Archive for 2026

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. With the onset of rain throughout the county, First District Commissioner Keith Green reported crew members have been out fixing damages to county roads caused by the excessive rain Wednesday night. Green encouraged the public to be patient. With the second district being hit harder, District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams was not in attendance until later that morning, as he was out assisting crew members. Meanwhile, Green reported on phone bids for 2,500 gallons of unleaded fuel for the road department, commenting that the bids received had more variation than usual. Bids were as follows: $2.38 from MFA Oil; $2.60 from County Fuels; and Phil-Mart did not bid. The bid was given to MFA Oil. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported that an estimate for repairs to the Annex Roof for leaks was received, submitted by Hope Construction in the amount of $1,250, and it was approved. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that March 11th is the deadline to register to vote for the April 7th Municipal Election. Excused absentee voting continues, and March 24th is the first day for “no excuse absentee” voting which will continue through April 6th. From 8:00 in the morning until 12:00 noon Saturday, April 4th, the courthouse will be open for absentee voting in the county clerk’s office. Curley further reported that she has balanced with the collector and assessor for all monthly collections, add-ons, and abatements for February. Bills were approved. In addition, commissioners opened bids for surplus property for the road department with the following receiving the bids: Travis Turner bid $409.98 for two chainsaws; Larry Lundy bid $200 for two chainsaws; and Danny Wethy, Jr. bid $76.50 for the HYD Engine Hoist. The commissioners rejected all bids for the Pup Trailer. The commission also opened bids for a used truck and received the following quotes: $52,203 for a 2022 International CV; $84,500 for a 2023 Ford Flatbed Truck F750; $75,500 for 2019 Ford Dump Truck F750; $89,995 for a 2023 Ford Dump Truck Flatbed F650; and $55,600 for a 2022 International Dump Truck CV. After a discussion of comparisons, the commission unanimously agreed to accept the 2022 International D/T CV at $55,600. Assessor Alisa Brookshire and Joel Zitterich of VanGuard attended to discuss the software appraisal system. Brookshire is currently utilizing Clearbasin software, of which she reported issues. The software system would have to be bid out but after five years, if awarded to VanGuard, the Assessor’s Office would own it. The commission requested Brookshire to receive prices on the separate map maintenance software, as well as to look into what Clearbasin will charge on turning over the files. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at the courthouse at 9:00. The meeting is open to the public.

Dent County Route B is now closed at the Dry Creek Bridge after inspectors found a sinkhole developing near one of the supporting structures of the 86-year-old bridge, which is scheduled to be replaced this year. Route B will remain closed over Dry Creek until that project is completed, as it is no longer safe for vehicular traffic. Concrete barriers have been placed at either end of the bridge to prevent motorists from utilizing the damaged roadway. During the closure and bridge replacement project, motorists may use Missouri Routes 19, 32 and 72 as a detour route. To learn more about the planned bridge replacement project, visit modot.org and search “Route B Bridge Replacement over Dry Creek in Dent County.”

The National Weather Service of Springfield issued a hazardous weather outlook, indicating that thunderstorms are expected to form Friday afternoon and continue through overnight hours. The severe storms will be capable of producing hazards including large hail, damaging wind gusts up to 70 miles per hour, and possble tornadoes. There are two rounds of storms expected Friday afternoon and evening. Early indications suggest supercell thunderstorms in the afternoon into evening, before merging into a squall line by Friday night. The greatest large hail and tornado risk will be west of Highway 65 with the supercells Friday afternoon/evening. Damaging winds then become the primary risk with an embedded tornado risk with the squall line across the entire area late Friday evening and night. The probability of severe hail is 15-29% within Dent County; severe wind, 15-29%; and tornados, 2-4%. Remember that if a forecast calls for severe weather: Start preparing now by ensuring you have emergency supplies, knowing a safe place to hunker down, and having a family communication plan. Remember to have plenty of gas in your vehicle and extra batteries, matches, propane, charcoal and firewood. Other tips include having a portable, battery-powered radio and alarm clock, a non-portable phone that will work even if power is interrupted, and coordinating with neighbors for care of the elderly and disabled living alone. For more information on staying safe in severe weather, visit intercountyenergy.net/safety-education. Also remember that to report power outages within the City of Salem, save the phone number 833-703-4811 to your phone as “Salem Power Outage.” Text or call the number when an outage occurs. When outages are reported, they will populate the map found on website hometowngrid.com/salem. 

