Names in the news

Mulholland joins Select Physical Therapy

Jason Mulholland has joined Select Physical Therapy, 240 S. Mount Auburn Road in Cape Girardeau, as work strategies manager. He will partner with employment, case managers and physicians to assist in decreasing workers compensation costs. Mulholland is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau.

McClish joins T.R. Baker as producer

KENNETT, Mo. — T.R. Baker Agency announces that Toni McClish is now licensed to write Property and Casualty products. The license allows her to provide auto, home and commercial coverage. She joins Randy and Terry Baker as a producer in the agency.

McClish is a lifetime resident of Kennett. She joined T.R. Baker in October 2007 as an administrative assistant and worked in this position until receiving her P and C license in August 2008.

Poplar Bluff assistant city manager takes new job

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Byron Smith, who has been the assistant city manager/city planner in Poplar Bluff since January 2005, has accepted the position of city manager at Fort Madison, Iowa. He began there on Jan. 1, 2009.

City Manager Doug Bagby said the city will replace Smith's position with a city planner.

Foust is manager of Sleep Center

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Connie Foust is the new store manager for Better Night Sleep Center, Poplar Bluff's exclusive Tempur-Pedic dealer. Foust has lived in Poplar Bluff all her life and has been in retail for the last 18 years, with the last eight being in furniture and mattress sales.

Better Night Sleep Center is located at 115 S. Westwood Blvd. Store hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Foust can be reached at (573) 785-6886.

Darrell Atchison finishes insurance course

WILLIAMSVILLE, Mo. — Darrell Atchison of Williamsville, Mo., a financial representative with Modern Woodmen Fraternal Finanacial, has completed Kaplan Financial's Ethics for the Insurance Professional Course.

Atchison completed this course which outlines the broad parameters of a life insurance agent's ethical responsibilities and it details an agent's responsibilities to insurers, policyowners and tthe public. Atchison started with Modern Woodmen in July. For more information, contact Atchison at (573) 300-6672 or the regional office at (573) 701-0163.

Kennett administrator announces retirement

KENNETT, Mo. — Kennett City Administrator Ken Goslee has announced his retirement, effective Feb. 28, 2009.

Ramshur appointed Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney

PIEDMONT, Mo. — Gov. Matt Blunt has appointed Robert M. Ramshur (R) as the Prosecuting Attorney for Wayne County.

Ramshur, of Piedmont, was in private practice at Ramshur Law Office, P.C. He holds a bachelor's degree in finance and juris doctorate from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He replaces Rebecca M. Burns, who resigned.

Soto attends real estate conference

Dave Soto of SOTO Property Management attended the 2008 Realtors Conference & Expo in Orlando, Fla. The conference is held by the National Association of Realtors and is four days of intensive training. Soto says that the conference is of extreme value and keeps him up to date on key issues regarding the real estate industry and property management. Soto attended sessions pertaining to property management, investment analysis, 1031 exchanges, marketing, technology, and sessions on upcoming changes to RESPA and EPA guidelines. The highlight of the conference was meeting Super Bowl champion quarterback and two time pro bowler Joe Thiesman who closed the conference with a speech on Managing To Win. Conference dates were Nov. 7–10.

Southeast Missourians tapped for Nixon's transition team

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Three people from Cape Girardeau and two from Sikeston have been tapped by Gov.-elect Jay Nixon to help recruit workers for the Nixon administration, according to a news release from Nixon's spokesperson Sam Murphey. Overall, Nixon assembled a group of more than 100 advisers and supporters from across the state to do the recruiting job in their communities.

Included are Cape Girardeau residents Rebecca M. Cook, former Missouri secretary of state; former state representative Jerry Ford and lawyer Mike Ponder.

Marvin Proffer, a former Cape Girardeau resident and former lobbyist for Southeast Missouri State University is also part of the team. Proffer now lives in Oakville, Mo.

