Names in the news

USA Drug to sponsor Grief Support

PARK HILLS, Mo. — The New Beginnings Grief Support Group has a new sponsor. As facilitator Kathy Grogan accepted a job with USA Drug as its community care coordinator, her former employer, Boyer Funeral Home, agreed to allow the sponsorship to move with her.

Group meetings remain at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays at Belgrade State Bank in Desloge, Mo., and at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays in the North College Center, Room C, at Mineral Area College.

For more information, contact Grogan at (573) 756-6421.

Atkisson attends conference

BONNE TERRE, Mo. — Tammy Atkisson of Bonne Terre, Mo., attended The Body Shop at Home national conference held in Reno, Nev., where nearly 1,000 of the company's top U.S. sales people celebrated the success of their self-made businesses and learned about exclusive and holiday product ranges from the ethical beauty company The Body Shop at Home. Well-known in the area as an expert in skincare and make-up, Atkisson, a coordinator for The Body Shop at Home, presents The Body Shop products at fun and informative parties held in homes or offices.

While in Reno, Atkisson was recognized as a new coordinator and for having top sales and recruits among thousands of consultants nationwide.

Power plant employees retire with 84 years of service

NEW MADRID, Mo. — Joe Johnes, Dennis Meier and Melvin Pobst recently retired from Associated Electric Cooperative's New Madrid Power Plant, netting 84 years of combined service to the company.

Johnes, instrumentation superintendent, started as an instrument repairer in 1979. He progressed to journeyman, was promoted to supervisor in 1981 and in 1992 became superintendent. During his career, he received three Excel Awards for outstanding achievements. He received awards for Distinguished Service in 2006, Outstanding Community Service in 2002 and Supervisor of the Year in 1997.

Meier retires as a maintenance planner. He joined AECI in 1983. In 1991, he was promoted to mechanical maintenance supervisor and later became maintenance planner.

Pobst started as a journeyman mechanic in 1978, eventually progressing to journeyman machinist/mechanic and journeyman welder/mechanic. In 1995 he became a journeyman equipment repairman and in 2005 was promoted to mechanical maintenance supervisor.

Modern Woodmen announces awards

Krysten Price and Ginger Dunn received Modern Woodmen of America's Sure Start Stage 1 award, given to employees who have achieved a certain production level in their first 90 days.

Ken Volkerding was the recipient of two company awards for the month of September. He was named representative of the month and Membership Leader in Missouri's East Region.

Modern Woodmen of America's Missouri East Region agency is headed by Randy Rainwater of Farmington, Mo.

Sheets recognized for 20 years' service

Chris Sheets of Cape Girardeau is being recognized for 20 years of service with The Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Cape Girardeau.

Sheets began working with Dr. Jay Sheets in October 1988 as the office nurse. He was previously a flight nurse, an emergency room nurse and an intensive care unit nurse before joining the staff at the center.

Telephone company announces additions

Big River Telephone Company has added James Eakin, Lauren Williams and Danielle Bremer to its staff in the provisioning department at the company's headquarters in Cape Girardeau.

Eakin is a graduate of Dexter High School and an honor graduate from the U.S. Army basic training and advanced school. He is working on a management information systems degree at Southeast Missouri State University and expects to graduate in December 2009.

Williams joins Big River from Fairfield, Ill. She is a 2008 graduate from Southeast Missouri State University with a bachelor of science in political science and a bachelor of arts in speech communication.

Bremer is a Cape Girardeau native and a graduate of Notre Dame Regional High School. She is working on her degree at Southeast Missouri State University and expects to graduate in May 2010.

Officers attend national conference in Ohio

SCOTT COUNTY, Mo. — Scott County Sheriff's Department Lt. Jerry Bledsoe and Deputy Laurie Caid attended the Project State Childhood National Conference in Columbus, Ohio.

Provided by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force program, the training included areas such as community outreach, online investigations and dealing with victims of sexual exploitation. Traning for the officers was provided through a cyber-crime grant in which Scott County and the Poplar Bluff, Mo., Police Department share.