The Bunker Police Department has released its activity report for the month of February. Officers conducted 47 traffic stops during the month and assisted the county on five calls. Police responded to five 911 hang-up calls. The department handled three dog-related calls, one investigation, and five general calls for service. Officers responded to four domestic-related calls and made one arrest during the month. The department also executed one search warrant. The Bunker Police Department encourages residents to continue reporting suspicious activity and working alongside officers to maintain a safe community.

Join the Dent County Historical Society for a special Fireside Chat with longtime Dent County resident Jim Glenn on Saturday, March 7th at 10:00 in the morning at the James Family Center at 103 W. Center Street in Salem. Jim will share stories of growing up in the New Hope Community to the early bluegrass roots of the Dillard family. Learn about the historic Cumberland Presbyterian Church, the old rural schools, and the close-knit families who shaped this musical community. For more information, contact Deloris Gray Wood at 573-729-2545. Come experience local history brought to life! 

Preschool Registration will be held Wednesday, March 12th, from 8:30 until 5:00 and Thursday, from 8:30 until 2:30 at William Lynch Elementary. Preschool students must be 4 years of age by July 31st. Appointments are to be made by calling 573-729-6611 and are not a guarantee of placement. Proof of residence, shot records, and birth certificate is required.

According to a press release from the South Central Missouri Computer Crime Task Force, on March 3rd, 2026, Edward Lee Lane, age 59, of Salem was arrested in the 800 block of East Ellis Street for possession of child pornography and failure to register as a sex offender. Lane was incarcerated at the Dent County Jail, pending warrants. Filed by the Dent County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office March 4th were 20 counts of Possession of Child Pornography (Class B Felony) and four counts of Failure to Register As A Sex Offender. The investigation of Lane was initiated as a result of a Cyber Tipline Report by an electronic service provider. During the investigation, information was developed that Lane is a convicted sex offender, and currently on parole with Missouri Department Of Corrections. Assisting the South-Central Missouri Computer Crimes Task Force were Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, Dent County Sheriff’s Office, and Salem Police Department. The charges which Lane has been arrested are merely accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before the court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

The City of Salem Water Department was awarded “2025 Water System of the Year” on Tuesday, March 3rd, at the Missouri Rural Water Association’s conference in Branson. Representing the city to accept the award were Steve Paine, public works director; Chris McGuirt, water and wastewater superintendent; and Sally Burbridge, city administrator. Also at the conference, McGuirt was recognized for his 30 years of service. 

The Dent County Fire Protection District (DCFPD) recognized Sarah Montoya on her successful completion of the national registry of emergency medical technicians’ certification. Montoya has dedicated months studying and preparing for the milestone. According to the social media post by the DCFPD, the certification not only expands her opportunities in the emergency services career field, but also strengthens the level of care and service she brings to the Dent County community. An emergency medical technician provides out of hospital emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical services (EMS) system.

Two Mizzou School of Music professors are now Grammy Award winners after taking home one of the industry’s top honors in February. Stefan Freund and Bill Kalinkos, founding members of the contemporary ensemble Alarm Will Sound, earned the award for their album “Land of Winter.” The album is available on all streaming platforms and on YouTube. This is the first Grammy Award associated with the University of Missouri.

The US Forest Service is looking for a volunteer on-site camp host for Sutton’s Bluff near Bunker this year from April 26th to October 26th. Hosts are required to be on site every Friday, Saturday and Sunday and they must put in 30 hours each week. No training is required but a background check and reference check will be required. Those interested can apply at 401 Fairgrounds Road in Rolla. For more information, contact Hunter Harris at hunter.harris@usda.gov or Kimberly Houf at kimberly.hauf@usda.gov.

The South Central Community Action Agency wants to remind low-income citizens that they can offer energy assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program which is also known as LIHEAP. Energy Assistance is designed to provide financial assistance to help pay primary fuel source heating bills for Missourians during the months of October through March. Eligibility requirements for this assistance are based on monthly income, family size, available resources and responsibility for payment of home heating costs. The amount you  receive is also based on the type of energy source used in the home. Other assistance available is Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) funds. These funds can be used to prevent or restore disconnected service, assist with emergency repairs and furnace replacements and even purchase wood stoves. To qualify for the ECIP assistance, households must be in a crisis in making energy payments to keep their services with their provider. The winter ECIP is available now through May based on available funding with the maximum amount of funding at $800. Applications are being accepted. For more information or to learn how to apply for LIHEAP, call the South Central Community Action Agency Satellite office in Salem at 729-3500 or call the South Central Missouri Community Action Agency in Winona at 800-325-4633. You can also get the application online at scmcaa.org/energy-assistance.