Three Causes Supported Through Foundation
The FCS Financial Rural Community and Agriculture Foundation recently distributed more than $25,000 to
three organizations.
The Novelty Plevna Rural Fire Department received $5,582 to purchase a rescue bin harness set. The
department previously purchased the rescue tube and training through donations of local farmers. As harvest
time nears in Missouri, the grain bin rescue system ensures the safety of the department’s volunteers if a rescue
operation is needed. Additionally, the areas serviced by the department have an added sense of safety for their
rural communities.
“This grant allows us to purchase harnesses, slings, ropes, descenders and carabiners for our grain bin rescue
bin tube,” say Ben Bradley, Novelty Plevna Rural Fire Department volunteer. “There are numerous large and
small grain bins in our area. If someone were to become trapped in grain, several of our fire department members
are trained for grain entrapment
rescue. Time is of the essence in a
grain entrapment situation and our
department will now have the proper
rescue harness set readily available.”
The Andrew County Youth
Foundation received $10,000
Foundation for the construction of a
Youth and Community Building on
the fairgrounds. The fully-insulated,
climate-controlled 1,600 square foot
building will include a kitchen and
handicap accessible restrooms. Nearly
FCS Financial Rural Community and Agriculture Foundation presents $5,582 to
the Novelty Plevna Rural Fire Department to purchase a rescue bin harness set. Left
to right: Dan Devlin, FCS Financial Director; Byron Harder, Fire Department
Volunteer; Randy Doss, Fire Department Volunteer; Jacob Bryant, Fire Department
Volunteer; Connie Kuhman, FCS Financial; Kathryn Whisenand, FCS Financial;
Kent Franke, Fire Department Volunteer; Stanley Bowen, Fire Department
Volunteer; Sadie Barnes, FCS Financial; Ben Bradley, Fire Department Volunteer;
Debbie Ragsdale, FCS Financial; Jason Doss, Fire Department Volunteer; Dave
Janish, FCS Financial CEO; and Randall Smoot, Fire Department Volunteer.
three quarters of the costs were raised
through fundraising, individual
pledges and donated services. The
FCS Financial Foundation grant puts
the project closer to its main goal
of getting the inside of the building
completed and fully functional.
“The Youth and Community
Building will provide a facility where
more than 450 youth and 900 adults from throughout the area can participate in year round activities,” says Jim
Humphrey, Andrew County Youth Foundation Advisor. “We will also be able to host the Andrew County 4-H/
FFA Project Day as well as producer and community meetings at the Andrew County Fairgrounds.”
The Laclede County R-1 School District received $10,000 for the construction of the Conway Ag Learning
Center. The learning center will include a shop, livestock facility and two classrooms to provide a better learning
environment for students. The design also includes observation areas to accommodate younger students and to
20 HEARTBEAT | FALL 2017