Your World Today

The Planning and Zoning Board of Commissioners held a Public Hearing and Meeting, in the Old City Call Auditorium on Tuesday August 6th, to discuss the requests to rezone: 905 & 907 W. Scenic Rivers Blvd from residential (R1)  to commercial; 909 W. Scenic Rivers Blvd from Residential (R1)  to Commercial; and 900 W. Hobson St from residential (R1)  to commercial. The fourth request for conditional use recommendation for an automobile service station at 400 E. Fourth St was withdrawn and not discussed during the meeting. There were no citizens from the public to speak on any of the requests made, so the board moved on to the public meeting, where all three rezoning requests were voted on and approved unanimously by the board. The meeting adjourned at 6:10pm.

August has arrived and with it the 2024-2025 school year. The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to encourage parents to include conversations about safety when preparing their students for school. It’s also important that drivers be prepared for the change in traffic patterns as students begin another year of instruction. In 2023, four people were killed and 403 injured in traffic crashes involving a school bus. In Missouri last year, a total of 877 traffic crashes involved school buses. Troopers hope everyone will review the following safety tips. Students walking to school should stay alert! Cross the street at intersections or marked crosswalks and never between parked cars. Make eye contact with drivers when crossing the street to make sure they see you. Use sidewalks when they are available. If it is necessary to walk on the roadway, stay close to the left edge and step off to the left when traffic approaches. Never dash into the street after a friend or to retrieve something. Riding a bicycle to school is a fun way to travel. If you’re riding your bike, be sure to wear a helmet and obey all traffic signs and signals. Ride as near to the right side of the roadway as is safe and use the proper hand signals when you plan to change directions, slow, or stop. Never carry passengers. Keep both hands on the handlebars except when signaling. Also, it’s important to maintain your bicycle in good condition. If you ride a school bus, check the weather and dress accordingly. Wait in line for the bus on the shoulder or sidewalk. Use the handrail when getting on or off the bus. Never try to retrieve items that fall under the bus, alert your bus driver. Walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus when crossing the street. Sit quietly on the bus and keep the aisle clear. If anything goes wrong, stay calm and follow the instructions of the bus driver. Most traffic crashes involving young drivers (under the age of 21) occur between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., when school typically lets out. Many of these drivers are young and inexperienced. Parents: It is important to encourage those young drivers to remember driving is a full-time job. Using a cell phone, texting, or adjusting the radio can be the distraction that leads to a traffic crash. It’s also against the law. Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about riding a bus, walking, or driving to school in a safe manner. If they ride a bike, please make sure they wear a helmet and follow traffic laws.

A one vehicle accident happened Tuesday afternoon at 1:09 in Phelps County on Interstate 44 near the 181 mile-marker. According to the highway patrol report, a 2015 Chevy Silverado, driven westbound by 60-year-old Scott Jackson of Rolla, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a rock wall. Jackson suffered minor injuries and was transported by a private conveyance to Phelps Health. Jackson was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Silverado sustained moderate damages and was removed from the scene by C&C Towing.

An accident occurred in Phelps County Monday night at 9:53 at County Road 4030 and County Road 4010. According to the Highway Patrol report a northbound 2024 Polaris RZR, operated by 19-year-old Logan King of Rolla, failed to negotiate a curve, traveled off the right side of the roadway, became airborne and overturned before striking a tree. A passenger, 18-year-old Aubrey Reeves of Vienna, suffered moderate injuries and was transported by Phelps Health Ambulance District to Phelps Health in Rolla. The report stated that both Reeves and King were wearing safety devices at the time of the accident. The Polaris sustained moderate damage and was towed from the scene by Tune’s Towing.

Montauk State Park is hosting a special Kids Free Fishing Day on Saturday, August 10th. Children aged 15 and under can fish for free throughout the park. To participate, children must obtain a free fishing tag from the park lodge. These tags will be available for pickup on Friday evening after 7 pm or anytime on Saturday. Unlike regular fishing days, kids will have the opportunity to fish anywhere inside the park, with no designated fishing areas set aside. Adults accompanying children must have a valid daily trout tag to assist with fishing.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds hunters, trappers, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts they can get free copies of its updated booklets on 2024 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information, Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations, and Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations  which are now available at MDC regional offices, MDC nature centers, and other places where permits are sold. View booklet information online at mdc.mo.gov using the search tool at the top of the homepage. The handy booklets have information on related permits, seasons, species, regulations, limits, conservation areas, sunrise and sunset tables, and more. Learn more about hunting and trapping in Missouri at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping. Learn more about fishing in Missouri at mdc.mo.gov/fishing.

