Mid-Missouri

Applications for Boone County’s senior real estate property tax relief program opened Monday.

The program is available to some Boone County residents 62 years or older. Eligible taxpayers must apply annually for a tax credit on their primary residence.

The program was established in response to newly passed legislation from the Missouri General Assembly and Boone County voter approval of Proposition 1 in April.

“We hear a lot about seniors who are on fixed income and retirees who have seen cost go up in recent years without seeing increases in income due to being retired,” Kip Kendrick, the Boone County presiding commissioner, said. “This program will help ease that burden on paying real estate taxes on property.”

Normand Caron has been retired for three years. He said this program will allow him to have just a little extra money to spend.

“We pay enough, we feel, on property taxes as it is, and it would be great to have a little money left over for us to spend,” Caron said.

Boone County adopted the program on May 30. Senate Bill 190 was initially passed to implement the program statewide, and then a cleanup legislation Senate Bill 756 passed the last legislative session. The bill will become law Aug. 28 with Gov. Mike Parson’s approval.

“In Boone County, we feel very confident that the governor is going to sign this bill in the next week or two,” Kendrick said. “We wanted to make sure we didn’t limit the window between when seniors can apply.”

Boone County was 12th county in Missouri to move forward with this program.

To be eligible for the program, an individual must be a Boone County resident who:

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• Is 62 years or older before Jan. 1 of the initial credit year
• Is an owner of record of a house or has a legal or equitable interest in such property as evidenced by a written instrument
• Is liable for the payment of real property taxes on their house

Program participants will receive a credit equal to the difference between their real property tax liability on their house in the given year and the real property tax liability on their house in the year they joined the program.

For people eligible for the program as of Jan. 1, 2024, the credit will be calculated by using 2024 as the base tax year. Any eligible credit amount would be applied to the 2025 real estate tax statement.

Brian McCollum is the revenue collector for Boone County. He said eligible taxpayers’ property is going to be reassessed every two years.

“So, even if the value of your property does go up, the purpose of this program is to keep those taxes from going up,” McCollum said. “They are going to see where their tax liability may have very slight incremental increases in the year during each assessment cycle.”

For 2024 to be the base year for a participants’ tax, they must apply by Oct. 1.

Lavone Beatty filed her application Monday. She said this will help seniors be a little more stable in their financial deals.

“I think we are very fortunate to get it,” she said. “I feel like seniors this day and age need any help they can get.”

Applications can be accessed online or in person at the Boone County Collector’s office.

All applications, including renewals, must be signed in the presence of a notary public.

Originally Appeared Here

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Central Missouri Speedway
June 29, 2024
By Sam Stoecklin
For Immediate Release

Comfort Inn of Warrensburg hosted Saturday action at Central Missouri Speedway (CMS) with 60 race teams on hand in five divisions. There were 16 B-Mods, 14 Super Stocks, 13 Pure Stocks, 11 Midwest Mods, and 6 guest class POWRi Late Models.

By the end of the night, Shadren Turner in B-Mods, Dave Meyer in Super Stocks, Johnny Fennewald in POWRi Late Models, Spencer Reiff in Pure Stocks, and Logan Roark in Midwest Mods, visited Comfort Inn Warrensburg Station Victory Lane.

POWRi B-Mod – 16 Entries
Heat 1 – 8 Laps | 00:02:39.604:  1. 6T-Michael Taylor III[1]; 2. 1K-Tim Karrick[4]; 3. 447-Kenny Prince[2]; 4. 55-Colson Kirk[5]; 5. 12-Parker Smith[3]; 6. 99S-Brad Smith[7]; 7. 15J-Jake Fetterman[8]; 8. 7-Anthony Tanner[6]

Heat 2 – 8 Laps | 00:02:43.132:  1. 56-Shadren Turner[2]; 2. 30-Rex Harris[1]; 3. 90-Terry Schultz[4]; 4. 12C-Stephen Clancy[5]; 5. 57-Chad Clancy[8]; 6. 05-Jeremy Lile[7]; 7. 29-Tyler Cochran[6]; 8. (DNF) 03-TC Hambrick[3]

A pair of north-western Missouri drivers captured front row honors for the 20-lap nightcap B-Mod main event. Shadren Turner of St. Joseph and Michael Taylor III of Liberty led the field to green with Turner quickly darting out to the early race lead. Tim Karrick, Rex Harris, and Terry Schultz rounded out the top five through a lap six restart. Turner held the lead at this point ahead of Tim Karrick, Taylor, Schultz, and Colson Kirk. Taylor and Schultz had a close battle for third place several laps until Schultz took the spot at the halfway point of the race. A lap 14 restart grouped the field with Turner, Karrick and Schultz inside the top three. Turner again pulled away from all competitors and went on to capture the victory over Karrick, Schultz, eleventh-starting Brad Smith, and Chad Clancy inside the top five.

A Feature – 20 Laps | 00:13:19.232:  1. 56-Shadren Turner[1]; 2. 1K-Tim Karrick[3]; 3. 90-Terry Schultz[5]; 4. 99S-Brad Smith[11]; 5. 57-Chad Clancy[9]; 6. 6T-Michael Taylor III[2]; 7. 12C-Stephen Clancy[8]; 8. 12-Parker Smith[10]; 9. 15J-Jake Fetterman[13]; 10. 447-Kenny Prince[6]; 11. 29-Tyler Cochran[14]; 12. 7-Anthony Tanner[15]; 13. 05-Jeremy Lile[12]; 14. 55-Colson Kirk[7]; 15. 30-Rex Harris[4]; 16. 03-TC Hambrick[16]

POWRi Super Stocks – 14 Entries
Heat 1 – 8 Laps | 00:05:39.458:  1. 67-Devin Irvin[2]; 2. 12V-Nathan Vaughn[3]; 3. 04-Blaine Ewing[6]; 4. 00-Cory Flamm[5]; 5. 07D-Mike Daugherty[4]; 6. (DNF) 21-Ethan Lamons[1]; 7. (DNF) 45-Aaron Poe[7]

Heat 2 – 8 Laps | 00:02:44.681:  1. 44-James Nighswonger[2]; 2. 21W-Ted Welschmeyer[4]; 3. 9-Dave Meyer[6]; 4. 164-Michael Muskrat[5]; 5. 25X-Rodger Detherage[1]; 6. G1-Nick Gibson[7]; 7. (DNF) 30K-Cameron Kelly[3]

Devin Irvin and James Nighswonger began the night’s 20-lap Super Stock main event occupying the front row with Nighswonger edging Irvin in a close side-by-side battle for the opening two laps. Nighswonger eventually emerged at the front of the field over Irvin, Nathan Vaughn, and Ted Welschmeyer. A lap nine restart for debris brought the field close together with Nighswonger leading a fierce battle for second between Vaughn, Welschmeyer, Irvin, Dave Meyer, and Blaine Ewing. Close-quarters racing led to several tense moments on the track with Irvin being forced to retire soon after the restart. Unfortunately, Vaughn and Blaine’s night also ended abruptly after the lead pack got together in the close battles coming off turn two, both drivers had to retire from the event. By lap fourteen Meyer and Nighswonger raced closely for the lead with Meyer moving out front by lap 15. Meyer went on to capture the victory over Nighswonger, in his best finish of the year. Welschmeyer was a consistent runner with a third-place finish while Aaron Poe had the charge of the night, advancing from thirteenth on the grid to fourth. Michael Muskrat and Ethan Lamons completed the top six.

