News – Friday, October 17th 2025
The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. Harry Johnson who lives on Dent County Road 5170 came in to report brush needed to be cut and the road was washboardy. First District Commissioner Keith Green stated his grader operator has been working in that area and should be getting to that road soon, but his district has only has one brush cutter that makes rounds in the county and is currently in another location. He would check on when that road would be graded and brush cut. In the road report, Commissioner Green said brush would be cut on county road 5520. He also reported the crews will be performing service work on county truck #119 and a grader. They will also be putting on six new tires on another grader and changing the blades on the graders. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said workers will be adding rock and grading Dent County Road 2200, while only grading would be done on county roads 2190, 2210, 2370, 3190, 3193. and 3195. He also said brush would be cut on county road 2110 while debris will be removed from a low water crossing on county road 2330. He added that a crew would be patching a concrete culvert on county road 3160. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson stated he attended a meeting Saturday on Highway 19 put on by the Department of Conservation and Extension about feral hogs and how they strategically remove them from property to prevent further damage. He also said there will be a “No Kings” rally in Salem this Saturday. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.
Empower Missouri is Hosting a Free Town Hall Event in St. James at the old train depot at 116 West Springfield Street on Monday, October 20th from 2:00 to 3:00 to discuss the “Food Access for a Lifetime” program in Phelps County. Empower Missouri’s team wants to hear from Missouri communities about each of their core issue areas. For older adults, good nutrition is key to continuing to live an independent and healthy life, but with rising food costs, many older Missourians are finding it harder to make ends meet. The good news is there are resources and programs available to help. Refreshments will be provided. Please reply by copying this link, EmpowerMissouri.org/FAFAL-PhelpsCounty, and putting it your browser to let them know you are coming.
There will be a Kids “This or That” Fall Paint Party on Friday, October 24th with Danielle Norris from 5:30 until 7:30 at the Creative Arts Center at 202 South Main. Grab those kiddos and come have a spooky fun time painting one of two choices for fall! You will be guided step by step through the whole process! This event is perfect for the whole family. At least six people need to sign up for the class which would be limited to 25 attendees. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children. To register, go online to the SACBA website, click on Programs category and then go to the Salem Creative Arts Council link. If you have a question about any class, please e-mail salemartscenter@salemcommunitybetterment.com.
The Turtle Cove Farm, just about two miles east of Lenox at 10031 and 10037 Highway H, will be holding their Fall festival this Saturday from 7:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon. There will be a Scavenger Hunt for prizes from 10:00 to 11:00 in the morning followed by the 2nd Annual Chicken Races at 11:30. There will also be a Pumpkin Painting Contest with prizes awarded at 1:00. Face painting and bounce houses will be available for children, and the Lenox Fire Department will be doing a vehicle rescue demonstrations. Vendors will also be there, and it will be fun for the whole family as everyone is welcome!
This Saturday at the Creative Arts Center at 202 South Main will be Harvest Fest as well as the Ozark Heritage Artisans Show and Sale from 9:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon. Stop by and shop for some unique handmade arts and craft items for your home or for gifts!