Dent County Times

07/09/2026

Dent County Times 2026 Round Table
Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the **Dent County Times 2026 Candidate Night**. We appreciate each of you taking the time to join us, whether you're here in person or watching our livestream. Tonight is about giving the citizens of Dent County the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates, learn where they stand on the issues, and make informed decisions before Election Day. Joining us this evening are candidates for **Missouri's 8th Congressional District**, candidates for **Missouri State Senate District 16**, and a candidate for **Presiding Commissioner of Dent County**. Our goal tonight is simple: to provide a respectful, informative, and fair forum where candidates can share their vision, answer questions, and discuss the issues that matter most to the people of Dent County. We ask everyone in attendance and those watching online to remain respectful throughout the evening. While candidates may have different viewpoints, tonight is about listening, learning, and engaging in a civil discussion. On behalf of the Dent County Times, thank you for being here. Let's get started.

07/06/2026

☆ UPDATED ☆

Dent County Times Announces Confirmed Candidates for July 9 Candidate Night

The Dent County Times is pleased to announce the candidates who have confirmed their attendance for Candidate Night, to be held Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., at the Salem Armory.

This free public forum is designed to give the citizens of Dent County an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates seeking public office, ask questions about the issues that matter most to them, and become better informed before casting their ballots.

The following candidates have confirmed their attendance:

- Frank Barnitz, Democratic candidate for Missouri's 8th Congressional District.
-Chris Riechard, Democratic candidate for Missouri's 8th Congressional District.

- State Representative Bill Hardwick, Missouri House District 155 and is a Republican candidate for Missouri Senate District 16.
- State Representative Don Mayhew, Missouri House District 124 and is a Republican candidate for Missouri Senate District 16 ( Possible late arrival )

- State Representative John Hewkin, who currently represents Missouri House District 120. Representative Hewkin recently underwent surgery and has advised the Dent County Times that, if his recovery allows, he fully intends to attend.

- Denver Ellis, Republican candidate for Dent County Presiding Commissioner.

Invitations were also extended to U.S. Representative Jason Smith, the incumbent Congressman representing Missouri's 8th Congressional District; Hannah Kelly, Republican candidate for Missouri Senate District 16; and A.J. Seay, Republican candidate for Dent County Presiding Commissioner. While they have not confirmed their attendance at this time, they remain welcome to participate.

Candidate Night is intended to provide voters with an opportunity to hear each candidate's views, compare positions on the issues, and ask respectful questions in an open public forum. The Dent County Times encourages all candidates to participate and all citizens to attend, regardless of political affiliation.

For those who are unable to attend in person, the entire event will be live streamed on the Dent County Times page, allowing viewers to watch the forum in real time from anywhere.

The Dent County Times believes that an informed electorate is essential to a strong community. Whether you have already made up your mind or are still undecided, this forum is an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates before Election Day.

Candidate Night
Thursday, July 9, 2026
6:00 p.m.
Salem Armory

Admission is free and everyone is welcome. Bring your questions, invite your family, friends, and neighbors, and join us for an evening dedicated to informing the voters of Dent County. If you are unable to attend in person, be sure to tune in to the live stream on the Dent County Times page.

07/03/2026

07/03/2026

Dent County Times
July 3, 2026

Dent County Times Sends Flock Camera Questionnaire to Both Presiding Commissioner Candidates

By Osborn Nash

For months, the use of Flock Safety automated license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras has been a topic of discussion throughout Dent County and neighboring communities. The issue has generated conversations regarding public safety, privacy, constitutional rights, government surveillance, and the role of emerging technology in local government.

In an effort to provide voters with accurate information before the August election, Dent County Times distributed an identical questionnaire to both Republican candidates for Dent County Presiding Commissioner, Denver Ellis and A.J. Seay. The questionnaire asked each candidate to explain his position on the current Flock camera program, whether it should continue or expand, concerns regarding privacy and civil liberties, and what policies, if any, should govern the use of this technology.

Both candidates were provided the same questionnaire and the same opportunity to respond.

As of the publication of this article on July 3, 2026, Dent County Times has received a completed questionnaire from candidate Denver Ellis. At the time this article was finalized for publication, no response had been received from candidate A.J. Seay.