A Feature – 20 Laps | 00:12:28.487:  1. 9-Dave Meyer[6]; 2. 44-James Nighswonger[2]; 3. 21W-Ted Welschmeyer[3]; 4. 45-Aaron Poe[13]; 5. 164-Michael Muskrat[8]; 6. 21-Ethan Lamons[12]; 7. 25X-Rodger Detherage[10]; 8. 00-Cory Flamm[7]; 9. 07D-Mike Daugherty[9]; 10. G1-Nick Gibson[11]; (DNF) 04-Blaine Ewing[5]; 12. (DNF) 12V-Nathan Vaughn[4]; 13. (DNF) 67-Devin Irvin[1]; 14. (DNS) 30K-Cameron Kelly

POWRi Late Model – 6 Entries
Heat 1 – 8 Laps | 00:03:11.287:  1. 145-Kyle Graves[2]; 2. 21-Johnny Fennewald[6]; 3. 1T-Tucker Cox[1]; 4. 20-Alan Westling[4]; 5. X15-Bobby Ruff II[3]; 6. 1A-Bryon Allison[5]

Johnny Fennewald of Appleton City and Fulton, Missouri’s Kyle Graves took the front row honors for the 15-lap POWRi Late Model main. Like he’s done twice before, Fennewald grabbed the lead early on and left Graves to battle with Tucker Cox for second. Cox drew close to Fennewald and challenged through lap four, but Fennewald was able to hold the point over Cox, Alan Westling, and Graves inside the top four. At the halfway marker, Fennewald built up a sizable lead in the fast and furious-paced race. Fennewald held off all challengers to claim his third CMS victory of the year at the conclusion of the race with Cox recording a solid run to second at the line. Westling held the third spot to the end over Kyle Graves and Bobby Ruff.

A Feature 1 15 Laps | 00:05:27.852
1. 21-Johnny Fennewald[1]; 2. 1T-Tucker Cox[3]; 3. 20-Alan Westling[4]; 4. 145-Kyle Graves[2]; 5. X15-Bobby Ruff II[5]; 6. 1A-Bryon Allison[6]

Pure Stocks – 13 Entries
Heat 1 – 8 Laps | 00:04:02.217:  1. 24-Bobby Russell[1]; 2. 4D-David Doelz[4]; 3. 89-Jonathan Evans[6]; 4. 50B-Brandon Smith[3]; 5. 77-Samuel Smith[2]; 6. M87-Mallory Stiffler[5]; 7. 136-Charles Baldwin Jr[7]

Heat 2 – 8 Laps | 00:09:24.830:  1. 7-Spencer Reiff[1]; 2. 41-Larry Drake[4]; 3. 81-Donnie Devers[6]; 4. MRS01-Kristina Wyatt[3]; 5. (DNF) 13B-Devin Baker[5]; 6. (DNS) 99-Ryan Oerly

Multiple-time feature winners Bobby Russell and Spencer Reiff drove from the front row of the 15-lap Pure Stock main event with Russell grabbing the early race lead. Reiff settled into second with David Doelz, Larry Drake and Jonathan Evans completing the top five. The leaders broke away from the rest of the field by lap 11 and began encountering lapped traffic soon after. At lap 13, Reiff moved to the inside of Russell and grabbed the lead at lap 14. Yellow-flag conditions flew shortly after at lap 14 with Reiff, Russell, and sixth-starting Donnie Devers inside the top three. After a pair of restarts late in the race kept the field on age, Reiff eventually drove away to claim another CMS victory, this time over sixth-starting Devers. Russell held on for a third-place run ahead of Evans, Larry Drake, and Mallory Stiffler.

Pure Stocks – 13 Entries
A Feature – 15 Laps | 00:10:38.571:  1. 7-Spencer Reiff[2]; 2. 81-Donnie Devers[6]; 3. 24-Bobby Russell[1]; 4. 89-Jonathan Evans[5]; 5. 41-Larry Drake[4]; 6. M87-Mallory Stiffler[10]; 7. 136-Charles Baldwin Jr[11]; 8. MRS01-Kristina Wyatt[8]; 9. (DNF) 77-Samuel Smith[9]; 10. (DNF) 4D-David Doelz[3]; 11. (DNS) 50B-Brandon Smith; 12. (DNS) 13B-Devin Baker; 13. (DNS) 99-Ryan Oerly

POWRi Midwest Mods – 11 Entries
Heat 1 – 8 Laps | 00:06:34.452:  1. 10-Johnny McGinnis[3]; 2. 82-David Wood[6]; 3. 17-Logan Roark[5]; 4. 5D-Dustin Dennison[1]; 5. W29-Jon Jackson[2]; 6. (DNF) 41-Alex Schultz[4]

Heat 2 – 8 Laps | 00:03:32.986:  1. 9-Brian Meyer[1]; 2. 98-Terry Smith[3]; 3. 29-Tyler Cochran[4]; 4. 114-Walker Burgin[5]; 5. 420-Bobby Wood[2]

Johnny McGinnis and David Wood were the front-row starters for the 15-lap Midwest Mods main event with Wood quickly grabbing the top spot. Caution flew early on two occasions with Wood solidly leading the field on each restart over Logan Roark, Bryan Meyer and McGinnis. The field was restarted again at lap nine after Wood’s car apparently lost power in turn two in front of the field. Upon the restart, Roark was out front with McGinnis, Terry Smith, and eleventh-starting Alex Schultz inside the top four. Roark once again found his way to victory lane, this time ahead of McGinnis, with his best-ever CMS feature finish in second. Schultz had a solid drive up from eleventh on the grid to finish third with tenth-starting Bobby Wood in fourth. Smith and Jon Jackson completed the top six runners.

