Names in the news

ZOLL JOINS FIRST COMMERCIAL BANK

DEXTER, Mo. -- Ann Zoll was named loan/operations assistant at First Commercial Bank's location on Market Street in Dexter.

WETHINGTON NAMED TO BANK BOARD

DEXTER, Mo. -- Scott Wethington, a resident of the Essex, Mo., area, was named to the Board of Directors of First Commercial Bank in Dexter. Wethington is a lifetime farmer in Stoddard County.

SLAYTON HONORED FOR HUNTER EDUCATION WORK

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Longtime hunter education instructor Roger Slayton was recognized by the Missouri Department of Conservation for his dedication and service to keep hunters safe. Slayton, of Poplar Bluff, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for the number of class hours he's taught, plus a special recognition for his 40 years of teaching, during a May 15 regional awards banquet in Cape Girardeau.

PREJEAN GETS 'LEADING BY EXAMPLE' AWARD

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Dr. Kathleen Prejean, biology instructor at Three Rivers Community College, received the college's first-ever "Leading by Example Award" for aiding in the retention and recruitment of area students by bringing them on campus. The newly created award from the admissions office was presented at a Three Rivers board meeting in late May.

WILLIAMS JOINS C21

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Gary Williams joined Century 21 1st Choice Realty as a sales associate.

STEEN, STAFFORD LEAD ACCESS REALTY

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Tiffany Steen was Top Lister for April at Access Realty. Additionally, Cathy Stafford was Top Producer for March.

COTRELL OWNERS ATTEND CONFERENCE

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Randy and Lorrie Schulz, owners and operators of Cotrell Funeral Service in Poplar Bluff and Wappapello, Mo., recently traveled to Colorado Springs, Colo., for the annual conference of the International Order of the Golden Rule, a professional association of independent, family-owned funeral homes. The conference featured professional educators and industry leaders who discussed the latest trends in client-family preferences affecting the shift from traditional services to life celebrations and increased emphasis on grief counseling.

COUNSELOR ATTENDS FORGIVENESS SEMINAR

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Ann Kneibert, licensed professional counselor, recently attended a seminar titled "The Art and Science of Forgiveness," sponsored by the Family Therapy Institute and St. John's Mercy Medical Center, both of St. Louis.

MATTINGLY COMPLETES COURSE

DUDLEY, Mo. -- J.W. Mattingly, financial representative with Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial, completed Kaplan Financial's Introduction to Advanced Markets course. The course teaches agents how to market to successful small business owners and professionals concerning succession planning, group insurance, and executive bonus split-dollar plans and qualified retirement plans.

DAVIS RETIRES FROM P.B. POLICE DEPT.

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Detective Tim Davis retired from the Poplar Bluff Police Department but will continue to help solve various crimes as a crime scene investigator with the Butler County Sheriff's Department. He had worked with the Poplar Bluff Police Department since 1985. His new duties with the sheriff's department begin July 2.

JENKINS HONORED FOR 10 YEARS

DEXTER, Mo. -- At the May 17 meeting of the Dexter Board of Aldermen, Donny Jenkins was honored for 10 years of service to the Dexter Fire Department.

COURT CLERK RETIRES

BENTON, Mo. -- Barbara Criss, court clerk III, retired April 29 after nearly 33 years working for the Scott County court system.

KITCHEN MANAGER HONORED

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Catrina Woodworth, kitchen manager for Warren E. Hearnes Elementary School, was named Kitchen Manager of the Year by OPAA, the district's food service vendor. Steve Strup, regional director for OPAA, said Woodworth was one of 30 kitchen managers from 12 school districts nominated in the Southeast region. She is known for stressing quality of food and service and for making meals fun. Woodworth received flowers, a certificate and a monetary prize, and was placed in contention for the honor by OPAA on a national level.

SPENCER LEADS RE/MAX

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Julie Spencer was Top Lister and Top Producer for April at RE/MAX Real Estate Group.

NIGUT JOINS SHELTER INSURANCE

MALDEN, Mo. -- Roman Nigut is the new agent at Shelter Insurance, 1203 N. Douglass St.

SCHNURBUSCH NAMED TO ROUND TABLE

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Prudential Financial Inc. announced that Bernie Schnurbusch of Perryville, an agent with Prudential Insurance Co. of America's Greater Heartland Agency, was named a qualifying and life member of the Million Dollar Round Table, one of the life insurance industry's most prestigious organizations. MDRT life membership is based on a career filled with excellence in customer sales and service, and only a small percentage of life insurance professionals are named life members.

