Eight counties | 36 cities | one region

ST. JAMES—Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District (ORSWMD) recognized achievements in solid waste management at its annual awards ceremony Dec. 9 at Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC). Those recognized included Ryan Davis of Argyle, Emily Young of Waynesville, Matt Williams of Dixon and Janice Morgan of Maries County.

Each year, the solid waste management district recognizes individuals, businesses and community organizations who make an impact in their communities to improve the environment. This can be through recycling programs, environmental education, illegal dump cleanups or food redistribution. 

Recognized this year for his accomplishment in the category of business and industry was Ryan Davis, owner and chef with Argyle Catering, of Argyle, Mo. Davis provides waste reduction through his catering business by ensuring excess food from large catering events that do not have an avenue for leftovers goes to local shelters instead of being wasted. Argyle Catering brings those leftovers back to the kitchen, packages them individually, freezes them and then distributes to shelters to be used as needed. Argyle Catering was nominated by ORSWMD Board Member Steve Vogt, representing the city of Belle.

Emily Young of Waynesville was recognized in the category of environmental education for her efforts as advocacy outreach coordinator for Stream Teams United, where she is providing community education on the dangers of plastics to both the environment and individuals. Her work has successfully provided environmental education and community engagement in the Ozark Rivers district. Young was nominated by ORSWMD Board Member Roger Pankey, representing the city of Rolla. 

In the category of sustainable materials management, Matt Williams of Dixon, was nominated by ORSWMD Board Member Troy Porter, representing the city of Dixon. Williams uses recycled glass bottles to hand craft various glass works, such as glasses, self-watering planters, windchimes, tiki torches and more. Even the glass Williams breaks is turned into tumbled stone and used in various jewelry pieces and other projects. 

The final recipient recognized was Janice Morgan of Maries County in the category of volunteer involvement. Morgan works within her community to promote many of the district’s programs, including special collections and illegal dump clean-ups. She participated in a clean-up and was recently appointed as an alternate for Maries County to the ORSWMD board because of her participation and passion for environmental stewardship. Morgan was nominated by Maries County Presiding Commissioner Vic Stratman. 

For tips on how you can achieve solid waste reduction visit www.ozarkrivers.org or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ORSWMD. 

The Ozark Rivers District includes Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties and their respective cities with populations of 500 or more. The district’s strategy for solid waste reduction, which has been individually adopted by all member governments and approved by Missouri Department of Natural Resources involves intense education and increased recycling efforts in member counties and cities. MRPC provides administration of the district and assists with a variety of implementation projects.

For more information about ORSWMD or waste reduction and recycling opportunities in the Ozark Rivers area, contact Tammy Snodgrass, MRPC environmental programs manager, at 573-265-2993 or by email at tsnodgrass@meramecregion.org.

Formed in 1969, MRPC is a voluntary council of governments serving Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties and their respective cities. Osage County Presiding Commissioner Darryl Griffin serves as chairman of the board. A professional staff of 24 offers technical assistance and services, such as grant preparation and administration, housing assistance, transportation planning, environmental planning, ordinance codification, business loans and other services to member communities.

To keep up with the latest MRPC news and events, visit the MRPC website at www.meramecregion.orgor on Facebook at www.facebook.com/meramecregion/.

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Pictured left to right: Dent County Presiding Commissioner and Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District (ORSWMD) Chairman Gary Larson; Ryan Davis with Argyle Catering; Janice Morgan; Matt Williams; Emily Young; and ORSWMD Vice Chair Jim Fleming