Names in the news

NORDENIA HONORS EMPLOYEES

Ronald Kemp, first assistant press operator, Cape Girardeau, was employee of the month for March at NORDENIA USA. He has been with the company since March 2008. NORDENIA also recognizes the following employment anniversaries: Roberta LeGrand, Michael Wiley, Mark Gum, Delores Gable, Daniel Kinsey, Rodney Starkey and Thomas Kern, 20 years of service; and John Bourland, Bobby Gribler, Trevor Heisserer, James Love and Steven Mueller, five years.

JACKSON TEACHER GETS EXCELLENCE AWARD

Nan Beussink, third-grade teacher at Immaculate Conception School, Jackson, received one of two Distinguished Teacher Awards from the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau for excellence in teaching. She has been teaching for 36 years and will retire at the end of the school year. Michelle Huffman, principal of Immaculate Conception, nominated Beussink for the award. Nominees were evaluated in a variety of areas, including professional contributions to the school and parish and exemplifying the philosophy of Catholic education. The Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau stretches from Joplin, Mo., to Cape Girardeau and includes about 300 teachers in 26 Catholic elementary and high schools.

Gina Hefner

HEFNER CERTIFIED AS HR PROFESSIONAL

Gina Hefner, personnel specialist for the City of Cape Girardeau, is now certified as a professional in human resources, signifying the knowledge and experience necessary to pass a rigorous exam demonstrating mastery of the human resource management field. PHR certification is offered through the HR Certification Institute, the credentialing body for HR professionals. The HR Certification Institute is affiliated with the Society for Human Resource Management, the world's largest organization exclusively dedicated to the human resource profession.

SCHLICHTING IS NEW RECREATION COORDINATOR

Brian Schlichting

Brian Schlichting is the new full-time recreation coordinator at the Osage Centre in Cape Girardeau. He began work with the Parks and Recreation Department on Jan. 3.

Paul Yadro

YADRO NAMED COMMUNITY PLANNER

Paul Yadro joined the City of Cape Girardeau Feb. 14 as a community planner in the Planning Services Division. He has several years of planning experience, including work in Dona Ana County, N.M.; Las Cruces, N.M.; and North Las Vegas, Nev.

SCHOTT JOINS CITY OF CAPE

Michael Schott started work with the Cape Girardeau Department of Public Works on Jan. 3 as a fleet maintenance coordinator.

P.B. REALTY ANNOUNCES LEADERS

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

MCCOY, TAYLOR LEAD C21

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Melba Jean McCoy was Top Producer for January at Century 21 American Realty, and Sandy Taylor was Top Lister.

RIVERWAYS HONORS DORRIS

VAN BUREN, Mo. -- Ozark National Scenic Riverways recognized Patty Dorris for 25 years of service. She started in Washington, D.C., with the Department of the Treasury, and later transferred to the Internal Revenue Service and then the U.S. Department of Justice. Before joining Ozark in 1996, she worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Farm Service Agency. She began at the park as a clerk at the Shawnee Shop and now serves as the superintendent's secretary.

SHELTON JOINS U.S. BANK

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Betty Shelton joined U.S. Bank as a home mortgage officer. She will assist people who are seeking a USDA Rural Development loan, a conventional or FHA/VA mortgage to build or buy a home, or refinance an existing home loan. She is based at U.S. Bank's Westwood Boulevard office in Poplar Bluff. She has 15 years of experience in mortgage lending.

MILNER PASSES LICENSING EXAM

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Ty Milner, Schultz and Summers Engineering, passed his professional land surveyors exam and is now one of the few dual registered professional engineers/surveyors in Missouri. The exam, which tests an applicant's ability to practice the surveying profession competently, is designed for those with at least four years of experience and is typically the last step to become a licensed professional surveyor. Milner has worked at Schultz and Summers for 12 years.

