Names in the news

WARD LEADS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SESSION

Rebecca Ward, owner of Ward Architecture in Jackson, led a professional development session at the Historic Storefront Restoration Workshop as part of the Missouri Preservation Conference 2013 in Boonville, Mo. Ward, a licensed architect with a master's degree in heritage preservation from Georgia State University, serves on the Missouri Preservation Board and is co-chairwoman of the Field Services Committee.

MONDI JACKSON HONORS EMPLOYEES

Shawn Heisserer of Benton, Mo., was employee of the month for January at Mondi Jackson Inc. Heisserer, a BEL operator, has been with the company since April 3, 2000. Mondi Jackson also recognizes the following employment anniversaries: Barbara Jacobs and Billy Morgan, 15 years of service; and Joe Bullinger, Bryan Hunt, Robert Mitchell and Jan Van der Wel, 10 years.

THREE NAMED TO ARTS COUNCIL BOARD

The Arts Council of Southeast Missouri named Adam Gohn, Debbi Bollinger and Gabrielle Baffoni to its board of directors in October 2013, according to a news release. Gohn is a partner in the law firm of Glaus & Gohn LC. Bollinger, a native of Advance, Mo., was an art educator for 19 years and currently teaches as an adjunct instructor at Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Baffoni is an instructor of clarinet and saxophone at Southeast Missouri State University. David Ludwig, former Cape Girardeau County auditor and member of the American Legion, retired from the board after serving for 15 years.

LOCALS APPOINTED TO STATE COMMISSION

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov. Jay Nixon appointed H. Riley Bock of New Madrid, Mo., and Alan Wells of Farmington, Mo., to serve on the Public Defender Commission, according to a news release from the governor's office. The commission is responsible for hiring the state public defender director and makes any rules needed for the administration of the state public defender system. Bock served as prosecuting attorney for New Madrid County before retiring in 2002. He also served as an assistant public defender and the county's public administrator. In addition to practicing law both as prosecutor and in private practice, Bock has farmed and taught at New Madrid County Central High School. The governor appointed him for a term ending Jan. 6, 2020. Wells has been director of the St. Francois County and Ste. Genevieve County 9-1-1 since 1993, where he also is the county emergency management assistant coordinator. He was previously an undercover drug narcotics enforcement officer for the St. Francois County Sheriff's Department for 10 years; from 1988 to 1992 he also was director of the multicounty drug and narcotics task force. The governor appointed him for a term ending Jan. 6, 2020.

NEWKIRK IS AGENT OF THE MONTH

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

KETCHERSIDE, MCCOY LEAD C21

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Natali Ketcherside was top producer for December at Century 21 American Realty, and Melba Jean McCoy was top lister. Ketherside was also top producer for 2013, and McCoy was top lister for the year.

FOWLER SELECTED AS CFO

Brad Fowler was selected by the board of directors of Cameron Mutual Insurance Co. to serve as CFO. Fowler has been with the company for more than 28 years and most recently served as executive vice president. He is from Advance, Mo., and managed Cameron's branch claims operation in Cape Girardeau from 1991 to 2001 before being promoted to claims manager.

GLUECK ENTERPRISES GIVES SERVICE AWARDS

Glueck Enterprises Inc. of Jackson recognized employees with the following service awards: Five-year service award recipients were Daniel Casten and Kenny Parker of the Poplar Bluff Fast Lube, Poplar Bluff, Mo.; Robert McDaniel of Plaza Tire Service in Perryville, Mo.; Cory Luck of Plaza Tire Service in Ste. Genevieve, Mo.; and Brian Hahs of corporate office in Jackson. Ten-year service award recipients were Cheri Geringer of corporate office in Jackson and Dusty Rhodes of Jackson Tire Center, Jackson.

KELLERMAN ELECTED TO ANOTHER PRESERVATION BOARD TERM

Dr. Bert Kellerman, professor emeritus of marketing at Southeast Missouri State University, was elected to a second, three-year term on the Missouri Preservation Board for 2014.

WHITTEN LEADS COLDWELL

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

JOHNSON, KNODELL TOP P.B. REALTY

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Steve Johnson was top lister for October at Poplar Bluff Realty Inc., and Kurt Knodell was top producer.

