News – Tuesday, July 15th 2025

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.