To ensure fairness and provide readers with the information available by the publication deadline, Dent County Times is publishing the response that was received. The complete response submitted by Denver Ellis follows below.

Candidate Response – Denver Ellis
Dent County Times Questionnaire: Flock Safety Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) Cameras

1. What is your overall position on the use of Flock Safety automated license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras in Dent County?

I oppose the use of Flock Safety automated license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras in Dent County. I strongly support law enforcement and appreciate the difficult job our officers perform every day. At the same time, I believe it is equally important to protect the constitutional rights, privacy, and civil liberties of every resident of Dent County. The Constitution protects all people, and I believe our local government has a responsibility to respect those rights while pursuing public safety.

2. If elected, would you support continuing the current Flock camera program? Why or why not?

NO. If elected, I would not support continuing the current Flock camera program. I believe surveillance technology that has the ability to monitor or record the movements of the public should be used only with the highest level of transparency, accountability, and public confidence. Based on what I have heard from many citizens and my own concerns regarding privacy and individual liberty, I do not believe the current program should continue.

3. If elected, would you support expanding the number of Flock cameras in Dent County? Please explain.

NO. I would oppose any expansion of the current system. Before government expands surveillance technology, there should be compelling justification, complete transparency, and meaningful public input. I do not believe expanding this program is in the best interest of Dent County.

4. What concerns, if any, do you have regarding privacy, civil liberties, or government surveillance related to ALPR technology?

My greatest concern is the long-term expansion of government surveillance. As technology continues to evolve, I believe it is important to carefully evaluate not only what these systems are capable of today, but also what capabilities they could potentially incorporate in the future. If technologies such as Bluetooth detection, RFID reading, or other forms of data collection were ever integrated into these types of systems, it would only strengthen my opposition. My goal would be to prevent further expansion of surveillance technology in Dent County and to work toward eliminating the current Flock camera program.

5. Do you believe there should be policies governing data retention, data sharing, and public oversight of information collected through Flock cameras? If so, what policies would you support?

Absolutely. Any government technology that collects information about the public should be subject to strict written policies governing data retention, access, sharing, auditing, and oversight. Citizens deserve to know what information is collected, who has access to it, how long it is retained, and how it is protected from misuse.

6. Is there anything else you would like Dent County voters to know regarding your position on Flock cameras or similar surveillance technology?

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America this Fourth of July, I cannot help but reflect on the principles upon which our nation was founded. In my opinion, our Founding Fathers would have been deeply concerned by the level of government surveillance that modern technology can make possible. I believe they intended a government that protects the liberties of its people while remaining accountable to them—not one that routinely monitors the daily movements of its citizens without broad public support.

For 250 years, generations of Americans have sacrificed, fought, and, in many cases, given their lives to preserve the freedoms secured by our Constitution. I do not believe those sacrifices were made so that future generations would accept ever-expanding surveillance as the norm.

If elected as Presiding Commissioner, I will work to protect the constitutional rights, privacy, and civil liberties of every resident of Dent County. I will continue supporting our law enforcement officers while advocating for policies that respect both public safety and the individual freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. My position is clear: I oppose the continued use and expansion of Flock cameras in Dent County, and I will work toward bringing the current program to an end.

06/18/2026

Dent County Times to Host Open Candidate Forum July 9

SALEM, MO — The Dent County Times will host an Open Candidate Forum and Roundtable Discussion on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Salem Armory in Salem, Missouri.

Invitations have been sent to candidates and elected officials representing local, state, and federal races that impact the citizens of Dent County.

For Missouri's 8th Congressional District, invitations have been sent to Congressman Jason Smith and candidate Frank Barnitz, An invitation was also sent to candidate Chris Reichard; however, the email was returned as undeliverable. At this time, Dent County Times has no additional contact information for Reichard but remains willing to extend an invitation should updated contact information become available.

For Missouri Senate District 16, invitations have been sent to Representative Bill Hardwick, Representative Don Mayhew, and candidate Hannah Kelly.

For Missouri House District 120, an invitation has been sent to Representative John Hewkin. At this time, Dent County Times has been unable to obtain contact information for candidate Ray Bruno and has therefore been unable to extend an invitation directly.

Invitations have also been sent to Dent County Presiding Commissioner candidates Denver Ellis and A.J. Seay.

As responses and confirmations are received, Dent County Times will provide updates regarding which candidates plan to attend.

