Names in the news

MONDI JACKSON HONORS EMPLOYEES

Darren Whitledge of Jackson was employee of the month for October at Mondi Jackson Inc. Whitledge, a pre-press first assistant, has been with the company since June 6, 2010. Mondi Jackson also recognizes the following employment anniversaries: Weston Mangels and Mitchell Royer, 20 years of service; Brian Brown, Lester Page and Rodney Pease, 15 years; Julie Adams, Michael Hammontree and Brett Hart, 10 years; and Corey Thurman, five years.

MILLER JOINS MO MANUFACTURING WINS PROGRAM

PARK HILLS, Mo. -- Tina Miller of Bonne Terre, Mo., joined Mineral Area College's MoManufacturingWINs program as a program support specialist and navigator. MoManufacturingWINs is a statewide program to provide tuition-free training in manufacturing careers, plus additional credentials and skills to boost employability. Miller comes to the community college from the Missouri Career Center, where she was an employment specialist.

SHORT NAMED BRANCH MANAGER

First Midwest Bank of Dexter announced that Heather Short was named assistant vice president and branch manager at First Midwest's Cape Girardeau location at 1820 N. Kingshighway. Short brings almost eight years of banking experience. First Midwest's Cape Girardeau branch is a temporary full-service modular bank that opened Sept. 24 with a groundbreaking for a new facility planned for the fall.

FUEMMELER PROMOTED TO STORE MANAGER

Buchheit retail stores announced that Luke Fuemmeler was promoted to store manager at Buchheit's Jackson store. He joined Buchheit in 2006 at its Herculaneum, Mo., store and in 2007 transferred to Jackson as assistant store manager.

FRASHER RECEIVES LONG-TERM CARE DESIGNATION

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Thrivent Financial for Lutherans in Perryville announced that Tom Frasher, financial associate, received a professional designation of being certified in the field of long-term care. The program is independent of the insurance industry and focuses on providing financial service professionals the tools needed to meet the long-term care needs of clients.

MITCHELL LICENSED TO PRACTICE LAW

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- J. Aaron Mitchell of Bloomfield is now licensed to practice law after passing the Missouri Bar examination. He was a former extern with the Division II Courts in Stoddard County, with Judge Joe Satterfield administrating his externship. Mitchell is a 2013 graduate of Southern Illinois University School of Law, and he will maintain a general law practice Bloomfield.

MAYBERRY COMPLETES RIVIERA MAYA PROGRAM

Katie Mayberry of Elite Travel in Cape Girardeau completed the Riviera Maya Travel Agent Program. She completed the five-part program, on top of her multiple visits to the region, to become an expert on the Riviera Maya. The extensive program is dedicated to travel agents from all over the world to help them specialize in the region.

STUEVER NAMED PRESIDENT OF CORN GROWERS ASSOCIATION

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Jim Stuever of Dexter, Mo., assumed the title of president of the Missouri Corn Growers Association, effective Oct. 1. He was elected during the organization's August board meeting and replaces Rob Korff of Norborne, Mo. Stuever represents corn farmers from District 7 in the southeast region of the state. He previously served the state's growers as Missouri Corn Merchandising Council chairman, treasurer and vice chairman, and MCGA vice president. He has also represented corn farmers nationally, currently serving on the National Corn Growers Association Trade and Biotechnology Action Team and as leader of the U.S. Grains Council Biotech Advisory Team.

JERNIGAN TO DIRECT BOYS & GIRLS CLUB

Jeff Jernigan was named executive director of the Boys & Girls Club in Cape Girardeau. Jernigan has a background in sales, management and customer service; he most recently worked for Integrity Solution Services (formerly NARS) as a trainer and customer service adviser. The Boys & Girls Club, at 1913 Whitener St. in Cape Girardeau, provides programs for more than 100 boys and girls in the areas of character and leadership development, educational enhancement, career preparation, health and life skills, the arts, and sports, fitness and recreation.

OKENFUSS NAMED AREA ENGINEER

The Southeast District of the Missouri Department of Transportation announced Brian Okenfuss was named the new area engineer for the district's north area. Okenfuss is a graduate of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and has been employed by MoDOT since 2007. He holds a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering and most recently served as a senior construction inspector in the Park Hills, Mo., project office.

