Area towns honored for volunteer work

Two area communities have earned honors for their work in community development and civic improvements.

Greeley and Melvern were honored for community development by the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas State University Research and Extension office.

Greeley in Anderson County earned a PRIDE star award after volunteers helped beautify the city’s park and upgrade playground equipment.

Melvern in Osage County received the same award and a separate Community of Excellence award.

Volunteers in the community organized a Christmas Box Project and distributed more than 3,000 pounds of food, essentials and gifts to 120 adults and 95 children.

Also, volunteers in Melvern earned high marks for collaboration with other agencies and the Healthy Ecosystem-Healthy Communities program, while serving as the driving force in an environmental makeover of a nearby recreation area.

Get details in Friday's Herald.