News – Friday, May 8th, 2026

The Dent County Commission met for its meeting Thursday morning at the courthouse. Under road reports, First District Commissioner Keith Green reported that crew members have fixed the backhoe but are off today. They will be back to grading next week. Second District Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported that crew members have been preparing County Road 6150 for chip and seal in June and have been working on maintaining culvert pipes. Crew members graded County Road 3223, along with Wagner Cemetery’s County Road 3225 in preparation for Memorial Day holiday. Potholes have been filled on several chip and seal roads. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported that there is a State Cyber Crime Grant Program available through the Missouri Department of Public Safety. The funds will be awarded to reduce internet crime against children and improve public safety through investigations, forensics, and prevention. Any unit of state or local government within Missouri may apply for these grants. Learn more by visiting mo.dps.gov and searching “State Cyber Crime Grant.” Under public comments, a representative from Cintas, a janitorial equipment supplier company out of Springfield, discussed the county potentially switching suppliers. Commissioners informed the representative they would compare prices and products and get back to the representative at a later date. Sherman Odom presented and discussed with commissioners specifications of a road being laid for a newly built subdivision consisting of 11 lots. Commissioners recommended a wide enough area at the end of the road for county vehicles to turn around in. Deputy County Clerk Melissa Piatt reported that bills are to be approved, and that the County Clerk’s office will be reviewing and verifying any petition signatures out of the county that may come in from the state office. Currently, it is unknown if there will be any signatures to verify or which petitions may come in. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams reported on sales tax receipts received for May. General Revenue and Law Enforcement received $107,188.39. Compared to last year, this is an increase of $18,662.72 and an increase YTD of $24,632.27 or 6%. The Road and Bridge fund received $53,594.25, which is an increase from last May of $9,331.58 and an increase YTD of $19,053.32 or 8.6%. Lastly, both Jail funds received $107,517.61, which is an increase of $18,576.69 for the year and an increase YTD of $38,006.58 or 8.5%. The Dent County Courthouse will be closed on Friday, May 8th, in observation of Truman Day. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 in the courthouse, and the meeting is open to the public.

Out of an abundance of caution, the Dent County Fire Protection District was contacted and arrived on site to the Middle School due to an alarm sound emanating from the intercom system. No fire was found, nor were any alarms pulled. The prompt response of the local fire department was immensely appreciated. 

The Ozark Riverways Foundation will be holding its annual fundraising event Rendezvous on the Ridge from 9:00 in the morning to 8:00 in the evening this Saturday at Big Rock Candy Mountain in Jadwin. Attend the annual fundraiser to support the National Park in the Missouri Ozarks. As well as food, vendors, arts, music, workshops, and fun, this year’s celebration will also host 14 local authors including Sarah K. Mason, Titus James Benton, Dr. Mark Morgan, and Matt Ankney. And don’t forget the mule jump which is to take place at 1:00 in the afternoon. Meanwhile, the concert to be held at 6:00 in the evening is free to attend, with Dennis Stroughmatt and band L’Esprit Creole taking the stage. Be sure to bring a lawn chair and dress weather appropriate. For more information, visit ozarkriverwaysfoundation.org/events.