Howell County Commission Signs Letter of Support for High Speed Internet Expansion

The Howell County Commission met on Aug. 18 and 22. 

On Aug. 18, the Commission approved orders designating Private Roads 6543 and 8973.

On Aug. 22, the Commissioners signed a letter of support for Sho-Me Technologies. The draft letter reads, “We support Sho-Me Technologies and their middle-mile fiber project and believe it will greatly benefit Howell County ... As we look towards future needs of Howell County, we recognize that failing to act on this could cost the county jobs and potentially have a significant number of residents leave due to a lack of high speed internet ...”

Presiding Commissioner Mark Collins confirmed Sho-Me Technologies are seeking ARPA funds for the project.

Also on Monday, the Commissioners were scheduled to review bids at 11:00 a.m. for application of hotmix overlay of portions of three county roads. At 2:00 p.m., Sheriff Brent Campbell was scheduled to present a proposal for a digital management software program.

Representatives with South Central Ozark Council of Governments (SCOCOG) were scheduled to appear regarding contracts for Caulfield Fire Department. Finally, the Commissioners considered Federal Forest Distribution. 

For the foreseeable future, agendas will include discussion to consider and award ARPA requests. Agendas also regularly include approving accounts payable and recognizing any guests who appear.

Your Howell County Commissioners are Presiding Commissioner Mark Collins, Northern Commissioner Calvin Wood, and Southern Commissioner Billy Sexton. The Commission meets in regular session on Mondays and Thursdays, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The meetings remain open during the lunch hour and are open to the public. Contact the Commissioners’ chamber by phone at 417-256-3872.