Mid-Missouri

Full integration of Capital Region Medical Center into the MU Health Care system was long overdue, CRMC President Gaspare Calvaruso said Thursday.

Calvaruso spoke during a media event as MU Health Care and CRMC announced they have signed a non-binding Letter of Intent to fully integrate their health systems. CRMC has had an association with the MU Health Care system for 26 years, he pointed out.

He said it was obvious that from the moment the two announced the association, the intent was that they eventually coalesce into full integration.

The affiliation between MU Health Care and Capital Region has created benefits that include shared specialty services and a shared state-of-the-art electronic medical record, enhancing coordination of care. A full integration will present new medical, professional and academic opportunities, advancing access to quality health care for the community, the two hospitals’ leadership said.

The organizations are trying to reach a definitive agreement in the coming months, and the integration details are expected to be finalized by the end of this year, subject to University of Missouri and Capital Region board approvals.

Nim Chinniah, University of Missouri vice chancellor for health affairs, said the integrated health system will create a network to serve the needs of people in Mid-Missouri.

“With our operations to serve the needs of people in Mid-Missouri. With our operations in Columbia and across the state, Capital Region becomes an extension of that program and adds capacity both in Columbia and in Jefferson City,” Chinniah said. “If you think about patients who go to (MU Health Care’s 66 clinics) needing more, deeper care, now they will be able to come to Cap Region in addition to coming to Columbia for that specialty care.”

CRMC’s board President Carlos Graham said the board unanimously approved the move and he and Missouri University Chancellor Mun Choi signed the Letter of Intent about a week ago. Graham then began notifying former board members about the change.

The board is excited about the hospital’s opportunities, he said. The landscape of health care across the United States can be daunting, Graham said. But, CRMC and MU Health Care have an opportunity to strengthen health care in Jefferson City through their partnership.

“The members of our board — as we sat down and had these conversations, we discussed patient care and satisfaction surveys,” Graham said. “And employees are what we kept at the forefront. Employees are vital to this organization.”

“We made sure the community was in the discussion, and continues to be in the discussion,” Graham said. “It’s a different setting than it is in academics. MU health Care recognizes that too. We’re going to intertwine these two tings together.”

Graham said he addressed employees Thursday morning.

“I told them, ‘Without you, we don’t exist.’ When patients come through the door we want to make sure they’re taken care of until they walk out the door,” he said. “We want to be certain we have enough staff and the right staff to make sure patients are healthy.”

The new agreement means the hospital has access to even more physicians, who can meet patients’ needs, he said.

The next period may be challenging for employees because they fell uncertainty over their pay scales, vacations and benefits, Graham said.

He reassured employees that they (alongside patients) remain the hospital’s top priorities.

“Health care has taken a beating across the U.S.,” he said. “ I know it was something that will improve the health care environment. This is something I thing the Jefferson City community can get behind.”

The integration will assure Jefferson City has sustainable high-quality care, Chinniah said.

“At a time when community hospitals are challenged and stressed, being connected — and us working together — makes sure that the continuum of care will be in a very sustainable way,” he said.

He added that the integration means employees will have more opportunities for training and career growth.

When the transaction is completed, early in 2024, Chinniah said, employees will be part of the MU Health Care structure.

“Health care is a rapidly changing market,” he said. “Together, we will have better access to things like technology.”

The partnership between CRMC and MU Health Care has demonstrated value to the community and employees, Calvaruso said.

Being a seamless organization allows the hospitals to focus on their patients and expand services, he said.

“We are trying to put our employees — and our patients — at the front and center of every decision we make,” he added. “July 1, we officially become part of MU Health Care.”

But, administrators are going to visit with employees, stakeholders and the community.

He said he’s spoken with his predecessors, many of who were around in 1997 when the first affiliation agreement was put in place.

“They were probably surprised that it would take until 2023 before we actually became integrated. I believe this was actually the intention at that time,” Calvaruso said. “We are needed by our community. We are here for the community. This integration and becoming one with MU really allows us to do that in the best fashion for everybody.”

What new services may come available in Jefferson City has been an ongoing discussion, he added.

“We are looking at expanding cardiology services as we speak,” he said. “Electrophysiology — we are recruiting an electrophysiologist in conjunction with the university. We’re looking at all services. And, we’re doing that jointly. We’re doing those kinds of planning jointly to take advantage of our resources.”

When the hospitals are working together, they can do more, he said.

The integration is allowing more access, services and sustainability for both Columbia and Jefferson City.

Chinniah pointed out that when beds are filling in Columbia, patients from the region will have access to the same physicians in Jefferson City.

“It will be useful to people. If you need specialty care, (patients) can receive consultations here,” he said.

Being one organization makes it an easier transaction, Calvaruso said.

Chinniah said MU Health Care provides services at numerous hospitals, like Moberly Regional Medical Center, where it operates the Emergency Room. It does the same at Capital Region and at Hermann Area District Hospital. It opened a clinic in Fulton, near where the Callaway Community Hospital recently closed.

“As community hospitals fail, the land grant universities, like the University of Missouri — we tend to run into places (where we’re needed),” Chinniah said.

The University of Missouri and MU Health Care were created for the citizens of the state of Missouri, Calvaruso said.

“They are here to serve,” he said. “Our missions are very similar. That’s one of the comforts here. We’re all trying to accomplish the same thing — to treat people and give them the best service and give them the best access.”

EARLIER COVERAGE:

University of Missouri Health Care and long-time Jefferson City affiliate Capital Region Medical Center announced today they have signed a non-binding Letter of Intent to fully integrate their health systems. The move is a step in a partnership that began more than 25 years ago.

