Spirit of America award

Wayne Wallingford, center, accepts a $1,000 charitable donation from Jon K. Rust, right, Southeast Missourian publisher and president of Rust Communications, and Lucas Presson, Southeast Missourian assistant publisher. ...

Lucas Presson, assistant publisher of the Southeast Missourian, stands with Wayne Wallingford, winner of the 2022 Southeast Missourian Spirit of America Award. ...

Seven decades of service to upholding the rule of law earned Stephen Limbaugh Sr. the Southeast Missourian's 2021 Spirit of America Award. Limbaugh is a military veteran and later this year will mark 70 years as a lawyer, serving 25 of those as a federal judge. At 93, he's still active, showing up to the law firm bearing his name, dressed as his father told him to many years ago...

Time is running short for individuals and charitable organizations to nominate candidates for this year’s Southeast Missourian Spirit of America Award. The annual award recognizes residents who improve their communities in ways ranging from volunteerism to public service. Organizations and individuals in Cape Girardeau, Perry, Bollinger, Stoddard and Scott counties in Missouri and Union, Pulaski and Alexander counties in Illinois are invited to submit nominations...

Following a summer of cancellations, Cape Girardeau and Jackson are bringing back their Independence Day celebrations this July Fourth. Cape Girardeau will hold the Great American 4th of July Celebration at Arena Park, while Jackson’s 2021 Independence Day Celebration will be in City Park. Both events are free to the public, and will last all day, with a variety of activities leading up to fireworks shows late in the evening...

Navy veteran, businessman and community volunteer David Cantrell will be recognized with the Southeast Missourian’s Spirit of America Award at 8 a.m. today as part of Faune Riggin’s morning radio show. The original presentation was to be at the City of Cape Girardeau’s Great American Fourth of July prior to fireworks, but the event was postponed due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19...

If the spirit of America is helping others, honoring service and sacrifice and overcoming obstacles and hardships, David Cantrell checks all those boxes. For his devotion to the country as a military officer, his work on behalf of and in service to veterans and his perseverance in the face of personal challenges, he is this year’s Spirit of America Award winner...

Jim Riley is good for, and good to, our community. He has been actively involved in many promotional campaigns for the public school district, the City of Cape and others, improving our city's assets and increasing our economic viability. He is a tireless advocate for our community, who donates his personal time, and often his business talents and resources toward the betterment of our community. ...

Dr. Hudson has gone way above and beyond during these tough coronavirus times. He not only has raised more than $20,000 for St. Jude children's hospital the last few years, he drastically supported local small businesses by doing many generous giveaways over the last few months...

If you ever played guitar, you most likely took at least one lesson from Kenny Martin. He was the face of Shivelbines music for many years, and even wrote a book on how to play guitar. He made us laugh as Hill Billy Ken at the Little Ole Opry. I consider Kenny to be my best friend; in reality, he is a best friend to everyone. I canÂąt think of anyone more deserving and in truest form is the Spirit of America...

It is my honor to nominate my friend David Cantrell for the Spirit of America award. As a veteran, I can genuinely say that I don't know another person more deeply patriotic, has more genuine love for country and community or invests himself more into events, fundraising, organizing and participating in different veteran and community projects than Capt. David Cantrell...

Today we would like to place in nomination for the Spirit of America Award a faithful, gentle man currently 98 years of age, known in our community as Kenneth Haas. He is a mortal man who has undoubtedly made mistakes through the years, asked for forgiveness, and used these 98 years to grow in wisdom and understanding, like most of us hope to do given enough years of living...

Around 1993, I got a call to see if I would be interested in attending a meeting for SADI. I believe Miki or maybe Tom Meyer contacted me. From those early years, as a board member, holding meetings in rented space in churches, Miki by force of her character, and the staff and boards she put in place, created an organization designed to help those with disabilities, with an eye on creating the most independence possible...

Dr. Buck is a strong advocate and teacher of First Amendment rights, even when the misuse of the right to free speech victimizes her as an African-American woman. Her work in journalism helps to support all forms of journalistic media in this community. There is nothing more patriotic then educating the First Amendment. Additionally, her constant and tireless work on equity and equality and diversity in the community is extensive...

