VIENNA — Maries County commissioners discussed funding for the University of Missouri Extension, which receives annual support from the county per state mandate, during their March 9 meeting.

“The extension…we can give them more, but we have to give them $10,000,” Maries County Presiding Commissioner Vic Stratman said.

Commissioners considered whether to continue making the payments monthly as they had done in the past or to issue the full amount at once.

“If we have the money to pay it now… why don’t we just go ahead and do it,” Maries County Western District Commissioner Pat Kleffner said.

The commission agreed to move forward with the full payment.

Road conditions, including traffic levels, on County Road 213 were also discussed.

Kleffner reported the road was generally in good condition despite heavy weekday use because of the bridge repair underway on Highway 42 over Fly Creek.

“I actually went there yesterday, and it’s in pretty good shape. Got a little pothole here and there, but you’re not gonna be able to stop them all,” he said. “There’s a lot of traffic on it during the week.”

Kleffner said the traffic tends to be lighter on weekends but heavier during the work week.

The commission also briefly discussed a $24.20 bill connected to the Maries County Emergency Services Board.

“We got the bill here… it’s the publication for banking services for 911,” Stratman said, adding that he knew the board currently does not have available funds. “Do you feel like we ought to pay that, or just let it ride? They’re going to accumulate a little bit of finance charge.”

Kleffner said the county should pay the bill.

“They’re doing a big favor to us by doing what they’re doing,” he said. “They are saving us a lot.”

Attendance at the March 6 Knights of Columbus Fish Fry was also discussed, with commissioners praising the strong community support, reporting that approximately 480 meals were served during the event.

Stratman said the serving time had been moved to 4 p.m. to better accommodate people getting off work.

“We had said we was going to go to 4:30 but because of people getting off work at four… and there was people in that line at four,” Stratman said.

Kleffner said the event nearly sold out by the end of the evening.

“I think all we had left was one plate,” Kleffner said. “That was about as good as you’re going to get.”

Commissioners also said that some of the proceeds came from tips and donations,

“People were really generous,” Stratman said.