__COFFEE BAR OPENS IN PERRYVILLE__
PERRYVILLE, Mo. — Villainous Grounds, a full-service espresso and coffee bar, opened Jan. 23 at 27 N. Jackson St., on the square in Perryville. Mary Jo Bammel owns the business, which also includes a comic book store and comic-related merchandise for sale, the Republic-Monitor reported.
__L&M BARBER SHOP RELOCATES__
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — L&M Barber Shop moved from its longtime location on Vine Street to 1889 N. Westwood Blvd., the Daily American Republic reported. Cecil Mullins, who has been a barber for 41 years and the shop owner for nearly 24, said the new shop has space for five chairs. The shop previously had three chairs.
__STERLING BANK, FIRST COMMUNITY BANK MERGER COMPLETED__
Sterling Bancshares Inc. announced the completion of the merger of First Community Bank into Sterling Bank, effective Feb. 8. The transaction brings Sterling Bank’s total assets to more than $1.2 billion. Sterling Bank locations now total 11, including one in Cape Girardeau, three in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, four throughout rural Southeast Missouri, two in St. Louis and one in the Chicago suburb of St. Charles, Illinois. Former First Community Bank locations will soon see a new look consistent with the Sterling Bank brand and architectural style, the news release stated. Additionally, Sterling Bancshares Inc. operates Sterling Insurance Agency out of Poplar Bluff and Sterling Investment Services and Sterling Private Insurance Services in the St. Louis region. The acquisition, in which Sterling Bancshares acquired 100 percent of Bootheel Bancorp, including First Community Bank Missouri, Bootheel Bancorp’s wholly owned subsidiary, was announced in summer 2014 and the acquisition officially closed in January 2015.
__THRIFT STORE CUTS RIBBON IN JACKSON__
The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting Feb. 5 for Will-N-Kate’s Past & Presents Thrift Store, 1305 Gloria St. in Jackson.
__DEXTER CHAMBER PRESENTS AWARDS__
DEXTER, Mo. — The Dexter Chamber of Commerce presented its annual awards on Jan. 30, the Statesman reported. Awards went to the Dexter Lions Club, Organization of the Year; The Loft, Business of the Year; Tyson Foods Inc., Industry of the Year; and John William Ringer, Citizen of the Year.
__NORANDA FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY__
NEW MADRID, Mo. — Noranda Aluminum Holding Corp. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, the company announced Feb. 8 in a news release. In the same release, Noranda announced an expected curtailing of production at the New Madrid, Missouri, aluminum smelter beginning in March. In conjunction with the Chapter 11 filing, Noranda entered into an agreement in principle with its existing asset-based loan lenders for up to $130 million in debtor-in-possession financing. This will allow the company to remain in possession of property upon which creditors have an interest. The company has already received a commitment for up to $35 million in debtor-in-possession financing from certain lenders, according to the news release. If the plans are approved, the company said it will use the new financing, combined with cash generated from the company’s ongoing operations, to support business during the court-supervised process. Despite this, production at the New Madrid smelter was expected to cease in March.
__CUSTOM BRIDAL SHOP OPENS IN CAPE__
Renee Clements opened Magnolias Bridal Boutique on Jan. 9 at 407 Broadway in Cape Girardeau. The store carries dresses purchased from the New York Bridal Market, exclusive to the Southeast Missouri region and limited in the Midwest. Magnolias carries the work of five designers: Ti Adora, Kenneth Winston, Tara Keely, Alvina Valenta and Blush by Hayley Paige. Clements is working to bring two new designers to her store, including one from Southeast Missouri.
__HANCOCK FABRICS FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY__
Hancock Fabrics Inc. announced it has filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. In a news release, Steve Morgan, president and CEO of Hancock Fabrics, said, “We believe that restructuring is a positive step for the future of the company, and we are committed to providing our customers quality fabrics and crafting essentials, both online and in stores.” The company will close 70 stores nationwide, including one in St. Peters, Missouri. The Cape Girardeau location will remain open.