Real estate agents earn professional designation

Bill Stovall, Cal Sherman, Cindy Hess, Debbie Palmer, David Kieffer, Debbie Thurman, Estelee Wood, Jan Geurin, Jim and Jan McClanahan, Jan Lysell, Joe Crocetti, Kathy Devor, Linda Brown, Liz Abernathy, Michelle Norrick, Michelle Stull, Patty Main, Paula Bierman, Regina Hall, Rick Skinner, Aaron Abernathy and Debbie Thurman have earned the professional designation of certified negotiation specialist at Coldwell Banker Abernathy Realty after completing an exclusive Coldwell Banker program.

Realty Executives of Cape County hires Lewis

Paula Lewis has joined the sales staff of Realty Executives of Cape County.

Lewis has sold real estate for 10 years and is an accredited buyer's representative as well as a certified negotiations specialist. Before selling real estate Paula taught school and worked in the retail industry.

Nordenia USA recognizes employees

Lester Page, process development technician at NORDENIA USA, has been named employee of the month for October. Page lives in Glen Allen, Mo., and has been with NORDENIA since Oct. 26, 1998.

The company also recognized the following five, 10 and 15-year anniversaries in October:

15 years of service: Scott Royer and Weston Mangels.

10 years of service: Brian Brown, Lester Page and Rodney Pease.

5 years of service: Julie Adams, Michael Hammontree and Brett Hart.

In addition, material handler Kelly "Joe" Runnels of Jackson has been named employee of the month for November. He has been with NORDENIA since July 5, 1990.

The company also recognized the following 5 and 10-year anniversaries in November:

10 years of service: Lenny Holthaus, Richard Way and Adam Berry.

5 years of service: Victor Heise, Shane Moss, Robert Orr and Richard Heise.

NORDENIA USA, located in Jackson, manufactures plastic packaging and films.

Food Bank hires development director

SIKESTON, Mo. — Amanda Pratt of Sikeston has been hired as development director at Southeast Missouri Food Bank, which has served Southeast Missouri since 1985, bringing together available food resources to assist those living in poverty.

According to Karen Green, executive director of the food bank, Pratt will be responsible for fundraising and donor programs, special events, grant research and preparation, volunteer recruitment, public relations and promotional materials, and Web site maintenance.

Pratt, a Sikeston native, is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University. She previously served as the first executive director for Downtown Sikeston's nonprofit rehabilitation and economic development organization, the Historic Midtown Development Group.

Pratt can be reached at Southeast Missouri Food Bank's administrative offices, located at 3920 Nash Road in Cape Girardeau, or by calling (573) 651-0400. Visit www.semofoodbank.org for more information.

Harrellson attends Edward Jones retreat

DEXTER, Mo. — Bennetta Harrellson, a branch office administrator for Edward Jones in Dexter, Mo., was asked to participate in a "Strategic Retreat," held recently at the firm's St. Louis headquarters.

James D. Weddle, the managing partner of Edward Jones, said, "Our branch office administrators have a great deal to offer in these types of programs. They work with our clients and the public every day, and they know our technology inside and out. As a result, their level of knowledge and experience make them extremely valuable sources of feedback and ideas."

Harrellson has been a branch office administrator with Edward Jones for 18 years.

KFVS-12 wins Emmy Award

KFVS-12 won a 2008 Emmy Award for The Breakfast Show. The Emmy was awarded from the Mid-America Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences at a ceremony held recently in St. Louis.

The Breakfast Show Emmy was awarded in the Morning/Daytime Newscast category. Accepting the award was long time Breakfast Show anchor Jim Burns and Heartland News executive producer Duncan Phenix.

Lauren Keith also serves as anchor and producer of the "Does It Work Wednesday?" feature. Brian Alworth is meteorologist for the local two-hour newscast. Among those behind the scenes are Phenix, long-time Breakfast Show Senior Producer Jim Eftink, Producer Rebecca Stuetzer, and photojournalists Mike Mohundro and Josh Russell. Mike Smythe is vice president and general manager.

KFVS12 also received 2008 Emmy nominations in the Specialty News Series and Promotion categories.

