Boonville

EVANSVILLE − We’re bringing you Tri-State restaurant happenings and food news you need to know. Here’s the latest.

Charcuterie and dessert lunch delivery

Agape Graze and Posh Sweet Treat Creations are collaborating to make business charcuterie and dessert lunch runs. No pre-ordering is necessary. The delivery drivers will pull up to your workplace with packaged lunches and desserts. You run out, make your selection, and enjoy. Charcuterie entrees will start at $10 and desserts such as cheesecake cups and chocolate covered fruit start at $6. If you’d be interested in having your business on a route, call or text 812-518-0008 or 812-773-8870. Visit the Facebook Page for pictures and more information.

Chocolate Slip ‘n Slide?

Diamond Lake Resort in Utica, Ky., will be celebrating everything chocolate with a Chocolate Lovers’ Weekend from Friday, July 28 – Sunday, July 30. Be ready for a chocolate pudding eating contest, a chocolate slip ‘n slide, chocolate tastings, chocolate themed crafts and more surprises. Drive over for the day or rent a campsite. Call for more information on the schedule of events.

Diamond Lake Resort is at 7301 Hobbs Road, Owensboro, Ky.; 270-229-4900.

Harmony Pizza opens once more

Harmony Pizza, on Harmony Way in Evansville, has been sold to the owners of long-time West Side pizza favorite Parkway Pizza and is open once more. The menu is similar to that at Parkway Pizza, although there is no salad bar or ice cream at the Harmony location.

Harmony Pizza is at 1101 Harmony Way.

BBQ contest on Haynie’s Corner

The Haynie’s Corner Arts District will host its inaugural Amateur BBQ Competition on Sunday, July 30. Judging will take place at 5:30 p.m. and public eating begins at 6 p.m. All-you-can-eat barbecue, or all you can eat until it’s all gone, is $10. Proceeds benefit the Haynie’s Corner Arts District Association. Team entry is $75 and the contest is limited to 10 teams of two people. The Old Fashioned Butcher Shoppe is providing pork butts for smoking.

Old Fashioned Pie Contest

The Historic Newburgh Farmers Market will hold their annual pie contest on Saturday, July 29, between 7 and 10 a.m. Pies may be sweet or savory. The main ingredient must be locally grown or raised, and your crust must be made from scratch. Bring your pie to the market tent 8:30 a.m. with an index card with your name and number on one side and the recipe and ingredient list on the other. The public may taste the pies between 9:30 and 10:30. Winners will be announced at 10:30 a.m.

The Historic Newburgh Farmers Market is held at 1 E. Water St. in Newburgh.

More:6 things to know about an iconic Evansville food truck

Ice Cream with the Ice Queen

Merrymint Celebration Boutique & Event Space will host story time and an ice cream social with the Ice Queen on Saturday, July 31, from 10-11 a.m. Enjoy songs, games, ice cream and photos with the Ice Queen. Tickets are $25 and admit one adult and one child. Subscribe to Merrymint’s calendar to keep up to date on all character storytime events.

Merrymint is at 318 Walnut St.; 812-449-7985.

Wash dishes, earn money for your non-profit

The Nisbet Inn is looking for Friday night volunteer dishwashers to raise money for non-profit groups. Groups of 3-4 people from an organization with at least one adult and none under 14 work to scrape dishes, run them through the dishwasher, return them to the kitchen, empty trash and clean up at the end of the approximately 5-1/4 hour shift for $200. Call the restaurant for more information.

The Nisbet Inn is at 6701 Nisbet Road, Haubstadt, Ind.; 812-963-9305.

Summertime Grand Buffet in New Harmony

The Red Geranium restaurant will offer a summertime breakfast and Grand Buffet on Sunday, July 30, from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. The breakfast is $19 per person and will be offered from 7-10 a.m., and the Grand Buffet, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., is $35 for adults, $15 for kids 6-12, and kids 5 and under free (tax and a 20% gratuity will be added). On the breakfast menu will be all your favorite breakfast meats, potatoes, eggs, biscuits and gravy and an omelet station. On the Grand Buffet you’ll find a fruit and cheese selection, appetizers, fried chicken, grilled flank steak, seafood casserole, green beans, fried okra, rice pilaf, chef’s dessert selections and much more. Reservations are required. Call the restaurant to reserve at 812-682-4431.

The Red Geranium is at 504 North St., New Harmony, Ind.; 812-682-6171.

More:An Evansville nonprofit is using a food trailer to teach kids about business

Vanderburgh County Fair approaches

The Vanderburgh County Fair will run from Monday, July 24 through Saturday, July 29. In addition to all the farm animals, motocross racing, pageants, rodeo, live music, tractor pull, demolition derby, watermelon seed spitting contest, there’s a whole midway full of food booths with all your favorite festival eats.

