The Trenton Lions Club met on Tuesday at the Lakeview Restaurant for a meal and meeting.
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Following the pledge to the U.S. flag, Maurene Fick led the prayer. She then introduced North Central Missouri College Development Director Steve Maxey, who told of plans for the Barton agriculture campus. Illustrated maps of the proposed campus were distributed and discussed as he announced hopes to begin construction later this year. He gave a history of the Barton gift and expressed appreciation to the Arthur and Elizabeth Barton family for their vision and support of the college as well as the gratitude to the Barton Trustees for making the gift of farm ground and cash possible.
Maxey noted that 40 to 50 students annually declare agriculture majors at NCMC with smooth transitions occurring to area universities in pursuit of the four-year degree. Northwest Missouri State University and the University of Missouri continue to strengthen their articulation agreements with NCMC in ag and other neighboring universities are coming on board with similar programs. It is hoped enrollment will see a significant increase as the result of the new campus and new programs/degrees being added by the college.
Maxey indicated costs to development the campus are estimated at $3 million, with the project expected to be constructed in phases. The first phase would include infrastructure of the campus, the plant science building and lab and the resource/maintenance building. Phase two would likely include the animal science building and lab with a visitor’s center and museum scheduled for Phase three. The fourth and final phase would include construction of an equine science building. Funds for construction will dictate the progression of the phases.
Maxey answered questions from the group related to the possible annexation of the property by the city, concerns over utilities, highway accessibility and future uses of the campus. An invitation was extended to the group for a farm campus tour once the construction begins.