Rental property in Rich Hill celebrates savings for multi-family housing

In a ceremony on Thursday, June 23, 2011, Pam Anglin, USDA Rural Development Missouri Housing Program Director, presented a certificate of congratulations to the Board of Directors of Rich Hill Non-Profit Housing Corporation to celebrate the reamortization of their loans. The property, which consists of 36 one bedroom apartments, was originally constructed with funds from the United States Department of Agriculture. The apartments were originally constructed in two phases, from 1975 to 1983. The interest rates of the original loans ranged from 8.125% to 10.75%.

 

            The board requested approval to reamortize their unpaid balances specifically to reduce the interest rate and to reduce their loan payments. Their request was approved by USDA and the loans were reamortized.

 

The reamortization resulted in a reduced payment to Rural Development (savings of $5,003 per year) and reduced government subsidy to the property due to the decreased interest rate. The note rents were reduced which allowed the rent amount to decrease for many of the tenants. The maximum note rent now is $350 with utilities included.

 

“I am happy to celebrate the reamortization of the loans for the Rich Hill Non-Profit Housing Corporation,“ said Anita J. Dunning, Missouri State Director for USDA Rural Development. “The lower interest rates will help keep the rental rates affordable for our tenants by reducing the mortgage payments on the rental complex.” Debbie Bradley, Board President of Rich Hill Non-Profit Housing Corporation, was presented a door mat for the front door and a certificate of congratulations from USDA Rural Development. Also present was Mike Landers, Vice President of Bell Management, who manages the day-to-day operations of the complex.

 

Affordable rental property in rural areas is an important part of any rural area. Apartment living can be an alternative for many people who cannot afford the purchase price of a home or may not be able to maintain a house. The USDA Rural Development, through the Rural Rental Housing (RRH) program, provides assistance to rural communities in meeting the needs of adequate, safe and affordable housing. 

 

Since the beginning of the RRH program in Missouri in the late 1960’s, Rural Development (formerly Farmers Home Administration) has financed over 900 rental projects in 113 of the 114 Missouri counties. Through the hard work of dedicated citizens that volunteered their time working through a non-profit corporation, such as Rich Hill Non-Profit  Housing Corporation, this federal program has benefited many rural communities.

 

For those interested in rental projects funded by USDA Rural Development in a particular county, you can access information by visiting http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/mo/mfhpage.htm and follow the instructions. The name of the complex, type of apartments (elderly or family), number of apartment units and the contact person are available online.

 

Anyone seeking more information about the Rural Rental Housing program or any other USDA Rural Development program may visit the homepage at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/mo/, or contact Carol Platt, Area Specialist,carol.platt@mo.usda.gov, 625 West Nursery, Butler, MO 64730 at (660)679-6112 x4.

Something unusual in the Adrian 4th of July parade...

If you're planning to attend the Adrian 4th of July parade this Saturday at 10 a.m., you will see something you've probably never seen before. A pink fire truck.

According to Fire Chief Gary Dizney, the special fire truck is part of a joint effort by Adrian and several neighboring fire departments to help promote breast cancer awareness. "We will be wearing t-shirts with pink ribbons and the breast cancer awareness logo" said Dizney "and later the truck will be on display at the Optimist Building where cancer survivors can sign it."

The unusual pink fire truck has become quite an attraction around the area- "nobody misses seeing it!"

Dizney went on to mention that other activities will take place in the afternoon at the Optimist Building including water related activities. "Bring the kids and plan on having lots of fun on Saturday!" he added.

Adrian police department activity report

June 20 - Warning for defective equipment at First and Ohio; property damage report taken on Third street.

June 21 - Found downed power line at city park and reported; harassment situation on Fifth street; arrest for DWI at First and Missouri; warning for stop sign violation at First and McColloh.

June 22 - Assisted sheriff's department with stealing case; suspicious vehicle reported on McColloh; assisted Children's Division with well being check; checked on pedestrian on Fifth street; warning for defective equipment at business 71 and Fifth street.

June 23 - Domestic situation near First and Missouri; citation for failure to stop at stop sign Lexington and Seventh street.

June 24 - Citation for speeding at First and McColloh; warning for defective equipment at Main and Lexington; warning for defective equipment at First and Missouri; warning for defective equipment at business 71 and Fifth street; property damage report at the commuter lot.

June 25 - Property damage report involving dogs on Main; warning for defective equipment at First and business 71, driver arrested for outstanding warrant; warning for defective equipment at First and business 71; warning for lane violation at business 71 and Main; warning for defective equipment at First and business 71; defective equipment warning at First and Missouri.

June 26 - Suspicious person reported on Seventh street; burglary report on Eighth street.

Police Chief Vic Selle reminds everyone that fireworks are permitted on July 2, 3 and 4th. Bottle rockets are not allowed within the city limits of Adrian.

