Ozark National Scenic Riverways Superintendent Larry Johnson, and his deputy Russ Runge, visited the commission Thursday to discuss upcoming projects, events and areas to better coordinate.
Johnson said this year is the national park service’s centennial year and, in celebration, many events will be held. A spring cleanup will be held 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. April 22 and 23 at various locations around the park, including Akers Ferry and Round Spring. The event will occur during National Park Week and Earth Day. It is being coordinated in partnership with the Ozark Heritage Project. Prizes and a barbeque will be part of the festivities. For more information contact Cathy Runge at cathy_runge@nps.gov or 573-323-4806, or Eric Mansfield at emansfield@yahoo.com or 573-663-2269.
First District Commissioner Dennis Purcell asked if the park service would be willing to better maintain the entrance to Baptist Landing, Dent County Roads 6530 and 6670, in winter months including snow removal. Johnson said he would look at the current priorities and talk with his maintenance crew.
Johnson also said the area around Baptist Landing is going to be improved by removing the concrete from the river corridor. Johnson said the restrooms would remain, as well as a fishing pier down river; however, the landing’s concrete structure has failed. The river access will remain open going forward, but will be gravel-based.
In discussion, Johnson also said a new Akers Ferry campground may be constructed further up from the river if there is adequate funding available. Seasonal jobs will be opening with the park service too, for more information visit usajobs.gov.
Purcell ended the powwow by saying it was nice to have direct communication with the park service leadership, and more opportunities to work together should be pursued in the future.
• Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported Monday he would be attending an Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District meeting in St. James tonight (Tuesday). Thursday, Skiles said he would like to remind residents to check their CenturyLink bills to see what county their 911 taxes are going to. If incorrect, call 1-800-786-6272. Skiles also expressed gratitude for the county’s elected officials and employees. He said he had a lot more appreciation after going to the commissioners statewide training in Columbia and hearing about situations from other counties.
• Purcell reported Monday that grading will be taking place on county roads 6410, 6570, 6070, 5490 and 5500. Material is also going to be hauled to 6410. Brush cutting will be taking place on 6460. Purcell also said the park service will be collecting gravel from the Current River in the vicinity of the Cedar Creek bridge the second week of March. County road crews will be taking that gravel and spreading it on various roadways in that area, it may be as many as 30 loads, Purcell said.
• Second District Commissioner Gary Larson reported Monday that grading and the hauling of material will be taking place on county roads 2050 and 4030. Grading only will be taking place on road 4290, material hauling only will be taking place of roads 3305 and 3165. Brush cutting will be taking place on road 2130. On Thursday, Larson also expressed gratitude to the county’s elected officials and employees.
• Clerk Angie Curley reported Thursday that today (Tuesday) is the first day to register for the Aug. 2 primary election. To know what documents are needed to file for office call 729-4144, or visit the county clerk’s office. A $50 fee, photo I.D. and Department of Revenue Form 5120 are required. The last day to register in the April 5 municipal election is March 9. Today (Tuesday) is also the first day to vote absentee for the April 5 municipal election. Absentee voting for the March 15 presidential primary is currently open and available at the county clerk’s office until. March 14. Mailed absentee ballots will need to be posted by March 2. At 9 a.m. March 2, Curley will be doing a public test of voting equipment.