Hospital strategist writes book of tips for surviving fire

Candace Quinn, chief strategist for Southeast Missouri Hospital, wrote a 90-page book, "I Survived a House Fire...I Wish My Stuff Had," filled with 200 tips for homeowners. Quinn grew up in a family of firefighters and escaped from her own burning home in 2002.

Her book blends a vivid account of how her family escaped the flames, with helpful tips on everything from insurance to reconstruction and easy-to-use worksheets.The book includes information from the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Fire Protection Association, and was reviewed by firefighters and professional editors. It is available at www.isurvivedahousefire.com.

Atchison off to good start

WILLIAMSVILLE, Mo. — Darrell Atchison of Williamsville, Mo., financial representative with Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial, qualified for the company's Sure Start Stage 1 award. This award is based on exceptional production in the first 90 days of employment.

Atchison joined Modern Woodmen's Rainwater Region, which covers the eastern side of Missouri, in July 2008.

For more information, contact Atchison at (573) 300-6672 or the regional office at 573-701-0163.

Coldwell agents earn designation

POPLAR BLUF, Mo. — Paul Arnold of Coldwell Banker Ruth Holloway Realty announces that the following agents have earned the professional designation of certified negotiation specialist: Terry Baker, Tonya Carter, Linda Haynes, Brock Littles, Mike Miller and Laura Jane Yarbro.

The agents recently completed the Coldwell Banker University Program that allows sales associates to understand the emotional behavior buyers and sellers exhibit in the real estate process. Coldwell Banker University is the national education center for franchisees of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

Hornbeck gets realtor license

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Century 21 1st Choice Realty announces that Kristy Hornbeck has obtained her real estate license. She is a member of the Three Rivers Board of Realtors and can be reached at (573) 778-2541.

Ste. Genevieve police chief sworn in

STE. GENEVIEVE, Mo. — New Ste. Genevieve Chief of Police Eric Bennett was sworn in Oct. 3. For the last six years he has been the criminal investigator for the St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. His appointment was recommended by Mayor Dick Greminger.

Bennett, age 30, has more than nine years experience in law enforcement, including six years as an investigator. He graduated from the Mineral Area Law Enforcement Academy in 1999 and was commissioned as an officer in 2000. Previously, he worked as an emergency dispatch/911 operator in Park Hills, Mo. Bennett's experience also includes a stint with the Mineral Area Drug Task Force.

Bullard receives special commendation by Missouri Bar

KENNETT, Mo. — On Oct. 8, Senior Counselor James C. Bullard, of Bullard and Bullard, was presented with a certificate of commendation by the Missouri Bar, represented by Judge Stephen Sharp, for 50 years of service.

New director at Ozark Foothills

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Felicity Brady is the new executive director of the Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission.

She was hired in January 2001 as a research assistant and has been the associate director since September 2002.

Brady was promoted to executive director after Dr. Greg Batson resigned to become the area director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Agency.

Brady graduated from Doniphan High School and Arkansas State University and has written numerous grants for cities, counties, schools and non-profit organizations. She is accepting applications for a new associate director.

Jackson Chamer names new director

Brian Gerau has been named the new executive director of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce.

The hiring of Gerau comes five-and-a-half months after former Chamber executive director Marybeth Williams died April 27. Executive assistant Cheryl Merkler has assumed Williams' day-to-day roles since then.

Gerau is the husband of Southeast Missourian advertising executive Sara Gerau. He brings 11 years of sales, marketing and fundraising experience to the job.

A native of Columbia, Mo., Gerau graduated from the University of Missouri in 1997 with a B.S. in history. While in Columbia, Gerau worked at Boone County Bank and as a fundraiser with the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Pemiscot County judge recognized

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Bryon D. Luber, Pemiscot County associate circuit judge, was honored recently during ceremonies at the 2008 Missouri Bar Annual Meeting in Kansas City, Mo.

Luber received the Theodore McMillian Judicial Excellence Award. This award is bestowed upon judges who set an example of judicial excellence by leadership in the advancement of the administration of justice, providing outstanding public and community service to the people of Missouri, and a person of the highest character, integrity and honor who inspires other members of the judiciary to similar noble purpose.

