Names in the news

Preusser named senior credit underwriter

David Preusser has been named senior credit underwriter for the Central Southern Missouri and Western Kentucky markets of Regions Bank. Preusser works at the branch at 407 N. Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau. He started his banking career with US Bank in 2003. He most recently served as credit underwriter and assistant relationship manager in the Cape Girardeau market.

Baker joins Regions' management team

Dexter, Mo. — Mike Baker has joined Regions Financial Corp. as the new commercial relationship manager for the Southeast Missouri Region, covering 13 branches in the area. Baker is at the Dexter branch and will also serve the Poplar Bluff branch.

Baker has four years of commercial banking experience and since 2003 has owned and operated his own business. He is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and served in the Presidential Honor Guard in Washington, D.C., for presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush. He also served 10 months in operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Officers honored for investigative efforts

At a recent ceremony at the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Missouri in St. Louis, officers from the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force were honored for their investigative efforts. Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Mark McClendon and Detective Dan Seger with the Cape Girardeau Police Department, both of whom are assigned to the task force, were recognized for their contribution in the investigation and prosecution of United States v. Ruben Rocha. The investigation resulted in the arrest and conviction of 10 members of the organization on federal warrants for drug trafficking.

Board certifies Nix as clinical specialist

Jamie Nix, a physical therapist with Southeast Missouri Hospital's Home Health Services, has been certified as a clinical specialist in geriatric physical therapy by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialists. Nix is one of 20 physical therapists certified in geriatrics in Missouri and one of 927 nationally. She will be recognized at a special ceremony for new board-certified specialists in February at the annual combined sections meeting in Las Vegas.

Bledsoe appointed to Mo. service organization

SIKESTON, Mo. — John Bledsoe, vice president of the Board of Directors with SEMO Electric Cooperative in Sikeston, was recently appointed as a district representative to the executive 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 executive committee, Bledsoe will develop the association's annual work plan and budget and monitoring its operating policies.

The executive committee consists of 12 members and is chaired by the president of the AMEC state board of directors.

Jeane appointed to two committees for state association

SIKESTON, Mo. — Reuben Jeane, manager of SEMO Electric Cooperative in Sikeston, was recently appointed to the load management committee and the training and development committee for the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives in Jefferson City.

As a member of the load management committee, Jeane will be responsible for helping develop programs related to reducing peak electric demands. The committee keeps abreast of technical developments in this field to ensure that electric cooperative member/consumers are receiving power at the lowest possible cost.

Jeane will be responsible for activities relating to improving the professional and technical abilities of electric cooperative employees and directors. These activities include workshops and conferences developed by AMEC and the national association.

Cape residents serve on First State Autism Commission

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The first Missouri Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders met Oct. 22 in Jefferson City. The Commission, created by Gov. Matt Blunt upon recommendation from the Missouri Blue Ribbon Panel on Autism, will advise and make recommendations to the Governor, General Assembly and State agencies regarding matters including healthcare, education and other adult and adolescent services as they pertain to Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Both Dr. David Crowe, president of the Tailor Institute, and Connie Hebert, interim director of the Southeast Missouri State University Autism Center for Diagnosis and Treatment, said they felt honored to be a part of the first Missouri Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders. The Commission is comprised of 24 members.

Riggs honored by Lt. Gov.

KENNETT, Mo. — Patti Riggs of Kennett was honored at a ceremony in Jefferson City by Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder for her customer service excellence and management of the Kennett License Bureau.

"Patti has applied her knowledge of business to update the office processes, appropriately train staff to effectively approach complex problems, and to provide fast and friendly customer service to Missouri's consumers," Kinder said.

Riggs was among a number of business groups and organizations chosen by Kinder to be honored for their quality service to the state of Missouri. She was given a Declaration of Appreciation signed by Kinder.

Knoderer joins Red Cross

The American Red Cross Southeast Missouri Chapter is pleased to announce that Jenny Knoderer has joined the team as development specialist.

Knoderer's main focus will be on expanding the financial support base of the American Red Cross throughout Southeast Missouri. She will meet with people in the nine-county service area of Perry, Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, Scott, Stoddard, Mississippi, New Madrid, Dunklin and Pemiscot.

Born and raised in Southeast Missouri, Knoderer graduated from high school in Cape Girardeau. She attended the University of Missouri-Columbia and received her B.S. in political science from Southeast Missouri State University. Her development experience has focused on the work of not-for-profit causes and most recently she worked in outreach with a national non-profit organization promoting the free enterprise rights of small business owners.