When thinking of a person who personifies the "Spirit of America," there are few who embody this as well as Mr. Russell Grammer. Not only is he loyal, patriotic and civic service-minded, but he instills these values in the students at Prodigy Leadership Academy...

For the last five years, the Safe House for Women food drives have been the primary food source for 400-plus families each year. This happens twice every year, May 18 to June 16 and Nov. 18 to Dec 16. n Safe House for Women...

Jon K. Rust, left, Southeast Missourian publisher and co-president of Rust Communications, and 2019 Spirit of America Award winner Blair Moran pose for a photo with a $1,000 check Wednesday in front of the mural outside the newspaper's office in Cape Girardeau. ...

If there's a running theme among all our past Spirit of America Award winners, it might just be humility. It seems none of our winners want to take credit for their accomplishments -- for the very reasons why they were nominated and then selected as winners...

Donnie Rodgers Marla Mills has dedicated the last 13 years to the successful revitalization of downtown Cape Girardeau. She has done what was considered impossible. She has brought back downtown to an era of vibrancy and relevancy. Cape Girardeau is so lucky to have her...

Red House Interpretive Center Don Koehler's roots run deep in Cape Girardeau County. He is of pioneer stock, went to schools in Cape, and raised a family here while also giving back to his community. For the past 15 years, he has shared local history in a friendly, humorous and knowledgeable way as a longtime docent, board member and director of the Red House Interpretive Center...

Sikeston Veterans Park Committee James Blair Moran grew up in Charleston, Missouri. He graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1969 and volunteered for active duty in the U.S. Army that same year. He is a decorated combat veteran of the Vietnam War and was awarded the Medal of Heroism, where he served with the 25th Tropic Lightning Division, III Military Corp...

Even though Veteran James Blair Moran will be receiving the Southeast Missourian Spirit of America Award on Thursday, he's dedicating the recognition to fellow infantrymen William Allsbrook Jr., David Tinsey and Bruce Stickle. Moran, 71, served with the 25th Infantry division in III Corps during the Vietnam War and participated in two major offensive operations...

Raymond Buhs, center, receives a $1,000 charitable prize Tuesday from Southeast Missourian publisher and Rust Communications co-president Jon K. Rust, right, and assistant pubisher Lucas Presson. ...

The Southeast Missourian Spirit of America Award is an honor presented to an individual on the Fourth of July who exudes the spirit of the United States within his or her community -- and this year's award goes to Raymond G. Buhs of Cape Girardeau. "My reaction was just kind of 'surprised,'" Buhs said. "I was just kind of floored, really."...

NOMINATING ORGANIZATION: Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce NOMINEE'S CHURCH, CHARITABLE AND SOCIAL MEMBERSHIPS: Past president of the Cape Girardeau Exchange Club, past president of Greater Cape Girardeau Development Corp.; member of SEMO Redhawks Club; past member Copper Dome Society; past interim Ward 6 city council member; past member Planning and Zoning Commission; past board member of SEMO Regional Port Authority; past president Missouri Limestone Producers; past member United States Committee on Mines and Mining.. ...

NOMINATING ORGANIZATION: Personal/Chateau Girardeau NOMINATING INDIVIDUAL: Harry Rediger WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THIS NOMINEE DEMONSTRATES THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA? Cape resident for over 70 years. World War II/Korean War Veteran, past Interim Ward 6 City Council member, 12-year member City Planning & Zoning Commission, eight years Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority Board, long-time member of Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce, board member and past president of Greater Cape Girardeau Benevolent Association, past president of the Cape Girardeau Exchange Club, Graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, member of Southeast Missouri State University Booster Club and Copper Dome Society, member and past president of Missouri Limestone Producers Association, past member of the United States House Committee on Mines & Mining.. ...

NOMINATING ORGANIZATION: Cape Girardeau County Historical Society WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THIS NOMINEE DEMONSTRATES THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA? Drs. Mary Ann and Bert Kellerman have dedicated their lives to making Southeast Missouri a better place. Their multifaceted roles of leadership in the region include long-term careers as beloved college professors at Southeast Missouri State University, leaders in regional historic preservation with their restoration of the Oliver-Leming historic home, the establishment of the Kellerman Foundation of Historic Preservation, and their magnificent Heritage Hall historic site. ...