Former state representative Tony Heckemeyer and Betty Heckemeyer of Sikeston will also be part of the team.

Other Southeast Missouri residents on the advisory team are Barry Aycock, businessman, Parma; Ron Bockenkamp, former State Representative, Farmington; Art Cole, retiree, Poplar Bluff; Emily Firebaugh, forester, Farmington; Lance Mayfield, insurance agent, Viburnum; Gene Oakley, county commissioner, Van Buren; C. H. Parsons, attorney, Dexter; Steve Vaughn, disability advocate, Viburnum; and Becky York, county clerk, Doniphan.

Travel agent named Disney specialist

Carmel Dare of Elite Travel and Cruises, 354 S. Silver Springs Road, Suite C, in Cape Girardeau, is the travel agency's newest Disney specialist. Dare achieved the accomplishment after graduating from the College of Disney Knowledge.

Sylvan hires new director of education

Tony Minghi is the new director of education at Sylvan Learning Center, 107 West Drive, Suite A, in Cape Girardeau. A graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, Minghi student taught at Cape Girardeau Central High School and Scott City High School before receiving his bachelor of science in secondary education. He will be responsible for developing an individualized program for each student, monitoring the day-to-day progress of students at Sylvan and meeting with parents to report student progress within the program. He will assist Sylvan director Kris Hartman in managing the teaching staff.

Modern Woodmen announces awards

Modern Woodmen of America Fraternal Financial announced financial representatives in Missouri's East Region who achieved recent accomplishments.

Ginger Dunn of Cape Girardeau earned the company's rookie of the month for November. Dunn, along with Krysten Price of Cape Girardeau, recently completed Kaplan Financial's Ethics for the Insurance Professional Course. Bob Houchins of Jackson completed Kaplan Financial's Introduction to Advanced Markets Course. Ken Volkerding of Jackson was named Membership Leader for October. Modern Woodmen of America's Missouri East Region agency is headed by Randy Rainwater of Farmington, Mo.

New employees join Prosecuting Attorney's office

FARMINGTON, Mo. — The St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney's office has two new employees.

Jerrod Mahurin began his duties as an assistant prosecuting attorney Sept. 15. He joins assistants Pat King, Jeremy Brauer and Joe Lanter.

Mahurin, a Desloge resident, graduated from William Penn University in Iowa and the Oklahoma City Law School. He started a private practice in Farmington and was there a little over a year before a position opened up at the prosecutor's office.

Scott Hall began his duties in November as the office's criminal prosecutor. He previously worked for the Department of Corrections for 12 years. For the last three years, he's also been a reserve officer for the St. Francois County Sheriff's Department and the Bonne Terre Police Department. Hall lives in Farmington and has an associate's degree in criminal justice from Honolulu Community College.

Two promoted at Regions Bank

Philip Moore has been promoted to commercial banking relationship manager at Regions Bank. An accomplished business leader and small business-banking specialist, he has more than 16 years of experience in the finance industry in the Cape Girardeau area. He attended Southeast Missouri State University.

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 within the Cape Girardeau community. A graduate of Southeast Missouri State University with a bachelor's degree in management, he brings over 10 years of sales and management experience to Regions Bank, including five years of consumer and commercial lending.

Cape woman appointed to state board

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Gov. Matt Blunt has announced appointments of members who will serve on several boards, commissions and councils, including one Southeast Missouri resident.

Bonita (Bonnie) Stepenoff of Cape Girardeau has been appointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board. She is a professor of history at Southeast Missouri State University. Mo HealthNet Oversight Committee.

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

McClain-Morgan is Realtor of the Year

KENNETT, Mo. — Nelda McClain-Morgan recently received the 2008 Realtor of the Year award after 15 years of work in the field.

