News – Friday, January 10th 2025

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams reported on the sales tax received this month. The General Revenue Fund and Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund each received $92,864.40 which is less than the $98,823.98 received in January of 2024. The Road and Bridge Fund received $43,671.90, and that is down from January 2024 receipt of $45,679.68. The Dent County Jail Operating and Trust funds each received $87,764.88 compared to $91,781.07 received in January of 2024. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green and District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Willams both said crews were still doing snow removal and treating slick spots on the county gravel roads as well as removing limbs and trees that have fallen across the roads or are hanging low in the roads. Green said he has a truck down that will need to go Knapheide, and Williams also has a truck down that needs repair. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson suggested adding Ed Pratt to the Tourism Tax Committee and that appointment was approved by all the commissioners. Larson attended the Phelps County HUD meeting and MRPC meeting by Zoom Thursday. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that all tax entities will need to have their election certification to the county clerk’s office by 5:00 on January 28th. She said the county continues to work on the 2025 budget and said a tentative budget would be ready for the public by Monday, January 13th at 10:00 in her office. The final county budget hearing will be held at 10:00 in the morning on January 23rd in the commissioners office in the courthouse which will be open to the public. Curley also she balanced with the collector and assessor for the month of December on all abatements, add-ons, and collections. She also balanced with the treasurer on all accounts for the month of December. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and it is open to the public.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation shows deer hunters harvested 10,089 deer during the alternative method portion of deer season, December 28th through January 7th. Top harvest counties were Franklin with 223 deer harvested, Pike with 209, and Macon with 207 deer taken. In our area, Texas County had 110 deer taken, the Crawford County harvest was 109, Dent County harvested 98 deer, Shannon County had 71 deer harvested, Phelps County had 66 deer harvested, Reynolds County had 51 deer taken and Iron County had 47 deer harvested. This year’s harvest total was down from last years alternative methods by 2,407. Archery deer hunting continues through January 15th. For current ongoing preliminary harvest totals by season, county, and type of deer, or for more information, visit the MDC website at mdc.mo.gov

The Creative Arts Center in Salem will hold a beginner Friendly Cell Phone Crossbody Pouch Sewing Class on Saturday, January 18th from 9:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon with Gail Phelan that includes a break for lunch. This is a great beginner project for those who are interested in learning the art of making bags. Bring your own sewing machine. Students should know how to operate their machine. All fabric, hardware, zips and webbing will be provided as well as basic tools for your use in the class. Feel free to bring any favorite markers, clips, etc. The class is open to all those 18 and older. There must at least two people sign up to hold the class and it will be limited to four. To sign up, go to the SACBA website, click on “Programs” link and then on the Creative Arts Center.