Archive for 2026

The Dent County 4-H and FFA Expo kicks off Tuesday, July 14th at The Commons with the setting up of the Exhibit Entries from 4:00 to 6:30. Those entries will be judged starting Wednesday morning, July 15th at 10:00. That same evening at 6:00 will be the Dessert Auction. Entry forms are available at the Dent County Extension Office or call them at 573-729-3196 and they can e-mail you an entry form. Dessert items must be brought in between 3:00 and 5:00 to the multi-purpose building at The Commons that Wednesday afternoon. On Thursday, July 16th, livestock registration will be from 9:30 until 11:30 and all livestock MUST be in place by 11:00. Weigh-ins are scheduled to start at 12:30 with the Small Animal Show beginning at 2:00. The “Pig Pals” practice will be at 5:00 with the show to follow at 5:30. The exhibitor and family supper will be held at 6:00. On Friday, July 17th, the shows will kick off at 7:00 in the morning with the hog show, followed by the Sheep and Goat Show. The Beef and Dairy Show will start at 1:00 Friday afternoon. On Saturday morning, July 18th, at 8:00, there will be a breakfast that will be followed at 9:00 with the highlight of the Expo, the 4-H and FFA Market Sale. 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 Channel.) For additional information contact the Dent County Extension office at (573) 729-3196.

Following the severe weather that impacted communities across Missouri over the holiday weekend, the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) reminds Missourians who have questions or concerns about their insurance coverage to contact the department’s Consumer Hotline at 800-726-7390 or visit insurance.mo.gov/consumers. DCI encourages consumers to remember three important steps as they begin to recover and start the insurance claims process: Inspect and document damage by taking photos or video evidence of damage to homes, vehicles, or personal belongings. Take steps to prevent further damage after a loss, such as covering a damaged roof with a tarp or boarding broken windows, and keep all receipts for emergency repairs as they may be reimbursable. File your claim as soon as possible by contacting your insurance company or agent promptly to report damage and be prepared to provide details and documentation. Filing early can help avoid delays.

The Dent County Clerk’s office has available a sample ballot and fair ballot language for the amendments for voters for the Tuesday, August 4th, 2026 Primary Election. Voters must choose one party to vote on: Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, or non-partisan. All ballots will feature the four constitutional amendments, but non-partisan ballots will ONLY have the four constitutional amendments. For Amendment No. 1, a “yes” vote will continue for 10 years the one-tenth of one percent sales/use tax that is used for soil and water conservation and for state parks and historic sites. This will be resubmitted to the voters for approval in 10 years. A “no” vote will not continue this sales/use tax. If passed, this measure will not increase or decrease taxes. For Amendment No. 2, A “yes” vote will amend the Missouri Constitution to require that all charter counties, including Jackson County, elect a county assessor and that such assessors comply with training requirements established by state law. A “no” vote will not change the current constitutional provisions, which exempt Jackson County from the requirement to elect its assessor and do not require charter county assessors to follow training requirements under general law. If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes. For Amendment No. 4, a “yes” vote will amend the Missouri Constitution to: modify current requirements of Article III and Article XII that a simple statewide majority of voters may approve initiative petitions to amend the constitution; require a majority of voters in each congressional district to approve initiative petitions to amend the constitution; and make available to each voter the full text of initiative petitions with their ballot. A “no” vote will not amend the Missouri Constitution to require majority approval in each congressional district for initiative petitions to amend the constitution or make available the full text of initiative petitions with the ballot. If passed, this measure will not increase or decrease taxes. For Amendment No. 5, a “yes” vote will amend the Missouri Constitution to require legislative phase-out and elimination of the individual state income tax based on revenue growth, and authorize the expansion of sales and use taxes; curtail constitutional limits on taxing goods and services; and require local tax rate cuts without reducing school funding if local sales tax revenue increases. A “no” vote will not amend the Missouri Constitution to require legislative phase-out and elimination of the individual state income tax based on revenue growth; and will not authorize the expansion of sales and use taxes. At this time, the impact on taxes is unknown. Absentee voting at the Dent County Clerk’s Office continues through Aug. 3rd. No excuse absentee voting will begin July 21st. To stay up to date on upcoming deadlines and voting information, be sure to follow the Dent County Elections Facebook page by searching Facebook for “Dent County Elections/County Clerk-Angie Curley.” For more voting or election information, visit the Missouri Secretary of State website at sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) reminds drivers to stay alert while driving in areas known to flood. It doesn’t take much water to sweep a vehicle off the roadway. Turn around, don’t drown. Do not drive around barriers. Drivers are reminded to slow down at night.

