Spirit of America Award nominations being taken

With the Fourth of July holiday approaching, the Southeast Missourian is preparing to present for the eighth consecutive year the Spirit of America Award. Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois residents and civic groups have until June 15 to vote online or submit nominations for the recipient who most embodies American values such as patriotism, loyalty, generosity and entrepreneurship.

People in Cape Girardeau, Perry, Bollinger, Stoddard and Scott counties in Missouri and Union, Pulaski and Alexander counties in Illinois are eligible to submit nominations.

The recipient will be presented the award at this year's Fourth of July festivities in Cape Girardeau.

A $1,000 cash prize will also be awarded to a charity or civic group chosen by the Spirit of America Award winner.

Last year's winner, Rob Callahan of Poplar Bluff, Mo., founded the Honor Tour in 2007. Other past winners include Harry Rediger in 2009, Jane Randol Jackson in 2008, James Hearnes Sr. in 2007, Neal Edwards in 2006, Melvin Gateley in 2005 and Dr. Dan Cotner in 2004. John "Doc" Yallaly was the first Spirit of America Award winner in 2003.

Look for nomination forms inside the Southeast Missourian or on the web at www.semissourian.com/forms/spirit.