HAGER JOINS SUPERSTORES

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Diane Hager joined the sales staff at American Superstores. She has been in sales for 22 years.

HENDERSON EARNS SENIOR LIVING TITLE

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Kevin Henderson, investment representative with First Midwest Investment Services, earned the Chartered Advisor for Senior Living professional designation from The American College in Bryn Mawr, Penn. Candidates for CASL designation must complete a minimum of five courses and 10 hours of supervised examinations. They must also fulfill stringent experience and ethics requirements. The CASL comprehensive curriculum is available for financial advisers interested in serving the unique financial needs of seniors, including health insurance, long-term care planning, pension planning and more.

SAVERINO HIRED AS SCHOOL COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Dana Saverino was hired as communications director of the Cape Girardeau School District. She began her new duties Jan. 6. She'll be working toward better communication within the district, more parental involvement, networking with teachers and principals, and regular postings on Facebook and the district's website. She replaces Steve Robertson, who retired as communications director last fall. Saverino holds a bachelor's degree in public relations and advertising from Southeast Missouri State University. Previously, she was advertising manager at Isle Casino Cape Girardeau; did public relations and was sales director at the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau; and worked at the Crystal City Business Improvement District in Virginia, where she did its social media and many of its events.

JACKSON CHAMBER PRESENTS AWARDS

Several Jackson businesses and individuals were recognized Jan. 17 at the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce and the Jackson Industrial Development Company's annual banquet. Awards went to Dr. Dwight Johnson, R.A. Fulenwider Meritorious Community Service Award; Liberty Utilities, Industry of the Year; Kimbeland Country Club, Business of the Year; and Kelly Waller of American Family Insurance, Small Business of the Year. It was announced that the Ambassador of the Year Award will now be known as the Pastor Sam Roethemeyer Ambassador of the Year Award. Kevin Schaper of Withers Broadcasting was the recipient. Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce director Brian Gerau installed the chamber's new board of directors: Connie Werner, president; Charlie Glueck, vice president; and Jeff Martin, secretary/treasurer. The new Jackson Industrial Development Company board of directors officers also were installed: Steve Green, president; Greg Nolan, vice president; and Barbara Lohr, secretary/treasurer.

PARK HILLS-LEADINGTON CHAMBER HOLDS ANNUAL BANQUET

PARK HILLS, Mo. -- The Park Hills-Leadington Chamber of Commerce welcomed new officers and presented awards at its annual installation banquet Jan. 17, the Park Hills Daily Journal reported. Jeff Williams of Central Methodist University at Mineral Area College will serve as chamber president in 2014. He replaces Ursula Kthiri, who served as president of the chamber in 2013. Awards went to Stevens Brothers Printing Co., Lifetime Contribution Award; Charlie Boyer, president of C.Z. Boyer & Sons Funeral Homes, Daily Journal Citizen of the Year; Linda Dickerson, KFMO/B104 Sweat Equity Award; Paul and Teresa Bauman, owners of Park Hills River Mart, KREI/KTJJ 110 Percent Award; Main Street Grill, Chamber Friend Award; and Rita Martin, Acclaimed Ambassador of the Year and the Fourth Quarter Acclaimed Ambassador. New chamber officers installed for 2014 include Jeff Williams, president; Ginger Pizarro, first vice president; Jean Merrill-Doss, second vice president; Linda Dickerson, treasurer; Tamara Coleman, executive director; Timothy "Shawn" Eudy, ex-officio Leadington; Matt Whitwell, ex-officio Park Hills; and Ursula Kthiri, immediate past president. The chamber also honored retiring board members Charlie Boyer and Larry Joseph. Board members for 2014 are Ryan Blankenship, Linda Dickerson, Jean Merrill-Doss, Ursula Kthiri, Rob Baker, Eric Phares, Donna Hickman, Jeff Williams, Robert Gerig, Rita Martin, Ginger Pizarro and Chad Speakar.

