Names in the news

Allen is top adviser at lia sophia

Glenda Allen, a lia sophia sales adviser from Cape Girardeau, received the Excellent Beginnings Program Achievers award for sales accomplishments. Allen earned the award in her first 15 weeks by attaining certain sales levels and recruiting potential new advisers. Lia sophia is an in-home jewelry sales company.

Dunn, Price achieve Modern Woodmen milestones

Ginger Dunn of Scott City and Krysten Price of Cape Girardeau completed Kaplan Financial's Introduction to Advanced Markets Course. Dunn and Price both started with Modern Woodmen in July. Modern Woodmen of America's local office is at 1427 Thomas Drive in Cape Girardeau.

Wood & Huston Bank names Witherby as VP

Becky Witherby of Fruitland has been promoted to vice president at Wood & Huston Bank in Cape Girardeau. Witherby, who has been with the bank seven years, has 35 years of banking experience and is responsible for real estate lending and compliance within the Cape Girardeau market. She is a graduate of the Illinois School of Community Bankers.

LeGrand Bros. welcomes two former employees

Sandy Bartels and Harold Stone have returned to LeGrand Bros. Transmission. Bartels is a service writer and Stone is a member of the rebuilding team. LeGrand Bros. is on Route W about 1 1/2 miles past the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri near Cape Girardeau.

Local veterinarians attend convention

Over 600 veterinarians, veterinary technicians, practice staff and veterinary students attended the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association's 117th Annual Convention Jan. 23-25 at Tan-Tar-A Resort, Lake Ozark, Mo. The convention offered 60 continuing education lectures to participants.

Honorary members of the Missouri Academy of Veterinary Practice were also announced at the convention. These individuals have rendered distinguished or meritorious service to the veterinary profession. Peggy T. Fisher, DVM, of Jackson, has been named MAVP president for 2009. Ann White of Perryville has been named secretary/treasurer of the Missouri Veterinary Medical Foundation for 2009.

Ashley Bailey employees complete training

Mike Rust, Faron Johnson and Jason Trickey, of Ashley Bailey Kitchens & Baths, recently completed the 2008 Sub-Zero Refrigeration & Wolf Professional Kitchen Appliances Designer Training Program at the Westye F. Bakke Center in Madison, Wis. They all received CEU credit towards the National Kitchen and Bath Association certification.

Ashley Bailey is located at 127 N. Main St. in Cape Girardeau. The phone number is 573-335-6850, and the website is ashleybaileycustomcabinets.com.

Woodmen honor R. Rainwater

FARMINGTON, Mo. — Randy E. Rainwater of Farmington, Mo., a Modern Woodmen of America regional director, has earned membership in Modern Woodmen's 2008 Regional Director Round Table. The distinction recognizes outstanding leadership and is based on high achievement in life insurance sales.

Baker returns to The Salon

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — After working in her Ellington salon for the past few years, Leslie Baker has rejoined The Salon for a few days a week. She has been a stylist since 2001 and is best known for her highlighting and styling and makeup skills. She works at The Salon on Tuesdays, Thursdays and some Saturdays. Reach her at 573-686-4141 or 573-823-1298.

Vail honored by First Midwest

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Dale Dickerson, executive vice president of First Midwest Bank of Poplar Bluff, has presented the Employee of the Year award to Melissa Vail. Vail has been with the bank for eight years and was recently promoted to assistant cashier.

Four other employees were also honored for their years of service. Debbie Shelton received a 20-year diamond pin; Ron Irvin and Dana Riley received 10-year ruby pins; and Debbie Kirkman received a diamond ring for her 25 years of sercie.

Element 74 welcomes Justin Pobst

Element 74 Web Design in Cape Girardeau has hired Justin Pobst as director of business development. Pobst, a resident of Jackson, brings more than eight years of experience in the banking sector throughout Southeast Missouri. His primary role will be new client acquisition as well as working with a new division of Element 74 that specializes in web-based software applications for the financial and banking industry.

Cassady promoted to assistant vice president at bank

Everett Cassady, loan officer at First State Community Bank, has been named assistant vice president at First State Community Bank in Cape Girardeau.

O'Dell awarded workforce development certificate

June O'Dell, president and chief operating officer of Workforce Investment Board, 760 S. Kingshighway, Suite C in Cape Girardeau, has been awarded the Certified Workforce Development Professional credential by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals. The CWDP program is administered and endorsed by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals, a national association for individual practitioners in the workforce development profession.

Daughtery steps up at Rural/Metro

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Brien Fugate has succeeded Ken Daughtery as market general manager for Rural/Metro Ambulance in Poplar Bluff. Fugate previously served as operations manager of Rural/Metro. Daughtery has accepted a promotion to oversee four service areas with the same parent company in Casa Grande, Ariz.

Fugate has worked with Rural/Metro since 1986. His primary role in his new role will be to expand the Rural/Metro market locally. Right now that service area includes most of Butler County.

