Archive for 2025

The Dent County 4-H & FFA Expo shows start at 7:00 at The Commons this morning with the Hog show, followed by the Sheep and Goat show. The Beef and Dairy shows will start at 2:00 today, followed by the Buyer’s Supper at 6:30. Saturday morning the highlight of the Expo will be the 4-H and FFA Market Sale, which will begin at 9:00. Everyone is invited, but if you can’t make it, the auction will be carried live on KSMO Radio (AM 1340 and FM 95.7) and also live streamed on KSMO Media (ksmoradio.com, KSMO Stream Facebook, and the KSMO YouTube & Twitch Channels.) 

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. Don Moore from Public Water Supply District #1 was in attendance as they are trenching in a new water line on Dent County Road 4180, which caused complaints to Commissioner Keith Green by residents whose yards were tore up. The water district was going to put the new line in the county road easement, but apparently used the state road easement of 25-feet from the center of the road instead of county easement of 15-feet from the center of the road, and also apparently did not contact the residents of this work which upset many people. Commissioner Green said the water district should have contacted him so that he could let them know where to trench the new water line. He does not want the new water line installed against the roadway or in the bottom of the ditch line in the easement. Green, Moore and the contractor met on the road Thursday to discuss any further work on the project. A resident who lives on county road 4180, Kathy Crocker, also came in after Moore had left and discussed the situation with the commission. Cindy Jones from “We the People” gave the commissioners a press release from the Missouri House of Representatives on property tax reform public hearing dates that will help develop solutions promoting fairness, transparency and sustainability. The hearings near our area include July 30th in Lebanon at the Wallace Center at 5:30, August 20th in St. Louis at the Center of Clayton at 5:30, and on Wednesday, September 3rd at 11:00 in the morning at the State Capital, House Hearing Room #3 in Jefferson City. For more information, go to house.mo.gov. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Green said the crews will be grading in the areas of Dent County Road 4000 and 5500, while brush will be cut on county road 5051. Green said that on Monday, workers will have to replace a large culvert on Dent County Road 4210 which will close that area most of the day. Green said county workers will try to let all those residents who will be affected know about the road closure on Monday. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams stated grading will be done on Dent County Roads 3120, 3130 and 3135. Williams indicated rock will be added to county road 4380 where a culvert is being replaced, and also on county road 5260 where crews are making repairs to the low water crossing. Williams reported debris is being removed from Dent County Road 5240 and if there is enough time, crews will repair the low-water crossing on county road 5310. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he attended the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management Advisory Council meeting in St. James at the MRPC offices. He reported the district was created in 1991 to help reduce solid waste by 40% in the state, and more of the regions have done that, but the is not the case in the Ozark Rivers region. A lot of the problem is the increased use of plastics in everyday life, and Larson said the district is working on a way to educate people better on the dangers of plastic sand possibly create a better way to recycle plastics. He also said tires are also being recycled to be used in asphalt after the steel is removed because of its flexibility, but the same cannot be said for asphalt shingles which get dried out from the sun and exposure and lose their elasticity. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley attended the 90th Annual NACO Conference in Philadelphia where county officials from all over the country gathered to discuss issues facing rural communities. She said she attended the Missouri Rural Caucus conference, the US Election Associate Commission conference, and also attended the USDA conference.  Jeff Chronister and Bill Budnick from Ollis, Akers and Arney Insurance discussing bidding for the county’s auto, property and liability insurance this year. Sheriff Bob Wells came in and requested a reallocation of Opiod Expenditure Funds, previously approved by the Opiod Settlement Fund board, for the purchase of a Flock Safety License Plate Reader. This is an automated license plate recognition network designed to capture and log vehicle details in real time. The request was approved by the commission. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

This Saturday, July 19th, is shaping up to be a blast! MRPC will be participating in the 10th Annual Kids Safety Day at Lions Club Park in Rolla from 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon. The Rolla Masonic Lodge will be there with their MoCHIP child identification program, and we’ll have a bunch of really cool vehicles, including helicopters, fire trucks, police vehicles, and a couple of boats, as well as a bicycle safety course. It’s rain or shine, so come on down and join the fun!

