County commission protests state's plan to cut scholarship rate

Following the lead of other mid-Missouri counties, including Callaway and Howard counties, the Saline County Commission approved a resolution Wednesday, April 28, expressing support for Missouri Valley College and disapproval of Gov. Jay Nixon's plan to cut the amounts of Access Missouri scholarships awarded to college students attending private institutions.

"Missouri Valley College asked for our support and our help," Saline County Presiding Commissioner Becky Plattner said.

On Thursday, April 22, the Missouri House approved legislation that would provide Access Missouri scholarships, which are need-based, in the amount of $2,850 per year to students at both private and public institutions, beginning in 2014. Currently, students at private schools receive up to $4,600 annually and those at public schools receive up to $2,150.

About 47,000 students are involved in the Access Missouri scholarship program.

Martin Community Center has been awarded a grant from Region F Solid Waste Management District, Plattner said. The center will receive $15,158.50 to purchase park benches made from recycled materials.

In total, the district awarded $348,000 in grants Tuesday, April 27, Plattner said.

The city of Slater was the only other entity from Saline County to apply for a solid waste grant. Its request for $49,500 to purchase a tub grinder was denied.

Plattner also noted that, as a representative from Saline County, she was unable to vote on the grant decisions from her area.

In other business, Southern District Commissioner Richard "Dick" Hassler reported on a meeting between commissioners and Missouri Department of Transportation on Tuesday.

MoDOT would like to close the railroad crossing on Mallard Trail in Napton because it is so close to the crossing on Highway E. And, to remain open, expensive crossing bars and lights would need to be added.

"It's not really being used, and it's a danger," Hassler said.

If the crossing closes, the county would construct a new road to divert traffic toward the remaining crossing.

The county and MoDOT did not come to a decision about the project but will meet again, possibly next week, Hassler said.

Also on the subject of roads, Hassler said that current Common Road District board member Gary Page has resigned his position, effective at the end of April. Commissioners appointed Joe Thompson as his replacement.

Northern District Commissioner Norvelle "Brownie" Brown was also present at the meeting.

Commissioners will meet again Thursday, April 29, at 9 a.m. in the lower level of the courthouse.

Information from The Associated Press was included in this story.

Contact Sydney Stonner at marshallbusiness@socket.net