News – Friday, October 4th 2024

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the courthouse. In the road report, District One Commissioner Wes Mobray was not in attendance and District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk gave his report. He said rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 5110 and 5410 in District 1, while rock will be added and grading done on county road 4280 in District 2. He also stated grading would be done on county roads 2580 and 2610 while new blades will be put on Grader #37. He also indicated that a mechanic from Mack was doing diagnostic testing and working on two trucks. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said that there has been concern and questions over the ballot language for the County of Dent Senior Homestead Property Tax Credit Question on this years ballot. Larson said the ballot language was prepared by legal council and not the commission, and all numbers presented are estimates that were provided by the collector. Dent County Deputy Clerk Melissa Piatt said excused absentee voting continues at the courthouse. At 10:00, bids were opened for the repair work to the courthouse roof and judicial building screens. The county received only one bid and that was from Trainor and Sons for a cost of $18,209.96. The county unanimously approved the bid. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

All ages! Children (with a parent/legal guardian) and adults alike can participate in a Seed Beading workshop with Cynthia Grigsby tomorrow afternoon from 1:00 till 4:00. Participants will learn about the history of seed beading and techniques used. Each participant will make a seed beaded jewelry piece for a keepsake. Beadwork is quite beautiful and was originally discovered in burial grounds dating back to the 14th century B.C. Beading materials used by Native Americans varied from stones, bones, seeds, as well as other tiny objects. You will use a loom to make a Native American inspired seed bead bracelet. No prior experience is needed, the cost is $50 per person. Class registrations are on a first come, first serve basis with online registrations. Interested persons can sign up under “Programs” at the salemcommunitybetterment.com website for activities at the Creative Arts Center.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways will host heritage demonstrations at Alley Spring on October 5, 12, and 19 from 10 am to 4 pm each day. The events will showcase pioneer skills and traditions that were essential to early Ozark settlers. On October 5 and 19, visitors can observe blacksmithing and leatherworking demonstrations. October 12 will feature lye soap making and broom making. These skills represent just a few of the many crafts that Ozark pioneers used to create essential items for their daily lives and for bartering. The demonstrations are free and open to the public. Alley Spring is located five miles west of Eminence on State Route 106. For more information, call (573) 226-3945 or visit the park’s Facebook page or website at www.nps.gov/ozar. Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserves the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork rivers, the surrounding resources, and the unique cultural heritage of the Ozark people. These demonstrations offer a glimpse into the resourcefulness and self-sufficiency that characterized early Ozark settlers.

“Sleep in Heavenly Peace” is an international non-profit 501(C).(3) organization that builds, assembles and delivers new beds to children in need, who do not have a bed. Anyone can apply for a child on the SHPbeds.org website. Would you like to join their team of volunteers? You’re invited to attend the next Salem and Dent County meeting of “Sleep in Heavenly Peace” Monday afternoon, October 7th, at 5:30 in the evening at the Salem Community Center@The Armory! The Rolla Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace is already helping to provide new beds to children in need in our Salem community, and efforts are underway to start a Dent County Chapter. For more information about Sleep in Heavenly Peace, contact Patti at 703-964-6495. You can also e-mail Patti at patti.mckeown@shpbeds.org.