Cape Girardeau County Board of Realtors Summit award winners

BOARD OF REALTORS PRESENTS AWARDS

Dolores Baker

The Cape Girardeau County Board of Realtors recently presented its 2010 Awards of Excellence. Pinnacle Awards went to Elizabeth Lockhart, Susan Cole, Tracey Hagan, Chris Mathews, Liz Abernathy, Robert K. Herbst, Kim Taylor, Terri Penrod, Ross Austin, Ken Foreman, Jane Clark, Kyle Owens, Sue Britton and Thomas J. Kelsey. Summit Awards went to Dolores Baker, Elizabeth M. McFerron, Linda Wissmann, Shari McConnell, Kim Baker, Beth A. Yamnitz, Debbie Thurman, Michelle Doughten, Deb Martin, Regina Hall, Kathy Devor, Patty Main, Ricki Ing, Raelenna Ferguson, Kim Taylor, Sheila King, Laura Ritter, Seymour Chilton, Sharon K. Gill, Adrienne L. Poe, Rebecca Buehler, Darren Ellis, Debby Galemore, Wendy Marberry, Debbie Palmer, Beth Yamnitz, Deborah Pierce, Rebecca Harding, Sandy Helwege, Donna McDonald, LaDonna Dalton, Paula Bierman, Janet Hill Barnhart, David Kieffer, Kathi L. Fish, Melinda A. Dodd, Jennifer L. Janet, James Cox, Kyla Bergmann, Betty Lou Vogel, Elaine Edgar, Karen Ellis, Cheryl L. Parker, Dana Leming and Bobby Gray. Rookies of the Year were Rhonda Coppock, Kristine Sanders, Katherine Brown and Steve Kapp.

DUCKWORTH JOINS ALLIANCE BANK

Heidi Duckworth joined Alliance Bank, Cape Girardeau, as director of risk management. She replaces Lori Fowler, who was promoted to vice president/commercial lender. Duckworth has experience in banking compliance and operations, and held key positions at People's Community Bank, based in Greenville, Mo.

SEMO PROFESSOR RECEIVES AWARD

Dr. Jai Dahiya, associate dean of the College of Science and Mathematics and professor of physics at Southeast Missouri State University, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Economic Growth Society of India through the Finance Ministry of India. Dahiya received the award in December at the Economic Growth Society of India's annual national seminar in New Delhi. Dahiya, who delivered a paper at the 98th Indian Science Congress conference in Chennai on "Quantum Dot Nanoparticles in Bio-Medical Applications," has presented papers at this conference for 11 years. As recipient of the award, Dahiya was invited to speak at the Jat Uthan Sabha conference Jan. 16 in New Delhi.

BAKER NAMED MASTER RUBY PRODUCER

On Feb. 27, Dolores Baker received the Master Ruby Producer award for 2010 from the St. Louis Regional Broker Council.

REAVES SELECTED NEW MEMBER LEADER

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

RAINWATER NAMED TO ROUND TABLE

FARMINGTON, Mo. -- Randy E. Rainwater, Farmington, Modern Woodmen of America regional director, earned membership in Modern Woodmen's 2010 Regional Director Round Table. The distinction recognizes outstanding leadership and is based on high achievement in life insurance sales. Rainwater also passed the $1.5 million mark in annualized premiums for the first time in 2010. To reach this milestone, a region must consistently be a top producer in annualized premiums each month of the year.

NEWKIRK IS TOPS IN DISTRICT

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Phil Newkirk, Poplar Bluff, financial representative with Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial, was district agent for February. He has been with the company since January 1999.

BURRESS COMPLETES FIC COURSE

Crystal F. Burress, Modern Woodmen of America representative in Cape Girardeau, attained the Fraternal Insurance Counsellor designation. The FIC title is an educational designation earned by career life insurance representatives associated with fraternal insurance societies. Representatives devote more than one year to meet the examination and career development criteria set by the Fraternal Field Managers Association.

HILL JOINS BRENNEKE

Don Hill was hired as sales manager at Brenneke Chevrolet, Jackson. He previously worked for 27 years at Youngblood's Capetown RV, Cape Girardeau.