The Vanderburgh County Fair will be at the Vanderburgh County 4-H Fairgrounds at 201 E. Boonville-New Harmony Road.

Originally Appeared Here

A special municipal election is coming up, and so are changes to polling locations for some voters in Springfield.

On Aug. 8, Springfield voters will head to the polls to decide on a proposed 3-percent tax on recreational marijuana sales in the city, after the City Council voted in May to put the measure on an otherwise-empty ballot.

The deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail is 5 p.m. on July 26. Voters can download the application, and email the completed form to the Greene County Clerk’s Office via https://vote.greenecountymo.gov/. Absentee ballots by mail must then be completed and received by the Greene County Clerk’s Office by 7 p.m. on Election Day, Aug. 8.

The Greene County Clerk’s Office requires one of the following reasons to be included if voting absentee by mail: 

• Absence on Election Day from the jurisdiction of the election authority in which such voter is registered to vote;
• Incapacity or confinement due to illness or physical disability on Election Day, including a person who is primarily responsible for the physical care of a person who is incapacitated or confined due to illness or disability and resides at the same address;
• Religious belief or practice;
• Employment as an election authority or by an election authority at a location other than such voter’s polling place, a first responder, a health care worker, or a member of law enforcement;
• Incarceration, provided all qualifications for voting are retained;
• Certified participation in the address confidentiality program established under RSMo 589.660 to 589.681 because of safety concerns.

In-person absentee voting will take place at the Greene County Elections Center, located at 1126 N. Boonville Ave. in Springfield. In-person absentee voters are not required to give a reason for doing so, and can vote Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. up through Aug.7, as well as 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5.

The County Clerk’s Office also announced a slate of temporary new polling locations for the upcoming elections:

• Wilson CW: Eligible voters in this precinct will vote at David Harrison Elementary School, located at 3055 W. Kildee Lane
• Cherokee: Eligible voters in this precinct will vote at Seminole Baptist Temple, located at 4221 S. National Ave.
• 1st Center: Eligible voters in this precinct will vote at Orchard Crest Baptist Church, located at 320 S. Orchard Crest Ave.
• 2nd Campbell A & 2nd Campbell B: Eligible voters in these precincts will vote at Fire Station No. 8, located at 1405 S. Scenic Ave.
• 1st N Campbell: Eligible voters in this precinct will vote at Cooper Tennis Complex, located at 2331 E. Pythian St.
• 2nd N Campbell: Eligible voters in this precinct will vote at Crossway Baptist Church, located at 2900 N. Barnes Ave.
• 3 rd N Campbell A: Eligible voters in this precinct will vote at The Library Station, located at 2535 N. Kansas Expy. 

These changes have been made due to the size and scope of the election, according to a news release, and mailers have been sent to voters in relevant precincts to notify them of their temporary new polling location.

A sample ballot is available here.

Jack McGee

Jack McGee is the government affairs reporter at the Springfield Daily Citizen. He previously covered politics and business for the Daily Citizen. He’s an MSU graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism and a minor political science. Reach him at jmcgee@sgfcitizen.org or (417) 837-3663. More by Jack McGee

Originally Appeared Here

(Courtesy Anchor Brewing)

On July 12 word spread that one of America’s original craft breweries, Anchor Brewing, which is now owned by Japanese beer giant, was closing.

It was sobering news for us at American Craft Beer and we reached out to many of our peers who work in and around the beer industry to get their thoughts on Anchor’s end and what it might say about the current state of the beer industry.

Kevin McGee – President & CEO Anderson Valley Brewing Company (Boonville, CA)

“Anchor’s closing is an avoidable tragedy. Sapporo had ample time before COVID to have done a lot of positive things at Anchor and didn’t take the opportunity. Instead the ownership tried to re-engineer the facility to do something that it wasn’t designed to do and when that became difficult they basically gave up and in the process alienated one of the most dedicated brewery workforces in all of beer.”

“Anchor was, and still is, a giant and a formative part of not just craft beer but alcoholic beverages. The aggressive outpouring of support and rush to go buy the last of the Anchor beers available are a clear indication of the near-unique level of brand affection and consumer goodwill that was available to Sapporo throughout their stewardship that they missed out on. Instead, an important legacy brewery and its employees have essentially been discarded and it’s not clear at this point what shape the business is in for anyone who might be interested in buying it to try and turn it around.”

