Rural Water Project Near Sheridan Moving Forward

The Rural Water project west of the Platte River near Sheridan is moving forward, the Worth County Progress Organization learned at its April 6th meeting. Easements are getting signed and deposits are being collected.

Flag poles for the War Memorial renovation have been ordered. Three have been paid for by a private donation.

Gayla Striplin was hired as the Youth Program Association in conjunction with University Extension. She started in March.

The 18:16 project at the Grant City Christian Church is getting ready to start on the big room within the next two weeks. They have applied for a grant to get the HVAC system.

The tractor cruise has been scheduled for July 3rd in conjunction with the nation’s 250th anniversary. Rural Missouri Insurance and the Worth County Progress Organization are helping sponsor.

Spring Cleanup Day for Worth County will be April 18th from 8 am to 12 noon. There will be dumpsters available at the former Schoolhouse in Sheridan and at the Grant City Barn.

The next meeting will be May 4th at 5:00 pm at the Courthouse and via zoom.

 

Tentative Schedule Discussed for Worth County Tractor Cruise

A tentative schedule for the Worth County Tractor Cruise to be held in conjunction with the nation’s 250th anniversary was discussed at the Worth County Progress Organization Meeting Monday. The schedule includes starting at the Fairgrounds in Grant City with breakfast, traveling to Allendale and then Denver, stop at the Schoolhouse for snacks, travel to the 169 Club between Worth and Grant City for lunch, travel to Sheridan, and travel back to Grant City and end at the Fairgrounds.  The tentative date is either July 2nd or 3rd.

The celebrations would be managed in a way so as not to conflict with existing celebrations. Sheridan will still have Old Defiance Days, while Allendale will still have its 4th of July Breakfast.

One of the more intriguing ideas for the celebration would be a hot air balloon ride, possibly at one of the highest elevations in the county. Possible locations include the former airport at Route Y (1075 feet above sea level), Mueller Trust (1050), the Wool Shop (1180), the Monticue/Cadle area (1157), and Devil’s Horn north of Sheridan on Route F (1200). Drawbacks include the high cost ($20-25/ride for a tethered ride, $250 for an untethered ride).

For July 4th itself, besides the Allendale Breakfast, ideas floated included a parade on the Square, a dedication of the new War Memorial, bands and music, and the annual golf tournament.

A committee has been formed to coordinate the activities leading up to July 4th.  It held its first meeting on December 8th. Members include Chevy and Jessica Davidson, Brennen and Brooke Claypool, Jezzie Jeanes, Brad and Emily Maudlin, Bobbi Gladstone, Vickie Miller, Stephanie Rush, Helen Foster, Bill Calhoon, Rachel Brown, David Hardy, and Roberta Owens. Mayors on the committee include Debbie Roach (Grant City), Kevin Harding (Allendale), Adam Downing (Worth), Butch Thomas (Sheridan), and Charles Cisler (Denver). Commissioners are Regan Nonneman, Jubal Summers, and Tyler Paxson. Church pastors include Darrell Darby, Helen Foster, Darin Drury, Dirk Buffington, Delbert Biehle, Donna Lynch, Lowell Houts, Len Green, Jeff Blaine, and Josh Kollitz.

Facebook followers were at 1,428, up 23. Views were at 16,193, up 98%. Of those, 54.8% of them were non-followers. There were 1,521 engagements.

There were 70 visitors to Santa at the bank during the Mingle and Jingle last month.

Donations for the military wall are now up to $30,065 as of Monday evening. The electrical connections will be the main expense.

The frame of the new Grant City Christian Church Fellowship Hall is up. They are still seeking donations to finish up the project.

Several packages of deer meet were donated to the Mission Possible Food Pantry through the Share the Harvest program.

Great Northwest Days will be held in Jefferson City on February 3rd and 4th. Economic Developer Kevin Fisher will attend.

Various ideas for jumpstarting the local economy were discussed, including a one-time small business grant, buying up land and dividing it up for new families, and setting up a scholarship program for graduating seniors.

When it dissolved, the Crestwood Board donated $5,000 towards the annual Shop with a Cop program. There was $1,920 spent from it this year.

The county donated $6,500 towards Economic Developer Kevin Fisher’s position.

The Maximize NWMO Survey was completed. There were 212 responses completed, which exceeded the goal for 85% confidence. This qualifies the county to receive county-level data, which will be received sometime this month.

 

 

Funds for War Memorial Over $23,000

Donations for the war memorial in the Courtyard are now at over $23,000, the Worth County Progress Organization learned at its meeting Monday. Private donations are at $16,625. In addition, Janice Borey got the grant for the project, and it was $7,000, which was $2,000 more than expected. The total funds raised for it are now at $23,625 as of Monday evening.

