Business notebook: Bent Creek Golf Course undergoes big face-lift

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.

Bent Creek is in its 25th year. 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.

The work is most noticeable inside the clubhouse, where new carpet and flooring soon will be installed and the skeletons of walls stand bare.

Soon, 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.

Brad Belcaster, part owner of Bent Creek Golf Course, enters the clubhouse that is being remodeled Friday in Jackson.Glenn Landberg

"It will be a much more pleasant space and a much more usable space," Brad Belcaster said. "And we'll be bringing in new A/V equipment so we can broadcast photos and video from the events."

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 who are interested in a faster game. Belcaster said he's found many people don't have the time they had to devote to the game. Forward tees will increase the speed of play and in particular will make the game more enjoyable for women, who often prefer shorter lanes.

In addition to new tees, 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.

"We hired a new greenskeeper when we came in September, and he's just done a wonderful job," Belcaster said.

A remodel is underway at the Bent Creek clubhouse Friday in Jackson.Glenn Landberg

"People notice the changes immediately," pro shop manager Chad Schilli said. "We've been getting a lot of positive feedback."

In the parking lot, new LED lights have been installed for safety and security. Before they were installed, the lot was too dark for guests at night.

"We want to rent the banquet room out more, and a lot of those events will be occurring in the evening," Schilli said.

The clubhouse renovation will be finished by April 13, in time for the Spring Classic on April 15, Belcaster said. Completion of ground improvements depends on the weather, but he hopes to have the forward tees finished in time for the startup of a ladies league, a 20-week program beginning 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.

Tom Kelsey, the commercial broker who handled the real-estate transaction, said they are serving customers in the region.

Saint Francis offers midwife service

Expectant parents in Southeast Missouri have another option when it comes to prenatal care and delivery. Saint Francis Healthcare System now offers the services of a certified nurse midwife.

Tracy Carr, right, is a certified nurse midwife who sees patients at Cape Care for Women and Cape Primary Care and delivers babies at Saint Francis Medical Center.Submitted

Tracy Carr is a certified nurse midwife who sees patients at Cape Care for Women and Cape Primary Care and delivers babies at Saint Francis Medical Center.

Emily Sikes Blattel, marketing communications specialist at Saint Francis, said Carr is the only certified nurse midwife practicing in Cape Girardeau.

Bluff City Beer partners with Lagunitas

Bluff City Beer Co. announced a partnership with Lagunitas Brewing Co.

Lagunitas, headquartered in Petaluma, California, is available in the lower 48 states,

With Bluff City Beer, the brewer expands its reach into 19 new counties in Missouri.

With a brewery in Illinois, Lagunitas is the 10th Missouri/Illinois supplier for the 83-year-old beverage distributor.

Salvation Army Thrift Store opens in Sikeston

A new Salvation Army Thrift Store has opened in Sikeston, Missouri. It is at 1035 E. Malone.

A ribbon cutting was held Friday.

College oversees mentorships

Brett Whitnel and Rob Lucas of Shawnee Community College participated in the Union County CEO: Mentorship Program at the SCC Anna Extension Center.

Rob Lucas, left, and Brett Whitnel, center background, of Shawnee Community College listen to pitches from students during the Union County CEO: Mentorship Program at the SCC Anna Extension Center.Submitted

Whitnel and Lucas met with local high-school students who pitched them future business ideas.

Whitnel, a business counselor in the Small Business Development Center, and Lucas, an educational technology specialist, advised the students and discussed their business plans.

The mentorship program will meet as needed to assist students in their small business goals.

Business licenses

Monte Blanco, 229 S. Broadview, is a restaurant serving Mexican cuisine owned by Jonathan E. Seyer. The anticipated opening date is Wednesday.

bbrown@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3630

Pertinent address:

2200 Bent Creek Dr, Jackson, MO 63755