“It’s difficult to extrapolate a lesson from Sapporo liquidating Anchor to the rest of the craft beer industry. This isn’t a story of SF being a difficult business environment or COVID taking down a craft beer business – while COVID certainly didn’t make things easier the leadership at Anchor set all this in motion before 2019 for reasons independent of those talking points. If there’s a lesson here it comes as a cautionary example of the risks of acquisitions where the buyer doesn’t understand or respect the intangibles of the business and the risks of an incredibly consolidating industry to the staff and communities that rely on those component businesses.”

Bart Watson – PhD, Chief Economist Brewers Association (Boulder, CO)

“Anchor’s contribution’s to craft brewing and American beer history cannot be overstated. While the longevity of the brand is a testament to its innovation, the craft brewing market has radically grown and shifted over recent decades, with that change only accelerating in recent years.”

“A competitive distribution market and rising costs mean that even strong brands may be struggling to find growth in a slow growth environment that now includes nearly 10,000 breweries nationwide. Anchor’s announcement partially reflects this new maturing era for craft, and should be taken in the context of the large and competitive market that Anchor helped create.”

 

Courtesy Anchor Brewing)

Garrett Marrero – Co-Founder Maui Brewing (Kihei, Hawaii)

“Anchor Brewing was caught between a rock and a hard place and its closure says less about the current state of the beer industry and more about the city it was based in.”

“The cost of running a brewery in San Francisco is demanding. The city is not that friendly to business to begin with and labor costs are high.”

“Anchor was based in an aging facility and so there were costs associated with that. And unfortunately Anchor Brewing is seen as an iconic San Francisco brand so contact brewing its beers in a cheaper part of California, or even out of state, was a move that wouldn’t fly.”

“At our end Maui Brewing and Modern Times Beer are both blessed to be growing in a more difficult business environment, and we’re thankful for that.”

Mark O. Stutrud – Founder and President Summit Brewing Company (Saint Paul, MN)

“The last time I visited Anchor Brewing was in 2016.  It had been several years since my last visit. As my wife and I finished our beer on the roof top deck, I was surprised by the amount of construction going on in the neighborhood.”

“I was told that within a block or two, new condominiums were being sold for $1,500 per square foot.”  Furthermore, I was told that some of these new neighbors were complaining about noise, odors and truck traffic from the brewery.”

“It’s my thought that Sapporo realized that the value of the real estate greatly surpassed the value of the brewery building and equipment.’

Chad Brodsky – Founder & CEO City Brew Tours.  (Greater Boston)

“As a brewery tour operator, I perceive the closure of Anchor Steam from two perspectives. Firstly, the craft beer market has increasingly become crowded, necessitating brands to differentiate themselves further. I also hold concerns about a contraction within the craft beer trend, which leads me to anticipate more brewery closures, such as Guinness in Baltimore.”

“Secondly, the American palate has undergone a shift, spurred on by the pandemic. Similar to the effects of prohibition, the pandemic has driven the average craft beer drinker toward the extremes of the beer spectrum. During our tours, we have observed that typical craft beer enthusiasts now seek well-crafted pilsners and hazy IPAs. Ambers no longer hold the same appeal they once did.”

“Furthermore, Anchor Steam was relatively slow to adapt to these changing times. For instance, they only introduced their flagship beer in cans in mid-2020, indicating a certain reluctance to embrace modern packaging methods.”

 

Leland Rogan – Co-Owner/Operational Manager, Crooked Run Fermentation (Sterling, VA)

“Anchor’s closure speaks to a changing craft beer environment.”

“Much like every other brewery and restaurant we are still pivoting to adjust to meet the changes wants/needs of our customers. It seems like a never ending process since early 2020. Not complaining, we have been adjusting our business since we opened in 2013, just expected to have a bit more permanence. But again I bet so did Anchor and we see what is happening.”

Jake Endres – Co-Owner/Production Manager, Crooked Run Fermentation

“I’ll echo what Lee said, and just add that we’ve only managed to succeed as a small brewery by continuing to put in work and be extremely nimble”

“One problem breweries are facing is that there is so much good beer out there.  Breweries have continued to improve, and knowledge has been so disseminated that there are hundreds of breweries making incredibly good styles that only a few knew how to make a decade or less ago.  It’s great for customers, but it’s very hard to stand out as a brewery these days”

David Oksenhorn – Director, Marcum, Tax & Business Services (San Jose, CA)

“The craft beer industry continues to see the consolidation of brewery brands, but the closure of Anchor Brewing is just another example that it doesn’t always work.”

Unlike some other brewery acquisitions, Anchor was a larger, well-established, and historic brewery but similar to smaller brewery acquisitions in that the unique brand was where much of its value was found.”

“Once the core brand was compromised, its unfortunate demise seemed inevitable. To survive in such a saturated industry, beer brands must be unique yet consistent for both marketing and beer styles or risk losing loyal customers they have built over time, not to mention being unable to expand their customer base further.”

