Progress is defined as…
Phil Cobb
How do you define progress?
The handy little dictionary app on my computer defines it this way:
“1. forward or onward movement toward a destination”
“2. advance or development toward a better, more complete, or more modern condition”
I think it’s safe to say that Maryville has made “progress” over the past year.
There are other words that come to mind when I think of the unprecedented advancement currently taking place in our town: momentum, energy, excitement, investment, collaboration.
All these words can describe what is going on in our town right now.
And I’m sure you can think of more words to describe it, depending on your vantage point.
And that’s what’s neat about this particular surge of activity.
It’s not in just one area.
We’re seeing advancements across the board.
The Maryville R-II School District is making improvements, not only to its infrastructure, but also to it’s offerings.
New entrances and new security measures will enhance the safety of students and faculty.
A new cafeteria will improve the process of feeding lunch to 400-plus elementary students in the most efficient way possible.
The new performing arts center and auxiliary gymnasium at the high school will provide a new array of opportunities in both academics and athletics.
The City of Maryville is moving forward on numerous fronts.
Infrastructure is a never-ending endeavor for any municipality.
Maryville is no different.
Through permanent street projects, improved traffic signals, and asphalt overlay efforts, the city has improved transportation within its limits.
With the help of state and federal grants, a hiking/biking trail system, which will eventually wind its way all the way around town is ongoing.
Collaboration with Northwest Missouri State University has made possible a vastly improved, and award-winning, corridor between downtown and campus.
State and federal mandates made necessary the construction of a $13.7 million wastewater treatment plant east of town, which was done on time — and within budget.
With the help of primarily federal funds, extensive work will soon be underway to improve the main runway and taxi areas at the municipal airport west of town.
And then there’s Mozingo.
Through the stewardship and fundraising efforts of local dentist Dr. Bruce Twaddle, the Watson 9 youth golf course will open this spring at Mozingo Lake Recreation Park, adjacent to the 20-year-old Sechrest 18.
Also adjacent will be a privately funded, 40-room lodging facility, operated by Boulders Inn.
In the April election, the city will ask for a one-eighth of a cent sales tax increase to help build a conference center attached to the lodge, which will double as a pro shop and cart storage facility.
It will also seek to extend an existing half-cent sales tax to support the existing operations at the 3,000-acre park.
The list of priorities is long for a city government that has proven that it can deliver on its promises, and refuses to stop working for what is best for this city’s future.
The Greater Maryville Chamber of Commerce has taken a huge leap to secure its future by acquiring its own building, which houses not only the chamber operations, but also that of Nodaway County Economic Development, and the state license bureau.
A group of downtown business people, led by entrepreneur and Rapid Elite owner Matt Gaarder, has joined to create the Maryville Downtown Improvement Organization.
The group has spent much of its time and efforts, to this point, putting the pieces in place to best serve its constituents, which consist of several downtown businesses, organizations, and residents that stand to benefit from a thriving downtown district.
Announcements will soon surface of plans to promote the new group’s long-range plans.
Mark and Myles Burnsides’ East Side Development, at the intersection of U.S. Highway 71 and East First Street, has already birthed three new businesses, with what seems to be unlimited future growth potential.
Lettuce Dream, which will produce hydroponically grown lettuce, and employ and train developmentally challenged individuals, has plans to locate its facility on a tract within the development, donated by the Burnsides.
Bill and Bonnie Ingels’ Fountain Park development, located near the south end of Business Highway 71, has already spawned the new Wells Bank facility and holds promise for a handful of additional ventures.
FCS Financial is constructing its new facility further south at the intersection of U.S. Highway 71 and 282nd Street.
Several new retail locations have popped up throughout town — a new DQ Grill and Chill on South Main, the new Rogers Pharmacy on East South Avenue, Diner 71 restaurant in the Town Center, and Northwest Audio Visual on the southeast corner of the Downtown square, to name a few.
A handful of churches have recently upgraded their facilities, too, most notably, and most noticeable, the First United Methodist Church at the intersection of First and Main streets.
In summary, it seems like, from every direction, people are investing in the future of Maryville.
They see something worthy of investment — something worth the risk.
Sure, there are risks — but the potential rewards are great.
Do you see what they see?
Here at the Maryville Daily Forum, we believe we do.
And you can read all about it in our annual Progress issue, included within Friday’s newspaper.
