Some surprising statistics were presented about Grundy County during the University Extension Council?s annual meeting held Monday night at the Ketcham Community Center.
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Some surprising statistics were presented about Grundy County during the University Extension Council?s annual meeting held Monday night at the Ketcham Community Center.
Dr. Robert Hughes, a professor and associate dean of outreach in the College of Human Environ-mental Sciences at the University of Missouri-Columbia, presented a report on the state of Missouri Families 2002, focusing on Grundy County in particular. Among the statistics he presented were that 121 babies were born in Grundy County in 2000 (families were living in Grundy County at the time of the birth, even if the child was not actually born in the county), with 73 marriages and 51 divorces recorded. A total of 21 percent of the population was over 65 years of age in 2000 and 23 percent of the population was under the age of 18. Dr. Hughes noted that 50 deaths in Grundy County were due to heart disease in 2000 while another 29 deaths were attributed to cancer. He also said three deaths were attributed to diabetes, a disease that is on the increase.
Dr. Hughes discussed children and adolescents, reporting that 73 percent of teens graduated from high school in 2000, which is lower than the statewide percentage of 79 percent. A total of 24 births in Grundy County were to teen mothers and there were 21 documented cases of children being abused in the county. Dr. Hughes discussed child care, reporting that 76 percent of children under the age of six live in homes with two working parents.
A total of 72 percent of Grundy County residents own their homes compared to the statewide number of 70 percent. A total of 19 percent of families in the county are burdened by housing costs, which means they are not able to cover other expenses in order to meet their housing costs.
A total of 21 percent of children in the county were living in poverty in 1997, with the median household income in the county in 1997 of $28,036. It was calculated that a self-sufficient wage for a family of four in Grundy County was $14.73 per hour. Another statistic showed that 41 percent of homes in Grundy County were built prior to 1939,while the statewide figure shows that 23 percent of homes were built prior to 1939.
Dr. Hughes said statistics often vary widely across the state. For instance, the teen birth rate is falling statewide, but in some counties it has actually risen. He noted that several programs are available in Grundy County to help families with issues discussed in the report, including Family Nutrition, Focus on Kids (for divorcing families), Money Action Plan, Building Strong Families and First-Time Homebuyers.
In addition to Dr. Hughes? presentation, the program included the presentation of awards, swearing in of new members and an election of officers. Three county residents were named to the Leaders Honor Roll for their support of extension programs. Those honored included Everett Cunningham, Diane Raynes and Ronda Lickteig.
New council members include Bridgette Bunnell, District I and Linda Baugher, District II. Outgoing members are Molly Hannas, District I; Jeanie Gibson and Lucille Fletcher, District II; Susan Plumb, District III; and Dr. Nick McHargue, city of Trenton.
Officers were elected and include Cathy Oesterling, chairman; Linda Overton, vice chairman; Colleen Kidd, treasurer; and Carolyn Whitney and Wilma Roberts, co-secretaries.