Local News – Friday, September 8th, 2023
The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning in the courthouse. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk was in to update the Commission on her office’s monthly turnover, abatements and add-ons. She said the monthly collections totaled $44,498.13, which had been distributed to the appropriate entities. VanKirk said the August 28th tax sale saw only two sales completed. She indicated that $1,371.22 was collected and was being held by Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams. VanKirk also wanted to make the public aware that tax bills will be mailed November 7th and she encourages everyone to make sure their addresses and information are up to date to insure receipt of those bills. In the road report, District One Commissioner Wes Mobray said grading would be done and rock would be added to Dent County Road 5630, while only grading would be done on county road 5220. He went on to report that brush would be cut on county roads 5370 and 6380. District Two Commissioner Gary Polk said grading would be done and rock would be added to Dent County Roads 3330 and 4290, plus grading only would be done on county roads 3335, 3337, and 6160. Polk also said that rock would be added to county road 4060 and patching would be done on county road 4380. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported that he appeared on KSMO Radio Thursday morning prior to the commissioners meeting with Jill Hollowell from MRPC discussing Saturday’s special waste collection for residential and farm electronics, appliances, metals, and tires. He noted that the collection will be from 9:00 until noon at the Salem Water and Sewer Construction Parking Lot at 3rd and Grand Streets. Larson also reminded citizens of the drop off for household batteries at the Salem Public Library. He reported that Dent County has received the MRPC Contract for Membership and services. Deputy County Clerk Melissa Piatt reported that the Commissioner’s were approving bills for payment. The next meeting of the Commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the Dent County Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.
Healthy Dent County’s 12th Annual “Girls Night Out” event will be held Thursday from 4:30 to 7:30 pm at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Participating exhibitors will bring unique products and services of interest to women. Over 50 vendors will display and sell their products and services. Bring your girlfriends for an evening of pampering, shopping, eating and FUN!. There is a $5.00 admission fee and admission is limited to all women and girls 12 years of age and older. Attendees will experience, Shopping with unique vendors, prize giveaways, FREE samples, door prizes, food samples, and many other exciting items. Healthy Dent County’s Executive Director, Sherry Lea, said to help alleviate some parking issues, parking attendants and golf carts will be utilized to help shuttle attendees from nearby parking lots. Bring in a canned food or non-perishable food item for a chance to win a gift card. One ticket per item, the more you donate, the more your chances increase to win the gift cards. Food donations will be given to Sacred Heart Food Pantry and Grace Harbor. The Salem Community Center @ the Armory is located at 1200 W. Rolla Road. For additional information, please call 729-8163 or e-mail jackie@salemcommunitycenter.org.
An accident happened Wednesday night at 10:00 in Phelps County on Highway 63 about two miles south of Edgar Springs. According to the highway patrol report, a 1991 Chevrolet 1500 being driven south by 45-year-old James Smith of Rolla, traveled off the left side of the roadway. The Chevrolet then went airborne and overturned, ejecting the driver. Smith suffered serious injuries and was flown by Phelps Air to University Hospital in Columbia. The Chevy was totaled and removed from the scene by D & D Towing. Smith was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.
An accident happened Wednesday afternoon just after 1:00 in Phelps County on County Road 3110, north of Route BB. According to the highway patrol report, 72-year-old Anthony Okafor of Rolla, was driving a 2018 Toyota south when he fell asleep at the wheel. The Toyota crossed the intersection of Route BB and crashed into a grass embankment. Okafor, who was wearing a seat restraint, suffered minor injuries and was by Phelps Health ambulance to Phelps Health Hospital for treatment. The Toyota sustained extenxive damage and was towed from the scene by Dishman’s Towing.