the Blue Star Families Facebook Page, you can easily like, comment, tag, and share a post to your personal page asking everyone you know that is military affiliated to take the survey. Making your share public ensures that other friends can share your post, too. This is helpful, because any military affiliated person can take the survey no matter where they are. They don’t have to be in Missouri to have their voice heard.
  3. Presentations. Create space and opportunity for our local Blue Star Families representative, Tai Kimes, to give a 10 – 15 minute presentation on Blue Star Families and the annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey (aMFLS) to leaders in your community. Many leaders use our survey results to make decisions or implement specific programming. 
  4. Take the Survey and share your experience. Simply sharing the fact that you took it will be a very impactful tool. Let others know you feel the survey is important and provide some feedback on your experience taking the survey (i.e. how long it took, etc.).

The Blue Star Families 2020 Military Family Lifestyle Survey is now open. It is critical that Missouri’s military-connected individuals respond to this survey as the data is used by senior Department of Defense and other military leaders to make crucial decisions and determine focus areas related to military families. You can view our entire release on the survey here: https://sustainableozarks.org/news/2020/09/14/BSF-mil-lifestyle-survey-now-open.

This year, Blue Star Families will be looking to better understand the data and will hopefully be able to break down responses by region or state. Military-connected individuals can respond to the survey with this link: https://bluestarfam.us/BSFSurvey20MOsop.

 

Lake Area Schools Look To Improve Transparency With COVID 19 Cases

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Schools across the Lake area continue to deal with COVID 19 cases and one school wants to make it easier for parents to know where they stand.

School of the Osage now has a COVID dashboard on their website, which allows parents to view current active cases and what schools are being affected.

The dashboard is just one of many things the school is doing to protect against the virus.

      NEWS-09-14-2020 OSAGE COVID DASHBOARD - 14th September 2020

Superintendent Dr. Laura Nelson.

She tells KRMS news they are updating the dashboard every Tuesday.

Last week, The Missouri National Education Association called for more COVID-19 reporting transparency from school districts across the Show Me State.

Read the letter from the NEA below:

MNEA Letter to DESE COVID Exposure Reports

COVID Vaccine Remains Priority Heading Into Flu Season

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The fight to get a vaccine out to battle the Coronavirus continues, but officials say there’s still a long road ahead of us.

As America heads into flu season The race continues for a vaccine, with AstraZeneca resuming its clinical trials after a pause over safety concerns.

Pfizer CEO Albert Birla tells CBS’s face the nation’s Margaret Brennan, his company expects to deliver a vaccine before the end of the year. “We have already manufacturer hundreds of thousands of doses”

Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb says that may be a Hail Mary for most people. “They will not have access to a vaccine until 2021.”

*Story via KRMS news partner CBS Radio

MO Food Stamps Program Adds 120,000 New Users Due To COVID Pandemic

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New numbers from the state Department of Social Services show there has been an increase of 120,000 people on the Food Stamps Program.

Officials say there were around 658,000 Missourians on the program at the start of last year, and now it’s increased to 778,000 as of July.

Most of the increase is contributed to the COVID pandemic as Missourians started losing jobs.

Missouri Lawmakers voted back in April to approve an historic $6.2 Billion dollar emergency relief package to battle the pandemic for the long term.

Here are more details about the enrollments: CASELOAD DATA

More Than 1,000 People Have Recovered From COVID 19 In The Lake Area

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Over 1,000 people have recovered from COVID 19 in the Lake area.

According to the latest numbers, there are a total of 213 active cases across the four-county region.

That includes 92 cases in Camden, 59 in Miller, 45 in Morgan and 17 in Benton.

Out of the 1,320 positive cases seen since testing began in March, 1,092 people have since recovered from the virus.

There have been 15 deaths.

A full run down of the local numbers can be found here: LAKE COVID NUMBERS

New Concern Over COVID 19 And It’s Effect On The Brain

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There’s new concern about Covid-19 and its effect on the brain.

According to a new Yale University study, Corona Virus may directly invade the brain.

Doctor David Agus is a CBS News medical contributor and he says in the last week or two, they’ve heard about its effect on the heart, the lungs and now more and more data is showing it’s having an effect on the brain.

Many COVID 19 Victims experienced nagging headaches, confusion and being delirious.

See more from our news partner CBS: Scientists Warn Of Brain Damage With COVID 19

Wal-Mart To Start Offering Flu Shots On Tuesdays And Thursdays

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Officials with Wal-Mart say they’ll be providing vaccinations for the Flu across their stores this season.

The vaccines will be dispersed on Tuesday Mornings and Thursday Afternoons starting today.

Customers can call to book an appointment or use the mobile app.

The store says for Seniors and those at-risk, flu shots will be available from 6AM to 7AM on Tuesdays and there will be no out-of-pocket costs despite insurance status.

Free Farmers To Families Food Box Giveaway Today In Laclede County

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Residents in Laclede County will be getting some help with food needs in the community.

The Missouri Route 66 Firefighters, working with the City of Lebanon and the Hughes Senior Center, will be distributing food boxes from the Farmers to Families Food Box program today for area residents.

The drive-thru event is free and volunteers will load your vehicle for you to keep safe from COVID 19.

Officials say it starts at 3PM at the Miller Center.

Fire Districts Urge Caution For Shooting Off Fireworks

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Fire Districts across the Lake are reminding everyone to stay safe with fireworks this Labor Day weekend.

Officials say with the recent dry conditions it’s important to focus on where those fireworks are being aimed.

      NEWS-09-05-2020 FIREWORKS CAUTION - 5th September 2020

Mid-County Fire Chief Scott Frandsen

He tells KRMS News you should have a water source nearby and make sure adult supervision is present for those who may need it.

Frandsen says it’s also important to check with your local city ordinances to see if shooting off fireworks is legal in your area.

Capital Region In Jefferson City Receives High Award For Chest Pain Treatments

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A Jefferson City area hospital is receiving high praise this week.

The American College of Cardiology is awarding Capital Region Medical Center with the “Chest Pain Platinum Award” recognizing the hospital’s achievements in Chest pain for the past two years.

They say the hospital has established itself as a leader in the field and are now setting national standards for hospitals to follow.

Capital Region was one of 140 hospitals to receive the award this year.

Benton County Schools Receive Mask Donation From Bothwell Foundation

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Students in Benton County are getting cloth masks with their school logos on them.

It’s part of a donation from the Bothwell Hospital Foundation and a grant from the Katy Trail, to students at Warsaw, Lincoln and Cole Camp.

Warsaw Superintendent Dr. Sean Poyser tells KRMS News the district already passed out the masks last week and that they’ve also received another 3,000 plain white masks from the Hanes corporation this week.

Officials at Lincoln schools say the district already purchased 1,500 disposal masks and have received over 300 donated masks from area non-profits.

 

Photo: Warsaw Superintendent Dr. Shawn Poyser poses with Bothwell Foundation’s James White, Lauren Thiel-Payne & Stafford Swearingen after mask donation. Photo courtesy of Bothwell Foundation.

 

MASK UP PETTIS AND BENTON COUNTYThe Bothwell Foundation would like to invite you to join us in the Mask Up campaign….

Posted by Bothwell Foundation on Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Lake Regional Express Care Now Open In Camdenton

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A new express care health clinic is now open in Camdenton.

      NEWS-09-03-2020 EXPRESS CARE 1 - 3rd September 2020

Nurse practitioner Bob Meyer with Lake Regional Express Care tells KRMS News some of those issues include sprains, strains, ear aches, cuts and bruises.

But Meyer also says it’s important to know the difference between a life threatening emergency and another situation that can be handled at the Express Care.

The new facility’s located in the old Lake Regional Orthopedics building in Camdenton.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  

Lake Regional to Open Express Care Clinic in Camdenton

OSAGE BEACH, Mo. — Lake Regional’s Express Care will expand to Camdenton on Tuesday, Sept. 1. The clinic will be open daily — including weekends — at 226 E. Highway 54. Providers include Valerie Donnelson, PA-C, and Robert Meyer, FNP.

Express Care provides walk-in care for non-life-threatening issues, such as colds, earaches, allergies and sprains.

“It’s a great option, especially for visitors to our area and for anyone needing evening or weekend care,” said Lindsay Bentley, director of Lake Regional Clinical Operations. “We are excited to add this convenient care in Camdenton.”

No appointment is needed to visit any of Lake Regional’s Express Care clinics also open daily in Eldon, Lebanon and Osage Beach. For hours, visit lakeregional.com/expresscare or call 573-873-2521.

Lake Regional Express Care – Camdenton is located in the former Lake Regional Orthopedics – Camdenton location. The offices of Jeff Jones, D.O., and Brian Swanson, PA-C, are now located at Lake Regional Orthopedics, 1075 Nichols Road, Osage Beach.

Lake Regional Health System provides comprehensive health care services to residents and visitors throughout the mid-Missouri region. The hospital is a Level II Stroke Center, Level II STEMI (heart attack) Center and Level III Trauma Center. Lake Regional also provides a wide range of specialty care, including cancer care, heart care and orthopedics. Plus, Lake Regional operates primary care clinics, Express Care clinics, rehab therapy clinics, programs for home health and hospice, and retail pharmacies. To learn more, visit lakeregional.com.

CBCO Says They’re Critically Low On Type A And O Blood

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The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks says they are now critically low on type A and O blood.

Officials say that blood is usually provided to patients in need of plasma and they supply nearly 40 area hospitals in the Ozarks, including Lake Regional.

The CBCO says these levels are “potentially dangerous” and they’re asking for anyone to donate whenever they can.

The next drive for the CBCO in our area is on the 14th of September at the Meadowview Country Market in Tunas.

Learn more on how to give at http://cbco.org

Lake Regional Hospital Receives $50,000 Donation From Ameren

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Lake Regional Hospital is getting a major donation from Ameren Missouri.

The company, whose part of their Captain’s Circle Committee for philanthropic support, is donating $50,000 to support advanced health care services at the hospital.

Officials say they plan to use the money to help improve heart and cancer care treatments.

 

PHOTO CAPTION:

Lake Regional Health System CEO Dane W. Henry, FACHE, accepts a check for $50,000 presented by Lori Hoelscher, regional account executive, on behalf of Ameren Missouri.

 

Ameren Missouri Donates $50,000 to Lake Regional Health System

 OSAGE BEACH, Mo. — Lake Regional Health System’s initiative to rally community support for advanced health care services received a boost through a generous gift of $50,000 from Ameren Missouri.

 Ameren’s donation supports Lake Regional’s Commitment to Caring initiative. Through the initiative, Lake Regional is seeking to transform health care delivery for two vitally important services: heart care and cancer treatment services. Currently, heart disease affects one in three Americans; cancer strikes nearly two in five.

 “We care about the people we serve, and investments in our regional health care systems only make us stronger as a community,” said Chip Webb, central division director for Ameren Missouri. “The enhancements planned for Lake Regional Health System will help ensure area residents and visitors to the lake region have access to world-class cardiac and cancer care for years to come.” 

 Lake Regional Chief Executive Officer Dane W. Henry, FACHE, expressed his gratitude towards Ameren Missouri for their dedicated support.