CAPE TEACHER GETS LEGION HONOR

Jane Kester-Koppenaal, seventh grade communication arts teacher at Cape Girardeau Central Junior High School, was American Legion Post 63's Teacher of the Year for 2011.

GANN NAMED ONE OF STATE'S TOP TEACHERS

FREDERICKTOWN -- Tara Gann, a Park Hills, Mo., resident who has taught in Fredericktown for five years, was named among the Missouri State Teachers Association's list of Top 10 Under 10. The list highlights Missouri teachers who have been teaching less than 10 years. Gann teaches history to kindergarten through 12th-graders at Fredericktown-Off-Site-School. Elizabeth Simmons, who teaches at Viburnum High School, was also named to the list.

BISHOP AWARDED FOR EXCELLENCE

DEXTER, Mo. -- Lori Bishop, Real Living Young Realty, received the premier Service Diamond national award for providing superior customer service to home buyers and sellers in Dexter. To qualify for the award, Bishop had to receive a minimum 95 percent customer satisfaction rating. Bishop's rating was 100 percent.

NENNINGER JOINS EDWARD JONES

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

MASSEY RECOGNIZED FOR YEARS OF SERVICE

MATTHEWS, Mo. -- Jim Massey, Hayti, Mo., was honored for 30 years of service to the Monsato plant in Matthews, Mo. Massey produces soybean seed for Monsato's Asgrow brand.

NESSELRODT JOINS NATIONAL TITLE & ESCROW

DEXTER, Mo. -- Jake Nesselrodt joined National Title and Escrow, where he is now in charge of all escrow and closings.

MONTGOMERY GETS STAR AWARD

KENNETT, Mo. -- Sharon Montgomery, Kennett OAKS Senior Center, received a Star Award at the Southeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging Star Awards. The Star Award, given to one administrator of the agency each year, is given for performing outstanding administrative duties with perfect assessments from the Agency on Aging; partnering with different agencies to obtain equipment; and holding fundraisers to meet daily needs.

MATHIS APPOINTED CORONER

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- On March 17, Gov. Jay Nixon appointed Aaron G. Mathis, Dexter, Mo., as the new coroner for Stoddard County. He replaces Morgan Sifford, who resigned. Mathis is a licensed funeral director and embalmer with Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home.

FANGER RETIRES, REPLACEMENT NAMED

Pat Fanger, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction for the Cape Girardeau School District, will retire this summer after 30 years in public education. Sherry Copeland, St. Joseph, Mo., will fill the role of assistant superintendent. She currently serves as director of the Regional Professional Development Center at Missouri Western State University.

SWAN APPOINTED TO STATE COMMISSION

Kathy Swan, a Cape Girardeau City Council member and higher education official, was named to the Missouri Senate apportionment commission, among two panels that will set state legislative boundaries. Swan will serve on the 10-member commission appointed by Gov. Jay Nixon. She also serves on the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education, appointed earlier this year to her third term. The bipartisan apportionment commissions will set new boundaries for the 34 districts in the Missouri Senate and the 163 districts in the Missouri House of Representatives. The Missouri Constitution requires the governor to appoint the commissions to reapportion the districts following the national census every 10 years.

CLIFTON ELECTED TO STATE ASSOCIATION

Cape Girardeau County Coroner John Clifton was elected president of the Missouri Coroners' and Medical Examiners' Association at the organization's state conference in Jefferson City, Mo., March 8-10. The association is divided into troops, and each troop has a director who assists members with training and legislative issues. Clifton was elected by the troop directors. Before being elected president, he served as Troop E director, secretary, treasurer and vice president of the association.

HOWARD JOINS LEBOUNCE

Maddy Howard was hired as general manager at LeBounce, an indoor inflatable play center in Cape Girardeau.

FRANCIS JOINS INTERQUEST

Charlie Francis joined InterQuest Information Services as vice president of sales development. He is responsible for promoting the Cape Girardeau company's employee screening and tenant search services.