Luber presides over Division II of the Pemiscot County Circuit Court. He presently serves on the Supreme Court Judicial Task Force Committee, Legislative Steering Committee, as co-chairman of the Weighted Workload Committee, and the Transfer of Judiciary Personnel Committee.

Seven inducted to Dunklin County Hall of Honor

DUNKLIN COUNTY, Mo. — The Dunklin County Hall of Honor inducted seven new honorees at a ceremony on Oct. 26 for their work and commitment to Dunklin County.

To be considered, individuals must be or have been citizens of Dunklin County and have distinguished themselves within their occupation, trade, or field of endeavor, through intellectual, creative, humanitarian and professional accomplishments.

This year's inductees include James Fenton Dement, Edward Donald (T-Bone) Hall, Rocky Hamrick, J.T. Moody, Sylvester Pulley, Sr., Mary Jane Rogers, and Louis Jean Slankard.

For more information, contact JoNell Minton, Dunklin County Library directory, at (573) 888-3561.

Williams promoted at State Farm

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Sandy Williams has been promoted to the position of office manager with Poplar Bluff State Farm Agent Susan K. Williams, located at 3366 S. Westwood Blvd.

Currently, Williams maintains an LSA-5 designation with State Farm Insurance and is licensed to write property, casualty, life and health insurance in Missouri.

Williams has been employed as a licensed staff member with State Farm since June 2005. In addition to overseeing the smooth day-to-day operations of a multi-line insurance agency, Williams is the office "go-to" person specializing in business, commercial and farm insurance.

Hutchison and Knodell lead PB Realty

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Kurt Knodell is a Top Lister for September at Poplar Bluff Realty, Inc., and shares the Top Producer Award with Rhenda Hutchison.

Knodell belongs to the National Board of Realtors, the Missouri Association of Realtors and the Three Rivers Board of Realtors. He can be reached at (573) 718-6399.

Hutchison has been a licensed real estate agent since 2005. She is a member of the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Realtors, Missouri Association of Realtors and Three Rivers Board of Realtors.

Reynolds to join discussion on senior insurance

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Lisa Reynolds, local insurance agent specializing in senior insurance, was recently invited by The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to join CMS Acting Administrator Kerry Weems in a discussion of the 2009 open enrollment period for Medicare health and drug plans.

Publisher of Kennett-based magazine receives award

KENNETT, Mo. — Gary Figgins, publisher of Kennett-based Show-Me Missouri magazine, was recently awarded the Senator Emory Melton Legislative Award during the 2008 Missouri Governor's Conference on Tourism held in Kansas City.

The award recognizes lawmakers and tourism industry members who work closely with the legislative process in support of Missouri's travel industry and is named after a former legislator who was a strong supporter of tourism.

Figgins was instrumental in the development of Capitol Days for Tourism, the tourism industry's annual two-day lobbying event in Jefferson City. He has also traveled to Jefferson City numerous times to testify on behalf of various tourism-related bills before House and Senate committees.

Treatment center names employee of the year

Cottonwood Residential Treatment Center recognized Lisa Blank of Cape Girardeau as the 2008 employee of the year during the annual Employee Relations Day at the center. Blank has been the facility's fiscal and administrative manager since 2005. Cottonwood, located on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University, is a Department of Mental Health facility that provides residential treatment to children and youth who have emotional and behavioral problems.

Bankers association elects Crader president

The Missouri Independent Bankers Association has elected R. David Crader president for the 2008-2009 term.

Crader has served on various association committees and has been involved with community banking throughout his career at The Bank of Missouri in Perryville. Crader is chief executive officer of The Bank of Missouri and president of Reliable Community Bancshares. In addition to Crader's banking career, he serves as president of Saint Francis Medical Center Foundation board and vice-president of the Missouri Veterans Home board. He also is a board member for Mid-America Teen Challenge and Southeast Missouri State University Alumni Association. He is actively involved with the Perryville Higher Education Center and serves on other boards in Perryville and Cape Girardeau.