SEMO names interim replacement for VP

Dr. Gerald McDougall, dean of the business college at Southeast Missouri State University, was named interim vice president for university advancement Nov. 5. He will also serve as interim executive director of the university's foundation. McDougall temporarily replaces Wayne Smith, who accepted a job at Saint Francis Medical Center. A national search for a permanent replacement will begin soon.

McDougall will retain his full duties as dean but will pass on his role of supervising the Office of International Education and Services to Dr. Debbie Below. Below is assistant vice president for enrollment management and director of admissions. William Holland, director of corporate relations and associate director of development for the business college, will serve as interim executive director of development.

Malden Chamber director retires

MALDEN, Mo. — After eight years working with the Malden Chamber of Commerce, director Paula Reeder has retired. Her last day was Oct. 31. She has served as Chamber director for the past two years. Prior to that time, she served for six years as the administrative assistant to former director Bill Hampton.

Industrial Development announces new director

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. — The Stoddard County Industrial Development Authority officially announced Julian Steiner as their new chief. He comes to the IDA with experience in economic development, value-added agriculture and industrial management.

Steiner is a graduate of East Carolina University where he attained a B.S. in industrial technology and is working on an M.S. in industrial management at Southeast Missouri State University. He has more than 20 years of progressive management experience both in the public and private sectors. Steiner began his duties on Oct. 20 and invites everyone to stop by his office at 106 S. Prairie in Bloomfield. He lives in Bell City.

Rust named president of Inland Press Foundation

Rust Communications co-president Rex Rust was elected president of the Inland Press Foundation board of directors at its annual meeting in Chicago on Oct. 27. It is a one-year term. "I am honored and excited to be president of the Inland Press Foundation during this pivotal time in the newspaper industry," Rust said.

Founded in 1885, Inland Press Association is a not-for-profit newspaper association and foundation located in Des Plaines, Ill.

Local designer named top achiever

Home & Garden Party direct selling company has named Becky Riney of Jackson one of its top 25 achievers for sales. Riney was recognized for her September sales achievements. Founded 12 years ago, Home and Garden offers customers home decor, framed art, stoneware and candles nationwide.

Hoffer named Sabreliner Corp. senior director

PERRYVILLE, Mo. — Jay Hoffer has been appointed to manage Sabreliner Corporation's largest aircraft repair, overhaul and maintenance facility in Perryville. As senior director, Perryville operations, Hoffer reports to the vice president of operations for Sabreliner's Southeast Missouri region, which also includes facilities in the Missouri cities of Ste. Genevieve and St. Mary.

Officers complete cyber-crime training

Lt. Jerry Bledsoe and Deputy Laurie Caid of the Scott County Sheriff's Department recently completed two weeks of cyber-crime training at the Kansas City Police Academy. The training focused on Internet crimes against children. The first week focused on investigative techniques and the second week on undercover chat room techniques. Training was paid for through a cyber-crime grant shared between the sheriff's department and Poplar Bluff Police Department.

Financial company recognizes Hahs

Northwestern Mutual has named David Hahs of Cape Girardeau one of 313 financial representatives to receive the company's Forum award. As a Forum award recipient, Hahs will receive specialized support services from the company's home office. Hahs is a representative with the Qualy Group, based in Cape Girardeau.

Modern Woodmen names award recipients

The Missouri East Region of Modern Woodmen of America has announced two Jackson residents as recipients of its awards for October. Ken Volkerding was presented with the membership leader award and Bob Houchins was named Rookie of the Month. Volkerding joined the life insurance and annuity products company in November 2004. Houchins became a full-time employee with the organization in March.

UPSemployee recognized for safety

SIKESTON, Mo. — Dewayne Self, a package car driver for UPS, was recently recognized by the company for completing 20 years without an accident. He works out of the facility at 117 Larcel in Sikeston and provides service in the Bloomfield area. He lives in Sikeston. District Manager Ray Bernick presented Dewayne Self with the 20-year safe driving award, recognizing his achievement.

UPS has long enjoyed an outstanding reputation for safety in the transportation industry. UPS drivers log over two billion miles a year on U.S. roads and average less than one accident per million miles driven.

Sikeston honors city employees

SIKESTON, Mo. — Mayor Mike Marshall recently recognized Public Safety Officer Bobby Penrod as the Sikeston Department of Public Safety Employee of the Fourth Quarter with the presentation of a plaque and cash award at a City Council meeting. Marshall said Penrod exhibits a good attitude, has an excellent working knowledge of police work and is a productive officer who maintains good rapport with citizens.