__TITLE COMPANY CUTS RIBBON__
Reliable Community Title Company LLC held a ribbon cutting and open house Jan. 29, officially announcing its second location at 502C W. Main St. in Jackson.
__PANDA EXPRESS COMING TO P.B.__
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — An international chain restaurant serving American Chinese cuisine could soon be under construction in Poplar Bluff, the Daily American Republic reported. Members of the Planning and Zoning Commission discussed a permit request Feb. 8 from Panda Express, which plans to open a location at the base of the Wal-Mart Supercenter parking lot on Westwood Boulevard. Construction would start within six months of the commission’s approval of a drive-thru window, according to civil engineer Ray Flake. The commission was expected to vote on the conditional use permit at the Feb. 22 meeting. The business will employ 10 people, Flake said. It will have 54 seats inside and 16 seats outside. The facility would be 2,600 square feet and include a sit-down area. Under these plans, an existing ATM for First Midwest Bank would be removed from the parking lot. Panda Express has at least five locations in the St. Louis area.
__SALVATION ARMY THRIFT SHOP OPENS IN SIKESTON__
SIKESTON, Mo. — A grand opening and ribbon cutting were held Feb. 19 for the new Salvation Army Thrift Store at 1035 E. Malone Ave. in Sikeston.
__BARBERSHOP OPENS IN DOWNTOWN SIKESTON__
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SIKESTON, Mo. — The Sikeston Regional Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on Feb. 9 for Odd Fellows Barbershop, 124 N. Kingshighway in Sikeston. The new business provides a variety of full-service barber specialties, including straight-razor shaves and military and specialty cuts.
__BLUFF CITY BEER PARTNERS WITH LAGUNITAS__
Bluff City Beer Co. in February announced the partnership of Lagunitas Brewing Co. for Southeast Missouri. Lagunitas is headquartered out of Petaluma, California, with a second brewery in Chicago and a future third location in Azusa, California. Lagunitas now covers the lower 48 contiguous states. In partnering with Bluff City Beer, the company has expanded into 19 new counties for Missouri.
__RENOVATIONS UNDERWAY AT BENT CREEK GOLF COURSE__
Renovations are underway at Bent Creek Golf Course in Jackson. The 165-acre, 18-hole course is receiving improvements, and the clubhouse is going through major reconstruction. The golf course has been run by the Litzelfelner family since 1990. Recently, two partners were added, resulting in a new business entity called Bent Creek Golf Course LLC. Brad Belcaster of LaGrange, Illinois, is one of the new partners, with his father, Bob. When they joined, their main goal was to make improvements to the course’s aging infrastructure. New carpet and flooring soon will be installed in the clubhouse. In addition, a new ballroom, bar area and pro shop will be available to members, and the flow will be improved for employees working in the pro shop and bar. On the course, 10 new tee boxes will be installed, many of which will be forward tees or “fun tees,” creating a shorter course for those interested in a faster game. Bunkers will be updated and 300 to 400 yards of cart path will be repaved. The golf carts recently were equipped with global-positioning systems to keep golfers on track, and low-water bridges have been improved. Throughout the grounds, trees have been taken down to increase airflow and improve safety. In the parking lot, new LED lights have been installed for safety and security. The clubhouse renovation was expected to be finished by April 13, and the ground improvements by the first week of May. Bent Creek remains open during construction.
__USA MORTGAGE OPENS IN CAPE__
A new option for residential lending is available in Cape Girardeau. USA Mortgage opened at 1353 N. Mount Auburn Road. Headquartered in St. Louis, USA Mortgage has 14 offices in Missouri and locations in five states.
__CAPE ADDS MEXICAN RESTAURANT__
Monte Blanco, 229 S. Broadview in Cape Girardeau, is a restaurant serving Mexican cuisine and owned by Jonathan E. Seyer. The anticipated opening date was Feb. 24.
