Names in the news

COUNTS, BRASCHLER RECOGNIZED

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Debra Braschler and Jeff Counts received the Briggs & Stratton Sump, Head and Conrod Business Improvement Team Suggestion of the Year Award for 2010. Their idea will save the company tens of thousands of dollars each year.

BAGBY HONORED AS FINANCIAL ADVISER

DEXTER, Mo. -- Mike Bagby, independent financial adviser at Bagby Investment Consultants, was recognized as a top financial adviser and named to the LPL Financial Chairman's Club. The distinction is based on a ranking of all registered advisers supported by LPL Financial LLC, the nation's largest broker-dealer. Bagby is affiliated with LPL Financial and provides financial planning, investment advice and asset management services to more than 500 clients in the Dexter area.

BAKER HONORED FOR SERVICE

Debra Baker, area specialist for USDA Rural Development, was recognized for completing 10 years of federal service. She is based in Jackson and is responsible for Bollinger, Cape Girardeau and Perry counties. As part of the rural development team, Baker assists in delivery of rural and multifamily housing programs, community facilities, business and industry and the water and wastewater programs.

NORDENIA HONORS EMPLOYEES

Bryan Grace, extrusion operator of Jackson, was employee of the month for February at NORDENIA USA. He has been with the company since September 1999. NORDENIA also recognizes the following employment anniversaries: Darrin Otte and Daniel Hemmann, 20 years of service; and Bobby Breckenridge, five years.

SEMO PROFESSORS CO-EDIT, PUBLISH BOOK

Robert W. Hamblin and Christopher Rieger, co-editors of the book "Faulkner and Chopin" and English professors at Southeast Missouri State University, had the book published by the Southeast Missouri State University Press. The book, published for the Center for Faulkner Studies, includes 15 essays from papers presented at the center's 2008 conference focusing on authors William Faulkner and Kate Chopin. The book includes several essays by Southeast faculty, staff and alumni, including Rieger, assistant director of the Center for Faulkner Studies; Donna Essner, office manager and assistant editor at Southeast Missouri State University Press; Shiela Pardee, retired English instructor; and Jessica Copous, former Southeast graduate student.

CAP AMERICA HONORED FOR SERVICE

FREDERICKTOWN, Mo. -- Cap America Inc. was honored as 2011 Supplier Star Award of Merit Winner in the S07 ($5,000,001 to $10,000,000 in annual promotional product sales) category by the Promotional Products Association International. Cap America was selected by PPAI distributor members for delivering outstanding customer service and high-quality products, and was recognized during the annual awards presentation at the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas. Additionally, Carrie Toczylowski, sales coordinator for Cap America, received the Customer Service of the Year Award for 2010. She has worked for the company since 2007 and independently oversees a client base of one million dollars.

CAPE CHAMBER PRESENTS AWARDS

Leet EyeCare was named Small Business of the Year at the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce annual dinner Feb. 4. The Rush H. Limbaugh Award was presented to Janet Esicar, vice president at First Missouri State Bank. Paula Myers received the Go-Getter Award, presented to a chamber ambassador who brings in new members, works to retain members and represents the chamber at events throughout the year.

ROSS JOINS BOLD MARKETING

Heather Ross

Heather Ross joined BOLD Marketing, Cape Girardeau, as account manager. She is now responsible for managing accounts, business development, customer relations, marketing planning and research, and vendor and media relations. Ross has more than 10 years of experience at marketing firms in Kansas City and Michigan.

STATLER JOINS SONS' LAW PRACTICE

Peter L. Statler, former Cape Girardeau County associate circuit judge, joined Cape Girardeau's Statler Law Firm in the general practice of law. Statler practiced law in Jackson for 25 years until he was elected to the bench in 1994. He served four terms and retired after 16 years of judicial service. His sons, Travis Statler and Daniel Statler, started the firm in 2001 and recently moved the office to 107 S. Broadview St.

NEWSPAPER NAMES MANAGING EDITORS

The Southeast Missourian promoted Matt Sanders and Chris Harris to managing editor positions as part of a restructuring plan aimed at improving the quality of the newspaper. Harris, formerly the features editor, is the managing editor of newsroom operations and features, overseeing most "front-end" news activities such as making story assignments and directing non-breaking news coverage. She'll also make first edits to local copy and will continue many of her previous duties, including planning and editing the SE Live entertainment section. Sanders, formerly online product manager, takes the title of managing editor of breaking news and news production. He will continue to oversee the newspaper's website. His new duties include directing breaking news and election coverage. Bob Miller, who has been working in dual roles as executive and managing editor, will work more closely with reporters on reporting projects and writing development. Heather Collier will manage content for the Good Times section in Sunday's paper.

