J. RONALD FISCHER, CARL TALLEY NEWEST MEMBERS OF PORT BOARD

J. Ronald Fischer was a member of the Cape Girardeau County Court when the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority was formed. Now he's a member of the port authority's board of commissioners.

Fischer, who recently retired as Cape Girardeau city manager, was appointed to the board by the Cape Girardeau County Commission, formerly called the county court. He replaced Cliff Rudesill. Fischer's term will end in 1999.

"I'm very pleased to be on that board now that they've accomplished so much and have so many projects going on," Fischer said. "I've been to one meeting and I can see they've got a number of challenges.It seems like it's going to be very interesting."

Also newly-appointed by the Cape County Commission was Carl Talley, formerly Jackson city administrator. He will serve a two-year term, replacing R. Chapman "Chap" Arnold of Scott City.

Fischer and Rudesill were both appointed in November, and attended their first meeting in December.

Dan Overbey, executive director of the port authority, said the two are welcome additions to the board of commissioners.

"We're pleased to have them," Overbey said. "I think they'll bring some good expertise from the city administration they've done."