The goal of this event is simple: to give voters an opportunity to meet the candidates, hear their positions on issues affecting our communities, and ask questions directly. The evening will be conducted in a roundtable discussion format focused on what is best for Dent County, the 120th House District, the 16th Senatorial District, and Missouri's 8th Congressional District.

An informed electorate is vital to representative government. Public forums provide citizens an opportunity to move beyond campaign advertisements and social media posts and engage directly with those seeking to represent them.

Whether you already know your preferred candidate or are still deciding, this event offers an opportunity to hear from those seeking public office and to participate in a respectful discussion about the future of our county, region, and state.

Dent County Times encourages all residents to attend, bring their questions, and take part in the conversation. We look forward to an informative evening and a strong community turnout.

Event Information

Open Candidate Forum & Roundtable Discussion
Thursday, July 9, 2026
6:00 p.m.
Salem Armory
Salem, Missouri 65560

Admission is free and open to the public.

06/11/2026

Questions, Conversations, and the Future of Dent County

BY: Osborn Nash

As Dent County moves toward the August 4 Republican Primary Election for Presiding Commissioner, two issues have dominated much of the public discussion: Flock license plate reader cameras and the possibility of large-scale data center development.

The Republican candidates seeking the office are Denver Ellis and A.J. Seay.

Over the past months, Denver Ellis has organized and hosted public town hall meetings dedicated specifically to these issues. State representatives, community leaders, and citizens were invited to attend, ask questions, share concerns, and discuss potential solutions.

At the data center town hall, one state representative spoke favorably about the economic opportunities data centers could bring to his district. Ellis openly disagreed with that position, stating that what may be appropriate for another community is not necessarily appropriate for Dent County. The discussion highlighted the fact that communities often face different circumstances and priorities.

The larger point is that discussions have been taking place.

Residents have heard concerns raised about privacy, government surveillance, data collection, property rights, water consumption, electrical infrastructure, emergency services, road impacts, and the long-term direction of the county. Whether citizens agree or disagree with those concerns, the conversations have occurred in public and have involved elected officials and community leaders from both within and outside Dent County.

As of this writing, Dent County Times is not aware of any public town hall, public forum, published policy proposal, ordinance proposal, ballot proposal, or detailed public position from A.J. Seay specifically addressing either Flock cameras or data center development.

That statement is not intended as criticism. It is simply an observation of the public record available to this publication at the time of writing.

Likewise, Dent County Times has observed Denver Ellis publicly discussing these issues through town halls, commission meetings, social media posts, public appearances, interviews, ordinance proposals, and ballot proposals.

Voters can decide for themselves what importance, if any, should be placed on those differences.

What cannot be disputed is that these issues have become major topics of discussion throughout Dent County and deserve thoughtful consideration by voters.

Dent County Times believes the public benefits when candidates clearly explain their positions on important issues. For that reason, we intend to invite both Denver Ellis and A.J. Seay to participate in a public candidate forum in the near future. Both candidates will be offered equal opportunity to present their views, answer questions, and discuss their vision for Dent County.

We encourage citizens to ask both candidates the same questions. Listen carefully to the answers. Compare the responses. Share that information with your friends and neighbors. An informed electorate is essential to good government.

Dent County Times is not endorsing any candidate in this election. Our purpose is to inform the public and encourage civic engagement.

There are many issues facing Dent County beyond Flock cameras and data centers. Economic development, infrastructure, public safety, county services, and fiscal responsibility all deserve attention. However, Flock cameras and data centers have become significant stand-alone issues that have generated widespread public interest and should be discussed openly and honestly.

Absentee voting for the August 4, 2026, Primary Election is scheduled to begin on June 23. While the August 4 election is technically a primary, it may ultimately prove to be the decisive election for Dent County Presiding Commissioner. With only two Republican candidates currently seeking the office and no announced opposition beyond the primary, many voters see this race as the election that will likely determine Dent County's next Presiding Commissioner.

The decisions made in this election will help shape the future of Dent County. Citizens should take the opportunity to learn about the candidates, ask questions, attend public events, and make informed decisions based on the information available to them.

Good government begins with an informed public.