BONNE TERRE CHAMBER PRESENTS AWARDS

BONNE TERRE, Mo. -- The Bonne Terre Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards and recognition ceremony Jan. 18, the Park Hills Daily Journal reported. Awards went to Dave Bahr, Daily Journal Citizen of the Year; Dorothy Lee, Hometown Hero Award; Hub's Pub and Grill, KFMO-B104 Business Leader of the Year Award; Shelly Bess, Froggy 96 Elite Service Award; Julie Pratte, KTJJ-KREI 110 Percent Award; and Kevin Cook, Bonne Terre Chamber Lifetime Hall of Fame Award. Additionally, Jeremiah Murphy is the newest addition to the board, replacing James Bess as a director. The position of executive director was filled by Dana Plunkett.

BAGBY IS CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Doug Bagby, Poplar Bluff city manager, was named Citizen of the Year during the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce's annual banquet Jan. 18, the Daily American Republic reported. Dr. Stephenson, the new board chairman for the chamber, introduced five new chamber board members: Lucas Edington of Mossy Oak Properties; Todd Talkington of Sterling Bank; Michelle Shelton of Briggs & Stratton; Kevin Anderson of University of Missouri Extension; and Christy Shawan of Black River Medical Center. Steve Halter, president of the chamber, honored retiring board members Matt Hillis, Kacey Bess and Chris Shrum. Halter also gave plaques to 13 Gateway to Leadership graduates: Andie Baldwin, Kayli Hyten, Dr. Sandra Jackson, Brianne Riggins, Chris Hyten, Chris Adams, Sherry Earley, Larry Earley, Sam Landers, Matt Whitworth, Angela Wood, Kim Puckett and Jason Mobley.

FELZIEN NAMED TO AT&T REGIONAL DIRECTOR POST

Craig Felzien, regional director of external affairs for AT&T, now represents AT&T in Cape Girardeau County. He is the point of contact for AT&T, handling inquiries as well as legislative and community affairs initiatives. He will also assist with new technology deployment and infrastructure investment by collaborating with community leaders, legislators, business leaders and customers, according to a news release from AT&T. Felzien has worked for AT&T for nearly 36 years, which includes service in Southeast Missouri from 1986 to 1996 before leaving for the St. Louis area. Felzien replaces Marsha Haskell, who has retired from AT&T after 34 years of service.

CROWELL JOINS BANK OF MISSOURI

Casey Crowell joined The Bank of Missouri as a business development officer for the southeast market. She will work closely with business development officers throughout The Bank of Missouri as well as the bank's marketing department.

SAFE HOUSE HAS NEW LEADERSHIP

Allison Leonard, director of operations at the Safe House for Women in Cape Girardeau, is now the executive director, and Jessica Hill is in the new position of director of development. Leonard's new responsibilities include overseeing shelter and outreach operations and managing facilities, finances and services, according to a news release. Hill's responsibilities include fundraising, marketing, volunteer program management and grants administration. She had served as a Safe House volunteer and on the Safe House board of directors since 2011. Kim Dixon, formerly a child advocate and case manager with the Safe House, is now the shelter manager.

DOBBINS NAMED TO CADCA BOARD

Southeast Missouri State University president Kenneth Dobbins was appointed to the board of directors of Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, a national substance-abuse prevention organization, according to a university news release. Dobbins brings more than 30 years of experience in academic administration to coalition's board, the release said. CADCA is a national member-based organization representing coalitions working to make America's communities safe, healthy and drug-free, the release said.

FERRELL JOINS JOHNSON, SCHNEIDER IN LAW FIRM

Matthew Ferrell joined Mark Johnson and John Schneider as partner under the new law firm name of Johnson, Schneider & Ferrell LLC, Attorneys at Law. The firm has offices in Cape Girardeau, Jonesboro, Ill., and Cairo, Ill.

DEXTER CHAMBER HOLDS AWARDS BANQUET

DEXTER, Mo. -- The Dexter Chamber of Commerce honored local businesses, industries and educators at its annual banquet Jan. 25, the Dexter Daily Statesman reported. In 2013, five individuals participated in the chamber's leadership program. Certification plaques went to Chris Brannan, Brandon Cooper, Brett Dorton, Kim Roseberry and Melissa Stevens. Educator of the Year awards went to Debbie Essner and Melanie Stoelting. Other awards went to Young Real Estate LLC, Small Business of the Year; First Midwest Bank, Business of the Year; Republic Services Inc. -- Allied Waste Services of Dexter and Lemons Landfill, Industry of the Year; Stoddard County Fair Board, Organization of the Year; and Sammy Huey, Daily Statesman Citizen of the Year.