TODT OPENS PAINTING FRANCHISE

Amanda Todt opened a Fresh Coat Painting franchise in Cape Girardeau. Fresh Coat provides services for residential, commercial and governmental customers in more than 100 cities in the U.S. and Canada. Todt previously worked as an independent insurance adjuster.

NATTIER ATTENDS B&B RETREAT

Eldon Nattier, co-owner of the Rose Bed Inn Bed and Breakfast, Cape Girardeau, attended the Bed and Breakfast Inns of Missouri board of directors retreat in Rocheport, Mo. Nattier serves as marketing director for the association.

KNUDTSON ATTENDS PUBLIC SERVICE TRAINING

Jay B. Knudtson, executive vice president of First Missouri State Bank and former Cape Girardeau mayor, attended a Missouri Bar Fee Dispute Resolution Program training session at the Lake of the Ozarks. Knudtson serves as a volunteer for the public service program, which helps clients who feel they have been charged unfairly by an attorney.

FARM BUREAU AGENTS GET RECOGNITION

Gerald Jansen and Dustin Hoesli, Cape Girardeau County Farm Bureau insurance agents, earned membership in the Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance Company's Million Dollar Club. This is Jansen's second year and Hoesli's first year to qualify. Jansen and Hoesli were also recognized as members of the Issued Lives Pyramid, and Jansen was honored as a 2011 Premier Agent. Awards were presented during a conference March 3-5 in Branson, Mo.

HAMBLIN FEATURED AT LITERARY FESTIVAL

Dr. Robert Hamblin, professor of English and director of the Center for Faulkner Studies at Southeast Missouri State University, was the featured poet at the Southern Literary Festival at Blue Mountain College April 7-9. Hamblin, the author of five volumes of poems, gave a public reading of his poems and conducted a poetry workshop for student writers. He also delivered a Faulkner lecture during the festival. Blue Mountain College is 15 miles from New Albany, Miss., Faulkner's birthplace.

DEAN JOINS BUD SHELL

DEXTER, Mo. -- Kyle Dean joined the sales staff at Bud Shell Ford. He has more than 25 years of experience in retail sales.

BRADLEY COMPLETES COMPETENCY EXAM

FARMINGTON, Mo. -- Cynthia Bradley of Miracle Ear in Farmington completed the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences Competency Examination. She is now board certified in hearing instrument sciences.

ASSOCIATED ELECTRIC HONORS EMPLOYEES

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- Associated Electric Cooperative recognized 11 employees on March 22 for years of service at the New Madrid Power Plant. Marking 35 years are Joseph Ronald Faries, journeyman instrumentation technician specialist; Harold Michael Gowan, shift supervisor; and James M. King, preventive maintenance specialist. Celebrating 30 years are Ramonia J. Black, office associate II; William Leslie Brown, material handling supervisor; Larry Joe Coleman, warehouseman; Roger D. Crafton, chemical lab technician; Michael Lee Roberts, journeyman mechanic; Marchelle L. Robey, administrative services supervisor; and Lillie P. Wheeler, warehouseman. Samuel E. Wise, journeyman mechanic, marks 25 years with the cooperative.

FIVE RECEIVE EXCEL AWARDS FROM AECI

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- Associated Electric Cooperative Inc. presented five New Madrid Power Plant employees with Excel awards during a March 22 ceremony at the cooperative's headquarters. Those receiving awards were Michelle Aaron, Dexter, Mo., senior human resources assistant, Excel Award for Employee of the Year in a secretarial/clerical field; Darrell Brandon, Campbell, Mo., predictive maintenance specialist, Excel Award for Employee of the Year in a technical field; Cal Crader, Sikeston, Mo., plant engineer, Excel Award for Outstanding Community Service; Ralph Palmer, New Madrid, Mo., plant chemist, Excel Award for Supervisor of the Year; and Mike Sims, New Madrid, warehouseman, Excel Award for Employee of the Year in a Vocational Field. Recipients were nominated by their peers for excelling in their work at the power plant.