NOMINATING INDIVIDUAL: Janice Christakis WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THIS NOMINEE DEMONSTRATES THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA? The word dedication is one of our most encompassing words to describe my nominee, Mr. Jim Maevers. Jim is a native of Cape Girardeau County, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lester Maevers. He graduated from Jackson High School in 1978, married Deborah Boyer; devoted his future to family, community and his country...

NOMINATING ORGANIZATION: Sikeston Veterans Park Committee WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THIS NOMINEE DEMONSTRATES THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA? Blair Moran's awards are many, but do not outweigh his dedication to Southeast Missouri and veterans. Moran grew up in Charleston, Missouri and graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1969. ...

NOMINATING ORGANIZATION: Cape River Heritage Museum WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THIS NOMINEE DEMONSTRATES THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA? The Cape River Heritage Museum Board of Directors proudly nominates Dr. Frank Nickell for the Southeast Missourian "Spirit of America" Award for 2018. ...

NOMINATING ORGANIZATION: Arts Council of Southeast Missouri WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THIS NOMINEE DEMONSTRATES THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA? Sometimes a person in our community spreads goodness with such quietude, they are seldom seen. Narvol A. Randol Jr, a native of Cape Girardeau and a businessman, is such a person. ...

NOMINATING INDIVIDUAL: Laurie Bittle NOMINEE'S CHURCH, CHARITABLE AND SOCIAL MEMBERSHIPS:...

NOMINATING INDIVIDUAL: Roberta Humphrey NOMINEE'S NAME: Tony Smee WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THIS NOMINEE DEMONSTRATES THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA? Tony Smee is an unbelievable supporter of the Cape community. He has generously supported all Boy Scouts in the community through his work in Troop 2 and the Order of The Arrow. ...

NOMINATING ORGANIZATION: Cape Christian Community School WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THIS NOMINEE DEMONSTRATES THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA? Coach Carroll Williams has been serving the teens of the Southeast Missouri area in one form or another since 1959. He was born in Dexter, Missouri, in 1937, and graduated high school there. ...

The Southeast Missourian is seeking nominations for its annual Spirit of America Award. The award recognizes an individual who serves his or her community while standing for the values that embody the American spirit. The Spirit of America Award includes a $1,000 cash prize to the nominating organization of the recipient. Nominations also can be made by individuals, and should the winner be nominated this way, he or she will designate the charity to receive the prize...

With rain clouds looming and fireworks lighting up the sky, hundreds of Cape Girardeau residents gathered at the Arena Park grandstand Tuesday night for the Great American Fourth of July, where Pete Poe received the 2017 Spirit of America Award. The Spirit of America Award is presented by the Southeast Missourian to honor a resident for upstanding American attitudes and ideals...

Pete Poe, this year's Spirit of America Award recipient, doesn't seek recognition. In fact, he said he'd rather the people who helped him get to this point be the ones awarded. "It's very humbling to be mentioned in the same arena, if you will, as some of the past recipients that have done so much for our city," Poe said. "They've served as mayors, chairmen, builders and founders of enterprise all across our city, and just to be mentioned in same arena as those folks is very humbling."...

NOMINATING PERSON: Makayla Shae Anderson NOMINEE'S CHURCH, CHARITABLE AND SOCIAL MEMBERSHIPS: Ms. Regina goes to Cape Lacroix Church in Cape Girardeau. She is disabled but works for Kidd's and in her spare time she is in several social memberships, such as American Legion Post 58 and 63, Trail of Tears project activist, Missouri clubs for disabled people, Missouri History Artifacts Club and a member of the NRA and Trump/Pence Making America Great Again. ...

NOMINATING ORGANIZATION: Sheryl Smith, Louis K. Juden Post 63, The American Legion NOMINEE'S CHURCH, CHARITABLE AND SOCIAL MEMBERSHIPS: Louis K. Juden Post 63, The American Legion Clippard Wilson Taylor Post 3838, Veterans of Foreign Wars Cpl. Mason O. Yarbrough Detachment 1081, Marine Corps League...