McCoy leads American Realty

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Melba Jean McCoy has been named Top Producer and Top Lister for January at Century 21 American Realty. She is a member of the Missouri Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors and Three Rivers Board of Realtors and 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.

Yarbro leads Coldwell Banker

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Paul Arnold with Coldwell Banker Realty has announced Laura Jane Yarbro as its Top Producer for January. Yarbro has been in real estate for over three years and is a member of the Three Rivers Board of Realtors, Missouri Association of Realtors, and National Association of Realtors.

Spencer, Kendle tops at RE/MAX

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

Spencer has been a realtor since November 1998. She is a member of the Three Rivers Board of Realtors and the Missouri and National Association of Realtors. 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 is a member of the Three Rivers Board of Realtors and the Missouri Association of Realtors.

Knodell tops P.B. Realty

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Kurt Knodell is Top Producer and Top Lister for December at Poplar Bluff Realty, Inc. He is currently president of the Three Rivers Board of Realtors and also belongs to the Missouri and National Board of Realtors. He had previous experience in finance, home remodeling and business ownership before becoming a full-time real estate broker-agent. He can be reached at 573-718-6399.

Atchison finishes five-day program

WILLIAMSVILLE, Mo. — F. Darrell Atchison of Williamsville, Mo., a Modern Woodmen of America representative, has completed a five-day educational program at Modern Woodmen's home office in Rock Island, Ill. The program focused on helping familes with Modern Woodmen life insurance plans, annuities and fraternal member benefits.

Cramp appointed presiding commissioner

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Gov. Jay Nixon has announced the appointment of David C. Cramp, of Bonne Terre, Mo., as presiding commissioner for St. Francois County. The position became vacant upon the resignation of James Henson. Cramp previously served in positions as teacher, principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent at schools in Farmington.

Local property manager joins national association

Dave Soto, owner of SOTO Property Management, 1200 N. Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau, has been accepted as a member of the National Association of Residential Property Managers. He joins more than 2,000 residential property managers from throughout the United States.

Modern Woodmen announces achievement award winners

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

Ken Volkerding of Jackson was named financial representative of the month for January and new member leader for December 2008. Krysten M. Price and Ginger Dunn, both of Cape Girardeau, completed a five-day educational program at Modern Woodmen's home office in Rock Island, Ill.

Big River Telephone Co. hires account executive

Big River Telephone Co. has added account executive Ben Anderson. He is a native of Sikeston, Mo., and has more than four years of experience in the sales industry. He will be responsible for consulting prospect accounts and managing key customer accounts.

Hoffmeister appointed to state council

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Gov. Jay Nixon has appointed Farmington, Mo., resident Michelle L. Hoffmeister to the Missouri Planning Council for Developmental Disabilities. The council plans and advocates for individuals with developmental disabilities in order to enhance their opportunity for increased self determination, independence, productivity and integration and inclusion into the community.

Hoffmeister is a psychologist at the Farmington Correctional Center and a graduate of Partners in Policymaking, a national model of leadership training designed for adults with developmental disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities.

SEMO Port recognizes board members

The Board of Commissioners of the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority has presented Bob Kielhofner with a plaque honoring his two years of service as board chairman. Kielhofner will continue serving as a board member. The new officers are Kent Puchbauer, chairman; Mark Kluesner, vice-chairman; John M. Thompson, treasurer; and Gene Dement, secretary.

Knowles joins Blackwell Baldwin

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Blackwell Baldwin of Poplar Bluff annouces that David Knowles has joined the auto dealer's team of professional salesmen. He was born and raised in Poplar Bluff and previously worked in management with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., for 21 years.

Parks joins Clark Law Firm

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Chad S. Parks has joined John A. Clark in the general practice of law. Parks, a native of Powell, Tenn., was admitted to the Missouri Bar in September 2008. Clark Law Firm is located at 501 Oak St. in Poplar Bluff, Mo. The phone number is 573-686-7700.

UMB promotes Trout to CEO

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — UMB Bank, a subsidiary of UMB Financial Corporation, announces the promotion of Gil Trout to CEO of the Greater Missouri Region.

Trout, a native of Poplar Bluff, was formerly the CEO of the South Central Region, which is now a part of the Greater Missouri Region. As CEO of the new area, he will oversee a wider territory and expanded banking center operations. This includes supervising three new regional presidents and managing the overall business strategy for the new region. Trout currently resides in Springfield, Mo.

English makes top 10 list

ELLINGTON, Mo. — Randy English, Shelter Insurance agent at Ellington, Mo., has been honored among the company's top sales representatives, based on auto insurance operations. English received an award recognizing him as a top 10 auto insurance sales representative in Missouri. He is among those demonstrating the highest overall excellence in automobile insurance production and service during 2008. English has represented Shelter since August 2002. The English Shelter Insurance agency is located at 355 Second St. in Ellington, Mo.

