The Missouri Department of Agriculture announced the availability of Building our American Communities (BOAC) grant funds today. The BOAC Program provides $12,000 annually to Missouri 4-H clubs and FFA chapters for projects aimed at developing and advancing Missouri’s rural communities.
Twelve $500 4-H BOAC grants and 12 $500 FFA BOAC grants are awarded annually, two per each of the six districts.
Projects must benefit an agricultural community and/or promote community development. Projects may include improvements to existing facilities, grounds or buildings that are used by various groups or organizations in the applicant’s community.
The Department will accept electronic applications through Dec. 1, 2025. Recipients awarded funding will be notified in early January. Projects must be completed by Aug. 1, 2026. All awardees will be required to register in MOVERS, Missouri’s new state-wide financial system.
Apply at agriculture.mo.gov/connect/youth/boac.php. For questions or more information, contact the Agriculture Business Development Division at abd@mda.mo.gov or (573) 751-4762.
For more information on the Department and its programs, visit agriculture.mo.gov.
Sonny was born on May 22, 1952 to Alvie Johnson Sr. and Norma McGill Johnson, both of whom preceded him in death. He grew up in a large, close-knit family. He was also preceded in death by his siblings Lawrence Johnson, Mary Jenkins, Dwayne Johnson and Edgar Johnson. His surviving siblings include John Johnson of Warsaw, MO; Margaret George of Parsons, KS; Barbara Pease of Locust Grove, OK; AJ Johnson of Welch, OK, Kevin Johnson of Sadler, TX; Stephen Johnson of Poteau, OK; Darrell Johnson of Welch, OK; and Lois Durbin of Adrian, MO.
Sonny’s pride and joy was his family. He was preceded in death by his son, Jason Johnson (1980 - 2017) and is survived by his daughter, Gina Johnson Shipman and her husband Mike Shipman. He was a proud grandfather to Amanda Anderson and her husband Kevin “Ryan” Anderson of Justin, TX; Curtis Stephens of Archie, Mo; and Alec Bryant of Harrisonville, MO. Sonny was also blessed with three great-grandchildren–Charlotte, Dexter and Millie Anderson.
Sonny lived a life full of simple pleasures and many talents. He loved fishing, playing horseshoes, guitar, pool, poker, chess and bowling. He was a devote Kansas City Chiefs fan. He enjoyed farming and gardening–his gardens were legendary for their perfect rows and absence of weeds, a reflection of the pride and care he put into everything he did.
Throughout his journey, Sonny was lovingly cared for by his niece, Norma Annette “Annette” Kellogg, daughter of his late brother Lawrence. Her devotion and support brought him comfort during his final chapter.
Sonny will be remembered for his humor, his love of family, his generous spirit and the many good times he shared with those around him. His presence will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
Sonny’s remains will be buried in Vinita, OK at Timpson Cemetery, close to other family members.
The driver was transported to Overland Park Regional Medical Center for treatment; the vehicle was totaled.
The MSHP no longer provides names in publicly available crash reports.