NOMINATING ORGANIZATION: Cheryl Cook, John Guild Chapter, NSDAR NOMINEE'S CHURCH, CHARITABLE AND SOCIAL MEMBERSHIPS: Eisleben Lutheran Church, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Scott City Women's Club, Jaycees Wife's Club, Cape Choraliers, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 63, Historic Niswonger Church Organization, Hueguenot Society, Bootheel Conservation Committee...

NOMINATING ORGANIZATION: Stacey Cantrell, MedStop One NOMINEE'S CHURCH, CHARITABLE AND SOCIAL MEMBERSHIPS: Retired Naval Captain Cape Lacroix Methodist Church VFW Cape Girardeau Avenue of Flags Cape County Park Freedom Rock Cape County Park Wall of Honor Cape County Park...

NOMINATING ORGANIZATION: Jay Knudtson, Cape Noon Lions Club NOMINEE'S CHURCH, CHARITABLE AND SOCIAL MEMBERSHIPS: First Presbyterian Church of Cape Girardeau. Charitable and Social, see below. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THIS NOMINEE DEMONSTRATES THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA?...

NOMINATING PERSON: Cheryl McIntyre NOMINEE'S CHURCH, CHARITABLE AND SOCIAL MEMBERSHIPS: Marathon runner for military personnel past and present WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THIS NOMINEE DEMONSTRATES THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA? He recently received a new job and will soon be moving to Wyoming. ...

Editor~s note: Pete Poe was nominated twice. Below are both nominations. NOMINATING PERSON: Donna McLain NOMINEE'S CHURCH, CHARITABLE AND SOCIAL MEMBERSHIPS: Red Cross board of directors over 23 years Southeast Hospital Board Southeast Hospital Foundation Board...

NOMINATING ORGANIZATION: Tamika R. Green, Watch Christ Work NOMINEE'S CHURCH, CHARITABLE AND SOCIAL MEMBERSHIPS: LighthouseCape, founder LighthouseSTL, founder Cape Girardeau County Police Chaplain President of the Ministerial Alliance WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THIS NOMINEE DEMONSTRATES THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA?...

NOMINATING PERSON: Nicole Schremp NOMINEE'S CHURCH, CHARITABLE AND SOCIAL MEMBERSHIPS: Perry County Military History Museum WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THIS NOMINEE DEMONSTRATES THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA? Michael J. Lundy has been instrumental in seeing through the vision of the Vietnam Wall replica and museum in Perryville, Missouri. He and his wife Vicki have spent a majority of their time after retirement in making this project a lifelong goal for our community...

This summer will mark the 15th year for the Southeast Missourian Spirit of America Award, an honor that celebrates someone who goes above and beyond to help others, give back to the community and uphold the American spirit. “It’s amazing to think this is the 15th year for the Southeast Missourian Spirit of America Award,” assistant publisher Lucas Presson said. ...

People know Jim Bollinger around Marble Hill, Missouri. Customers wave to him as he lunches in a booth at Jer's Restaurant on a slow Monday afternoon. The waitress greets him by name. He's polite but shies from accolades so much that the recognition of being named by the Southeast Missourian editorial board as 2016's Spirit of America Award winner brings him a mild but good-natured pang of unease...

NOMINATING ORGANIZATION: Nominating organization: The American Legion Post 178 WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THIS NOMINEE DEMONSTRATES THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA? The American Legion Post 178, proudly places in nomination for the Spirit of America Award, Roy "Buddy" Walls...

NOMINATOR: Ella and Joel Pleasant WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THIS NOMINEE DEMONSTRATES THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA? I wish to nominate T. Wayne Lewis for this recognition and award. He is an outstanding Christian who serves our community of Jackson and Cape County tirelessly...

NOMINATING ORGANIZATION: United Way of Southeast Missouri WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THIS NOMINEE DEMONSTRATES THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA? United Way of Southeast Missouri nominates Kevin Greaser, our former board president and current board member, as someone who personifies the Spirit of America. ...

NOMINATING ORGANIZATION: Perry County Community Foundation/Lorna Gibbar WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THIS NOMINEE DEMONSTRATES THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA? Spirit of America is an award Frank Robinson is so very worthy of. He is the essence of what it means to be a part of this great country. ...

