News – Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse for its regular meeting. First District Commissioner Keith Green reported that crew members would be out grading and hauling rock where needed on county roads 6190, 6230, and 2400. County Road 4110 will be prepared for resurfacing. The Mantis brushcutter will be receiving maintenance. Under public comments, commissioners heard from a resident of County Road 6190, who requested work done due to recent washouts. Additionally, the resident notified Green that there is a culvert in need of replacement on that road, alongside a speed limit sign. Green shared that crew members are aware of the issue but are attempting to catch up on the detour routes traffic are taking due to the closure of the bridge on Hwy. B and Yancy Mills on Hwy. 63. Second District Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported that crew members will be out grading on county roads 4290, 2590, 2513, 2600, and 2160. Crew members will be cutting brush on County Road 2330 and hauling rock on county roads 2590 and 2160. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported that he will be attending a Meramec Community Enhancement Corporation (MCEC) meeting in St. James on Wednesday. Larson further shared he will be stepping down from his position as chairman on that board but remain as a regular member. Finally, Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that bills and payroll are to be approved. She further reported she attended the Missouri Election spring conference last week where officials heard legislative updates. Additionally, Curley participated in the Show-Me Certification program, a training for Missouri local election officials provided through the Missouri Association of County Clerks. Absentee voting for the Aug. 4th Primary Election will begin on June 23rd. Bids were opened on culverts, with the following received: Consolidated Pipe and Supply, Co. for $31,764.60; Metal Culverts for $39,582.05; Viebrock Sales and Service for $32,442.60; and Roberts Judson Lumber Co. for $36,329.88. Commissioners accepted the bid from Consolidated Pipe and Supply Co. for $31,764.60. Great Rivers Engineering (GRE) called later during the meeting and reported that one bid was submitted on the TAP project for the sidewalks of the courthouse. GRE will be rejecting the bid and will be rebidding the project due to the amount being double the budgeted amount. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will take place at 9:00 in the morning Thursday, June 4th at the courthouse and is open to the public.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees held its regular meeting on May 21st. The minutes of the April meeting were presented and approved. Within the Administrator’s Report, Health Center Administrator Zach Moser reported that the Inaugural Gala revenue was $10,333 and expenses were $5,433.94, and that the Spring Health Fair had 54 participants. Moser further discussed with the board options to improve continuity in the event of his absence. The board received the operations report. In communicable disease, there have been seven CD cases, 49 STI tests, eight influenza cases, and four animal bites. There were 59 active lead cases and eight total inspections. Under immunizations, there was one influenza vaccine, 40 other vaccines, and 19 total appointments. For community-specific services, all laboratory appointments totalled 157; all appointments other than WIC was 562; all provider appointments was 133; all immunization appointments was 19; and CareCab rides totalled 347. Meanwhile, the financial reports for March were reviewed and approved. In closed session, the board approved a workplace accommodation for an employee. The next meeting will be held June 18th at 5:00 at the DCHC.

After applying and receiving grant funds from CoBank and Sho-Me Power Electric Cooperative, Intercounty Electric Cooperative Association (IECA) chose two groups to donate the funds to: local sheltered workshops and local CASA chapters. Local CASA chapters that assist children in the service territory of Intercounty include CASA of South Central Missouri, Mid-Ozark CASA, and 37th CASA. Each CASA chapter received $7,000 to assist in their efforts to support local kids. Local sheltered workshops include Scenic Rivers Industries, Inc.; Opportunity Sheltered Industries, Inc.; Unique Services, Inc.; Phelps County Industrial Solutions; and Choices for People. Each of the workshops received a check for $3,500.

With school out for the summer, a free summer feeding program through Opaa! Food Management Inc. will be available to keep the community’s kids stay fueled, healthy, and happy. If you have children aged 18 or younger living in Dent County or the surrounding area, you can pre-order a bag packed with five days worth of nutritious breakfast and lunch options. You can pick-up at the Salem R-80 High School on Mondays starting June 8th through July 31st from 4:00 to 6:00 in the evening. For more information, please call Chasity at 573-201-1516.

The Missouri Department of Conservation will be offering a virtual program on squirrel hunting basics from 6:00 to 9:00 in the evening Tuesday, June 9th. This virtual program will provide participants with a basic understanding of squirrel biology and behavior, an overview of squirrel hunting regulations and seasons, information on how to locate places to squirrel hunt, a breakdown of required equipment and hunting strategies, instruction on how to clean and prepare harvested squirrels, and next steps for new hunters who want to further their knowledge or explore hunting opportunities. To register, visit mdc.gov/events and search “Squirrel hunting.”