The poles for the project, which will contain all the service flags, have arrived.

There are 1,393 followers on the Facebook page and there were 11,261 views for the last 30 days.

There are two raised beds at the Head Start that are not being used if anybody wants them. Contact Kevin Fisher if interested.

Around 80 more people are needed for the Maximize Northwest Missouri survey.

 

War Memorial Funding Climbs Over $20,000; Plans Start for America’s 250th Birthday

Funding for the War Memorial at the northeast corner of the Courtyard in Grant City climbed over $20,000 as Janice Borey got a grant for it, the Worth County Progress Organization learned at its meeting Tuesday, August 12th. The plan is to put up three new flag poles to honor all six branches of the military, repaint the wall and add names, and use the current flagpole for the American Flag, the Missouri Flag, and the POW/MIA Flag. Alex Mullock will donate his time to trim the trees be the sign.  The WCPO will hold the money for it and release it when ready. People who wish to submit new names of Worth County servicemembers who participated in foreign conflicts should contact Roberta Owens.

Next year is the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The board authorized Economic Developer Kevin Fisher to start organizing celebrations for next year. He said at the meeting he would like to see different events in each town in Worth County.

The board accepted the resignation of Mary Seat with regret. Current board members are Susan (Gladstone) Tucker, Roberta Owens, Chevy Davidson, Amber Monticue, Brennen Claypool, Bob Hull, and Jackie Spainhower. Officers are Chevy Davidson (President), Brennen Claypool (Vice-President), Jackie Spainhower (Secretary), and Amber Monticue (Treasurer). The board is seeking new members; contact any member if interested.

Final details for the Worth County Fall Cleanup Day were worked out. It will be Saturday, September 13th from 8 to noon. There will be dropoff locations in Grant City (City Barn) and Sheridan (by the former School Building).

A dumpster will be available at the City Barn for large, nonrecyclable items such as mattresses, furniture, appliances, and recyclable metals. A dump trailer will also be available at Sheridan. There will be no tires collected this time.

No hazardous household waste will be accepted. There are periodic Household Hazardous Waste pickups in Maryville.

There are over 1,300 likes, 1,386 followers, and 11,762 views of the Facebook page.

The Rural Water District is planning to annex the west side of the Platte River; the attorney is finishing up the paperwork. Worth is still working through the process between the two rivers; currently, there are still 30 in the county without rural water.

The Worth County Prevention Coalition and the PTO held a Hawaiian themed Back to School Event Tuesday, August 11th. A similar event was held Saturday in Sheridan.

There are 6-9 vendors at the biweekly Farmers Markets on the Square.

Dirtwork has started on the Project 18:16 center sponsored by the Grant City Christian Church.

Mr. Fisher said that he would like to get new signs for sponsors of the Golf Tournament next year.

The board voted to raise the mileage rate from 63 cents per mile to 70 cents per mile for WCPO-related travel.

Among possible ideas that have been suggested down the road for improving the community:

—A digital sign, possibly by School Bus Road in Grant City. Hopkins, Ravenwood,  Parnell, and Allendale have one. Pattonsburg has one for the school.

—Improvements for the military wall, which are in the works.

—A youth program associate, which has been advertised with one applicant.

—Radio stations; Grant City used to have one from 1927 until the end of 1933, when it was sold and moved to Springfield, where it changed its call letters.

—Habitat for Humanity, which builds homes for low-income people; the nearest one is in Maryville.

—A Fourth of July celebration for next year, which is in the works following Tuesday’s vote.

—A youth center. Following the rejection of a school bond issue which would have built a new gym for the school that could have doubled as a rec center, the Christian Church has begun moving dirt and has raised $200,000 so far.

—A weight room for the public; however, there are liability concerns.

 

 

Youth Center at Grant City Christian Church Raises $200,000

A proposed youth center at the Grant City Christian Church has raised $200,000 and construction is slated to start in Fall 2025, the Worth County Progress Organization learned at its meeting Monday. The church estimates in its letter pitching the project that it needs another $250,000 to finish the project. The project will be built as funds become available.

The structure will be 104 feet by 60 feet, have three classrooms on the top floor, two bathrooms, a fellowship hall and gym area with basketball goals, volleyball courts, and pickleball courts, with a kitchen, more parking on the north side, and ramps instead of stairs. The goal is to get it FEMA approved for a storm shelter, although President Donald Trump’s budget cuts have left all federal funding up in the air and Mr. Trump has proposed eliminating FEMA after this year’s hurricane season is over and shifting responsibilities for disaster relief to the states.

