SCOTT CITY'S YOUNG LEAVES CHAMBER POST

SCOTT CITY -- Shirley Young, who has served the Scott City community in many capacities since 1989, has retired as president of the Chamber of Commerce.

Young, a former alderman and mayor of Scott City, from 1989 to 1992, has served as president of the chamber since 1993.

She served her final day as president of the chamber this week, when she emceed the annual Scott City Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet, held at the Illmo Housing Authority.

Longtime businessman and former mayor of Cape Girardeau, F.E. "Gene" Rhodes was honored at the banquet, when Rhodes Oil Co. was named "Industry of the Year."

"Rhodes' name has been synonymous with economic development," said Young when she announced the award.

Rhodes was cited for his many acts in promoting business and industry in the Scott City area over the years. Rhodes Oil Co. is headquartered in Nash Road Industrial Park.

Rhodes was unable to attend the banquet due to a previous commitment.

Donna Burk, area manager-external affairs for Southwestern Bell in Southeast Missouri, accepted the second major award, a plaque of appreciation for Southwestern Bell, for it corporate partnership in the Caboose project at Scott City.

Since the 1978 Southern Pacific Railroad caboose was moved to its current location along Main Street in Scott City, to be used as a museum, Southwestern Bell has provided $2,250 in funds for the project.

The caboose was rusting, dull and pitted when it was moved into place about last year. Volunteers painted and cleaned the caboose and installed a covered deck facing the railroad tracks.

"This project could not have been completed without the Southwestern Bell funds and the many volunteers who have put in hours of work," said Young.

Plaques were presented to five volunteers of the Caboose project, who put in the most hours.

They included:

-- The Rev. Randall Morse, project coordinator.

-- Ronald Mason, coordinator with the railroad for the project.

-- Jim Moore, who did some carpentry and painting.

-- Rodney Holloway, who provide some electrical work and carpentry.

-- Vince Fernandez, who helped in the painting and other decorations.

Two other plaques were presented during the meeting.

-- Bill Davis, an artist who did artwork for the Heritage Series Ornament and for the railroad heritage banners.

-- Ken Raney, who did artwork for the caboose and historic markets.

A number of other awards and certificates were presented and new officers were installed during the meeting. Young then handed the gavel to the new Chamber of Commerce president, the Rev. Randall Morse.

Other officers who started new chamber duties this year include Becky Casey, vice president, Ron McCoullough, secretary and treasurer.

Three new board members include Casey, Joe McDaniel and David Dirnberger.

The Caboose project is just on of many in a long line of chamber activities under Young's tenure.

One of the first projects after Young became president of the chamber was to install "Welcome to Scott City" sign along Interstate 55, and other entrances to the city.

"A lot of people donated money and provided other help to get the signs," said Young

Signs are now on entrances form the interstate, from Kelso, Commerce, and the river.

"It has been a busy five years," said Young, who will remain a chamber member. "We've beefed up the membership, and last year, Scott City had its first Railroad Day celebration."

Planning is already under way for the second annual Railroad Day on Sept. 12, 1998.

"We have such great cooperation from individuals, groups and others," said Young. "People area really active in the chamber."

The chamber is involved in community betterment, and last year received an award from the Missouri Betterment Group for its Caboose project.