YARBRO, LITTLES LEAD COLDWELL

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Laura Jane Yarbro was Top Producer and Brock Littles was Top Lister for April at Coldwell Banker Ruth Holloway Realty.

RAINWATER SERVES ON ADVISORY PANEL

FARMINGTON, Mo. -- Modern Woodmen of America representative Randy E. Rainwater participated in a three-day advisory panel event at Modern Woodmen's home office in Rock Island, Ill. A select group of representatives were invited to headquarters to discuss ideas and share feedback on improving the organization.

CREDIT UNION HONORS EMPLOYEES

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Three Poplar Bluff Federal Credit Union employees were recognized for their years of service. They include Sandra Rone, 15 years; Dawn Tyler, five years; and Yvette Ward, 15 years.

CHRISTIAN, HASTINGS RECOGNIZED

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Mike Christian and Shane Hastings earned Briggs & Stratton's Die Cast Team Suggestion of the Year Award for their suggestion to implement a new lube system on the plant's die cast machines, which is projected to save money.

WOLFRAM JOINS P.B. CREDIT UNION

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Poplar Bluff Federal Credit Union added Chad Wolfram as vice president of lending. He specializes in all types of loans, including real estate, home equity, auto, recreational vehicles and personal loans.

ELLSWORTH EARNS SHORT SALES CERTIFICATION

DEXTER, Mo. -- Dorothy Ellsworth of Dexter Realty earned Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource certification. The National Association of Realtors offers this certification to Realtors who want to help buyers and sellers navigate these complicated transactions, as demand for professional expertise with distressed sales grows.

KNODELL LEADS P.B. REALTY

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Kurt Knodell was Top Lister for March at Poplar Bluff Realty Inc.

HILLIS NAMES EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Linda Hardin was April Employee of the Month at Hillis Dodge. She has been an employee since 2005, when she began selling vehicles under the management of Joe Riley. Joann Hutcheson was May Employee of the Month. She has worked at Hillis for 13 years as title clerk.

TYSON PRESENTS SERVICE AWARDS

DEXTER, Mo. -- Tyson Foods recently honored employees who have reached employment milestones. They include Betty Findley, Patricia Manes, Darlene Thomas, Bobby Underwood, Marie Smith, Tony Raines, Ronald Johnson, Carl Harden, John Fisher and Roger Malloy, 15 years of service; Sherrel James, Lillie Mathies, Rosetti Faulkner, Raymond Jones, Tammy Hayes, John Scott and Dain Bess, 10 years; and Michelle King, Kenneth Felty and Edward Robinson, five years.

BURKE, BELL RECEIVE PRESIDENT'S CLUB AWARDS

Jim Burke, sales agent in Cape Girardeau's AAA office, and Mike Bell, sales agent in the Poplar Bluff, Mo., office, received the AAA President's Club Award for consistent and superior standards of performance in property and casualty insurance services. To receive the award, Burke and Bell met goals in auto insurance sales, loss ratios and policyholder services. In addition, they each received a President's Club diamond ring, which recognizes AAA's top 12 sales agents.

CAPE RESIDENTS SERVE ON STATE CHAMBER BOARD

Three Cape Girardeau business leaders currently serve on the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry board of directors. They are Linda Greaser, site industrial engineer and public affairs for Proctor & Gamble; John Mehner, president and CEO of the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce; and Kathy Swan, president of JCS/Tel-Link. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce also selected Rep. Steve Tilly, R-Perryville, to receive its highest legislative award, the Man in the Arena Award.

BANKRUPTCY CONFERENCE FEATURES LOCAL LAWYER

Paul H. Berens of the Cape Girardeau law firm of Bradshaw, Steele, Cochrane & Berens was a featured speaker at the third annual St. Louis Bankruptcy Conference on May 7. He joined Thomas Waldron of Dayton, Ohio, a nationally recognized expert and publisher in the bankruptcy area. Berens spoke on involuntary bankruptcy and Chapter 12 (family farmer).

UNIVERSITY PRESENTS SERVICE AWARDS

Southeast Missouri State University awarded 45-year service pins to three individuals at the annual employee recognition ceremony on May 2. Those honored were Richard Francis, professor of mathematics; Robert Hamblin, professor of English; and Dean Monahan, associate professor of English. Southeast recognized a total of 120 faculty and staff members who have worked at the university for a combined 2,145 years.