FSCB ANNOUNCES PROMOTIONS

PARK HILLS, Mo. -- First State Community Bank announced several promotions after its annual shareholders' meeting, reported the Park Hills Daily Journal. First State Bancshares announced six changes, naming Matthew Sebastian as executive vice president and chief operating officer; Carol Rigdon as senior vice president and board secretary; Keith Wade as senior vice president and chief financial officer; Kelly Legan as senior vice president of human resources; Dan Combs as vice president and investment officer; and Linda Amelung as vice president and auditor. At the Farmington, Mo., branch, Adam Wade was named assistant vice president; Luke Roussin, assistant vice president of marketing; and Derek Wright, general banking officer. The Park Hills branch named Travis Foshee as assistant vice president, and Wesley Royer was named vice president of the Fredericktown, Mo., location.

SEMO STAFFERS ATTEND CONFERENCE

Several Southeast Missouri State University employees participated in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Academic Affairs Winter Meeting Feb. 10-12 in Orlando, Fla. Southeast employees who gave presentations at the meeting were Margaret A. Noe, dean, College of Education, and Pamela Barnes, director of certification and assessment NCATE/MoSTEP accreditation coordinator, "NCATE Accreditation for College of Education"; Ronald R. Rosati, provost, and David Starrett, dean, university studies and academic information services, "Course Redesign at Southeast Missouri State University"; Christina L. Frazier, associate to the provost for assessment and data analysis and professor of biology; "Revitalizing Program Review Using Integration, Data Transparency and Online Technology; Starrett, "A Faculty Forum on the Red Balloon Project"; Rosati and Frazier, "Reduced Appropriations: Growth and Increased Productivity vs. Cuts and Increased Tuition"; and Rosati, as panelist on closing plenary session, "The Red Balloon Project -- Leadership for Reimagining Undergraduate Education in Challenging Times."

DEXTER CHAMBER PRESENTS AWARDS

DEXTER, Mo. -- The Dexter Chamber of Commerce honored businesses and individuals at its annual banquet Feb. 5. Awards went to The Dexter Bearcat Booster Club, Organization of the Year; D&S Drugs, Small Business of the Year; Holden Pallet, Industry of the Year; Heartland Furniture and Appliance, Business of the Year; and MaryRuth Boone, Educator of the Year. Members of the 2011 Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors were also announced. They include Mendy Bell, Kevin Bishop, Wes Howard, Scott Nelson, Kenny Pope, Natalie Riley, Mark Booker and Scott Chesser.

ANDERSON RETURNS AS DDD EDITOR

KENNETT, Mo. -- George Anderson, who formerly worked in the Daily Dunklin Democrat newsroom and oversaw the introduction of new media products, returned to newspaper as its editor. Anderson left the company in October to work as member services director for the Kennett Chamber of Commerce. As editor, Anderson will oversee the entire news operations of the newspaper, both digital and print. Deanna Coronado will return to a reporter's role and continue as editor of SHE magazine.

RICHARD NAMED VP OF PRIVATE BANKING

Danielle Crafton Richard

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Portageville, Mo., native Danielle Crafton Richard was named vice president of private banking at Regions Bank in Little Rock, Ark. In this role, she will assist bank clients in the management of their wealth and develop relationships with new private banking clients. Before joining Regions, Richard served in the banking industry for seven years as a branch manager and private banking officer. She lives in Sherwood, Ark.

RICKMANS JOIN MOSSY OAK PROPERTIES

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Sandy Rickman and Chris Rickman joined the sales team at Mossy Oak Properties Mozark Realty. Sandy Rickman has been a Realtor for six years, and Chris Rickman has been in the business since 2009.

KNODELL, HUTCHISON TOP P.B. REALTY

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Kurt Knodell was Top Producer for December at Poplar Bluff Realty Inc., and Rhenda Hutchison was Top Lister.

SPENCER, LYNXWILER LEAD RE/MAX

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

KETCHERSIDE, MCCOY TOP C21

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Natali Ketcherside was Top Producer for November and December at Century 21 American Realty. Melba Jean McCoy as Top Lister for November and December.

LANCE PROMOTED TO LOAN OFFICER

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Michael Lance was promoted to loan officer at First Missouri State Bank.