__RAGSDALE’S TO REOPEN AFTER LONG HIATUS__
After years of shuttered doors, Ragsdale’s Pub is reopening in its old location in Cape Girardeau. Taste of Cape LLC is reopening the riverside pub; the company also owns Buckner Tasting Room and The Bar in downtown Cape Girardeau. A soft opening was planned in early March, with a grand opening March 17. Manager Penny Held said the large, round, red booths used in the past have been refurbished, and the four-sided bar stands in the middle of the floor as always. Ragsdale’s will have a full bar with 12 beers on tap, at least four of which will be provided by Buckner Brewing. A menu of appetizers and personal pizza will be offered, along with live bands, a DJ, dartboards and classic video games.
__ELITE TRAVEL INDUCTED INTO 500 CLUB__
The Mark Travel Corp. inducted Elite Travel Inc. of Cape Girardeau as a member of the 500 Club in 2016. The program recognizes travel agencies that are top supporters and producers of TMTC’s five brands: Funjet Vacations, TNT Vacations, Blue Sky Tours, Southwest Vacations and United Vacations.
__THREE RIVERS BREAKS GROUND ON SPORTS COMPLEX__
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Three Rivers College held a groundbreaking on March 3 for the Libla Family Sports Complex on the northwest corner of campus, near the Raiders baseball field, the Daily American Republic reported. The goal is to have the 3,000-seat gymnasium completed in the fall of 2017.
__BANK CHANGES NAME, CUTS RIBBON__
DEXTER, Mo. — The Dexter Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting Feb. 17 at First Missouri Bank of SEMO, which has changed its name from First National Bank. The bank is at 310 N. Walnut St. in Dexter.
__OLD TOWN CAPE PRESENTS AWARDS__
Old Town Cape recognized several local individuals and groups during its annual dinner celebration Feb. 25. Bo Kleman of Realty Executives of Cape County was named Volunteer of the Year for her work with Old Town Cape. She serves as chairwoman of the organization’s Economic Restructuring Committee and has been involved downtown consistently since relocating to Cape Girardeau in 2014. The award for business excellence went to Sherry Yaeger’s Renaissance for outstanding business practices and support of the Old Town Cape vision. Shiloh Property Management transformed the service station at 915 Broadway into an apartment space and office last year, earning the business the Adaptive Use Recognition Award. Rocky and Laurie Everett received the John Boardman Excellence in Historic Rehabilitation Award for their work reinvigorating the Indie House, the building at 605 Broadway, which is more than 100 years old. Mike and Paula Haas were awarded the Judith Ann Crow Residential Historic Rehabilitation Award for their restoration of the Queen Anne-style home at 401 Themis St. The Charles L. Hutson Visionary Award went to Jayne Ervin of Jayson Jewelers, who has been a member of Old Town Cape from the organization’s beginning. The night’s festivities also included recognition of incoming and outgoing board members. Dr. Lisa Bertrand of Spanish Street Mercantile and Southeast Missouri State University and Cory Daniel of Montgomery Bank will be leaving the board this year and will be replaced by Kyleigh Baliva of Pastimes Antiques, Bill Cole of Realty Executives of Cape County and Danny Essner of Capaha Bank.
__PANDA EXPRESS OPENS ON SEMO CAMPUS__
Panda Express opened Feb. 15 on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau. The new restaurant created several full-time positions for Chartwells, as well as a number of part-time opportunities for students, said Jonathon Tanner, director of student engagement at Chartwells. The University Center was extended to accommodate the new establishment. Construction began in November and was completed just before they opened for business.
__ANDY’S CUSTARD UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP__
Andy’s Frozen Custard, 803 N. Kingshighway, is under new ownership. As of March 1, Diamond Custard LLC, owned by Mark and Wendy Diamond, have taken over ownership.
__NEW SALON TO OPEN ON BROADWAY__
Plush Salon, 437 Broadway in Cape Girardeau, is a styling salon owned by Shelby Allee. The anticipated opening date is March 22.
__SHED EASY OPENS IN CAPE__
Shed Easy, 921 Independence in Cape Girardeau, is a portable-building sales company owned by Steven Eidson. It is open for business.
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