News – Monday, February 2nd 2026

The Dent County Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace will have its next Community meeting today at 5:30 in the afternoon.  All are welcome to join at the Salem Community Center@The Armory in the Rotary Room. Bedding, as well as monetary donations may be dropped off at Riverways Federal Credit Union in Salem.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. Jeff Chronister with Ollis/ Akers/Arney insurance came in to review the insurance policy limit and deductible changes with the commission as this year they are going with MO-Perm. Chronister described the changes by department such as the change in the deductible on physical damage to road vehicles went from $5,000 to $1,000; and the General Liability deductible went from $1,000 to $10,000. He also said the county properties that includes the annex, courthouse, extension building and more went from a 20-million-dollar blanket coverage with a $25,000 deductible, to 25-million-dollar individual coverage with a $10,000 deductible now. The commission reviewed all the vehicles and equipment that is to be covered to make sure it is accurate. The change in the insurance carriers this year saved around $40,000 in the annual premium. Grant  Wilson from Jason Smith’s Rolla office was in attendance and said Smith discussed the new Trump Accounts for newborn children where $1,000 is deposited in an account for the child to help them get started saving in their lifetime. This was accounted for in the Big Beautiful Bill  passed last year. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Keith Green said crews will be out checking and treating roads where needed. He stated a crew is doing maintenance work in the shop as they are working on a grader fuel issue and checking out the equipment. They also took a truck to Gahr Truck and Equipment in St. James for repairs. District 2 Commissioner Jimmy Williams said workers were putting sand treatment on roads where needed and working on truck #122’s spreader. Williams reported they are also cutting up wood for heat at the road and bridge shed. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson said he attended a meeting of the Dent County Opioid Settlement Committee at the judicial building Thursday night. He also said MoDOT would be holding an Open House for discussion on a new bridge on Highway 32 at Boss at the Quad County Fire Protection Firehouse on February 3rd from 4:30 until 6:00. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported on her MAC Board meeting held last week. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be this morning at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.