HADDER NAMED SAFETY PERSON OF THE YEAR

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- Associated Electric Cooperative Inc. recognized Terry Hadder, New Madrid, Mo., as Safety Person of the Year at the New Madrid Power Plant. Hadder, a journeyman welder mechanic, was nominated by his peers for the honor.

CHRISTENSEN HONORED FOR SERVICE

VAN BUREN, Mo. -- Roger Christensen, Van Buren, Mo., marked 25 years with the Missouri Department of Transportation. He is a maintenance supervisor for the South Central District of MoDOT.

TAYLOR, MCCOY TOPS FOR 2010

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Sandy Taylor was Top Producer for 2010 at Century 21 American Realty, and Melba Jean McCoy was Top Lister.

STINSON GETS DNR HONOR

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- David Stinson, Poplar Bluff, engineering supervisor with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Division of Environmental Quality, was employee of the month for March. He was chosen for his initiative and leadership while filling in for the Southeast Regional Office director in November. Stinson has worked for the DNR since 2004.

NOBLIN IS COUNSELOR OF THE YEAR

KENNETT, Mo. -- Kris Noblin, counselor at Kennett High School, was named High School Counselor of the Year by the Southeast Missouri School Counseling Association. She was chosen for her tremendous work ethic when working with students, faculty and student families.

VOLKERDING HONORED FOR SALES ACHIEVEMENTS

Kenneth Volkerding

Kenneth E. Volkerding, Cape Girardeau, a representative with Modern Woodmen of America, was named to Modern Woodmen's 2010 President's Cabinet. The distinction recognizes Volkerding's high achievement in life insurance sales and ranking among the organization's top representatives nationwide.

HALEY GETS AWARD FOR FINANCE STUDIES

Lucas Haley received the 2010 Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction Excellence for the Future award in corporate finance. The award recognizes the highest academic scores and achievements in corporate finance coursework at the University of Missouri School of Law. Haley attended the University of Missouri School of Law and finished his degree last May. He works as an investment adviser and trust representative with the Bank of Missouri, Cape Girardeau.

ROBERTS OPENS HEARING AID BUSINESS

Darel Roberts opened AudioEar Hearing Center, 65 Plaza Way, Cape Girardeau. Roberts, a licensed hearing aid dispenser, has been in the hearing aid business since 1985.

PUCKETT JOINS STATE FARM

Billy Puckett, Cape Girardeau, joined Michael C. Jones State Farm Insurance, Cape Girardeau. He will work under Jones as an intern before opening his own State Farm agency. Puckett is responsible for sales, services, claim handling and customer relations.

MCMILLAN HONORED FOR SALES

Bud McMillan, sales consultant at Cape Girardeau Honda, was recognized by American Honda Motor Co. Inc. for achieving the Gold Master membership level in the 2010 Council of Sales Leadership recognition program. The program is an annual recognition designed to encourage professional development and sales excellence in Honda dealerships nationwide.

RUESELER QUALIFIES FOR CHAIRMAN'S CLUB

MassMutual agent Rob Rueseler, an agent of Mass Financial Group Inc., was named a Chairman's Club qualifier for 2010. Rueseler has served the Cape Girardeau market for 22 years. Chairman's Club recipients are the top 10 annual producers of more than 5,000 agents.

GROUP ATTENDS YOUNG FARMERS CONFERENCE

Several from Cape Girardeau County attended the Missouri Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Leadership Conference in February at Lake of the Ozarks: Greg and Laura Criddle; Mark, Lisa and Lydia Reitzel; Kely Jahn; Jeremie and Laura Nothdurft; Marcus and Kelli Birk; and Ben and Shelly Meier.

LOCALS ATTEND FARM BUREAU CONFERENCE

Dale Steffens, Kenny Spooler, Carl E. Todt Jr. and Mike McMillian attended the Missouri Farm Bureau's annual Commodity Conference and Legislative Briefing Feb. 28-March 1 in Jefferson City, Mo. Priority issues for this legislative session include naissance lawsuit reform, amending Proposition B and supporting legislation to make the Missouri Department of Conservation financially responsible for damage caused by elk.