Collin Cecil, who is celebrating his 20th year of employment with the city, received a cash award and plaque after being named the Sikeston Department of Public Works' Employee of the Fourth Quarter. In presenting the award, Marshall said Cecil is an integral part of Code Enforcement operations and serves as a valuable source of information. Marshall also said Cecil is the type of employee that not only recognizes problems but also offers suggestions to resolve them.

Tucker recognized for 40 years of service

SIKESTON, Mo. — Marilyn Tucker has been honored for 40 consecutive years of service to The Daily Statesman newspaper. She started working in the former Stoddard Street Statesman office when she was a teenager, initially as a receptionist, later a proofreader and then a typesetter. She later moved on to the Composition Department, where she remains today.

According to a statement by the newspaper, "Marilyn has been a vital asset to our newspaper for four decades and we appreciate not only her expertise, but her positive attitude in dealing with all of the challenges that come with publishing a daily newspaper. We're looking forward to the next 40 years with her."

Niomie Newell awarded childcare credential

Niomie Newell of Jackson has been awarded a Child Development Associate Credential in recognition of outstanding work with young children. The credential was awarded by the Council for Professional Recognition in Washington, D.C., which represents the early childhood education profession. Newell is employed by NARS as a childcare provider.

CDA is the only major national effort to improve early childhood education and care by evaluating and recognizing the skills of individuals providing care. The first credential was awarded over 30 years ago, and now 49 states plus the District of Columbia include CDA in their childcare licensing regulations.

Campbell is Woman of the Year

DUNKLIN, Mo. — The Business and Professional Women's Club of Dunklin, Mo., recently named Nicola Campbell as its 2008 Woman of the Year.

A past president of the club, Campbell has served as chairperson for two of the club's major projects, the annual murder mystery dinner and the Relay for Life team for the past two years. Current president Rosanne French presented Campbell with a Woman of the Year pin and certificate.

Hutchison, Knodell lead PB Realty

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo — Rhenda Hutchison has been named Top Producer and Kurt Knodell Top Lister for October at Poplar Bluff Realty, Inc.

Hutchison has been a licensed real estate agent since 2005. She was owner of B.B.C. Market for 24 years, but is currently focusing on a career in real estate. 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.

Knodell recently sold the Convenience Store at the 67 South/160/158 junction, which he had owned and operated for 14 years. He belongs to the National Association of Realtors, Missouri Association of Realtors and Three Rivers Board of Realtors.

Spencer, Kendle top RE/MAX

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — RE/MAX Real Estate Group has announced Julie Spencer as Top Producer and Charles Kendle as Top Lister for October.

Spencer has been a realtor since November 1998. She is a member of the National Association of Realtors, Missouri Association of Realtors and Three Rivers Board of Realtors. She has earned the Pinnacle Level of Award of Excellence, the Gold Level Award of Excellence, and has been named Top Producer seven times. She has her CRS and GRI designations and is a member of the Council of Residential Specialists.

Kendle has been a realtor since May 2003. He earned the Top Lister award for 2004 and the RE/MAX President's Club Award for 2005. He is a member of the Three Rivers Board of Realtors and the Missouri Association of Realtors.

Ozark Border workers trained

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Adam Crouch and Jacob Waddell, employees of Ozark Border Electric Cooperative, attended Overhead and Aerial Basket School at the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperative Training Center on Oct. 27-30 in Jefferson City.

Training included instruction on safe work practices for direct hand contact rubber gloving of energized lines and the use of live line tools and proper insulated cover-up materials for poles and conductors. Safe positioning of vehicles at the worksite and the importance of pre-job conferences was stressed. Sixty-one linemen attended the school.

Poplar Bluff holds two ribbon cuttings

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — The Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony opening Fuller's Jewelry, located in the Holloway Building at 603 S. Westwood Blvd., Suite 200, in Poplar Bluff.

The Chamber also held a ribbon cutting to officially open a newly-renovated Wal-Mart Supercenter.

Deronda Johnson is employee of the month

KENNETT, Mo. — Deronda Johnson has been named Employee of the Month for November at Heritage Gardens of Senath, Mo. She has been an employee at the nursing home since 1995.

Stephenson selected president of Three Rivers

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. – On Nov. 12, Three Rivers Community College unanimously hired Dr. Devin Stephenson of Sumiton, Ala. as the sixth president of the college.