McClain owned and operated an appliance and electronics store in Kennett prior to entering the real estate proession. In 1993, she purchased the stock of Century 21 Prance and Orr and changed the name to Century 21 SEMO Realtors, Inc. During the 15 years that she has listed and sold real estate, she has earned Century 21's top award, "The Centurion," 11 consecutive times. A lifetime member of the Century 21 Hall of Fame, McClain has also earned the Missouri Association of Realtors' "Pennacle" award for sales each year that it was available. In 2007, she was second runner up as a sales associate for sales in the St. Louis Regions Broker's Council, including over 1,400 agents, for number of units sold and ninth in the Heartland Region.

Tree farm inspector receives award

FULTON, Mo. — Missouri Tree Farm Inspector Josh Stevens has been named National Regional Inspector for the Year by the American Tree Farm System. The award was pesented recently at the National Tree Farm conference held in Portland, Ore. The contest is sponsored annually by the American Forest Foundation to recognize top performers among the thousands of tree farm inspecting foresters.

Stevens lives in Fulton, Mo., and has been a volunteer inspector for the Missouri Tree Farm System for over four years, along with being a regional chairperson on the Missouri Tree Farm Committee for two years. He has been employed by the Missouri Department of Conservation for over five years.

RE/MAX honors Stafford, Pigg

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — RE/MAX Real Estate Group has announced Cathy Stafford as Top Producer and Kathy Pigg as Top Lister for November.

Stafford received her realtors license in March 2001. She has been in real estate for the past seven years and is a member of the Three Rivers Board of Realtors and the Missouri and National Association of Realtors. She is a lifetime resident of Poplar Bluff.

Pigg joined the RE/MAX team in May 2008, bringing with her 20 years of real estate experience. She is an active member of the Three Rivers Board of Realtors, as well as the Missouri and National Association of Realtors. She lives in Poplar Bluff.

Laura Yarbro leads Coldwell

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Paul Arnold with Coldwell Banker Realty announces Laura Jane Yarbro as its Top Lister for November.

Yarbro, born and raised in Poplar Bluff, graduated from Missouri State University in Springfield with a master's degree in business administration. She has been in real estate for more than three years and is a mbember of the Three Rivers Board of Realtors, Missouri Association of Realtors and National Association of Realtors.

Weight Watchers recognizes two

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Weight Watchers announces Paulla Patterson of Bernie, Mo., and Crystal Fortner of Dexter, Mo., have been awarded the Rookie of the Year Award.

This award is presented to one receptionist in the community who demonstrated extraordinary dedication by delivering premium service from the beginning of her tenure with Weight Watchers.

Patterson and Fortner work meetings in the Poplar Bluff and Dexter areas.

Spargos receive Farm Bureau award

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Will and Teribeth Spargo of Neelyville, Mo., won the Missouri Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Achievement Award during the organization's annual meeting Dec. 9 at Osage Beach, Mo. At the same meeting, Teribeth was elected to serve on the MFB board of directors.

As winners of the Achievement Award, the Spargos received a trophy in recognition of their farm management and leadership by MFB President Charles Kruse; $500 from the Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture; $500 from the Dodge Truck Corporation; and one year or 350 hours use of a Kubota tractor from the Kubota Corporation. The Spargos will represent Missouri at the American Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher Achievement Award Contest in San Antonio this January.

The family farms 3,000 acres of rice and soybeans in Missouri and Northeast Arkansas in partnership with Will's parents and grandparents. They have served on the Missouri Young Farmers and Ranches Committee. Will is Ripley County Farm Bureau president and Teribeth is county promotion and education chair.

Additionally, Teribeth was elected to the MFB board to represent the South District-at-Large area of the state. As a board member, she will also co-chair the state Promotion and Education Committee. The committee is responsible for agriculture in the classroom projects and other promotional activities.