The affiliation between MU Health Care and Capital Region has created benefits that include shared specialty services and a shared state-of-the-art electronic medical record, enhancing coordination of care. A full integration will present new medical, professional and academic opportunities, advancing access to quality health care for the community, according to an MU Health Care news release.

The organizations are working to reach a definitive agreement in the coming months, and the integration details are expected to be finalized by the end of this year, subject to University of Missouri and Capital Region board approvals, the release states.

Originally Appeared Here

COLUMBIA − The city of Columbia and Missouri Department of Transportation are moving forward with plans for a new roundabout at West Route K and West Old Plank Road in an attempt to make the route safer for both drivers and pedestrians. 

The proposed roundabout will be located at the intersection of West Route K and West Old Plank Road between two gas stations. Construction is set to begin in the spring of 2025 and take about three to four months.

Allison Anderson, engineering supervisor for Columbia Public Works, said the existing intersection is skewed. She said the addition of the roundabout will make it easier for drivers to navigate. 

“It will kind of pull that [the road] over so you’re not hitting Route K at such a weird angle, and it will kind of line up the other roads that are there too for the subdivisions,” Anderson said. 

Under its current design, drivers struggle to see in both directions when they’re pulling out on Old Plank Road, according to Anderson. She said the project’s main goal is to fix this and make the area safer, as it will also force drivers to slow down. 

“That’s where you have a lot of your vehicle collisions, is from pulling out into traffic and stuff like that,” Anderson said. 

Additionally, Anderson said the project will make travel safer for pedestrians, as it will include crosswalks which are not there now. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, there were two crashes in the area just in December of 2022 alone. 

According to previous KOMU 8 reporting, the project is estimated to cost about $1,790,700 in total. The city of Columbia said it would split the cost with MoDOT through the MoDOT’s Cost Share Partnership Funding program. 

Route K is currently a MoDOT-maintained road, while Old Plank Road is maintained by the city. 

The project has received mixed reviews from residents in the area since it was initially proposed in March. Some who live in the surrounding neighborhoods worry the construction will significantly impact their commute. 

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Lexi Lewis, who has lived in the area for the past three years, said it will be inconvenient. 

“I go that way for school,” Lewis said. “So I don’t know what I’m going to do when they start doing the construction.”

Despite this delay, Lewis and others in the area said it will be worth it in the long run. 

“I think it will be nice once it’s done because it’ll make that turn easier,” Lewis said. “It is a traffic-y area and it’s hard to turn onto Route K sometimes because traffic comes in both directions.”

According to Anderson, crews will carry out construction on the roundabout in phases, so the entire intersection will not be closed all at once. 

“We’re going to try to keep the intersection open for the most part,” Anderson said. “We’ll have to close that leg of the roundabout, so you might have to do a detour during that time.”

Anderson said drivers in the area will still have access to the two neighboring gas stations, as well as the surrounding subdivisions. 

On Monday night, several community members also spoke out about the roundabout at the Columbia City Council meeting. Many residents discussed making the roundabout pedestrian-friendly. Two residents in particular requested the design include crosswalks that have buttons or lights for pedestrians to push when crossing. 

Sarah Johnson, who works for a woman that lives in the area, said she believes if the roundabout is pedestrian-friendly, it could help many in the area. 

“This is a really dangerous area for people who live in this area,” Johnson said. “Whenever I go there a lot, it’s on Saturday and Sunday mornings and there are a lot of bicyclists heading down [Route] K to get to Cooper’s [Landing], or wherever they might be going.”

Originally Appeared Here

AARP Chapter 4401 will hold its annual Summerfest at 12:30 p.m. Thursday at the West Point Senior Center, 2701 West Main St. The theme for Summerfest this year is Get Fit! Have Fun!

Movement is good for your body, but you don’t know how or what kind of exercise is safe for you. Where do you go to find a group where you feel comfortable? You can get your questions answered at our Fun and Fitness Summerfest. Beginning at 11:30 a.m., representatives of various fun and fitness organizations will have informational tables set up to highlight the programs they offer.

Representatives from the YMCA, Healthplex and The LINC will offer information about memberships and calendars of activities at their fitness centers that help you stay strong and have fun with other older adults who are also interested in healthy aging.

When you’re feeling fit, then you want to get out and enjoy life. The Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau will highlight activities and events right here in our backyard that can keep you busy all year.

Nothing speaks physical and mental fitness and fun better than dance. There is a large dance community in Jefferson City that knows no age barrier. If dance is your thing, a representative can tell you where to dance almost every day of the week.

Learn about Tai Chi and see a demonstration. Several seniors get together at the Senior Center for Tai Chi at 12:45 p.m. every Wednesday and Friday to improve balance and flexibility, and keep mentally alert. Learn what its all about.

Come early and enjoy lunch at the West Point Senior Center. Beginning at 11:30 a.m., they will be serving barbeque chicken and brats, baked beans, cole slaw, macaroni salad and cobbler. For a suggested conrtibution of just $5, you can’t get a better deal anywhere.

We invite all 50-plus members of the community to attend this meeting. You do not have to be a chapter 4401 member to attend, but it is a good opportunity to join the local chapter. Bring a friend and learn how to get fit and have fun together. There is always a 50/50 raffle, many door prizes and AARP promotional giveaways at the local chapter meeting. Summerfest is always a good time so plan to join us at the West Point Senior Center.

Senior Resource Fair

AARP Chapter 4401 participated in the Senior Resource Fair organized by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services on May 24 at the Capital Mall center court area. This informative event highlighted the numerous resources available to seniors in the area.