Stephenson, 55, is currently the vice president of external affairs at Bevill State Community College. He was one of the top three candidates recommended to the trustees by a 16-member Presidential Search Committee. He will assume the position at Three Rivers on July 1, 2009, following the retirement of President Joe Rozman.

Stephenson graduated from Walker Junior College in Jasper, Ala., and received a bachelor's degree from Birmingham-Southern College. He earned a master's degree and a doctorate in administration of higher education from the University of Alabama. He has more than 30 years of experience in educational administration in technical and community colleges.

Regions Bank appoints branch sales manager

Dom Mastropierro has been appointed branch sales manager of the North Kingshighway Regions Bank in Cape Girardeau. He will be responsible for all consumer sales and operations, as well as building and growing relationships with small business customers in Cape Girardeau.

Mastropierro received his bachelor's in management from Southeast Missouri State University. He brings more than 10 years of sales and management experience to Regions Bank, including five years of consumer and commercial lending.

Businesswoman elected president of state board

Missouri Assisted Living Association has elected Teresa Compton of Cape Girardeau as president of its 2008-09 board of directors. Compton was elected as president during the association's fall conference held in October in Lake Ozark, Mo.

Compton is the administrator of two licensed residential care facilities in Cape Girardeau: Frederick Street Manor I and Maple Crest Manor, which specialize in the treatment and care of more than 60 individuals living with a mental health diagnosis. Compton has worked in healthcare for 26 years.

Telephone company adds four staff members

Cape Girardeau-based Big River Telephone has added staff members Cory Seabaugh, Eric Cole, Garrett Lambert and Patty Feiste.

A Perryville, Mo., native, Seabaugh joins Big River Telephone as a field technician. He has a bachelor of science degree in industrial technology with emphasis in telecommunications and computer networking from Southeast Missouri State University. He specializes in porting services and installing equipment for customers.

Cole and Lambert joined the company as customer experience representatives. Cole is a native of Farmington, Mo., and has several years of experience in customer service as well as an educational background in electrical technology. Lambert's education background is industrial technology. He is a native of Sikeston, Mo. Both Cole and Lambert provide support and services to Big River customers.

Feiste is a native of St. Louis and is the project manager for Big River's wholesale digital voice services. She has more than 24 years of experience in telephone and data communications. As project manager, Feiste will assist cable companies with the market rollouts on Big River's VoIP Network.

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 two Southeast Missouri residents. Eugene J. Hites (D) of Leadington has been appointed to the Dam and Reservoir Safety Council. He is a mill superintendent for the Doe Run Company.

Steven C. Droke has been appointed to the Missouri Cotton Growers' Organization Board of Directors. He is the managing partner of Droke Farms.

For more information on Missouri's boards and commissions visit www.gov.mo.gov/boards/boards.htm.

New Pemiscot County clerk named

CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. — Pamela M. Treece was appointed the new clerk for Pemiscot County. The appointment was announced Nov. 17 by Gov. Matt Blunt's office.

Treece, of Caruthersville, has served as the deputy clerk for Pemiscot County since 2001. She holds an associate degree from Mississippi County Community College. Treece replaces Larry Ray, who resigned.

United Way announces employee achievements, new hires

NANCY JERNIGAN, executive director of United Way of Southeast Missouri's, is starting her second term on United Way of America's National Professional Council. The NPC is a group of top leaders from the United Way system of over 1,300 individually operated United Ways across the country. Members are nominated by their fellow chief operating officers.

Also at United Way, Resource Development Director HOLLY LINTNER recently graduated with her master's in public administration from Southeast Missouri State University. AMANDA WINSCHEL joined the staff as the new office manager replacing NICOLETTE BRENNAN, who became the part-time marketing specialist.

Dr. Hunt honored with high award

DONIPHAN, Mo. — Dr. James Hunt, with practices in Doniphan and Piedmont, was presented with the Optometrist of the Year award at the Missouri Optometric Association's 2008 awards luncheon at the Chateau on the Lake in Branson.

The Optometrist of the Year award is presented to an optometrist who has proven to be an outstanding practitioner. To qualify for the award, a candidate must demonstrate a mode of practice that shows concern and involvement in the association and the profession and make a significant contribution to the community.

Dr. Hunt is a graduate of Arkansas State University and the Inter American University School of Optometry. He has been a clinical examiner for the National Board of Examiners in Optometry and is adjunct faculty at the Inter American University School of Optometry.

The MOA also recognized Dr. Hunt as the Young Optometrist of the Year at its annual convention in 2007 in St. Louis.