Real estate agents earn specialist certification

Paula Mayfield, Tera Mathes, Shari McConnell, Ken Ruth and Jerry Wilson have earned the professional designation of certified negotiation specialist at Coldwell Banker Select Realtors in Cape Girardeau after completing an exclusive Coldwell Banker University program. The course offers certification, development and technology training.

Sikeston employees honored

SIKESTON, Mo. — The Sikeston Regional Office recently recognized its employees of the quarter and employee of the year. Honorees included Diane Roach, Misty Koch-Dunning, Angie Clark and Bruce Balken. Balken was recognized as employee of the year.

Locals elected to lead association

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — As Missouri's corn harvest swung into high gear, the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council and the Missouri Corn Growers Association kicked off the new fiscal year with new leadership and several new board members.

The election of the MCMC officer team took place during the Council's annual meeting held at the Lake of the Ozarks. Re-elected as MCGA president was Mike Geske of Matthews, Mo., who will also preside as the incoming chairman of the NCGA Public Policy Action Team.

Representing Missouri corn farmers on U.S. Grains Council Action Teams will be Jim Stuever of Dexter, Mo.

Tyson Foods honors employment anniversaries

DEXTER, Mo. — Tyson Foods, Inc., recently hosted its third quarter Team Member Service Award luncheon. Employees are honored each quarter for years of service to the company in five-year increments. Those honored include:

Five years of service: Kevin Lewis, Connie Morlan, Dianna Davis, Alethea Johnson, Gloria Johnson, Kimberly Misouria

Ten years of service: Brian Cato, Patricia Criglar, Dawn Towe, Diana Vankleek, Tiffany Scott, Glenda Davidson, Betty Davis, Linda Vaughn, James Halliburton

Fifteen years of service: Teresa Gibson, Will Monroe

Twenty years of service: Ronald Chapman, Jessica Voss

Thirty years of service: Kathy Williams

Estes named district rep for Electric Cooperatives

DEXTER, Mo. — Stanley Estes, manager at Ozark Border Electric Cooperative in Poplar Bluff was recently appointed as a district representative to the Internal Operations Committee of the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives in Jefferson City. AMEC is the service organization of the state's 47 electric cooperatives, which serve more than 500,000 rural consumers.

As a member of the Internal Operations Committee, Estes will be responsible for activities concerned with the internal operations of the statewide association and ensure local electric cooperatives receive needed services.

Tri-State Advertising and Marketing Club names officers

The Tri-State Advertising and Marketing Professionals organization, an affiliate of the American Advertising Federation, has named the club's newly elected officers for the upcoming year.

Richard Proffer, business development specialist with the University of Missouri's Small Business Development Center, will serve as club president.

Jaime Craig has been named vice president for the third consecutive year. Craig, who has been in advertising for 10 years, currently works as an advertising executive for Mississippi River Radio and as an independent contractor for Hendrickson Business Advisors' Image Advising Department.

Britney Lee, sales and marketing officer for First Missouri State Bank, will serve as treasurer.

Sara Gerau, national sales and online director for Rust Communications, was elected club secretary.

Tri-State AMP is an affiliate of the American Advertising Federation (AAF). AAF has a national network of 200 ad clubs and 50,000 professionals in the advertising industry.

New Carter County sheriff sworn in

VAN BUREN, Mo. — Ted Reynolds, of rural Van Buren, was sworn in as the interim Carter County Sheriff on Oct. 20.

Reynolds, who has been the chief deputy sheriff for nearly eight years, was selected by the Carter County commissioners. He retired from the U.S. Army after serving 20 years and was a school resource officer before becoming Melton's chief deputy. He also spent three years as a drug investigator under a Missouri Sheriff's Association Methamphetamine Eradication grant. His experience includes two one-year tours of duty in Iraq as a police adviser. He also went to Iraq for 90 days to train staff members with civilian contractors.

Reynolds will serve as the interim sheriff through Dec. 31. He replaces Greg Melton, of Grandin, Mo., who died Oct. 16.