STAPLETON APPOINTED TO ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Dr. James Stapleton, executive director of the Douglas C. Greene Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and assistant professor of management at Southeast Missouri State University, was appointed to the Mississippi Delta Grassroots Caucus Executive Advisory Committee. The group is dedicated to promoting economic development in the eight-state delta region of Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Alabama and Missouri. As an Executive Advisory Committee member for Missouri, Stapleton provides input to the caucus from Missouri and helps manage activities of the Grassroots Caucus. Stapleton joins Dr. Martha Ellen Black, executive director of the Susanna Wesley Family Learning Center in East Prairie, who is also a Missouri state coordinator, along with Mike Marshall, former mayor of Sikeston.

KRUSE RETIRES FROM FARM BUREAU

DEXTER, Mo. -- Charles Kruse, Dexter, retired from the Missouri Farm Bureau in December after serving as the organization's president for 18 years. Blake Hurst, Westboro, Mo., who has been Missouri Farm Bureau's vice president for seven years, will now serve as president of the organization.

LOCALS NAMED TO COTTON LEADERSHIP POSTS

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Five Missouri cotton industry members were elected to leadership positions in the National Cotton Council for 2011, including Charles Parker, a Senath producer who will serve as NCC chairman. Steve Droke, a Hornersville producer, was re-elected as Missouri/Illinois chairman of NCC's American Cotton Producers. Re-elected as NCC's Missouri/Illinois unit officers were A.C. Riley James, a ginner with A.C. Riley Cotton Company in New Madrid, chairman; Jeffrey J. Hux, a Sikeston producer, vice chairman; and Stephen Harris, Farmers Union Gin Company in Senath, secretary. The cotton industry leaders were named to their posts during the 2011 NCC annual meeting Feb. 4-6 in San Antonio.

KRIDELBAUGH JOINS ACCOUNTING FIRM

Alan L. Kridelbaugh joined the CPA firm of Begley, Young, Unterreiner & White LLC, Cape Girardeau. Kridelbaugh is a certified public accountant, a certified fraud examiner and a certified QuickBooks adviser.

BRYANT JOINS AUTRY MORLAN

DEXTER, Mo. -- Ronnie Bryant, Poplar Bluff, Mo., joined the sales staff at Autry Morlan in Dexter. He last worked at Autry Morlan in Sikeston, Mo., and has 10 year of experience in the auto industry.

KING JOINS P.B. REALTY

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Kim King joined Poplar Bluff Realty Inc. as a broker-agent. She has 13 years of real estate experience in the Poplar Bluff market.

EDINGTON ENTERS PINNACLE CLUB

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Lucas Edington, broker-owner of Mossy Oak Properties Mozark Realty is the newest member of the Pinnacle Club, which recognizes the top brokers who achieve outstanding sales and leadership throughout the national Mossy Oak Properties network. Edington, the area's only certified land specialist, took ownership of the Poplar Bluff office in June 2010.

SCHERER JOINS REAL ESTATE FIRM

PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. -- Judy Scherer, Portageville, is a new associate at the firm of Harvey Graham & Associates Realty.

KRCU PRODUCER GETS MDC AWARD

KRCU host and producer Jacob McCleland received an award from the Missouri Department of Conservation's Outreach and Education Division at a ceremony held in Columbia, Mo. The award recognizes McCleland's work on "Discover Nature," the audio counterpart of the MDC's Natural Events Calendar and hosted by MDC's Candice Davis. McCleland is the producer for the weekly program. The Outreach and Education Partnership Award recognizes an individual or group for their efforts in collaborating with Outreach and Education staff in programming, media and information, interpretation and outdoor skills. McCleland has also produced feature stories on a wide range of conservation subjects.

FIRST STATE BANK HONORS EMPLOYEES

SIKESTON, Mo. -- First State Bank and Trust Co. presented service awards to several employees. Those honored were Jan Slusher, Charline Chambers and Donna Tippy, 15 years of service; and Michelle Tatum and Annette Payne, five years.

P.B. CHAMBER PRESENTS AWARDS

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- The Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce presented awards at its 73rd annual banquet Jan. 29, reported the Daily American Republic. Those honored were Danny Whiteley, Citizen of the Year; Rozetta Little, Ambassador of the Year Award; and retiring chamber board members Matt Funke, Jeff Libla, Patty Boyers, Richard Landers and David Jewell.

WIGGS JOINS COLLEGE POLICE

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Scott Wiggs resigned as Butler County assistant chief deputy sheriff to become assistant chief with the campus police department at Three Rivers College, effective Feb. 1, reported the Daily American Republic. He will remain a reserve deputy for Butler County. Sheriff Mark Dobbs said in order to maintain sufficient reserves for the sheriff's department, he does not plan to fill the assistant chief deputy position.