 “Money raised through our philanthropy and fund development programs are very important to Lake Regional,” Henry said. “One hundred percent of that money goes directly towards projects that enhance our clinical services and offerings to the community. By donating to Commitment to Caring, Ameren has improved the lives of countless individuals who depend on us for exceptional health care.”

 Lake Regional Development Council has six committees dedicated to improving lives through advancing clinical quality, expanding access to care and enhancing services for the community. Ameren belongs to the Captain’s Circle committee, a network of community-minded businesses whose philanthropic support is key to helping Lake Regional provide the quality health care the community deserves. Lori Hoelscher, regional account executive of Ameren Missouri, serves as committee chair of Captain’s Circle.

 For more information on the Lake Regional Development Council, including participants and how to get involved, visit lakeregional.com/development. You also will find information on donors and an easy form to donate online.

 

 Ameren Missouri is part of St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation. Ameren Missouri has been providing electric and gas service for more than 100 years. Ameren Missouri’s mission is to power the quality of life for their 1.2 million electric and 132,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. For more information, visit Ameren.com.

 Lake Regional Health System provides comprehensive health care services to residents and visitors throughout the mid-Missouri region. The hospital is a Level II Stroke Center, Level II STEMI (heart attack) Center and Level III Trauma Center. Lake Regional also provides a wide range of specialty care, including cancer care, heart care and orthopedics. Plus, Lake Regional operates primary care clinics, Express Care clinics, rehab therapy clinics, programs for home health and hospice, and retail pharmacies. To learn more, visit lakeregional.com.

LOTO Reaches Over 1000 Positive COVID 19 Cases Since March

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The number of COVID 19 overall Positive cases at the Lake of the Ozarks has surpassed the 1,000 mark as of this morning.

According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, there have been a total of 1,038 positive cases reported since March, of which 519 cases are from Camden, 245 in Miller, 156 in Benton and 118 in Morgan counties.

Despite the high count, the number of active cases remains low at 156 across the four counties, of which 71 are from Camden, 45 are from Miller, 24 are from Benton and 16 are from Morgan.

As of Friday, the local health departments reported that 822 people had since recovered and there have been 12 deaths from the Coronavirus.

Full Lake Area COVID 19 totals can be found here: LOTO COVID

Missouri Extends Maximum Food Stamps Benefits Through September

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Missourians who receive Food Stamps through the SNAP program will continue to get their maximum benefits through the month of September.

Health officials say the decision was made after getting approval to extend the benefits from the USDA and the Food and Nutrition Service.

The money is automatically loaded onto your EBT card and there is nothing more that you need to do to receive it.

Officials say the number of households in Missouri on Food Stamps rose by 50% since the start of the COVID 19 Pandemic.

Additional extensions will be announced on a month to month basis.

Missouri To Receive $1.6 Million In Honda Airbag Settlement

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The show me state is set to receive over $1.6 million dollars in a $85 Million dollar settlement from automaker Honda.

Honda, settling without admitting wrongdoing to avoid future litigation.

The suit involves 46 states, plus Washington, D. C and three U. S territories.

The dangerous airbag inflators were made by the now defunct supplier Takata.

Attorneys general from a number of states charged Honda with dragging its feet on ordering a recall.

They allege Honda dragged its feet on that Takata airbag recall.

Those dangerous airbag inflators were in vehicles from a number of brands, but Honda by far had the most.

Honda says they’ve so far it’s replaced 16 million of the faulty airbag inflators.

To date, the ruptured airbags have resulted in at least 14 deaths and over 200 injuries.

 

Additional details from the Attorney General….

“One of the most important functions of the Attorney General’s Office is to protect Missouri consumers, and a large part of that is holding companies, no matter how big, accountable for their actions that have harmed consumers,” said Attorney General Schmitt.

Under the terms of the Consent Judgment, which will be filed with the Cole County Circuit Court, Honda has agreed to strong injunctive relief, including:

  1. Taking steps to ensure that future airbag designs include “fail-safe” features to protect passengers in the event the inflator ruptures.
  2. Adopting changes to its procurement process for new frontal airbags, to ensure that its suppliers have the appropriate industry certifications and satisfy key industry performance standards, as well as improve record-keeping and parts tracking.
  3. Implementation of recurrence prevention procedures designed to prevent a tragedy like this from ever happening again, such as requiring that Honda approve all new frontal airbag designs before the company will consider them for use in new Honda vehicles.
  4. Prohibitions on misleading advertisements and point of sale representations regarding the safety of Honda’s vehicles, including the airbags.
  5. Making improvements in critical areas such as risk management, quality control, supplier oversight, training and certifications, and implementing mandatory whistleblower protections.

Honda’s airbag recall website at http://www.hondaairbaginfo.com, or call its Customer Service toll-free number at (888) 234-2138, to see if their vehicle is subject to a recall.

Frito Lay Recalls BBQ Chips Nationwide

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Before you take another bite of that potato chip, listen up.

Frito-Lay says they’re recalling their barbecue flavored chips due to undeclared milk products.

The company says it happened when the chip bags were accidentally filled with another flavor, which contains milk products and could be dangerous to those with life threatening allergies.

The recall affects numerous sizes of the barbecue chip bags and no other flavors were affected.

 

For more on the Frito Lay recall click here: FRITO LAY RECALL

 

Company Announcement

Frito-Lay today issued a voluntary recall of select 1 oz., 1 1/2 oz., 2 5/8 oz., 7 3/4 oz., 12 1/2 oz., 15 1/2 oz. bags of Lay’s Barbecue Flavored Potato Chips because they may contain undeclared milk ingredients. These recalled bags may also be included in select Frito-Lay Variety Packs. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the product contained inside the recalled bags.

The products covered by this recall were distributed in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming to retail stores and via foodservice, vending, e-commerce, mail distribution and other channels.

No other Lay’s products, sizes, flavors, or variety packs are recalled.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that bags of Lay’s Barbecue Flavored Potato Chips were inadvertently filled with another flavor of potato chips, potentially exposing consumers to undeclared milk.

No allergic reactions related to this matter have been reported to date.  Frito-Lay has informed the FDA of the action.

Consumers with the product noted above can return the product to a retailer for a refund or contact Frito-Lay Consumer Relations at 1-800-352-4477 (9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CST, Monday-Friday).

Peach Recall Due To Salmonella Contamination

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California state-based company Prima Wawona is voluntarily recalling hundreds of its organic bagged peaches across the country due possible salmonella contamination.

Officials say it is only the bagged versions, not the loosely sold fruit, that is affected in the recall.

The bags were sold at Wal-Mart, Target and Kroger between June 1st and August 19th.

Find more details here: PEACH RECALL

Beaches Open For The Weekend In The LOTO

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Lake of the Ozarks State Park Public Beach. Photo Courtesy of MO STATE PARKS

Great news for those hitting the beach this weekend.

The DNR says all of the Lake area beaches are open with no issues.

The Campground Beach at Harry S Truman Park in Warsaw remains the only lake area beach closed, which is due to flooding damage.

 

Open beaches

Finger Lakes State Park, 1505 E. Peabody Rd, Columbia

Harry S Truman State Park Day Use Beach, 28761 State Park Rd, Warsaw

Lake of the Ozarks State Park Public Beach 1, 403 Hwy 134, Kaiser

Lake of the Ozarks State Park Grand Glaize Beach, off Hwy 54, Osage Beach

Lake Wappapello State Park, Hwy 172, Williamsville

Long Branch State Park, 28615 Visitor Center Rd, Macon

Mark Twain State Park, 37352 Shrine Rd, Florida, Mo

Pomme de Terre State Park Pittsburg Beach, Hwy 64B, Pittsburg

Pomme de Terre State Park Hermitage Beach, Hwy 64B, Pittsburg

St. Joe State Park Monsanto Lake Beach, 2800 Pimville Rd, Park Hills

St. Joe State Park Pim Lake Beach, 2800 Pimville Rd, Park Hills

Stockton State Park, 19100 S. Hwy 215, Dadeville

Thousand Hills State Park, 20431 State Hwy. 157, Kirksville 

Trail of Tears State Park, 429 Moccasin Springs, Jackson

Wakonda State Park, 32836 State Park Rd, La Grange

Watkins Woolen Mill State Park, 26600 Park Rd N, Lawson

 

Closed beaches

Cuivre River State Park, 678 State Rt 147, Troy – Beach closed due to flood damage. 

Harry S Truman State Park Campground Beach, 28761 State Park Rd, Warsaw – Beach closed due to flood damage.

 

Additional information may be found on the department’s website at http://dnr.mo.gov/asp/beaches/

Parents Who Are Still Undecided About School Can Get Help From The CDC

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Some parents may still be considering whether or not to send their kids back to the classroom this year, and Lake Area health professional’s offering an online tip  at the CDC website.

      NEWS-08-21-2020 SCHOOL DECISIONS 1 - 21st August 2020

Dr. Ryan Rogers is a physician’s assistant at Lake Regional Express Care in Lebanon.

You can find out more on the survey by logging on to http://cdc.gov and then typing school in the search bar.

Here the entire conversation with Dr. Rogers below:

      Back to School Safely Ryan Rogers Mixdown 1 - 21st August 2020

 

Lake Regional To Open Camdenton Express Care Clinic

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Lake Regional is opening a new express care clinic in the city of Camdenton.

Officials say the grand opening is Tuesday September 1st and the clinic will be open daily, including weekends.

The goal is to provide Camdenton residents help with non-life threating treatments, such as dealing with colds, earaches, allergies and sprains.

The new center will be located on Highway 54 inside the former Lake Regional Orthopedics facility

Lake Regional has express care clinics in Eldon, Lebanon and Osage Beach as well.

 

Lake Regional to Open Express Care Clinic in Camdenton

OSAGE BEACH, Mo. — Lake Regional’s Express Care will expand to Camdenton on Tuesday, Sept. 1. The clinic will be open daily — including weekends — at 226 E. Highway 54. Providers include Valerie Donnelson, PA-C, and Robert Meyer, FNP.

 Express Care provides walk-in care for non-life-threatening issues, such as colds, earaches, allergies and sprains.

 “It’s a great option, especially for visitors to our area and for anyone needing evening or weekend care,” said Lindsay Bentley, director of Lake Regional Clinical Operations. “We are excited to add this convenient care in Camdenton.”

 No appointment is needed to visit any of Lake Regional’s Express Care clinics also open daily in Eldon, Lebanon and Osage Beach. For hours, visit lakeregional.com/expresscare or call 573-873-2521.

 Lake Regional Express Care – Camdenton is located in the former Lake Regional Orthopedics – Camdenton location. The offices of Jeff Jones, D.O., and Brian Swanson, PA-C, are now located at Lake Regional Orthopedics, 1075 Nichols Road, Osage Beach.

 Lake Regional Health System provides comprehensive health care services to residents and visitors throughout the mid-Missouri region. The hospital is a Level II Stroke Center, Level II STEMI (heart attack) Center and Level III Trauma Center. Lake Regional also provides a wide range of specialty care, including cancer care, heart care and orthopedics. Plus, Lake Regional operates primary care clinics, Express Care clinics, rehab therapy clinics, programs for home health and hospice, and retail pharmacies. To learn more, visit lakeregional.com.