###

Originally Appeared Here

Shannon Webster’s work creates a window into the mind of the artist and his community.

If you’ve visited the North Village area, you’ve probably marveled at the colorful, expansive mural in Wabash Alley. At 70 feet by 30 feet, the Wishes and Reflections mural was created to represent Columbia’s past and its present.

The large tree in the mural depicts real messages from real people, all of which reflect personal and public wishes for a happier, brighter future. Next to the tree is a figurative window into Columbia’s culture, including representations of the Tiger Hotel, Ernie’s Diner, Columbia’s City Hall, Jesse Hall, and the Mizzou Columns. The artist behind Wishes and Reflections is Shannon Webster, who has an art studio and gallery in the heart of the district at 1023 E. Walnut St.

Webster says the mural first took form on his computer.

“I took a picture of a big, blank brick wall and started looking at tons and tons of concepts. That wish tree,” Webster explains, “I wanted something meaningful: I wanted to have something to tie it to.” The “wish tags” connected to the tree also came as feedback from others.

“There was such a wide range of things people wanted to add,” he adds, noting that the range of emotions, hopes, and prayers added to the role the mural serves.

Originally from Boonville, Webster is known for his use of different mediums — including oil paint, acrylic paint, and mixed media — and his work frequently highlights architecture and technical structures. He enjoys using texture, color, and different materials to illustrate the places he’s been and the way he sees those places. Webster chooses the materials to create a piece based on the mood he’s trying to create.

Inspiration and influence from a young age helped guide him toward the pieces he creates now. 

“I can remember, even back in third grade, that I loved to draw,” Webster says. “So that’s what I did. And then the older you get, you start expanding your skills and stuff. Then I won a few little art contests for kids, and I got a lot of encouragement from teachers. I had some really good teachers, and I think a lot of kids stop doing art in fifth or sixth grade, and that encouragement really solidified for me that I was going to be some kind of an artist.”

Indeed, Webster says that one of his breakthrough moments happened at a young age. He describes an exercise that an art teacher presented to him when he was in fifth grade, in which the teacher provided her students with an abstract illustration — a wavy line, for example — and asked her students to use their imaginations to create something unique.

“Up until then, I was just somebody else who was drawing,” Webster says. “This one assignment, it’s such a simple idea, but it taught me that I didn’t have to do what everybody else is doing. An object, or a concept, can turn into something unique and personal. I remember it to this day.”

Webster also houses his design business in his studio: he works to create artwork for national brands, and he works with the University of Missouri Museum, also serving on its board.  

Shannon Webster Studio & Gallery
www.shannonwebster.art

Originally Appeared Here

By Laura Wax
Boonville Daily News

The Boonville Community Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life within our community by inspiring charitable giving, fostering partnerships, and connecting donors to the causes they care about most.

Starting July 30, nonprofit organizations may apply for grant support from the Legacy Fund of the Boonville Community Foundation if they meet either of the following criteria: a) exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and currently serve, or propose to serve, persons in Boonville or communities adjacent to Boonville, or b) units of local government, public education institutions, or civic organizations for charitable purposes located in Boonville. No grants will be made to individuals, political parties, candidates, or political activities.

Organizations seeking funding may submit only one application for one distinct program or project. Granting amounts of up to $2,500 each will be made.

The Boonville Community Foundation wishes to partner with nonprofits sharing their vision and passion for improving the lives of Boonville residents. The grants are considered to be community investments. Funding priorities will be given to underserved groups (youth, senior citizens, etc.), cultural tourism, historic preservation, the arts, and economic development (job training/retraining, industrial development, etc.).

Applications are submitted online only. The application has sections for both prose and easily-entered factual data. During the review process, BCF may contact the applying organization to clarify the request, schedule a site visit, or make a suggestion to strengthen the proposal. The application portal will close at midnight on September 15. The BCF Granting Committee will then make award decisions for grants. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by November 30.

All recipient organizations must submit a written, final report to BCF at the conclusion of the program funded, or, if the funded program has not concluded, an interim report by June 30, 2024. The report should include how the grant funds received were spent, and outcomes and accomplishments made possible through funding.

The grant application may be found and submitted at www.boonvillecommunityfoundation.org/grants. Step by step instructions are available for the grant applications.

The Boonville Community Foundation was established in the Spring of 2012 for the betterment of the community. The BCF has prioritized funding to address many community needs. One way they chose to assist the community is through their annual community grants from the Legacy Fund. The Legacy Fund is the fund from which the Community Foundation board of directors distributes to chosen nonprofit agencies in Boonville. The Boonville Community Foundation Legacy Fund’s purpose is to improve the lives of Boonville citizens. This provides the foundation the opportunity to respond to changing and unexpected community needs that often cannot be anticipated at the time the gift is made.