EADS JOINS FIRST COMMUNITY

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Kristin Eads joined First Community Insurance Group March 14 as an insurance representative. She is a licensed property and casualty agent and works at the company's Broadway office.

FISHER EARNS DEMOCRACY AWARD

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Jake Fisher, director and board president for Pemiscot-Dunklin Electric Cooperative, received the Frank Stork Democracy Award for his work on behalf of Missouri's Electric Cooperatives. The award was presented March 14 at the State Legislative Conference held by the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives in Jefferson City, Mo. Fisher, Portageville, Mo., started his career as a rural electric director in 1988.

FEE NAMED PRINCIPAL OF CAPE JUNIOR HIGH

The Cape Girardeau School District announced March 29 that Carla Fee will be the new principal at Cape Girardeau Central Junior High School. She takes the position July 1, filling the vacancy left by Roy Merideth, who took a job in the private sector at the end of last semester. Alan Bruns, assistant principal during Merideth's tenure, continues to serve as interim principal. Fee is currently principal of the Alternative Education Center.

TOMA HIRED AS CITY ADMINISTRATOR

STE. GENEVIEVE, Mo. -- Martin Toma was hired as city administrator for Ste. Genevieve, Mo., reported the Ste. Genevieve Herald on March 30. As of April 4, he is the city's fourth administrator in eight years. Toma was previously employed in county government in Jefferson County from 2001-2011 as director of land use, development and code enforcement. He lost that position when a new charter government was installed in Jefferson County and a new chief executive took over in January. Toma has also worked as vice president of Essex Contracting in Herculaneum, Mo., and is owner and broker of Tomaco Inc., a Hillsboro, Mo.-based real estate company.

KIEHNE MOVES TO P.B. HIGH SCHOOL

DEXTER, Mo. -- After six years at Richland Schools, superintendent Mike Kiehne signed a contract to serve as principal at Poplar Bluff High School for the 2011-12 school year, reported the Dexter Daily Statesman on March 30. His new duties begin July 1.

YOUNG JOINS CITY OF CAPE

Greg Young joined the City of Cape Girardeau Feb. 22 as assistant city attorney. After working in private law practice and as a public defender in Columbia, Mo., Young worked with the Office of the Attorney General in the financial services division.

CONRAD ELECTED TREASURER

Gayle Conrad, city clerk for the City of Cape Girardeau, was elected state treasurer of the Missouri City Clerks and Finance Officers Association for 2011-2012. She aslo received her 200 hours certificate for advanced instruction and professional development, and the Everyday Hero Award for the MoCCFOA Southeast Division. The award is given to those who have helped promote the city clerk profession and MoCCFOA.

ENGINEERING STAFF ATTEND CONFERENCE

Kelly Green and Casey Brunke, engineers with the City of Cape Girardeau, attended the Transportation Engineers Association of Missouri (TEAM) in Branson, Mo. The association promotes the advancement of knowledge in transportation design, construction, maintenance and operations, along with promotion of all matters and interest pertaining to the welfare of public transportation in Missouri. While attending the conference, Green was elected president-elect of the statewide organization.

EXTENSION ADDS BUSINESS SPECIALIST

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Kevin Anderson joined the Butler County University of Missouri Extension Council as a business development specialist. He is headquartered in the Butler County office and serves six counties in Southeast Missouri.

BAKER IS TOP PRODUCER

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Terry Baker was Top Producer for Feburary at Coldwell Banker Ruth Holloway Realty.

JACKSON TEACHERS HONORED

The Jackson Chamber of Commerce honored five teachers March 31 at its annual Educator of the Year Awards. Those recognized were Andy Helle, science teacher at Jackson High School, high school educator of the year; Becky Loenneke, math teacher, junior high/middle school educator of the year award; Kay Vangilder, first-grade teacher at Orchard Elementary, elementary school educator of the year; Scott Vangilder, band teacher at Jackson schools, specialty educator of the year; and Tina Sides, language arts teacher at Immaculate Conception School, private school educator of the year.