DESE To Distribute More Than 1.8 Million Cloth Masks To State Schools

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Missouri school districts will be receiving 1.8 million cloth masks from the state EMA office.

Officials with DESE say they’ll be disturbing them out this week.

They are recommending that all districts across the state require masks for children.

So far some 97,000 Missouri kids have reportedly tested positive for COVID 19 over the past two weeks, as various districts across the state started to open.

 

Governor Parson Meets with K-12 Administrators, Educators Across the State to Discuss School Reopening Plans and State Support

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – As school districts continue to prepare for the upcoming school year, Governor Mike Parson met with school administrators and teachers from across the state to discuss their plans for this fall and how they are navigating the challenges of COVID-19.

Over the past week, Governor Parson met with educators and administrators in the Jefferson City, Neosho, Springfield, St. Louis, Kansas City, and Northeast Missouri regions.

“We are very grateful for the hard work of our superintendents, administrators, teachers, and all school staff members to prepare for the upcoming school year,” Governor Parson said. “It was encouraging to hear about their plans to resume teaching, whether that be onsite classes, virtual learning, or a hybrid of both.”

“There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Every school district will look different based on the needs of its students and community,” Governor Parson continued.

The Governor’s Office has worked closely with the Departments of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to address key questions on school reopening. On Monday, DESE and DHSS released updated school reopening guidance addressing more frequently asked questions for the upcoming school year.

The document, initially published on July 9, now includes information on the reactive strategies that Missouri schools should be prepared to address upon reopening, including what to do if a student or staff member becomes symptomatic at school, how to handle positive cases of COVID-19 in the school community, and how to best prepare to assist local health officials with contact identification and tracing.

To assist school districts with personal protective equipment (PPE), 1.8 million cloth masks have been made available through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). DESE and SEMA are currently working to develop a plan to distribute the masks to school districts. DESE and DHSS have also released PPE guidance for school nurses.

Additionally, $7.5 million of the state’s Coronavirus Relief Fund has been allocated to a cost-share program with local counties to help schools cover the costs of PPE as well as cleaning and medical supplies for school buildings and buses. Schools may also use Elementary and Secondary School Education Relief Funds provided under the CARES Act for any COVID-19 related expenses, including PPE costs.

As many students rely on school meals each day, the state has also taken steps to ensure schools can continue to feed their students throughout COVID-19. During school closures this spring, the Missouri National Guard provided additional personnel to pack and distribute meals to students across the state.

Working in conjunction with DESE, the National Guard helped pack, load, and distribute approximately 288,000 meals to Missouri students from April 24 to July 31. Multiple schools in 12 school districts were supported through the partnership, including Cameron, St. Louis, Wright City R-II, Cape Girardeau, North St. Francois County, Hickman Mills, Tolbert, Marshall, St. Clair, Meadow Heights, Kingston, and Plato.

“As we move forward with this school year, we remain focused on the health and safety of our students, school staff, and communities as a whole,” Governor Parson said.

This week, Governor Parson will meet with leadership from Missouri colleges and universities to discuss higher education reopening plans.

Hot Weekend In Store For The Lake Area

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It’s going to be a hot weekend across the Lake area.

Temperatures are expected to be in the upper 90s Saturday.

Health officials say it’s important that you make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen and to drink plenty of water, to help protect against and heat related issues.

 

 

Here are a few tips from the CDC about staying healthy in the heat:

High temperatures kill hundreds of people every year. Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable, yet more than 700 people die from extreme heat every year in the United States.

Take measures to stay cool, remain hydrated, and keep informed. Getting too hot can make you sick. You can become ill from the heat if your body can’t compensate for it and properly cool you off. The main things affecting your body’s ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather are:

  • High humidity. When the humidity is high, sweat won’t evaporate as quickly. This keeps your body from releasing heat as fast as it may need to.
  • Personal factors. Age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug and alcohol use all can play a role in whether a person can cool off enough in very hot weather.

Those who are at highest risk include people 65 and older, children younger than two, and people with chronic diseases or mental illness.

Closely monitor people who depend on you for their care and ask these questions:

  • Are they drinking enough water?
  • Do they have access to air conditioning?
  • Do they need help keeping cool?

People at greatest risk for heat-related illness can take the following protective actions to prevent illness or death:

  • Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as you can. Contact your local health department or locate an air-conditioned shelter in your area. Air-conditioning is the number one way to protect yourself against heat-related illness and death. If your home is not air-conditioned, reduce your risk for heat-related illness by spending time in public facilities that are air-conditioned and using air conditioning in vehicles.
  • Do not rely on a fan as your main cooling device during an extreme heat event.
  • Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
  • Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
  • Don’t use the stove or oven to cook—it will make you and your house hotter.

Even young and healthy people can get sick from the heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather:

  • Limit your outdoor activity, especially midday when the sun is hottest.
  • Wear and reapply sunscreen as indicated on the package.
  • Pace your activity. Start activities slow and pick up the pace gradually.
  • Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more. Muscle cramping may be an early sign of heat-related illness.
  • Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

If you play a sport that practices during hot weather, protect yourself and look out for your teammates:

  • If you are wearing a cloth face covering and feel yourself overheating or having trouble breathing, put at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and others and remove the face covering. More safety tips: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.html #COVID19.
  • Schedule workouts and practices earlier or later in the day when the temperature is cooler.
  • Monitor a teammate’s condition, and have someone do the same for you.
  • Seek medical care right away if you or a teammate has symptoms of heat-related illness.
  • Learn more about how to protect young athletes from heat-related illness by taking this CDC course.

Everyone should take these steps to prevent heat-related illnesses, injuries, and death during hot weather:

  • Stay in an air-conditioned indoor location as much as you can.
  • Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty.
  • Schedule outdoor activities carefully.
    • Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen.
    • Pace yourself.
  • Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
  • Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
  • Never leave children or pets in cars.
  • Check the local news for health and safety updates.

 

 

Lake Area Beaches Are Open For The Weekend

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Lake of the Ozarks State Park Public Beach. Photo Courtesy of MO STATE PARKS

Beaches remain open across the Lake area for this weekend.

The DNR reports no issues with public beach #1 or #2 in the Lake of the Ozarks state park or the day use beach at Harry Truman Park in Warsaw.

Only the Campground Beach at Truman remains closed due to Flood damage.

It still remains unknown when that park will re-open.

 

Open beaches

Finger Lakes State Park, 1505 E. Peabody Rd, Columbia

Harry S Truman State Park Day Use Beach, 28761 State Park Rd, Warsaw

Lake of the Ozarks State Park Public Beach 1, 403 Hwy 134, Kaiser

Lake of the Ozarks State Park Grand Glaize Beach, off Hwy 54, Osage Beach

Lake Wappapello State Park, Hwy 172, Williamsville

Long Branch State Park, 28615 Visitor Center Rd, Macon

Mark Twain State Park, 37352 Shrine Rd, Florida, Mo

Pomme de Terre State Park Pittsburg Beach, Hwy 64B, Pittsburg

Pomme de Terre State Park Hermitage Beach, Hwy 64B, Pittsburg

St. Joe State Park Monsanto Lake Beach, 2800 Pimville Rd, Park Hills

St. Joe State Park Pim Lake Beach, 2800 Pimville Rd, Park Hills

Stockton State Park, 19100 S. Hwy 215, Dadeville

Thousand Hills State Park, 20431 State Hwy. 157, Kirksville 

Trail of Tears State Park, 429 Moccasin Springs, Jackson

Wakonda State Park, 32836 State Park Rd, La Grange

Watkins Woolen Mill State Park, 26600 Park Rd N, Lawson

 

Closed beaches

Cuivre River State Park, 678 State Rt 147, Troy – Beach closed due to flood damage. 

Harry S Truman State Park Campground Beach, 28761 State Park Rd, Warsaw – Beach closed due to flood damage.

 

Additional information may be found on the department’s website at http://dnr.mo.gov/asp/beaches/

Active COVID 19 Numbers At 146 Out Of 723 Total Cases Lakewide

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The number of active COVID 19 cases across the 4-county region of the Lake is now at 146 out of 723 total cases.

That includes 68 active cases in Camden, 30 active cases in Benton, 27 active cases in Miller and 21 active cases in Morgan counties.

Overall, 566 residents have recovered from the virus and there remains 11 deaths across the region.

The health departments also report that 20 people between the 4-counties remain hospitalized across the various hospitals that serve the lake area.

You can follow our daily updates with more details information here: LOTO COVID UPDATES

Crocker Schools To Not Require Masks

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Schools throughout the lake area are getting ready to open soon.

Many are offering both seated and virtual classes because of Covid-19.

One Lake Area school district says they won’t be requiring masks for their students.

Crocker Superintendent of Schools Gary Doerhoff says they will have several other health and safety procedures in place to protect staff and students, including temperature checks before entering the school.

He says the district has plans it can switch to if the coronavirus becomes serious problem.

Sunrise Beach Medical Marijuana Facility Approved

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A lake area medical marijuana facility is getting the green light from the state.

Officials with the Department of Health and Senior services have issued an operator’s license to Holistic Missouri in Sunrise Beach.

Holistic was also approved for a facility in the Kansas City area.

The state also issued licenses to Como Health in Columbia and Beta Fusion extracts in Springfield.

Vesicular Stomatitis Found In Camden County Livestock

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Lake are farmers are being urged to watch out for a disease that’s affecting Livestock.

It’s called Vesicular Stomatitis or VSV and officials say a case has been confirmed in Camden County.

The disease is transmitted by biting insects that cause blister-like lesions on the skin, which can take up to a month to heal.

It primarily affects Horses and Cattle, but can also affect Sheep, Pigs and goats.

The Department of Agriculture says humans can also contract the virus from their animals, causing a flu-like illness.

The Camden County Case was confirmed by a state’s spokesperson and it was announced on August 7th, a day after the official report was released by the USDA.

 

Here is a website with information on the VSV: USDA VSV

Here is the latest report on VSV from August 6th.

sitrep-08-06-20

New Study Shows Cloth & Bandana Masks Less Effective Than Paper/N95

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A new study shows that some face masks may not work as good as we’d hoped against COVID 19.

A group of researchers at Duke University have come up with a way to analyze the effectiveness of different types of face masks.

The person wearing a mask speaks into a hole in a black box.

A laser is used to scatter the respiratory droplets when they talk and a cellphone camera is placed on the back of the box to record the light.

A computer algorithm counts the droplets seen in the video.

The best mask was the N95, followed by surgical and cotton masks. Neck fleeces, folded bandanas and knitted masks performed the worst.

Local Active COVID Numbers Remain Low – Camden County Updates Remain Random

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The number of active COVID 19 cases is at 138 over the lake community.

That’s extremely low considering the total case count overall is 637.

At this point, over 440 people have recovered from the virus and only a few remain hospitalized.

The numbers remain slightly off, as Camden County’s health department still has not updated local numbers on their website or Facebook pages since last Monday.

More Onions Added To Nationwide Recall Due To Salmonella

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More onions are being added to the massive recall list effecting the entire US and state of Missouri.

