News – Wednesday, November 4th, 2026

Yesterday, the General Election was held to determine a number of state offices, constitutional amendments, and a proposition. In Dent County, 4,725 ballots were cast, meaning 45.65% of registered voters cast a ballot. Only locally contested races directly affecting Dent County are presented here. These results are unofficial. * Denotes winner. 

US Representative District 8 (Dent County Precincts Reported)

*Jason Smith (REP) 3,518 votes

Chris Reichard (DEM) 932 votes

Rebecca Sharpe Lombard (LIB) 169 votes

State Senator District 16 (Dent County Precincts Reported)

*Bill Hardwick (REP) 3,642 votes

Virginia Staabs (DEM) 957 votes

State Representative District 120 (Dent County Precincts Reported)

*John W. Hewkin (REP) 3,437 votes

Ray Bruno (DEM) 1,147 votes

The Dent County Commission held its regular meeting Monday morning at the courthouse. Under road reports, commissioners reported that precipitation was received across the county and thankfully enabled crew members to continue grading. District One Commissioner Keith Green reported that crew members would be grading on county roads 6090, 5015, and 5600. Cutting brush is planned on County Road 6300. District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams reported that crew members would be grading on county roads 2030, 2070, and 2075. Cutting brush is planned in the Boss area, around county roads 4353 and 4380. Hauling rock is planned on county road 2070 and 2030. Patching potholes on chip and seal roads is also planned with a goal to finish patching County Road 3260 and County Road 3290. Under Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson’s report, he stated the Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) held its regular dinner on Thursday night in Phelps County. The dinner went well, with Larson sharing that Dent County was well represented with Dent County Historical Society receiving an award for Distinguished Service; Dent County’s Ed Carmack receiving the Eugene Northern Award, the highest award by MRPC presented for volunteerism; and Love Thy Neighbor’s Dent County Chapter recognized for Outstanding Contributions to the community. Under public comments, Deloris Gray Wood, Dent County Historical Society president, thanked commissioners for the recognition at MRPC’s annual banquet. Also under public comments, resident Cindy Jones explained that she had installed campaign signs at polling locations over the weekend, but the campaign signs had been removed not too long after. Jones asked if there was an ordinance in place regarding the placement of campaign signs at polling locations. County Clerk Angie Curley explained polling locations might have their own policies enacted by their boards related to hosting campaign signs; Curley recommended contacting and requesting permission at individual polling locations before the placement of campaign signs. Curley further explained that it is only within her jurisdiction as an election official when signs or other forms of electioneering take place within 25 feet of the polling locations. Under Curley’s reports, she shared bills and payroll are to be approved. Collector Shannon VanKirk reminds residents that tax bills have been sent out Nov. 1st. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday, Nov. 5th at 9:00 in the morning at the courthouse. These meetings are open to the public.

At the recent MRPC Annual Awards Dinner, two Dent County organizations were honored with an award. The Dent County Historical Society, nominated by MRPC Board Member John Smith, was honored for its dedication to sharing the history of Dent County through educational presentations, community events and historical programs. As a part of the America 250 celebration in 2026, the organization hosted several programs highlighting the region’s rich history. Additionally, its members have worked to present visual programs documenting Civil War soldiers’ tombstones in Phelps, Texas, Dent and Shannon counties. The group makes sure to partner with other organizations and hold special events highlighting the people, places and traditions that shaped the region. Also honored was the “Love Thy Neighbor” program nominated by MRPC Board Member Shawn Bolerjack. It was launched in 2021 to unite local churches, business and volunteers to make a meaningful difference in Salem and Dent County. In 2026, 21 churches, 17 local businesses and 130 volunteers worked together to assist elderly residents, veterans and individuals with disabilities and families facing financial hardship by providing home repairs and outdoor improvements for free. To date, ”Love Thy Neighbor” has completed 162 projects, served 109 homeowners and community locations while investing nearly $120,000 in construction materials and contributing thousands of volunteer hours.

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways will be holding a Hike to Honor Veterans on Saturday beginning at 10:00 in the morning with a flag ceremony at Rocky Falls, followed by a 3-mile hike to the top of Stegall Mountain on the Ozark Trail. Be sure to bring water and lunch. Rocky Falls is located off Hwy. NN in Shannon County.