Thirty-six communities and 14 individuals were honored at the Missouri Community Betterment conference at Lake Ozark. The awards banquet was the highlight of the 49th conference which assists communities to improve their quality of life. Nearly 325 volunteers, community leaders and youth attended the Monday evening event.

The city of Lamar won the Gene Speichinger Community of the Year Award over the other 35 communities that entered this year.

Other first place winners in their population groups were: South Iron Annapolis, Grant City and Novinger in a tie. Others were Albany, Houston, and Perryville.

In the smallest town category, Cainsville and Kingston placed fourth and fifth respectively. In another category, Hamilton and Bethany placed fourth and fifth respectively. In the next largest group, Brookfield took third place.

Certificates of merit were given to the towns of Osborn and Salisbury. First place awards for youth group entries were to Novinger and Albany.

Among those receiving adult leadership awards were Jim McIntyre of Brookfield and Glenn Clark of Albany. Another resident of Albany, Anna Grace, received a YOUTH leadership award at the Missouri Community Betterment Conference.