LANDERS RECEIVES ALUMNI MERIT AWARD

SIKESTON, Mo. -- The Southeast Missouri State University Alumni Association selected six alumni to receive the university's 2010 Young Alumni Merit Award. Among them were Jason Landers, salesman for Helena Chemical Co. in Sikeston, representing the School of Polytechnic Studies. The Young Merit Alumni Award is given annually to honor alumni 37 years or younger who have brought distinction to the university through professional growth, service and individual character.

NORDENIA HONORS EMPLOYEES

NORDENIA USA Inc. named Rebecca Northern, inventory analyst, employee of the month for May. Northern, of Jackson, has been with the company since April 2003. NORDENIA also recognizes the following employment anniversaries: Mary Hiler, 20 years of service; Joe Bollinger, Bart Gartman, Jerry Hoffman, Todd Jansen, David Lopez, Nancy Backfisch and Alan Hubbard, 10 years; and John Finnegan, Kim Jackson, Quyen Nguyen, Matt Owens and Josh DeWitt, five years.

DION IS DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

DEXTER, Mo. -- Samuel L. Gill, chairman of the board of Gill Group Inc., announced Peter Dion of Boston as the new director of business development for Gill Group. Dion is a strategic business executive with over 30 years of experience in leading projects and developing innovative solutions and competitive strategies across multiple disciplines and industries. He began his new duties May 3.

CAPE CHAMBER GIVES AWARDS FOR TOP TEACHERS

The Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce honored five teachers at its 17th annual Educator of the Year Banquet on May 4. Award winners were Crystal Cerny, English teacher, Cape Girardeau Central High School; Mark Cook, principal, Jefferson Elementary; Tracy Haggerty, special education teacher, Central Junior High School; Virginia Sander, math teacher, St. Vincent de Paul School; and Dr. James Stapleton, assistant professor of business, Southeast Missouri State University. Teachers are nominated by the public. Four kindergarten-through-12th-grade teachers and one university educator receive the award each year. Honorees receive a crystal apple, $500 and a commemorative video.

P.B. CHAMBER NAMES 'TEACHERS OF THE YEAR'

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Six teachers were honored by the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce at its annual Teachers of the Year banquet. Recipients of the 2010 Teacher of the Year award were Cynthia Richardson, English instructor, Three Rivers Community College; Dr. Helena Ruhl, accounting and business instructor, Three Rivers; Ron Patterson, Vic Clark and Pam Hamilton, Poplar Bluff Schools; and Mary Provance, Sacred Heart.

SEMO HONORS RETIRING FACULTY AND STAFF

Southeast Missouri State University honored 28 retiring faculty and staff members at its annual employee recognition event on May 2. Faculty Emeriti retirees are Michael Brown, Leon Book, Robert Buchanan, Edmund Buis, Kathleen Conway, Jeanine Dobbins, William Ellis, Alan Journet, Daniel MacLeay, Timothy Rademaker, Patricia Reagan, Russell Renka, Robert Sheets and Jane Stephens. Faculty retirees are Paul Schnare and Rachel Thomson. Staff retirees are Lorene Backfisch, William Carver, James Daume, Joe Ervin, Stanley Farrow, Helen Grant, Gayanne Gutherz, Joseph Huskey, Richard Koenig, C. James Maginel, Barbara Seabaugh and James Weakley.

SABRELINER NAMES THREE OPERATION MANAGERS

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Aviation services provider Sabreliner Corporation appointed three managers to its operations team. Victoria Colton was named director of quality and product integrity; Carol A. Ochsenfeld was named to the newly created position of director of supply chain and material management and Yvonne I. Jones was appointed to the new post of director of manufacturing engineering and planning. Jones will also implement the company's new Lean Six Sigma manufacturing and quality program.

HOWE IS ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR FINALIST

Jerry Howe, CEO of Big River Telephone in Cape Girardeau, is a finalist for the 2010 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in the Central Midwest region. The group of entrepreneurs was selected by an independent judging panel made up of regional business, academic and community leaders. Winners will be revealed June 2. The Central Midwest program recognizes companies based in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska, leading up to the national awards this November and the international awards in June 2011.