A Primary Election was held yesterday to determine who will run for offices for their respective parties in the November General Election. Party Distribution was lead by the Republican Party with 3,137 voters, followed by the Democratic Party with 289 voters, Non-Partisans with 21 votes, and 8 votes casted by members of the Libertarian Party. Dent County had a total of 3,455 votes casted which is 34.28% of the registered voters. Only the contested races are presented in this article. It is important to note the results presented are unofficial.

* indicates winner

Dent County 1st District Commissioner (R)
Wes Mobray 731 votes
Keith Green* 763 votes

Dent County 2nd District Commissioner (R)
Denver Ellis 349 votes
Gary Polk 485 votes
Jimmy Williams* 684 votes

Dent County Sheriff (R)
Bob Wells* 1,762 votes
Michael Loveday 1,310 votes

Dent County Assessor (R)
Alisa Brookshire* 1,602 votes
Jamie Homeyer 1,405 votes

State Representative District 8 (R)
Jason Smith* 98,118 votes
James Snider 10,977 votes
Grant Heithold 10,139 votes

State Representative District 8 (D)
Randi McCallian* 12,558 votes
Franklin Delano Roth II 5,276 votes

State Representative District 120 (R)
John H. Hewkin* 4,800 votes
Lancer Blair 1,787 votes

Meramec East Township Committeeman (R)
Tim Bell* 30 votes
James D. Crocker 28 votes
Write In 4 votes

An accident occurred Tuesday morning at 5:15 in Crawford County on I-44 at the 208.8 mile-marker. According to the Highway Patrol report a westbound 2016 International, operated by Andrew Westerman of St. Louis, traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. Westerman suffered serious injuries and was transported to Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur by North Crawford EMS. The report stated that the driver was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The International was totaled and secured roadside awaiting removal by Chris and Son Towing. The Highway Patrol was assisted by the Cuba Police Department and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office.

According to a report from the Shannon County First Responders, six people including two children, received minor injuries when their mule drawn wagon overturned in the Fox Pens area near Eminence around noon on Sunday. Five Shannon County First Responders and two Eminence Area Volunteer Fire Department staff were on scene quickly and provided immediate medical care to the patients. Other Eminence Area Volunteer Fire Department staff controlled traffic and set up a landing zone for the helicopter, which luckily did not have to be used as their injuries were relatively minor. The Mercy EMS ambulances from Winona and Summersville arrived quickly and transported the injured parties to the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. One child was transported by private vehicle to the medical facility. A third ambulance was requested from West Carter County EMS but was cancelled en route as it was not needed.

The Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) has streamlined the process for obtaining REAL ID-compliant driver licenses and ID cards ahead of the federal enforcement deadline on May 7, 2025. This initiative aims to address the challenge residents face in acquiring the necessary residency documents and to ensure compliance with upcoming federal regulations. REAL ID is a federal initiative stemming from the REAL ID Act of 2005, which was enacted following recommendations from the 9/11 Commission. The act sets forth standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses. Beginning May 7, 2025, all U.S. residents will need a REAL ID or another form of TSA approved identification to board domestic flights, enter nuclear power plants, and access federal facilities. This measure aims to enhance security and reduce fraud. To facilitate the transition, the Missouri DOR will now accept a broader range of residency documents and permit electronic submissions via mobile devices. This change addresses the consistent feedback from residents about the difficulty in obtaining two residency proofs, a key requirement for the REAL ID application. Since Missouri began issuing REAL IDs on March 20, 2019, over 2.9 million have been distributed, with 38% of all state-issued documents now REAL ID-compliant. Wayne Wallingford, Director of the Missouri Department of Revenue, emphasized the department’s dedication to enhancing customer experience by simplifying the REAL ID application process. Residents applying for a REAL ID must submit valid, original documents verifying their identity, lawful status, Social Security number, and proof of residency. For renewals or duplicate replacements, individuals who self-certify that their address has not changed may bypass the need for additional residency documentation. REAL IDs, identifiable by a star in the upper right-hand corner, will be required for certain federal activities. However, a U.S. passport or other TSA approved identification can be used as an alternative. Non-compliant licenses or ID cards will still be valid for driving, verifying age, voting, and other state purposes. For more details on the application process and necessary documents, visit the Missouri DOR’s REAL ID information page at dor.mo.gov or contact Anne Marie Moy at (573) 751-8222.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, both districts are getting roads ready that are to be chip and sealed. If time permits, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said workers will try to grade Dent County Roads 5173, 5630 and 6575. He said they also installed new speed limit signs of 35 mph on county road 6490. Mobray also said he had the list of approved roads from MoDOT that will receive CART funds for Dent County and that total comes to 589.2 miles. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk reported signs will be installed on county road 2115 and new weight limit signs will be installed on county road 3200. He also said brush would be cut on county roads 4410 and 4430, and trees will be removed from Dent County Roads 3330 and 4390. Polk stated service work is being done on truck #75, and workers from both districts took a truck to Knapheide for hydraulic work so that the county could hook up the new road groomer. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported on new Traffic Engineering Assistance Program funds that are available to help public agencies pay for the costs of studying traffic engineering issues on safety or operational problems. Counties funding reimbursement at 80% per project with $12,000 the maximum in TEAP funds with any costs over that the responsibility of the county. Applications must be completed by May 23rd, 2025. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said 15 people voted absentee Saturday and through Monday morning, over 300 people had voted absentee. She said the polls will be open today from 6:00 this morning until 7:00 tonight and bring your picture ID. At the last meeting, electrician Chad Heithold came in to talk with the commission about the exterior electrical work and generator requirements. Also attending the meeting was the new Salem Memorial Hospital Administrator Brooke Bollman who came in to introduce herself to the commissioners. They talked about SB 190 and the ripple effect it could have on the hospital as well as ambulance services. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Thursday morning at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

