News – Friday, February 7th 2025

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning for their regular meeting in the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report District One Commissioner Keith Green said that brush would be cut on Dent County Road 6400, while work would continue on county roads 5670 and 5680, which are in the Bunker area. The work will involve adding rip-rap to the bridges as part of the FEMA work. Second District Commissioner Jimmy Williams was absent due to a prior commitment. Road Superintendent Travis Turner reported that brush was being cut on Dent County Road 4340 and rock was being added to county roads 3330 and 4230. Turner also reported that a culvert extension was being replaced on county road 4280 and a 15 inch culvert was being replaced on county road 4290. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said that on Wednesday he was in Jefferson City where as President of the Solid Waste Advisory Board he reported on the activities of the board. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that she balance with the collector and assessor on all monthly collections, abatements and add-ons for January. The commissioners reviewed her reports. She noted that absentee voting for the April elections will begin February 25th. Curley went on to say that the only entities holding elections in April are the City of Salem, Dent County Fire Protection District, Iron County C4, Bunker R3, Rolla #31, and Rolla Fire District. She clarified that citizens that do not live in these districts will not have anything to vote on. Curley said that anyone with election questions should call her office at 573-729-4144. The Commissioners approved quit-claim deeds transferring ownership of railroad rights-of-way to landowners whose property the railways cross. Dent County Assessor Jamie Homeyer and Dent County Collector Shannon Vankirk discussed the SB190 application and clarified the ordinance. The Commission clarified and agreed 2-0 that any “Homestead” real property occupied by an eligible taxpayer as the primary residence and surrounding real property up to 5 acres. An eligible taxpayer shall not claim more than one primary residence. Applications will be available beginning April 1st, with a deadline of June 30th. Dent County Health Center Administrator Zach Moser was in to discuss the illnesses in the community and the closure of Oak Hill R1 School due to the outbreak. Moser presented a resolution appointing the administrator of the Dent County Health Center as Health Officer pursuant to RSMO 205.100. The Commission agree 2-0 adopting the resolution. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will be meeting Tuesday evening at 6:00 at the fire station at #2 South Main. After the roll call and approval of the consent agenda including review of the minutes, the financial review and approval of bills, and the budget review followed by the monthly reimbursement report. In old business, the board will hear a bond issue update followed by new business. New business will include hearing of persons relative to annexation into the fire district. Also, the ice maker renewal will be considered. Chief Floyd will then give his report to the board. The date will be set for the March meeting, and a closed session may be held, if necessary, before the board adjourns. The meeting Tuesday evening will be open to the public.