In addition to the Legacy Fund, the Boonville Community Foundation oversees multiple other funds. The Katy Bride Redevelopment Project Fund will be used to restore the historic Katy Bridge by providing matching grants to other charitable restoration organizations to help in the rehabilitation of the Bridge. The Boonville Animal Shelter Fund is used for the shelter’s occasional needs. The Central Missouri Cancer Memorial Park fund receives public donations by anyone interested in supporting the maintenance of the Central Missouri Cancer Memorial Park. The Boonslick Regional Library Fund receives funds for the movement of the library from their present location on Main Street to the newly renovated building on the Kemper Campus.

Originally Appeared Here

PHOTO PROVIDED

TOWN OF VIENNA, N.Y.  — Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. announced Monday that nearly 1,000 homes and 2,600 residents will be receiving high speed internet service as part of $2 million in county broadband expansion projects.

“We are committed to bridging the gaps that became evident during the pandemic,” Picente said in a recent news release from his office. “Lack of high-speed internet creates an inequity that puts students at a disadvantage, leaves businesses unable to modernize and limits growth in communities. Broadband is something everyone should have access to and this is a step toward making that a reality for everyone in Oneida County.”

The broadband expansion projects will span 10 areas, including six townships: Forestport, Ava, Boonville, Remsen, Augusta and Vienna. County officials chose two internet service providers through an RFP process: Adirondack Techs for nine project areas and Charter for one area.

The $1,950,967 capital program also includes $150,000 in ISP investment, and nine of the 10 projects include a 2% revenue share to offset a percentage of the cost to the county.

Through an extensive mapping analysis between Oneida and Herkimer counties, Tug Hill Commission and Mohawk Valley Economic Development District, the Oneida County Department of Planning identified 2,079 Oneida County homes in approximately 32 project areas with clusters of 20 or more homes. This first step will reach 46% of the unserved homes identified.

Oneida County offered municipalities an opportunity to partner financially and leverage the funding to expand coverage even further in their towns. Picente made the expansion projects announcement in the town of Vienna, which was the only one to take advantage of that offer and led to the town securing $226,761 to service 111 homes.

“Since becoming town supervisor, the expansion of internet service is something I hear about most often from residents and was an issue I have looked to tackle since day one,” Vienna Town Supervisor Michael M. Davis Sr. said. “I thank County Executive Picente for his commitment to this expansion and I look forward to working with the department of planning to bring internet access to over 100 homes in Vienna.”

Picente utilized American Rescue Act funding to expand high speed internet service to underserved areas in Oneida County. That federal funding is required to be allocated by 2024 and spent by 2026. It must be used on projects, initiatives or programs that address issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Today’s announcement about the expansion of increased broadband access in Vienna is a welcomed and awaited one,” County Legislator Norman Leach, R-3 said. “Broadband service is critically important in today’s society. Students need it for their schoolwork. Adults need it to stay in touch with co-workers when out of the office or for telecommuting. And people of all ages need it for telemedicine.”

Other county legislators expressed their gratitude.

“I am pleased to support these efforts to bring high-speed internet connectivity to underserved parts of rural Oneida County like Ava, Boonville, Forestport and Remsen,” county legislator Steven R. Boucher, R-6 said. “This investment in broadband infrastructure is a necessity for my constituents and not a luxury.”

“The lack of reliable, high-speed internet can be a major hindrance on the quality of life of residents,” county legislator Colin Idzi, R-2 said. “That’s why I am pleased that broadband is being expanded to help residents in rural areas like Augusta meet important daily needs such as paying bills, telehealth appointments, shopping, job searches and applications, education and so much more.”

 

 

 

 

Originally Appeared Here

JEFFERSON CITY
—

The Missouri Department of Agriculture announced the availability of Food Insecure Cost-Share Grant funds of up to $50,000 per project. Applications for the grant funds must benefit residents affected by food insecurity in urban areas and are due by Aug. 31, 2023. Projects must be complete or near completion and ready for inspection by March 31, 2024.

The Food Insecure Cost-Share Grant will fund projects that support farmers markets and other economic development initiatives that work to reduce food insecurity in urban areas. Applicants will only be reimbursed for 75% of the total project expenses made during the grant period.

This is a competitive grant program and funds may be used to: increase food production and availability within an urban area; demonstrate growth of local economic communities; increase local economic impact; increase availability of food to local residents; or enhance already established areas within a community and provide assistance to the community.

