Houston showcased during judging on Wednesday

Houston was showcased Wednesday during a two-hour judging by two officials from the Missouri Community Betterment program.

The judges heard about several projects that occurred last year in Houston. The community has taken home many prizes in its 37 years of participation, including the top prize three times in 2004, 2017 and 2020.

John Robinson III and Darla Hauge scored Houston’s entry in its population category to calculate awards to be announced at a state contest Oct. 21 in Jefferson City.

Speakers outlined these projects during presentations on Wednesday morning:

•Best Engaged, “The Imagination Library,” Ann Tottingham. The program started in 2009 in Houston after its launch in Tennessee by entertainer Dolly Parton. This year, the program will be available throughout Missouri following a state appropriation. The late Charlie McKinney spearheaded efforts locally when it started.

•Best Use of Volunteers, “Fantastic Reasons to Walk and Ride,” Kay Jordan, who described a bicycle safety program for kindergarten students.

•Best on a Budget, “Fostering with Faith,” Jim McNiell, who highlighted a volunteer effort to turn space into a program that helps foster children in downtown Houston.

•Best Use of Community Assets, Houston Community Foundation, McNiell, who spoke on the work of the organization to better Houston.

•Most Heartfelt, construction of a new 7,200 square foot library in Houston, Brad Gentry and Janet Fraley.

•Y.O.U.T.H, Most Heartfelt: “Fostering with Faith” supplies program and best youth leadership, the community Easter Egg hunt, highlighted by sponsor Crystal Ford and Houston High School students.

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