News – Wednesday, August 7th, 2024

A Primary Election was held yesterday to determine who will run for offices for their respective parties in the November General Election. Party Distribution was lead by the Republican Party with 3,137 voters, followed by the Democratic Party with 289 voters, Non-Partisans with 21 votes, and 8 votes casted by members of the Libertarian Party. Dent County had a total of 3,455 votes casted which is 34.28% of the registered voters. Only the contested races are presented in this article. It is important to note the results presented are unofficial.

* indicates winner

Dent County 1st District Commissioner (R)
Wes Mobray 731 votes
Keith Green* 763 votes

Dent County 2nd District Commissioner (R)
Denver Ellis 349 votes
Gary Polk 485 votes
Jimmy Williams* 684 votes

Dent County Sheriff (R)
Bob Wells* 1,762 votes
Michael Loveday 1,310 votes

Dent County Assessor (R)
Alisa Brookshire* 1,602 votes
Jamie Homeyer 1,405 votes

State Representative District 8 (R)
Jason Smith* 98,118 votes
James Snider 10,977 votes
Grant Heithold 10,139 votes

State Representative District 8 (D)
Randi McCallian* 12,558 votes
Franklin Delano Roth II 5,276 votes

State Representative District 120 (R)
John H. Hewkin* 4,800 votes
Lancer Blair 1,787 votes

Meramec East Township Committeeman (R)
Tim Bell* 30 votes
James D. Crocker 28 votes
Write In 4 votes

An accident occurred Tuesday morning at 5:15 in Crawford County on I-44 at the 208.8 mile-marker. According to the Highway Patrol report a westbound 2016 International, operated by Andrew Westerman of St. Louis, traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. Westerman suffered serious injuries and was transported to Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur by North Crawford EMS. The report stated that the driver was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The International was totaled and secured roadside awaiting removal by Chris and Son Towing. The Highway Patrol was assisted by the Cuba Police Department and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office.

According to a report from the Shannon County First Responders, six people including two children, received minor injuries when their mule drawn wagon overturned in the Fox Pens area near Eminence around noon on Sunday. Five Shannon County First Responders and two Eminence Area Volunteer Fire Department staff were on scene quickly and provided immediate medical care to the patients. Other Eminence Area Volunteer Fire Department staff controlled traffic and set up a landing zone for the helicopter, which luckily did not have to be used as their injuries were relatively minor. The Mercy EMS ambulances from Winona and Summersville arrived quickly and transported the injured parties to the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. One child was transported by private vehicle to the medical facility. A third ambulance was requested from West Carter County EMS but was cancelled en route as it was not needed.

The Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) has streamlined the process for obtaining REAL ID-compliant driver licenses and ID cards ahead of the federal enforcement deadline on May 7, 2025. This initiative aims to address the challenge residents face in acquiring the necessary residency documents and to ensure compliance with upcoming federal regulations. REAL ID is a federal initiative stemming from the REAL ID Act of 2005, which was enacted following recommendations from the 9/11 Commission. The act sets forth standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses. Beginning May 7, 2025, all U.S. residents will need a REAL ID or another form of TSA approved identification to board domestic flights, enter nuclear power plants, and access federal facilities. This measure aims to enhance security and reduce fraud. To facilitate the transition, the Missouri DOR will now accept a broader range of residency documents and permit electronic submissions via mobile devices. This change addresses the consistent feedback from residents about the difficulty in obtaining two residency proofs, a key requirement for the REAL ID application. Since Missouri began issuing REAL IDs on March 20, 2019, over 2.9 million have been distributed, with 38% of all state-issued documents now REAL ID-compliant. Wayne Wallingford, Director of the Missouri Department of Revenue, emphasized the department’s dedication to enhancing customer experience by simplifying the REAL ID application process. Residents applying for a REAL ID must submit valid, original documents verifying their identity, lawful status, Social Security number, and proof of residency. For renewals or duplicate replacements, individuals who self-certify that their address has not changed may bypass the need for additional residency documentation. REAL IDs, identifiable by a star in the upper right-hand corner, will be required for certain federal activities. However, a U.S. passport or other TSA approved identification can be used as an alternative. Non-compliant licenses or ID cards will still be valid for driving, verifying age, voting, and other state purposes. For more details on the application process and necessary documents, visit the Missouri DOR’s REAL ID information page at dor.mo.gov or contact Anne Marie Moy at (573) 751-8222.