Obituary - Francis Anderson

Frances L. Anderson of Drexel, Mo., passed away peacefully at her home Thursday, June 30, 2011. Frances was a wonderful mother and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Visitation will be from 10-11 AM Saturday, July 2 at Mullinax Funeral Home, Drexel (816) 657-4400.  A funeral service will be at 11 AM with Rev. Dr. Marilyn Niemeyer presiding. Burial to follow in Sharon Cemetery, Drexel. Memorial contributions in memory of Frances are suggested to the American Cancer Society, and may be left in care of the funeral home.  Written messages and memories may be left for the family at www.mullinaxfuneralhome.com.

Pool Pals Program a Splashing Success

Once again Bates County businesses and citizens have proven their generosity by providing funds to purchase season pool passes for area children. “We were so excited to be able to buy 67 passes this year, “said Kris Jenkins, BCYAC president. “It is a tough financial year for everyone and we just didn’t know how the donations would turn out.” 

BCYAC, Inc. runs a program called “Pool Pals” which links donors with kids. According to Jenkins, “The donor gives money for our 501c3 foundation and we,  in turn,  buy passes for children on a list provided to us by the school and other groups that work with at-risk youth. “  

BCYAC, Inc. depends on free will donations to fund their program which include the Butler Youth Center, a summer day camp as well as the swim program.  “We have been blessed with a community that believes in giving opportunities to all their children and they have supported us with generosity over the years,” added Jenkins. “The City of Butler is a great partner in our program and have made every effort to work with us and support our efforts.”

This year’s children range in age from 6-16; some have economic hardship, some social needs, others have physical or health reasons that put them on the list, while other children have had tragedies or traumatic events recently. “The program aims to help kids have fun in the summer, but even more important is the socialization at the pool and the health benefits of swimming every day.” Last year’s survey of Pool Pals’ parents found that over 65 % of the families had one or more parent working but there just wasn’t enough money to buy a pass.

“Thanks again to all who donated and supported this program,” said Jenkins. “You did a very good thing.”

Fiery crash results in only minor injuries

Around 4:50 this morning a truck towing a trailer driven by Josh Gregory, 33 of Butler was struck in the rear by car driven by Stacy Sample, 25 of Adrian. After impact, the Sample vehicle was struck in the rear by another car driven by Patricia Lorenz, 65 of Adrian. The Sample vehicle caught fire a short time after, however the driver was able to escape with only minor injuries.

Gregory was not injured in the accident. Lorenz was taken to Research Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.

The accident caused a closure of the northbound lanes of 71 highway near Archie for about 45 minutes while firefighters and police worked to clear the scene.

From the desk of Senator David Pearce

Important Interim Committees Named

It seems our state has been a magnet for natural disasters this year. We have run the gamut — from the blizzard that affected 44 Missouri counties in late January and early February and the tornadoes in April that destroyed homes in the St. Louis area and forced Lambert-St. Louis International Airport to close temporarily. Later this spring, heavy rain fall caused flooding in most of southern Missouri leading to the intentional breach of the Birds Point levy that brought with it the destruction of approximately 130,000 aces of fertile farmland. And the devastating EF-5 tornado that ripped through Joplin, leaving 158 residents dead and homes and businesses devastated. Just three days later, Sedalia survived a tornado that damaged buildings and homes and injured 25 people. And now, we are poised to experience flooding along the Missouri River for the remainder of the summer. There has been so much for Missourians to endure.

To address this string of events, a new Senate Interim Committee was created to examine the ways the legislature could help Missourians find a sense of normalcy after disaster. The Senate Interim Committee on Natural Disaster Recovery was created in order to take in-depth looks at the various forms disaster recovery needs to take. Three subcommittees will focus on emergency, fiscal, and insurance response.

Emergency response will address a physical response to a natural disaster, such as emergency crews, utility crews and disaster relief. Fiscal response will focus on who will pay for clean up and care of those areas until the area can be productive again. Insurance response will examine how affected individuals and businesses file insurance after a disaster and how they are addressed by their insurance companies, as well as what the qualifying factors are for a disaster in order for the insurance company to provide restitution.

Losing one’s home and belongings to an act of God is difficult. Having to fight to receive assistance, wondering how bills will get paid, or if the insurance policy is in place to cover costs are not things anyone should have to worry about. The goal of this committee, along with its subcommittees, is to examine how we in the Capitol can do our best to provide for Missourians in their hour of need. It is my hope that we can come up with simple, yet effective answers for our future.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.

Senator David Pearce serves Bates, Cass, Johnson and Vernon counties in the 31st State Senatorial District.

Maybe a little cooler starting Sunday...

Excessive heat warning in effect through Friday 7 p.m.

Today

Sunny. Hot and humid. Highs in the mid 90s. South winds 10 to 15 mph. Heat index readings 101 to 106.

Tonight

Clear. Lows in the mid 70s. South winds 10 to 15 mph.

Friday

Sunny. Hot and humid. Highs in the upper 90s. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Heat index readings 101 to 106.

Friday Night

Clear. Lows in the mid 70s. South winds 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday

Mostly sunny. Hot and humid. Highs in the upper 90s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Heat index readings 102 to 107.

Saturday Night

A weak cold front will make its way into our area. Partly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 70s.

Sunday

Partly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 90s.

Sunday Night and Independence Day

Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 70s. Highs in the lower 90s.

Monday Night and Tuesday

Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 70s. Highs in the mid 90s.