Houston showcased for judges

Houston was on stage Monday as the state’s community betterment program judges arrived in the community as part of the annual statewide competition.

Houston and other towns submitted a project book that highlighted progress occurring during the last year. The judges are making on-site visits to finalists this week, and winners will be announced Oct. 17-18 in Jefferson City.

Judges heard from several presenters:

-Houston Community Betterment Y.O.U.T.H., which outlined activities during the last year. They performed a skit.

-Poor Farm Cemetery, which has undergone a major facelift by Houston Community Betterment and Arts Council. Ted Scroggins highlighted the project to improve the burial site for indigents east of Houston.

-Houston Visitors Center, a project of Downtown Houston Inc., which was outlined by Brad Gentry, president.

-Imagination Library, an effort to put books monthly in the hands of newborns to age 5 children, which results in a collection of 60 before going to school. Karen Parker spoke of the efforts.

-Park system activities during the summer were highlighted by Jim Root, parks director.

-A new wastewater treatment plant was discussed by Alderman Don Romines. Other planned related work also was presented.

Houston has won in the contest several times over the years.

Several entities made presentations:

*Houston Community Betterment Y.O.U.T.H.

*Houston Community Betterment and Arts Council

*Downtown Houston Inc.

*Houston Parks Department

*City of Houston