The Dent County 4-H & FFA Expo livestock registration is this morning from 9:30 until 11:30 and all livestock MUST be in place by 11:00. Weigh-ins will start at 12:00 with the Small Animal Show to begin at 3:00. The “Pig Pals” practice is scheduled for 4:00 with the show to follow at 5:00. The exhibitor and family supper will be at 6:00. Friday the shows kick off at 7:00 in the morning with the Hog show, followed by the Sheep and Goat show. The Beef and Dairy shows will start at 2:00 Friday afternoon, followed by the Buyer’s Supper at 6:30. Saturday morning the highlight of the Expo will be the 4-H and FFA Market Sale, which will begin at 9:00. The auction will be carried live on KSMO (AM 1340 and FM 95.7) and also live streamed on KSMO Media (ksmoradio.com, KSMO Stram Facebook, and the KSMO YouTube & Twitch Channels.) For additional information contact the Dent County Extension office at (573) 729-3196.

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission approved the Fiscal year 2026 through 2030 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, better known as STIP. The program lists transportation projects planned by state and regional planning agencies starting July 1st, 2026, continuing through June 30th, 2030. The five-year program is one of the largest to date and includes additional funding from General Revenue, passed by the Missouri General Assembly and signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe. Funding is allocated for improvements to interstates 70 and 44, the fixing of low-volume minor roads, and improvements to bridges, airports and rail crossings. The STIP makes available $13.3 billion of federal and state revenues for all modes of transportation over the next five years. Of the $13.3 billion, the STIP details $9.5 billion in contractor awards for road and bridge construction – averaging approximately $1.9 billion per year. In Dent County, the bridge replacement over Dry Creek on Route B and ADA improvements to sidewalks on Highway 19 are scheduled to be done this year. Also included were bridge improvements over Spring Creek on Highway 19 and bridge improvement over Huzzah Creek on Highway 32 that are scheduled to start next year. The plan also includes the future scoping to replace or improve the bridge on Route FF over Crooked Creek. Also scheduled for next year are the pavement improvement on Route P from Highway 72 to the end of state maintenance. The repavement will also include Routes JJ and N to end of state maintenance. Bridge improvements on Route H over Dry Fork Creek and Barnett Prong Dry Creek, and on Highway 32 over Dry Fork Creek and Pigeon Creek are scheduled for the third year of the plan. The STIP details improvements to Missouri’s 33,814 miles of highway and 10,427 bridges and culverts. The draft version of the STIP was released in May for public review, with MoDOT receiving 73 comments.

Electrical service in Montauk State Park Campground Loop 4 affected by flooding last November was restored earlier this month. These sites are now operational and ready for reservations. Electrical service has been restored to 27 campsites that now offer 50-amp, 30-amp, and 20-amp service. Camping in Loop 4 with no electrical service has been available on a first-come, first-served basis since March 2025. Reservations can be made by contacting the Reservation Call Center at 877-422-6766 from 7:00 in the morning to 7:00 in the evening or by visiting icampmo.com.

The Dent County Toy Drive is looking for vendors for this year’s Craft Fair as well as Food Truck vendors! The Craft Fair will be held July 26th at the Dent County Commons from 9:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon. Join them for a day of fun that includes a FREE old-fashioned carnival, a poker run hosted by ABATE, The Current River Cruisers Cruise-In cars, craft show, food trucks, and music! Call 573-247-2216 for more information. 

Ozark National Scenic Riverways plans to host two managed deer hunts at Big Spring this fall, providing special opportunities for youth and mobility-impaired veterans. The application period for both hunts is July 1st through July 31st. Ten hunters will be randomly selected for each event. The Youth Hunt is scheduled for December 6th & 7th. Applicants must apply online through the Missouri Department of Conservation at mdc.mo.gov/managedhunt. The Exceptional Warrior Mobility-Impaired Hunt will take place October 25th and 26th. Applications and details for this hunt are available at go.nps.gov/BigSpringHunt2025. For additional information, visit the park’s Facebook page, park website, or call (573) 323-4236.