POWRi Midwest Mods – 11 Entries
A Feature 1 15 Laps | 00:10:07.374:  1. 17-Logan Roark[5]; 2. 10-Johnny McGinnis[1]; 3. 41-Alex Schultz[11]; 4. 420-Bobby Wood[10]; 5. 98-Terry Smith[4]; 6. W29-Jon Jackson[9]; 7. (DNF) 9-Brian Meyer[3]; 8. (DNF) 114-Walker Burgin[7]; 9. (DNF) 82-David Wood[2]; 10. (DNF) 29-Tyler Cochran[6]; 11. (DNF) 5D-Dustin Dennison[8]

Next Saturday, July 6, marks the 24th Annual Tom Wilson Memorial, featuring $3,000-to-Win B-Mods and $1,000-to-Win Pure Stocks. We are also running Super Stocks and Midwest Mods. Plus, a Full Fireworks Display After the Races and Pulled Pork Sandwiches in the Concession Stands! There will be no track registration in any class; however, B-Mods and Pure Stocks have an entry fee for their special events. Midwest Mods and Super Stocks have pit pass fee only $40. POWRi Points will be awarded to all POWRi-sanctioned classes.

Central Missouri Speedway wishes to thank all the drivers, crew personnel, and race fans for their continued dedication and commitment to the CMS race nights, events, and programs. We know you have many places to choose from to fulfill your racing fix, and we are grateful when you make your way to the CMS grounds.

Schedule Preview:

Race #13, Saturday, July 6 Special Event Pricing in Effect	24th Annual Tom Wilson Memorial featuring $3,000-to-Win B-Mods and $1,000-to-Win Pure Stocks. Also running Super Stocks and Midwest Mods. Plus, a Full Fireworks Display After the Races and Pulled Pork Sandwiches in the Concession Stands!  (No track registration in any class, B-Mods and Pure Stocks have an entry fee, Midwest Mods and Super Stocks have pit pass fee only. POWRi Points awarded to POWRi-sanctioned classes.
Saturday, July 13	WEEKEND OFF, NO RACING!
Race #14, Saturday, July 20	Weekly Racing:  B-Mods, Super Stocks, Midwest Mods, and Pure Stocks
Race #15, Saturday, July 27 Special Event Pricing in Effect	$2,500-to-Win, Seventh-Annual Super Stock Showdown.  Plus, Weekly Championship Points Racing for B-Mods, Pure Stocks, and Midwest Mods. No track points for Super Stocks. Super Stocks have an entry fee, all other classes pay pit pass only.

 

Follow CMS on Twitter @CMSgoing_green, find CMS on YouTube at CMS Going Green! Visit and bookmark our website at www.centralmissourispeedway.net, or Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Central-Missouri-Speedway. Visit the CMS MyRacePass site at centralmissourispeedway.myracepass.com. CMS is located 3.5 north of Warrensburg on Highway 13, or 13 miles south of the I-70 Higginsville exit on Highway 13.

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Originally Appeared Here

Do you want to learn more about gardening? Do you have a passion for sharing gardening information and making your community a more beautiful place? Join us for the upcoming Extension Master Gardener (EMG) Training this fall.

The University of Missouri Extension in Cole County is organizing an Extension Master Gardener Training in collaboration with Central Missouri Master Gardeners in the fall of 2024.

The mission of the Missouri Master Gardener Extension program is “helping others learn to grow.” The Master Gardener program provides in-depth horticulture training to individuals throughout Missouri who then volunteer their time applying what they have learned to help others in their communities to learn about gardening and environmental education.

The Master Gardener program throughout Missouri promotes and raises public awareness of the University of Missouri Extension as source of unbiased, research-based gardening information.

To become trained as a Master Gardener, an individual must attend a 30-hour classroom core course training. Then the Master Gardener trainee is required to give 30 hours of volunteer service back to their community in approved University of Missouri Extension activities.

The Extension Master Gardener Training will help you to gain new horticulture knowledge and become a community resource for science-based information. The training educates about gardening benefits and provide opportunity to meet fellow gardeners.

This training is in hybrid module. The training has 11 sessions of lectures through Zoom. The lectures will be held from 9-11 a.m. Thursdays from Aug. 22-Oct. 31. The participants can join the Zoom lectures from their home, or they can come to Cole County Extension Center in Jefferson City to join the lectures.

Following are the dates and lecture topics in the training:

Aug. 22: Plants and their envirement.

Aug. 29: Plant health and diseases.

Sept. 5: Herbaceous Ornamentals (annuals and perennials).

Sept. 12: Landscape Design.

Sept. 19: Introduction to Soils.

Sept. 26: Home Lawn Care.

Oct. 3: Home Fruit Production.

Oct. 10: Vegetable Gardening.

Oct. 17: Woody Ornamentals, Pruning Ornamental Trees and Shrubs.

Oct. 24: Plant Propogation.

Oct. 31: Insects, IPM, and Environmental Stewardship.

There will be six in-person field sessions in the training. During field sessions, participants will visit various flower gardens, vegetable gardens, fruit orchards and greenhouses and do a landscape tour in Cole and Boone counties. The first field session will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 15 at the Cole County Extension Center, 2436 Tanner Bridge Road, for an orientation session.

The cost to participate in the training is $200, which includes the EMG Core Manual. The deadline to register is July 31.

Interested participants can register online at https://extension.missouri.edu/events/extension-master-gardener-training-mid-missouri-fall-2024.

Dhruba Dhakal, PhD is a University of Missouri Extension Horticulturist, serving to Missourians about a decade in Central Missouri. Dhakal can be contacted at [email protected] with gardening questions.

Originally Appeared Here

ASHLAND — The First Presidential Debate hosted by CNN drew viewers from across the state and political candidates to Ashland Thursday night with the help of a local radio host.

Stephanie Bell, co-host of “Wake Up Mid-Missouri” on KSSZ KWOS, has announced what she describes as the state’s largest debate watch party at Lakeside Ashland, an outdoor entertainment venue.

“I am a big debate watcher personally; I love presidential debates,” Bell said. “I think being educated on the issues is really important and educated about the candidates. When they scheduled the first debate, I thought, ‘Why not throw a big debate watch party?’

Several candidates for Missouri’s 3rd Congressional District attended the event.

Bob Onder and Kurt Schaefer both posted photos on X after attending the event.

Great night for a debate watch party in Ashland. MO! MAGA! #MO03 pic.twitter.com/0nwaprOHpB

— Dr. Bob Onder (@BobOnderMO) June 28, 2024

In all seriousness, it was great to be out with #TeamSchaefer tonight to witness President Trump’s landslide victory in the debate, and even better to meet and reconnect with so many patriots. Let’s Make Congress Work Again, and Make America Great Again! pic.twitter.com/kmFPOJIw3p

— Kurt U. Schaefer (@KurtUSchaefer) June 28, 2024

Peverill Squire, a professor at the University of Missouri and longtime debate watcher, is likely to watch the debate from home, but he shared insights about its potential impact on voters.

