News – Tuesday, August 6th, 2024

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, both districts are getting roads ready that are to be chip and sealed. If time permits, District 1 Commissioner Wes Mobray said workers will try to grade Dent County Roads 5173, 5630 and 6575. He said they also installed new speed limit signs of 35 mph on county road 6490. Mobray also said he had the list of approved roads from MoDOT that will receive CART funds for Dent County and that total comes to 589.2 miles. District 2 Commissioner Gary Polk reported signs will be installed on county road 2115 and new weight limit signs will be installed on county road 3200. He also said brush would be cut on county roads 4410 and 4430, and trees will be removed from Dent County Roads 3330 and 4390. Polk stated service work is being done on truck #75, and workers from both districts took a truck to Knapheide for hydraulic work so that the county could hook up the new road groomer. Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson reported on new Traffic Engineering Assistance Program funds that are available to help public agencies pay for the costs of studying traffic engineering issues on safety or operational problems. Counties funding reimbursement at 80% per project with $12,000 the maximum in TEAP funds with any costs over that the responsibility of the county. Applications must be completed by May 23rd, 2025. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said 15 people voted absentee Saturday and through Monday morning, over 300 people had voted absentee. She said the polls will be open today from 6:00 this morning until 7:00 tonight and bring your picture ID. At the last meeting, electrician Chad Heithold came in to talk with the commission about the exterior electrical work and generator requirements. Also attending the meeting was the new Salem Memorial Hospital Administrator Brooke Bollman who came in to introduce herself to the commissioners. They talked about SB 190 and the ripple effect it could have on the hospital as well as ambulance services. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Thursday morning at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

The Planning and Zoning Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and meeting tonight at 6:00 at the Old City Hall Auditorium. The hearing will be to recognize anyone that wishes to speak on the following rezoning requests. Michael and Glenda Wofford have requested a change from Residential to Commercial for property at 905 and 907 West Scenic Rivers Boulevard. JCS Restoration LLC have requested that 909 West Scenic Rivers Boulevard be rezoned from Residential to Commercial. A request has been made by Rommel and Alyssa Renea Cowan to rezone 900 West Hobson Street from Residential to Commercial. A request for a Conditional Use Recommendation has been made by Jessica Baldwin and Ricky Vanderpool for an automobile service station at 400 East Fourth Street. Following the close of the hearing the Commissioners will hold a meeting to consider the acceptance or rejection of each request.

A boating accident happened Saturday afternoon at 2:15 in Phelps County on the Gasconade River. According to the water patrol report, a 2002 Shoal Runner operated by 46-year-old Ryan Reeves of Rolla, was traveling westbound which is upstream, when he struck a fixed object which was believed to be a rock in the water. Reeves suffered moderate injuries and was transported by the Phelps Health EMS to Phelps Health Hospital. Reeves was not wearing a life vest at the time of the accident. The Shoal Runner was secured on the scene.

Calling all Mudbugs, mark your calendars for this Thursday afternoon from 2:00 to 3:30 PM for “Nature’s Magic” at the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History. In this enchanting session, kids will delve into the fascinating transformations in nature, some swift and others gradual, that seem almost magical. Participants will also get to craft their very own magic wands to take home. The activities are designed for kids ages 6-12, but everyone is welcome to join the fun. Parents, please make sure to accompany your children. The last campfire and weenie roast of the year will be held on Thursday evening, August 15, at 5:30. We hope to see you there for an evening of fun and food as we bid farewell to another wonderful Mudbugs season!

On Thursday, July 11th, Governor Mike Parson signed into law the expansion of the Missouri Veterans Recognition Program. The expansion allows for the creation of a new medallion and medal to honor Veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, and Operation Allies Refuge. The Missouri Veterans Recognition Program, in conjunction with the Missouri Veterans Commission, is seeking new design submissions for the new medal and medallion. Submissions for the new medal and medallion designs are due by September 30, 2024, and should be submitted for the front of the medal and medallion only. The design should not be similar or like any current military or Missouri National Guard medals, ribbons, or awards. Interested parties can submit their design work by email to ng.mo.vets@army.mil or by mail to Missouri Veterans Recognition Program, P.O. Box 1808, Jefferson City, MO 65402. For questions, please call toll free (866) 834-3431 or (573) 638-9561. For specific submission information you can visit, moguard.ngb.mil/resources/veteran-awards. Under the new act, any Veteran who served on active duty during Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, and Operation Allies Refuge, is a legal resident of Missouri or was a legal resident at the time of discharge from military service or was a Missouri National Guard member regardless of residency, is eligible for the medal and medallion. The Missouri Veterans Commission operates seven State Veterans Homes, five State Veterans Cemeteries, and the Veterans Services Program. The Commission is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care for Veterans, seamlessly integrated with the Veteran community, emphasizing a culture of transparency and excellence. For more information about the Missouri Veterans Commission programs, call 573-751-3779 or visit mvc.dps.mo.gov.