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The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting at the Dent County Courthouse Thursday morning. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell and District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported that work crews have pushed about all the snow they can move off the roads. They both said they are spreading sand and salt on hills and dangerous curves as most roads are still ice and snow covered. They are also treating the chip and seal roads. The commissioners want to remind people that the roads cannot be graded at this time as the ground is frozen solid and if grading would be done, it would do more damage to the road than good and would also cause extra wear and tear on the grader blades. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said that the Emergency Responder meeting held Monday afternoon was well attended by everyone who could be affected by the storm including the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, Salem Police Department, KSMO Radio, the Dent County Commission, the City of Salem, the Salem News, Division of Family Services, the Salem Memorial District Hospital, all the fire districts, MoDOT and others. He said that it was good to go over scenarios in case anything happened so that everyone would be prepared. Skiles also mentioned that the County Commissioner Training would be rescheduled, as he will be attending a meeting on February 16^th to determine the dates. At the last meeting, Assessor Brenda Bell came in and had her approved budget signed by the commissioners, as she is required to send a copy to the State Tax Commission. They also signed the Assessor’s contract for $4,700 with Hill Appraisal Co. for software services and continued maintenance. Also at the last meeting, Kirk Fraigle from the 100-Acre Rally in the Woods visited with the commission about the Road Rally to be held February 25^th and 26^th. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Fire Protection District released their reports. On Saturday, January 29^th a call came in at 5:42 in the afternoon regarding a brush and grass mixture fire on County Road 6303. The Jadwin Fire Department responded with mutual aid. A total of five firefighters responded to the call and the scene was under control at 7:09 pm. On Tuesday, February 1^st a call came in at 8:05 in the morning to Highway 32 East by Chilton Oil in Salem. A total of six firefighters responded to extricate a victim from a vehicle. Then at 10:17 that night, a total of eight firefighters responded to East First Street regarding a chimney or flue fire. The scene was under control at 11:01 pm. On Wednesday, February 3^rd at 5:25 am, a call came in and a total of two firefighters responded to County Road 2927 to assist EMS crews. Then at 10:45 that night, a total of seven firefighters responded to County Road 3220 regarding a chimney or flue fire. The scene was under control at 11:17 pm. On Thursday, February 3^rd at 1:59 in the early morning a call came in regarding a building fire on County Road 5170 owned by David Richmond. A total of eight firefighters responded and upon arrival found a one story commercial structure fully involved. The building was used to build custom cabinets. The scene was under control at 4:38 that morning and the structure was a total loss.

The agriculture industry is one of great importance. Today’s agriculture professionals are part of a vital group of unsung heroes that contribute to feeding and clothing the world as they make a positive impact on the American economy. Monsanto Company recognizes the importance of investing in the next generation of hard-working agricultural professionals, which is why Monsanto and the National Association of Farm Broadcasters (NAFB) are proud to announce an open call for applications for the 2011 Commitment to Agriculture Scholarship Program. High school seniors pursuing careers in agriculture are eligible to apply for a $1,500 Commitment to Agriculture Scholarship award. To ensure the future of American agriculture, these scholarships help provide financial assistance to students based on their academic achievement and leadership skills. First established in 1999, the program has awarded nearly $1.6 million in scholarships. To qualify, high school seniors must come from a farming family, plan to enroll as a full-time student in an agriculture-related program from an accredited school, and commit to pursuing a career in agriculture. Applicants are evaluated on their academic record, leadership abilities, personal essays submitted and extracurricular activities as a part of the application process. FFA membership is not required to be eligible for the scholarship program. Applications are available online at www.monsanto.com/scholarships. Online applications must be submitted by February 15^th.

Missouri Show-Me Quality Assurance is mandatory for all 4-H/FFA livestock members planning to exhibit any animal at the 2011 fair. This includes small animal projects. Livestock members must attend one of the two Dent County Quality Assurance meetings. The mandatory livestock quality assurance meetings in Salem will be on February 17^th and the 22^nd starting at 7:00 each evening at The Commons. There will be no make-up dates, unless bad weather cancels. If a livestock member cannot attend either of these two meetings, the 4-H/FFA members must contact the Extension office for dates of meetings available in other counties.

MoDOT wants to help farmers operate safely on highways and to avoid penalties for violations. That's why experts from the department's motor carrier services division will be offering a free agricultural transportation seminar. Every year, many farmers and producers are surprised to find that they are subject to federal and state safety and economic registration transportation laws. The classes will be held on Monday, February 7^th at the Old City Hall Auditorium, located at 202 North Washington Street in Salem from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For reservations, please contact MoDOT Motor Carrier Services toll free at 1-866-831-6277 extension #6. Seating is limited, so early reservations are encouraged.

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