Local News – Tuesday, June 11th, 2024

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, the commissioners discussed a road issue before giving road reports. District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray stated rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 6090 while only grading would be done on county roads 5170 and 5510. He said brush would be cut on county road 5015 and a man would be picking up a truck from Springfield that has been repaired. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk reported rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 2200 while only grading would be done on county roads 2190 and 2370. He said brush would be cut on county roads 2250 and 2260 and a man would be going to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal repair as well as taking a man from District 1 to bring the repaired truck back. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he attended the Meramec Community Enhancement Corporation board meeting last week in St. James where they discussed the MRPC lease and went over some grants including one for the SMTS busses. He also said he was elected as Vice-Chairman of the MCEC. At 10:00, Randy Beech, who is the Vice President of Special Projects at Royal Oak Enterprises, LLC, and Tim Jones, the plant manager at the Royal Oak plant in Salem, met with the commission on the problems of semi-trucks using and damaging county roads going to and from Royal Oak. Beech discussed Royal Oak wanting to address the problem with a two-pronged approach: the first way was addressing the issue through their bills of lading, and the second was to post signs at the Royal Oak plant in Salem to strategically instruct the drivers once arriving at the plant, be it the warehouse or scales. These signs will use the international symbols and will be installed soon. The county is also planning to install their own signs on the county right-of-way on the county roads to deter the truck traffic. Commissioner Larson said the commission is not against Royal Oak Charcoal being in Dent County and were excited about their expansion, but wanted to find a mutual solution to the trucking issues after the group of citizens made their appearance at the commission meeting. Beech asked if the commission had an ordinance prohibiting truck traffic in place so that violations could be enforced. He was told not yet as the county is waiting to install the signs first, but they have a sample ordinance ready to adopt. The commission did want to take another tour of the plant now that the expansion is complete and Jones said that would not be a problem to just call and set up a time. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On Friday, May 31st, deputies responded to the 4500 block of Dent County Road 2050 for the report of a burglary. During the investigation, it was determined that items were stolen from the residence. Suspect information was developed and the investigation is ongoing. The next day, June 1st, deputies responded to the 100 block of Dent County Road 5120 for the report of a wanted subject. During the course of the investigation, a 20-year-old Salem woman was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail. Additional charges for the possession of a controlled substance will be applied for. On Friday, June 7th, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 900 block of South Main Street. The driver, a 28-year-old Viburnum man, was arrested for driving on a suspended driving privilege. He was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail. If you have any information regarding and investigation please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

To help Missourians prepare for summer weather, the state will observe “Summer Safety Day” this Wednesday. SEMA and the National Weather Service (NWS) encourage all persons to pay attention to local forecasts and plan accordingly when activities are outside. Humidity can amplify the feeling of heat measured by a heat index, so it is especially important to keep a close eye on friends and family and know the signs of heat-related illnesses. Remember, never leave a child or pet alone in a vehicle. Even on a cooler day, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise by 20 degrees in 10 minutes and pose a real threat to anyone left inside. Always “look before you lock” and check the back seat each time you exit your vehicle. Remember these safety measures to protect yourself and your family during the summer heat. If the weather forecast calls for heat and humidity, limit outdoor exposure. Also drink plenty of water and limit intake of alcoholic beverages. People should eat light, well-balanced meals at regular intervals and wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible. If in the sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and head; and use at least SPF 30 sunscreen. If possible, avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. If you do not have air conditioning, consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls or other community facilities. Find out before the heat arrives about nearby cooling centers. Check on family, friends and neighbors who may not have air conditioning or spend much of their time alone. Also, people need to be aware of medications that may impair the body’s response to heat, including antihistamines, tranquilizers and some medications for heart disease. Don’t forget you pets! If left outside, make sure your pet has plenty of fresh water and access to shade.

The University of Missouri Extension in Shannon County will be holding “Backyard Chickens 101” Thursday from 5:30 until 7:00. The course will be held at the Shannon County Extension Meeting Room in the Shannon County Extension in Eminence. This in-person course will teach you how much fun it is to raise chickens in your backyard! The topics include getting started, breeds, nutrition, housing, local regulations, the basics on marketing eggs, and more. There is no cost to attend. Those who want to attend need to register by calling the Shannon County Extension Office at 226-3268 or register at extension.missouri.edu/events. For more information, call Eric Meusch at 573-729-3196.