Projects must reside within one of the following urban areas, as designated by the 2020 U.S. Census:

Aurora, MO

Bolivar, MO

Bonne Terre, MO

Boonville, MO

Branson, MO

Brookfield, MO

Camdenton, MO

Cameron, MO

Cape Girardeau, MO

Carthage, MO

Caruthersville, MO

Chillicothe, MO

Clinton, MO

Columbia, MO

De Soto, MO

Dexter, MO

Eldon, MO

Eureka, MO

Excelsior Springs, MO

Farmington, MO

Forsyth, MO

Fort Leonard Wood-St. Robert-Waynesville, MO

Fredericktown, MO

Fulton, MO

Hannibal, MO

Harrisonville, MO

Higginsville, MO

Holts Summit, MO

Jefferson City, MO

Joplin, MO

Kansas City, MO

Kearney, MO

Kennett, MO

Kimberling City, MO

Kirksville, MO

Lebanon, MO

Lee’s Summit, MO

Macon, MO

Marshall, MO

Marshfield, MO

Maryville, MO

Mexico, MO

Moberly, MO

Monett, MO

Mountain Grove, MO

Neosho, MO

Nevada, MO

Odessa, MO

Osage Beach, MO

Pacific, MO

Peculiar, MO

Perryville, MO

Platte City, MO

Pleasant Hill, MO

Poplar Bluff, MO

Republic, MO

Richmond, MO

Rolla, MO

St. Clair, MO

Ste. Genevieve, MO

St. Joseph, MO

St. Louis, MO

Salem, MO

Savannah, MO

Scott City, MO

Sedalia, MO

Sikeston, MO

Smithville, MO

Springfield, MO

Sullivan, MO

Trenton, MO

Troy, MO

Union, MO

Village of Four Seasons, MO

Warrensburg, MO

Warrenton, MO

Washington, MO

West Plains, MO

Whiteman AFB-Knob Noster, MO

Willard, MO

Applications, a list of eligible expenses and grant requirements can be found online at https://agriculture.mo.gov/abd/financial/food-insecure.php.

To learn more about the Missouri Department of Agriculture and other financial assistance, please visit Agriculture.Mo.Gov.

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Originally Appeared Here

VIENNA  — County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. has announced that nearly 1,000 homes and 2,600 residents — most in rural parts of the county — will soon receive high-speed internet service as part of $2 million in county broadband expansion projects.

“We are committed to bridging the gaps that became evident during the pandemic,” Picente said during a press conference on Monday. “Lack of high-speed internet creates an inequity that puts students at a disadvantage, leaves businesses unable to modernize and limits growth in communities. Broadband is something everyone should have access to and this is a step toward making that a reality for everyone in Oneida County.”

The broadband expansion projects will span 10 areas, including six townships: Augusta; Ava; Boonville; Forestport; Remsen; and Vienna.

Two Internet service providers have been chosen through an RFP process — Adirondack Techs (nine project areas) and Charter (one area) — to perform the work.

The $1,950,967 capital program also includes $150,000 in ISP investment, and nine of the 10 projects include a 2% revenue share to offset a percentage of the cost to the county.

Through an extensive mapping analysis between Oneida and Herkimer counties, Tug Hill Commission and Mohawk Valley Economic Development District, the Oneida County Department of Planning identified 2,079 Oneida County homes in approximately 32 project areas with clusters of 20 or more homes. This first step will reach 46% of the unserved homes identified.

Oneida County offered municipalities an opportunity to partner financially and leverage the funding to expand coverage even further in their towns. Picente made the expansion projects announcement in the town of Vienna, which was the only one to take advantage of that offer and led to the town securing $226,761 to service 111 homes.

“Since becoming town supervisor, the expansion of internet service is something I hear about most often from residents and was an issue I have looked to tackle since day one,” said Vienna Town Supervisor Michael M. Davis Sr. “I thank County Executive Picente for his commitment to this expansion and I look forward to working with the Department of Planning to bring internet access to over 100 homes in Vienna.”

Picente utilized American Rescue Act funding to expand high-speed internet service to underserved areas in Oneida County. That federal funding is required to be allocated by 2024 and spent by 2026. It must be used on projects, initiatives or programs that address issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Today’s announcement about the expansion of increased broadband access in Vienna is a welcomed and awaited one,” said County Legislator Norman Leach, R-3. “Broadband service is critically important in today’s society. Students need it for their schoolwork. Adults need it to stay in touch with co-workers when out of the office or for telecommuting. And people of all ages need it for telemedicine.”

“I am pleased to support these efforts to bring high-speed internet connectivity to underserved parts of rural Oneida County like Ava, Boonville, Forestport and Remsen,” said County Legislator Steven R. Boucher, R-6. “This investment in broadband infrastructure is a necessity for my constituents and not a luxury.”

