News – Friday, March 13th 2026

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. First District Commissioner Keith Green reported that crew members would be out checking roads and assisting the second district with its workload. Second District Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported crew members would be out grading and hauling rock to County Road 2540. Hauling rock is also planned for county roads 3190 and 3140. Patching is planned for County Road 3200. Crew members will also be checking a low water crossing installed by a resident, which is causing washouts. Meanwhile, Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that bills were approved. Curley further reported 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. On April 7th, voting will be open from 6:00 in the morning to 7:00 in the evening. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported that he would be attending an MRPC meeting in St. James this evening, and that the commissioners and Curley would be attending a South Central County Commissioner Association meeting in Texas County on Friday. The Cooperative Feral Hog Outreach Educator of Dent County’s MU Extension provided a feral hog report for 2026, sharing that there has been an 83% decrease in watershed occupancy by feral hogs since 2016. In 2025, there were 242 feral hogs removed from Dent County, ranking fifth in the state. Crider reported that feral hogs are more often observed in the south and eastern portions of the county. Further, the USDA is condensing the program and its positions due to its success. Funding remains for the program through 2031. Curt Faigle, representative of 100 Acre Wood Rally, visited the commission about the event this weekend. Dent County Collector Shannon Vankirk reported February totals, of which was $651,033.10. The next meeting of the Commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The City of Salem Parks and Recreation Board held a meeting Wednesday evening at the Old City Hall Auditorium located at 202 N. Washington Street. After roll call and approving the agenda, Parks and Recreation Director Melissa DuBois presented bids for replacing the ence surrounding Billy’s Playground, due to the damages resulting from a flood event. Two bids from fence contractors were received, including DNK Fencing and J&M Construction and Fencing LLC. DuBois recommended moving forward with DNK Fencing at $10,500. Funds would come out of the prior year fund balances, currently at $636,948. Funds expended for the fencing would be sent to FEMA for consideration for mitigation reimbursement. After discussion, the board approved the budget adjustment and fencing bed from DNK Fencing. In addition, the board approved recommending to the Board of Aldermen the placement of James Taylor to the Parks and Recreation board. The board then adjourned. 

The City of Salem is seeking dedicated volunteers to serve on advisory committees. Serving on advisory committees presents opportunities to make an impact and help guide decisions that shape the city. The mayor is currently looking for individuals to fill committee seats. The city is specifically in need of individuals interested in serving on the Utility Advisory Committee and the Planning & Zoning Commission. To apply, visit salemmo.com, click on “City”, and search “Committees” to find the committee sign-up form.