The Dent County Commission met Monday at Dent County Courthouse. Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge gave her monthly report to the commission. During her report, Burbridge noted that while November unemployment numbers were up to 234 compared to October’s 206, the trend continues to decline. Dent County notes a defined lower unemployment percentage trend than the rest of the nation. The Bureau of Labor Statistics will release the most recent data Feb. 3.
Also in Burbridge’s report:
• Three new business licenses were filed as of Jan. 3: Steve Wheeler DBA Peace of Mind at 113 W. Fourth St., Majik Urbs at 109 W. Fourth St, Redbox Automated Retail LLC. at 304 W. Scenic Rivers Blvd. (in front of Dollar General); five new contractor licenses were filed as of Jan. 5: Ace Handyman and Sons, Turnkey Solutions Inc., at 2825 New Hope Church Rd., Shaw’s Custom Construction at 907 E. First St., Cherokee Construction, Franklin Green Houses at 22892 Hwy. C.
• The new joint website for Dent County, Salem and the Salem Chamber of Commerce is now live. Updates continue to be made.
• The Tourism Committee approved funding Jan. 18 to finalize the design for the design for the Welcome to Salem sign. This month, Action Graphics will be taking the sign panels down and installing new sign imagery along with LED lighting upgrades.
• The voluntary residential demolition program was approved at by the Board of Aldermen and will move forward with two options for owners. One is a 50/50 option, with the city and the property owner splitting the costs based upon an agreement that the owner will continue to uphold city standards. The other option allows the owner to sign the property over to the city for demolition, the property could then be distributed as an asset as the city sees fit.
• As the Fleming building gets closer to being finished, the city and the school are discussing how the space will be best utilized, which will determine what final renovations may need to be done to finish the space.
• Feb. 16 marks the deadline for people who want to apply to the Neighborhood Preservation Act loan, which is a single-family loan.
• In the last week of February, Salem United Methodist Church and Salem Full Gospel Church will be spearheading an event called True Charities at Salem Community Center @ the Armory. The focus of this event is on coordinating churches, non-profits and others who work with poverty level individuals and families to a sustainable self-sufficient place.
• District One Commissioner Wes Mobray reported that on Saturday he had crews out to fix county road 2470, which had been undermined by the weather. This week they will be hauling and spreading rock on 6220, patching on 4080 and 2440 and cutting brush along 5610 and 5670. Mobray said, “We want the public to know that we know some of these roads are pretty bad and our guys are doing the best, but a lot of times work can’t be done when they are freezing and thawing.”
• District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that he also responded to call about a washed-out road on Saturday, 3190, which is being repaired. He also has crews out checking roads for washouts.
• Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that in lieu of an in-person training, normally held in Jefferson City for all Missouri County Commissioners, this year Commissioners will be expected to go through a 20-hour long training course. The course, available on YouTube, will be available to begin approximately Feb. 22. County commissioners from around the state will then sign an affidavit saying that they have received the appropriate training. Skiles also mentioned the training for County Commissioners Training on March 10 in Jefferson City. Mobray confirmed that he plans to attend. Skiles also reported that the Missouri Treasurer’s Department officially notified Dent County that the county is in compliance with their distribution of CARES act funds.
• County Clerk Angie Curley said that March 10 is the last day for people to register to vote in the April 6 election.