CDC Officials say varieties of Red, Yellow, White and Sweet onions produced by Thomson International are being recalled due to salmonella poisoning.

Over 640 people have already reported getting sick from the Onions.

They say if you are unsure of where your onions came from, simply throw them out or return them for a full refund.

Salmonella Outbreak Update: Now 640 people are sick in 43 states. Several companies, including grocery stores, are…

Posted by CDC on Friday, August 7, 2020

 

Onions were distributed in bulk cartons and mesh sacks ranging from 2 to 50 pounds under these brand names:

  • Thomson Premium
  • TLC Thomson International
  • Tender Loving Care
  • El Competitor
  • Hartley’s Best
  • Onions 52
  • Majestic
  • Imperial Fresh
  • Kroger
  • Utah Onions
  • Food Lion

Thomson International Inc. of Bakersfield, California is recalling Red, Yellow, White, and Sweet Yellow Onions shipped from May 1, 2020 through the present.  The onions are being recalled because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Onionswere distributed to wholesalers, restaurants, and retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Canada.

The onions were distributed in 5 lbs. carton. 10 lbs. carton. 25 lbs. carton. 40 lbs. carton, 50 lbs. carton. bulk, 2 lb. mesh sacks, and 3 lb. mesh sacks, 5 lb. mesh sacks, 10 lb. mesh sacks 25 lbs. mesh sacks, 50 lbs. mesh sacks under the brand names Thomson  Premium, TLC Thomson International, Tender Loving Care, El Competitor, Hartley’s Best, Onions 52, Majestic, Imperial Fresh, Kroger, Utah Onions and Food Lion.

Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not eat, sell, or serve red, white, yellow, or sweet onions from Thomson International, Inc. or products containing such onions. If you cannot tell if your onion is from Thomson International Inc., or your food product contains such onions, you should not eat, sell, or serve it, and should throw it out.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, along with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Newport infections that may be linked to these onions, so Thomson International is recalling the onions out of an abundance of caution.  As of now no specific source of contamination or contaminated shipment has been identified, and FDA is also investigating other potential sources of contamination and has not yet reached a final conclusion.

396 total illnesses have been reported to date including 59 hospitalizations.  States with cases include: AK (6), AZ (14), CA (49), CO (10), FL (3), ID (5), IL (10), IN (2), IA (15), KS (1), KY (1), ME (4), MD (1), MI (23), MN (10), MO (6), MT (33), NE (5), NV (5), NY (4), NC (3), ND (5), OH (7), OR (71), PA (2), SC (1), SD (11), TN (5), TX (1), UT (61), VA (4), WA (2), WI (5), and WY (11).

Consumers who have any Red, Yellow, White, and Sweet Yellow Onions under the above brand names, or who cannot tell if their onions are from Thomson International, should immediately discard these products and disinfect any surfaces that came into contact with the onions.   Consumers with questions may contact the company by calling Kim Earnshaw at 661-845-1111

 

The Food and Drug Administration has since announced it’s launching an investigation into the Bakersfield California-based produce supplier (Thomas International) to “learn more about” the potential source of contamination of the numerous onion brands.

The agency noted the investigation is ongoing and that additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

 

See more from the FDA here: ONION RECALL

See more about the FDA’s investigation here: FDA Investigation

See more from the CDC here: ONION RECALL

Beaches Open At The Lake Of The Ozarks

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Lake of the Ozarks State Park Public Beach. Photo Courtesy of MO STATE PARKS

It’s another great weekend to hit the beaches at Lake of the Ozarks.

The DNR reports no issues at Public beach #1 or #2 in the State park.

At this time only the Campground Beach remains closed at Harry S Truman State Park in Warsaw due to flood damage.

It’s unknown when that park will reopen at this time.

 

Open beaches

Cuivre River State Park, 678 State Rt 147, Troy

Finger Lakes State Park, 1505 E. Peabody Rd, Columbia

Harry S Truman State Park Day Use Beach, 28761 State Park Rd, Warsaw

Lake of the Ozarks State Park Public Beach 1, 403 Hwy 134, Kaiser

Lake of the Ozarks State Park Grand Glaize Beach, off Hwy 54, Osage Beach

Lake Wappapello State Park, Hwy 172, Williamsville

Long Branch State Park, 28615 Visitor Center Rd, Macon

Mark Twain State Park, 37352 Shrine Rd, Florida, Mo

Pomme de Terre State Park Pittsburg Beach, Hwy 64B, Pittsburg

Pomme de Terre State Park Hermitage Beach, Hwy 64B, Pittsburg

St. Joe State Park Monsanto Lake Beach, 2800 Pimville Rd, Park Hills

St. Joe State Park Pim Lake Beach, 2800 Pimville Rd, Park Hills

Stockton State Park, 19100 S. Hwy 215, Dadeville

Thousand Hills State Park, 20431 State Hwy. 157, Kirksville 

Trail of Tears State Park, 429 Moccasin Springs, Jackson

Wakonda State Park, 32836 State Park Rd, La Grange

Watkins Woolen Mill State Park, 26600 Park Rd N, Lawson

 

Closed beaches

Harry S Truman State Park Campground Beach, 28761 State Park Rd, Warsaw – Beach closed due to flood damage.

 

Additional information may be found on the department’s website at http://dnr.mo.gov/asp/beaches/

Lake Active COVID Cases at 135 – Camden No Longer Reporting Daily Numbers

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The number of active COVID 19 cases is currently 135 across the Lake area.

67 cases are reported in Camden, 27 are from Benton, 26 are from Miller and 15 are from Morgan county.

Out of 587 total cases, 443 people have since recovered from the virus.

There remain 9 death since the start of the pandemic.

Camden county continues to be the only lake county not reporting daily numbers.

Their last update was on Monday this week.

Area Schools Begin Preparing For Upcoming Classes This Month

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It’s almost time to get back to school and parents around the Lake area overwhelming say they want their kids back in the classroom.

      NEWS-08-06-2020 BACK TO SCHOOL 1 - 6th August 2020

Governor Mike Parson.

He says he’s spoken to several Lake Area Superintendents about their needs and requests to make it happen.

      NEWS-08-06-2020 BACK TO SCHOOL 2 - 6th August 2020

School of the Osage has already announced plans to do 1 day a week on Monday as virtual learning. Camdenton, Morgan, Warsaw and Eldon districts have noted they will be doing all 5 days in the classroom, with virtual options open for those who want it.

Classes are set to start on August 24th and 25th.

 

Area school re-opening plans can be found below:

 

Camden County:

Camdenton R3 School Plans

Climax Springs R4 School Plans

Macks Creek R5 School Plans

Stoutland R2 School Plans

 

Miller County:

School of the Osage School Plans

Eldon R1 School Plans

Iberia R5 School Plans

Miller CO R3 School Plans

St. Elizabeth R4 School Plans

 

Morgan County:

Morgan County R1 School Plans

Morgan County R2 School Plans

Benton County:

Warsaw R9 School Plans

Cole Camp R1 School Plans

Lincoln R-2 School Plans

 

Telehealth Services Expanded To Help Rural Hospitals

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Telehealth services are being expanded in Missouri.

Lake representative and congresswoman Vicky Hartzler says as part of President Trump’s recent executive order, the expansion serves to improve connections for the rural communities.

The order proposes to permanently allow for evaluations and management of a patient, as well as specific visits, for those who have cognitive impairments and those in the vulnerable populations.

Rural hospitals such as Lake Regional can continue using provider tools to modernize their care for the community under the new order, which also works to create infrastructure to support it including rural broadband internet.

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) announces expanded telehealth services for Missouri’s 4th congressional district as part of President Donald Trump’s Executive Order improving services for rural communities.

The Executive Order (EO), issued on August 3rd, aims to expand the current network of telehealth services built by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and proposes to permanently allow services for evaluation and management of a patient, and certain types of visits for patients with cognitive impairments. This will allow vulnerable populations, such as senior citizens or those with pre-existing conditions, to visit with doctors and medical staff virtually using teleconference platforms.

The EO gives rural hospitals and health care providers the tools they need to modernize their care for rural communities. It establishes strategic investments to create the necessary infrastructure to support the telehealth network, underscoring the important need for affordable, quality rural broadband. The order also puts in motion a new payment model for rural hospitals to use.

The telehealth network was funded after a series of preceding orders from the President in the spring and after funding authorized under the CARES Act, which Hartzler supported in March.

Hartzler has also worked to bolster funding for critical grants and federal programs related to the deployment of rural broadband. This includes $555 million to the ReConnect grants and loans, as well as over $780 million for other grant and loan programs through the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development agency.

School Of The Osage Planning For Football This Year

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School of the Osage is planning on some high school football this year.

      NEWS-8-5-2020 OSAGE FOOTBALL 1 - 5th August 2020

School of the Osage Athletic Director Clint Hague tells KRMS News some of those guidelines include having players wearing masks when they’re not on the field.

Temperature checks will also be handled during games and practices.

Players will be bringing their own water, so timeouts during games will be extended.

 

Missouri Passes Medicaid Expansion Tuesday

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Medicaid expansion is a done deal in Missouri.

Voters passing the Amendment 2 measure 53 to 47 %, the majority of the yes votes coming from areas like St. Louis and Kansas City.

The Lake area overwhelming voted no on the measure.

What it means for Missourians is adults ages 19 to 65 who’s income is at or below 138% of the federal poverty level, or just over $17,000 for an individual and $36,000 for a household of four, can now be covered by the program.

The federal government currently covers 65% of all Medicaid costs, with the remaining dollars coming from the state, but with the expansion the federal side will now cover 90% and leave only 10% for the state.

Officials estimate as many as 250,000 adults will now be covered when the program takes effect in July of 2021.

Red Onion Recall Underway Due To Salmonella

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The FDA is issuing a recall on several Red Onions after numerous reports of Salmonella.

Officials say they’ve traced the source of the outbreak to a company called Thomson International based in California.

So far there have been 6 Missourians who’ve reported being sick after eating the onions.

Over 396 people have reported being sick and 59 are currently hospitalized.

 

The FDA, along with CDC and state and local partners, is investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Newport infections. The Public Health Agency of Canada is also investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Newport illnesses that have a genetic fingerprint closely related to the U.S. outbreak.

Investigators in the U.S. and Canada have been collaborating to identify the source of this outbreak. On July 30, 2020, Canadian health officials announcedExternal Link Disclaimer that they had determined red onions from the U.S. to be the potential source of the Canadian outbreak. The Canadian investigation has also prompted a recallExternal Link Disclaimer warning by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Building on this information, and on epidemiologic information on the U.S. outbreak from CDC, the FDA’s traceback investigation was able to identify Thomson International, Inc. as a likely source of contaminated red onions in the U.S.

Thomson International, Inc. has notified FDA that it will be recalling all varieties of onions that could have come in contact with potentially contaminated red onions, due to the risk of cross-contamination. This recall would include red, white, yellow, and sweet onions from Thomson International, Inc. Recall information will be made public as soon as it is available from Thomson International, Inc.