“For the vast majority of Americans, they probably already know which candidate they are likely to vote for and whether or not they will turn out to vote at all,” Squire said. “Most voters won’t be swayed, but enough of them could be to make a difference.”

A Quinnipiac poll found 84% of people would not be swayed by the candidates’ performances in the debate. One veteran at the watch party in Ashland fell into that category.

“I came out to see what was going on between these two,” Navy veteran Tom Schoening said. “You ain’t convincing me not to vote for Trump.”

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As the debate draws closer, Bell said she’s felt a heightened sense of importance surrounding the event.

“When the debate was first announced, there were questions about how much these debates really matter,” she said. “But as it’s gotten closer, everyone agrees this debate is of significant importance. The attendance we’re expecting reflects how important everyone feels the debate is for the presidential race.”

Squire said he has some ideas about the candidates’ strategies.

“Biden wants to show he is in command of the facts,” Squire said. “He has been gaffe-prone throughout his life, so he will try to avoid too many of those instances. For Trump, his concern is to decide whether he wants to be an attack dog as in other debates or appear somewhat presidential.”

The unique circumstances of this debate are unique, Squire said.

“This is an extraordinary situation with one candidate convicted of felonies and still the major party nominee,” he said. “That will be something many Missourians will be interested to see how each candidate handles. We just don’t know what to expect. It’s in a different setting than normal, with no audience and limited microphone use. It may seem like a sterile environment, and it’s unclear how that will play out for either candidate.”

As for the watch party at Lakeside Ashland, Bell called it a bipartisan event.

“A lot of our local candidates will be in attendance” she said. “We’ve told people it’s a bipartisan event, so we have Republicans, Democrats, Independents — everyone is invited to come out and watch the debate with us.”

In addition to local candidates, Bell said some statewide campaigns are expected to attend.

“It’s a chance to get one-on-one face time with some of these candidates (and) learn more about local and statewide groups working on issues, as well as the candidates,” Bell said.

Originally Appeared Here

barlow

Barlow to serve as the new director of research and agronomy for Missouri Soybeans

PUBLISHED ON June 25, 2024

Missouri Soybeans is excited to announce Blake Barlow’s appointment as the organization’s new director of research and agronomy. With experience in agricultural research and sales, Barlow aims to drive innovative solutions for Missouri soybean farmers. (photo provided)

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri Soybeans is excited to announce Blake Barlow’s appointment as the organization’s new director of research and agronomy. With experience in agricultural research and sales, Barlow aims to drive innovative solutions for Missouri soybean farmers.

Barlow will work with the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council (MSMC) to select and oversee funded projects that will most impact Missouri soybean farmers. This includes managing the evaluation and selection of plant breeding and biotech research projects and applied agronomic projects funded by Missouri’s checkoff.

In addition to managing the portfolio of research and agronomic projects, Barlow will serve as the staff liaison between the North Central Soybean Research Program (NCSRP) and the Mid-South Soybean Board (MSSB). He will interact extensively with the University of Missouri-Columbia, other state universities, industry leaders, state and federal agencies, varied commodity organizations, and fellow qualified state soybean boards (QSSBs).

“We are thrilled to welcome Blake to the team,” said Gary Wheeler, Missouri Soybeans CEO and executive director. “His experience, combined with his passion for agronomic innovation, will be instrumental in developing and implementing advanced solutions to enhance the productivity and sustainability of Missouri soybean farming and ensure the effective use of the checkoff.”

Raised in Hale, Mo., Barlow comes from a family with a rich history in seed sales. He holds a Bachelor of Science in agriculture business and crop and soil science from the University of Central Missouri and a Master of Science in plant insect and microbial science from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He and his wife, Haylee, who works in R&D at Bayer Crop Science, still help on their family’s farm today.

Barlow previously held roles at Bayer Crop Science as a seed and trait technology development representative and a crop protection technology development representative, planning and summarizing agronomic and crop protection research. He also served as an input sales agronomist at Bartlett Grain Company, selling agricultural inputs to producers.

“This role provides a unique opportunity to help Missouri soybean farmers advance productivity through innovative research,” said Barlow. “I look forward to working closely with researchers and the board to ensure the effective use of the Missouri checkoff.”

Missouri Soybeans is excited about the future and positive impact these changes will have on the organization. For more information, please visit mosoy.org.

—Missouri Soybeans

Originally Appeared Here

Faculty and students from the University of Central Missouri (UCM) joined partners to participate in professional development sessions for K-12 educators at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, and the Midwest Genealogy Center in Independence, Missouri, on June 17-18.

 

On June 17, nineteen educators who teach grades 7-12 in the areas surrounding the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery attended a professional development seminar on uncovering and documenting the life stories of World War II era veterans interred at the cemetery. The teachers continued their research using the extensive resources available at the Midwest Genealogy Center.

 

This opportunity was made possible by funding from the Veterans Legacy Memorial Grant Program.

 

During the first day, participants toured the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery and learned research techniques to uncover the personal histories of these veterans. They also explored how to teach their students these research skills and how to upload veteran biographies to the Veterans Legacy Memorial platform.

 

On the second day, the teachers utilized the Midwest Genealogy Center’s resources to deepen their research and provided feedback on a draft handbook developed by the UCM team. This handbook is designed specifically for 7-12 grade teachers and aligns with state standards.

 

The Veterans Legacy Memorial grant, received in August 2023 by UCM and its partners, funded this professional development event as part of the Veterans Voices from the Heartland grant.

 

UCM faculty members who presented at the event included Lauren Hays, associate professor of education technology; Sara Sundberg, professor emerita of history; and Jon Taylor, professor of history. Tina Ellsworth, assistant professor of education at Northwest Missouri State University, served as an outside consultant for the grant. UCM History graduate student Joey Lake and undergraduate student Truman Harrow, who conducted preliminary research about the World War II veterans interred in Higginsville for the sessions, also participated. UCM’s Office of Sponsored Programs and Research Integrity provided support and oversight for the project.

 

Other partners included Katie Kline, director of the Greater Kansas City Writing Project, and Katie Smith and Kim Alberg from the Midwest Genealogy Center.

 

For more information, contact Dr. Jon Taylor at jtaylor01@ucmo.edu.

 

Cutline: Veteran Voices from the Heartland MA student Joey Lake and undergraduate student Truman Harrow of UCM attend the session at the Midwest Genealogy Center in Independence, Missouri.

