Aug. 21, 2006

For immediate release

For more information, contact:           

            Bonnie J. Prigge, (573) 265-2993

 

MRPC’S ANNUAL DINNER PLANNED FOR HERMANN’S
STONE HILL WINERY ON NOV.  9

Washington County officials emphasize importance
of emergency planning after July 19 storm experience

            ST. JAMES—Stone Hill Winery in Hermann will be the setting for Meramec Regional Planning Commission’s Annual Dinner, scheduled for Nov. 9, the board of MRPC announced during its regular meeting Aug. 10. The year’s dinner will be hosted by the city of Hermann and several Hermann area businesses.

    The main highlight of the evening will be the recognition of  volunteers from around the region who will be honored for their community service efforts. MRPC will also present its Eugene E. Northern award, the highest honor given by MRPC for volunteerism and community service.  The award remains a surprise, and the recipient will be announced at the dinner. The public is invited to MRPC’s Annual Dinner, and ticket information will be announced in the near future.

            The MRPC board also heard a report from Washington County Presiding Commissioner Robert Reed, MRPC chairman, and Potosi Mayor TR Dudley on the importance of emergency planning. On July 19, Washington County was hit by the same storm that hit the St. Louis area.

            “The lights went out, and they stayed out,” Reed shared. “It hit every part of Washington County.” Some residents were without power for eight days. Reed detailed the problems encountered and praised the efforts of the many volunteers, including Pam Schroeder, who served as volunteer emergency management director, and Jim Pasley, SEMA Region I coordinator, both of whom helped access outside resources and coordinate relief efforts from the Washington County Courthouse.

            “You need to start preparing yourself,” Reed said, adding that he will take training opportunities more seriously. “I’ve been through tornadoes but nothing of this magnitude.”

            Potosi Mayor TR Dudley stressed the importance of the National Incident Management Systems (NIMS).

            “Cooperation was vital,” he said. The county and the city of Potosi established a unified command center. He praised the fire departments, the National Guard, Wal-Mart, the school district, the Compassionate Alliance and other volunteers for their dedication and generosity.

            “I can’t say enough about how proud I am of the city and county,” Dudley said. “I can’t say enough about the spirit of cooperation.”

            In other business, the board:

            •  Honored former Bourbon Mayor Mary Heywood for her service to MRPC.  Still a member of the Missouri Delta Regional Authority Committee, Heywood updated the board on DRA’s new emphasis on internet accessibility. (See related story.)

            •  Began soliciting nominations for the at-large board member to represent the unemployed. Martha Pogue of Phelps County, who works with Penmac, recently resigned the position. Board members will present candidates for the position to the External Relations Committee.

            •  Learned that MRPC finished its 2005-2006 year with a surplus of $29,194. Fiscal Officer Linda Loughridge reported that the surplus represents a 45-day reserve for the organization. The agency had revenues of $1,312,966 with expenses of $1,283,772. Staff is now preparing for the year-end audit, which will be performed by Verkamp and Malone of Rolla.

            Formed in 1969, MRPC is a voluntary council of governments serving Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties and their respective cities. A professional staff of 24, directed by the MRPC board, 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.

            The MRPC board will meet again Sept. 14  at its office at 4 Industrial Drive in St. James. All meetings are open to the public.

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