About 30 exhibitors were represented at the event including Sam B. Cooke Healthplex, YMCA, Wolfner Library, University of Missouri-Columbia Parent Link, Claim-MO-SHIP, MO Veterans Commission, Independent Living Resource Center, Cole County Nutrition Center/Aging Best and Show-Me State Games.

More than 80 people visit ed the AARP booth where they found member benefits books, information on exercising and staying healthy, books on scams and fraud and how to avoid being a victim, information on help for caregivers plus promotional items like bag clips, eye glass cleaner, pens, pocket size containers of wet wipes. A free membership to the local chapter was won by Kathy Cooper.

Legislative update

The General Assembly passed the initial bill four years ago and funded it this year resulting in Missouri’s Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) now having a dedicated revenue stream. The state budget includes $32 million which covers both the upcoming fiscal year as well as back payments. This money will help the AAAs improve systems, facilities and efficiency. Aging Best is the AAA that covers Mid-Missouri.

The General Assembly fully funded the State’s Long Term Care Ombudsman program. This important and highly cost-effective program has used volunteers to identify the majority of neglect and staffing issues found in Missouri nursing homes. If you would like to become a volunteer or find out more information about this valuable program, contact Aging Best at 800-369-5211.

The General Assembly also passed Senate Bill 190, which exempts all Social Security income and some public pensions from personal income tax. The bill also includes provisions for local taxing districts to exempt some or all older Missourians from real property tax increases. It will be up to the local taxing district (county, city, school district, fire district, etc.) to enact any changes to their local property taxes.

From Loss to New Life

A free grief and loss program sponsored by AARP, Freeman Mortuary and the First Baptist Church begins 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 5, through Aug. 23. From Loss to New Life is specifically designed for those suffering from grief or loss of a loved one through death or divorce.

The eight-week program will be held at the First Baptist Church, 301 E. Capitol Ave. Topics covered by facilitator Linda Sullivan will include the normality of grief, identifying the source of grief and loss, understanding grief and coping with grief and loss.

Taking care of yourself and accessing the support of friends and family can help you cope with your grief experience. Previous participants said they found the sessions helpful in dealing with their loss and would recommend them to others. One of the biggest benefits participants cited was learning they were not alone, that grief is a process and that other people are experiencing the same feelings.

Registration for the From Loss to New Life program is required to participate. You don’t have to belong to the AARP or be affiliated with the church to participate, but you do need to register to ensure that there are enough materials and participants to hold the class. To register, call 573-634-3603 or email [email protected]

In addition, an open enrollment AARP Grief and Loss Support Group meets at 12:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month in Room 101 at the First Baptist Church. This is a carry-in lunch for those who would like the continued support of others who, like themselves, have experienced the loss of a loved one. Participants bring a dish to share or if you are on a special diet, bring your own lunch. Individuals who wish to participate in this informal AARP Grief and Loss Support Group may contact facilitator EthelMae Champ at 573-821-4810 for more information.

Membership information

If you are not a member of the Jefferson City AARP Chapter 4401, dues are $8 per year and you may join at the June meeting. You may also send a check to AARP Chapter 4401, P.O. Box 105965, Jefferson City, MO 65110.

As a member of the local chapter of the AARP, you will receive by email the AARP Volunteer Update which features news of AARP happenings and legislative news about current bills concerning older adults and information on how to let your voice be heard. You will also receive information on Chapter 4401 meetings, speakers and events either by mail or email.

      

Originally Appeared Here

Missouri teachers who quit their jobs on short notice face increasingly severe consequences, as school districts facing staffing shortages impose financial penalties as high as $10,000 or seek to suspend the teaching licenses of teachers who break their contracts.

The number of teachers who have faced contract-related suspensions jumped during the pandemic and hit a record high of 11 in the past year.

On Tuesday, three of the 11 cases will go before the State Board of Education, which has final say on whether a license is suspended or not.

The circumstances varied but in each of the three cases, a teacher submitted a resignation after the contract deadline, the school board voted to reject the resignation and the district initiated action to suspend the teacher’s license. Hearings were held in each case.

At the Tuesday meeting, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will recommend a one-year suspension in two cases — involving teachers in Hazelwood and Independence — but no action for a teacher who quit her job in the Hancock Place district, located in St. Louis.

Mark Jones, communications director of the Missouri National Education Association, described districts going after teaching certificates as a “heavy-handed approach.”

“It works against incentivizing people to become educators and staying educators — particularly for new educators who are not on tenure and are being asked to make these (contract) decisions in January or February,” Jones said. “Six, seven months later, their lives may be very different, whether they just discover this is not the right situation for them or they, like many of us, have had a sudden life-changing event.”

Jones said going after a license is counterproductive at a time when many districts are struggling to find and keep enough qualified teachers.

“This does not incentivize them to try and find a new school or situation that is a better fit for them when they can basically lose their livelihood because months after signing a contract they realize maybe they need to make a different decision or work in a different setting,” he said.

“This is creating a very strange system … and something that works against everything that we state our values are, which is trying to keep people in the profession and respect them as educators.”

Under a state statute revised in 2016, a district may “file charges seeking the discipline of a holder of a certificate of license to teach” for annulling a written contract.

Records obtained by the News-Leader showed such charges have been filed against 32 teachers, starting with two each in 2017 and 2018.

There were 10 in 2019, six in 2020, none in 2021, and one in the first part of 2022. Since July 1, there have been 11.

