Eight counties | 36 cities | one region

In August, Janie Dunning, state director for USDA Rural Development, recognized Osage County for its assistance in renovating senior citizen and family housing complexes in Hermann, Linn andRich Fountain. The county served as the grant sponsor on behalf of the local complexes to receive funding through the Missouri Department of Economic Development’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. USDA, who provides the financing for the senior housing complexes, appreciated the county’s assistance in ensuring that housing for area seniors is modern, efficient and safe. Osage County representatives were not able to attend the open house at the Hermann Senior Housing complex when the recognition was announced. After the event, Valerie Zaugg-Pohlmann, left, manager of the Hermann Senior Housing Complex, along with Bonnie Prigge, right, executive director of Meramec Regional Planning Commission, delivered the appreciation plaque to Dave Dudenhoeffer, Osage County presiding commissioner. MRPC provided contract management and inspection services on the grant and was also recognized by USDA for its efforts to improve housing opportunities for senior citizens in the Meramec Region.