Boone County QC hears from local groups
Published 5:00 am Saturday, October 17, 2026
The Boone County Quorum Court met Tuesday and heard from several local organizations. The organizations have typically received some funding from the county and were there to update the court on their achievements, challenges, and future plans. The court invited the groups to speak as they continue working on the 2027 budget.
Meals on Wheels
Kelly Hunter, Director of the Boone County Senior Activity and Wellness Center, addressed the court first. Hunter described the Meals on Wheels program for the court.
She said that from July 2025 through June 2026, the Meals on Wheels program provided over 6,000 meals to the senior center, more than 39,000 meals on wheels, 616 rides to seniors and over 9,000 socialization units through various activities.
Hunter said that they are limited to serving only 120 seniors through the mobile program, but maintain a waitlist of around 65 people.
While 47% of their funding comes from state and federal programs, they must fundraise the remainder of their budget. They had previously received some funding from the Boone County United Way until that organization dissolved.
The county appropriated $12,500 to the Aging Program in 2026, pursuant to Ordinance No. 2025-39.
Sanctuary, Inc.
Haylea Ray, Victims Service Advocate for Sanctuary, Inc., spoke next. Sanctuary, Inc. operates an emergency domestic violence shelter in Harrison. Ray described their work as a small program serving a large area.
The shelter, consisting of five bedrooms, can accommodate 15 women with basic necessities and hygiene materials. They house women and children for an average of 90 days while the individuals get back on their feet.
Sanctuary helps women with court matters, such as filing orders of protection. They also help source support for women if they can’t provide it themselves.
Sanctuary, Inc. also lost some funding after United Way went away. With Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding having seen reductions in recent years for a number of reasons, organizations like Sanctuary have lost revenue streams.
Despite these challenges, Ray said the community has been very supportive. Additionally, they have volunteers who operate The Sanctuary Shoppe, a nonprofit thrift store that helps raise funding for the shelter.
The county appropriated $3,000 to Sanctuary, Inc. in 2026, pursuant to Ordinance No. 2025-39.
Ozark Humane Society
Board President of the Ozark Humane Society, Kay Watters, presented next. She reminded the court that the Ozark Humane Society is the only brick-and-mortar animal shelter in Boone County. The facility was built in 1971 and requires constant maintenance.
Watters said that the building and internal shelters are falling apart, and while they would benefit from a new building, the money isn’t there.
She explained that the mission of the organization is to provide safe shelter, vaccinations and the spay and neuter of animals in the county. In 2025, they adopted out 215 cats and dogs with 155 adopted so far this year. The Humane Society also transports animals to larger communities. In 2025, they sent 227 animals out for adoption elsewhere, and 152 so far this year.
The volunteer staff operates a thrift store, Cause for Paws, in Harrison. According to Watters, that provides more than 95% of their funding. The staff also cares for the sheltered animals 365 days a year, including overnight stays when bad weather prevents safe travel.
Watters explained the importance of spay and neutering pets. Because cats and dogs can reproduce so rapidly, part of her job entails educating the public about the importance of preventing that reproduction. She described the organization’s partnership with the Elks Lodge and Fido Fixers, which allows them to charge only $25 to spay or neuter a pet and vaccinate it against rabies.
Watters said that the Ozark Humane Society is open from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Wednesday and Sunday.
The county appropriated $3,000 to the Ozark Humane Society in 2026, pursuant to Ordinance No. 2025-39.
Boone County Heritage Museum
Troy Massey, Board President of the Boone County Heritage Museum, provided the court with updates and information on upcoming events. He reported 14 members on the museum board.
The museum is in the old Harrison High School building at 124 S. Cherry St., which was built in 1912. His monthly utility costs are $600, with the same amount required for insurance. A new HVAC system cost $10,000.
Massey reported that while surrounding counties require admission fees, Boone County Heritage Museum remains free. From April to October, the hours are Thur. and Fri. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Winter hours are the same but the museum is only open on Fri. They are also open the first Sat. of the month, year-round.
On Oct. 29, they will host a Night at the Museum from 5-8 p.m. There will be a costume contest for different age groups. On December 5, the museum will host a picture-with-Santa event at the Forest Building. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be there. Visitors should come prepared to take their own photographs. On Dec. 19, the museum is helping with the Luminary Lights of Love event, where for $20, volunteers will place a battery-operated luminary at loved ones’ gravesites. The remembrance will be held throughout Rose Hill and Maplewood Cemeteries.
The county appropriated $2,000 to the Boone County Heritage Museum in 2026, pursuant to Ordinance No. 2025-39.
Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce
Jeff Nielsen, President of the Chamber, presented a resolution of support for the renewal of the proposed county jail tax. Nielsen said that he had personally been out actively supporting the tax. The Chamber’s resolution recognized that a well-funded jail supports the community. Nielsen said that the Chamber thought it was important to provide the court a tangible means of support for the tax.
The county appropriated $15,000 to the Chamber of Commerce in 2026, pursuant to Ordinance No. 2025-39.