Of the cases filed in 2022 and 2023, one was dismissed by the district and hearings were held in two cases but they have not yet gone before the state board. The rest have gone before the state board or will Tuesday.

Springfield is not among the districts that have pursued this option, though it does assess financial penalties of up to $3,000 against staff who leave early.

‘You could be out someone for six months’

Kelli Hopkins, associate executive director at the Missouri School Boards’ Association, said districts can seek the help of the Missouri Attorney General to revoke or suspend the license of a teacher in serious situations, such as violating a critical policy or committing a crime.

However, the AG’s office does not help districts seeking to suspend a license for breach of contract. “That puts the expense on the district. They have to present the case.”

Hopkins said that likely limits the number of cases that are filed. “With smaller districts, they don’t have the people to do that, to put in the kind of time it would take.”

In Missouri, a growing number of school boards have adopted policies to allow “liquidated damages” clauses to be added to teaching contracts.

The clause allows districts to impose a financial penalty against employees who violate or break a contract either by resigning after the deadline or walking off the job.

It is meant to be a “fair estimate” of the damages the district will incur by losing an employee, including the cost to find a replacement.

“You don’t know what the true damages would be,” said Hopkins, who oversees policy and legal matters for MSBA. “You could be out someone for six months or two days.”

Hopkins said the penalty typically increases closer to the start of a school year, or during the year, when it is harder to fill an open job.

She said many districts have had the clause in board policy for years, whether it was used or not. “It is my sense that because of the shortage of teachers, more districts are enforcing ‘liquidated damages’ clauses.”

No single entity appears to be tracking how often the contract-breaking penalties are imposed. But the teacher and school board groups contacted by the News-Leader indicated it has been on the rise since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘We have seen those numbers climb’

Kyle Farmer, senior staff attorney at the Missouri State Teachers Association, said a financial penalty of $500 used to be fairly common for breaking a contract. Many are now in the $1,500 to $3,000 range.

“Those amounts have definitely grown in the past two to three years, since the pandemic,” he said. “We have seen those numbers climb pretty much everywhere.”

He said many districts used a tiered-approach, with higher amounts imposed for resignations just before or after the start of a school year.

In Springfield, the school board adopted a policy regarding penalties for the “late release from a contract” in April 2022.

The penalty has been applied 36 times so far, including 27 times for contracts during the 2022-23 school year and nine for the 2023-24 year.

Of those, four involved administrators, 23 were nontenured teachers, seven were tenured teachers and two were other employees.

The district uses a tiered approach that starts at $1,000 and goes to $3,000 depending on when the contract release is sought.

More:Proposal: Springfield teachers may face penalty of up to $3,000 for breaking contract

Farmer said Blue Springs, near Kansas City, used to be the only district with a $10,000 “liquidated damages” clause in teacher contracts.

“Now we have seen that in a handful of districts, where it is $10,000 to get out,” he said.

He said such contract clauses are legal but there are limits under state statute. Namely, the penalty cannot be used as a punishment.

“They are supposed to be an estimation of the cost to replace that teacher,” he said.

“There is no teacher in the state of Missouri who would cost $10,000 to replace. That is ludicrous. It is absolutely being used as a punishment. It is being used as a deterrent and not really what ‘liquidated damages’ clauses are supposed to be about.”

Farmer said teachers rarely balk at paying the penalty for breaking a contract if the amount is reasonable.

“They are willing to pay $1,000 to move onto somewhere else, whether it is another job somewhere in education or outside,” he said. “But we have also seen more instances where that number is $5,000 and the teacher just says ‘There is no way.’ No. 1, they don’t have it. How much of us have $5,000 just sitting around to pay to get out of our jobs. And even if they do, they’ve been much less willing to pay.”

He said exiting teachers facing higher penalty amounts sometimes leave without paying. “They are willing to risk the consequences.”

Districts can deduct the penalty amount from remaining paychecks or take an employee to court.

‘Districts are taking a much harder line’

Jones, of Missouri NEA, said districts impose the penalties in different ways but there was more leeway in the past to find compromises.

“If someone felt they really just couldn’t honor their contract and they had to change situations, we would often help them negotiate with the district so the full force of those damages would not come down on them,” said Jones, noting districts have discretion.

He said it was not unusual for the penalty to be waived or reduced if an employee wasn’t a good fit or needed to move on for a viable reason.

“We definitely think the teacher shortage is exacerbating these kind of cases and more importantly districts are taking a much harder line,” he said.

More:Missouri teachers have felt stressed, ‘attacked’ during pandemic, statewide survey shows

Todd Fuller, director of marketing and communications for MSTA, said while many exiting teachers may fight the penalty and license suspension, it is alarming how many do not.

“We have members call us in December or January and say ‘I am leaving the classroom’ and in the past there have been district administrators that have said ‘I am going after their certification or they are going to have to pay a penalty’ and those teachers have said ‘I don’t care because I don’t ever plan on teaching again,'” Fuller said.

“That should be concerning for all of us that there are that many individuals willing to leave the profession and not be concerned about it. They are leaving something they are passionate about but don’t care if they ever do it again because they’ve found that the working conditions, the environment, isn’t conducive to teaching.”

Three cases up for state review

A synopsis of the three contract-related license suspension cases going before the state Board of Education this week follows. Details came directly from the meeting agenda, which included transcripts of the hearings, the findings of hearing officers and exhibits including resignation letters, contracts, and applicable state statutes.

The state board meeting starts at 9 a.m. Tuesday.

Hazelwood

Asueleni Deloney, a tenured preschool teacher at Jana Elementary in Hazelwood, resigned Aug. 30, four months after signing a contract.

