Anderson Betterment Club met last week to learn about opportunities on a local and state level. President Ken Schutten updated members on trail planning progress. Earlier this month, Schutten toured Anderson with Nikki Hill, of the Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council, and Dave Taylor, MoDOT representative. The group reviewed trail suggestions made by residents, conducted a feasibility study regarding these proposals and made modifications to the city's trail plan.

Paved shared-use paths through town and pedestrian crosswalks at busy intersections were determined to be high priorities. Schutten named three particularly dangerous intersections for improvement -- where Main Street meets Highway 59, Patterson Street meets Business 71, and Mustang Drive meets Business 71. The crossings of Business 71 cater to heavy bus traffic and are integral to the school.

Crosswalks would need to be ADA compliant, which would require updates to a number of linking roadways.

Hill will modify proposed trail maps and present a final trail plan to city planners in June.

Schutten also updated members on the possibility of constructing a skateboard/BMX park in town. Mayor John Sellers and Schutten recently met with the owner of an old storage area destroyed by flood water. The owner expressed interest in donating the property to the city. Schutten said the owner is researching the donation process. More information should be available at the next meeting.

Schutten approached members about a "Most Beautiful Yard" contest. City councilman Chester Neel made the suggestion and offered to sponsor the program. A prize would be awarded to the homeowner with the nicest yard each month in hopes of inspiring others to keep up their lawns.

Club members spoke about the Westco building on Main Street that is for sale. The property is spacious and across from Town Hole, which makes it a great contender for a possible recreation center in town.

The executive director of Missouri Community Betterment, Teresa Keller, was the special guest speaker. Keller offered insight on resources available to rural communities, as well as ways to foster project participation -- especially among youth.