Local News – Tuesday, June 6th, 2017
The Dent County Commission met Monday morning for their regular meeting. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams came in to request a transfer from the Senior Citizens Fund to holding to pay the Nutrition Center $12,500 and the SMTS Bus Service $6,250. This is the second of four payments that will be made through the year for these services. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said rains from Sunday night affected all Dent County 2400 roads. He said about 2.5 inches of rain fell in less than an hour in that area and crews are out grading, hauling materials and repairing washouts. Purcell said grading would be done on county roads 5610, 5620, 6410 and 6420, plus a driveway culvert will be installed on Dent County Road 4170. Sam Gorman, filling in for Commissioner Gary Larson who was not able to attend, reported grading would be done on county road 4437, brush would be cut on county road 4050, and rock was being hauled to county roads 3223 and 5340. Gorman said crews would be checking roads for washouts and they would also be working on a diesel fuel pump on truck #70. Presiding Commissioner Darrel Skiles said Dent County was included in the Federal Disaster Declaration for public infrastructure, but not individual reimbursement. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported June 1st was the first day for the new photo voter ID law. If you have questions about the law, contact the Missouri Elections Division at 1-866-868-3245. Also at the meeting, Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley discussed the county’s desire to utilize the right-of-ways on Water Street and Iron Street in between 5th Streets and Rolla Road for the new jail project from the city. Skiles will present the request to the Board of Aldermen. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.
An accident occurred at 4:00 pm on Sunday, June 4th in Iron County on Highway 32 about a half mile west of Bixby. According to the highway patrol report, a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado driven by 56-year old Gail Turner of Boss was traveling westbound on Highway 32. The accident occurred as the Silverado ran off the left side of the roadway and struck the ditch. Turner suffered moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. She was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevrolet Silverado sustained moderate damage and was towed by Blackies Towing.
The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will conduct their next meeting tonight at the fire station beginning at 6:00 pm. After approval of the agenda the Board will review and minutes from the previous meeting as well as review and approve bills. There will be a review of upcoming events on the calendar and the monthly reimbursement report. The Board will then address any old of new business followed by reports on various items. The Board may vote to go into closed session for the purpose of discussing personnel is necessary and will set their next meeting. The June meeting of the Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors is open to the public.
The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released some reports. On Monday, May 29th, deputies conducted a traffic stop at Cedar Grove. While speaking with the driver, deputies could smell of odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle. A consent to search the vehicle was granted and deputies found a small plastic baggie containing marijuana, a glass pipe emitting a burnt marijuana odor, a partial box of “Great Value” sandwich bags, and a digital scale containing marijuana residue. As a result, 19-year old Brandon Mendenhall of Salem was arrested for possession of under 10 grams of marijuana. He was transported to the Dent County Jail, fingerprinted and released. On Wednesday, May 31st, deputies assisted the Missouri State Highway Patrol with a vehicle accident on Highway 19 South near County Road 6240. It was discovered that a passenger, 47-year old Jeffrey Bailey of Columbia, had a warrant for his arrest from the Rolla Police Department. He was arrested and taken to the Dent County Jail. That same day, deputies responded to the 1000 block of Highway ZZ in reference to a burglary. It was discovered that a large Craftsman rolling toolbox, two hand toolboxes, PSE compound bow, a 3-ton floor jack, a 30-gallon air compressor, and a bright orange “Bad Boy zero turn” mower with a 42″ cutting deck were missing. This report is still under investigation. On June 1st, deputies responded to the New Harmony Church in reference to a camper being damaged. Deputies discovered that a 1978 Jayco pop up camper had been damaged and vandalized. This report is still under investigation.
The Ozark Artisans Exhibit at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center (ONCRC) continues at 202 South Main. Sponsored by the Spring Creek Artisans of Salem and the Current River Artists of Licking, it will feature works by artists and artisans from the Ozarks. The beauty and resources of the Ozarks have inspired artists and artisans since settlers first came to Missouri. Here in the Salem Plateau area, we are blessed with talented individuals who are skilled in wood carving, quilting, pottery, basket weaving, engraving, fine arts and other time honored skills. The exhibit is free to the public.