Kruse re-elected Farm Bureau president

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Dexter, Mo., farmer Charles E. Kruse was re-elected to his ninth two-year term as president of Missouri Farm Bureau Federation, the state's largest farm organization with over 106,000 member families. The election occurred at Missouri Farm Bureau's 94th annual meeting Dec. 9 at Lake of the Ozarks. Additionally, Kruse is one of six individuals who received the National Association of Agricultural Educators Outstanding Cooperation Award Dec. 5th at the NAAE annual conference in Charlotte, NC.

Kruse and his wife, Pam, own and operate a row crop farm in Stoddard County. He is a past executive vice president and CEO of the North American Equipment Dealers Association, a past director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture, a former member of the University of Missouri Board of Curators, and a former research agronomist at the University's Delta Center in Portageville.

Kruse earned a degree in agronomy from Arkansas State University and a master of science in agronomy from the University of Missouri.

City of Cape Girardeau employees honored

The City of Cape Girardeau recognized its Employees of the Year at the annual Christmas party on Dec. 6. Employees from each department were nominated by their co-workers for their accomplishments and achievements.

Employees of the Year include Diane Boyer, Parks and Recreation; Lori Klipfel, Customer Service; Shawn Morris, Fire Department; Cyndi Laster, Public Works; Tim Thornton, Engineering Services; and Jimmy Smith, Police Department.

Ezell appointed to Farm Bureau committee

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Marty Ezell, a farmer from Hornersville, Mo., was appointed chairman of the Missouri Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee during the organization's 94th annual meeting Dec. 9 in Osage Beach, Mo. The appointment was made by Charles Kruse, Missouri Farm Bureau president.

The YF&R Committee consists of 16 couples from eight districts. The group plans and directs the statewide YF&R Leadership Conference each February. As chairman of the committee, Ezell also serves as an advisory member on the Farm Bureau Board of Directors.

Ezell graduated from Green County Tech and obtained an associate's degree in fire science from Black River Technical College. He was a fire fighter for two years before becoming a full-time farmer. Ezell and his father-in-law, Tommy Wilkins, operate a 3,300-acre cotton farm in four counties of the Missouri Bootheel and Northeast Arkansas.

Ezell and his wife, Amanda Ezell, are longtime Farm Bureau members who have served on the YF&R committee representing Southeast Missouri.

Harris is new assistant fire chief

LEADINGTON, Mo. — The board of aldermen in Leadington, Mo., has appointed Jason Harris as assistant chief for the Leadington Fire Department.

Local professional earns industry certification

PERRYVILLE, Mo. — Dan Fritsche of the Design Parlor in Perryville, Mo., has earned certification as an associate kitchen and bath designer from the National Kitchen and Bath Association. To earn certification, the professional must document a minimum of two years of industry experience, complete 30 association education hours, submit two professional affidavits and pass the association's written exam.

Sikeston Health Care names employees of the month

SIKESTON, Mo. — Betty Morrison was chosen as the July employee of the month at Sikeston Health Care. An employee there since July 2007, she is a certified nursing assistant and works in the laundry department. She lives in Morehouse, Mo.

Ethel Moore was named the August employee of the month. A certified nursing assistant, she has worked at Sikeston Health Care since May 2006.

Seymore is Firefighter of the Year

DEXTER, Mo. — Assistant Fire Chief Don Seymore was named Firefighter of the Year for 2008 at the local department's annual holiday banquet Dec. 16. He is a 29-year veteran firefighter and has been the recipient of the annual award six times previously.

Smith is officer of the year

Cape Girardeau Detective Jimmy Smith recently received "Officer of the Year" honors within the department for his involvement in closing five cold-case homicides. Police Chief Carl Kinnison said the decision to name Smith Officer of the Year was based on those five murder investigations, leading to the conviction of serial killer Timothy Krajcir.

Brady honored for 10 years with fire department

DEXTER, Mo. — Having served as a firefighter for 10 years, Garry Brady was awarded his 10-year jacket by the Dexter Assistant Fire Chief Don Seymore during the department's annual holiday banquet.

