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 One of the guest speakers at the first ever State of Saline County summit, Holly Harber of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, discussed how people commute in and out of the community. About 88 percent of the county's workforce resides here, with additional workers coming from Pettis (4 percent), Lafayette (3 percent) and Cooper (2 percent) counties. Of those who live here but work elsewhere, 29 percent commute to Pettis County, 27 percent travel to Chariton County and 17 percent work in Carroll County. [Click to enlarge] |
The group, which included Missouri Valley College President Bonnie Humphrey, Saline County Presiding Commissioner Becky Plattner, Marshall Municipal Utilities General Manager Paul Jensen, Marshall-Saline NAACP President Clyde Williams and Marshall Mayor Connie Latimer, began by presenting what were seen as positive developments for the county.
The list included expanded retail development including the construction of the Wal-Mart Supercenter, new home construction throughout the county, creation of the Mid-Missouri Energy ethanol plant at Malta Bend, voter approval of a tax-funded county health department and continued growth at Missouri Valley College.
Those present were also asked to list what they felt were problems facing the county. Among the more commonly named issues were a lack of quality jobs and the exodus of the county's young people. It was also generally agreed that the first problem contributed to the second. Other problems named included methamphetamine and alcohol abuse, a higher than average occurrence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and an aging population with its related medical problems.
Brainstorming to address these issues, the group suggested using community resources to promote the expansion of existing businesses while working to make the area attractive for high-tech industries, offering the jobs that will keep and bring young people in the county. Other ideas included using the Marshall Municipal Airport as the foundation for a corporate park, improving the Marshall Junction area [near the intersection of Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 65] and developing a community vision for growth.
In addition to the group discussions, the evening also featured a number of presentations on aspects affecting Saline County residents.
Rob Gordon, Marshall superintendent of schools, spoke on education. He noted that, as a newcomer to the community, he was impressed with everything Saline County has to offer.
"Sometimes when you live here, it's hard to see everything you have going for you," he said.
Gordon said that compared to the neighboring counties of Carroll, Pettis, Cooper and Lafayette, Saline County has a lower percentage of its population under the age of 18, but area students are doing well. He said in recent years the county's graduation rate has been going up and the drop-out rate is going down.
In Marshall, the rate of students leaving school before achieving a diploma has fallen from more than 5 percent to less than 2 percent. Gordon said it will take the community as a whole to continue this progress.
Gail Thomas, Saline County Health Department director, discussed health issues facing those living in the county. Reflecting the county's aging population, stroke, diabetes and female breast cancer continue to be leading causes of death in the area. Breast cancer in particular is a concern because the rate of occurrence is 5 percent higher than the state average.
Affecting the county's youngest residents, SIDS is also an issue. Thomas said while the occurrence of SIDS for the state as a whole accounts for 1 percent of infant deaths, the rate in Saline County is 1.7 percent. She said even though it is less than a 1 percent difference, it is still significant and a task force is being assembled to address the matter.
 Cynthia Crawford, representing the University of Missouri Outreach and Extension, discusses the results of the latest Kids Count survey. Saline County finished 76th of 115 entities surveyed. Kids Count compiles statistics on how many children qualify for free and reduced-price lunches, are placed outside their home, violate laws and die each year, among other factors. [Click to enlarge] |
Today, Saline County is last among the five counties -- with a property value of $207.1 million. Pettis County, by comparison, has seen its assessed valuation grow to about $431.8 million.
"The only way Saline County will grow and succeed is if we have a vision," he said.
Contact Chris Post at