A few years ago, the church purchased and cleaned up the lot west of the church. They have named the project the 18:16 Project, inspired by Luke 18:16, in which Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

The church has had recent growth in young families, creating a need for more classroom space. Their young adult Bible study class is now up to 30 people in attendance on any given Sunday, and current childrens’ classrooms are beyond capacity. The new building will include additional classroom space that will better accommodate Bible studies, childrens’ Sunday School, and small group gatherings.

The new building will be available for wedding receptions, family reunions, church dinners, and seasonable events. The church will also be able to host larger church fellowship gatherings.

The new building will also allow the church to expand LifeKids. Currently, the church buses in 80 children from Kindergarten through sixth grade for LifeKids, where they sing songs, play games, eat a hot meal, and share a Bible lesson. The new building will allow LifeKids to grow both in size and impact.

The church offers a youth group that meets every Wednesday night. It is affiliated with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and the new building will allow the church to host it instead of the school, freeing up time and space for more school activities. The church could also open up space on Friday and Saturday nights, giving kids a safe, supervised place for teens to hang out and learn about Jesus.

The pastor is Dirk Buffington. The Board President is Mark Cadle, the Building Chair is Colt Ridge, and the Fundraising Chair is Jonell Cook.

Around $15,050 has been raised to redo the War Memorial on the northeast corner of the Square. Work includes engraved bricks and flagpoles honoring all six branches of the US Military. Bricks would cost around $20 if purchased from Rod Brown. Alex Mullock will donate his time to trim trees by the memorial.

The recent Golf Tournament raised $5,040 total, with the Progress Organization profiting around $1,500 when all expenses were paid. They paid out $3,000 in fireworks, goodie bags, and made a donation to the Golf Course for hosting the event. Proceeds were used towards the Fireworks Show held Friday evening.

There are 1,293 likes on the Facebook page, with 1,372 followers with 15,572 views last month.

There were 18 vendors at the Health Fair on June 27th. Around 20 people showed up.

The last date for the Jeremiah Project will be July 12th from 9 am to 11 am. There were changes in the program as well as lack of funds and volunteers.

There has been one applicant so far for the Youth Program Associate. But federal budget cuts have eliminated all SNAP educational money.

Some mulch has been put down for the sign by the Dollar General. More will need to be added. Bricks have been purchased.

The next Farmers Market will be Saturday morning, July 12th at the Grant City Square.

The next Worth County cleanup day will be September 13th. From 8 am to noon, anyone from Worth County can drop off items at the Grant City Barn.

 

Details of Worth County Strategic Plan Released

Details of the draft Worth County Strategic Plan have been released to the Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments’ website. The draft is open for public comments until June 30th on the site.

The COG facilitated three different planning meetings with Worth County citizens on April 10th, May 12th, and June 2nd. The draft document was built following those three meetings.

During the process, the committee discussed strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges for the county. Drawing on that, the committee developed three overarching goals aimed at strengthening the county’s future. For each goal, specific objectives were crafted to guide action and measure progress.

Strengths were listed as follows:

—Good schools and faculty;

—Mission Possible;

—Worth County Progress Organization;

—Volunteer Fire Departments and EMS;

—Strong Community;

—Low crime rate;

—Nursing home;

—Churches;

—Dollar General;

—Worth County Partnership Library;

—Strong agriculture base (over 400 jobs related to farming);

—Affordable cost of living;

—Jeremiah Project;

—Strong alumni base;

—Strong traditions;

—Accessible healthcare access;

—Self-employed residents;

—Approachable civic leaders;

—Community recreational facilities;

—Quality of life;

—Low homeless population;

—Connect Worth County;

—Low tax structure.

Weaknesses were listed as follows:

—Non-resident landowners;

—Decreasing population (Worth County has dropped below 2,000 people this decade);

—Low tax base;

—Lack of employment opportunities;

—Lack of support for lower businesses;

—Lack of housing;

—Deteriorating buildings;

—Aging population;

—Lack of youth organizations;

—Public utilities;

—Lack of consistent community engagement;

—Lack of childcare services;

—Lack of sidewalks and crosswalks;

—Lack of programs to help develop future leadership;

—Lack of volunteers;

—Lack of acceptance for new residents;

—Lack of awareness for emergency systems, including Textcaster.

Opportunities included the following:

—Textcaster awareness;

—Leaving legacy trusts and grants;

—Renovating and demolishing deteriorating and aging buildings;

—Engaging with youth;

—Community growth opportunities and networking;

—Campground and park improvements;

—Farmers Market;

—New power transmission lines;

—Available workforce.

