Local News – Friday, May 31st, 2019

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5510, 5600 and 2400, while materials would be added and grading done on county roads 6420 and 6435. He also reported that a driveway culvert would be installed for a resident on county road 4110 and patching of chip and seal would be done on county road 4180. Purcell noted that a crew member was moving materials at the Road and Bridge Department to make room for the chips that are to be used in the Chip and Seal Project later this summer. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 4300, 4290 and 4480, plus materials would be added and grading done on county road 2050. He also noted that brush would be cut on county road 3230. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said that he attended the IDA meeting Wednesday night where Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge gave an update. He noted that in order to fill a vacancy IDA will be presenting someone for appointment to the board. Skiles said he planned to attend the Economic Development Strategic Planning Workshop Thursday night at the Dent County Firehouse. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said that payroll had been approved on Tuesday and that the Commissioners were approving bills for payment. Commissioner Purcell said that he would like to seek bids for the purchase of a pickup for the Road and Bridge Department with advertisement being in next week’s Salem News. He said bids would be due to Curley’s office Monday, June 17th by 10:00 am. The Commissioners approved the motion 3-0. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday morning in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Celebrate National Trails Day with Ozark National Scenic Riverways and Missouri State Parks! Join us for a special hike-float event on the Current River, beginning at Echo Bluff State Park at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 1. This event is free and open to the public. The program will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Echo Bluff State Park, with a 4-mile hike on the newly constructed Current River Trail to Current River State Park. From Current River State Park, participants will float four miles to the upper landing at Round Spring. All participants will need to stage their own vessel and paddling equipment with park staff at Current River State Park prior to the hike, and arrange for a shuttle back to Echo Bluff State Park at the conclusion of the event. Participants should bring paddling equipment, a Personal Flotation Device, a sack lunch, and water for the day. Everyone is strongly encouraged to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and any other personal gear for hiking or paddling. Participants are also responsible for making their own arrangements for a shuttle between Round Spring and Echo Bluff State Park at the end of the day. This National Trails Day event will introduce the “Current River Challenge”, a unique hike-float opportunity that visitors can enjoy at any time. Ozark National Scenic Riverways and Missouri State Parks are partnering in 2019 to promote hiking and floating between Round Spring, Echo Bluff State Park and Current River State Park in celebration of the recently completed trails in the area. Participants can pick up their challenge card at Round Spring Visitor Center and collect stamps at each location. For more information about this event, call the Round Spring Ranger Station at 573-323-8093. Each year, on the first Saturday of June, American Hiking Society invites Americans of all ages and abilities to celebrate National Trails Day by in the area. Participants can pick up their challenge card at Round Spring Visitor Center and collect stamps at each location. For more information about this event, call the Round Spring Ranger Station at 573-323-8093. Each year, on the first Saturday of June, American Hiking Society invites Americans of all ages and and abilities to celebrate National Trails Day by finding their own adventure and discovering their unique story at one of the thousands of events hosted throughout the country.

What are those strange sounds that we hear during the night? Come to an interactive program to learn about birds that add to spring and summer night noise; the owls and nightjars! Meet at the amphitheater on Saturday, June 8th at 8:30, to view photos of these feathered friends and learn why they are so unique. Afterwards, participants will take a short walk in hopes of hearing the owls and nightjars along the creek, while parks staff attempt to call in more of these birds! This event is free and open to public. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy shoes for the short walk. Insect repellent is also recommended. Echo Bluff State Park is located on Highway 19, approximately 25 miles south of Salem and 14 miles north of Eminence. For more information about this and other events at the park call 573-751-1224.