Stephanie Kim, Editor

Barney the Snowman ready to take donations. Photo by Stephanie Kim

The St. Francois County Community Partnership (SFCCP) held its monthly meeting last week. At the start of the meeting, the Partnership mission was reiterated: “To build, nurture, and strengthen families, ensuring that every person has the opportunity to become a healthy, productive, and contributing member of the community.”

Discussion over next year’s Health and Resource Expo took place, as well as possible raffles for the organization to hole in order to raise money.

Program Coordinator Dawn Sander also went over the success of the Health and Resource Expo that took place on April 12.

“We had 1,092 people walk through as attendees that Saturday,” Sander said. “We had 103 exhibitors sign up, and about four weren’t able to make it, which I think is a pretty good ratio for our exhibitors as well.” There were also two learning sessions at the event, which are on the agenda for next year’s Expo–set for April 11 of 2026.

Sander said, “With the explosion of growth, we do need more adult help at the Expo.” Adult volunteers will be especially needed to assist the student volunteers next year.

A survey was shown that displays the usage of various vices, such as alcohol and cigarettes, from 2022 to 2024. According to the survey, alcohol usage in students dropped by 7.2%, and tobacco usage dropped by 1.9%.

Updates from schools and organizations in attendance were given towards the end of the meeting.

“The Health Department has had some pretty hard hits,” said Linda Ragsdale with the St. Francois County Health Center. “Nearly $200,000 was cut out of this budget. I got an email that said to cease all activities related to four contracts we had with the Department of Health and Senior Services.”

The St. Francois County Health Center is also having extended hours on a six-month trial run. The hours are M-Th, 7:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Fridays. Renovations are expected to be completed June 1.

Mineral Area College (MAC) puts together welcome bags for their international students, as many of them transfer with little items. Toiletries, snacks, and other necessities are needed for the bags.

Other updates

Bismarck School District will not be having its summer school.

Diva Derby Day (girls’ night out) with United Way will be taking place on May 10.

The Too Good for Drugs Program is doing banners for each of the school districts.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is September 27, 2025.

The next SFCCP meeting will be May 14 at 1101 Weber Road in Farmington.

Stephanie Kim is the editor of the Daily Journal ​​and Farmington Press. She can be reached at skim@dailyjournalonline.com.



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