Local News – Friday, July 19th, 2019
The 4-H and FFA Expo is underway at The Commons on Highway 72 just north of Salem. Today will be a day filled with livestock judging starting early with the Hog Show at 7:00 in the morning followed by the Small Animal Show at 11:00. The afternoon judging will kick off at 1:00 with the Sheep and Goat Show followed by the Beef and Dairy Show at 2:30. During the evening there will be a movie shown and popcorn will be served. The Expo tops off Saturday for the 4-H and FFA Exhibitors starting with the Market Sale Luncheon at 12:00 noon and the Market Sale at 1:00. Don’t forget to check out all the exciting 4-H exhibits in the Youth Building where it is air conditioned! There is no charge to attend and everyone is welcome. Local vendors will be on hand to serve food and beverages for those attending the Expo. For additional information about the Expo contact the Dent County Extension office at 729-3196.
The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning at the courthouse. In the road report District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell reported that since Monday his district has received several inches of rain including 3 to 4 inches on Wednesday. He said there was a tree down on Dent County Road 2400 and his crew was removing it. Purcell also reported that his crews were out checking for washouts and limbs down. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that in his District there was also a tree down on Dent County Road 2400 and his crew was taking care of it. He noted that the Sligo and Boss areas were hit very hard. Larson said that Wednesda a man went to Springfield for a load of oil and they were repairing chip and seal. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to remind everyone of the deadline at midnight, Tuesday July 23rd, to comment on the proposed ban on shooting feral hogs on Federal and State land. The Commissioners voted 3-0 to oppose the ban without provisions being included that would allow landowners with adjoining property to take whatever measures are necessary to address the feral hog problem on their properties and adjoining Federal and State land. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley and the Dent County Commissioners set for the tax rate hearing for August 12th at 10:00 in the morning. Financing bids for the lease/purchase of two new graders were opened and the low bid of 2.695% for five years was submitted by US Bank and it was approved by the Commissioners. Tammy Snodgrass and Kathryn Hawes with Meramec Regional Planning Commission were in to offer financial assistance with clean up of roadside dump sites. They noted that MRPC has obtained a grant, plus is in the process of applying for others, to assist counties within the region with cleanup efforts. Joe Blackwell and Marvin Putman were in with specific problems on roadways by their properties. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.
An accident happened Thursday morning at 10:15 in Phelps County on Highway 72 at County Road 4020. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2007 Dodge Caliber driven by 17-year old Cheyenne Howard of Rolla was traveling eastbound and was stopped to make a turn when she was struck from behind by a 2016 Nissan Rouge driven by 30-year old Laura Holtz of Salem. According to the report, Holtz was not wearing a safety device and was transported by EMS to Phelps Health in Rolla for the treatment of moderate injuries. Howard did not report any injuries. Both vehicles were totaled in the accident with the Nissan being removed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing and the Dodge was removed by C & C Towing.
An accident happened Wednesday afternoon at 2:56 in Phelps County on Highway 63 about three and a half miles south of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2002 Ford F-150 driven by 44-year old Charles Schulze of Rolla, was traveling south on Highway 63 when the vehicle began sliding on the wet pavement and traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. Schulze was transported by Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla for treatment of minor injuries. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by C & C Towing.