The Dent County Commission met for its regularly scheduled meeting Monday morning. District two commissioner Gary Larson reported he has spoken with the Forest Service regarding a spot on County Road 4330, which has been used as a deer camp for many years. Larson reported that a deer hunter who has been coming to the spot for years reached out to him to find out what was going on. Larson explained that he discovered that the man was told by the Forest Service the spot was an “unauthorized campsite”, said Larson.
All three commissioners expressed a modicum of concern about the spot being blocked off.
“It’s sad that they do that,” said Larson, meaning the Forest Service.
Larson pointed out there may be other popular camp spots around the area that won’t be accessible this deer season.
Skiles pointed out that hunters will be forced to park on the road in order to access their usual hunting spots.
“Deer camp is a big tradition,” said Wes Mobray, district one commissioner.
County clerk Angie Curley pointed out that the county sees a lot of revenue from deer hunters coming in from out of town that blocked off sites could negatively impact.
Skiles asked Grant Wilson from Rep. Jason Smith’s office to see what he could find out about the forest service blocking off access to those campsites. Wilson was present at the meeting to help Smith keep tabs on his district while the Congressman is campaigning both for himself and other Republicans.
• Mobray reported that he has a crew cutting brush on County Road 6230, repairing a tire on truck number 123 and repairing the exhaust on truck number 125; crews are also finishing up the chip and seal on 4110.
• Larson reported that he has crews grading on 3160, 3300, 3310, 2140, 2130 and 2120, hauling material to 2120 and 3310, and cutting brush on 2240 and 3210.
• Skiles mentioned during his report that of the $275,000 worth of American Rescue Plan Act funds the commission earmarked to help the Salem Memorial District Hospital with its electric system, almost $239,000 has been spent and the hospital has already made several improvements.
• Curley wanted to remind everyone to bring their photo ID when they come to vote. Absentee voting continues through Nov. 7 at 5 p.m. The courthouse will also be open Saturday for absentee voting 8 a.m. - noon—Election Day is Nov. 8 from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
