Local News – Friday, December 15th, 2023
The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met at the fire station Tuesday evening. The board reviewed the financial report showing an ending balance of $88,550.54 as of November 30th. Bills, payments, and statements were reviewed with all accounts being reconciled before a review of the budget took place. The monthly reimbursement was presented which showed a total of 36 calls for month of November and 279 total calls year to date. Some of the calls included in that monthly total included seven building fires, five brush or brush and grass mixture fires, five calls to assist police or other governmental agencies, three grass fires, three vehicle accidents with injuries, and three vehicle accidents with no injuries. In old business it was reported that Engine 85 is still out of service and is still being repaired. The board needed more information on what to do with the truck since it has been out of service now for over a year. A grant for the department was recently approved and an officer is now working on finalizing the grant. During new business it was noted the department has had no one sign up to run for a board position for the 2024 April election. Chief Floyd then made his report to the board and said officers were working to reorganize the trucks for better use with the goal being to have the trucks in a position for any emergency. Floyd also stated that the department is looking to re-number the trucks to have four numbers instead of the current three to meet the approval of FEMA. The Chief also announced they are working on maintenance for the trucks to get them serviced and in shape. The board asked Floyd to get them a list of the cost of filters, oil, fluids, and other maintenance items. Chief Floyd presented a list of tools put together by the firefighters that the department needed due to old tools being worn or broken and asked for board approval to replace them. The cost would be around $3,200.00 which was approved by the board. The training officer is also working on a training program to get personnel trained on safety and better fire fighting techniques. The date was then set for the next meeting which will held Tuesday evening, January 9th at 6:00 at the fire station. The board then went into closed session.
Santa’s Workshop with Greg & Karen Lough will be held at the Creative Arts Center this Saturday from 10:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon, and again on Sunday from 1:00 until 4:00. The workshop is open to all ages so bring the whole family! Come enjoy the holiday celebrations by bringing your kids and family to the Creative Arts Center for some fun, free activities! You can get pictures taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy a fun craft and snack! New this year, SACBA has added Secret Santa’s Shopping. See the SACBA website for all the details on how to participate in that program.
The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated rock would be added by two trucks and grading done on Dent County Road 6590 while only grading would be done on county roads 4245 and 6220. Mobray said brush would be cut on country road 2480.District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk indicated rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 3370 and 4480, while only grading would be done on county road 4380. Polk said brush was going to be cut on county road 3050. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported he attended the SACBA board meeting Monday night where they approved their budget for 2024, and he attended the TAC and MRPC Board meetings held Thursday night in St. James. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she continues to work on the budget. At the last meeting, Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk gave the November monthly report and her turnover was $2,403,662.24. Commissioner Larson indicated he would not be at the Monday meeting which will be at the Dent County Courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.