A $512,874 mock check was presented to Parma by Nita J. “Janie” Dunning, Missouri Rural Development acting State Director to be used to help improve the water system, add a new police vehicle and install a warning siren. Rural Development approved a loan for Parma in the amount of $490,000 to upgrade the water treatment plant and distribution system. Improvements will include new aeration and sedimentation systems and new distribution lines serving 321 users. The remaining $22,874 was awarded in the form of grants from Rural Development. A new police car will be purchased with $10,312 of the grant funds and $12,562 will be used to purchase a storm siren to replace the current, deteriorating siren. Pictured front row from left are: Mitzi Dell, grant writer; Tricia Cohen, Parma Police Chief, Randall Ramsey, Parma Mayor, Simon Wofford , Parma Alderman; Dunning; Pam Anglin, Rural Development Are Director; and Derek Melton, Smith and Co. Project engineer; back row: Tom Bradley, County Treasurer; Ronnie Simmons, County Assessor; Clyde Hawes, New Madrid County Presiding Commissioner; Steve Lewis, Parma Alderman; Pat Wallace, City Clerk; Mark Baker, New mdred County Associate Commissioner; Ben Dyer, representing Senator MacCaskill; and Greg Bell, Smith & Co. Project Engineer.