She worked as a teacher for eight years after stints as a teaching assistant and substitute, and said she wanted to be paid more. She alleged she was not being paid at her pay scale.

Deloney was informed she would not be released from her contract until a suitable replacement was found. The board refused to accept the resignation. The district remains without a teacher to replace Deloney.

DESE recommended suspending her license for one year.

Independence

Jordan York, a tenured English teacher, signed a contract in March 2022 to teach in the Independence district during the 2022-23 year. She was to report Aug. 16.

On Aug, 2, she asked to be released from her contract “for family matters” and was told she must pay a penalty fee but she did not. The board did not accept her resignation. She did not show up to work or communicate with the district and was terminated.

DESE recommended suspending her license for one year.

Hancock Place

In June 2022, Veronica Delgado was issued a contract to teach Spanish at the middle and high school in Hancock Place, a district in St, Louis, for the 2022-23 year.

In mid-September, she notified the district of her plans to resign, saying she was overwhelmed, struggled to engage with students and felt it was a hostile work environment because she was threatened by the students. Several specific incidents were detailed.

She reported the student behavior concerns to administration. She said she did not feel safe.

Delgado said she experienced severe anxiety, had trouble eating and sleeping, and cried on her way home from school. She also broke down in the classroom.

She did not leave the district for another job but has worked as a substitute in the Clayton district since resigning from Hancock Place.

The board did not accept her resignation.

DESE recommended not taking action against her license.

Claudette Riley covers education for the News-Leader. Email tips and story ideas to criley@news-leader.com.

Originally Appeared Here

Central Missouri Community Action began hosting another free, eight-week ShowMe Healthy Relationships course for adults on Thursday, aimed at helping participants form meaningful connections with others.

“We have a lot of different people that will come back to us and say, ‘This is life-changing. I never knew what I went through growing up or my past relationships, how those can impact my future relationships,'” Nolanda Dodd, the SMHR Program Manager, said. “So, being able to recognize that and then know how to change that pattern, change that cycle, those are all things that we talk about in our classes.”

The class is in two-hour sessions every week and has been on Zoom since the Coronavirus pandemic. However, participants still engage in activities, presentations, discussions and one on one relationships with facilitators and program coaches, Dodd said.

The class is for people that are in a single or non-committed relationship and happens often throughout the year. Participants learn how to form connections with intimate relationships, relationships within their community, co-parenting relationships, workplace relationships and more, Dodd said.

Dodd said she struggled with models of healthy relationships throughout her life. Her parents were divorced, and she got into an unhealthy romantic relationship in adulthood. However, after utilizing the SMHR program, she began to understand what made a healthy relationship.

“It wasn’t until I was able to learn about relationship education, through the program, that I understood that what I had thought was a good relationship, wasn’t healthy,” Dodd said.

A current participant in the class, Sherrie Dixon, has been in a domestic violence situation before. She said the class has helped her know when to stay or leave a relationship.

“We learned the pros and the cons (of a relationship),” Dixon said. “You know, should I stay in this relationship? You know, and then there’s some do’s and don’ts and different things where you can kind of like, judge yourself or when it’s time to leave, or whatever if it’s a toxic relationship”

The program is in its third year of a five-year grant funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families. It is also a partnership between the University of Missouri Department of Human Development and Family Science, the University of Missouri and CMCA.

Besides the CMCA, the Ozark Area Community Action Corporation and the Cornerstones of Care in Kansas City also host this class.

In the past, this was a program for singles and couples, but was changed to singles only to help from a “prevention standpoint.”

“It makes a lot of sense, from more of a prevention standpoint, rather than, you know, an intervention standpoint,” said Chelsea Garneau-Rosner, University of Missouri Public Information Director for SMHR. “So if we can reach people when they’re in that in-between phase, we can do, you know, we can do a lot more to help them before they get into the next relationship, maybe with a partner who’s not going to be so great for them.”

Besides the incentive to learn about relationships in the class, participants also receive a gift card and relationship workshop materials after completing the class, Dodd said.

Originally Appeared Here

JEFFERSON CITY – A new report from the Missouri Hospital Association (MHA) shows turnover and vacancy rates among nurses are significantly higher than they were before the pandemic. 

According to MHA’s 2023 Workforce Report, the turnover rate among nurses was nearly 20%. Prior to the pandemic, in 2019, the turnover rate was 19.8%.

Additionally, the report shows vacancy rates jumped from 9.5% in 2019 to 14.8% in 2022. 

Dave Dillon, vice president of public and media relations for MHA, said the association has conducted this report for the past 15 years. Only last year’s numbers, which marked the peak of the pandemic for health care workers, were higher than any other report, according to Dillon.

During this time, vacancy rates reached 17%, while turnover rates reached 24.7%.

He said the report examines 28 professions in hospitals around the state. According to Dillon, turnover rates pose the biggest issue for hospitals in mid-Missouri, specifically among nurses.

Dillion said he believes nurses are essential in hospitals ability to provide care. 

“It’s a huge operational challenge for hospital leaders because, you know you have to have skilled caregivers,” Dillion said. “You have to create an environment where doctors can do the magic that they do.”

There are several contributing factors to these numbers being up. Most notably, Dillon said COVID has posed once-in-a-generation problems for hospitals. 

“They [hospitals] were kind of an epicenter for where care was delivered, where people that were most desperate went and our staff from top to bottom went through that challenge,” Dillion said. “There’s a lot of burnout in health care right now. There’s a lot of stress. There’s probably PTSD. All of these things are related to these numbers.”

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On top of this fatigue, Dillon said inflation has also posed a challenge for the health care industry. 

