Special to McDonald County Press
Members of the Anderson Betterment Club and interested residents recently attended a six-month follow-up meeting to the "Feels Like Home Tour."
Staff from various state agencies arrived in March to provide an overall assessment of Anderson and McDonald County. The tour focused on identifying areas of concern as well as positive areas for potential within the Anderson and McDonald County region.
Many of the recommendations revolved around implementing or building upon existing programs and activities such as early childhood programs, community service opportunities for graduating students, developing a community identity, researching potential signage locations to drive visitors and potential businesses to the Anderson shopping and industrial centers, conducting housing assessments to identify housing availability and continuing to cultivate the relationship with Crowder College.
Those representing state agencies at the six-month follow-up were Jeff Barber, MU Extension Housing and Environmental Design Specialist; Luke Holtschneider, Missouri Department of Economic Development Rural Development Manager; Christa Atchison, Executive Director of the Missouri Community Betterment Educational Fund; Jill Cornett, Executive Director and Brian Ross, Community Development Specialist, both representing the Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council.
Former State Representative and New Mac Electric representative, Kevin Wilson discussed the recent certification of McDonald County as a "Work Ready Community" through the joint relationship with Crowder College and the local school district as well as the availability of high-speed fiber optic services within the county.
Aaron Gent, vice president of McDonald County Telephone and Internet, announced the recent certification of fiber optic readiness within the city limits of Anderson. He said the company has completed three-quarters of its stage three operations to move telecommunications underground and increase access to residents and businesses.
Discussion of wi-fi possibilities within Anderson's town center were encouraging, as Jeff Barber noted there are several programs that could encourage city and business cooperation in such a venture.
"Wi-fi access could be the linchpin to community progress," Barber said.
Shawn Cooper, McDonald County Chamber of Commerce president, presented the group with an information sheet highlighting Exit 10 off I-49 as "the perfect place to stop." Cooper then introduced the new Chamber video promoting McDonald County as the perfect tourist destination. The video had 100,000 hits on the Chamber Facebook page.
Jill Cornett and Brian Ross with HSTCC discussed potential for grant funds which would allow the council to develop better public health awareness, transportation and eco-tourism as a future economic development effort.
Anderson Betterment Club President Ken Schutten highlighted three business projects -- Tarsco, Roxell and Casey's -- that are increasing production and enlarging facilities in the Anderson area. He also noted that the former Walmart Neighborhood Market building has been purchased by Harps.
Schutten discussed plans for way-finding signage into Anderson proper, walking trail improvements and the possibility of partnering with the Pineville community to join trails. He further noted that the Anderson City Council passed a new Livable Streets policy that only applies to new construction.
Schutten discussed the recent installation of playground equipment near City Hall and how busy the park has been with the new equipment. He noted that the new equipment did not cost taxpayer's a dime. Fundraising efforts over the last two years funded the project.
"Another surprise was that the Berries, Bluegrass and Barbecue event was ranked No. 4 in the Top Ten Missouri Food Festivals in 2016," Schutten said.
Jeff Barber discussed the PACE initiative and the fact that both Anderson and Pineville are in Missouri Clean Energy districts. The PACE program encourages clean energy options for residents and businesses through a special additional property tax paid over time rather than paying the cost upfront.
The meeting concluded with positive feedback from all agency representatives on the progress made during the last six months and encouragement to continue the path towards making Anderson a "better place to live, work and play."
General News on 10/20/2016