Littles leads Coldwell

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Paul Arnold with Coldwell Banker Realty announces that Brock Littles has been named top listing agent for January.

Littles has worked at Coldwell Banker since January 2006. He is a member of the Three Rivers Board of Realtors and currently serves as a state director for the membership.

Local realtors recognized

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — The Missouri Association of Realtors recently recognized members for their contribution to the 2008 RPAC Campaign. Those recognized include Rick Lansofrd, Donna Holloway, Kurt Knodell, Vicki L. Henderson, and Ruth Holloway. RPAC funds are utilized to protect private proterty rights and preserve the Amercican dream of home ownership.

Three Rivers officers attend conference

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Three Rivers President Kurt Knodell and state directors Donna Holloway and Rick Lansford recently participated in the Missouri Association of Realtors Capital Conference in Jefferson City.

Property manager joins national association

Dave Soto of SOTO Property Management in Cape Girardeau, a local leader in the residential property management field, was recently accepted as a member of the National Association of Residential Property Managers, joining more than 2,000 residential property managers from throughout the United States.

NARPM is the nation's only professional organization for managers of small residential properties, from single units to four-plexes.

Cape Electrical Supply promotes two to vice president posts

Cape Electrical Supply has promoted Mark Puchbauer to area vice president of electrical construction and Kyle Thoma to area vice president of power and industrial. Puchbauer has worked with Cape Electrical Supply for the past 18 years and lives in Oak Ridge. Thoma is a graduate of Columbia College and lives in Cape Girardeau. Cape Electrical Supply operates 20 facilities in a four-state marketing area.

Edward Jones adviser attends forum in St. Louis

Donna Domian, an Edward Jones financial adviser in Cape Girardeau, recently attended the company's first Women's Leadership Forum at the firm's headquarters in St. Louis. The leadership forum recognized female Edward Jones financial advisers, provided networking opportunities and offered advanced training.

Physician assistant leaving Cairo, Ill., medical center

CAIRO, Ill. — After 26 years serving as a physician assistant at Community Health & Emergency Services in Cairo, Ill., James Kinder will move to Fishersville, Va., where he has taken a job in the emergency room at Augusta Medical Center.

Workforce adds human resources adviser to staff

David Milam has joined the Workforce Employment Solutions corporate staff as human resources adviser. Milam brings more than 25 years of human resources experience to the organization. Along with the management staff of Workforce, Milam will assist regional companies in creating customized plans for their human resources department.

Real estate agents attends conference in California

Jan and Jim McClanahan of Coldwell Banker Abernathy Realty in Jackson recently attended the Sell-a-bration conference in San Francisco. At the annual convention, attendees networked and learned about new ideas for 2009.

Bonne Terre author launches sci-fi series

BONNE TERRE, Mo. — Shawn Sheldon of Bonne Terre, Mo., has released his first juvenile science fiction book, "Stranded." The book is published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises. It is the first book in The Dragon Ship Series. The book is available at any bookstore nationwide or can be ordered through the publisher at www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore, or by visiting barnesandnoble.com, amazon.com or target.com.

UPS driver Messmer honored for safety

EARTH CITY, Mo. — Earl Messmer, a package car driver for UPS, was recently recognized by the company for completing 20 years without an accident. Messmer works out of the facility at 3425 Willow Road in Scott City. He lives in Gordonville and provides service in the rural Cape Girardeau area. Manager Merlin Pyrtle presented Messmer with the 20-year safe driving award, recognizing his achievement.

Huffman named to board of directors

FREDERICKTOWN, Mo. — Greg Huffman, owner of Huffman Roofing, has been named to the First State Community Bank Board of Directors in Fredericktown, Mo. Huffman, a longtime customer at First State Community Bank, took over his father's roofing company in 2000 and has been with First State Community Bank ever since.

Warren joins 1st Class realty

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Lu Warren, owner of 1st Class Real Estate, announces the addition of Ken Warren as a realtor sales associate. He lives in the Wappapello area and he is a teacher at Poplar Bluff High School. He can be reached at 573-778-9996 or 573-429-4369.

Blankenship attends eye care meeting

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Dr. Timothy Blankenship of Poplar Bluff attended the Heart of America Contact Lens and Primary Care Congress in early February. The experience covers new techniques for all types of contact lenses, information on the medical treatment of eye diseases, glaucoma managment and innovations in enhancing vision.

Blankenship is an active member of the Heart of America Contact Lens Society. He lives in Poplar Bluff and maintains offices at the Marion Eye Centers in Dexter and Poplar Bluff.

JC Penney names Salon All-Stars

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — JC Penney Poplar Bluff top Salon All-Stars achieved high sales and service ratings for 2008. Amanda Foster, JC Penney salon leader, won the company's Champion Award for Salon Service and Retail Sales and will attend an awards ceremony in San Antonio, Texas, from April 2-4. The salon staff includes Latiya Hill, Curtis Fouts, Amy Crane, Amanda Foster, and Monica Craddick.