News – Monday, December 8th 2025

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will meet Tuesday evening at 6:00 at the Fire Station at #2 South Main. After the call to order, roll call, and approval of the consent agenda, will be the review of minutes, the financial report and approval of bills, plus the budget review, and the monthly reimbursement reports. During old business the board will discuss the Fidelity (CTI) Tower Lease, the quotes for rescue tools, and conduct a review of policy and procedures. Under new business the board will consider participation in the hospital fundraiser. The Chief will report, followed by the setting of the date for the next meeting. The board may vote to go in to closed session followed by adjournment.

The Department of Public Safety says there is over $750,000 in state grants available for volunteer fire departments with annual operating budgets of $50,000 or less, and now is the time to apply for up to $15,000 for the purchase of firefighting equipment. Eligible expenses include firefighter turnout gear, hand tools, chainsaws, interoperable radio equipment and wildland protective clothing. There is a 5% local cash match, which means for equipment costing $15,789.47, the local match share would be $789.47, and the state share is 95% which would be $15,000. It is estimated that there are over 300 small, largely rural, fire departments that would be eligible for these $15,000 grants. Department of Public Safety Director Mark James states that this grant was designed to provide an opportunity for these departments to acquire some of the most useful equipment that they determine will best equip the specific needs of their firefighters, but those who provide rescue services, emergency medical services, hazardous material response services, or special operations to a population within a fixed and legally recorded geographical area can also apply. A total of $1,455,000 in state funding was available for the program when it began and there is still over $750,000 left. The projected performance period for the grant is December 15th, 2025, to May 15th, 2026. This grant can help assist small volunteer fire departments with extremely limited funding, but many times their funding is so low they generally have no one experienced with writing applying for grants which is why the Kehoe administration feels there have been a low number of applicants. To find out more information or to see if your fire department qualifies, call 573-751-5432 or e-mail mike.oconnell@dps.mo.gov.

Come enjoy the holiday celebrations by bringing your kids and family to the Creative Arts Center for some fun and free activities! You can get pictures taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus, while enjoying a fun craft and snack! This is an event for the whole family and is free. Come out this Friday December 12th from 4:00 in the afternoon till 6:00 in the evening or on Saturday from 1:30 to 4:30 in the afternoon with Greg and Kathy Lough.