“The lack of reliable, high-speed internet can be a major hindrance on the quality of life of residents,” said County Legislator Colin Idzi, R-2. “That’s why I am pleased that broadband is being expanded to help residents in rural areas like Augusta meet important daily needs such as paying bills, telehealth appointments, shopping, job searches and applications, education and so much more.”

Originally Appeared Here

VIENNA — County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. today announced that nearly 1,000 homes and 2,600 residents will be receiving high speed internet service as part of $2 million in county broadband expansion projects.

“We are committed to bridging the gaps that became evident during the pandemic,” Picente said. “Lack of high-speed internet creates an inequity that puts students at a disadvantage, leaves businesses unable to modernize and limits growth in communities. Broadband is something everyone should have access to and this is a step toward making that a reality for everyone in Oneida County.”

The broadband expansion projects will span 10 areas, including six townships: Forestport, Ava, Boonville, Remsen, Augusta and Vienna. Two Internet service providers have been chosen through an RFP process: Adirondack Techs (nine project areas) and Charter (one area).

The $1,950,967 capital program also includes $150,000 in ISP investment, and nine of the 10 projects include a 2% revenue share to offset a percentage of the cost to the county.

Through an extensive mapping analysis between Oneida and Herkimer counties, Tug Hill Commission and Mohawk Valley Economic Development District, the Oneida County Department of Planning identified 2,079 Oneida County homes in approximately 32 project areas with clusters of 20 or more homes. This first step will reach 46% of the unserved homes identified.

Oneida County offered municipalities an opportunity to partner financially and leverage the funding to expand coverage even further in their towns. Picente made the expansion projects announcement in the Town of Vienna, which was the only one to take advantage of that offer and led to the town securing $226,761 to service 111 homes.

“Since becoming Town Supervisor, the expansion of internet service is something I hear about most often from residents and was an issue I have looked to tackle since day one,” said Vienna Town Supervisor Michael M. Davis Sr. “I thank County Executive Picente for his commitment to this expansion and I look forward to working with the Department of Planning to bring internet access to over 100 homes in Vienna.”

Picente utilized American Rescue Act funding to expand high speed internet service to underserved areas in Oneida County. That federal funding is required to be allocated by 2024 and spent by 2026. It must be used on projects, initiatives or programs that address issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Today’s announcement about the expansion of increased broadband access in Vienna is a welcomed and awaited one,” said County Legislator Norman Leach, R-3. “Broadband service is critically important in today’s society. Students need it for their schoolwork. Adults need it to stay in touch with co-workers when out of the office or for telecommuting. And people of all ages need it for telemedicine.”

“I am pleased to support these efforts to bring high-speed internet connectivity to underserved parts of rural Oneida County like Ava, Boonville, Forestport and Remsen,” said County Legislator Steven R. Boucher, R-6. “This investment in broadband infrastructure is a necessity for my constituents and not a luxury.”

“The lack of reliable, high-speed internet can be a major hindrance on the quality of life of residents,” said County Legislator Colin Idzi, R-2. “That’s why I am pleased that broadband is being expanded to help residents in rural areas like Augusta meet important daily needs such as paying bills, telehealth appointments, shopping, job searches and applications, education and so much more.”

Originally Appeared Here

The Springfield Board of Education last month approved a package of bids that will kick off construction for $220 million worth of projects approved by voters in April.

The actions represent the first of many to come, as the district prepares for several years of building projects that include three major projects worth more than $50 million each. 

While those bigger projects loom, the first wave of work approved by voters in April will be seen in those shelters. 

Travis Shaw, deputy superintendent of operations, said the work is part of a larger effort to eliminate “cafegymatoriums” — larger spaces that are used for meals, PE classes and programs, but are not efficient for any of those purposes anymore.  Shaw said that new building codes require storm shelter gyms for new buildings or major renovations, as well. 

“They are small, and not really adequate for PE or assemblies at all,” Shaw said. 

When completed, the district will increase the number of its schools with community storm shelters to 23. Like their cafegymatorium counterparts, the larger storm shelter gymnasiums also accommodate multiple uses. They are built to handle PE and music classes, as well as special events. And they are built to withstand severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, giving protection for students, staff and community members. 

Construction bids accepted for storm shelters

The board during its June 27 meeting accepted construction bids for four of the six storm shelter gymnasiums detailed in the bond package, as well as a total of $504,952.21 in change orders and agreements. Those agreements include $387,243,20 to install security windows on first-floor windows of the district’s five high schools. 

