Local News – Thursday, April 30th, 2020
Dent County Commissioner Dennis Purcell attended a South Central Missouri Community Action Agency meeting last Tuesday via conference call. He reported that funding is still available for all assistance programs. Purcell said they have funds for energy assistance. Eligibility requirements for energy assistance are based on income, family size, available resources and if you are responsible for payment of home heating costs. Additionally, eligible households can receive heating and cooling assistance for verifiable crisis situations. The Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) funds can be used to prevent or restore disconnected service, assist with emergency repairs and furnace replacements and even purchase wood stoves and air conditioners. Based upon funding, the Winter ECIP is available from November through May. There is also a summer ECIP program available if any funding remains. Purcell went on to report the agency also has funds available for weatherization. This program is a free service for homeowners or renters who qualify. Weatherization crews can insulate and repair homes to make them more energy efficient. Weatherizing can make a home warmer during the winter and help save heating dollars. Purcell said the agency also offers free tax preparation and electronic filing to low to moderate income households who file federal and/or state income taxes. Elderly, disabled or disabled veterans who qualify for Missouri Property Tax or Certification of Rent credits can also receive free assistance. The mission of South Central Missouri Community Action Agency is to assist low-income families in their efforts to become self-sufficient by providing programs and services to improve the quality of their lives and the opportunity to eliminate the causes and conditions of poverty. If you have been adversely affected by current events that have limited your income or put you in a financial crisis, please contact your county South Central Missouri Community Action Agency Outreach office for help. In Dent County, call 573-729-3500; in Reynolds County, call 573-663-2855; or in Shannon County, call 573-325-8271.
Do you have your REAL ID compliant license or ID card yet? The Missouri Department of Revenue wants the public to know that the new REAL ID compliant driver’s license and ID cards are now available at your local license bureau. The Department began offering REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses and ID cards in March 2019. Under Missouri law, applying for a REAL ID-compliant driver license or ID card is optional. Effective October 1st, 2020, residents of every U.S. state and territory will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver license or ID card, or another form of ID accepted by the Transportation Security Administration, to board federally regulated domestic flights. Individuals will also be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver license or ID card, or another form of acceptable ID, to access federal facilities, including military bases and federal courthouses, and to enter nuclear power plants. “REAL ID” comes from the REAL ID Act of 2005, a federal law that focused on fraud protection, anti-terrorism, and driver licenses and non-driver ID card security. The REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses and ID cards and prohibits federal agencies from accepting for official purposes driver licenses and ID cards from states that do not meet these standards. Visit dor.mo.gov/drivers/real-id-information/ for more information.
The Farmer’ Market in Salem will be opening on Saturday, May 2nd and be open from 7:30 until noon. They will be practicing social distancing and will also have a hand washing station available for those who want to wash their hands while at the market. The Farmers Market is located behind the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce office at 200 South Main Street and next to the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center. Everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy fresh vegetables, fresh eggs, bakery items and so much more.
The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released the following reports for Friday, April 24th. A deputy traveled to a residence in the 10500 block of South Highway 19 to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 34-year-old Salem man was arrested for an active warrant through the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail where he later posted bond and was released. Also on the 24th, the Dent County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a suspicious vehicle near a residence in the 42000 block of Highway 72. Deputies located the vehicle in the 1000 block of East 3rd Street and initiated a traffic stop. During the course of the traffic stop, a 29-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued summons and released. If anyone has any information regarding an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.