Photographer's image takes first in contest

Southeast Missourian photographer Aaron Eisenhauer's widely published picture of Fed Ex driver Jay McMullin working to save motorist Odell Bunch during a March flash flood was honored as the top spot news photograph by the 2008 Southern Newspaper Publishers Association photo contest.

Eisenhauer, a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, joined the Southeast Missourian in May 2007.

"The photographer made a story-telling image out of a difficult situation, with strong news value," the judges wrote of Eisenhauer's photo. "We see many pictures of the aftermath of disasters. However, this image shows us the disaster."

Eisenhauer will receive a $500 cash prize and a plaque as part of the honor.

City employees recognized for longtime service

DEXTER, Mo. — Three individuals were honored for their longtime service to the city of Dexter during the Oct. 20 meeting of city aldermen. The following individuals were recognized: Rob Ward, for 10 years with the Parks and Recreation Department; Court Clerk Jo Ann Dunn, for 20 years with the city; and Police Chief Paul Haubold, who was honored for 20 years of service. Bestowing the honors were Mayor Joe Weber and City Administrator Mark Stidham.

Locals appointed to state boards and commissions

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Gov. Matt Blunt announced appointments of members who will serve on several boards, commissions and councils, including six Southeast Missouri residents.

John M. Freeze of Cape Girardeau has been appointed to the Missouri Dental Board. He operates a private dental practice.

Eddy A. Justice of Poplar Bluff has been selected for the Missouri State Employees Voluntary Life Insurance Commission. Justice is the agent and owner of Eddy Justice State Farm Insurance Agency.

C. Larry Ray (D) of Hayti has been appointed to the State Lottery Commission. He is Pemiscot County Clerk.

William B. Bradley of Cape Girardeau has been appointed to the Professional Services Payment Committee. He is a family nurse practitioner at the SEMO Health Network.

Victoria A. Damba of Farmington has been appointed to the Professional Services Payment Committee. She is a primary care physician at Mineral Area Regional Medical Center.

Christina R. Warren of Cape Girardeau has been appointed to the Professional Services Payment Committee. She is the COO of Cross Trails Medical Center.

Earnhart awarded for service

DEXTER, Mo. — The Bootheel Regional Planning and Economic Development District presented a 15 years of service award to Angela Earnhart on Oct. 16 at an annual meeting held at the Hickory Log. Earnhart is the bookkeeper/accountant at the office in Dexter. The award was presented by Steve Duke, executive director of BRPC.

American HomeCare honors employee

DUNKLIN, Mo. — The Missouri Council of In-Home Services recently held its annual banquet at the Lake of the Ozarks. Wanda Harmon, of American HomeCare management in Cape Girardeau, received the "Homemaker of the Year Award" for service "Above and Beyond" in caring for the elderly/disabled clients in their homes. The award was presented by Diane Noah, vice-president to the council.

Harmon delivers services through American HomeCare to Medicaid clients, veterans and surviving spouses, and private pay clients with any illness or injury. Harmon has been a homemaker with American HomeCare Management for 13 years.

Branch Manager Melinda McCulley stated that this is a very high honor as Wanda was chosen from hudreds of homemakers throughout the state of Missouri to receive this award.

The American HomeCare Corporate Headquarters is located at 808 North Bypass in Kennett, Mo.

Two UPS employees recognized

UPS has recognized two longtime employees for their years of service to the company.

Darrell Murphy was honored for completing 30 years with UPS. Murphy, who is a service provider with UPS in Cape Girardeau, was recognized for his loyal service contributions. He began his career in 1978 as a clerk with the company. He lives in Jackson, Mo.

Dale Pingel, service provider with UPS in Cape Girardeau, was also honored for completing 30 years of loyal service contributions. He began his career in 1978 as a package driver with the company. He lives in Cape Girardeau.

Yarbro, Littles lead Coldwell Banker

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Paul Arnold with Coldwell Banker Realty announces Laura Jane Yarbro as its Top Lister and Brock Littles as Top Producer for September.