 

About the University of Central Missouri

With its main campus in Warrensburg, in addition to academic opportunities at the UCM Lee’s Summit at Missouri Innovation Campus, the University of Central Missouri is a comprehensive state institution that serves more than 13,000 students, many of them from out-of-state and across the globe. Helping students to “redefine what’s possible,” UCM offers affordable tuition, prestigious and varied academic programs, and faculty members who are dedicated to their success. While benefiting from a support team of mentors, advisors, counselors, classmates, friends and professors, students not only leave UCM well prepared for the job market, but for life, having access to hundreds of opportunities beyond the classroom. Learn more at ucmo.edu.

 

Originally Appeared Here

The Missouri Department of Transportation will conduct highway maintenance and construction work in mid-Missouri this week. Drivers should expect lane closures and potential delays as crews work on various projects. Weather conditions may affect the schedule, MoDOT said.

Audrain County

Route W: Closed for City of Vandalia sewer project from East Washington Street to East State Street beginning on Monday, June 24th at 7 a.m. and ending on Wednesday, July 17 at 6 p.m.

Boone County

Missouri Route 163 (Providence Road): Resurfacing continues from Route K/Old Plank Road north to Interstate 70. One lane will be closed between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. The project is scheduled for completion in August 2024.

Missouri Route 124: Upgrades to pedestrian facilities continue in the city of Hallsville. One lane will remain open in each direction, and crews will flag traffic through the work zones. The project is scheduled for completion in June 2024.

Route B: Upgrades to pedestrian facilities continue in the city of Hallsville. One lane will remain open in each direction, and crews will flag traffic through the work zones. The project is scheduled for completion in June 2024.

I-70: Bridge construction continues for the new Rocheport Bridge near mile marker 115. The project is scheduled for completion in December 2024.

Callaway County

Route H: Bridge rehabilitation continues over U.S. Route 54 in Fulton. One lane will remain open and temporary traffic signals are in place to guide motorists through the work zone. A 17-foot width restriction is in place. The project is scheduled for completion in July 2024.

Route B: Guardrail replacement and seal coating planned to begin June 24 U.S. Route 54 to Route 19 (Montgomery County). One lane will remain open, and flaggers with a pilot car will direct motorists through the work zone. The project is scheduled for completion in November 2024.

Route E: Guardrail replacement and seal coating planned to begin June 24 from Route DD to U.S Route 54. One lane will remain open, and flaggers with a pilot car will direct motorists through the work zone. The project is scheduled for completion in November 2024.

Camden County

Missouri Route 7: Road resurfacing continues from U.S. Route 65 in Benton County and progressing south to Missouri Route 5 in Camden County. One lane will remain open, and flaggers with a pilot car will direct motorists through the work zone. Work will be conducted weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The project is scheduled for completion in November 2024.

Cole County

Route B: Bridge rehabilitation continues at the Moreau River Bridge, north of Wardsville. One lane will remain open and temporary traffic signals are in place. The project is scheduled for completion in August 2024.

Cooper County

Missouri Route 5: Bridge rehabilitation continues at the Petite Saline Creek Bridge, south of I-70. The road is CLOSED to all traffic and motorists will need to seek an alternate route. The project is scheduled for completion in June 2024.

Route O:  Bridge rehabilitation to begin at the Moniteau Creek Bridge. The road is scheduled to CLOSE to all traffic beginning June 24, and motorists will need to seek an alternate route. The project is scheduled for completion in September 2024.

I-70: Bridge construction continues for the new Rocheport Bridge near mile marker 115. The project is scheduled for completion in December 2024. 

Howard County

Route P: Bridge rehabilitation continues at the Bonne Femme Creek Bridge in New Franklin. The road is CLOSED to all traffic and motorists will need to seek an alternate route. The project is scheduled for completion in August 2024.

Macon County

U.S. Route 36 (Eastbound): Lane restriction from June 25 to June 27 for patching operations from U.S. Business Route 36 to Nashville Avenue between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.  A 14-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working daily.

Missouri Route 156: Lane restrictions between July 2 and July 3 for bridge maintenance 0.25 mile before and after the North River bridge between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place where crews are actively working daily.

Route J: Closed June 24 for culvert replacement operations from Missouri Route 129 in Linn County to Alpine Avenue in Macon County between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

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Route J: Closed July 1 for bridge maintenance from Route O to Hacksaw Road between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Monroe County

Route A: Closed June 27 and July 1 for patching operations from U.S. Route 24 to Route J between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily.

Route F: Closed between June 24 and June 26 for patching operations from Route A to Missouri Route 15 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily.

Route J: Closed between July 2 and July 3 for patching operations from Missouri Route 15 to the Randolph county line between 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Montgomery County

Route FF: Closed from July 1 to July 3 for patching operations from Route E to end of state maintenance between 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. daily.

Maries County

Missouri Route 133: Culvert replacement planned June 24 – 27 just north of Route BB. One lane will remain open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zones.

Miller County

Routes Z and BB: Road resurfacing continues. One lane will remain open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zones. The project is scheduled for completion in June 2024.

Route OO: Road resurfacing continues. One lane will remain open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zones. The project is scheduled for completion in July 2024.

Morgan County

Routes AA, T, MM, OO, WW: Road resurfacing continues. One lane will remain open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zones. The project is scheduled for completion in July 2024.

Phelps County

I-44: Eastbound right lane closure planned nightly June 24 – 28, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., from Exit 186 in Rolla to Exit 195 in St. James, for barrier removal and channelizer placement. Ramps will be closed nightly within the corridor. Bridge rehabilitation continues over the Little Piney River Bridge, westbound only near mile marker 174. One lane will remain open, work will be conducted nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. The project is scheduled for completion in July 2024. Road resurfacing and reconstruction continues from Exit 186 in Rolla to Exit 195 in St. James. Expect around-the-clock lane closures from U.S. Route 63 to Missouri Route 68. An 11-foot width restriction is in place. The project is scheduled for completion in late fall 2024.

Route BB: Pothole patching planned June 24 – 27. One lane will remain open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zone.

Route F: Pothole patching planned June 24 – 27 from Missouri Route 72 to Missouri Route 68. One lane will remain open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zone.

Route JJ: New pavement construction planned June 24 – 27 from Route 68 to the end of state maintenance. One lane will remain open, and crews will flag traffic through the work zone.

Route O: Upgrades to pedestrian facilities continue in the city of Rolla from Missouri Route 72 to Lions Club Drive. One lane will remain open in each direction. The project is scheduled for completion in June 2024.

Pulaski County

Business Loop 44: Bridge rehabilitation planned over I-44. Crossover construction is scheduled as night work, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., June 24 – July 3. Following crossover construction, traffic will shift to a head-to-head configuration and daytime work to rehabilitate the bridges is planned from July 8 through October.