CAPE POLICE OFFICERS PROMOTED

Four Cape Girardeau police officers were promoted on May 8. Sgt. Rick Price was promoted to lieutenant of special operations; he has served the Cape Girardeau Police Department since March 1986. Cpl. Don Perry was promoted to sergeant; he has served the department since June 1989. Sgt. Perry's current assignment is with the Detective Division. He is a member of the Cape Girardeau/Bollinger County Major Case Squad and has been the department's polygraph examiner since 1996. Cpl. Adam Glueck was promoted to sergeant; he has served the department since November 2001. Sgt. Glueck is now assigned to the department's patrol division. Detective Darren Estes was promoted to corporal; he has served the department since April 2002. His current assignment is with the Detective Division, where he specializes in investigating crimes against children.

MARSHALL JOINS P.B. REALTY

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Lisa Marshall joined Poplar Bluff Realty Inc. as a real estate agent. She previously worked in sales at Hefner's Furniture for 13 years.

THREE RIVERS RECOGNIZES RETIREES

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Three Rivers Community College recognized six retiring staff members at a reception on May 11. Those honored were Dr. Hugh Hammond, instructor of English; Dr. Joseph Mick, director of student support services; Ron Rains, instructor of industrial technology; Cynthia Richardson, instructor of English; Judith Scott, director of college advancement; and Betty VanderBol, Malden Center facilitator. Retirees received honorary plaques from Three Rivers, along with Missouri House and Senate resolutions recognizing their hard work.

GRAVES LEADS REVITALIZATION EFFORTS

KENNETT, Mo. -- The Kennett Community Development Corporation hired Sara E. Graves as executive director for the city's downtown revitalization efforts. Graves, who began her new duties on April 5, has previous experience in economic development, cause-based marketing, non-profits, public relations and journalism. Her office is in the Dunklin County Caring Council building, 311 Kennett St.

FOUR IN SHERIFF'S DEPT. EARN SERVICE AWARDS

On May 12, the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department honored four of its staff with awards recognizing their performance. Deputy Ron Hobeck, who suffered a stroke on duty several months ago, received the Timothy J. Ruopp Award, the highest tribute to service the department hands out. Hobeck began his career in Cape Girardeau County in 1986 and has remained a deputy in the patrol division. The Copeland Excellence Award was given to an employee in each division: Alan Nobels, deputy in the patrol division, Jim Bartels, supervisor of the bailiff division, and Brooks Brockmire, sergeant in the jail division.

SCHOTT JOINS EDWARD JONES

The financial services firm Edward Jones hired Michael A. Schott as new financial adviser for Cape Girardeau's branch at 623 S. Silver Springs Road.

WALLINGFORD RECEIVES PROJECT CHARLIE AWARD

Wayne Wallingford, chief people officer, McDonald's, was named Project Charlie Facilitator of the Year for the 2009-10 school term. The award was announced at the Facilitator of the Year Banquet on May 13. Project Charlie is an international prevention education program based on teaching personal and social skills that promote resiliency and positive youth development. Local elementary schools participating in the program include Alma Schrader, Blanchard, Clippard, Franklin, Jefferson and Nell Holcomb. The Project Charlie program is sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Evening Optimist Club, of which Wallingford is immediate past president and currently serves on the board of directors.

NUNNERY EARNS MASTER CERTIFICATION

Steven Nunnery of Coad Toyota, Cape Girardeau, completed his Toyota Master Certification and passed the 2009 Toyota Sales Master Test. Only 1,011 sales consultants nationwide have achieved the master status in 2009. Nunnery was also recently named Salesperson of the Year at Coad Toyota.

DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY WELCOMES MARSHALL

Pete Johnson, federal co-chairman of the Delta Regional Authority, recently welcomed Mike Marshall as alternate federal co-chairman. Marshall took the oath of office on May 14 before U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson and Judge Lewis Blanton at the Rush Hudson Limbaugh Sr. U.S. Courthouse in Cape Girardeau. Marshall, the former mayor of Sikeston, Mo., was appointed by President Barack Obama to the authority's second-highest position. The DRA is a partnership of counties and parishes across the Mississippi Delta region that is influential in garnering federal support for economic development, water and public safety projects in the area.