KINSEY JOINS HAIR FRENZY

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Christen Kinsey is a new stylist at Hair Frenzy in Poplar Bluff. She has been a stylist for more than seven years.

MAZE HONORED FOR SERVICE

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Steward Steel Inc. honored David Maze for 25 years of service to the company.

WILDMAN TO ORGANIZE WELFARE CAMPAIGN

The Missouri Association for Social Welfare has launched a new campaign, based in Cape Girardeau and designed to improve public policy and programs affecting the health and welfare of Missourians, according to a news release. Walt Wildman, a longtime resident of Cape Girardeau, was hired as the Southeast Missouri organizer for the campaign. He has years of experience in not-for-profit agencies, including Habitat for Humanity, Boy Scouts of America and Easter Seals. He was also executive director of an 18-county economic development organization. In his new role, Wildman will travel through high-poverty counties to educate communities about reductions in poverty that have been won through citizen advocacy in Missouri and other states, and to enlist more volunteers, the release said.

BRAMHALL APPOINTED TO STATE COUNCIL

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov. Jay Nixon appointed Sherri Bramhall of Farmington, Mo., to the State Interagency Coordinating Council, according to a news release from the governor's office. The mission of the council is to advise and assist the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in providing a family-centered, comprehensive service delivery system for infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities. Bramhall received her master's degree in occupational therapy from Washington University in St. Louis and her master's in public administration from the University of Missouri. She has serves as an occupational therapist at VNA-TIP Home Care. She has been nominated for a term ending at the pleasure of the governor.

CAPE CHAMBER HOLDS ANNUAL BANQUET

The Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual dinner Jan. 31 and honored standout businesses and businesspeople of the Cape Girardeau community for 2013. Awards went to Jim Maurer of Rhodes Oil Co., Rush H. Limbaugh Award; Broadway Prescription Shop, Small Business of the Year; and Jeanne Muckerman of Banterra Bank, Ambassador of the Year. Thomas M. Meyer of Exit Realty-Thomas Meyer Associates, who is the outgoing chairman of the board, was recognized for his service to the chamber.

REEVES TO RETIRE FROM KFVS

Bob Reeves, weather forecaster and meteorologist for KFVS12 television, will retire Feb. 26 after more than 40 years at the station. He began his career with KFVS12 in 1970 when Oscar Hirsch, founder of the CBS affiliate, hired him to anchor the 10 p.m. news along with covering weather and sports, according to a news release from the station. Reeves held many positions during his career at KFVS, including reporter, assistant news director, farm director and, since 1982, weatherman. He was the morning weatherman for 11 years until predecessor Don McNeely retired in 1993, and he became senior weather anchor for weekday evening newscasts. Reeves will be replaced by Grant Dade, who comes from KLTV in East Texas, a sister Raycom Media station.

MILES JOINS FIRST STATE COMMUNITY BANK

FARMINGTON, Mo. -- Emily Miles joined the mortgage lending team at First State Community Bank. Miles, a Park Hills, Mo., resident, has more than 13 years of mortgage lending experience in St. Francois and surrounding counties. She will be providing financing options for new homeowners and customers who want to refinance. She will be specializing in fixed-rate loan financing.

SIKESTON CHAMBER HONORS FARMERS

SIKESTON, Mo. -- The Sikeston Regional Chamber of Commerce honored several individuals at its annual Farmers Recognition Luncheon on Jan. 30, the Sikeston Standard Democrat reported. Awards went to the Mark and Irene Rinehart family, Farm Family of the Year; Taylor Burke, Outstanding Young Farmer; Sheila Beggs, Farm Woman of the Year; and Ken Walters, Agri-Business Service Award.

SIKESTON HONORS CITY EMPLOYEES

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Darren Martin, public works street supervisor, was Sikeston public works employee of the first quarter. Ben Quick was employee of the first quarter for the Department of Public Safety.