Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) presented eleven awards at its annual banquet Thursday, Oct. 23 at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory, including Dent County Clerk Angie Curley for the award of Outstanding Local Elected Official and Rolla City Administrator John Butz for Outstanding Local Agency Representative. Not only did MRPC recognize some special individuals within the counties it serves, MRPC also recognized the work it has accomplished over the past year and those that aided it along the way.
MRPC serves eight counties and 36 cities within its region, including Dent County, Phelps County, and Pulaski County. Formed in 1969, MRPC is a voluntary council of governments. A professional staff led by Executive Director Bonnie Prigge offers technical assistance and services, such as grant preparation and administration, housing assistance, transportation planning, environmental planning, ordinance codification, business loans and other services to member communities.
Dent County Presiding Commissioner Gary Larson and Mayor Greg Parker introduced attendees to the City of Salem, with Larson describing how the Dent County Courthouse had just finished celebrating its 155th anniversary, along with last year’s courthouse renovation project, worth $1.7 million. Parker thanked attendees for visiting Salem and spoke fondly of the city’s staff, representatives, and residents.
“Our city is situated near the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and the beautiful Montauk State Park, both of which are sources of pride,” shared Parker to attendees. “I am grateful to work alongside the dedicated group of council members, city staff, and those passionate and serving to ensure the community remains safe, welcoming, and forward-looking.”
Sherry Lee, executive director of Healthy Dent County, also welcomed attendees to the Community Center @ the Armory, expressing her appreciation for MRPC for being instrumental to the facility and its development.
“Today [Healthy Dent County] stands proudly as the first ever community center in the history of our small town,” shared Lee, sharing further that the partnership between the City of Salem and Dent County works hard to make the center a place where health, education, and community meet.
Lee further thanked the staff of MRPC, particularly Project Development Manager Kelly Sink, for assistance in aiding Healthy Dent County. Her assistance over the years included finding grants to develop the community center further. Lee noted that since opening, the building has completed two major renovations and invested nearly $2 million in improvements. The fitness center serves over 1,300 members.
“When we look around the room tonight, we can see what's possible when communities, cities and organizations like MRPC work together,” concluded Lee.
Meanwhile, Prigge shared a video featuring the work over the years performed by MRPC and its employees.
“For 56 years, the Meramec Regional Planning Commission has worked to make our communities better, stronger and safer. Fiscal year 2024-25 was a year that truly showcased the power of collaboration and perseverance. Despite program pauses, funding challenges and now federal shutdown, MRPC’s commitment to local, cities and counties has never wavered,” shared the video.
Work completed by MRPC, as noted within the video:
• MRPC has secured 13 grants totaling over $4 million dollars
• MRPC has also secured the largest grant in its 56 year history totaling $17 million—a federal build grant to advance planning and engineering for the Rock Island Trail State Park across Missouri
• Fort Leonard Wood Installation Readiness Review, including a hazard mitigation plan, a tabletop planning exercise, and a housing study for Pulaski, Phelps, Texas, and Laclede counties
• Creation of a multimodal transportation advisory committee to identify needs in the region, in partnership with the Missouri Department of Transportation
• Reached 16,000 students with the “Too Good for Drugs” program
• Provided $3.4 million in rental assistance to nearly 700 households each month through the Phelps County Public Housing Agency
• Staff provided more than 1,000 inspections, ensuring homes are safe and affordable
• Worked with Ozark River Solid Waste Management District to divert over 48 tons of waste on landfills through illegal dump cleanups and special collections. The district also hosted an AmeriCorps group that spent seven days cleaning 26 dump sites in the national forest.
• MRCF joined forces with the Phelps County Community Foundation to raise over $104,000 for Phelps County tornado recovery, supporting local nonprofits, businesses, and families rebuilding after the March 25 disaster
• MRCF distributed $45,000 worth of scholarships to college bound seniors in the region
MRPC recognized several of its staff at the event for their contributions, including:
• Eva Voss, senior grant administrator
• Fredd Burton, maintenance
• Jill Hollowell, environmental programs specialist
• Kelly Sink, project development manager, of 25 years
• Linda Loughridge, fiscal officer, of 30 years
• Tammy Rigsby, senior housing coordinator, of 35 years
Samantha Sherman, senior development specialist, was recognized as Employee of the Year for performing above the call of duty, exhibiting extraordinary work performance, promoting the organization, and exhibiting a positive work attitude.
Town and Country Bank received the Vendor of the Year award, provided to banks that actively partner with MRPC to create jobs and encourage private investments.
Individuals recognized for Outstanding Contributions to a Community:
• Charles (Chuck) Ray, Bourbon, of CDR Naturals Health Food Store. Ray started the Bourbon Community Development Group.
• Kelly Money, St. James, who initiated and brought several programs to the community of St. James.
• Dana Richter, Steelville, for her contributions to advancements of surrounding organizations and active volunteerism.
• Wade Guffey, Belle, for his contributions during the fair and his active volunteerism, including with the Belle Community Betterment for 10 years
Meanwhile, the recipient of the 2025 Eugene E. Northern award, the highest honor given by MRPC for volunteers and community service, was Joann Goethe, Waynesville, nominated by Waynesville Mayor Sean Wilson. Goethe is a foster parent of over 30 years to over 80 children. She has established the Foster Closets, where foster parents can find clothes, supplies, and a friendly face. With her help, foster children have arrived into a home with new clothes and a backpack. Every Christmas, Goethe launches a gift drive, raising money, gathering volunteers, and delivering wrapped gifts to foster children.
Individuals recognized as Outstanding Local Elected Officials:
• Dent County Clerk Angie Curley for her service in the County Clerk’s office since 1988. She became County Clerk in 2006 and is currently serving her fifth term.
• Maries County Clerk Rhonda Rogers who has served as Mary’s County Clerk for 31 years.
One individual, Rolla City Administrator John Butz, was recognized as Outstanding Local Agency Representative, who has served in his position for nearly three decades, since 1997. He will be retiring in November.
Three youths were honored for their volunteer efforts, including:
• Reese Snodgrass, Vienna
• Brooklyn Zamora, St. Robert
The reception was sponsored by Archer-Elgin Engineering, Surveying and Architecture, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America Local Union Missouri 1839, the city of Salem and Dent County. The reception featured a silent auction, live music performed by Lake of the Ozarks Council of Governments Executive Director Mitch Shields, and a 50/50 raffle sponsored by Stites Insurance Agency LLC, Sherry Stites, Shelter Insurance. The dinner was catered by Vintage Apron Catering.
