Local News – Friday, March 26th, 2024

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 6080 while only grading would be done on county roads 5150 and 5600. Mobray reported that MoDOT approved to pay up to 80% for the professional engineering for TAP Project 9901871 for the improvements to the sidewalks around the courthouse square not to exceed $39,953.27 The total cost of this part of the project is $49,941.59 of which Dent County would be responsible for at least $9,988.32. The county is working with Great Rivers Engineering on this project. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk reported rock would be added and grading done on county roads 3050, 3165 and 4300 while only grading was going to be done on Dent County Road 3020. Polk also said rock was going to be added to county road 3070. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson indicated he and Sheriff Bob Wells attended a meeting in Van Buren on the NG911 system for the region. Larson said he signed the Memorandum of Understanding to move forward with a grant with INDigital that would provide the new and improved system to Dent County that would involve no costs for the first five years with an average cost of $35,380 per year for years six through eight. Larson said the Salem Police Department would also be a part of the system and their cost after the first five years would be an average of $19,798 per year for years six through eight. Larson said the there are 13 entities from this region that would be served by the new NG911 and they include the counties of Dent, Shannon, Oregon, Carter, Ripley, Perry, Bollinger, Madison, Wayne, Reynolds and St. Francois that would also affect St. Genevieve and Iron County. Two police departments were also included and they were Salem and Thayer. There was not a timetable given on this project. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the courthouse would be closed today for Good Friday. She said her office would be open for absentee voting Saturday from 8:00 in the morning until noon, then again on Monday from 8;00 in the morning until 5:00. On Tuesday, the polls will be open from 6:00 in the morning until 7:00 in the evening. She wanted to remind people that if you have made an address or name change and have not yet contacted her office, you need to so. If you have questions, please call 729-4144. Curley also wanted to remind people to bring with them a picture ID when they go to vote. This could be a valid Missouri Diver’s License, valid Missouri Non-Drivers License, US passport or military ID. She also wanted to remind candidates they need at least verbal permission from property owners to place signs on their property. Candidates also cannot place signs on MoDOT, county or municipal street rights-of-way; and each sign must have clearly indicated on the sign “paid for by (name) or (committee.)” Using “Paid for by candidate” is not permissible. If any candidate has any questions, they should also contact the Dent County Clerk’s office at 729-4144. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and it is open to the public.

Want to see Missouri state parks from a new perspective? Join the Learn2 Climb program and learn the basics of outdoor rock climbing from a certified instructor and then try it out on real rock. This beginner-level course will allow you to enjoy nature from new heights! From 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon Saturday, April 6th and Sunday, April 7th, Missouri State Parks is hosting an introductory rock climbing program at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park. This opportunity allows participants to try a new activity while experiencing some of Missouri’s vertical attractions. All equipment (harness, helmet and climbing shoes) and expertise is provided; participants just need to provide enthusiasm and eagerness to discover nature and a new skill. They should wear appropriate clothing and footwear for hiking and rock climbing activities, and bring a packed lunch and enough water for the day. This program is free, but preregistration is required. Participants must be at least 10 years of age; children ages 10-14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout the entire program. Register at icampmo.usedirect.com. If you have questions, please send an e-mail to taylor.ratcliff@dnr.mo.gov. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is located at 148 Taum Sauk Trail in Middle Brook. For more information, contact 573-546-2450. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The time is now to start thinking about the Salem Community Garden behind the Salem United Methodist Church. If you are interested in a plot, contact Master Gardener Charlie Grimm at 573-368-9902 and he will assign you a plot. You can get more than one plot, but there will be a slight charge for each additional plot. Water and tools are provided, and all you need to bring is your love of gardening and the seeds you want to plant. For more information, call Master Gardener Charlie Grimm or the Dent County Extension at 729-3196.