News – Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026

The Dent County Health Center (DCHC) Board of Trustees will be holding its regular meeting Thursday evening at 5:00 located at 1014 E. Scenic Rivers Boulevard. This meeting will be open to the public. The board will consider the approval of the June meeting minutes. Under old business, the board will be presented with operations reports, the administrator’s reports, and will consider the approval of the financial reports. Under new business, the board will consider changes to employee benefits. A portion of the meeting will be closed to the public to discuss personnel. Then, the board will adjourn.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met for its regular meeting Thursday, June 18th. After the approval of the May minutes, the board reviewed the Operations Report. Under Communicable Disease, there were 13 reports of STI encounters, two reports of STI treatments, 11 reports of influenza, and eight animal bites. Under Maternal-Child Health, there were 343 total WIC visits, two car seats distributed, one crib distributed, three childcare health consultations, and 12 Title X appointments. There were eight total environmental inspections conducted. Under laboratory detail, there were 234 laboratory draws, two rapid tests, five pregnancy tests, four lead tests, four urine drug screens, and 122 phlebotomy appointments. Under immunizations, there were 22 vaccines administered other than COVID or influenza. There were a total of 139 lab appointments conducted, 109 provider appointments, 27 immunization appointments, and 510 appointments conducted other than WIC. There were also 261 CareCab Rides provided. Health Administrator Zach Moser discussed with the board a search for options regarding IT continuity, and he presented a draft of a generalized administrative continuity plan. Moser reported on a Missouri Foundation for Health Grant to improve and expand the Teen Maze and to integrate firearms safety education into the program for $50,000. Moser further reported on staffing shortages and facing difficulty in recruiting. The financial reports were reviewed with a report of current assets at the end of March to be $1.3 million. Revenue for the month was $135,185.84, After other revenue and expenses, net revenue was $12,769.33. A report for May from H&R block was received and reviewed. The board approved financial reports. In closed session, the board approved the continuity planning proposal from Momentum CPAs and Advisors. The next meeting of the Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees will be Thursday, July 23rd, at 5:00 in the afternoon, and will be open to the public.

The Dent-Phelps R-III Board of Education met for its regular meeting Thursday, July 16th. After approval of the agenda and consent agenda, including open session minutes of the June 23rd meeting, July financial reports, bills, and the substitute list additions, the board approved a time and date for the Tax Levy Hearing. The board also approved the following as presented: Revisions to the 2025-26 Budget; Art and Library Job Descriptions; and the Parent/Student Handbook for the 2026-27 school year. The board approved raising regular student and adult lunches and breakfasts 10 cents, with milk to remain the same. Extra Duty Assignment Stipends were approved, with amendments. The Driver/Staff training curriculum was tabled, and the board took a walkthrough of the facilities. After a closed session for the purposes of personnel, the board adjourned. The next meeting of the Dent-Phelps R-III Board of Education will be Aug. 20th at 6:00 in the evening to immediately follow the Tax Levy Hearing. 

The North Wood R-IV Board of Education met for its regular meeting Tuesday, July 14th. After approval of the agenda and consent agenda, the board discussed the strategic plan and set dates for meetings in August. The next stakeholders meeting will be Aug. 21st from 8:30 to 11:30 in the morning. Chad Heithold and Davy Gray were present during discussion of facilities and kitchen renovations. Superintendent Jeff Dodson provided an update on the budget, sharing he is working on tax rates for the tax rate hearing in August. An audit will be conducted on Aug. 11th. Dodson informed the board he will be attending the DESE conference and law seminars in the next few weeks. Under old business, Principal Kristina Jackson congratulated teacher Nikki McMullin for getting in the top 20 for the DESE Regional Teacher of the Year Award. For the 2025-26 school year, North Wood had also received the Mary Miller Richter PBIS award. Within closed session, the board accepted a letter of resignation from Aiden Brooks, with board member Aaron Brooks abstaining. The board then adjourned. The next meeting of the North Wood R-IV August board meeting and tax rate hearing will be on Aug. 18th at 6:00.

Lots of events are planned this weekend at Montauk State Park’s campground amphitheater. Beginning on Friday from 9:00 to midnight, visit and learn about owls. Then, Saturday afternoon at 2:00, return to meet Jake the Snake and learn all about snakes. Not only will you meet a snake up close, but you’ll also be able to learn practical information like what to do if you’re ever bitten by one. Build a cute, crafty snake you can take home. Later on Saturday evening at 9:00, return to the campground amphitheater to join Kyle Case from the Missouri Department of Conversation and learn about hatchery operations and how trout are raised, stocked, and maintained. This behind-the-scenes tour offers a look into what’s involved in bringing outstanding fishing to Montauk’s waters!