Yarbro was born and raised in Poplar Bluff. Like her mother and grandfather, she is a full-time real estate agent. Yarbro is a graduate of Missouri State University in Springfield with a master's in business administration. She has been in real estate for more than three years and is a member of the Three Rivers Board of Realtors, Missouri Association of Realtors and National Association of Realtors.

Littles has worked at Coldwell since January 2006 and was top listing agent for 2007. He attended Three Rivers Community College and obtained his degree from Southwest Baptist University in 1999. He is a member of the Three Rivers Board of Realtors and currently serves as a state director for the membership.

New publisher of Daily Journal announced

PARK HILLS, Mo. — Gary Berblinger has been selected as the new publisher of the Park Hills Daily Journal, Farmington Press, Democrat News, Parkland Advantage and Business Ledger. He lives in Farmington.

Berblinger said he expects to make no major changes in the publications immediately, but he is hoping to continue to encourage the long established tradition of service to our local communities through objective, high quality journalism and to work as a partner with our advertisers to help them grow their businesses.

A native of St. Louis, he has worked in publishing since 1973. He came to the Daily Journal after six years as accounting manager for the Herald in Bradenton, Fla. As publisher, he replaces Jim York, who resigned to take a job in Cincinnati.

Insurance agents attend training

SIKESTON, Mo. — Laura Green and Jay Leible of Anderson and Green Insurance Agency in Sikeston recently attended a training session on property/casualty insurance hosted by Barton Mutual Group of Liberal. Attendees received continuing education hours awarded by the Missouri Department of Insurance. Training included instruction on new product offerings, service enhancements and company and industry trends. More than 350 independent agents attended one of the regional meetings throughout the state.

Also during the meeting, Anderson and Green Insurance Agency was recognized for outstanding sales and loss control in 2007 by receiving the Underwriting Excellence Award.

New faces at Sikeston Fashion Bug

SIKESTON, Mo. — Two new women have joined the team at Fashion Bug in Sikeston. Laurie Romas is a manager and Donna Lowery is a sales leader.

Romas came on board in September and Lowery began work in early October.

Fashion Bug is located at 1305 S. Main in Sikeston. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 pm. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The phone number is (573) 471-2202.

Realty Executives brings in new executive

Realty Executives of Cape County, 2511 Independence St., Suite 100 in Cape Girardeau, has hired Wendy Marberry as a new executive. Mayberry is a Southeast Missouri State University graduate with a degree in marketing. A lifetime resident of Cape Girardeau, Mayberry brings nine years of experience as a real estate agent.

Schoolfield joins staff of Concepts salon

Heather Schoolfield has joined the staff at Concepts Styling Salon, 107 West Drive in Cape Girardeau. Schoolfield has 13 years of experience and specializes in hair color and design.

USA Drug awards employees

FARMINGTON, Mo. — The USA Drug family of pharmacies recently held its annual Employee Appreciation Dinner at Chaumette Vineyards. Fifty-eight awards were handed out, including the following:

Pauline Williams, Employee of the Year; Kevin Degonia, Driver of the Year; Bob Bloom, Warehouse Employee of the Year; Mandy Braswell, Customer Service Representative of the Year; Becky Montgomery, DME Billing Employee of the Year; Erica Snyder, Employee of the Year for the Karsch Pharmacy; Stephanie Hedgcorth, Employee of the Year for the Parkland Hospital Clinic Pharmacy; Sandy Thompson, Employee of the Year for the Desloge Pharmacy; Alice Thomas, Employee of the Year for AV Drug; Tracey Skelton, Employee of the Year for the Mineral Area Clinic Pharmacy; Cheri Hines, Quality Care Pharmacy Employee of the Year; June Boyer, Special Appreciation Award; Michelle Bobbett, Pharmacist of the Year; Jim Clay, Attitude Award; and Sharon Biri, Excellence Award.

In addition, a Team Award went to the Respiratory Department of Phil Patterson, Rita Martin, Mike Hilker, Gina Phillips and Rob Kelly.

Land passes CPA

FARMINGTON, Mo. — The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy recently announced that Sarah E. (O'Hanlon) Land has passed all four parts of the CPA examination.

