News – Wednesday, August 20th 2025

The Dent County Commissioners held their 2025 tax rate hearing Monday morning at 10:00 at the courthouse. Amanda Sapaugh was present at the public hearing. The General Revenue tax rate for 2024 was $0.0171 cents per $100 assessed valuation. For 2025 after the rollback was calculated, the tax rate came to $0.0397 per $100 assessed valuation which the commissioners approved. Amanda Sapaugh representing the SB 40 Board said their board wanted to keep their tax rate the same as last year with a voluntary reduction to $0.1341 per $100 assessed valuation. The current maximum tax rate ceiling for 2025 set by the state auditor for SB 40 is $0.1343 per $100 assessed valuation. The lower rate was approved by the commission. The Road and Bridge Fund tax rate last year was 25.50 cents per $100 assessed valuation. The commission went with the recommended rate by the state auditor of 25.53 cents per $100 assessed valuation for 2025. The Senior Citizen Service Fund tax rate for 2024 came in at 4.80 cents per $100 assessed valuation. The maximum rate allowed by the state auditor’s office came in at 4.81 cents per $100 assessed valuation for 2025 which the commission approved. The hearing was then adjourned. 

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports for the week of August 9th through the 15th. On August 9th, deputies attempted to perform a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling on East Highway 32-72 near Doss Road. A multi-county pursuit ensued and the suspect, a 40-year-old Bunker man, was eventually apprehended. The suspect was transported to the Dent County Jail, where a capias arrest warrant was issued for the man. On Thursday, August 14th, deputies took a report for lost or stolen cattle from the 1100 block of Route B. That investigation is pending. On Friday, August 15th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Highway 19 at Phil-Mart. The operator, a 44-year-old Salem man, was arrested, booked and released for failure to maintain financial responsibility on the vehicle. Also on Friday, Dent County deputies assisted EMS with a call in the 3000 block of Highway 68. During the course of the call, a significant amount of illegal narcotics was discovered. A 40-year-old Salem woman was then arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail pending the issuance of formal charges. If you have any information about an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 573-729-3241.

The FY2025 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) Regionalization Grant application period is closing soon on August 22nd at 5:00 pm. Local and state government, emergency response agencies and nonprofits are encouraged to apply. SHSP is designed to enhance the capabilities of state and local governments as well as nonprofits in preventing, protecting against, and responding to terrorist attacks. This program is a part of a comprehensive set of measures authorized by Congress and implemented by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to strengthen the nation’s communities against potential terrorist threats. Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) facilitates the Region I Homeland Security Oversight Committee (RHSOC). Each RHSOC across the state is given a certain amount of funding to be awarded as grants as part of the SHSP. For FY 2025, Region I (Crawford, Dent, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski and Laclede counties) is receiving approximately $70,693.38 for regional projects. Those interested in applying can visit https://dpsgrants.dps.mo.gov/. For more information, contact Samantha Sherman at 573-265-2993 or via email at ssherman@meramecregion.org.  

The Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) has introduced a significantly upgraded version of its virtual assistant, “DORA,” adding artificial intelligence capabilities to enhance customer service. First launched in 2019, DORA has been providing 24/7 assistance to Missourians on topics such as taxation, motor vehicles, and driver licensing. Since its debut, the chatbot has handled more than 11 million inquiries across 2.6 million sessions. The new AI-powered version expands DORA’s ability to address more complex questions while delivering faster and more accurate responses. Drawing on content from the DOR website, the system now offers broader, more relevant information tailored to customer needs. The enhancement also strengthens DORA’s integration with the department’s live chat service. This allows for quicker resolution of issues and enables a smooth transition to a live customer service representative when necessary. According to the department, the improvements are part of an ongoing effort to streamline operations, reduce costs, and provide more efficient public service. Residents can access the updated DORA platform by visiting dor.mo.gov.

The “Listening to Americans” townhall meeting will be held at the Leach Theatre in Rolla on Tuesday evening August 26th from 6:30 till 8:30. The townhall is sponsored by Voters for Informed Action. For any questions or comments please email: voteria2025@gmail.com

Do you need a place to spread your crafts out, or do you hate crafting alone? There is a place for you! This upcoming Sunday as well as August 31st from 2:00 in the afternoon until 6:00 in the evening the Creative Arts Center will be doing general crafts. Bring your supplies and hang out. Just enjoy spending time with other crafty people. You do have to have all your own supplies and only the front room and bathrooms will be available.  A donation is appreciated to go towards utilities. No children without an adult please. Nicole Curtis will be there to assist participants age 16-years-old and older.