Randolph County

Route J: Lane restriction June 24 for patching operations from U.S. Route 63 to CR 1870 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily.

Route DD: Lane restriction from June 25 to June 27 and July 1 for patching operations from CR 1650 to CR 1220 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily.

For more information, visit MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map or call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636).

Originally Appeared Here

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Central Missouri Speedway
June 22, 2024
By Sam Stoecklin
For Immediate Release

It was a full night of action at Central Missouri Speedway on Saturday when Seeburg Muffler presented the Cash Money Dirt Late Model Series Rumble. There were 22 Late Models on hand for the action, along with 9 Midwest Mod, 10 Pure Stocks, 20 Super Stocks, and 20 B-Mods. All total, 81 cars participated in the night’s action.

After the 14 preliminary heat races, two late model dashes, and five main events, and 224 laps of racing completed by 10:35 pm it was Dustin Atkinson taking the Cash Money Late Model victory while Shadren Turner returned to B-Mod victory lane. Blaine Ewing took top honors in Super Stocks with Bobby Russell collecting the Pure Stock prize and Dustin Dennison driving to the Midwest Mods victory.

Cash $ Late Models – 22 Entries
APAC “Dash for Cash” – 5 Laps:  1. 11C-Sawyer Crigler[1]; 2. 11-Steve Johnson[2]; 3. 22-Tim Petty[3]; 4. 26-Glen Powell[4]; 5. 5JR-Noah Ames[6]; 6. 88-Isaac Keepper[5]

APAC “Dash for Cash” 2 – 5 Laps:  1. 5*-John Briggs[2]; 2. 75-ZD Keepper[1]; 3. 414-Ryan Thomas[5]; 4. 29-Matt Menzie[3]; 5. (DNS) 82B-Blake W Steele; 6. (DNS) 87-Steve Steele

KRC Heat 1 – 8 Laps:  1. 22-Tim Petty[4]; 2. 11-Steve Johnson[1]; 3. 414-Ryan Thomas[6]; 4. 11P-Curt Potter[3]; 5. 87-Steve Steele[2]; 6. (DNF) 82B-Blake W Steele[5]

Location Freight Heat 2 – 8 Laps:  1. 88-Isaac Keepper[3]; 2. 29-Matt Menzie[1]; 3. 11C-Sawyer Crigler[5]; 4. 93D-Josh Dugan[4]; 5. 33-Mike Bitner[2]; 6. 30-Dalton Cloyd[6]

Whitman Trucking Heat 3 – 8 Laps:  1. 82-Jace Parmley[1]; 2. 60-Cody Nivens[2]; 3. 75-ZD Keepper[5]; 4. 90-Josh Farris[3]; 5. (DNF) 9-Sam Petty[4]

Powell Mechanical Heat 4 – 8 Laps:  1. 4A-Dustin Atkinson[3]; 2. 5*-John Briggs[2]; 3. 13B-Brandon Baldridge[5]; 4. 5JR-Noah Ames[1]; 5. (DNF) 26-Glen Powell[4]

Polesitter Dustin Atkinson, of Lebanon, Missouri led the field of 22 Cash Money Late Models to green to start the 30-lap main Seeburg Muffler Late Model Rumble. Tim Petty, Ryan Thomas, and Isaac Keeper stayed close in the early laps during a fast and furious dash to the finish. Drivers mastered the track as they threaded their way through lapped traffic by the midway point of the race with the green light staying lit. Atkinson was able to pull away from the fantastic three-car battle for second as Jace Parmley moved forward towards the top three. The race stayed green for 24 straight laps before the first caution flew for a single-car spin. When racing resumed, Atkinson had company as Sawyer Crigler stayed with him until the second and final caution flew inside of three laps to go. As the lead duo returned to full throttle, Crigler actually moved to the front of the field; however, Atkinson was not to be denied on this night as he collected his first-ever CMS victory. Crigler had to settle for the runner-up position after a valiant effort and bid for the win. Former CMS winner Jace Parmely advanced from ninth on the grid to finish third. Isaac Keepper was consistent the entire race to claim fourth with Tim Petty fifth and twelfth-starting Brandon Baldridge sixth.

Mr. Dent A Feature 30 Laps | 00:20:27.924 | Collision Repair Auto Body Shop:  1. 4A-Dustin Atkinson[1]; 2. 11C-Sawyer Crigler[10]; 3. 82-Jace Parmley[9]; 4. 88-Isaac Keepper[4]; 5. 22-Tim Petty[3]; 6. 13B-Brandon Baldridge[12]; 7. 60-Cody Nivens[7]; 8. 5*-John Briggs[8]; 9. 29-Matt Menzie[6]; 10. 75-ZD Keepper[11]; 11. 30-Dalton Cloyd[17]; 12. 33-Mike Bitner[19]; 13. 93D-Josh Dugan[16]; 14. 9-Sam Petty[20]; 15. 5JR-Noah Ames[13]; 16. 11P-Curt Potter[14]; 17. 414-Ryan Thomas[2]; 18. 90-Josh Farris[15]; 19. 87-Steve Steele[18]; 20. (DNF) 11-Steve Johnson[5]; 21. (DNF) 82B-Blake W Steele[22]; 22. (DNS) 26-Glen Powell

POWRi B-Mod – 20 Entries
Heat 1 -8 Laps | 00:07:22.195:  1. 56-Shadren Turner[7]; 2. 7-Anthony Tanner[2]; 3. C3-Chad Staus[4]; 4. 05-Jeremy Lile[6]; 5. 12C-Stephen Clancy[5]; 6. 55-Devin Payne[3]; 7. (DNF) 5H-Scott Hammack[1]

Heat 2 – 8 Laps | 00:03:32.600:  1. 94-Jacob Ebert[2]; 2. 57-Aaron Marrant[3]; 3. 90-Terry Schultz[1]; 4. 15-Colin Pierce[4]; 5. 99S-Brad Smith[7]; 6. 29-Tyler Cochran[5]; 7. 1K-Tim Karrick[6]

Heat 3 – 8 Laps | 00:02:47.526:  1. 88-Derek Nevels[4]; 2. 97-Ron Hartford[3]; 3. 447-Kenny Prince[5]; 4. 15J-Jake Fetterman[6]; 5. 26-Derick Schlarb[1]; 6. (DNF) 03-TC Hambrick[2]

Shadren Turner and Derek Nevels of Corder, Missouri, occupied row one for the B-Mod main event with Turner quickly establishing himself as the leader for the 20-lap race. The field was slowed by lap three as Turner led Aaron Marrant, Jacob Ebert Nevels, and Chad Staus. Caution flew again at lap six but after that it was go time for drivers as they tried to dethrone Turner, who has been on a CMS terror lately. Marrant tried to hang with Turner for several laps but as the laps clicked away, Turner was able to thread his way through the lapped traffic and hold his advantage. Meanwhile, fourteenth-starting Stephen Clancy was on a mission to the front of the field as he closed in on the top three a third of the way through the event. Jacob Ebert and Terry Schultz also were consistent inside the top vice as Tim Karrick patiently made his way inside the top ten, advancing from eighteenth on the grid. Turner once again proved too strong for the B-Mod contingent and collected his third CMS victory of the year. Marrant took the second position with Clancy’s phenomenal run from far back resulting in a third-place finish. Ebert was a consistent runner in fourth with Schultz fifth. Karrick capped his night off with a run from eighteenth to finish sixth.

