The Dent County Commission met for its weekly meetings Thursday, March 20, and Monday, March 24. In attendance included presiding commissioner Gary Larson, first district commissioner Keith Green, second district commissioner Jimmy Williams, and county clerk Angie Curley.
Voters who come to the Oak Hill R-I gymnasium to vote, approximately 242 voters, will still be able to come to Oak Hill to vote during the April 8 municipal election, confirmed Curley. The gym was left unharmed during the recent storm and can still be utilized by voters as a polling location. It will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The commission all agreed 3-0 and signed the order and ordinance adopting procedures to carry out the purposes and intent of the referendum held on Nov. 5, 2024, authorizing a property tax credit pursuant to senate bill 190 and 756.
The commission all agreed 3-0 to sign a resolution in support of state funding to assist SB40, the Sheltered Workshop in Salem.
The Secretary of State, Denny Hoskins, made an announcement that 18,000 deceased voters have been removed from the voter rolls within the first 60 days of the year. Local Election Authorities and the Board of Elections have also removed the deceased, ensuring election integrity and public trust.
Hoskins will also be seeking RFQs on a new centralized Missouri voter registration—there were 10 county clerks on board of elections that were chosen to be on the new committee to help select the new voter registration system—Curley was selected as one of them.
“We are proud to all work together across Missouri to keep elections in Missouri at the highest integrity,” stated Curley.
In Dent County, Curley removed the deceased from the monthly Mo State Health and SSA records, which local news media and Your World Today reports daily. Curley had a Zoom meeting Thursday, March 20, and a Zoom county clerk's meeting Wednesday, March 19.
Curley balanced with the treasurer on all monthly accounts for the month of February. The commissioners signed the reports. Curley also shared that payroll is to be approved.
Shannon VanKirk, county collector, shared that the taxpayer, who came into the County Commission meeting Monday, March 17 to discuss a check for tax payment, was taken care of and resolved. The taxpayer had not spoken to the collector prior to the commission meeting.
On the topic of SB190, VanKirk further shared seniors will be able to enter the collector’s office beginning April 1 to request applications. The applications can be picked up in the collector’s office and returned to her. The applications will also be available online. No matter what, there will be applications available beginning April 1, stated VanKirk.
Denita Williams, county treasurer, reported that CART Tax was received for March, $74,778.75. This is up from last March $3,990.86. This is up year to date $21,468.74 or 9.5%.
Also, Williams expressed her excitement and gratitude for being accepted to the MAC Work Compensation Trust Board.
Larson attended the Solid Waste Management District board meeting. There will be another collection day on appliances, electronics, and tires June 14 at Brewer Science, Rolla. Another collection day will occur in Salem on Sept. 13, said Larson. Larson also attended the Tourism meeting Monday, March 17, where there were five reimbursements.
At the last South Central Commission meeting, the Secure Rural School Act bill was in discussion. The bill was expired, and it won't stand alone, so it must be attached to another bill. Representative for Congressman Jason Smith, Madison Baker, was present and is following the issue.
During the County Commission meeting on March 17, commissioners closed part of the session, according to RSMO 610.021.2, beginning at 11:15 a.m. and ending 11:40 a.m. Closed session minutes, along with open session minutes, were approved during the meeting Thursday, March 20.
Voting reminders
• Absentee voting for the April 8 municipal election continues through April 7.
• No excuse absentee voting begins March 25 (today).
• The last day to mail out a ballot will be March 26 (tomorrow).
• The courthouse will be open Saturday, April 6, from 8 a.m. to noon for absentee voting. Public testing of voting equipment will be completed 9 a.m. April 1.
• If you would like a sample ballot, email the County Clerk’s office at dent@sos.mo.gov or request one at the office at 400 North Main Street.
• For any questions, call the county clerk’s office at 400 North Main Street at 573-729-4144. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Only the following districts are holding an election: City of Salem; Dent County Fire Protection District; Rolla Fire Protection District; Rolla School District; Bunker School District; and Iron County School District.
For more voting updates and upcoming election reminders, visit county clerk Angie Curley’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565563240935, or by searching “Dent County Elections/County Clerk-Angie Curley.”
Road Reports, March 20
District One Commissioner Keith Green
Crew members will be grading on county roads 6370, 6240, 6245, 6505, and 6495; cutting brush on County Road 6500; and hauling rock on county roads 6495 and 6505. The brush cutter will be taken in for welding.
District Two Commissioner Jimmy Wiliams
Crew members will be grading on county roads 5225 and 3180; cutting brush on 4280 and 4270; and hauling rock on 4060, 3180, 2250, and 2245. Patching holes will be completed on chip and seal on County Road 3260. A driveway pipe will be installed on county roads 2250 and 2245. Crew members will be changing grader blades and changing oil on a tractor.
Road Reports, March 24
District One Commissioner Keith Green
Crew members will be grading on county roads 6245, 4155, 4150, and 6500; cutting brush will be completed on County Road 6240; and hauling rock will be completed where needed.
District Two Commissioner Jimmy Wiliams
Crew members will be grading on county roads 4350, 4353, 3120, 2370, and 2200; hauling rock will be completed on County Road 6500; and a driveway pipe will be installed on County Road 2245. Crew members will also be assisting district one crew members, as needed.