“Inflation has been tremendous, and it has raised higher than the health care wages that have not moved as quickly,” Dillion said. 

According to Dillion, this problem is top of mind for most hospitals in the region. He worries if higher turnover rates continue, it could pose problems in the future, as baby boomers grow older and need more care. 

“The aging population and aging workforce, all of this is going to drive individuals to need more care and it’s going to drive retirements within the health delivery community,” Dillion said. 

Despite high turnover rates, Dillion said there are steps that can be taken to help with this problem. However, it won’t be a quick fix. 

“We can’t just look at this through the lens of, ‘If we just produce more nurses quickly,’ because you can’t. It takes two to four years to produce a staff nurse for a hospital,” Dillion said. 

He emphasized the importance of maximizing the value of an existing staff and getting them to stay. To do so, Dillion suggests hospitals emphasize being employee-focused and make sure employees feel properly heard and supported. 

To make real change, Dillion said it will take the help of community partners, including the education community, workforce development organizations and the state government. He said everyone in the community is a stakeholder in this problem. 

Although he said there is no “silver bullet” solution these groups can implement, they can help work toward ways to build incentives for health care workers and build satisfying, long-term careers that will make them want to stay in the profession. 

“We’re all kind of one accident away from slipping off our ladder, or slipping on the way to their house from needing to have to go to the emergency department and you want to have the best people there,” Dillion said. 

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Missouri, often referred to as the “Show Me State,” is blessed with a diverse landscape that beckons outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. From rolling hills and lush forests to serene lakes and meandering rivers, this Midwestern gem offers an array of picturesque camping spots.

Regardless of whether you seek a tranquil retreat or an adventurous escape, Missouri’s camping destinations are ideal. They provide a setting to connect with nature, and then some. In this article, we will explore some of the top camping spots in Missouri, showcasing their unique features and attractions.

1. Mark Twain National Forest

Encompassing over 1.5 million acres, Mark Twain National Forest is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With numerous campgrounds nestled amidst its sprawling wilderness, this forest offers endless opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Paddy Creek Recreation Area, Bell Mountain Wilderness, and Hercules Glades Wilderness are among the highlights, providing breathtaking vistas and solitude for campers.

2. Lake of the Ozarks State Park

Located in central Missouri, Lake of the Ozarks State Park is a camping paradise spread across a vast area surrounding the stunning Lake of the Ozarks. Campers can choose from multiple campgrounds, each offering its own unique amenities. Apart from camping, visitors can enjoy water sports, fishing, hiking, and exploring the park’s fascinating caves.

3. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park

Nestled in the southeastern part of Missouri, Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park offers a captivating camping experience. The centerpiece of the park is the East Fork Black River, which has carved out mesmerizing rock formations and natural swimming pools over millions of years. Campers can set up their tents near the river, indulging in swimming, tubing, hiking, and sunbathing on the rocky shores.

4. Elephant Rocks State Park

Situated in the eastern Ozarks, Elephant Rocks State Park is renowned for its massive pink granite boulders, resembling a herd of elephants. Campers can enjoy the unique experience of setting up their tents among these colossal rock formations. The park also features hiking trails, picnic areas, and a historic railroad.

5. Table Rock State Park

Table Rock State Park, located in the southwestern part of Missouri, offers a splendid camping experience along the shores of Table Rock Lake. This park boasts picturesque campgrounds with easy access to swimming beaches, fishing spots, and marinas. Visitors can also explore hiking trails that meander through the surrounding Ozark Mountains.

6. Katy Trail State Park

Spanning over 240 miles, the Katy Trail State Park is the longest rail trail in the United States and provides a different kind of camping experience. This converted former railroad corridor offers scenic campsites for bikers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts. Traveling through picturesque river valleys, farmland, and charming small towns, the Katy Trail is an excellent choice for those seeking a blend of camping and adventure.

7. Meramec State Park

Located along the Meramec River in east-central Missouri, Meramec State Park offers a variety of camping options. The park features spacious campgrounds with amenities such as electric hookups, picnic areas, and shower facilities. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, fishing, canoeing, and exploring the fascinating Meramec Caverns.

8. Ha Ha Tonka State Park

Situated near Camdenton, Ha Ha Tonka State Park is known for its stunning geological formations, including towering bluffs, natural bridges, and sinkholes. The park offers primitive and modern camping options, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the park’s natural beauty. Hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and the famous Ha Ha Tonka Castle ruins are must-see attractions.

9. Roaring River State Park

Nestled in the Ozarks near Cassville, Roaring River State Park is renowned for its clear, trout-filled stream that winds through a picturesque valley. The park offers both basic and electric campsites, allowing visitors to enjoy fishing, hiking, and swimming. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the park’s unique trout hatchery and visit the historic Ozark Chinquapin Nature Center.

10. Cuivre River State Park

Situated in northeastern Missouri, Cuivre River State Park boasts over 6,400 acres of pristine natural beauty. The park offers various camping options, including traditional campsites and equestrian campsites for horse lovers. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and exploring the park’s diverse ecosystems, including forests, savannas, and wetlands.

11. Pomme de Terre State Park

Located in southwest Missouri, Pomme de Terre State Park is a haven for water enthusiasts. The park surrounds the scenic Pomme de Terre Lake, offering numerous camping opportunities near the water’s edge. Campers can indulge in boating, fishing, swimming, and picnicking. The park also features hiking trails, a marina, and a nature center.

