Letterhead will only be visible on the printed PDF version of the press release, in place of the "Boone County News Release" heading below.
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Kip Kendrick, Presiding Commissioner
Justin Aldred, District I Commissioner
Janet Thompson, District II Commissioner
Roger B. Wilson
Boone County Government Center
801 E. Walnut St., Rm 333
Columbia, MO 65201-7732
(573) 886-4305 (573) 886-4311
Boone County
Commission
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Letterhead will only be visible on the printed PDF version of the press release, in place of the "Boone County News Release" heading below.
Boone County News Release
For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Nicki Rinehart, Stormwater Coordinator
Boone County Resource Management
Phone: (573) 886-4343
Email: nrinehart@boonecountymo.org
Boone County Stormwater Educator Michele Woolbright Hickman Receives 2025 Missourian Progress in Sustainability Award
COLUMBIA, Mo. (November 20, 2025) - Boone County Stormwater Educator Michele Woolbright Hickman has been honored with the 2025 Missourian Progress in Sustainability Award, presented November 18 at the Columbia Missourian’s Ninth Annual Progress Awards Ceremony at the Blue Note.
The Progress Awards celebrate individuals and organizations making significant, positive contributions to Boone County. This year, honorees were recognized across nine categories: arts, health care, sustainability, social justice, entrepreneurship, education, volunteerism, nonprofit, and the Sherman Brown Jr. Award.
Michele was selected from among five sustainability nominees for her ability to “bring individuals and groups together to create new and engaging programs which better spread the word about watershed health.”
As Boone County’s Stormwater Educator, Michele collaborates with student groups, community partners, industry professionals, and multiple agencies to promote environmental stewardship and best management practices. She currently leads the Salt Smart: Safe Streets, Healthy Streams campaign, an initiative focused on raising awareness about salt pollution and encouraging practical solutions to reduce chloride impacts on local waterways.
Michele also spearheaded Boone County’s Inaugural Creek Week, a week-long series of educational, recreational, and volunteer events designed to highlight the importance of protecting local water resources and the Greater Bonne Femme Watershed. Through hands-on activities, family-friendly outings, and volunteer opportunities, Creek Week encouraged community members to connect with the outdoors and take part in conservation efforts close to home.
For more information about Boone County’s stormwater education efforts, please visit Boone County Stormwater Management at www.showmeboone.com/stormwater/.
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