The Dent County Commission met for its regular session on Thursday, Oct. 17 and Monday, Oct. 21. In attendance Thursday was presiding commissioner Gary Larson, district two commissioner Gary Polk, and county clerk Angie Curley. Not in attendance Thursday was district one commissioner Wes Mobray.
Curley stated that over 300 votes have been cast in Dent County so far with a consistent number of folks making their way out to the courthouse to have their voices heard. She predicted voting is likely to pick up after no-excuse absentee voting begins today, Tuesday, Oct. 22.
Election reminders from Curley:
• Absentee voting continues through Nov. 4. The last day to apply and mail out an absentee ballot is next Wednesday, Oct. 23 (tomorrow).
• No excuse absentee voting begins Tuesday, Oct. 22 (today).
• The courthouse will be open Saturday, Nov. 2 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and Monday, Nov. 4 from 8 p.m.-5 p.m.
Larson reported that he attended a TAC meeting where they discussed issues facing Interstate 44. He also attended the South Central County Commission where attendees discussed the possible overreach of the National Park Service—several that had been witness to or effected by the overreach presented statements urging for action, alleging they had been wrongly targeted. Attendees, including Larson, have come up with an action plan to resolve the issue.
In road reports Monday, Polk stated that crew members will be installing a crossover pipe on County Road 4290. No road reports were presented for district one.
Curley reported that there are bills to be approved—she has also balanced with the treasurer on all monthly accounts.
• In Monday’s meeting, Larson, Polk, Curley and treasurer Denita William were present, while Mobray was absent.
Dropping by was Grant Wilson, field representative for U.S. Representative Jason Smith. Wilson wanted to remind voters that each vote counts.
Williams said a CART tax deposit was made Monday for $88,936.90, up $6,325.44 from a year ago and $41,272.25 year to date.
After road reports from District 1’s Billy Shepherd, filling in for Mobray, and District 2 by Polk, Larson discussed an opioid meeting he attended. He said bylaws were adopted and after another one-two meetings information would be released to the public on how to obtain funds. Larson said he planned to attend a Dent County Tourism Committee meeting Monday night and that there are about to be three vacancies on the committee to fill.
Polk said crews are rebuilding a bridge on 4480, while Shepherd said crews are cutting brush and hauling rock.