Conclusion

Missouri’s camping spots offer a gateway to the beauty of nature and an opportunity to unwind in serene surroundings. From the tranquil forests of Mark Twain National Forest to the stunning rock formations of Elephant Rocks State Park, the Show Me State is a treasure trove of natural wonders. So, pack your camping gear, embrace the great outdoors, and embark on an unforgettable adventure in Missouri’s mesmerizing camping destinations.

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James L. Thompson is one of the most interesting men in the world.

The 96-year-old World War II veteran has two birthdays, June 26 or June 27, two names, James Lloyd Thompson or Lloyd James Thompson Jr., and served in two branches of the military, the Army and Air Force.

He was a cryptographer during World War II. His sister, who just turned 100 years old, was a code girl during the war, too. Thompson’s memory is sharp. He recalled specific details about his military career with an astute wit.

“I worked for a guy named General MacArthur,” Thompson said.

Thompson was one of the United States Exercise Tiger Foundation’s special guests at the Military Officers Association of Mid-Missouri’s Memorial Day Wreath-laying Ceremony Monday.

He was gifted a Medal of Combat by the USTF in honor of his service, which gave Thompson a surprise he appreciated greatly.

“This is amazing,” Thompson said. “I had no idea that was going happen.”

Thompson grew up in Columbia before he served in World War II. His stepfather’s offices were in the Guitar Building on Walnut and Eighth, across the street from where the wreath-laying ceremony occurred.

Thompson didn’t graduate from high school and said he had an inferiority complex that stemmed from growing up with dyslexia. When he was drafted in 1944, it allowed him to leave that behind.

Heading to St. Louis after getting drafted, Thompson said he had issues with his uniform the very first day. That’s when he heard his name called and thought he would be discharged from the armed forces because he didn’t carry the qualifications.

Instead, he was handed a manila folder and men to lead.

“They called me forward and they gave me a manila folder with five others,” Thompson said. “They said I was in charge of these five guys and I was supposed to take them to Camp Crowder.”

Camp Crowder, also known as Fort Crowder, was a U.S. Army post in Newton and McDonald counties in southwest Missouri. It was constructed and used during World War II.

From there, Thompson went from Fort Crowder to the West Coast in June of 1945 and was deployed to Enok, one of the islands in the Marshall Islands. He also spent a couple of years stationed in Japan.

“I just blessed by what happened to me in the Army,” Thompson said.

Honoring Thompson was also significant for the USTF.

The USTF’s namesake, Exercise Tiger Foundation, was named after the Battle of Exercise Tiger. The Battle of Exercise Tiger, also known as Operation Tiger, was one part of a series of large-scale events the military conducted in rehearsal for the D-Day invasion of Normandy. Exercise Tiger took place in April 1944 on the Slapton Sands in Devon, South West England.

USTF National Director Susan Haines said it was euphoric the USTF was able to honor Thompson as one of its special guests Monday. According to the National World War II Museum, of the 16 million veterans who fought in World War II, there are currently 167,284 living.

Haines said Missouri lost more men during the battle of Exercise Tiger than any other state in the United States.

“Our organization was founded by those World War II young veterans, those who came back in the battle of Exercise Tiger,” Haines said. “For me to be able to see that there’s still some World War II veterans in our crowds for our ceremonies, it was like my heart just pitter-pattered.”

The USTF gave out medals and Dept. Of Defense pins to all veterans and veteran families of those who served from Korea to Afghanistan. All could receive a medal from the USTF, and the USTF handed out 29 medals on Monday.

The opportunity to award Thompson his own medal was special for Haines as the number of living World War II veterans lessens, as was the opportunity to simply shake his hand.

“I found myself feeling like this is a very special moment,” Haines said. “This is an opportunity for me to thank him for his service.”

After serving in the Army, Thompson’s service continued into the Air Force, and he recalled his last assignment was with the Air Force at Whiteman Air Force Base, which is an airbase based in Johnson County, Missouri.

Thompson said while in the Air Force, he was the “least qualified Lieutenant,” and he earned the rank after serving as a sergeant and enlisting in the ROTC program for a semester. However, that rank earned him top-secret clearance.

He was a “targeting officer” and knew of different missile targets. Thompson was tasked with putting any top-secret papers that weren’t needed anymore into an incinerator. When someone put a lock on the incinerator, he still did his duty by finding 50-gallon barrels where he burned the papers and could carry out his orders.

Thompson’s service spanned multiple countries and different orders but always called Columbia home. That service was honored Monday.

“That was one of those special, I’d like I say breathtaking, moments,” Haines said.

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JEFFERSON CITY — As she neared the finish line, a grin crossed Josie Baker’s face as the realization began to dawn on her.

The Kirkwood High junior was a champion.

“I’m a little in disbelief,” Baker said. “I’m not sure what happened. It’s awesome.”

Baker claimed the Class 5 girls 1600-meter state championship with a time of 4 minutes and 52.78 seconds on Saturday at Adkins Stadium. 

According to Missouri State High School Activities Association, it’s the first girls 1600-meter state champion from Kirkwood since 1999, when Mary Reeves claimed the Class 4A title with a time of 5:02.99. 

Baker ran with a group that consisted of Rock Bridge’s Carolyn Ford and Class 5 cross-country state champion Grace Tyson of Lafayette. In the third lap, Baker surged ahead past Tyson and put the hammer down.

“I knew I had to make it with confidence and not doubt myself,” Baker said.

She stretched her lead all the way to the finish line before doubling over in disbelief. She was embraced by Tyson after the finish and the two champions shared a few words of encouragement to each other.