BISMARCK CHAMBER ELECTS OFFICERS

BISMARCK, Mo. -- After being dormant for several years, the Bismarck Chamber of Commerce reorganized during a special meeting on May 11. During the meeting, elections were held for various offices, including Mel Jordan, president of the chamber; Josh Campbell, vice president; Michelle Mork, secretary; and Sally Colwell, treasurer. Keith Colwell, John Jellinek, Hank Gibson, Debbie Lucas and Melba "Sissy" Cole were elected to the board of directors. Alderman Sioux Young, who had served as interim president of the chamber since August, said she took on the role with the chamber to keep the organization alive. She said she wanted someone else to take the position because holding an office in the chamber created a conflict of interest for her as an alderman.

DANIELS NAMED PRESIDENT OF LOCAL CHAPTER

Shannon Daniels, vice president at Commerce Brokerage Services Inc., was inducted as president of the local chapter of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.

SEMO PRESS ELECTS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS

The Southeast Missouri Press Association elected officers and directors at its annual meeting May 14 in Cape Girardeau. Those elected were Scott Seal, Portageville Missourian News, director; Kim Combs, Wayne County Journal Banner, Piedmont, director; Peggy Scott, Leader Publications, Festus, director; Michelle Friedrich, Daily American Republic, Poplar Bluff, secretary/treasurer; Gera LeGrand, Southeast Missourian, Cape Girardeau, past president/director; Deanna Nelson, Sikeston Standard Democrat, director; Judy Schaaf-Wheeler, Ironton Mountain Echo, director; Ann Hayes, Southeast Missouri State University News Bureau, executive secretary; Kate Martin, Republic-Monitor, Perryville, director; Betty Watkins, Dexter Daily Statesman, president; and Donna Denson, Southeast Missourian, second vice president.

REALTORS ATTEND MIDYEAR MEETINGS

Wanda Duncan of Realty Executives of Cape County, Brenda Miller of ERA Realty and Jan McClanahan of Coldwell Banker Abernathy Realty attended the Missouri Association of Realtors' midyear meetings May 11-16 in Washington, D.C. Meetings are designed for professional development and legislative and regulatory policy updates, as well as an opportunity to meet with state representatives.

KENNETT MAN NAMED TO ADVISORY BOARD

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- On May 21, Gov. Jay Nixon announced a comprehensive planning initiative for Missouri's economic future and named members of an Executive Advisory Board to lead the process of developing a five-year plan for economic growth. Paul Combs of Baker Implement in Kennett, Mo., is one of four Missouri business leaders chosen to work with David Kerr, director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, on creating the plan. Others are Ann Marie Baker, Springfield; Bill Downey, Kansas City; and David Steward, St. Louis.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE NAMED FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGE

The Cape Girardeau Partnership for Higher Education named the group responsible for guiding the county's new community college. The group will advise the presidents and governing boards of Southeast Missouri State University, Three Rivers Community College and Mineral Area College, said Dr. Steven Kurtz, president of Mineral Area College. The 16-member committee includes Mike Smythe, KFVS12 vice president and general manager; Gary Rust, Chairman of Rust Communications, which owns the Southeast Missourian; Wayne Smith, vice president of development and administrative services, Saint Francis Medical Center; Mary Burton-Hitt, executive director, Southeast Missouri Hospital Foundation; Kathy Swan, owner of JCS/Tel-Link and Cape Girardeau City Council member; Linda Greaser, external relations leader for Procter & Gamble's Cape Girardeau facility; Barbara Lohr, Jackson mayor; Dr. Loretta Schneider, Cape Girardeau City Council member; Dr. Jim Welker, superintendent, Cape Girardeau School District; Dr. Ron Anderson, superintendent, Jackson School District; Nate Crowden, superintendent, Delta School District; Rich Payne, director, Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center; Dr. Tonya Buttry, president, Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences; Marion Tibbs, member, Three Rivers board of trustees; Gary Romine, member, Mineral Area board of trustees; and Al Spradling III, vice president of Southeast's Board of Regents.

LEE JOINS JOHN'S PHARMACY

Nicole Lee, PharmD, BC-ADM, joined John's Pharmacy in Cape Girardeau.

TWO DOCTORS JOIN VETERINARY CLINIC

FARMINGTON, Mo. -- Dr. Philip Falch of De Soto, Mo., and Dr. Rachel Ray of Vandalia, Mo., joined the Veterinary Clinic of the Mineral Area.