Diebold promoted at telephone company

Big River Telephone has promoted Matt Diebold to senior accountant. Diebold was hired in 2004 as an entry-level accountant while attending Southeast Missouri State University. He has been the staff accountant for Big River Telephone since 2005. He graduated from Jackson High School and Southeast with a degree in accounting.

New Madrid County hires economic director

NEW MADRID, Mo. — Don Lloyd was recently hired as the economic development director by the New Madrid County Mayors' Association. Lloyd replaces Julian Steiner who accepted a full-time position with Stoddard County.

Lloyd said he will begin his new job by attending the various city's council meetings and developing a portfolio of available property throughout the county.

Lloyd comes to his new job already familiar with Southeast Missouri and with economic development.

From 1972 to 1991 he was city administrator for New Madrid and from 1992 to 1995 worked as economic developer for the city of Caruthersville. In 1995 he began working as city administrator and economic developer for the city of Warsaw and most recently was the general superintendent for the city of Palmyra. He resides in New Madrid, where he will work out of his home and at the New Madrid Chamber of Commerce.

Air Evac Lifeteam bases recognized

SIKESTON, Mo. — Air Evac Lifeteam honored its top employees and bases from the company's 81 bases and the corporate offices during the awards banquet in West Plains, Mo., on Oct. 4.

One of the recognitions for the evening was for the Base Missions Achieved. The company began this last year and will continue recognizing bases in the order of base numbers. Last year the West Plains base (AE01) was honored and this year Jonesboro, Ark., (AE02) and Sikeston (AE03) were the bases receiving the recognition.

The Sikeston base opened in July 1987 with original crew of pilots Dave Short, Joe Prince and Bill Whitaker; nurses Tom Frobase and Kevin Keanes; and paramedics Jack Bates and Dennis Hudson. Base mechanic at the time was Garrell Rogers. Sikeston's base mission recognition was for 8,460 flights.

Air Evac Lifeteam is a membership-supported air ambulance company that provides emergency care and rapid medical transport to rural communities throughout the central and southern United States. The company operates 81 bases in 14 states and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems.

Ketcherside, McCoy lead firm

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Melba Jean McCoy has been named Top Lister and Natali Ketcherside the Top Producer for November at Century 21 American Realty, according to Rick Lansford, broker and owner.

McCoy is a member of the Missouri Association of Realtors, National Asociation 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. She can be reached at (573) 776-5207 or (573) 785-2121, ext. 110.

Ketcherside joined Century 21 in 2003. She was bon and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, and moved to Poplar Bluff in 1993, where she attended Three Rivers Community College, receiving a business administration degree in 1997. She is a member of the Missouri Association of Realtors, National Asociation of Realtors, and Three Rivers Board of Realtors. She received the Award of Excellence from C-21 Corporation in St. Louis and was a member of the Million Dollar Club in 2005.

White leads Coldwell Banker

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Paul Arnold of Coldwell Banker Realty has announced Rick White as Top Producer for November.

White is a lifelong resident of Butler County and owned/managed White Gas Co. Inc. for 30 years before changing careers and becoming a licensed real estate agent. He is a member of the Missouri Association of Realtors, National Asociation of Realtors, and Three Rivers Board of Realtors.

Taylor receives exclusive award

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Brian Taylor of the financial services firm Edward Jones recently won the firm's exclusive Pacesetters Award for his outstanding performance within the first three years of his career at Edward Jones. He was one of only 157 financial advisors out of the firm's more than 10,000 to receive the award. Taylor's office is located at 2010 Northwood Drive in Poplar Bluff.

Bowman is representative of the month

SIKESTON, Mo. — Lee Bowman, a financial representative with Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial, was representative of the month for the Missouri East Region in November. He joined Modern Woodmen in November 2003.

Modern Woodmen of America is a fraternal life insurance society headquartered in Rock Island, Ill. It provides life insurance and annuity products to more than 765,000 members nationwide.

