FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CLARENCE, MO – December 29, 2025 – Chariton Valley proudly announced Clarence’s designation as a Smart Rural Community℠ (SRC) today at Clarence City Hall, located in the historic school building that now serves as a hub for community programs and fiber-enabled services.
The Smart Rural Community℠ program recognizes rural communities nationwide that harness high-speed broadband to unlock new possibilities and boost local economies. This designation reflects Chariton Valley’s ongoing commitment to expanding fiber access and celebrates the vision and hard work of Clarence’s leaders in fostering growth while preserving the community’s rural charm.
The award application, submitted by Dennie Carothers, Clarence City Administrator, showcased how high-speed fiber internet is transforming the community:
- Local businesses thrive with fiber connectivity, including Johnson Drug, Wood’s Steakhouse, Dark Horse Cannabis, and Nutrien Ag Solutions, which rely on fiber for secure transactions, inventory management, and precision agriculture support.
- Telehealth services expand access to care, with facilities like Shelby Co Cares Mental Health Clinic and People’s Clinic using fiber for secure data and virtual appointments.
- Education and digital literacy flourish, as students access virtual classrooms from home and the Clarence Library hosts fiber-powered programs for children.
- Remote work opportunities grow, enabling residents to bring careers home—such as a stockbroker who relocated to Clarence and now works remotely from an office space at City Hall.
- Smart agriculture advances, with farmers using fiber for GPS-guided planting, drone technology, and real-time livestock monitoring.
“This designation represents years of hard work and collaboration,” said Carothers. “Several years ago, I was asked by State Representative Louis Riggs to serve on a committee focused on bringing high-speed internet to Northeast Missouri. With support from the State, our City Council, and local leaders like Presiding Commissioner Glenn Eagan, we invested in fiber infrastructure to secure our community’s future. Today, that vision is a reality. Our City Hall now offers high-speed internet, computers in the public library for anyone to use, and a community room equipped for live-streaming events and secure online auctions. I am proud of the progress we’ve made and excited for what’s ahead.”
“Through the power of fiber technology, Clarence is achieving remarkable progress—a true reflection of the dedication of its leadership. We’re proud to see Clarence recognized as a Smart Rural Community℠ and confident this milestone will lead to even greater accomplishments for the town,” said Donna Bell, Public Relations and Economic Development Manager for Chariton Valley.
To learn more about Chariton Valley fiber or sign up for service, visit www.cvalley.net/fiber or call 660-395-9000.
About Chariton Valley
Through its influential leadership, innovative advances, and 70+ years of experience, Chariton Valley, Missouri’s premier communications provider, continues to enhance rural prosperity and living. Chariton Valley’s reliable network utilizes fiber facilities to expand connectivity to students, families, farmers, businesses, medical facilities, and rural communities every day. Chariton Valley’s success is driven by a commitment to deliver an exceptional customer experience and to continue proudly supporting the communities it serves. Learn more at www.cvalley.net.
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Chariton Valley
Contact: Donna Bell
Phone: 660-395-9636
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.cvalley.net