Case Counts

Total Illnesses: 396
Hospitalizations: 59
Deaths: 0
Illness Onset Date Range: July 12, 2020
States with Cases: AK (6), AZ (14), CA (49), CO (10), FL (3), ID (5), IL (10), IN (2), IA (15), KS (1), KY (1), ME (4), MD (1), MI (23), MN (10), MO (6), MT (33), NE (5), NV (5), NY (4), NC (3), ND (5), OH (7), OR (71), PA (2), SC (1), SD (11), TN (5), TX (1), UT (61), VA (4), WA (2), WI (5), WY (11)

See more on the FDA’s website.

 

Lake Regional CEO Concerned Over Rising COVID Cases

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The COVID-19 pandemic continues in the Lake Area and around Missouri, and one local health official is concerned.

Lake Regional Hospital is running between 70 to 150 tests per day, and the positivity rate is around 17-percent.

      NEWS-7-30-2020 LAKE AREA COVID 2 - 31st July 2020

Dane Henry’s the CEO of Lake Regional Health System in Camden County.

He tells KRMS News despite the increase in the number of positive COVID-19 test results and hospitalizations, it is still safe to go to the doctor.

      NEWS-7-30-2020 LAKE AREA COVID 3 - 31st July 2020

Henry says that’s true of people coming to the emergency room, surgery, physician visits and urgent care.

 

The number of active COVID 19 cases across the Lake area is at 149.

So far 289 people have recovered from the virus, while 15 remain hospitalized.

There have been 5 deaths since March.

As of this morning, three out of the four lake area counties are up to date on reporting.

Camden county has not sent out an update since last Friday.

Children With Special Needs Suffering From Virtual Learning

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Schools across the Ozarks are taking different approaches to their back to school plans, some doing virtual and others doing in person.

However, the virtual learning is causing trouble for the special needs and autism communities.

      NEWS-07-30-2020 SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOLING 1 - 30th July 2020

Elizabeth Obrey with the Arc of the Ozarks.

She tells KY 3 TV parents of special needs kids cannot fill the role of teachers and therapists.

      NEWS-07-30-2020 SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOLING 2 - 30th July 2020

Many parents with children on the spectrum tell KRMS news that their children have suffered severe regressions as a result of losing schooling and in-person therapies to the COVID 19 virus.

HyVee To Offer Drive-Thru Flu Vaccinations – Delivery For Prescriptions

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HyVee will be offering drive up Flu Vaccines for Lake area residents.

The company says it’s in an effort to protect against COVID 19.

Officials say the vaccine will be available both inside the Pharmacy area as well and those wanting to drive-thru option will be able to do so between August 17th through the 31st.

In both locations you will be required to wear a mask and pharmacists will conduct a screening process to ensure they’re making the most beneficial choice for each person.

They’re also offering contact-free prescription pickup or delivery options as well.

 

Hy-Vee Pharmacies Sharing Enhanced Safety Protocols; Offering Drive-Up Flu Vaccines Beginning Aug. 17

July 28, 2020 | News & Press Releases

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (July 28, 2020) — Hy-Vee, Inc. announces today that the flu vaccine will be available inside its more than 270 Hy-Vee pharmacy locations throughout its eight-state region without an appointment or prescription, and will also be offered via a drive-up option at Hy-Vee pharmacy locations between Aug. 17 and Oct. 31. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each year to prevent getting and spreading the flu virus.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Hy-Vee continues to follow CDC guidelines for safety and precautions. Our stores, including our pharmacy areas, maintain enhanced cleaning regimens, social distancing protocols and Plexiglas shields at registers and customer service counters. Below are key measures Hy-Vee has implemented to ensure the safe administration of immunizations for our patients and pharmacy team members:

•    All Hy-Vee pharmacy team members are required to wear face masks at all times, including while administering immunizations.
•    Any patient with COVID-19-like symptoms or who has had prolonged exposure to a positive case should wait the appropriate amount of time prior to receiving their vaccine for the health and safety of our patients and team members.
•    Patients receiving a vaccination will need to wear a face covering.

Flu Vaccines
Drive-up flu vaccines will be offered in the parking lot of many Hy-Vee pharmacy locations between Monday, Aug. 17 and Saturday, Oct. 31 during the following times each week*:

•    Monday: 7 a.m.-11 a.m.
•    Thursday: 3 p.m.-7 p.m.
•    Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Hy-Vee pharmacists conduct a screening process to ensure that they are administering the vaccine type most beneficial for each individual. Medicare and most insurance plans cover the flu vaccine and other immunizations at no charge.

Flu vaccines are available at Hy-Vee pharmacies on a walk-in/drive-up basis without a prescription as allowed per state law during regular pharmacy hours. Hy-Vee pharmacists can administer the flu vaccine to individuals outside of the age-specific guidelines listed below with a prescription. In Hy-Vee’s eight-state region, the state laws are as follows:

•    Illinois: Ages 10 years and older
•    Iowa: Ages 6 years and older
•    Kansas: Ages 6 years and older
•    Minnesota: Ages 6 years and older
•    Missouri: Ages 7 years and older
•    Nebraska: Ages 6 months and older
•    South Dakota: Ages 6 months and older
•    Wisconsin: Ages 6 years and older

Each person who receives a flu vaccine at a Hy-Vee Pharmacy can earn a 20 cents per gallon Fuel Saver discount, which can be redeemed at any Hy-Vee Gas, Hy-Vee Fast and Fresh Express or Hy-Vee Fast and Fresh location. See Hy-vee.com for details. Restrictions apply.

In addition, Hy-Vee Healthy You mobiles can be reserved for flu vaccine clinics as a convenient health and wellness benefit for a company’s employees. Clinics are typically held September through November, and can be scheduled by emailing vaccineclinic@hy-vee.com.

*See store for details. Restrictions apply. Subject to availability.

Contact-Free Prescription Pickup/Delivery
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues Hy-Vee also offers the following convenient, contact-free prescription pickup and delivery methods: pharmacy drive-thru, curbside pickup, home delivery or ship to home. For additional information on these options, please contact your local Hy-Vee pharmacy.

MO Food Stamps COVID Max Payments Extended Into August

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Missourians who receive food stamps through the snap program are having their pandemic benefits extended through August.

Officials say the maximum number will continue to be loaded onto the existing EBT cards.

Over 372,000 Missouri households including over 770,000 Missourians currently receive these benefits as of June 30th.

For more information log on to http://dss.mo.gov

More Than 650 Cases Of Cyclospora Are Connected To Salad Bag Recall

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The FDA says they’ve seen over 650 cases of Cyclospora directly connected to the bagged salad recall across the US.

The salad bags were produced for stores like HyVee and Wal-Mart by Fresh Express.

The bags contain product code Z178 or lower numbers and consumers are still being urged to throw them out if they still have them.

FDA Officials say they are still trying to determine the cause of the outbreak.

You can follow along with their investigation here: FDA Cyclospora Investigation

 

July 23, 2020

As of July 22, 2020, CDC is reporting a total of 641 cases across 11 states.

FDA’s traceback investigation is ongoing to determine the cause and source of the outbreak. Salad ingredients (iceberg lettuce, carrots, red cabbage) continue to be items of interest in the investigation. As this outbreak investigation continues, the FDA will provide additional updates to this advisory.

CBCO To Host Urgent Blood Drive In Lake Area

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There’s an urgent call for blood donations as the Coronavirus has disrupted the blood drives across the Lake Area.

Chris Pilgram with the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks tells KRMS news the virus has put them in a position where they have little to no reserves left for area hospitals.

      NEWS-07-29-2020 BLOOD DRIVE 2 - 29th July 2020

Pilgram is urging everyone to donate whenever they can because they are unsure if they can count on any normal drives throughout the fall.

      NEWS-07-29-2020 BLOOD DRIVE 4 - 29th July 2020

A few drives are scheduled for the Lake area, including one from 10AM to 1PM Thursday at the Lodge of the Four Seasons and another at City Hall in Osage Beach on August 7th.

Hear the full interview with KRMS’s Christian Blood Below:

      07-29-2020 I and A Chris Pilgrim Comm Blood - 29th July 2020

Find local drives for the CBCO in your area here.

Community Blood Center of the Ozarks issues critical appeal for all blood types

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Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO), the sole supplier of blood and plasma to patients at more than 40 area healthcare facilities, is making a plea for anyone who is eligible to donate blood to do so. “There are simply not enough donations coming in or mobile blood drives on the schedule to keep pace with the increase of local patient needs,” CBCO Executive Director Anthony Roberts said. “While we have been able to maintain stock levels at our hospitals, our reserves on our shelves are below a comfortable level and we need the help of our generous community donors who always step up in times of need.” Since the COVID-19 shutdown in March, more than 280 blood drives have been cancelled in the CBCO service region, resulting in more than 9,000 potential blood donations being lost. As a result, CBCO is in a critical appeal for all blood types.

 Blood usage for patients in area hospitals has returned to near normal levels, while area donations have not been able to keep pace. Multiple mobile blood drive cancellations are still occurring. The downturn in donation rates means that reserve levels have not been able to recover. And with the uncertainty of school or college blood drives for the fall and spring, the future of the community blood supply will be heavily dependent on first-time donors and community donors giving more frequently.

 “This is a very challenging time for blood centers across the U.S., and Community Blood Center of the Ozarks is no exception,” CBCO Executive Director Anthony Roberts said. “As we try to navigate the way forward, we are asking area blood donors to support the only blood service that supplies all of our area hospitals. In return, we promise to fulfill area needs in a way that meets our mission standards; a healthy blood supply, delivered in a timely manner, with an unwavering emphasis on remaining accountable to the patients we serve.”

 Donors who give at a CBCO donor center or mobile blood drive will receive a five-dollar gift card redeemable through CBCO’s LifePoints Local online store. They will also receive a colorful T-shirt.

 Although many mobile blood drives within the CBCO service region have been canceled or postponed, some community-based drives are still planned in the coming weeks. These drives are critical in helping to keep inventory levels at sufficient levels. To find a listing of those blood drives, log on to www.cbco.org/donate-blood. Appointments are strongly encouraged to maintain social distancing guidelines and improve the donation experience. Masks are required for all donors and staff. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided for you.

 On behalf of local hospital patients, CBCO thanks blood donors from across the region for giving life to your community.

A local CBCO Blood drive is set to take place on July 30th at the Lodge of the Four Seasons from 10AM to 1PM.

Ozarks Food Harvest Sees Over 22 Million Meals Distributed Since Last Year

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Over 22 million meals have been provided since last year by the Ozarks Food Harvest food bank.

Officials say it’s a 20% increase and it’s the largest in the 37-year history of the program.

They say nearly 1.1 Million of those meals were distributed as a result of COVID 19.

Over 425,000 of those meals were distributed through Mobile Food Pantries.

Lake Area Beaches Open This Weekend

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Lake of the Ozarks State Park Public Beach. Photo Courtesy of MO STATE PARKS

The lake area beaches are open this weekend.

The DNR Reports no issues with Public beach # 1 or # 2.

The day use beach at Harry S. Truman park in Warsaw is also open, but the campground beach continues to be closed due to flooding damage.

In fact it’s the only beach closed this weekend across the entire state.