The Ozark Fly Fishers 15th Annual Missouri Stream Outing will be held July 18th through the 20th! The public is invited to attend educational sessions promoting the conservation of Missouri’s beautiful streams. Attendees are encouraged to participate in various activities and science-based presentations involving on stream water quality monitoring, fly casting, and fly-tying instruction. If interested in this free event at Montauk State Park, visit the Searcy Building during the outing to attain details or call 314-560-1335.

The City of Salem will be testing the storm sirens this morning at 10:00. If there is inclement weather, the test will postpone to the following Wednesday, July 23rd.

The Dent County 4-H & FFA Expo kicked off Tuesday with the setting up of the Exhibit Entries. Those entries will be judged starting this morning at 10:00. This evening at 6:00 will be the Dessert Auction. Dessert items must be brought in between 3:00 and 5:00 today to the multi-purpose building at the Commons. Tomorrow will be livestock registration from 9:30 until 11:30 and all livestock MUST be in place by 11:00. Weigh-ins will start at 12:00 with the Small Animal Show to begin at 3:00. The “Pig Pals” practice is scheduled for 4:00 with the show to follow at 5:00. The exhibitor and family supper will be at 6:00. Friday the shows kick off at 7:00 in the morning with the Hog show, followed by the Sheep and Goat show. The Beef and Dairy shows will start at 2:00 Friday afternoon, followed by the Buyer’s Supper at 6:30. Saturday morning the highlight of the Expo will be the 4-H and FFA Market Sale, which will begin at 9:00. The auction will be carried live on KSMO (AM 1340 and FM 95.7) and also live streamed on KSMO Media (ksmoradio.com, KSMO Stram Facebook, and the KSMO YouTube & Twitch Channels.) For additional information contact the Dent County Extension office at (573) 729-3196.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be meeting tomorrow at 5:30 in the R-80 Board Room. After the Call to Order and the Pledge of Allegiance the Board will approve the agenda and the consent agenda. Stacey Hall, Angela Dingess and Alivia Parker will share information with the Board. In the Superintendent’s Report CSIP Goals will be addressed in all reports, updates will be shared on the FEMA building, track, parking lots, and roofs. Building Handbooks will be reviewed, surplus bus bids will be considered, and the Personnel Handbook will be reviewed. Administration reports will be heard from William Lynch, Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School, Athletics and Activities, Special Education, Technology, and Maintenance. In new business the board will consider approval of the AMI Plan, hear second read of MSBA 2025B policy updates, hear first read of MSBA policy updates to leaves and vacation. Approve Baseline Salary Grant participation, track bid, parking lot bid, and 25-26 Personnel Handbook. They will also set meal prices for the 25-26 school year, tax rate hearing time and date, and August regular board meeting date and time. The Board will consider the hiring of Mystee Swank (WL Personal Aide) before adjourning and moving into Executive Session to consider personnel.

As summer temperatures rise, the Siteman Cancer Center is reminding the public to take steps to protect their skin and stay safe in the sun. Medical experts warn that any amount of tanning — and especially sunburn — can damage the DNA in skin cells. Over time, this damage can increase the risk of developing skin cancer and lead to signs of premature aging such as wrinkles, rough skin, and discoloration. According to Dr. McEvoy, a dermatologist at Washington University Medicine in St. Louis, skin damage from the sun affects people of all skin tones, and protection is important for everyone. To lower the risks, experts recommend using sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of 30 or higher. A full adult application should be about an ounce, and sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours. Protective clothing is also key. Long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats can shield the skin without the need for reapplication. Clothing with a high ultraviolet protection factor — or UPF — provides additional defense against harmful UV rays. For young children, shade and protective clothing are especially important. Sunscreen is not recommended for infants under six months, and active older children may require extra attention to ensure consistent coverage. Staying cool is also essential during the hot summer days. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and access to shade can reduce overheating. Hydration is just as important be sure to keep a bottle of plain water or a low-sugar sports drink nearby can help prevent dehydration during outdoor activities. Wearing a sun-protective shirt and wetting it down can help keep body temperature down while still protecting the skin. Summer is a time to enjoy the outdoors, but health professionals urge everyone to do so safely by taking simple, proactive steps to reduce sun exposure and stay cool.