FALLERT RECEIVES DEMOCRACY AWARD

Citizens Electric Corp. director Herb Fallert received the 2013 Frank Stork Democracy Award at the 76th annual meeting of the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives Oct. 4 in Kansas City, Mo. Fallert, of Ste. Genevieve, Mo., has been a member of CEC's board of directors since 1990 and has served as its treasurer, secretary, vice president and district representative. Fallert has been a member of AMEC's Legislative and Government Relations Committee since 2006 and has served on the AMEC Executive Committee and full board. He has made many trips to Washington, D.C., to lobby on behalf of rural issues.

TWO NEW ATTORNEYS IN STODDARD COUNTY

DEXTER, Mo. -- Circuit Judge Rob Mayer recently welcomed two new attorneys to Stoddard County, the Dexter Daily Statesman reported. Tyler Ramsey, a recent graduate of the University of Missouri, was sworn in as a new attorney. Ashley Mayer was also welcomed to the Stoddard County Bar association as a new attorney to the area. She previously worked at Armstrong Teasdale in St. Louis. Both are employed as associates of the Holden Law office in Dexter.

CAPE CVB DIRECTOR GETS TOURISM AWARD

Chuck Martin, executive director of the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau, received an Ambassador Award from the Missouri Department of Economic Development's Division of Tourism at the Governor's Conference on Tourism Oct. 2 to 4 in Springfield, Mo. The Ambassador Award goes to an individual, business or organization that conscientiously supports and promotes Missouri tourism in any and all ways available to them. In addition to his role with the CVB, Martin serves as vice president of the Missouri Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, a member of the Executive Committee of MACVB, a director for the Missouri Travel Council, a member of the Education Committee of MTC, and a member of the Cooperative Marketing Planning Committee of the Missouri Division of Tourism, to name a few.

CONRAD, SCHNEIDER EARN CERTIFIED MUNICIPAL OFFICIAL STATUS

During the Oct. 7 meeting of the Cape Girardeau City Council, Mayor Harry Rediger presented Missouri Municipal League plaques to Gayle Conrad, city clerk, and Loretta Schneider, Ward 4 City Council representative. Both Conrad and Schneider recently became Certified Municipal Officials through the league's new Municipal Governance Institute. To achieve this high honor, a municipal official must complete 16 credit hours of training conducted or endorsed by the Municipal Governance Institute. Schneider and Conrad received training in council meeting procedures, parliamentary procedures and more.

CAPE CHAMBER HONORS FIVE EDUCATORS

Five educators were recognized Oct. 15 during the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce's Educator Appreciation Reception. Recognized as educators of the year were Heather Fisher, a kindergarten teacher at Blanchard Elementary School; Southeast Missouri State University economics professor Dr. Willie Redmond; Central High School math teacher Mary LeGrand; Ellen Pannier, a Central High science teacher; and Julie Stausing, a Central High English teacher. Each instructor received a Crystal Apple award, a $500 check, a resolution of honor from both houses of the Missouri Legislature and a copy of a video in which each winner offered insight into their love of teaching. Tim Arbeiter, vice president of community development for the chamber, said 60 teachers were nominated for the awards this year. Eight of those candidates were selected for interviews, and five were chosen for recognition.

O'KEEFE WINS EMMY FOR LOCAL REPORTING

Carly O'Keefe, anchor/reporter for Heartland News on KFVS12, won an Emmy Award from the Mid America chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. The award was presented Oct. 5 at the annual Emmy Award ceremony in St. Louis. The award was presented in the category of "General Assignment Report/Within 24 Hours." The winning report aired on KFVS12 Nov. 14, 2012. It dealt with a family in Franklin County, Illinois, whose daughter was hit with a stray bullet. O'Keefe has worked at KFVS12 since 2005.

BUCHHEIT JOINS BANK OF MISSOURI IN PERRYVILLE

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Corey Buchheit joined The Bank of Missouri's lending team in Perryville. He has worked with the bank in its Jackson market for the past six years.

WHITTEN IS TOP LISTER, PRODUCER

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Terri Whitten was top lister and top producer for September at Coldwell Banker Ruth Holloway Realty.