A fatal accident occurred Monday morning at approximately 10:25 in Texas County on Highway VV two miles southeast of Licking. According to the Highway Patrol report a 64-year-old Licking woman was eastbound in a 2003 Jeep Wrangler. The Jeep traveled off the left side of the roadway, stuck a tree, and overturned. The woman was pronounced deceased by Dr. Schafer of Texas County Memorial Hospital at 10:46. The report stated that the woman was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Jeep sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Jay’s Automotive at Trooper’s request. The Highway Patrol was assisted by the Licking Police Department and the Licking Fire Department.

The City of Salem Area Chamber of Commerce has released that the July 4th parade this past Saturday had fantastic floats come out for America’s 250th anniversary. Judges had a hard decision to make but ultimately decided on two winners for the commercial and non-commercial categories. The commercial winner was JeT Tires & Auto, and the non-commercial winner was the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Congratulations!

There will be a fundraiser for Scenic Rivers Industries, Inc. (SRI) at Pizza Hut today from 5:00 to 9:00 in the evening, in which 20% of the net amount of all sales will be paid to SRI. SRI is a Sheltered Workshop in Salem, providing dignified employment for people with disabilities since 1977. Visit the SRI website at scenicriversind.org for more information.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds deer hunters to apply online through July 31st for a shot at more than 140 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, parks, national wildlife refuges, and other public areas. Some managed deer hunts are offered specifically for youth, beginner hunters, or people with disabilities. Hunters are selected by a weighted random drawing. Get more information on managed deer hunts, preview hunt details, and apply starting July 1st at mdc.mo.gov/managedhunt. In order to register for a hunt, you will need a valid conservation ID number for yourself and those in your party.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is asking the public to help it monitor the state’s wild turkey population this summer by reporting wild turkey sightings. This survey used to be conducted using postcards but has switched to electronic for accessibility and streamlining purposes. MDC has conducted an annual Wild Turkey Brood Survey every year since 1959 to determine the success of the annual hatch. Observations of all wild turkeys MDC staff and volunteers observe during June, July, and August are recorded at the county level and summarized by region and statewide. While anyone can contribute observations to the brood survey, registering to become an official brood survey cooperator has additional benefits. Cooperators will receive a reminder email that the survey is about to begin and a summary report at the end of each survey. To learn more and to sign up to report wild turkey sightings, visit mdc.mo.gov and search “wild turkey brood survey.”

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist with energy costs. LIHEAP provides federally funded assistance to reduce the costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and minor energy-related home repair. LIHEAP can help you stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer through programs that reduce the risk of health and safety problems that arise from unsafe heating and cooling situations and practices. This summer, LIHEAP might be able to help you by helping to pay your cooling bills; providing assistance to service, repair, or replace an air conditioner; helping with the purchase of an air conditioner; distributing or loaning air conditioning units or air source heat pumps; or establishing or providing transportation to a cooling center. If you or someone you know needs help with cooling bills, LIHEAP may be able to help. For more information, visit energyhelp.us, email energyassistance@ncat.org, or call 866-674-6327, weekdays from 9:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the evening. 

The Scenic Rivers Performing Arts, the community theater of Salem, will be performing “The Sound of Music” this July. The cast and crew will feature a talented cast from Salem and the surrounding areas. Showtimes will be July 16th through July 18th at 7:00 in the evening. There will be two matinees on July 18th and July 19th at 2:00 in the afternoon. Tickets will be available at the door, or you can search Facebook for “Scenic Rivers Performing Arts” to purchase your tickets online and in advance. Come out and support the arts!

