Local News – Tuesday, August 9th, 2022

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning for their regular meeting without Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles who had prior commitments. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley appointed 1st District Commissioner Wes Mobray to act as Presiding Commissioner for the meeting. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams presented the sales tax report for monies received in August. In the General Revenue Fund and the Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund, the county received $100,547.64 which is $8,763 more than August of 2021. Year-to-date, those funds are up $306,316.63. The Road and Bridge Fund received $47,993.97 and that is up $8,246.82 over August of 2021 and is up year-to date, $154,534.78. In the jail operating and trust funds, the county received $95,954.55 for each fund, and that is up $16,468.13 over August of 2021. Year-to-date, those funds are up $307,777.89 each. In the road report, Commissioner Mobray reported road crews are still working on washouts and damage done to roads from last Thursday’s rains in the Montauk area and other parts of southern Dent County. Some areas reported as much as five inches of rain. Two men were also cutting up downed trees. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported that the northwest and northern parts of his district received about 3.2 to 3.4 inches of and was taken by a private vehicle to Mercy Hospital in Washington. Bell, and a passenger, rain Sunday and many roads had some damage while others sustained washouts. Larson said crews were out locating the damaged roads and making repairs to those roads. Since rains have now been reported in all areas of the county over the last few days, the commissioners voted to lift the burn ban that went into effect on Thursday, July 21st. They also reported that due to numerous meetings and prior commitments, the commission will not be meeting Thursday morning. Their next meeting will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident occurred Sunday evening at 6:30 in Franklin County on Missouri 47 just north of Ruby Ridge Road. According to the highway patrol report a 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage being driven by 36-year-old Rena Boyer of Steelville struck the back of a 2018 GMC Acadia being driven by 49-year-old Jason Bell of St. Clair. This caused the GMC to be pushed into a 2006 Dodge Ram being driven by 40-year-old Nathan Mitchell of Union. Boyer suffered minor injuries47-year-old Carrie Bell, also of St. Clair suffered moderate injuries and were taken by Union Ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington. The Mitsubishi and GMC were totaled with the Mitsubishi being removed by Sturms Towing and the GMC removed from the scene by Hoffmans Towing. The Dodge sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene. The report went on to state that everyone involved were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

The Enhanced Enterprise Zone Board for Salem and Dent County will conduct it’s annual meeting Wednesday, August 10th at 5:30 at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory in the Walden Meeting Room. The tentative agenda includes the call to order, approval of the agenda, approval of the August 5th, 2021 minutes, discussion of vacant Hospital Taxing District seat, election of the chairman, review of the annual filing statement for the period ending June 30, 2022, report by Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge, and other business that should come before the board. The meeting of the Enhanced Enterprise Zone Board is open to the public.

Team members from Missouri State Parks invite the public to attend informational meetings being held at state parks and historic sites across the state to provide their input and comments, and to ask questions. As part of this effort, Missouri Mines State Historic Site will hold an open house from 4:00 until 6:00 Thursday evening, August 11th, at the museum. Park team members will be present to answer questions and provide information. These informational meetings are being held in all state parks and historic sites to help create two-way communication with the public. The meetings will inform the public on the current status and future plans for the park or historic site and offer visitors the opportunity to comment on the facilities. Missouri Mines State Historic Site is located at 4000 State Highway 32 in Park Hills. To learn more about this meeting, call 573-431-6226. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

“Wild” Spa Night is part of the Women’s Outdoors Program. The class will be held at the Lodge at the Current River State Park on Thursday, August 11th. During the class women will learn to make foot and hand scrubs and rose water. For more information or to register contact Connie at 573-751-1224 or email connie.weber@dnr.mo.gov.

Are you, or do you know, a Missouri veteran who enjoys hunting? Apply now to be one of the 15 lucky winners to participate in Mark Twain State Park’s Hero Hunt. Sign-up is now open and veterans can apply through September 7th. The hunt will occur November 4th through 6th. This is an all-inclusive hunting trip – all lodging, meals and a hunting guide are provided. If the hero is lucky enough to harvest a deer, free processing is also provided. Applications for the hero Hunt can be picked up at your local Veterans Service Office. Find a local office at mvc.dps.mo.gov/service/serviceofficer/. The park is located on Highway 107 near Florida, Missouri. For more information, call 573-248-9985. 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.