SEMO PORT NAMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Mark Kluesner, Oran, Mo., was elected chairman of the Southeast Missouri Port Authority's Board of Commissioners for 2011. Kent Puchbauer, Jackson, was chair for the past two years and will continue to serve on the board. Officers of the 2011 board of commissioners are Kluesner; John Thompson, Jackson, vice chairman; Gene Dement, Sikeston, Mo., treasurer; and J. Ronald Fischer, Cape Girardeau, secretary. Board members are Irvin Garms, Cape Girardeau; Bob Kielhofner, Scott County; Puchbauer; Rice "Pete" Burns, Sikeston; and Martin Priggel, Oran.

OLD TOWN CAPE PRESENTS AWARDS

Old Town Cape, a not-for-profit preservation group in downtown Cape Girardeau, presented awards at its annual dinner Feb. 17. Those honored were Cindy Buchheit, Volunteer of the Year; Laurie Everett, Business Excellence Award for Annie Laurie's Antiques; Tim Arbeiter, director of redevelopment for the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce, Charles L. Hutson Visionary Award; and St. Mary's Cathedral, Preservation of Heritage Award. Old Town Cape also announced officers for 2011: incoming president, Dennis Meyer, Meyer Supply; past president, Kent Zickfield, Zickfield Jewelers; first vice president, Lisa Bertrand, Southeast Missouri State University and Spanish Street Mercantile; secretary, Donna Denson, Southeast Missourian; treasurer, Sally Owen, SoutheastHEALTH; and adviser to the executive committee, Dr. Steven Hoffman.

BAUER NAMED PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Shon Bauer was named assistant vice president and product development manager for Capaha Bank. He joined Capaha Bank in June 2005 as manager of the Anna, Ill., branch and was promoted to assistant vice president in December 2006. In his new role, Bauer is responsible for design, development and marketing of new banking products.

PERSONNEL ASSOCIATION ELECTS NEW OFFICERS

The Cape Area Personnel Association elected new officers for 2011. They are Cathi Schlosser, Alliance Bank, president; Lori Meyer, City of Cape Girardeau, president-elect; Jason Bandermann, Saint Francis Medical Center, past president; Lisa Rouse, BioKyowa, secretary; and Lynda Wahlers, Citizens Electric, treasurer.

LARRY HILLIS ADDS TWO SALESMEN

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Paul Varner, a Qulin, Mo.-area farmer, joined the sales staff at Larry Hillis, and Ryan Decker moved from the parts department into sales.

JOHNSTON NAMED EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

PARK HILLS, Mo. -- Rose Johnston, front desk receptionist for the Daily Journal's Farmington, Mo., office, was named Daily Journal Employee of the Year for 2010. Johnston has worked part-time for the newspaper since 2009. An employee of the year is chosen each January from a pool of the previous year's employees of the month. Selection is made by department heads and managers.

HOVIS ELECTED TO GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES BOARD

In October, Lt. Barry Hovis of the Cape Girardeau Police Department joined six others on the Missouri Local Government Employees Retirement System (LAGERS) Board of Trustees. Hovis has worked for the City of Cape Girardeau since 1986. LAGERS, a not-for-profit public pension system created by the General Assembly of the State of Missouri, provides retirement, disability and survivors benefits to government employees within the state.

Rusty Statler

CITY PROMOTES, TRANSFERS EMPLOYEES

Scott Golden

Scott Golden was promoted to street maintenance worker II with the City of Cape Girardeau. He has worked with the Public Works Department since March 2001. Additionally, Rusty Statler was transferred from the Wastewater Treatment Plant as a wastewater operator/truck driver to the Water Division as a field maintenance mechanic. Statler has been a city employee since May 2007.

CRUMLEY NAMED COMMERCE VP

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Mike Crumley was named vice president-commercial relationship manager at Commerce Bank. In his new position, Crumley is responsible for developing new business prospects and cultivating existing client relationships. He has 30 years of experience in the finance industry and most recently worked with Community America Credit Union.

BOYERS ELECTED TO STATE OFFICE

DEXTER, Mo. -- Cindy Boyers of Heartland Furniture and Appliance was elected secretary/treasurer of the Missouri Rental Dealers Association. The business has been in operation for 14 years and has locations in Doniphan, Dexter and Piedmont, Mo.

FIRST MIDWEST HONORS EMPLOYEES

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Twilla Melloy was Employee of the Year at First Midwest Bank. Melloy, a customer service representative, has worked at the bank since April 2003. Additionally, Marci Woolard was Employee of the Year at the Puxico, Mo., branch, where she has worked for 15 years. Employees recognized for service milestones were Kevin Henderson and Dale Dickerson, 10 years of service; Pamela Crews, Woolard and Sandra Emerson, 15 years; Barbara Lewis, 25 years; Derotha Skaggs, 30 years; and Margaret Carter, 40 years.

