Regional cities took several of the top honors at the Oct. 19 Missouri Community Betterment contest in Jefferson City.

Grant City and Albany both earned first-place honors in their population categories. Allendale received second place in its population category, and Trenton finished fifth in its class. Cameron was third in its classification.

Sheridan received a certificate of merit.

In the youth group competition, Grant City placed first in its category and Albany received second place in its group. Charles “Chuck” Place of Albany received an Adult Leadership Award.

This year marked the organization’s 46th conference, which assists communities in improving their quality of life. Nearly 350 volunteers, community leaders and youths from across the state attended the session. A total of 38 communities entered this year’s contest by submitting projects that consisted of various local resources and were prioritized based on assessments.

The not-for-profit Missouri Community Betterment Educational Fund administers the program. The fund is composed of businesses, public utilities, community representatives, federal and state agencies and individuals.

Squaw Creek

volunteer

Carrie Wilson of Mound City has been named Volunteer of the Year for 2009 at Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge.

Refuge staff annually select an individual or group that has made a significant contribution to the facility, in an honor bestowed since 1991.

Ms. Wilson was among about 100 individuals who volunteered at least one hour to the refuge over the past year. Her activities have included the junior naturalist program and filming a new refuge introductory DVD that is being produced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the National Conservation Training Center.

Her name will be added to a recognition plaque that hangs in the refuge’s office.

Leadership

Northwest Missouri

Leadership Northwest Missouri is accepting applications for its 2010 class.

The group is designed for prospective and established leaders. Classes meet monthly from January through June. The program includes an overnight retreat, classroom instruction, an optional class project workday and graduation. Discussions are held on regional issues, leadership skill training and community awareness.

Contact program coordinator Lisa Luke at (660) 582-1050 or director@leadershipnwmo.com for more information. The Web site is www.leadershipnwmo.com. Applications will be accepted through Oct. 31.

Ray Scherer can be reached

at rscherer@npgco.com.