Local News – Friday, June 21st, 2024

The Dent County Fire Protection district board of directors met Wednesday evening at 6:00 at the fire station. After the roll call, a motion was made that the board go into closed session to discuss personnel. After coming back into open session. the board stated that Savannah Nash had been interviewed and accepted to the district as a probationary firefighter and may start her duties immediately. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday for their regular meeting at the courthouse. District 1 and 2 workers worked on Wednesday, Juneteenth and were off Thursday. District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray and District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said the chip and seal work is now scheduled to begin no earlier than the middle and not later than the end of July. Mobray said the guys had been doing a lot of chip and seal prep to get the roads ready. Presiding Commisioner Gary Larson reported on the Tourism Tax Committee meeting he attended on Monday. He reported there were six reimbursements that were submitted and one request which was approved. Larson also said the Dent County Annex building will be treated for pest control as approved by the commission. Mobray said the Board of Equalization for Dent County is scheduled to meet on July 15th if there are requests to do so regarding real estate . Dent County Assessor Jamie Homeyer said if there is a person with problem with their assessment, they need to speak with her first to see if a solution can be made. If there is anyone who needs to addresss the Board of Equalization, they need to submit their application by July 1st. At the last meeting, the commission received a petition to establish a speed limit of 35 mph for county road 6490. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and it is open to the public.

The weather and calendars have reached summer, and that makes it a great time to think about ways we, and our families, can keep up with healthy routines while enjoying all that the season has to offer. While it’s hard to find a time of year that feels more relaxed than summer, it can also have some unique challenges that can make it more difficult to keep up with, or build on, our healthy behaviors. During warm weather get outside for walks or bike rides in the early morning or evening when it’s cooler. When we’re out walking or playing with our family, it’s easy to get behind on hydration. So, it’s good to keep water bottles filled and in reach for when we need them. Our parks and other open areas are great places to enjoy physical activity. The trees and shade can provide a break from the heat, and studies have found that just spending time in green spaces can have many mental and physical benefits. Summer cookouts are a favorite summer activity. Save space on the plate for healthy options. It’s important to enjoy foods that make summer feel like summer. But those aren’t always the healthiest options, so be sure to save space on your plate for healthy, and still tasty, options, like watermelon, grilled corn and grilled chicken breasts. Instead of sugary drinks or beer or hard seltzers, try unsweetened fizzy waters and the growing number of good alcohol-free beers or similar options. When outside in the summer pick a 30 SPF or higher sunscreen that you like and use it regularly. Most sunscreens today provide good protection. Chemical sunscreens help absorb the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays. Mineral sunscreens help block UV rays. Both types are safe to use. So, pick the ones you like and keep them handy when heading outside. To get the full protection sunscreens offer, it’s important to use enough. Apply about one ounce and reapply about every two hours, or after swimming or exercising.

A Flat Reed Basket Weaving class will be held Saturday, June 22nd from 1:00 to 3:00 at the creative Arts Center with Connie Light. The class is for people 14 years of age and older. Come and make a white oak flat reed napkin basket, approximately 8” square. In this class you will learn a basic basket making technique that can be used as a foundation to many other future basket making projects. You will finish the basket in class, so you can take it home that day. No prior knowledge is required. To register, go the SACBA website and find the Programs tab. Find the Creative Arts Center and click to register for the class. Registrations online are on a first come, first serve basis. The cost of the class is $40 which includes all supplies. A minimum of two students need to sign up and the classs will be limited to six students.

Do love to kayak? Do you love birding and journaling? On Sunday, June 30th at Current River State Park starting at 9:00, you can combine all three and take them to the next level! If you never birded or spent time journaling before? No problem. This is still the class for you. Bring your lunch and some snacks, and for a kayaking trip on the Current River. During our journey, we will make multiple stops to enjoy, explore, discover and connect with our natural surroundings. As part of this awesome class, you will receive a nature journal starter kit and a unique experience. The float will start at Current River State Park and will conclude at Round Spring, approximately four miles away. Kayaks and life jackets will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. You are also encouraged to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and plenty of water, and wear closed-toe shoes. No glass bottles or alcohol will be allowed. This class is free, but there is a limit of 10 participants, and registration is required. Participants must be at least 16 years old, and minors must be accompanied by an adult. To register, or for more information, contact Connie at 573-751-1224 or connie.weber@dnr.mo.gov. Current River State Park is located at 11053 Dent County Road 19D.