A Feature 1 20 Laps:  1. 56-Shadren Turner[1]; 2. 57-Aaron Marrant[4]; 3. 12C-Stephen Clancy[14]; 4. 94-Jacob Ebert[3]; 5. 90-Terry Schultz[9]; 6. 1K-Tim Karrick[18]; 7. C3-Chad Staus[8]; 8. 99S-Brad Smith[13]; 9. 447-Kenny Prince[7]; 10. 88-Derek Nevels[2]; 11. 05-Jeremy Lile[10]; 12. 15-Colin Pierce[12]; 13. 7-Anthony Tanner[6]; 14. 15J-Jake Fetterman[11]; 15. 97-Ron Hartford[5]; 16. 29-Tyler Cochran[17]; 17. (DNF) 5H-Scott Hammack[20]; 18. (DNF) 26-Derick Schlarb[15]; 19. (DNF) 55-Devin Payne[16]; 20. (DNF) 03-TC Hambrick[19]

POWRi Super Stocks – 20 Entries
Heat 1 – 8 Laps | 00:02:46.961:  1. 10-Marc Carter[1]; 2. 45-Aaron Poe[4]; 3. 25-Jay Prevete[2]; 4. 30C-Clayton Campbell[3]; 5. 44-James Nighswonger[7]; 6. 8D-Darek Wiss[5]; 7. (DNF) 116-Zack Smith[6]

Heat 2 – 8 Laps | 00:05:04.334:  1. 12V-Nathan Vaughn[7]; 2. 9-Dave Meyer[5]; 3. 67-Devin Irvin[1]; 4. 30K-Cameron Kelly[4]; 5. 07D-Mike Daugherty[2]; 6. (DNF) 77-Daniel McKenzie[3]; 7. (DNF) 25X-Rodger Detherage[6]

Heat 3 – 8 Laps | 00:06:53.788:  1. 04-Blaine Ewing[3]; 2. 164-Michael Muskrat[2]; 3. 21W-Ted Welschmeyer[6]; 4. G1-Nick Gibson[1]; 5. 05-Dale Berry[4]; 6. (DNF) 4-Branden Bise[5]

Nathan Vaughn was looking for a strong return to action as he earned the top starting position in the 20-lap Super Stock main event alongside previous feature winner Blaine Ewing. After two false starts and two top contenders falling from contention as Mar Carter and Vaughn experienced trouble early, the race went green, and Ewing moved to the front of the field. Dave Meyer, Ted Welschmeyer, and Aaron Poe ran close behind through the early laps until caution flew on lap three. Meyer challenged Ewing on the restart on the lowesid3 as Ewing ran the high line side by side. Just shy of the halfway marker, Ewing was able to put some distance on himself and Meyer, who was locked into an intense battle for second with Welschmeyer. By lap 11, Welschmeyer began putting heavy pressure on Ewing for the lead as Meyer looked on. For several laps it looked as though Welschmeyer would finally get a victory, but Ewing fended off all challenges and eventually claimed his third victory of the season at CMS. Welschmeyer, who started sixth, came away with second with Meyer third. Aaron Poe was a consistent top-five runner in fourth with Clayton Campbell moving from tenth to fifth at the finish. Devin Irvin rebounded from an early spin to complete the top six finishers.

A Feature – 20 Laps | 00:13:54.540:  1. 04-Blaine Ewing[2]; 2. 21W-Ted Welschmeyer[6]; 3. 9-Dave Meyer[3]; 4. 45-Aaron Poe[5]; 5. 30C-Clayton Campbell[10]; 6. 67-Devin Irvin[9]; 7. 164-Michael Muskrat[7]; 8. 44-James Nighswonger[13]; 9. 10-Marc Carter[4]; 10. G1-Nick Gibson[12]; 11. 116-Zack Smith[19]; 12. 8D-Darek Wiss[16]; 13. 77-Daniel McKenzie[17]; 14. 05-Dale Berry[15]; 15. 07D-Mike Daugherty[14]; 16. 30K-Cameron Kelly[11]; 17. (DNF) 4-Branden Bise[18]; 18. (DNF) 25-Jay Prevete[8]; 19. (DNF) 12V-Nathan Vaughn[1]; 20. (DNF) 25X-Rodger Detherage[20]

Pure Stocks – 10 Entries
Heat 1-  8 Laps | 00:02:55.317:  1. 24-Bobby Russell[2]; 2. 7-Spencer Reiff[4]; 3. M87-Mallory Stiffler[1]; 4. 81-Donnie Devers[5]; 5. 75-Brady Tanner[3]

Heat 2 – 8 Laps | 00:03:00.275:  1. 98-RIchard Jameson[1]; 2. 4D-David Doelz[5]; 3. 13B-Devin Baker[4]; 4. 21-Joey Harper[2]; 5. MRS01-Kristina Wyatt[3]

Bobby Russell and David Doelz were the front row starters for the 15-lap Pure Stock main event with Russell taking command at the drop of the green flag. Early front-runner Richard Jameson fell from the top three early in the race with caution waving on lap one. David Doelz and Spencer Reiff had a spirited battle for second behind Russell during the first half of the race with Reiff eventually taking sole possession of second behind Russell. After another restart, Reiff moved in on the leader by lap seven as the lead duo worked lapped cars. Reiff came out on the wrong end of a high-side move, which led to his car leaving the track surface and drawing a mid-race caution. Russell was left to battle with Doelz and Donnie Devers late in the race but the second and third-place drivers were never able to mount a serious challenge on Russell, who ultimately went on to collect his fourth win of the season. Doelz recorded his best finish of the year in second with Devers doing the same in third. Reiff recovered for a respectable run back to fourth with Devin Baker fifth and Mallory Stiffler in sixth.