NOMINATING ORGANIZATION: Girl Scouts/Denise Stewart NOMINEE'S CHURCH, CHARITABLE AND SOCIAL MEMBERSHIPS: Rotary, Grace Methodist Church WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THIS NOMINEE DEMONSTRATES THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA? Working with Rick Hetzel in the '90s and beyond was like watching a human dynamo focused on creating a better community for all. ...

NOMINATING ORGANIZATION: Central Middle School/Jennifer G. Stevens NOMINEE'S CHURCH, CHARITABLE AND SOCIAL MEMBERSHIPS: Diana is a member of VFW Aux. Post 2210 (Ste. Genevieve), Kiwanis/KKids (a service organization through CMS), Mission Possible, and she conducts science programs for the public library when they need her...

NOMINATING ORGANIZATION: University of Missouri Extension/Lesley Meier and Mary Gosche NOMINEE'S CHARITABLE AND SOCIAL MEMBERSHIPS: University of Missouri Extension FCE, University of Missouri Extension 4-H, Grace United Methodist Church, SEMO District Fair Board...

NOMINATING ORGANIZATION: Humane Society of Southeast Missouri/Holly Godwin WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THIS NOMINEE DEMONSTRATES THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA? Kelley is a dedicated volunteer with the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri and is always willing to help in any way that she can. ...

NOMINATING ORGANIZATION: Saint Francis Healthcare System NOMINEE'S CHURCH, CHARITABLE AND SOCIAL MEMBERSHIPS: St. Vincent de Paul Church; Cape Girardeau Rotary Club WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THIS NOMINEE DEMONSTRATES THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA? Steve Bjelich's combination of a visionary mindset paired with a rock-solid work ethic, impressive professional successes and extensive industry knowledge position him as a respected leader who truly embodies the Spirit of America...

NOMINATING ORGANIZATION: Cape Girardeau County Historical Society/Debra Baughn NOMINEE'S CHARITABLE AND SOCIAL MEMBERSHIPS: Perry County Lutheran Historical Society; Cape Girardeau County Historical Society; Uptown Jackson Revitalization Organization; WESTRAY Foundation; Arthur Mattingly Award for Outstanding Achievement in Historic Preservation (2011); Lifetime Membership Award; Cat Ranch Art Guild (2010) Lifetime Membership Award; Baxter Springs (Kansas) Historical Society (2005); Lifetime Membership Award, Historic Kansas Route 66 Association (2009). ...

NOMINATING ORGANIZATION: Bollinger County Coroner's Office/Charles Hutchings NOMINEE'S CHURCH, CHARITABLE AND SOCIAL MEMBERSHIPS: Marble Hill Bible Chapel; Marble Hill Fire Department (fire chief for 40 years); Emergency Management director of Bollinger County (since 1981); deputy coroner of Bollinger County (since 1984); SEMO Local Emergency Planning District (Training Chairperson); Professional Fire & Fraud Investigators Assoc. ...

NOMINATOR: Lisa Stewart WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THIS NOMINEE DEMONSTRATES THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA? Nancy Caldwell spent most of her life showing how much she loves her country and community. She was born in 1938, married Larry (a veteran) in 1962 and retired after 34 years of teaching physical education...

Editor's note: Kay Azuma was nominated twice, once by Family Transition Team and another by Love Inc. Below are both nominations: NOMINATING ORGANIZATION: Family Transition Team/Jim Watkins NOMINEE'S CHURCH, CHARITABLE AND SOCIAL MEMBERSHIPS: Cape County System of Care, Domestic Violence Community Response Task Force, ECHO Community Liaison Council, EPIC Coalition, Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce/Non-Profit Alliance, Missouri's Children Division-Family Support Teams & Continuous Quality Improvement, Teen Pregnancy Responsibility Network, United Way's Collective Impact Committee and Community Impact Committee and St. ...

NOMINATING ORGANIZATION: Cape River Heritage Museum Board of Directors/Margaret Ford NOMINEE'S CHURCH, CHARITABLE AND SOCIAL MEMBERSHIPS: Program officer, Missouri Committee for the Humanities, summer; bursar and coordinator of Special Projects, Southeast Missouri State University; professor of history, Southeast Missouri State University; director, Center for Regional History, Southeast Missouri State University; director, State Historical Society of Missouri, Cape Girardeau Research Center...