 

Open beaches

Cuivre River State Park, 678 State Rt 147, Troy

Finger Lakes State Park, 1505 E. Peabody Rd, Columbia

Harry S Truman State Park Day Use Beach, 28761 State Park Rd, Warsaw

Lake of the Ozarks State Park Public Beach 1, 403 Hwy 134, Kaiser

Lake of the Ozarks State Park Grand Glaize Beach, off Hwy 54, Osage Beach

Lake Wappapello State Park, Hwy 172, Williamsville

Long Branch State Park, 28615 Visitor Center Rd, Macon

Mark Twain State Park, 37352 Shrine Rd, Florida, Mo

Pomme de Terre State Park Pittsburg Beach, Hwy 64B, Pittsburg

Pomme de Terre State Park Hermitage Beach, Hwy 64B, Pittsburg

St. Joe State Park Monsanto Lake Beach, 2800 Pimville Rd, Park Hills

St. Joe State Park Pim Lake Beach, 2800 Pimville Rd, Park Hills

Stockton State Park, 19100 S. Hwy 215, Dadeville

Thousand Hills State Park, 20431 State Hwy. 157, Kirksville 

Trail of Tears State Park, 429 Moccasin Springs, Jackson

Wakonda State Park, 32836 State Park Rd, La Grange

 

Closed beaches

Harry S Truman State Park Campground Beach, 28761 State Park Rd, Warsaw – Beach closed due to flood damage.

Watkins Woolen Mill State Park, 26600 Park Rd N, Lawson – Beach closed due to flooding. 

 

Additional information may be found on the department’s website at http://dnr.mo.gov/asp/beaches/

Hostess Is Recalling Raspberry Zingers Due To Possible Mold

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If you’ve got a package of Raspberry Zingers in your pantry, listen up.

 

Hostess is recalling the product due to possible mold growth prior to the best buy date.

Those boxes included have a best by date of August 26th, 27th, 28th and the 29th for both fresh and frozen.

You can return it for a full refund or simply throw it out.

 

Arrowhead Senior Living Center Says They Have Zero Cases Of COVID 19

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Photo Courtesy Of Arrowhead Senior Living

There are no active cases of COVID 19 at the Arrowhead Senior Living Facility.

That according to a release from Administrator Jeff Basler.

Just over a week ago one resident tested positive for COVID 19 after family members visited her through a window in her room, despite rules indicating that no visitors would be allowed.

Basler says the entire facility, including staff, were tested negative this week.

He says they remain vigilant against the virus and continue their cleaning and safety protocols in an effort to keep the virus at bay.

ARROWHEAD NEG RESULTS PR 7.22.20

Lake Regional CEO Releases Letter To Community About COVID 19

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Lake Regional CEO Dane Henry

To Our Community:

As the number of COVID-19 cases in our community continues to climb, we again face a stark truth: This pandemic is not just happening somewhere else – it’s happening here.

Although many are weary of the national coverage and political debate about COVID-19, the fact is there are things you can and should do to protect yourself, your family and others. Here’s why — we are now seeing widespread COVID-19 cases in each of the counties Lake Regional serves, as well as a recent uptick in the number of patients hospitalized with, and dying from, this illness.

As of July 21, we were caring for five confirmed COVID-19 inpatients; tests are currently pending for several others. That’s the greatest number of inpatient COVID-19 cases Lake Regional has treated at once since April. And while it may seem like a small number compared to metropolitan areas in the news, small numbers can have a large impact on a community and health system of this size.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services tracks the seven-day change in statewide cases. That rate increased 3 percent for the period ending July 22; by comparison, Camden County increased 10 percent. And based on our community testing results of 5 to 20 positives daily, we fully expect the pace to accelerate.

Keeping the Lake of the Ozarks safe for families — our own, as well as visitors — throughout the summer is everyone’s job. Taking personal responsibility for following CDC guidelines, including wearing face coverings and practicing social distancing and good health habits, is the best way to proactively manage this illness. That’s why we encourage businesses and municipalities to advocate for face coverings.

Offering safe, convenient testing options continues to be a focus for Lake Regional. We are actively working with local employers to provide employee testing to help businesses operate more safely. During the past two weeks, we have tested more than 1,500 individuals — more than 100 per day — including community members and patients. We appreciate the trust these individuals have placed in us. I’m also proud of our team members who provide this important service.

Since the beginning of this pandemic, our most important goal has been to ensure that our employees and facilities remain safe and ready to care for you. Some of the steps we are taking include screening all employees and patients before they enter a Lake Regional location, and requiring everyone to wear a mask. And although we are unfortunately receiving some pushback from visitors on these measures, we will continue to hold firm. They are nonnegotiable for ensuring the safety of those who work here, as well as those Lake Regional serves.

We believe our experience caring for COVID-19 patients this spring has given us a solid understanding of what will be needed should the number of local cases continue to climb. We know this community is depending on us, and we will remain vigilant to care for you.

To learn more about our safety measures and steps you can take to prevent illness, please visit lakeregional.com/covid19.

 

Our Commitment Runs Deep,

Dane W. Henry, FACHE
Chief Executive Officer
Lake Regional Health System

Active COVID 19 Numbers Now Over 100 Cases Lakewide

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The number of active COVID 19 cases across the lake is now at 102.

Camden county has 59 active cases, the highest of the four-county area.

Miller county is the second highest at 19.

Benton has 13 and Morgan has 11.

Overall there have been 311 total positive cases, of which 207 people have recovered, 12 remain hospitalized and there have been 2 deaths.

Morgan County School Employee Tests Positive For COVID 19 – Activities Canceled Through July 27th

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A Morgan County R-2 School employee has tested positive for COVID 19.

According to a post to the district managed Facebook Page, all school activities in Versailles have now been canceled until July 27th.

The district says they were informed on Monday by the county health department, but due to current laws no names will be given.

Instead, those who may have been near that person are now being contacted by the health department and being asked to self-isolate for the next 14-days.

The Morgan County Health Dept. informed the district office today that a staff member has tested positive for COVID-19. …

Posted by Morgan County R-II School District on Monday, July 20, 2020

Boil Advisory In Place For Residents Of St. Robert

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A boil advisory is in place at a few locations in St. Robert, southeast of the Lake Area.

The city says there’s an emergency water main break that could affect people on Hope Street, Regent Street and Alice Street. Businesses at 1037 and 1057 Old Rt. 66 could also be affected.

The advisory is precautionary as work is being done and this could cause contaminants to get into the main.

The advisory will remain in effect for 3-5 days, or until the Missouri D-N-R says the water is safe.

You’re advised to boil water for 3 minutes before drinking it, or use bottled water in the meantime.

 

Boil Advisory 7-20-20 Good Hope

Camdenton Summer Schools Continue Following COVID Exposure

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The Camdenton Summer School program is continuing today despite exposure to COVID 19.

According to Superintendent Tim Hadfield, several students and staff members were exposed during classes at Dogwood Elementary earlier this month.

He says they are following the guidelines of the Camden County Health Department and are asking those students and staff to self-isolate and quarantine.

Hadfield also says they have completed sanitizing the classrooms.

Drug Use Continues To Be An Issue For Law Enforcement

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Drug usage and distribution are a continuing problem for local law enforcement.

Officials say that there have a been a significant increase in overdoses due to Fentanyl and Heroin.

Captain Kip Barlett with the Mid-Missouri Drug Task Force tells KRMS News drug activity in the Lake Area happens more often at this time of year as more young people try to enjoy the nightlife.

      NEWS-07-19-2020 LAKE AREA DRUGS 2 - 20th July 2020

Captain Bartlett also says meth labs aren’t found as often due to restrictions on buying the ingredients, but meth usage seems to be on the rise.

No Lake Area Cities Require Masks But They Recommend It

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There are no cities in the Lake Area that force people to wear masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But one Lake Mayor thinks wearing a mask in some cases is a good idea, but there are exceptions.

      NEWS-07-18-2020 LAKE OZARKS MASKS 1 - 18th July 2020

Lake Ozark Mayor Gerry Murawski.

He tells KRMS News it could also be dangerous for people to wear masks while working outside in the heat of summer.

Murawski also says many bars and restaurants in Lake Ozark can seat people outside, and masks could be dangerous for customers to have face coverings during the high daytime temperatures expected over the weekend.

But Murawski does recommend wearing a mask if you’re indoors and surrounded by a lot of people.

MU Health Investigates Missing COVID 19 Tests Amidst Numerous Layoffs At University

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Officials at MU Health Care are investigating missing COVID 19 tests.

They say there are around 100 tests missing and they are informing the patients who are affected by it.

This comes after the University announced it has officially furloughed 3,598 employees and requested some 2,317 employees to take salary reductions.

The University also laid off 173 employees in order to balance the budgets in the midst of shortfalls due to COVID 19.

Those decisions will save the University around $17 Million dollars.

Lake Area Beaches Are Open Except Campground Beach In Warsaw

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Lake of the Ozarks State Park Public Beach. Photo Courtesy of MO STATE PARKS

If you’re planning to hit the beaches this weekend, they are open.

Officials at the DNR say no closures are affecting the Lake area at this time.

The only beach that remains closed is the Campground Beach at Harry Truman Park in Warsaw.

That’s due to flooding damage that is still under repair.

 

Open beaches

Cuivre River State Park, 678 State Rt 147, Troy

Finger Lakes State Park, 1505 E. Peabody Rd, Columbia

Harry S Truman State Park Day Use Beach, 28761 State Park Rd, Warsaw

Lake of the Ozarks State Park Public Beach 1, 403 Hwy 134, Kaiser

Lake of the Ozarks State Park Grand Glaize Beach, off Hwy 54, Osage Beach

Lake Wappapello State Park, Hwy 172, Williamsville

Long Branch State Park, 28615 Visitor Center Rd, Macon

Mark Twain State Park, 37352 Shrine Rd, Florida, Mo

Pomme de Terre State Park Pittsburg Beach, Hwy 64B, Pittsburg

Pomme de Terre State Park Hermitage Beach, Hwy 64B, Pittsburg

St. Joe State Park Monsanto Lake Beach, 2800 Pimville Rd, Park Hills

St. Joe State Park Pim Lake Beach, 2800 Pimville Rd, Park Hills

Stockton State Park, 19100 S. Hwy 215, Dadeville

Thousand Hills State Park, 20431 State Hwy. 157, Kirksville 

Trail of Tears State Park, 429 Moccasin Springs, Jackson

Wakonda State Park, 32836 State Park Rd, La Grange

Watkins Woolen Mill State Park, 26600 Park Rd N, Lawson

 

Closed beaches

Harry S Truman State Park Campground Beach, 28761 State Park Rd, Warsaw – Beach closed due to flood damage.

 

Additional information may be found on the department’s website at http://dnr.mo.gov/asp/beaches/

Heat Advisory In Effect For Lake Region Until Sunday Night

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Photo by Jeremy Zero on Unsplash

A Heat Advisory is now in effect for the entire Lake Region until Sunday

      NEWS-07-11-2020 SEVERE WEATHER 7 - 11th July 2020

Meteorologist Gene Hatch with the National Weather Service.

He tells KRMS News if you’re going to be outside, you should take the proper precautions.

      NEWS-07-11-2020 SEVERE WEATHER 8 - 11th July 2020

Hatch says if you feel faint you should contact a doctor immediately.

