News – Friday, April 10th, 2026

The Dent County Commission met for its meeting Thursday morning at the courthouse. District One Commissioner Keith Green reported that crew members are planning to grade county roads 5400 and 6350. A pipe is being installed on County Road 5150. Green encouraged the public to exercise patience with crew members, as they work to improve the roads for longevity. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported that crew members are planning to grade in the Boss area, along with county roads 5300, 5305, 5280, 4340, 4030, and 2540. Four dump trucks are hauling rock to County Road 2540 – one road which participates in the Missouri Department of Conservation’s CART program, and that the county will cost share on gravel. This is an annual program covering the conservation area, and the deadline has been moved up to the end of May. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported that he will be attending several meetings at MRPC tonight, including a TAC meeting, MRPC meeting, and Housing Advisory meeting. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that she has balanced with the collector and assessor on all monthly collections, abatements, and add-ons for the month of March. Curley thanked the voters who came out and voted in the April Municipal Election. Voter turnout was low, with some elections being decided by just a handful of voters. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk reminded those that are 62 and over and own their own home to pick up an application for SB190 from the collector’s office. Applications are available until June 30th. Office hours for the collector are Monday through Friday from 8:00 in the morning to 4:30 in the afternoon. Contact her office at 573-729-3911 if you have any questions. In addition, $201,297.36 has been turned over for the month in collections. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams reported on sales tax receipts received for April, stating that General Revenue and Law Enforcement received $85,007.59, a 1.5% increase year-to-date. The Road and Bridge Fund received $42,503.96, a 5.3% increase year-to-date. Both Jail Funds received $18,912.96, and year-to-date those funds increased by 5.3%. In addition, Crime Victim Advocate Cynthia Nash and Prosecutor Andrew Curley emphasized the importance of Cynthia’s position, stating that from 2020-2025 there have been 2,474 victims. The position of  Crime Victim Advocate is paid on a VOCA Grant reimbursement program, funded by the federal government of which has become a shortfall. The shortfall of $4,824.16 will need to be navigated between April 1st and Sept. 30th. After Oct. 1st, it is unknown what will happen with the grant. Finally, the commission approved the Burlington Northern Railroad Right a Way Quit Claim Deed between Dent County and Carty Brothers. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 in the courthouse, and the meeting is open to the public.