06/03/2026

Small Towns Deserve Better Than Dirty Politics:

Time for Transparency and Accountability

By: Kerry Collins, Dent County Resident

In the quiet hills and close-knit communities of rural Missouri, we like to believe our small towns are immune to the corruption and backroom deals that plague bigger places.

We know our neighbors, attend the same churches, and trust that local officials are looking out for the common good. But the truth is, “small town politics” too often carries a sickening darker meaning one of favoritism, secrecy, and decisions made for personal control rather than public benefit.

It is appalling how easily power is abused in these tight communities.
Small municipalities are especially vulnerable. With limited staff, tight budgets, and low public attendance at meetings, it’s far too easy for cronyism, nepotism, and unchecked spending to fester. Contracts go to friends, information is withheld, and dissenting voices are quietly crushed.

It is particularly troubling when husbands and wives hold multiple elected positions at the same time, concentrating power inside single families and making fair, independent governance nearly impossible. Misconduct in towns across the country reveals how rapidly things rot when oversight is weak.

Even more repulsive is the tactic of manufacturing lies and spewing baseless rumors to smear opponents.

Some go so far as to pursue serious charges that could end one in prison and destroy a reputation for generations to come, all with little or no real evidence, simply to eliminate good people from the political arena.

These vile dirty tricks destroy lives, fracture families and communities, and fill decent citizens with fear. Politics should be a contest of ideas, not a sewer of character assassination through deliberate falsehoods.

Here in places like Dent County, the challenges feel deeply personal. Residents pay taxes, expect roads to be maintained, and want fair use of public funds.

Yet when citizens try to understand basic decisions what was decided, how the decision was reached, and exactly who made it, they too often run into delays, roadblocks, or outright resistance.

Missouri’s Sunshine Law (Chapter 610, RSMo) exists precisely for this: to force open the process so the public can see not just the outcomes, but the reasoning and the hands behind every important choice.

Too often, that law is treated as an annoying inconvenience rather than a cornerstone of democracy.

Low turnout at county commission meetings means important decisions happen with minimal scrutiny. This breeds deep cynicism. Good people stop participating.

Talented candidates avoid running for office. And the rotten cycle of “good ol’ boy” politics continues unchecked.

This isn’t about any one person or party, it’s about a system that thrives in the shadows. In small towns, the lines between personal relationships and public duty blur far too easily.

The solution starts with us.
First, show up. Attend county commission, city council, and school board meetings. Ask tough questions. Demand that agendas and minutes are posted promptly and completely.

Second, use your rights. File Sunshine Law requests when needed.

They are a powerful, legal tool for any citizen who wants to understand how their tax dollars are spent and how key decisions are truly made.

Officials must respond timely, and denials require clear legal justification.
Third, stop feeding the rumor mill. If you hear rumors about someone, don’t just listen to your neighbor’s version, go directly to the person being talked about and hear the truth from them.

This simple act of decency can starve the culture of baseless attacks.

Fourth, support ethical leadership. Vote for candidates who commit to openness, live-streamed meetings, easy access to records, competitive bidding processes, and a complete refusal to engage in smear campaigns or rumor-mongering.

Fifth, hold the media accountable too. Local newspapers play a vital role in shining light on local government. More investigative coverage of county finances and contracts would benefit everyone.
Our small towns have real strengths: strong values, hard-working families, and a genuine sense of community.

We don’t need perfect government we need honest government. One where decisions are made openly, disagreements are handled respectfully, and public service truly serves the public.

Dirty politics flourishes where citizens disengage. Let’s change that in Dent County and across rural Missouri.

Demand transparency. Participate actively. And remind our elected officials that they work for us, not the other way around.

It’s time to clean up small-town politics. Our children’s future and our communities’ health depend on it.

05/27/2026

Salem Memorial District Hospital has issued a warning to the public after receiving reports of individuals going door-to-door claiming to raise funds on behalf of the hospital and requesting money immediately.

According to the hospital, Salem Memorial District Hospital is NOT conducting any door-to-door fundraising campaigns.

Hospital officials are encouraging residents to use caution and avoid providing cash, personal information, or payment details to anyone making these claims.

Individuals who encounter suspicious activity are encouraged to contact local law enforcement.
“Thank you for helping us keep our community informed and safe.”