 

 

...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM SATURDAY TO 9 PM
CDT SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Daily Heat Index values 100 to 105 expected through
  Sunday.

* WHERE...Portions of central, east central, south central and
  southwest Missouri.

* WHEN...From 11 AM to 9 PM CDT Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
  illnesses to occur.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out
of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young
children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles
under any circumstances.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when
possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent
rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone
overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

Missouri State Fair Pivots To Youth Livestock Show Only

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If you were planning to attend the annual Missouri State Fair, there has been a few changes.

Fair officials say due to the massive rise in COVID 19 numbers, they are pivoting the event to a “youth livestock show” only.

That means the Governor’s ham breakfast, the carnival and all non-livestock events have been canceled.

The fair organization says they will be issuing appropriate refunds and that the campgrounds will remain open for those planning to attend the livestock events.

 

Press Release:

SEDALIA, Mo. – The Missouri State Fair announced that the traditional fair will pivot to a youth livestock show, Aug. 13-23, 2020.
In 1901, the Fair began as a showcase of Missouri agriculture. Staying true to that tradition, the Fair will continue to allow the invaluable agriculture education experience to Missouri 4-H and FFA members by offering a Youth Livestock Show only.
Two primary reasons drove the Fair’s decision today:
Public Health & Safety
We care deeply about the public health and safety of our fairgoers and our community. When the original decision to move forward with the Fair was made, the information and numbers were different than they are now. In collaboration with Governor Parson and the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services it was determined that the best course of action was to work to reduce the number of individuals on the fairgrounds. Best practices for sanitation and public health will still be implemented during the youth livestock show.
Quality Outdoor Experience
The Fair takes pride in hosting a quality outdoor experience for all fairgoers. That success relies heavily on the support of our partners, sponsors and vendors. As those supporters have evaluated the effect the pandemic has had on their ability to participate, many have had to limit or cancel their participation. Limited concessions will be on grounds to service our exhibitors and their families.
Opening Day Ceremony, Governor’s Ham Breakfast, carnival midway and all other non-youth livestock related events will be cancelled.
The Fair will be issuing applicable refunds. Exhibitor camping will still be available through the event. All current reservations will be honored. Exhibitor camping inquiries can be sent to campgrounds@mda.mo.gov.
To stay up to date with the latest information, please visit mostatefair.com.

Red Cross Asking For Donations As Blood Supplies Are Critically Low

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The Red Cross are placing an urgent plea for blood donations across the Ozarks.

Officials say they are are taking every single possible precaution by having everyone wearing masks, having their temperature taken and placing the beds in a socially distance structure of six feet away.

Blood is not tested for Cove in 19 since respiratory diseases aren’t known to be transmitted by transfusions, but as a new incentive to donors, Blood is now tested for covert antibodies that may show if someone has had the virus.

Officials say since the pandemic began; more than 37,000 blood drives have been canceled.

Here are the upcoming blood drives for the Red Cross in the Lake Area: RED CROSS DRIVES

 

The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks is also hosting two local drives:

1. Lodge of the Four Seasons on July 30th from 10AM to 1PM

2. Osage Beach City Hall August 7th from 9AM to 3PM

Lake Area Active COVID Cases at 52 – Laclede County Cases Skyrocket

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The number of active COVID 19 cases across the Lake is currently 52. (Camden, Miller, Morgan, Benton)

So far out of the 210 cases reported since March, 156 people have recovered from the virus and there remains only 2 deaths.

Outside of the Lake, Laclede county continues to report a massive jump in numbers.

Health officials say they have a total of 57 active cases alone and have recorded over 100 new cases in the month of July.

They say some of the individuals attended the Lebanon Graduation ceremony and the Laclede County fair.

Health officials in Pulaski county also added 9 new cases this week, bringing their overall total to 143.

More Lake Area Stores To Require Masks – Arkansas To Require Them Statewide

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More lake are businesses are now requiring masks when entering the store.

They include Dierbergs, Target, Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy.

On Thursday we reported that Wal-Mart, Gerbes, American Eagle, Menards, Dollar Tree, Kohls and Starbucks were also requiring masks.

Several cities have adopted mask requirements as well, including nearby Springfield and Columbia.

In addition to those, the Governor of Arkansas has also order masks to be worn statewide starting on Monday.

Resident At Arrowhead Senior Living Tests Positive For COVID 19

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Photo Courtesy Of Arrowhead Senior Living

An investigation is underway after a resident tests positive for COVID 19 at the Arrowhead Senior Living Facility in Osage Beach.

According to a release, the resident is the only confirmed case at this time.

Officials believe the resident was exposed after family members conducted an “unauthorized visit” by entering through a window in the room.

They say members of the family gave the resident a “kiss” and they believe that is now the virus was transmitted.

Officials say they are following all protocols and taking proper precautions.

 

PRESS RELEASE:

MEDIA STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Arrowhead

Active COVID 19 Cases Nearing 60 Lakewide – Drive-thru Testing Today

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The number of active COVID 19 cases is at 57 across the 4-county area of the Lake.

Of those, 6 people remain hospitalized.

In total, there are 204 reported cases and so far, 147 people have recovered from the virus.

Drive through COVID 19 testing will take place today from 5-7PM at the Camdenton Medical and Dental building on Route 5.

You do not need a doctor’s note and the test is free.

State Fair College To Offer Hybrid Course For Paramedics

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State Fair Community College is expanding it’s top ranked nursing program in Missouri.

Now certified paramedics can transition into nursing with a four-credit hour course.

The campus says it’s a hybrid course that meets on-ground and online.

The course is designed to build on existing knowledge students get from paramedic education programs to set a path into nursing.

 

SFCC debuts new Paramedic Transition course

Sedalia, Missouri – July 13, 2020 – With the launch of the new Paramedic Transition course at SFCC-Clinton this summer, State Fair Community College has expanded the pipeline in to its #1 ranked Nursing program in Missouri. The four-credit hour course is available each summer and open to certified paramedics who want to become registered nurses. .

“In researching the workforce need for RNs in the Clinton area, we recognized an interest of paramedics to transition from their paramedic field to becoming an RN,” said Dr. Rhonda Hutton Gann, SFCC’s dean of Health Sciences. “After more research, we discovered that there are only two other schools in Missouri who offer a paramedic to RN transition program. We already have an LPN to RN program, but a paramedic has somewhat of a different skill set than an LPN, so we needed to create a separate transition course. The paramedic to RN transition course expands the opportunity for more individuals to become RNs.”

The course is designed to build upon existing knowledge and skills obtained from a formal paramedic education program. Using an outcome-based curriculum, students learn to apply nursing knowledge, skills and attitudes to provide high-quality, safe, and effective care. Students have opportunities to demonstrate competency in the application of the nursing process, display expected professional behaviors and examine the dynamics of the healthcare team.

Upon completion of the Paramedic Transitions course with a B grade or higher in July, students in the inaugural course will enter the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program in August and graduate in May 2021. Graduates may then apply to sit for the RN-NCLEX licensure exam.

There are three students currently enrolled in SFCC’s first Paramedic Transitions course that began in June. All three are currently practicing in the field and choose SFCC to meet their career goal of becoming RNs.

“Be prepared to dive into a new thought process of critical thinking and understanding the ‘why’” said Jason Elliot, a paramedic who is taking the course. “Ranging from the time management aspect to learning a new style of patient care, the course truly gives you a taste of what’s going to be expected once you are in the RN program and the level of dedication you will need to succeed.”

The course was developed by a team of SFCC nursing faculty after conversations with faculty from the other schools in Missouri and out of state that offer a paramedic transition course. One of those team members is Dr. Meg Beebe, Level Two Nursing Coordinator at SFCC-Clinton Campus and the course instructor.

“Paramedic students have been very eager in my class to learn and are showing great promise to be exceptional professional nurses!” said Dr. Beebe.

The Paramedic Transition course is a hybrid course that meets on-ground and online. The LPN to RN program in Clinton is offered in a similar format and was initially funded by the MoExcels Workforce Grant and a generous gift from Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare.

Ameren Shares Tips On Keeping Your Home Cool During The Upcoming Heat Wave

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Photo by Jeremy Zero on Unsplash

With the heat wave approaching, officials at Ameren Missouri are sharing tips on how to keep your home cool.

One way is by replacing those outdated light-bulbs…

      NEWS-07-15-2020 AMEREN HEAT 1 - 15th July 2020

Energy Solutions Director Bill Davis with Ameren.

He tells KRMS News you can also install new technology on your air conditioner to help control the environment better.

      NEWS-07-15-2020 AMEREN HEAT 2 - 15th July 2020

Here are more ways you can help keep your Lake Home cool during the upcoming heat wave.

Feel the breeze.

When you use a fan and air conditioner simultaneously, you can raise your thermostat setting by a few degrees. Set the ceiling fan’s blades to spin counterclockwise to create a cool breeze. Remember to turn off ceiling fans in rooms that you are not currently occupying to conserve energy.

Stay in the shade.

Curtains and blinds can be your best ally against the summer rays. Keep window coverings closed during the day when the sun is at its hottest. This can be especially beneficial if your windows are older or your home gets a lot of direct sunlight.

Weatherproof your home.

Weather strip, seal and caulk gaps around your doors and windows, which can let hot air in. You could save 10-20% on your energy bill by sealing uncontrolled air leaks.

Wait to use indoor appliances.

Some appliances, such as ovens, dryers and dishwashers, give off excess heat. Hold off until after dark to run these so there is less stress on your air conditioner.

Use exhaust fans.

Take shorter showers and use bathroom exhaust fans to remove the heat and humidity. Make sure bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans are vented to the outside, not the attic, to keep the warm air out.

Clean the furnace filter.

Replacing a dirty, clogged air filter with a clean one can lower the air conditioning system’s energy consumption by up to 15 percent. Ameren Missouri recommends changing the filter every month or two during the cooling season

Control your thermostat.

Consider installing a smart thermostat, which you can set up to run cooler when you are at home or asleep, and a bit warmer for when you are out of the house. This keeps you comfortable while also saving money. Rebates and savings opportunities for smart thermostats and high-efficiency air conditioners are available for customers at Amerenmissourisavings.com.

Ameren Missouri customers can find rebates on many products that conserve energy, make your home more comfortable and reduce energy statements. Take advantage of over $120 million in incentives and rebates at Amerenmissourisavings.com.

Limited Income Customer Assistance Resources

Ameren Missouri partners with the United Way and other agencies to provide energy assistance to help limited-income customers manage their energy costs. These programs include weatherization support, heating and air conditioning system assistance, and equipment repair for residential customers. More information is available at AmerenMissouri.com.

Governor Parson Signs Several Bills Into Law

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Governor Mike Parson

Governor Parson is signing eight new bills into law today (Monday), and one of them aims to address anti-Semitism.

The Anti-Discrimination Against Isreal Act will make it illegal to sign contracts with a company unless it certifies it will not boycott goods or services from the State of Isreal.

Other bills address the protection of children, victims of sexual offenses, controlled substances, retirement and health care.

 

Today, Governor Mike Parson signed nine pieces of legislation into law, concluding bill signings for the 2020 legislative session. 