LANSFORD, MCCOY LEAD CENTURY 21

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Craig Lansford was top producer for July at Century 21 American Realty, and Melba Jean McCoy was top lister.

NEWKIRK NAMED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE MONTH

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Phil Newkirk of Poplar Bluff, a financial representative with Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial, was representative of the month in the Missouri East Region for September. He was been with the company since January 1999.

WOOLARD NETS MODERN WOODMEN HONORS, COMPLETES TRAINING

BROSELEY, Mo. -- Brandon Woolard of Broseley, a financial representative with Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial, was New Member Leader, Life Leader and Rookie of the Month in the Missouri East Region in September. He joined the company in January. Additionally, Woolard completed a five-day training program at Modern Woodmen's home office in Rock Island, Ill.

INSURANCE AGENTS ATTEND MEETING

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Ryann Addison and Laura Green of Anderson and Green Insurance Agency in Sikeston completed insurance training and received continuing education credits awarded by the Missouri Department of Insurance. The annual regional meeting, hosted by Barton Mutual Insurance of Liberal, Mo., brought together independent agents for instruction in sales, product offerings and industry endeavors.

GRAHAM NAMED EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Dale Graham was named employee of the fourth quarter for the Sikeston Department of Public Works. He works in the streets division.

KFVS12 HIRES NEW LOCAL SALES MANAGER

Luke Hilgenbrinck was named local sales manager for KFVS12 and The Heartland's CW (WQWQ-TV). Hilgenbrinck started his broadcasting career in 2005 as an account executive for WGEM radio in Quincy, Ill. He then took a position in sales for KHQA-TV in Quincy and was promoted to local sales manager at KHQA's sister station KTVO-TV in Kirksville, Mo. Hilgenbrinck worked most recently as general sales manager at KTVO.

BATTON JOINS BLUFF BARBER

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Eric Batton is a new barber at Bluff Barber Shop, 211 S. Fifth St. He worked at the Fortis plastic plant as a tool and die maker before completing nine months of barber school in Cape Girardeau.

ESTES NAMED DISTRICT REP

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Stanley Estes, manager of Ozark Border Electric Cooperative, was appointed as a district representative to the Training and Development Committee of the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives in Jefferson City, Mo. As a member of the committee, Estes will be responsible for activities relating to improving the professional and technical abilities of electric cooperative employees and directors, including workshops and conferences developed by AMEC and the national association.

ELEVEN GRADUATE FROM DALE CARNEGIE COURSE

Hendrickson Business Advisors of Cape Girardeau announced that 11 people graduated from the eight-week Dale Carnegie Course held in October. The course focused on self-confidence, enhancing relationships, gaining willing cooperation, effective communication, stress and worry management and leadership skills. Those who attended were Melanie Smollen, Faith Perceptions (course coach); Bill Mercer, Darren Horrel, June Walter and Michael Jones, HAVCO Wood Products; Justin Brown, Diane Hale, Renea Ruppenthal, John Wiplfler and Tony Province, Do It Best Corp.; Laurie Johnson, Girl Scouts of USA; Kelli Foster, Faith Perceptions; and Tim Schmidt, Southeast Missouri State University (course coach).

BURTON-HITT NAMED DIRECTOR OF COUNSELING CENTER FOUNDATION

Mary Burton-Hitt was named executive director of the Community Counseling Center Foundation, effective Aug. 26. She succeeds Larry Essner, who is retiring after 17 years as the foundation's executive director. Dale Rauh, president of the foundation, said the board conducted a nationwide search and was unanimous in its decision to hire Burton-Hitt.

BOYLIN CERTIFIED AS SANDALS SPECIALIST

Jeannette Boylin of Elite Travel Inc. in Cape Girardeau completed the Sandals Resorts' Certified Sandals Specialist program. She joins an elite group of travel agents recognized by Sandals and Beaches Resorts as experts of the Caribbean's leading chain of luxury ultra-all-inclusive resorts. Agents who earn the designation are also required to complete a rigorous education and training program on a yearly basis.

DENNIS RECEIVES DISTINGUISHED TEACHER AWARD

Lynn Dennis, religion and computer teacher at Immaculate Conception School in Jackson, was named Distinguished Teacher of the Year by the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau.

