Local News – Tuesday, January 9th, 2024
The Dent County Commission met Monday morning for their regular meeting at the courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams gave the sales tax figures the county received from the state this month. In the General Revenue Fund and the Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund, the county just received $98,823.09 which is down around $4,840 dollars from the January 2023 receipts of $103,664.68. For the Road and Bridge Fund, the county received $45,679.68 and that is less than the 2023 January figure of $48,267.00 received. The Jail Operating and Trust Funds each received $91,781.07 this January and that was less than the January 2023 receipt of $96,535.72. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said three trucks would be adding rock and two graders will be distributing those materials on Dent County Road 5450. He also said crews would be working on trucks once it starts to rain. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said brush would be cut on county road 3300 while other men would perform a number of maintenance tasks including work on tractor #6, fixing a flat on county truck #22 before installing a spreader box and plow on that truck, and fixing a flat on the backhoe. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he was saddened to learn that Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Director Tabitha Utley will be leaving her position at the chamber at the end of the month. The chamber is currently taking resumes looking for her replacement. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the final certification for all political subdivisions will be Tuesday, January 23rd if they want something on the April Municipal Election ballot. At the last meting, Corky Stack with AEA Design Engineering came in to talk with the commission about the courthouse exterior repairs and lights. The next commission meeting will be Thursday at 9:00 at the courthouse and it is open to the public.
The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released several reports. On Wednesday, December 27th, deputies responded to the 300 block of Dent County Road 4180 for the report of a domestic disturbance. The victim, a 21-year-old Salem woman, told deputies that her 24-year-old boyfriend had broken her car window when she attempted to leave the location. She did not wish to pursue criminal charges and the parties were separated. On Monday, January 1st, deputies responded to the 400 block of Dent County Road 5090 for a trespassing complaint. A 36-year-old Salem woman stated that her neighbor, a 40-year-old Salem man, entered her property without her permission. The man was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail where he was released on a criminal citation. Later that same day, the suspect was again arrested for trespassing at the same location and was then placed on a 24-Hour Hold pending the application of warrants. Finally on Thursday, on the 4th of January, a deputy responded to Highway 119 and Dent County Road 6090 for the report of a wanted subject. The suspect, a 49-year-old Licking man, was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated on his warrant. If you have any information regarding an investigation please call the Dent County Sheriff’s office at 729-3241.
The Dent County Fire Protection district board of directors will be meeting at 6:00 tonight at the fire station located at #2 South Main Street. After the roll call andapproval of the consent agenda and review of the December minutes, the board will hear the financial report, then approve bills, and review the budget, before the calendar review and the monthly reimbursement report is heard. Old and new business will then be addressed. After hearing a report from the fire chief, the date will be set for that February meeting before adjourning. The meeting next Tuesday evening will be open to the public.
The Scenic Rivers Industries, Inc. — Sheltered Workshop wants to announce that due to construction of their parking lot, the Recycling Bins beside the building will be out of commission from January 6th through January 18th. They will have temporary bins in the parking lot in front of the building. They appreciate your understanding and patience.