Challenges included the following:

—Insurance and healthcare costs.

—Aging and declining population;

—Aging infrastructure;

—Limited funding resources and grant capacity;

—Federal, state, and local regulations;

—Lack of availability of trade services;

—Unfunded mandates;

—Inaccurate GIS and map information;

—Mail delays;

—Poor collaboration with outside agencies.

Out of that list, goals and objectives were developed. The first goal was to increase engagement and community development across Worth County.

The first objective was to promote skilled workforce retention. It would be implemented through subsidized trade education initiatives offering tuition assistance in exchange for a commitment to reside and work in Worth County. The second plan would be to develop and promote adult leadership programs through such programs as the Neighborhood Leadership Academy in partnership with the Extension.

The second objective was to strengthen youth engagement and education. This would be done by partnering with the school and the Success Ready Student Network, reviving and supporting the 4-H Club, and utilize DARE and other programs.

The third objective was to improve new resident integration. This would be done by creating a comprehensive welcome packet providing essential community information and collaborating with local utility companies, realtors, and developers to ensure new residents receive it.

The fourth objective was to increase visibility and celebrate progress by sharing successes, milestones, and community achievements regularly.

Partnerships include the University Extension, Great Northwest Days, Worth County Progress Organization, Worth County Commission, Grant City Community Improvement Organization, Worth County School, Missouri Municipal League, Missouri Community Betterment, Northwest Missouri Regional Council, Northwest Roundtable of Economic Developers, community stakeholders, and local charitable trusts.

The second goal was business and economic development.

The first objective was to attract and retain new businesses. This would be done by identifying and targeting key industries and offering financial incentives, property tax abatement, New Headquarters Credits, Tax Increment Financing, and an Enhanced Economic Zone. The county, around 12-15 years ago, successfully created one and formed a board for it, but it fell by the wayside.

The second objective was to improve infrastructure. That would be done by repairing or installing new sidewalks and crosswalks, starting new beautification programs such as landscaping, pocket parks, and public art, demolition grants, tax incentives to demolish or renovate existing buildings, and utilize the Extension to do a sidewalk survey and assess needs.

The third objective was to strengthen workforce development. It would be done by collaborating with the school and local businesses to develop industry-aligned training initiatives to build a skilled workforce, possibly working with Success Ready Student Network.

The fourth objective was to promote and strengthen local purchasing. It would be done by expanding farmers markets and craft fairs and develop and distribute directories of local businesses and products.

The fifth objective was to enhance marketing and outreach by developing a comprehensive marketing strategy highlighting the county’s assets.

Partnerships include the Missouri DOT, Missouri Housing & Urban Development, Missouri Community Betterment, Missouri Municipal League, University Extension, Northwest Missouri State University Small Business Development Center, Worth County Progress, Grant City Community Improvement Association, the Transportation Advisory Committee, Great Northwest Days, Northwest Missouri Enterprise Facilitation, community stakeholders, and the Success Ready Student Network.

Resources include the Land & Water Conservation Fund, the DOT’s Transportation Alternative program, USDA Rural Development Facilities Grant and Loan Program, RAISE Discretionary Grants, CDBG Grants, USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program, local charitable trusts, and Missouri Works.

The third goal identified was community growth and infrastructure improvements.

The first objective was to develop community recreation and fitness facilities. This would be done by engaging residents through surveys, focus groups, and town hall meetings to identify desired recreational facilities. Other actions include assessing existing facilities and identifying gaps such as walking trails, playgrounds, and fitness amenities, researching funding sources, and establishing partnerships.

The school recently attempted to pass a bond issue that included the construction of a new gym that would double as a recreational facility, but it required a 4/7 majority and was voted down twice after it attracted organized opposition. The school subsequently passed a bond issue without the recreational facility.

The second objective was to improve public utilities and infrastructure. The first action would be to conduct a comprehensive review of water, sewer, electricity, broadband, and other utilities to identify gaps. The second would be to prioritize projects based on community needs and impact. The third would be to pursue federal, state, and private funding for utility upgrades and expansion.

The third objective was to strengthen cross-organization collaboration and communication. This would be done by establishing better platforms among the various community organizations and promote shared initiatives such as community gardens and joint community events.

The fourth objective was to gather more community feedback and data. It would be done by conducting and promoting participation in the Maximize Northwest Missouri Resident Public Survey to collect diverse community perspectives.

The fifth objective was to promote and implement affordable housing initiatives. It would be done by identifying areas with the greatest need for affordable housing, collaborating with developers, nonprofits, and financial institutions, and seeking funding through grants, tax incentives, and public-private partnerships.