“We talked about how amazing it was to race against each other,” Baker said. “I’ve gotten to race with her in the bigger meets. It’s really nice to have someone to talk with and be in the race and compete with. It’s cool to be able to chat with her.”

Parkway Central junior Skyye Lee clears a hurdle during the Missouri State Track Championship meet on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Adkins Stadium in Jefferson City, Mo. Paul Halfacre, Special to STLhighschoolsports.com

Paul Halfacre

PARKWAY CENTRAL’S LEE JOINS ELITE COMPANY

She was confident when she stepped to the line in her first event that she’d go home with four medals around her neck.

Skyye Lee made good on that confidence as she claimed the individual championship in the Class 4 100-meter hurdles, 100-meter dash, 300-meter hurdles and 200-meter dash on Saturday. 

“I feel good,” Lee said. “It feels like I’m an elite athlete.”

Lee is the first girls athlete, according to MSHSAA, to claim four individual state championships since before 2000. 

Lee won the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 13.36 minutes before winning the 100-meter dash with a time of 11.67. 

Those two events weren’t the ones she was nervous about.

“I was nervous for the 300-meter hurdles,” Lee said.

She won the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 43.31 before completing the four-peat with a time of 24.19 in the 200. 

Lee nearly powered Parkway Central to a second successive team title, but the Colts fell just short with 48.5 points. Kearney won the Class 4 team state championship with 52 points. 

“It means a lot,” Lee said. “It shows just how hard we work.”

Seckman senior Noa Isaia launches the disc during the Missouri State Track Championship meet on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Adkins Stadium in Jefferson City, Mo. Paul Halfacre, Special to STLhighschoolsports.com

Paul Halfacre

SECKMAN’S ISAIA SAVES THE BEST THROW FOR LAST

A championship is a championship for Seckman senior Noa Isaia.

He would have liked to have clinched it a little earlier than he did though. But he didn’t want to take the two-hour trip home with any doubts in his mind.

“I just didn’t want to go home thinking I could have done more,” Isaia said. 

On his final throw, Isaia unleashed a state championship toss, claiming the Class 5 discus title with a throw of 59.23 meters on Saturday.

Isaia is the first individual champion from Seckman since Tyler Fisher won the Class 4 state championship in the 200-meter dash in 2010. 

After Nixa freshman Jackson Cantwell let loose with a throw of 58 meters in his third throw, Isaia was chasing him.

“I kind of used it as fuel,” Isaia said. “We don’t back down from something like that. It’s either, do I take it or come back?”

His fourth and fifth throws broke the 50-meter mark, but on his final throw, he let loose with that mighty throw that claimed the title. 

Hazelwood East sophomore Melvin Slede sprints the last leg of the 1600-meter relay during the Missouri State Track Championship meet on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Adkins Stadium in Jefferson City, Mo. Paul Halfacre, Special to STLhighschoolsports.com

Paul Halfacre

HAZELWOOD EAST CLAIMS 1600 RELAY CROWN

Hazelwood East Senior Robert Johnson didn’t hold back when he talked about practice with his teammates.

“These guys give me the business every day in practice,” Johnson said. “No days off. I have to work my tail off two to three times harder just to keep up with them.”

That kind of high-intensity practice every day at work paid off on Saturday as the Spartans powered their way to the Class 4 1600-meter relay title with a time of 3:20.15. 

It’s the first time the Spartans have won the 1600-meter relay title since 2016. 

“We’ve been working all year for this, it means a lot to us,” Hazelwood East senior Ladarius Williams said. “Our coach told us at the beginning of the year that we had a chance and we believed in him and we just kept going with it.”

The belief looked in doubt as the Spartans were in second place as the batons were passed to the anchors.

That’s when sophomore Melvin Sledge did what he does best.

He ran down the competition.

“That’s what I do – I catch people,” Sledge said. 

Oakville senior Mason Meinershagen clears the bar during the Missouri State Track Championship meet on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Adkins Stadium in Jefferson City, Mo. Paul Halfacre, Special to STLhighschoolsports.com

Paul Halfacre

OAKVILLE’S MEINERSHAGEN ENDS SEASON WITH A BANG

As she climbed the podium, Mason Meinershagen felt a little surreal.

Everything the Oakville senior had worked for was meant for this moment.

“I have been working on this since middle school,” Meinershagen said. “This has been my goal and I finally achieved it.”

Meinershagen won the high jump on Saturday in the Class 5 state championship meet with a leap of 1.70 meters. 

The high jump title pairs with a pole vault title she won on Friday where she jumped 3.66 meters.

“I’m so fortunate that I’m able to come out here and just excited that it all came together yesterday and today,” Meinershagen said. 

MICDS senior Winston Moore sprints down the line during the Missouri State Track Championship meet on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Adkins Stadium in Jefferson City, Mo. Paul Halfacre, Special to STLhighschoolsports.com

Paul Halfacre

MICDS’ MOORE CHASES DOWN ELUSIVE CROWN

It wasn’t his best start of the season, but Winston Moore will take the end results.

The MICDS senior finally grabbed that elusive 100-meter dash title with a Class 4 state championship run of 10.69 seconds. 

“It feels great,” Moore said. “I was here as a sophomore and junior and got third place last year, so to finally win it this year is awesome.”

Moore’s slower start out of the blocks cost him precious spots as he sat in the middle of the pack after 30 meters. But after making it to the state championship meet, Moore wasn’t going to let the opportunity go to waste as he found another gear.

“Since the beginning of the year, I knew I had to win this,” Moore said. “I came all this way, I had to win it.”

STLHighSchoolSports.com is the most comprehensive source of stats, scores and stories from any and all area high schools.

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