ST. JAMES — Rhonda Rodgers, Wade Guffey, Reese Snodgrass and Victoria Busch were honored with outstanding community service awards during the Meramec Regional Planning Commission’s (MRPC) Annual Dinner and Awards Banquet, held Oct. 23 at the Salem Community Center at the Armory. Each year, MRPC honors residents, local agency representatives and local elected officials in the Meramec Region who contribute to their communities by volunteering their time, talents and support and going above and beyond the call of duty. This year’s event was hosted by Dent County, the city of Salem and the Salem Community Center at the Armory.

Rodgers, nominated by Maries County Presiding Commissioner Vic Stratman, was honored for her decades of service as Maries County clerk. She is a cornerstone of service in Maries County. She has served 31 years as the Maries County clerk and before that, four years as the deputy county clerk. Rodgers serves with integrity and professionalism and pours her energy into ensuring every election runs smoothly, securely and fairly. She works tirelessly to organize and train poll workers, reach voters and promote civic engagement.

She works long days and longer nights, committed to transparency and election integrity. She is also key to the success of the Belle Fair, serving as secretary-treasurer since 2017 and board member since 1998. She has been active in her children’s school and sports, helping with fundraisers, often donating or purchasing items to support local causes. She has also been involved with the YaYa’s, Belle-Bland Booster Club and local Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).

Rodgers shows commitment, a steady presence and giving spirit that has shaped Maries County for the better.

Guffey, nominated by MRPC Board Member Steve Vogt, is a valuable member of the Belle Fair Board, serving for the past 10 years. He does whatever is necessary to get ready for the fair — setting up the carnival, working on the track for the demolition derby, working the concession stand or fixing water and electrical issues. Guffey has also volunteered with the Belle Community Betterment Association (BCBA) for the past 10 years. He is involved in fundraisers such as trivia night, beer garden at the fair and park extravaganza swap meet. His recent project has been managing the replacement of the Belle Park front gate – including fundraising, working with contractors and volunteers and doing much of the physical labor himself. In addition to being a member of the Belle Community Betterment Association, Guffey serves on the planning and zoning board and is involved in planning future projects like the Flag Park along the Rock Island Trail State Park.

Two Maries County youth were also honored for their volunteerism.

Snodgrass, nominated by Maries County Presiding Commissioner Vic Stratman, is the daughter of Willy and Amie Snodgrass. She is active at Maries County R-I School District and in the Vienna community.

Snodgrass volunteers at the food pantry and blood drives and is involved with her church, helping with socials and summer bible school. She has helped with trash cleanup in the park and at school Snodgrass is a member of the National Honor Society (NHS), Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), Pep Club, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). She is the chapter secretary of the Vienna Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter and has served as sentinel for the last two years. Snodgrass plays varsity basketball and served as the team manager.

Busch, nominated by MRPC’s Vogt, was very involved with her school, Maries County R-2 School District, the Belle community and her church. She is the daughter of Drew and Tasha Busch. She volunteers at vacation bible school and as a teacher at her church. She also helps with the Maries County R-II Community Foundation fundraisers. Busch has been the assistant volleyball coach for the third and fourth grade volleyball teams. She was the captain of her varsity basketball and volleyball teams, volunteers at the Belle Fair and local auctions. She delivers cookies to a local nursing home and has also received the community service award from the High Gate 4-H Club. Busch is active in Belle’s FFA program, served as vice president and sentinel, earning a state degree. She is a member of the NJAA and MO Cattlemen’s Association. She plans to be a physical therapy assistant and volunteers with local health agencies.

“It was so good to come together in-person and honor our volunteers,” said Bonnie Prigge, MRPC executive director. “We are only able to honor a few volunteers each year, yet we extend our gratitude to the hundreds of volunteers in our region who truly make our region such an amazing place to live, work and visit. We are successful because of our volunteers. We hope that by recognizing a few volunteers, we can inspire others to volunteer their time and invest in their communities.”