Several attend meeting to provide updates and presentations to commissioners

The Dent County MU Extension Council of Janet Brannan, Samantha Riley, and Brandi Richardson provided its annual budget request to commissioners. The request was for $60,000, an increase from last year’s $38,000. Richardson cited the increase is due to insurance, benefits, and minimum wage increases. In addition, she shared the Extension tries to be self-sufficient, but it can be difficult in a county like Dent as many are struggling to get by and have little to spend on programs. For that reason, many of MU Extension’s program offerings are low-cost or free.

"We ran about a nine to ten thousand dollar deficit last year," Extension Engagement Specialist Richardson said, noting the office had to dip into reserves to make ends meet.

The extension serves the county through 4-H youth programs, agricultural education, and community outreach. Richardson also mentioned exploring opioid settlement funds as a potential funding source, citing data that shows children participating in 4-H programs have decreased risks of substance abuse disorders later in life. Several other counties in Missouri, said Richardson, have already approved using opioid settlement funds for youth programs. Richardson indicated she would be contacting the local opioid settlement board to submit a proposal.

Meanwhile, Jack Williams, a representative of the Small Business Administration (SBA), introduced the commissioners to low-interest disaster loans offered through SBA. The program offers low-interest rates with no payments or interest accrual for the first full year and repayment terms extending up to 30 years. The loans are available for businesses, homeowners, and renters affected by declared disasters, such as those that have affected Dent County over the spring of 2025. For county projects, this could include bridge repairs and equipment replacement that weren't fully covered by FEMA funding. The current application deadline is Monday, Dec. 22.

Wilson presented an update for the end of the year on activities by Congressman Jason Smith. Wilson shared that Congressman Smith supported Missouri's application for $50 billion in Rural Health Transformation Program funding. In addition, the Secure Rural Schools Act has passed the House of Representatives and is headed to the President's desk for signature, Wilson said.

Larson reported that he attended the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District awards banquet, along with a TAC meeting and several meetings at MRPC. During which, he shared members received reports that Dent County has had five crash fatalities within 2025. In the Meramec region, there have been 47. For the total of Missouri, it was reported at 848 crash fatalities.

Curley reported she has balanced on all accounts with the treasurer for the month of November. Bills and payroll have been approved. Work continues on the budget for 2026.

Election reminders

Filing is ongoing for the April 7, 2026 election. Filings will take place at chosen district offices that candidates are filing for. Contact chosen district offices for available times and openings. The deadline for filing is Dec. 30, 2025.

Road Reports

Dec. 15

District One Commissioner Keith Green

Crew members are continuing work on County Road 2440 with the assistance of District Two crew members. Crew members will be checking roads and bridges for debris. Crew members are also going to be completing maintenance on truck #79.

District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams

In addition to assisting on County Road 2440, crew members will be hauling rock to County Road 2442 and cutting brush on County Road 2270. One truck will be receiving service.

Dec. 11

District One Commissioner Keith Green

Crew members will work on County Road 2440 and rebuild part of the road, along with District Two crew members. Maintenance will be completed on graders.

District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams

Crew members will be hauling rock to County Road 2440 and grading on County Road 2450 and 4300.