News – Friday, May 22nd, 2026

In observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 26th, many businesses, banks, and government offices will be closed or operating on reduced hours. Be sure to confirm hours for any appointments or errands.

The Dent County Commission met for its regular meeting Thursday morning at the courthouse. Under road reports, District One Commissioner Keith Green stated crew members will be grading in the area of County Road 5100. Another crew member is being trained on the grader. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams stated crew members will be out grading and completing ditch work on County Road 2313. Crew members will be hauling rock to county roads 3250 and 3260 for preparation for additional work next week. Both districts have been working to widen roads, which is causing more time to be taken in completing rounds. Williams encouraged the public to have patience. Meanwhile, both districts are preparing chip and seal roads for overlay in June, along with patching chip and seal roads which will not be overlayed. Deputy County Clerk Melissa Piatt reported that bills are to be paid and election judges are to be lined up for the Aug. 4th Primary Election. Treasurer Denita Williams shared the CART Tax received for the Road and Bridge Department for the month was $95,809.79 – this is up $8,713.60 from last year, a total of 8%. Year-to-date, this is up $30,950.35. Under public comments, Denver Ellis provided commissioners with a draft ordinance for consideration, which seeks to protect the county against potential long-term impacts of high-intensity industrial data infrastructure development. The proposal seeks to protect groundwater aquifers and springs; rivers, streams, and environmentally sensitive watersheds; county roads and bridges; rural residential communities; agricultural and forest lands; public infrastructure capacity; emergency response capabilities; and the long-term rural character and economic stability of Dent County. Ellis elaborated that the ordinance would act as a deterrent to potential construction of data centers within Dent County and not act as a total ban. Commissioners stated they would consider the ordinance and conduct research into other counties which have approved similar. Grant Wilson, representative for Congressman Jason Smith, updated the commissioners on Smith’s recent legislative actions. The House has passed H.R. 7432 out of the Ways and Means Committee, titled the Foster Youth Housing Opportunity Act. The bill expands states’ permissible uses of federal funds under the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood (Chafee program) to include supportive housing services. Wilson further shared he is continuing to make contact with SEMA on the status of FEMA reimbursements to the county. A meeting with the Forest Service was held recently, which disclosed that the FY2025 Secure Rural Schools funds are with the state. The next meeting will be 9:00 in the morning next Thursday at the Courthouse, and the meeting is open to the public. The courthouse will be closed Monday in observance of Memorial Day.

There will be a collection box at the Salem Public Library for old, damaged, or soiled American flags. Anyone may leave a flag between now and Friday, June 12th. The library will deliver flags in need of retirement to American Legion Post 99. The Legion will properly dispose of them in accordance with the United States Flag Code. 

The Dent County Toy Drive will be holding its 6th annual Christmas in July fundraiser on Saturday, July 25th at the Dent County Commons. Royal Oak Enterprises will be catering pulled pork, and K-KID will be broadcasting live. Backwoods Productions DJ will be keeping the music going throughout the event. Attendees will be able to enjoy a free kids carnival, car show, craft show, and poker run. To learn more, visit the Dent County Toy Drive Facebook page at facebook.com/TheDentCountyToyDrive.

The Green Forest 4-H will be holding a Fish Fry Fundraiser today from 11 in the morning until they sell out. The Fundraiser will be held at the Wilson’s Family Center at 400 North Iron Street here in Salem. If you live in town delivery is available upon request. Call 573-280-2036 for more information.