@@Edith Davis celebrated her 100^th birthday August 23, 2012, at Fjeld Arms Apartment in Kirksville. Edith also celebrated 27 years of being a resident at Fjeld Arms. She not only has the distinction of being the oldest tenant, she is also the tenant who has lived at Fjeld Arms the longest!

The day of celebration took place with a carry in meal at 11:00 and cake and ice cream at noon, as well as presentations of plaques and congratulations by Kirksville Mayor Richard Detwiller and Dan Niemeyer of USDA Rural Development and Sherriff Robert Hardwick.

Bobbie Rockhold, site manager at Fjeld Arms Apartments stated “Edith is such a joy as a person. She is quick witted and always has a positive things to say.” Edith moved into Fjeld Arms Apartment back in 1985. Since that time she has seen many changes, including the recent major rehabilitation of the apartments. And she continues to take life as it comes to her.

Fjeld Arms Apartments was built in 1981 with financing from USDA Rural Development as a 60 unit complex to serve the elderly residents of Kirksville and Adair County. In 2010 a major rehabilitation was completed. The apartment complex continues to provide affordable housing to area seniors and disabled tenants.

Janie Dunning, State Director for USDA Rural Development said, “It is very heartwarming to know this federal program has provided affordable housing for so many deserving senior citizens.”

USDA Rural Development’s mission is to deliver programs in a way that support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. Further information on Rural Development programs is available by visiting USDA’s web site at http:/www.rurdev.usda.gov/mo/ or by contacting Leann Gleason at the Kirksville USDA Service Center at 2410 S. Franklin St., Kirksville, MO 63501 or by calling 660-665-3274, Ext. 4.

“Committed to the future of rural communities.”

“USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.”

To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W.,

Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).