SEMO FACULTY AWARDED RESEARCH GRANT

Dr. Mohammed Ali and Dr. Bjorn Olesen, faculty in the Department of Chemistry at Southeast Missouri State University, were awarded a three-year National Science Foundation grant to mentor students in the area of green chemistry research. The project is titled "U.S.-India Program for Research in Green Chemistry." The $128,268 grant will allow Ali and Olesen to mentor 12 students who will travel to India to conduct research at the partner institution, the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Students will do research in the area of organic chemistry, researching methods for limiting environmental pollution. The NSF funds were awarded under the Developing Global Scientists and Engineers - International Research Experiences for Students program.

PIZZA HUT MANAGER EARNS INTERNATIONAL AWARD

DEXTER, Mo. -- Tony Rushin, manager of Pizza Hut in Dexter, received the Lou Folino Award, presented annually to a restaurant general manager who has successfully played a role in management for at least 20 years. Rushin was one of only seven managers worldwide selected as a finalist for award, and was chosen from among the global group to be the 2009 recipient of the Lou Folino Award. Dexter Pizza Hut franchise owners Phil and Pam Ternes nominated Rushin for the award. In addition to his 33 years at the Dexter restaurant, Rushin was credited with giving generously of his time and talents to the community.

THREE RECEIVE DIGITAL MARKETING ACCREDITATION

PARK HILLS, Mo. -- Kim Long, KREI KTJJ station manager, Kirk Mooney, KJFF station manager, and Jessica Hampton, account executive at KTJJ KREI and KJFF radio in Farmington and Festus, Mo., earned the designation of Certified Digital Marketing Consultant as accredited by the Radio Advertising Bureau. To earn their CDMC diplomas, Long, Mooney and Hampton each passed an online examination on Internet advertising. They are now trained to work with business owners and managers to create traditional and new media campaigns.

BAKER RECEIVES ALUMNUS HONOR

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- Mark Baker received New Madrid County R-1 School District's Alumni of the Year Award. The award goes to a New Madrid County R-1 student who has graduated since the district's 1969 reorganization and has served in the communty and the school district. Baker, a 1971 graduate of New Madrid County Central, has worked as a dentist and farmer, served on the New Madrid City Council for five years, was mayor of New Madrid from 1996-2004 and has been a New Madrid County commissioner for the past eight years.

CAP AMERICA PROMOTES TWO

FREDERICKTOWN, Mo. -- Sarah Page and Liz Tesreau were recognized for their outstanding customer service and promoted at Cap America, one of the largest importers of headwear in the industry. Page was promoted from customer service manager to director of customer relations, while Tesreau was promoted from customer service supervisor to the new position of customer service manager.

PIANO TEACHER HONORED BY STATE ORGANIZATION

KENNETT, Mo. -- Marilyn Caldwell, a local piano teacher, received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Missouri Federation of Music Clubs at its spring conference in Hannibal, Mo. The award recognizes her dedication to music and the organization. Caldwell is vice president of the South Central Region of the NFMC and has been involved in the Wednesday Music Club since 1970.

UNITED WAY GIVES OUT SPIRIT AWARDS

The United Way of Southeast Missouri presented its Spirit Awards during its annual meeting May 27 in Cape Girardeau. The awards recognize individuals, businesses and community organizations for their commitment to the mission of United Way. This year's recipients include Larry Dunger, Spirit of Giving Award; AT&T Missouri, Spirit of Community Award; and Big Brothers Big Sisters, Spirit of Caring Award.

TIPTON IS HISTORY TEACHER OF THE YEAR

RISCO, Mo. -- Melanie Tipton, communications teacher at Risco High School, was named History Teacher of the Year during the annual Missouri History Day. Deborah Luchenbill, reference outreach specialist with the State Historical Society of Missouri and state coordinator of History Day for Missouri, said the honor is reserved for teachers with a "deep interest in working with the students on the History Day program and a commitment to teaching and students." In addition to being Teacher of the Year, Tipton is Missouri's nominee for the PBS Teacher of Merit Award and the Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year Award. This fall, Tipton will leave Risco and begin teaching English for the Caruthersville School District.

BOWEN PROMOTED TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL

Wayne Bowen, professor of history and chair of the Department of History at Southeast Missouri State University, was promoted to lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. Bowen currently serves as provost marshal for the U.S. Army Surface Deployment and Distribution Command at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. A civil affairs and military police officer, Bowen's previous assignments include tours in Iraq and Bosnia, battalion command, company command, battalion executive officer and civil affairs team chief.