For more information, contact Bowman at (573) 471-5377 or the regional office at (573) 701-0163.

Justice becomes consultant with Tastefully Simple

SIKESTON, Mo. — Patricia Justice of Sikeston has become an independent consultant with Tastefully Simple Inc., a national direct-sales company featuring easy-to-prepare gourmet products. As a consultant, Justice offers the company's gourmet foods and beverages to guests at home taste-testing parties. Guests receive samples, easy meal ideas, recipes and serving suggestions.

For more information about Tastefully Simple products, taste-testing parties or the business opportunity, contact Patricia Justice at djust152@yahoo.com or visit www.tastefullysimple.com.

Modern Woodmen leader achieves merit status

SIKESTON, Mo. — Marie Anderson has been honored for outstanding leadership of children by Modern Woodmen of America, a national provider of fraternal financial services and programs. A Modern Woodmen Youth Service Club leader for one year, Anderson led the Sikeston club to merit status in 2008.

Youth service clubs provide Modern Woodmen members ages 16 and younger with opportunities to volunteer, be patriotic, learn new skills, make friends and have fun. Adult Modern Woodmen members lead the clubs and organize activities.

Merit club status is an honor Modern Woodmen awards each year to recognize club leaders for top-level performance. Judging in the merit club contest is based on the quality and the quantity of meetings, programs and community service activities held during the year.

Parker receives elite membership

SIKESTON, Mo. — Micheal L. Parker was recently selected to be a member of Ed Slott's Elite IRA Adviser Group. According to a letter Parker received, he was selected because of his dedication to clients and their families, as well as his desire to enhance his knowledge of IRA distribution planning. Parker is a certified financial planner with LPL Financial, located at 215 N. Stoddard St. in Sikeston. The phone number is (573) 471-4007.

Three Rivers Board installs new officers

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Incoming officers for the 2009 Three Rivers Board of Realtors are Brock Littles, secretary/treasurer; Kim King, realtor director; Rick Lansford and Donna Holloway, state directors; Laura Jane Yarbro, vice president; Kurt Knodell, president; and Holly Limpert, realtor-associate/MLS director.

Outgoing officers for 2008 are Brock Littles and Vicki Henderson, state directors; Kim King, realtor director; Terry Stewart, president; Laura Jane Yarbro, secretary/treasurer; Kurt Knodell, vice president/president elect; and Sabrina Ridings, realtor-associate/MLS director.

Additionally, Missouri Association of Realtors 2009 Treasurer Joyce Thomas presented an eagle trophy to 2008 president Terry Stewart in appreciation for the leadership he has provided to the Three Rivers Board of Realtors.

Realtors attend conference

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Members of the Three Rivers Board of Realtors 2009 officers recently attended the Missouri Association of Realtors Leadership Conference at the Lake of the Ozarks. Those present included Brock Littles, secretary/treasurer; Kurt Knodell, president; Donna Holloway, state director; Laura Jane Yarbro, vice president; Holly Limpert, realtor-associate/MLS director; and Lori Dunlap, associate executive.

Pratte promoted to land survey director

ROLLA, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has promoted Darrell Pratte, a 23-year department employee, to head its Land Survey Program and serve as the state land surveyor. The Land Survey Program and the office of State Land Surveyor reside in the department's Division of Geology and Land Survey, which is located in Rolla.

Pratte is a professional land surveyor who joined the department in 1986. He succeeds J. Michael Flowers, who retired July 1.

NORDENIA USA honors employees

NORDENIA USA, Inc. has named Orin "Andy" Ambrose, slitting operator, as employee of the month for January. Ambrose, a Jackson resident, has been with NORDENIA since April 7, 2003. The company manufactures plastic packaging and films.

NORDENIA USA also recognized the following employment anniversaries:

10 years of service: Bill Morgan and Barbara Jacobs.

5 years of service: Robert Mitchell, Jan Van der Wel, Bryan Hunt and Joe Bullinger.