HUGHES NAMED PRESIDENT OF NEW ERA BANK

FREDERICKTOWN, Mo. -- David A. Hughes is the new executive vice president of New Era Bank, which has locations in Farmington, Fredericktown and Park Hills, Mo. Hughes has 18 years experience in banking and finance and most recently managed a bank in Jefferson County.

HOLLAND REAPPOINTED TO RIVER CAMPUS BOARD

The Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents reappointed William Holland as a university representative on the River Campus Board of Managers. His new term will expire Dec. 1, 2016. He has been serving as the designated representative for Swayne Byrd, who died in May. That term expires Dec. 1. Holland is vice president for university advancement and executive director of the Southeast Missouri University Foundation.

MANGELS REAPPOINTED TO SHOW ME CENTER BOARD

The Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents reappointed Kathy Mangels to the Show Me Center Board of Managers. Her new term will expire Dec. 1, 2016. Her current term expires Dec. 1. Mangels is vice president for finance and administration and treasurer at Southeast, and a university representative on the Show Me Center Board of Managers. She has served three previous terms on the board.

RAGSDALE CELEBRATES AIR EVAC MILESTONE

FARMINGTON, Mo. -- Richard Ragsdale, base pilot supervisor for the Farmington Air Evac Lifeteam base, recently completed his 1000th flight with the company, according to the Park Hills Daily Journal. Ragsdale joined Air Evac Lifeteam in July 2006 as a pilot. He previously served in the U.S. Army for 23 years.

THORNTON RECEIVES TRUSTEE LEADERSHIP AWARD

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- The Missouri Community College Association presented Three Rivers College trustee Wilbur Thornton with the Trustee Leadership Award at an October ceremony held in St. Louis. The award was given in recognition of Thornton's outstanding service to the college and to the mission of community colleges throughout the state. As trustee, Thornton has represented the college at events throughout the area and has held every officer position on the board, including chair. He has also been a leader at the state level, serving on MCCA's Board of Directors and as chair of the statewide Trustee Council.

UNITED WAY ADDS TWO STAFF MEMBERS

Melissa Stickel joined the United Way of Southeast Missouri as director of community development and Beth Schweer joined the organization as donor and community development support. Stickel's responsibilities include leading the Community Impact Agenda implementation to include ongoing development, communication and tracking of targeted community outcomes. She has more than 10 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, most recently as resource development coordinator at Missouri Bootheel Regional Consortium Inc. Schweer will work alongside the director of donor relations to track and record payments on campaign pledges and collaborates with the director of community development to help advance the Community Impact Agenda. She also serves as administrative assistant for the office and will graduate from Southeast Missouri State University in December.

ROBINSON CONSTRUCTION WORKERS ATTEND SEMINAR, EARN CERTIFICATION

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Five Robinson Construction Co. employees attended the Nucor Building System Training Seminar in Terrell, Texas. Estimators Willy Oldham and Ryan Huitt, project manager Adam Wachter, and superintendents Jeff Moldenhauer and Mike Schremp attended the four-day seminar, where they received instruction and training on new software, steel erection and standing seam roof installation. All five earned the Nucor Qualified Installer designation, which qualifies them to purchase, install and inspect products and services offered by Nucor. Robinson Construction has been a Nucor builder for more than 10 years.

KEMPF GRADUATES FROM LEADERSHIP MISSOURI

Carolyn Kempf, president of Elite Travel in Cape Girardeau, graduated from Leadership Missouri, a program hosted by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The seven two-day sessions run from April to October and assist the participants in enhancing their leadership skills and deepening their knowledge of the state's opportunities and challenges.

HOOD HIRED AS ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER

Molly B. Hood was hired as assistant city manager/director of development services with the City of Cape Girardeau. After nearly six months of recruiting, assessment and review, Hood was announced Nov. 1 as the replacement for former assistant city manager Kelly Green. A Southern Illinois native, Hood previously worked for two years in planning with the City of Carbondale, Ill., before moving to Arizona. She will be moving to Cape Girardeau from Paradise Valley, Ariz., where she has worked as a senior planner for more than seven years. Hood additionally has private sector government relations and consulting experience and has worked as a planner with the City of Glendale, Ariz.