News – Friday, September 20th 2024

Recent potential threat reports to multiple school districts across the country on social media, plus verbal threats made by students reminds citizens of the importance of reporting these and other threats. Assaults or threats of assault should be reported to the authorities and Missouri has a valuable tool for anonymous reporting of these concerns. The Courage2ReportMo program, also referred to as C2R, provides a “sooner is safer” tool to report real time concerns 24 hours a day. There are several ways to report including through Apple or Google Play Courage2Report mobile apps, online to Missouri State Highway Patrol, by calling 866-748-7047, or texting C2R to 738477. C2R Missouri calls and tips are answered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by trained communications professionals. For more information about C2R Missouri call the C2R Missouri Administrative Office at 866-362-6422.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk was not in attendance due to a previous commitment. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2490, 5090 and 5500; while brush would be cut on county roads 5170 and 6170. District 2 Road Supervisor Travis Turner filled in for Commissioner Polk and said rock would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 2330. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported there were seven requests made Monday night at the Tourism Tax Committee meeting. Four requests were approved, two were denied and one was tabled. Even though the requests were approved, they may not have been for the entire amount the organizations requested. Larson also wanted to remind those trying to get their reimbursement to only submit the paid invoices and checks for the amount that was approved by the Tourism Tax Committee, not what they originally requested if it wasn’t fully funded. Many organizations are submitting all of their checks and paid invoices instead of just those that had been approved which may cause them to lose some of their reimbursement if the committee cannot distinguish what they have submitted from the approved amount. Larson said he attended the Meramec Region Community Foundation Board meeting Tuesday in St. James, and they are still looking for a representative from Dent County. This is a volunteer position and would be perfect for someone who is a philanthropist. Contact Commissioner Larson if you would be interested by calling 573-729-3044. He also said the board talked about the Route 66 Centennial Celebration that will be held in 2026 and those interested can find out more information at celebratemo66.com. Larson went on to report that Wednesday he attended the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management Board meeting where they scored grant applications received for waste reduction or recycling this year. Grants will be awarded at a later date once the scores have been tabulated. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said “excused” absentee voting begins Tuesday at the courthouse, and the last day to register to vote is October 9th. Curley said she created a social media account on Facebook with the sample ballot and other information as well as office news. Curley also stated the testing of the voting equipment will be done at 9:00 on October 29th. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

Salem R-80 School District is introducing “Coffee Connections,” a new series of community engagement events. Superintendent Dr. Nate Wills announced the initiative as part of his ongoing efforts to enhance communication between the school district and community members. The first Coffee Connection is scheduled for September 25th from 8:00 to 9:00 AM at William Lynch Elementary. Dr. Wills will be present, with school board members occasionally joining. These events aim to share district updates and gather feedback from parents, community members, and friends of Salem R-80. Dr. Wills emphasizes the importance of open and transparent communication in fostering trust and connection among students, parents, teachers, and staff. He views these meetings as opportunities for collaborative problem-solving and developing innovative solutions for the district.Future Coffee Connections dates will be posted on the District’s Facebook page. For more information, contact the Salem R-80 School District office.