The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds deer hunters to apply online from July 1st through the 31st for a shot at 145 managed deer hunts throughout the state. There are hunts for archery, muzzleloader, shotgun, and modern firearms from mid-September through mid-January at designated conservation areas, state and other parks, national wildlife refuges, and other public areas. Some managed deer hunts are held specifically for youth, beginning hunters, or for people with disabilities. Hunters are selected by a weighted random drawing. Draw results will be available starting August 15. Applicants who are drawn will receive area maps and other hunt information by email or mail. Get more information on managed deer hunts, preview hunt details, and apply starting July 1st at mdc.mo.gov/managedhunt. Details about managed deer hunts can also be found in MDC’s 2025 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet available starting in early July at MDC offices and nature centers, from permit vendors around the state, and online at mdc.mo.gov.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. Cindy Jones with “We the People” was in attendance and she told the commission about Monday Movie Night from “Truthseekers” called “Understanding the Carbon Dioxide Pipeline.” She said it is a very informative and a good movie to find out about CO2 pipelines. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said the crews will be adding rock and grading on Dent County Road 5510 while only grading will be done on county roads 6420 and 6245. Rock will also be hauled where needed near county road 5510. Green said brush would be cut on county road 5460. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said crews will be replacing six culverts on Dent County Road 2500 which will remain closed until the job is completed. Williams went on to report grading would be done on county roads 3190, 3260 and 5240 while patch grading will be done on Dent County Road 3270. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson stated he would be attending an Ozark Rivers Advisory Committee meeting Wednesday at the MRPC Offices to develop a 10-year vision for the area. Larson reported the next Industrial Development Authority meeting will be Wednesday evening in the Salem Public Library basement. Dent County Deputy Clerk Melissa Piatt stated that the clerk’s office balanced with the Dent County Treasurer’s office on all accounts for the month of June. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) is highlighting Vehicle Theft Prevention Month this July. With vehicle thefts up 25% nationwide and occurring every 31 seconds, DCI recommends: Park in well-lit areas and always lock your vehicle. Hide valuables and never leave keys inside. Don’t leave running vehicles unattended and consider anti-theft devices. If your vehicle is stolen, contact law enforcement immediately, then your insurance carrier. DCI notes that auto policies typically only cover vehicle-related items. Personal belongings may require separate homeowners or renters’ insurance claims. Find more theft prevention tips at NHTSA.gov/theft.

The low water crossing on Dent County Route TT is now open following flash flooding and multiple repairs. After flooding in late April, the Missouri Department of Transportation assessed the damage and closed the roadway on April 22nd as it was no longer safe for vehicular traffic. Repairs were made and the roadway reopened May 13th. The crossing closed again in mid-June for further repairs, but additional flooding caused further damage to the roadway and washed out the previous repair work. Local maintenance crews were able to complete all repairs and reopen the roadway late Thursday afternoon of July 10th. In more news from MoDot, the following highway maintenance and construction work is planned in Dent County today through the 20th. Route K will have pavement resurfacing, which is scheduled to begin Monday, today from Missouri Route 19 to Route KK. One lane will remain open and flaggers with a pilot car will direct motorists through the work zone. According to MoDot’s news release the project is scheduled for completion in May 2026. Weather conditions may postpone scheduled work.

The Creative Arts Center will offer a “Summer Dayz Sign N’ Wine” evening with Danielle Norris on Friday evening, July 18th from 6:00 until 9:00. Come and get creative with your one of a kind front porch sign, or a square sign to be used inside or outside!  Lots of stencils are available to choose from and they are adding more all the time!  All supplies are provided, just bring snacks and a beverage!. You will be taught how to make the sign with teacher assistance. For a porch leaner, the cost is $30; and for a square 15×15 sign, the cost is $32. The class will be held with a minimum of six people signing up and will be limited to 16 people. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center. For more information, you can email them at salemartscenter@salemcommunitybetterment.com.