News – Friday, August 9th, 2024

The Dent County Commission gathered at the Dent County Courthouse Thursday morning. First District Commissioner Wes Mobray questioned guest Denver Ellis, who two weeks prior had submitted an initiative petition to the county dealing with real estate property tax credit for seniors eligible for Social Security benefits, if he has read and understood Senate Bills 190 and 756, and the effects it would have on all taxing districts such as the school and hospital. Ellis said he has read both bills and answered questions on them the best he could if asked by anyone signing the petition.  Mobray said new Salem Memorial Hospital CEO Brooke Bollman said at a commission meeting a week ago that if the county adopts that bill, it could mean the closing of the hospital with all ambulance services then becoming the responsibility of the county due to the reduction in tax revenue for the hospital. It would also affect revenue for schools as well as the Dent County Fire Protection District who is also struggling. He said it would amount to only minimal savings for seniors, if any, after they have to come to town to pay for a copy of the deed and fill out the paperwork. Mobray estimated it could cost the county near $20,000 in taxpayer money to put the measure on the ballot. Ellis responded with future reassessment, new homes being built and future growth, the taxes will be recovered over time and the people have the right to make that decision. Mobray went on record he is against the bill and that a survey on Senate Bill 190 and 756 should be coming out in the Salem News soon. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams gave her sales tax report for the money collected this month. She said the General Revenue Fund and Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund each received $93,606.19 which is $4,918.55 more than for August of 2023. Year-to-date, the General Revenue Fund and the LEST funds are up about $23,056. The Road and Bridge Fund received $44,313.22 this month, and that is up $945.59 more than August of 2023. Year-to-date, that fund is up $7,964.90. The County Jail Operating and Trust funds each received $89,048.31 in August and that is up $1,891.11 from the August 2023 receipts. Year-to-date, those funds are up $17,120.91. Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk stated there will be nine properties for the delinquent tax sale on the courthouse steps on Monday, August 26th starting at 10:00. For more information, people can contact her office at 729-3911. She also gave her monthly turnover report for July, and she distributed $58,305.70. VanKirk stated tax collections for the year have been up 13%. In the road report, Mobray said a crossover pipe will be installed on Dent County Road 4235, and another will be replaced on county road 6080. He said brush would be cut on county road 4220 and a tree would be removed from county road 6670. The rest of the crew is working assisting with the chip and seal overlay. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk said four culverts will be installed on Dent County Road 4060 and a man is loading chips that are being transported for the chip and seal overlays. The rest of his crew is also working assisting the chip and seal overlay. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson was in St. James Thursday at the MRPC Transportation Advisory Committee meeting at 4:00 to be followed by the Housing Authority meeting, External Relations Committee meeting and the regular MRPC Board meeting. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the Primary went very smooth with just short of a 35% turnout and wanted to thank all those people who came in and updated their address or name before the election. She said any new residents will need to register by October 9th for the General Election, and you can still update your information if you need to do so at the county clerk’s office or call 729-4144. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday morning at 9:00, and the meeting will be open to the public.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol asks parents to please talk to your children about the Courage2ReportMO program, which provides a safe and confidential way to report any concerns regarding their safety or the safety of others. These concerns may include: assault, bullying/repeated harassment, cyber bullying, fighting, guns, homicide, human trafficking, knife, planned school attack, imminent school shooting, school shooting threat, sexual offense, suicide-other person (3rd party), or a terrorism threat (extremism). Those reporting their concerns may remain anonymous. C2R provides a “sooner is safer” tool to report real time concerns 24 hours a day. There are several ways concerned persons may submit a C2R report including, through an Apple or Google Play Courage2Report mobile app, by making an online report via mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/
Courage2ReportMO/index.html, or by speaking confidentially to a trained professional at 866-748-7047, or text “C2R” to 738477. C2R Missouri calls and tips (web, text, and mobile app) are answered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by trained communications professionals. C2R Missouri requests a disposition report be returned on each tip report, notifying the Missouri State Highway Patrol of the outcome. For more information about C2R Missouri awareness and education resources, call the C2R Missouri Administrative Office at 866-362-6422.

Motorists are encouraged to always be vigilant, but especially near school zones, playgrounds, bicycle paths, and crosswalks when schools are in session. Expect pedestrian and bicycle traffic to increase near schools on days when the weather is good. When schools are in session, drivers should expect a change in traffic patterns ─ school buses, parents taking their children to school, and many young drivers will join other motorists on the road and affect the morning and afternoon commute. Whatever route you drive, expect this additional traffic and prepare by allowing extra time to reach your destination. Missouri law states that on a two-lane road, if a school bus is stopped and displaying warning signals while loading or unloading children, drivers must stop when meeting and following the bus. However, it is only necessary to stop on a four-lane highway when following the bus. Drivers, when you see a stopped school bus, stay alert and follow the law. Children may not be aware of traffic and dart unexpectedly into the roadway. Remember: Put your cell phone down. Missouri is now a hands-free state.