The Dent County Commission met for its regular meetings Thursday, Sept. 11, and Monday, Sept. 15. On Monday, several public comments were heard from multiple residents speaking on an issue leveraged against Deputy Julie Strebe of the Dent County Sheriff’s Office.
The commissioners, including Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson, First District Commissioner Keith Green, and Second District Commissioner Jimmy Williams, said the issue was outside of their jurisdiction, but provided time during the “public comment” portion of the meeting for residents to discuss the issue with staff of the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, with Major Lenny Pabin leading the discussion. Sheriff Bob Wells was not in attendance, as he had a previously scheduled procedure at the hospital. The residents were provided the use of the courtroom for the discussion.
Several area residents at the meeting and some who emailed The Salem News, are upset about comments made by Strebe on a social media post regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk last week.
Mike Pike, among approximately 15 other residents of Dent County, offered his comment, “We saw what was posted on social media. The direction I’m coming from is, I served this nation for 25 years—I fully support somebody’s ability, their right, to get up and say their viewpoint and say how they feel. We have that as a constitutional, God-given right,” said Pike. “The concern that I’m coming from is that we have a law enforcement agent that is supporting an assassination of a citizen—those two don’t mix.”
Another citizen shared, “We have freedom of speech, but words have consequences.”
Pabin reassured citizens that an investigation was taking place, and that the Dent County Sheriff’s Office has suspended Strebe with pay. The Sheriff’s Office, explained Pabin, must follow the State Statute for issues like these—specifically RSMO 590.502, of which is viewable at https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=590.502.
One of the residents requested a comment from Larson on the situation, to which he shared: “I don’t condone what she’s done—not a bit, but we’ve got to take the proper steps to take care of the problem.”
The Dent County Sheriff’s Office further commented on the developing situation on its profile on Facebook, sharing, “We are aware of the concerns that have been raised regarding one of our deputies. This matter is currently under investigation, and we cannot comment on specific details until the review is complete. Please know that the views or actions in question do not reflect the values or positions of the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. We remain committed to serving our community with integrity and professionalism. We are guided in this situation by RSMO 590.502.”
Regular commission business
Larson attended the MRPC meetings last Thursday. He was designated the vice chairman of public housing. Attendees of the meetings heard informative talks from the highway department about ongoing projects, including the Highway 63 realignment and work on I-44.
The Special Waste Collection day in Salem Sept. 13 was successful, reported Larson.
Larson will be attending a tourism meeting and solid waste management district meeting this week.
County Clerk Angie Curley is at her annual MACCEA meeting this week. She balanced with the treasurer on all monthly accounts for August, Curley reported Thursday. Melissa Piatt, deputy county clerk, reported Monday that bills are to be approved.
Collector Shannon Vankirk reported that next year SB190 will be facilitated through FoxPro for a onetime fee of $5,000 rather than Clearbasin, with the commission approving the transition.
Bids were opened on propane for the courthouse. Ferrellgas bid $1.599 per gallon; MFA Oil Co. bid $1.599 per gallon. The commission approved the bid from Ferrellgas, due to historical usage.
The commission received no bids on lawncare or snow removal. It approved seeking bids again. Bids will be due and opened 10 a.m. Oct. 23. For more information, contact Jimmy Williams at 573-247-7515.
Bryan Williams, McCoy Construction, visited regarding roller packers for grading equipment, priced at approximately $37,000. Further, he discussed new graders and its buyback program. No decision was made by the commissioners.
Discussion was held by the commission on two 2026 Mack Grainte Triaxle dump truck quotes from Tri-State Center, Inc. of Springfield at $195,600 each. These are on the state bid. All approved the purchase. The lease purchase financing bids will be sought at a later time, closer to the delivery of the vehicles.
District One Commissioner Keith Green
Crew members will be completing pipework in the Montauk area and finishing up chip and seal patchwork.
District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams
Crew members will be grading on county roads 5320, 5325, 2613, and hauling rock and brush cutting on County Road 2613.
District One Commissioner Keith Green
Crew members will be hauling concrete to several locations. They will also be grading on County Road 2400.
District Two Commissioner Jimmy Williams
Crew members will be starting on chip and seal roads, including County Road 2300 and 3210.