A Feature – 15 Laps | 00:11:33.785:  1. 24-Bobby Russell[1]; 2. 4D-David Doelz[2]; 3. 81-Donnie Devers[7]; 4. 7-Spencer Reiff[4]; 5. 13B-Devin Baker[5]; 6. M87-Mallory Stiffler[6]; 7. MRS01-Kristina Wyatt[10]; 8. (DNF) 21-Joey Harper[8]; 9. (DNF) 75-Brady Tanner[9]; 10. (DNF) 98-RIchard Jameson[3]

POWRi Midwest Mods – 9 Entries
Heat 1 – 8 Laps | 00:05:34.083
1. 17-Logan Roark[3]; 2. 82-David Wood[4]; 3. 98-Dylon Smith[5]; 4. 40-Jared Riddle[2]; 5. (DNF) 13-Joe Marrant[1]

Heat 2 – 8 Laps | 00:03:48.204:  1. 5D-Dustin Dennison[2]; 2. 41-Alex Schultz[4]; 3. 9-Brian Meyer[3]; 4. (DNF) 4P-Jesse Hogg[1]

Six-time feather winner Logan Roark and former track champion Dustin Dennison took top starting honors for the 15-lap Midwest Mods main event. Cautions slowed the field on several occasions for the first five laps as Roark held the top spot until lap five, when he was forced to retire from the event with damage to the front of his car. This allowed Dennison to capture the top spot ahead of David Wood and Alex Schultz. Dennison did all he could to hold back Wood for the top spot as Schultz looked on in third. Dennison eventually drove to his first win of the season with Wood coming away in second. Dylon Smith ran strong in third with Schultz fourth, Jesse Hogg fifth with Roark sixth.

A Feature – 15 Laps | 00:10:48.367:  1. 5D-Dustin Dennison[2]; 2. 82-David Wood[3]; 3. 98-Dylon Smith[5]; 4. 41-Alex Schultz[4]; 5. 4P-Jesse Hogg[8]; 6. (DNF) 17-Logan Roark[1]; 7. (DNF) 9-Brian Meyer[6]; 8. (DNF) 40-Jared Riddle[7]; 9. (DNF) 13-Joe Marrant[9]

Next week, championship racing continues in all four regular divisions, plus guest class POWRi Late Models.

Schedule Preview:

Race #12, Saturday, June 29	Comfort Inn Race Night, Featuring Weekly Racing:  B-Mods, Super Stocks, Midwest Mods, and Pure Stocks. Plus, Guest Class POWRi Late Models
Race #13, Saturday, July 6	24th Annual Tom Wilson Memorial featuring $3,000-to-Win B-Mods and $1,000-to-Win Pure Stocks. Also running Super Stocks and Midwest Mods. Plus, a Full Fireworks Display After the Races and Pulled Pork Sandwiches in the Concession Stands!

 

Follow CMS on Twitter @CMSgoing_green, find CMS on YouTube at CMS Going Green! Visit and bookmark our website at www.centralmissourispeedway.net, or Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Central-Missouri-Speedway. Visit the CMS MyRacePass site at centralmissourispeedway.myracepass.com. CMS is located 3.5 north of Warrensburg on Highway 13, or 13 miles south of the I-70 Higginsville exit on Highway 13.

Thank you to our 2024 Primary Sponsors:  Cliff Harris Auto Group, Midwest Coatings Inc., Super 8 Higginsville, Seeburg Muffler, Comfort Inn Warrensburg, KMMO FM 102.9, Alternative Wire & Cable, Better Country KIX 105.7 FM. Thank you to our 2024 sponsors!  Hammons Roofing, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Moose’s Market, Get ‘Er Done HVAC, and Foley Equipment. Thank you to our 2024 Marketing Partners!  O.K. Tire, Eickleberry Concrete and Construction, KMZU The Farm 100.7 FM, O.K. Wheel & Tire, D & D Excavating and Property Restoration, Elite Auto and Repair, Kleinschmidt’s Western Store, Blue Springs Truck Line, DQ Grill & Chill Warrensburg, United Rentals Warrensburg, Big O Tires, RacinDirt TV, Brooks Automotive, and Phantom Distilling.

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Originally Appeared Here

A sales tax in Boone County raised the most money for children and families in need in 2023 since the tax was established in 2013, according to a new report from the Boone County Community Services Department.

The department released the 2023 report on Thursday, outlining how it uses revenue that goes toward two funds, including the Children’s Services Fund.

The Children’s Services Fund serves youth and families in the Boone County area by providing services and programs intended to help live better lives. Boone County citizens passed the fund in 2012.

With the fund came the Boone County Children’s Services sales tax in 2013, and the Boone County Children’s Services Board, which oversees the fund, began contracting with programs in 2014. Tax revenue from the one-fourth-cent sales tax supports the Children’s Services Fund.

Since the fund began in 2013, tax revenue has generated an average of $8 million a year, and tax revenue grew by 21% between 2022 and 2023, according to the report.

That means the tax generated $2 million more than the average. During this time, Boone County began collecting internet-use tax for online sales, which contributed to the growth.

In 2023, the Children’s Services Fund generated $10,977,086 in revenue, with 93% of that coming from the sales tax. The department used $10.6 million to give back to contracted services for children, families and individuals, according to the report.

The fund served more than 81,000 people in Boone County, with 80% of them being from Columbia, according to the report.

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The Columbia Boys and Girls Club received around $230,000 from the fund, where it utilized the money in programs like Great Futures Start Here. The program is a youth and family support program that provides after-school and summer programming.

Administrators like Martina Hoyt-Vail, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of the Columbia area, see the fund as a cornerstone for their organization’s mission.

“It’s really important for programs like ours and many other nonprofits in the community that serve youth and families,” Hoyt-Vail said. “The Boone County Children’s Services fund is an integral part of us being able to provide low- or no-cost programming to all of the youth in our community.”

Hoyt-Vail said after-school programs are essential to youth development because it takes enrichment beyond classroom time.

“School time is only a small portion of their day,” Hoyt-Vail said. “After-school and summer programming helps them to engage in safe, fun and exciting ways that we can try to deter bad behaviors.”

The fund allows programs like Great Futures Start Here to teach children about basic life values and how to live healthier lives. 

“We are focusing on providing academic enrichment, positive values, healthy decision-making and exposing children to new and interesting opportunities or experiences that they may not have options to otherwise,” Hoyt-Vail said. “Decisions like what we put in our bodies to keep us healthy and how to work through social conflicts with others and ourselves to regulate our own emotions.”

The Children’s Service Fund gives many programs and organizations in Boone County beyond the Boys and Girls Club the ability to exist.

“The importance of our program is to ensure we provide great futures for our youth,” Hoyt-Vail said. “We want to empower our youth to understand who they are and who they can become.”

Originally Appeared Here