The Planning and Zoning Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and meeting tonight at 6:00 at the Old City Hall Auditorium. The hearing will be to recognize anyone that wishes to speak on the following rezoning requests. Michael and Glenda Wofford have requested a change from Residential to Commercial for property at 905 and 907 West Scenic Rivers Boulevard. JCS Restoration LLC have requested that 909 West Scenic Rivers Boulevard be rezoned from Residential to Commercial. A request has been made by Rommel and Alyssa Renea Cowan to rezone 900 West Hobson Street from Residential to Commercial. A request for a Conditional Use Recommendation has been made by Jessica Baldwin and Ricky Vanderpool for an automobile service station at 400 East Fourth Street. Following the close of the hearing the Commissioners will hold a meeting to consider the acceptance or rejection of each request.

A boating accident happened Saturday afternoon at 2:15 in Phelps County on the Gasconade River. According to the water patrol report, a 2002 Shoal Runner operated by 46-year-old Ryan Reeves of Rolla, was traveling westbound which is upstream, when he struck a fixed object which was believed to be a rock in the water. Reeves suffered moderate injuries and was transported by the Phelps Health EMS to Phelps Health Hospital. Reeves was not wearing a life vest at the time of the accident. The Shoal Runner was secured on the scene.

Calling all Mudbugs, mark your calendars for this Thursday afternoon from 2:00 to 3:30 PM for “Nature’s Magic” at the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History. In this enchanting session, kids will delve into the fascinating transformations in nature, some swift and others gradual, that seem almost magical. Participants will also get to craft their very own magic wands to take home. The activities are designed for kids ages 6-12, but everyone is welcome to join the fun. Parents, please make sure to accompany your children. The last campfire and weenie roast of the year will be held on Thursday evening, August 15, at 5:30. We hope to see you there for an evening of fun and food as we bid farewell to another wonderful Mudbugs season!

On Thursday, July 11th, Governor Mike Parson signed into law the expansion of the Missouri Veterans Recognition Program. The expansion allows for the creation of a new medallion and medal to honor Veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, and Operation Allies Refuge. The Missouri Veterans Recognition Program, in conjunction with the Missouri Veterans Commission, is seeking new design submissions for the new medal and medallion. Submissions for the new medal and medallion designs are due by September 30, 2024, and should be submitted for the front of the medal and medallion only. The design should not be similar or like any current military or Missouri National Guard medals, ribbons, or awards. Interested parties can submit their design work by email to ng.mo.vets@army.mil or by mail to Missouri Veterans Recognition Program, P.O. Box 1808, Jefferson City, MO 65402. For questions, please call toll free (866) 834-3431 or (573) 638-9561. For specific submission information you can visit, moguard.ngb.mil/resources/veteran-awards. Under the new act, any Veteran who served on active duty during Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, and Operation Allies Refuge, is a legal resident of Missouri or was a legal resident at the time of discharge from military service or was a Missouri National Guard member regardless of residency, is eligible for the medal and medallion. The Missouri Veterans Commission operates seven State Veterans Homes, five State Veterans Cemeteries, and the Veterans Services Program. The Commission is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care for Veterans, seamlessly integrated with the Veteran community, emphasizing a culture of transparency and excellence. For more information about the Missouri Veterans Commission programs, call 573-751-3779 or visit mvc.dps.mo.gov.