Salem Memorial District Hospital

Copyright Dent County Times

05/27/2026

Shannon County Deputy Involved in Officer-Involved Shooting Following Reported Threats

An officer-involved shooting occurred Monday, May 25, 2026, in Shannon County following a reported assault investigation involving alleged threats toward law enforcement officers.

According to a press release issued by the Shannon County Sheriff’s Office, Central Dispatch received a call from an individual claiming he had been physically assaulted by a neighbor and suffered significant bodily injury. The caller further advised deputies the suspect had threatened to kill law enforcement officers if they responded to the scene.

Due to the reported threats, deputies requested assistance from the Missouri State Highway Patrol before responding to the residence.

Authorities stated that once deputies and a state trooper arrived at the location, they observed a male subject outside the residence. Upon seeing law enforcement, the male allegedly ran inside the home, shut the doors and windows, and began yelling that he had explosives and would kill officers.
According to the release, the male subject then pointed a rifle at a deputy. The deputy fired twice, striking the subject.

Emergency Medical Services were immediately requested, and medical aid was rendered at the scene before the subject was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

During a subsequent search of the residence, investigators located four children and an adult female inside the home. Authorities also stated the male subject had an active felony warrant from Tennessee for Aggravated Assault, while the adult female allegedly had an active felony warrant from Tennessee for Aggravated Burglary.

The Shannon County Sheriff’s Office contacted the Missouri Department of Social Services, which responded and took the children into protective custody. A Sheriff’s Office chaplain was also requested to respond and provide support services.

Sheriff Steven Hogan stated there is “no known threat to the community” at this time.
At the request of the Shannon County Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control is conducting the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.

The investigation remains active, and additional details have not yet been released.

— Dent County Times
Source: Shannon County Sheriff’s Office

05/24/2026

Additional Coverage From Dent County Data Center Town Hall

During portions of the evening, discussion became spirited as differing viewpoints emerged regarding the potential economic benefits and environmental impacts associated with large-scale data center development.

Representative Jeff Myers discussed experiences within his district involving existing data center developments and referenced reports of major private-sector investment projects, including a recently announced Google-related development project valued in the billions of dollars. Several residents in attendance voiced opposition to the comparison, expressing concerns that rural Dent County should not pursue similar industrial development patterns.

During that exchange, Ellis stated that developments and policies embraced by other communities did not necessarily reflect the desires or priorities of Dent County residents. Ellis reiterated during the meeting that he personally does not support the construction of large-scale industrial data centers within Dent County.

At several points throughout the evening, concerns were raised by residents who questioned whether the purpose of the meeting was to encourage acceptance of future data center development within the county. Ellis responded that the purpose of the town hall was to inform the public, discuss potential long-term impacts, and present possible regulatory options intended to discourage such development from occurring within Dent County.

Ellis also stated during the meeting that he was “not in favor of data centers in Dent County” and that the proposed ordinance framework was specifically drafted as an effort to protect the county’s rural infrastructure, natural resources, and long-term rural character.

At multiple points throughout the meeting, residents raised concerns regarding groundwater protection, rural infrastructure limitations, preservation of natural resources, landowner rights, and long-term environmental impacts associated with industrial cooling systems utilized by large-scale data facilities.

Citizens also questioned the effectiveness and environmental implications of so-called “closed-loop” cooling systems, including concerns regarding wastewater discharge, cooling system runoff, and potential impacts on groundwater and soil conditions over time.

Discussion also focused on what level of government possesses authority to regulate or restrict large-scale industrial data infrastructure development. Representatives present generally agreed that, at the current time, regulation of such facilities remains primarily a county-level issue unless broader legislation were to be approved through both chambers of the Missouri General Assembly and signed into law at the state level.

Another recurring topic throughout the evening involved automated license plate reader systems, commonly referred to as Flock cameras. Multiple residents voiced frustration regarding the systems and questioned how the cameras were authorized within Dent County.
During one exchange, concerns were directed toward State Representative John Hewkin regarding the presence of the camera systems. Discussion during the meeting clarified that the implementation of the systems was conducted through the Dent County Sheriff’s Department and was not an action taken by the Dent County Commission or established through action by Hewkin.

Ellis stated that additional discussion regarding Flock camera systems, privacy concerns, and possible ordinance considerations will take place during a separate public town hall scheduled for Thursday, May 28, at 6 p.m. at the Salem Armory.