Trucker hits milestone

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Mike Fortenberry has been recognized for one million miles of safe driving without an accident, the ultimate measure of excellence in the truck driving profession. Fortenberry is a driver sales representative for Con-way Freight, a less-than-truckload freight carrier and the largest subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW). He safely drove the one million miles between 1996 and 2008 and reached the one-million-mile mark on Nov. 6.

Fortenberry has been a professional truck driver for 16 years. His route takes him from Con-way Freight's Poplar Bluff service center to Sikeston. He lives in Poplar Bluff.

Two Cape real estate agents earn awards

Exit Realty has awarded Thomas M. Meyer and Elizabeth McFerron the Bronze Award in recognition of 25 or more closed transaction sales from July 1, 2007, to June 30, 2008. Both agents are with Exit Realty-Thomas Meyer Associates in Cape Girardeau.

SADI names director of marketing/development

The SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence has named Regina Tucker as director of marketing and development. The former grant program director with the United Way, Tucker will be responsible for developing marketing strategies, promotions and fundraising for expansion of facility and services. SADI began in 1984 as a polio support group and was funded in 1993 as an independent living center. SADI is a not-for-profit, nonresidential center.

Arena Golf manager to attend seminar

Arena Golf manager Jack Pettet has been selected to attend a custom golf fitting seminar and executive round table meeting at the home office of Karsten Manufacturing Co. Karsten is the maker of Ping golf equipment. The seminar will be held at Ping's corporate office in Phoenix.

Local photographer honored by arts council

Tom Neumeyer of Neumeyer Photography was awarded the People's Choice Award for his photograph "Into the Mist" at the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri. The award follows voting by more than 300 people attending the First Friday reception Nov. 7. The photograph of a beech tree along a path was one of four of his works selected for the annual Regions Juried Exhibition at the council.

Regions employee earns treasury designation

ST. LOUIS — Terry M. Bradley, vice president of treasury management services at Regions Bank, covering Western Kentucky, Southern Illinois, Southeast Missouri, Southwest Missouri and Central Missouri, has been granted the highly-regarded designation of Certified Treasury Professional.

By successfully meeting the rigorous certification examination requirements, he has joined a community of over 18,000 finance professionals worldwide who have earned this distinguished certification, according to a news release. In doing so, Bradley brings the highest level of expertise and distinction in treasury management to Regions Bank, where he has worked for 24 years.

Brown attends CIC institute

KENNETT, Mo. — Charlie Brown, CIC, LUTCF, president of Baker Welman Brown Insurance and Financial Services, successfully completed annual continuing education requirements of the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors in Little Rock, Ark., Nov. 12-15. He attended the Personal Lines Institute where topics included Personal Residential Coverage, Personal Automobile Coverage, Personal Umbrella/Excess Coverage, Watercraft, and Personal Line Flood Coverage. Five courses covering all phases of the insurance business were attended by Brown, followed by the passing of five comprehensive exams.

A 22-year veteran of the industry, Brown has been a CIC since 1992.

Philip S. Huffman Memorial Award to Melissa Stewart

KENNETT, Mo. — Melissa Stewart has been awarded the Philip S. Huffman Memorial Award by Legal Services of Southern Missouri. The award is designed to recognize commitment to the clients of Legal Services of Southern Missouri in its rural service area.

Stewart began her career in 2001, enrolling in the judicare and pro bono programs in 2002. Attorneys serving on these panels ensure equal access to justice for vulnerable families or individuals who do not otherwise have the means to obtain legal assistance.

She accepted an average of 20 cases per year, bringing her to a total of 112 cases for low-income people in rural Missouri in the past six years. These cases have helped 150 adults and 200 children with adoption proceedings, custody matters, divorces, collection, and homeownership issues, and helped victims escape situations of domestic abuse.

NORDENIA USA recognizes employees

Lamination operator Jerry Jackson of Cape Girardeau has been named NORDENIA USA'S December employee of the month. Jackson has been with NORDENIA since March 12, 2007. The company manufactures plastic packaging and films.

NORDENIA USA also recognized Dennis Kemph for 15 years of service to the company.

Myers gets Blunt appointment

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Gov. Matt Blunt recently announced appointments to the Missouri Complete Count Committee. Last month the governer signed an executive order establishing the committee to ensure Missouri is accurately represented in the 2010 census.

One of the 26 appointees to join Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder on the committee is Robbie Myers of Poplar Bluff. Myers is a Butler County commissioner and vice president for administration and governmental affairs at Three Rivers Community College.