“This year’s legislative session was very challenging for obvious reasons,” Governor Parson said. “However, the General Assembly pushed through these challenges and continued to work for the people of Missouri. We appreciate their efforts to get several important pieces of legislation across the finish line despite the unprecedented circumstances of COVID-19.”

The remaining bills signed include HB 1963, HB 1386, HB 1387, SB 644, SB 656, HB 1330, SB 676, SB 551, and HB 1711.

 

HB 1414 – Protection of Children

 

Modifies several provisions relating to child protection, including homeless youth benefits, protection of foster children, child care facility definitions and background checks, child protection for military families, foster care reform, foster parent rights, and substance abuse treatment waivers.

 

SB 653 – Protection of Children

Modifies laws related to the protection of children, including foster care case management, Children’s Division records, temporary alternative placement agreements, risk assessments for child abuse or neglect, foster parents, information exchange for child placement, and the appearance of certain children in courts.

 

SB 569 – Victims of Sexual Offenses

 

Modifies procedures for tracking evidentiary collection kits and establishes the Justice for Survivors Act, the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights, and the Missouri Rights of Victims of Sexual Assault Task Force.

HB 1896 – Controlled Substances

 

Updates the schedule of controlled substances in Missouri to mirror the most recent updates to the schedules in the Federal Register.

 

HB 1467 – Retirement

 

Modifies provisions relating to public employment retirement systems, including the Local Government Employees Retirement System, state employee retirement systems, Missouri State Employees Retirement System, and Public School Retirement System.

 

SB 739 – Anti-Discrimination Against Israel Act

 

Creates the Anti-Discrimination Against Israel Act prohibiting public entities from entering into certain contracts with a company unless the company certifies that they will not boycott goods or services from the State of Israel.

 

SB 913 – Peer Review for Designed Professionals

 

Repeals the expiration of provisions relating to the peer review process for architects, landscape architects, professional land surveyors, and professional engineers.

 

HB 1682 – Health Care

Establishes the Long-Term Care Dignity Act and modifies provisions relating to various health care topics, including state settled opioid causes of action, breast cancer screening insurance, and COVID-19 testing.

 

 

Missouri’s First Round Of Medical Marijuana Crop To Be Harvested Soon

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We’re just a few months away from the first round of Marijuana crop to start being harvested.

Cultivation facilities in St. Louis and Perryville began planting crops in Mid-June, meaning a harvest could happen in September or October.

Officials with the Missouri Medical Marijuana Program say additional certifications for other cultivators statewide will be announced soon.

Director Lyndall Fraker says once they are approved, Missouri will have more licensed facilities than any other state except Oklahoma.

High Heat Expected Today And The Rest Of The Week

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It’s going to be a hot one throughout the next week.

      NEWS-07-11-2020 SEVERE WEATHER 7 - 11th July 2020

Meteorolgist Doug Kramer with the National Weather Service.

He tells KRMS News this is typical for July and residents should prepare for it to stay safe.

      NEWS-07-11-2020 SEVERE WEATHER 8 - 11th July 2020

Kramer suggests drinking plenty of water, staying in the shade as much as possible and wearing plenty of sunscreen.

Fort Leonard Wood Eases Some Travel Restrictions For Military Personnel

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Army Troops in Ft. Leonard Wood are getting an update on the local travel restrictions as a result of COVID 19.

Officials say temporary travel as well as pass and leave movements are now restricted for all military personnel to withing 100 miles of the Fort, which includes Lake of the Ozarks.

Those planning to visit off-post barber shops, nail spas and beauty salons can do so by appointment only.

Tanning salons, tattoo parlors, gyms and the Lake Area Cabins continue to remain off limits.

All personal will be required to continue following CDC guidelines both on and off the base, including wearing a mask and maintaining 6 feet of social distancing.

General Order Number One, signed Wednesday, by post commander, Brigadier General James Bonner applies to all service members assigned to, attached to, or performing duties at the MSCoE and Fort Leonard Wood.

It does not apply to family members or Department of Defense civilian employees, unless traveling at government expense.

The change also allows for the consideration of additional Garrison activities to open or to increase occupancy, such as MWR services.

Addi tonally, Taxi and ride-sharing services remain off limits, Family days are still canceled and all graduation ceremonies must remain virtual.

Lake Area Health Departments Struggle With Contract Tracers

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With the number of COVID 19 cases rising across the state, area health departments are having a tough time keeping track of positive case movements.

For the Pulaski County Health Department, it’s been easier thanks to help from Fort Leonard Wood.

      NEWS-07-10-2020 CONTACT TRACERS 1 - 11th July 2020

Director of Nursing Wanda Laramore.

She tells KY 3 TV many of the more rural departments around the lake don’t have the staff to handle following up with every case that is coming in.

      NEWS-07-10-2020 CONTACT TRACERS 2 - 11th July 2020

Contract Tracing is how the health department to find where a positive COVID 19 person has been or who they have been near, in order to issue advisories and self-quarantine requests.

Camdenton Aquatic Center NOT Reopening This Weekend

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If you started making plans to swim this weekend at the Camdenton Aquatic Center, you’ll need to change them again.

Officials say they won’t be opening this Saturday and Sunday due to staffing issues.

The pool closed on Tuesday after a lifeguard tested positive for COVID 19.

They expect to reopen the Aquatic Center by Friday, July 17.

Lake Area Beaches Open For The Weekend

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Lake of the Ozarks State Park Public Beach. Photo Courtesy of MO STATE PARKS

If you’re planning to hit the beaches this weekend at the Lake, you’re in luck.

The DNR reports no issues at any Lake area beach and they remain fully open without restrictions.

That includes all boat launch ramps as well.

Only the Campground Beach at Harry Truman State Park remains closed due to flood damage.

 

Open beaches

Cuivre River State Park, 678 State Rt 147, Troy

Finger Lakes State Park, 1505 E. Peabody Rd, Columbia

Harry S Truman State Park Day Use Beach, 28761 State Park Rd, Warsaw

Lake of the Ozarks State Park Public Beach 1, 403 Hwy 134, Kaiser

Lake of the Ozarks State Park Grand Glaize Beach, off Hwy 54, Osage Beach

Lake Wappapello State Park, Hwy 172, Williamsville

Long Branch State Park, 28615 Visitor Center Rd, Macon

Mark Twain State Park, 37352 Shrine Rd, Florida, Mo

Pomme de Terre State Park Pittsburg Beach, Hwy 64B, Pittsburg

Pomme de Terre State Park Hermitage Beach, Hwy 64B, Pittsburg

St. Joe State Park Monsanto Lake Beach, 2800 Pimville Rd, Park Hills

St. Joe State Park Pim Lake Beach, 2800 Pimville Rd, Park Hills

Stockton State Park, 19100 S. Hwy 215, Dadeville

Thousand Hills State Park, 20431 State Hwy. 157, Kirksville 

Trail of Tears State Park, 429 Moccasin Springs, Jackson

Wakonda State Park, 32836 State Park Rd, La Grange

Watkins Woolen Mill State Park, 26600 Park Rd N, Lawson

 

Closed beaches

Harry S Truman State Park Campground Beach, 28761 State Park Rd, Warsaw – Beach closed due to flood damage.

 

Additional information may be found on the department’s website at http://dnr.mo.gov/asp/beaches/

Lake Regional To Offer School Physicals In July

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Free sports physicals for kids in the Lake Area are being offered by Lake Regional Health System.

Physicals at Camdenton High take place Wednesday, July 22nd from 3-6pm.

School of the Osage will have physicals on Wednesday, July 29th from 3:30 to 6:30 pm.

The physicals are good for two years and include height, weight, blood pressure and vision checks.

Students are advised to wear lose clothing and they must have a parent or guardian present.

 

PRESS RELEASE:

Lake Regional Health System Offers Free Sports Physical Clinics

 OSAGE BEACH, Mo. — Lake Regional Health System will provide free sports physicals for middle and high school students attending Camdenton, Lebanon, School of the Osage, Stoutland, Richland and Swedeborg. The physicals are valid for two years per MSHSAA requirements for participation in school sports practices and games.

Lake Regional will provide the physicals using the following schedule.

  • Camdenton High School: 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, July 22
  • Lebanon High School: 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, July 28
  • School of the Osage: 3:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 29
  • Stoutland/Richland/Swedeborg (at Stoutland High School): 4-7 p.m. Thursday, July 30

Students should wear loose-fitting clothing and have a parent or guardian present. The general and musculoskeletal exam includes height, weight, blood pressure and vision checks. Sports physicals do not replace well-child exams and do not include immunizations. Only sports physicals will be offered at these events; students will not be able to receive physicals for other activities, such as scouting.

Please allow more time than in previous years. All participants will be screened for temperature and symptoms, and social distancing guidelines will be followed. Face coverings are required for everyone. If you do not have a face covering, one will be provided. If possible, please limit attendance to the student and one parent or guardian.

For more information on the Camdenton and School of the Osage screenings, call Lake Regional Orthopedics at 573-302-3990. For more information on the Lebanon and Stoutland/Richland/Swedeborg screenings, call Lake Regional Clinic – Lebanon at 417-532-2805.

Lake Regional Sports Medicine serves area athletes with comprehensive care of sports injuries and athletic trainer services. The providers include a board-certified orthopedic and sports medicine specialist and a foot and ankle specialist, as well as orthopedic surgeons. For more information, visit lakeregional.com/SportsMedicine.

 

Missourians are still using food banks to provide for families

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food bank_logo

While unemployment rates are decreasing and the economy is recovering many Missourians are still using Missouri food banks to help feed there families. 2013 was a record-breaking year with more than 100 million pounds of food distributed across the state. That’s an increase of 23 percent from 2012. The U.S. Department of Agriculture ranks Missouri number two in the nation for very low food security, which means many of the state’s residents have a hard time consistently providing food for themselves and their families. According to Monica Palmer, Communications Manager with Missouri Food Bank Association, “Historically, food banks are the organizations that help with emergency needs, but over the last several years we’ve seen food banks supplying more maintenance food.” Cuts to the Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program last year equated to 3.5 million lost meals for Missouri families. While the recently-passed Federal Farm Bill does allocate an additional $200 million to food banks nationwide.

Lower treatment costs for cancer patients

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cancer drugs

State lawmakers gave final approval to legislation that could lower treatment costs for some cancer patients.  The bill would prohibit insurance companies from charging patients more than $75 dollars for oral cancer drugs.  Supporters say oral drugs often carry fewer side effects for cancer patients.  The house voted 147 to 6 yesterday to send the bill to Governor Nixon.  House Speaker Tim Jones says the bill would be among the most significant pieces of legislation passed this year.

Missouri Plans to build new Mental Hospital in Fulton

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Fulton State Mental Hospital

The Missouri house is planning to pay $47 million a year to build a new mental hospital in Fulton. Chairman Rick Stream says it will save taxpayers $120 million over the course of the project. They would use the same revenue bonds Governor Jay Nixon proposed, but over a five year period instead of a twenty five year period. The project is estimated to cost more that $200 million, and once the planning is complete, it will take up to five years for completion. Fulton State Hospital is considered the most dangerous workplace in Missouri for state employees.

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