Land is among 28 percent of testing candidates who passed each of the four sections the first time they took them. She is employed as a staff accountant at Crouch, Farley & Heuring, CPAs of Farmington. Crouch, Farley & Heuring is a CPA firm with offices in Farmington, Cape Girardeau and De Soto and employs 20 people.

Land is a 2004 graduate of Central Methodist University and has worked with the firm since 2005. She lives in Caledonia, Mo.

Lindsey partners with WPSD

WPSD Local 6 is the new home for Outreach Science Educator Jason Lindsey's award-winning science segment, "Hooked on Science." The show airs during Local 6 Saturday between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m.

The Hooked on Science segments air on television stations in Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois and Kentucky and reach more than 700,000 homes. For more information, go the Local 6 web channel at www.wpsdlocal6.com.

Pritchett joins Baker Welman Brown

KENNETT, Mo. — Baker Welman Brown Insurance & Financial Services in Kennett, Mo., has added a new staff member, Katie Pritchett, to its team. Pritchett will come aboard as administrative assistant for financial services.

Pritchett graduated from Kennett High School and Arkansas State University, where she received a bachelor's degree in education.

Culp attends training session

MALDEN, Mo. — J. Walker Culp of Byrum-Culp-Davis & Dell Insurance Agency in Malden recently attended a training session on property/casualty insurance hosted by Barton Mutual Group of Liberal, Mo. Attendees received continuing education hours awarded by the Missouri Department of Insurance.

Training included instruction on new product offers, service enhancements, and company and industry trends. Over 350 independent agents attended the regional meetings throughout the state.

MacDonald is new president of Smith & Co.

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Bob MacDonald, who has worked at Smith and Company for 20 years, is the new president of the engineering firm. He was selected by the company's eight-member board headed by Chairman Sam Smith, who started the business in 1968. The company has been employee-owned since 1994.

MacDonald began working at the firm in 1988 as director of marketing and client relationships. He also has served as vice president and business manager. Born and raised in Poplar Bluff, he graduated from Poplar Bluff High School, Three Rivers Community College and Southeast Missouri State University. Before attending college, he served four years in the U.S. Coast Guard.

Smith and Company has offices in Poplar Bluff and Cape Girardeau, with 42 employees working in engineering, surveying, geotechnical and environmental departments.

Carson joins State Farm

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Sarah Carson has recently joined the team of Susan Williams, State Farm Insurance, located at 3366 S. Westwood Blvd., across from Ozark Border. Carson is a State Farm certified bank specialist whose focus is on assisting policyholders with State Farm Bank products.

Presently, Carsron is pursuing her associate's degree in business administration with Three Rivers Community College. She lives in Poplar Bluff.

Taylor, McCoy earn top honors

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Rick Lansford, broker/owner of Century 21 American Realty, has announced Melba Jean McCoy as Top Lister and Sandy Taylor as Top Producer for September.

McCoy is a member of the Missouri Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, and Three Rivers Board of Realtors. She has earned the Award of Excellence and has been a Million Dollar Producer for the past several years. She is experienced in listing and selling all types of real estate and can be reached at (573) 776-5207 or (573) 785-2121, ext. 110.

Taylor has been in real estate for nearly three years. She has been a million dollar producer for the past two years and is a member of the Three Rivers Board of Realtors, Missouri & National Association of Realtors. Taylor can be reached at (573) 776-5097 or (573) 785-2121.

Estes appointed a district rep

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Stanley Estes, manager of Ozark Border Electric Cooperative, was recently appointed as a district representative to the Internal Operations Committee of the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Jefferson City.

As a member of the Internal Operations Committee, Estes will be responsible for activities concerned with the internal operation of the statewide association and ensure local electric cooperatives receive needed services.

Yarbro named to state committee

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Mark Yarbro, director of Ozark Border Electric Cooperative, was recently appointed as a district representative to the Executive Committee of the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Jefferson City.

As a member of the Executive Committee, Yarbro will have responsibility for developing the association's annual work plan and budget and monitoring its operating policies.