Throughout the month of July, Missouri State Parks is offering visitors to state parks and historic sites the opportunity to honor the men and women who have served our country through the Veterans Roundup Program. Visitors will have the chance to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar, with the funds raised going to programs that recognize and benefit veterans. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps support events, such as the popular Hero Deer Hunt and Veteran Deer Hunt. Normally, the money raised from the round up program is used at the park where the purchase is made. However, in July all funds raised will go toward helping fund special events and programs for veterans.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, July 8th is the deadline to register to vote for the August 4th Primary Election. If you would like to check your registration, visit the website provided by the Missouri Secretary of State Danny Hoskins at voteroutreach.sos.mo.gov. If you have any questions, please call the Dent County Clerk’s office at 573-729-4144.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning for its regular meeting at the Dent County Courthouse. Deloris Gray Wood thanked commissioners for the use of the courthouse steps on Saturday for the reading of the 88 names of the men from South Central Missouri who registered here for the Missouri Militia during the Civil War. She suggested commissioners should pursue the designation of a location on the courthouse square to indicate the signing occurred here. Under road reports, District One Commissioner Keith Green shared his crews were out checking roads for downed trees which hadn’t been reported over the weekend. Crew members would be finishing the removal of trees on County Road 6580. Grading is planned for county roads 6245, 6220, and 6570. Brush would be cut on County Road 2400. Green also reported that one of the tractors requires a shifter cable to be replaced in order for crew members to resume brush-hogging. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported that crew members would be checking for downed trees that were not reported, in addition to the two locations that were called in. Grading is planned for county roads 3150, 3140, 5300, and 5305, plus rock would be added to county roads 3150 and 3140. Williams went on to report that brush would be cut on county roads 6690, 2103, 2100, and 2320. He noted that one of the John Deere graders was having a cylinder replaced as well as some other work, and that the ancient fuel tank pump was being worked on. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported that the commission needed to review the agreement he received from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) concerning the moving of utilities as part of the Boss Bridge project. Larson indicated this was a formality relative to the bridge replacement and bypass to be constructed, and it will require commissioner signatures. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reminded voters of deadlines for voting including this Wednesday’s deadline to register to vote. She also noted that bills were being approved by the commissioners for payment. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse, and the meeting will be open to the public.

Colonel Michael A. Turner, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, provided the following preliminary statistics related to the July 4th holiday counting period, which began at 6:00 in the evening Thursday, July 2nd and continued through 11:59 in the evening Sunday, July 5th. The 2026 July 4th holiday traffic statistics showed there were 235 Traffic Crashes, resulting in 9 fatalities and 113 injuries. There were 125 DWI arrests. The Boating Statistics indicated there were 3 Crashes, 3 Injuries, and no fatalities. However, there were 3 Drownings and 9 BWI’s. During the 2025 July 4th holiday counting period, the patrol investigated 273 traffic crashes involving nine fatalities and 138 injuries. Statewide, 13 people died and 414 were injured in 993 vehicle crashes in 2025. Eleven boating crashes were investigated throughout Missouri in 2025. Further details related to the traffic crashes and arrests can be found on the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s website. The fatality statistics in this news release could change if later deaths occur, or if other departments report fatal traffic crashes.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) is an international non-profit 501(C)(3) organization that builds, assembles and delivers beds to children who do not have a bed. The monthly meeting of the SHP Dent County chapter previously reported to take place on Tuesday, July 7th, will be rescheduled for another date in August, to be announced at a later time. More updates from the chapter can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/shpdentco.

The Dent County Toy Drive will be holding its 6th annual Christmas in July fundraiser on Saturday, July 25th at the Dent County Commons. This is a special year for the toy drive as it will be celebrating its 50th anniversary serving children in Dent County.  There will be plenty to enjoy at the event, including pulled pork sandwiches, music throughout the day, and a free kids carnival. Attendees can also look forward to the car show, craft show, and poker run. The event will be held rain or shine. Attendees are asked to bring a toy to fill the truck, although not required to attend. For updates, visit the Dent County ToyDrive Facebook page at facebook.com/TheDentCountyToyDrive. 

A free hands-on Compass Orienteering course will be held for those 10 and older at Rolla’s Ber Juan Park, hosted by the City of Rolla Parks and Recreation and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC.) The event will be Wednesday, July 22nd from 6:30 to 8:00 in the evening located at the Ber Juan Park Pavillion at 1200 East 14th Street. An MDC conservation educator will guide attendees through a brief classroom portion to learn how to read maps and use a compass, and then those new skills will be put to the test outdoors. Pre-registration is required as space is limited to 30 participants. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes with good ankle support for the outdoor practice portion. To register, visit the MDC website at mdc.mo.gov, click “Events” at the top of the page, then search “compass orienteering.”

Staff at Ozark National Scenic Riverways (ONSR) have notified that the lower river landing at Round Spring is closed as of Tuesday, July 6th for repaving. The closure is expected to last approximately one week. All visitors getting on or off the river at Round Spring should plan to use the upper landing behind Carr’s Store until the lower landing is reopened. Work began on June 15th to replace the low water crossing leading to the Round Spring pavilion, playground area, and main parking lot for Round Spring itself. The closure is tentatively expected to last for the remainder of the summer season.