News – Tuesday, September 9th 2025

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will meet this evening at 6:00 at the Fire Station at #2 South Main. After the Call to Order and Roll Call will be the approval of the Consent Agenda, which includes review of previous meeting minutes, the financial report and approval of bills, plus the budget review. The Monthly Reimbursement Report will precede Old Business, which will include the Fidelity (CTI) Tower Lease consideration and finalizing the bank account for Bond Payments with the Bank of Salem. In New Business the Board will consider Traffic Safety Equipment, review the Bunks Across America Bed Build, and plan for the Dent County Courthouse 155th Celebration. Chief Dennis Floyd will present his report, followed by setting the date for the next meeting and closed session if necessary, before adjournment.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams was in to report the sales tax receipts for September. The General Revenue and Law Enforcement Sales Tax Funds each received $107,727.54, which was up $4,580.05 from September of 2024. Year-to-date each fund is up $69,840.76 or about 8.3%. She said the Road and Bridge Fund received $50,897.05, and that’s up $2,398.83 from last September. Year-to-date, the Road and Bridge Fund is up $36,453.82 and that’s about 9.4%. Williams reported both Jail Funds received $102,215.99, which was an increase of $4,797.82 from September of 2024. Year-to-date each fund is up $72,985.62, an increase of over nine percent. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said it was still too dry to grade so brush would be cut on Dent County Roads 6210, 6220, and 6390. He indicated a crew member would be going to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal repair this week. Green also stated a crew would be replacing crossover pipes in District 1 on county roads 2460 and 2470. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported workers will be adding rock on Dent County Road 3140 while brush will be cut on county road 2060. He stated Grader #40 was in the shop for full maintenance and a crew will be preparing roads for chip and seal repairs next week. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson wanted to remind citizens about the special electronics and tire collection that will be held this Saturday from 9:00 in the morning until noon at the City of Salem Water and Sewer Construction Building at Third and Grand Streets. Drop off old computers, cassette players, stereos, hair dryers, and other items that run on battery or electricity for no charge. There may be a charge from some items like TV’s and monitors. The Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District will also be collecting old used tires for a small charge. If you have any questions, please contact the MRPC at 573-265-2993 and ask for Jill Hollowell. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said her office balanced with the collector and assessor for the month of August on all collections, abatements and add-ons. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public. 

The Salem R-80 School district held a special meeting on Thursday afternoon at 12:00 in the administration building located at 1409 W. Rolla Road. After approving the agenda, the board voted to approve the Compass Therapy Solutions contract for SLP and SLPA services. The motion passed, with board member Marjorie Pyatt abstaining, noting a conflict of interest. The meeting then adjourned. The next regular meeting for the Salem R-80 School district will be held Thursday September 18 at 5:30 in the administration building, and is open to the public. 

The following reports were released for the end of August and beginning of September from the Dent County Sherriff’s office. On Wednesday August 27th deputies responded to the 900 block of County Road 5440 for a reported animal abuse. The victim advised one of his cows had been shot. The investigation is pending. Then on Friday August 29th deputies responded to the 1000 block of County Road 6160 for a missing person. A report was generated, and the investigation is ongoing. On Sunday August 31st deputies responded to the 2200 block of County Road 4110 for a report of several mailboxes that had been damaged in the area. Then on Tuesday September 2nd deputies conducted a traffic stop on N. Highway 19 and Highway 68. During the stop, two suspects were arrested for active warrants and transported to the Dent County Jail. Later that week on Thursday September 4th deputies conducted a “knock and talk” in the 3100 block of Highway 68. Suspected narcotics were located, and the investigation is ongoing. If you have any information on an ongoing investigation, please contact the sheriffs’ office at 573-729-3241.