LEDBETTER IS REP OF THE MONTH

ESSEX, Mo. -- Ron Ledbetter of Essex, financial representative with Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial, was representative of the month for January in the Missouri East Region. Ledbetter joined Modern Woodmen in February 2002.

SLACK PROMOTED AT BANK STAR

STEELE, Mo. -- Christy Slack was promoted to assistant vice president/assistant branch manager at Bank Star of the Bootheel. She has worked in banking since October 1997.

REAVES GETS NEW MEMBER LEADER AWARD

MALDEN, Mo. -- Jerry Reaves of Malden, a financial representative with Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial, was New Member Leader in the Missouri East Region for January. He has been with the company since October 2003.

STILSON'S SCRIPT ACCEPTED TO THEATER FESTIVAL

An original script written by Kenneth L. Stilson, professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance at Southeast Missouri State University, was accepted into the Last Frontier Theatre Conference's New Play Lab. The script, "The Cow and the Milk," is Stilson's second script accepted to the festival. In 1999, his submission "Where the Lilies Grow" was presented at Last Frontier, picked up by the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, produced at the Hudson Theatre and adapted into the award-winning independent film "Fire Lily," which Stilson co-wrote with Fred Jones and Shirlee Wilson, faculty members in the College of Liberal Arts. The Last Frontier Theatre Conference's New Play Lab, now in its 19th season, attracts playwrights from North America and Europe to receive mentoring and suggestions on their work from top professionals in the theater business.

CIE ANNOUNCES SPARK AWARDS

The Douglas C. Greene Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at Southeast Missouri State University announced three local small businesses as recipients of the 2011 SPARK Awards for Entrepreneurial Excellence. Ellen Hogenmiller, owner of Ellen's Flowerscapes, Ste. Genevieve, Mo.; Philip Goggin, owner of Pro Software Solutions, Farmington, Mo.; and Rob Luna, owner of rob LUNA designs, Potosi, Mo., were selected for their entrepreneurial spirit and achievement. Luna and Goggin are both 2010 graduates of Operation JumpStart, CIE's entrepreneurship training program. Hogenmiller was part of a 2006 special topic OJS training class that emphasized horticulture and agriculture. The SPARK Awards were announced as part of the CIE's observation of National Entrepreneurship Week, Feb. 19-26.

MCCONNELL, MATHES GET AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

Shari McConnell and Chris Mathes received the Award of Excellence from the Cape Girardeau County Board of Realtors. McConnell received the Summit Unassisted Award, while Mathes received the Pinnacle Unassisted Award. Additionally, McConnell was named Top Coldwell Banker Sales Associate in Missouri for the most units and dollars sold in the fourth quarter of 2010.

STAFFING CHANGES AT FIRST STATE BANK

Everett Cassady, formerly assistant vice president and loan officer at First State Community Bank, was named vice president of the Cape Girardeau branch. David Pruesser joined the staff at First State Community Bank in Cape Girardeau as commercial loan officer.

NENNINGER JOINS EDWARD JONES

Tami Nenninger joined Stan Irwin's Edward Jones financial services as a branch office administrator. She responsible for daily operation of the Cape Girardeau branch, including client service, marketing support and helping to plan seminars and special promotions.

BEST TO MANAGE SCOTTRADE OFFICE

Michelle Best was promoted to manage Scottrade's Cape Girardeau branch office. She is responsible for managing personnel, providing personalized customer service and educating investors about Scottrade's online trading services. Best has more than 30 years of experience in financial services. She previously served as a stockbroker in Scottrade's Columbia, Mo., branch office.

CHAMBER ELECTS LEADERS, HONORS MEMBERS

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Mike Yamnitz was elected president of the Perryville Area Chamber of Commerce for 2011. Lorna Gibbar is vice president and Jennifer Lopez is secretary/treasurer. Additionally, at the chamber's annual dinner on Jan. 27, three members were recognized for 25 years of continued membership. They were TG Missouri Corp., Perry County Treasurer Veronica Hershey and Chris Mudd's Edward Jones office.

JANE CLARK TEAM HONORED

The Jane Clark Team of Century 21 Key Realty received the 2010 Centurion Team Award on Feb. 26. The annual award is presented to an elite group of Century 21 teams and represents exemplary performance, commitment and dedication in the past year. The Jane Clark Team also received the Pinnacle Assisted-Team in the Award of Excellence from the Cape Girardeau County Board of Realtors on Feb. 24. Members of the Jane Clark Team are Jane Clark, Kyle Owens, Ken Foreman, Terry Smith, Sue Britton and Sarah Garner.