News – Monday, March 9th 2026

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the courthouse. With the onset of rain throughout the county, First District Commissioner Keith Green reported crew members have been out fixing damages to county roads caused by the excessive rain Wednesday night. Green encouraged the public to be patient. With the second district being hit harder, District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams was not in attendance until later that morning, as he was out assisting crew members. Meanwhile, Green reported on phone bids for 2,500 gallons of unleaded fuel for the road department, commenting that the bids received had more variation than usual. Bids were as follows: $2.38 from MFA Oil; $2.60 from County Fuels; and Phil-Mart did not bid. The bid was given to MFA Oil. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported that an estimate for repairs to the Annex Roof for leaks was received, submitted by Hope Construction in the amount of $1,250, and it was approved. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that March 11th is the deadline to register to vote for the April 7th Municipal Election. Excused absentee voting continues, and March 24th is the first day for “no excuse absentee” voting which will continue through April 6th. From 8:00 in the morning until 12:00 noon Saturday, April 4th, the courthouse will be open for absentee voting in the county clerk’s office. Curley further reported that she has balanced with the collector and assessor for all monthly collections, add-ons, and abatements for February. Bills were approved. In addition, commissioners opened bids for surplus property for the road department with the following receiving the bids: Travis Turner bid $409.98 for two chainsaws; Larry Lundy bid $200 for two chainsaws; and Danny Wethy, Jr. bid $76.50 for the HYD Engine Hoist. The commissioners rejected all bids for the Pup Trailer. The commission also opened bids for a used truck and received the following quotes: $52,203 for a 2022 International CV; $84,500 for a 2023 Ford Flatbed Truck F750; $75,500 for 2019 Ford Dump Truck F750; $89,995 for a 2023 Ford Dump Truck Flatbed F650; and $55,600 for a 2022 International Dump Truck CV. After a discussion of comparisons, the commission unanimously agreed to accept the 2022 International D/T CV at $55,600. Assessor Alisa Brookshire and Joel Zitterich of VanGuard attended to discuss the software appraisal system. Brookshire is currently utilizing Clearbasin software, of which she reported issues. The software system would have to be bid out but after five years, if awarded to VanGuard, the Assessor’s Office would own it. The commission requested Brookshire to receive prices on the separate map maintenance software, as well as to look into what Clearbasin will charge on turning over the files. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at the courthouse at 9:00. The meeting is open to the public.

Dent County Route B is now closed at the Dry Creek Bridge after inspectors found a sinkhole developing near one of the supporting structures of the 86-year-old bridge, which is scheduled to be replaced this year. Route B will remain closed over Dry Creek until that project is completed, as it is no longer safe for vehicular traffic. Concrete barriers have been placed at either end of the bridge to prevent motorists from utilizing the damaged roadway. During the closure and bridge replacement project, motorists may use Missouri Routes 19, 32 and 72 as a detour route. To learn more about the planned bridge replacement project, visit modot.org and search “Route B Bridge Replacement over Dry Creek in Dent County.”