Among the storm shelter bids: 

• DeWitt Construction was awarded bids for Mann Elementary with a contract worth $5,224,000 and Wilder Elementary with a contract worth $5,474,000.
• Crossland Construction was awarded Watkins Elementary with a contract worth $4,394,000.
• BP Builders was awarded Pittman Elementary with a contract worth $4,098,855.

Construction on each of those gymnasiums is expected to start this fall. 

During the meeting, board members expressed concerns over how the Mann and Wilder bids came in higher than expected, above projected costs of $4,950,000 each. The bids for Watkins and Pittman came in under projected costs of $5,105,000 each. 

Shaw said during the meeting that costs may adjust themselves as construction advances, but a special fund of more than $19 million within the $220 million project approved by voters is intended exactly for those types of overages. He also said some overages will be balanced by other projects that come in under budget.

“In the bond language voters approved, not only did we have the list of projects, but we put in a cost variance specific to inflation and the labor shortage,” Shaw said. “We expected some of this.”

Board members approved the bids and the change orders with 7-0 votes. 

Shaw said the district is working on designing the other two storm shelter projects in the bond, intended for Cowden and Holland elementaries. Bidding is hoped to open in late fall.

Springfield’s Pipkin Middle School. (Photo by Steve Pokin)

City staff oppose district’s preferred location for Pipkin

Two of the looming large projects in the Proposition S package deal with new buildings for Pipkin Middle School and Reed Academy. 

A new Reed Academy will be built at its current location, 2000 N. Lyon Ave. It carries an estimated cost of $59,480,000. Shaw said board members will review refined design and development renderings, as well as updated cost estimates, for both projects during its Aug. 22 meeting. 

The district has purchased an almost 21-acre property at 3207 E. Pythian St. in northeast Springfield for Pipkin, a project with an estimated cost of $53,080,000. It would replace the current building at 1215 N. Boonville Ave., north of the government plaza downtown.

On July 13, the district’s request to acquire the property for Pipkin will come before the Springfield Planning and Zoning Commission. The property is straddled by U.S. Highway 65 to the east and railroad tracks to the west, and is currently only accessible by Pythian from the west. Forward SGF, the city’s comprehensive plan, identifies the property as of the Business Flex place type.

City staff recommends denial of the request, insisting that it is not consistent with the recommendation of Forward SGF, in multiple respects.

The Springfield Daily Citizen first reported the city’s anticipated, and eventually finalized, recommendation of denial in early June.

At the time, SPS spokesperson Stephen Hall told the Daily Citizen that state statute grants the district, not the City Council, final say in placement of the facility, and his comments were reflected in the city’s staff report.

“…if the proposal is by an agency other than an agency of the city and the
authorization or financing does not fall within the province of the city council, then the submission to the planning commission shall be by the agency having jurisdiction, and the planning commission’s disapproval may be overruled by that agency by a vote of not less than two-thirds of its entire membership,” the staff report reads.

Hall noted previously that the purchase of the property was unanimously approved by the school board. One board seat has changed since that vote occurred.

While the Pythian address is zoned for heavy manufacturing, Springfield’s ordinances allow schools to be built in such zones.

The district’s job now is to address concerns over the selection, Shaw said, and point out all its advantages over the Boonville site — or any other property appropriate for a school. 

Shaw said the property addresses traffic concerns and increases the amount of students eligible for busing. With the room it offers, it can produce a school complex similar to what Jarrett Middle School now has.

“Right now, all the pickup for students is on the street. No separate bus lanes, not enough adequate parking, and there is not even adequate external space for extracurriculars,” Shaw said. “The property allows a building to be designed appropriately, so that it’s safe for kids.”

Pershing K-8 School is one of the buildings to be addressed through the bond approved by voters. (Photo by Shannon Cay)

Pershing down the road to be

The bond election’s other big project is a projected $50,420,000 renovation and reconstruction of Pershing School, located at 2120 S. Ventura Ave. 

Shaw said work on this project won’t begin until Pipkin and Reed are well under way. The results of a school boundary study, currently in progress, will help inform design choices for the school that currently houses elementary- and middle-school students. That survey is due by the end of summer. 

“We feel like that boundary study will give us some recommendation and guidance for what the scope of that work will look like,” Shaw said. “Does it stay a K-8, or a middle school only, that kind of thing.”

Local Government Reporter Jack McGee contributed to this report.

Joe Hadsall

Joe Hadsall is the business reporter for the Springfield Daily Citizen. Hadsall has more than two decades of experience reporting in the Ozarks with the Joplin Globe, Christian County Headliner News and 417 Magazine. Contact him at (417) 837-3671 or jhadsall@sgfcitizen.org. More by Joe Hadsall

Originally Appeared Here