__MONDI JACKSON HONORS EMPLOYEES__
__Chad Ritter,__ extrusion operator of Marble Hill, Mo., was employee of the month for January at Mondi Jackson Inc. He has been with the company since June 19, 2000. Mondi Jackson also honored the following employees for five years of service: __Debra Dalton, Maxine Lohmann, Lisa Pfeiffer__ and __Kris Walz.__
__BRICKHAUS ATTENDS TRAINING__
PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Architect __Glen Brickhaus__ attended a seminar on concrete floor treatments sponsored by Irwin Products and Euclid Chemical Co. The conference was held at Drury Lodge in Cape Girardeau.
__LANCASTER TO LEAD HISTORIC DOWNTOWN SIKESTON__
SIKESTON, Mo. -- The board of directors for Historic Downtown Sikeston announced __Lynn Lancaster__ of Sikeston as the organization's new executive director, the Sikeston Standard Democrat reported. Lancaster is currently a partner with his wife, __Mary Etta Lancaster,__ in the Sweetgum Gallery and Frame Shop in downtown Sikeston. He previously operated Jay's Fried Chicken for about 30 years and later opened another restaurant, Rodchester's.
__ROSTON CERTIFIED AS HAIR LOSS SPECIALIST__
PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. -- __Betty Roston__ attended a hair loss certification class Dec. 9 in Atlanta. She is now certified as a hair loss specialist, which allows her to work with dermatologists and oncologists. She was trained to measure and fit men, women and children for a hair loss system or unit. Roston will also participate in the American Cancer Society's "Look Good, Feel Better" program to assist women experiencing hair loss as they go through chemotherapy.
__LARRY HILLIS HONORS EMPLOYEES__
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Sales associate __Jan Hicks__ was 2012 employee of the year at Larry Hillis Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. He has been with Larry Hillis since 2011 and has five years of sales experience. Additionally, __Duke Hansen__ was recognized as top sales associate for 2012. He is currently the Internet sales professional and has been salesman of the year for four consecutive years.
__RICE RETIRES AFTER 32 YEARS AT POWER PLANT__
NEW MADRID, Mo. -- Associated Electric Cooperative employee __Russell "Rusty" Rice__ retired after 32 years at the cooperative's New Madrid Power Plant. He was hired in 1980 as a material tester, analyzing water and air samples. He worked as coordinator of environmental services from 1994 until his retirement.
__JENKINS NAMED DEAN OF COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES__
__Dr. Morris Jenkins,__ professor and chair of the College of Health Sciences and Human Service, Department of Criminal Justice and Social Work, at the University Toledo, was named dean of the College of Health and Human Services at Southeast Missouri State University. He will begin his new duties July 1, replacing __Dr. Diana Bruns,__ who has been serving as interim dean of the College of Health and Human Services at Southeast. In his new role, Jenkins will serve as chief administrative officer and academic leader of the College of Health and Human Services and report directly to the provost.
__LITTLES SWEEPS YEARLY HONORS__
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- __Brock Littles__ was top lister for December 2012 at Coldwell Banker. He was also top lister and top producer for the entire year of 2012.
__MERRIMAN IS TOP PRODUCER__
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- __Gene Merriman__ of Coldwell Banker Ruth Holloway Realty Inc. was top producer for December.
__CENTURY 21 AGENTS HONORED__
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- __Melba Jean McCoy__was top lister for November at Century 21 American Realty, and __Craig Lansford was top producer. In December, __Natali Ketcherside__ was top producer and McCoy was top lister.
__CITY OF SIKESTON HONORS EMPLOYEES__
SIKESTON, Mo. -- Public safety officer __Anthony Odum__ was employee of the first quarter in the Sikeston Department of Public Safety. __Todd Kennard__ of the city's street division was employee of the first quarter in the Department of Public Works.
__DOBBINS NAMED ICON OF EDUCATION__
__Dr. Kenneth W. Dobbins,__ president of Southeast Missouri State University, was named one of nine Icons of Education in the January 2013 edition of Kansas City's business magazine, Ingram's. Recognized for his contributions and achievements which have set a standard for educational excellence, Dobbins was featured along with only four other Missouri educators. According to the Ingram's story, "This year's Icons of Education have made deep, lasting contributions to the lives of the students they've touched." Dobbins became the 17th president of Southeast in 1999. Under his leadership enrollment grew from a low of 7,925 to the 12th straight year of record-breaking enrollments and more than 11,700 students in Fall 2012 -- a more than 47 percent increase.
__SKINNER EARNS AUXILIARY SERVICES DESIGNATION__
__Dr. Bruce Skinner,__ assistant vice president for student success and director of residence life at Southeast Missouri State University, earned designation as a certified auxiliary services professional through the National Association of College Auxiliary Services. Skinner supervises several auxiliary services at Southeast, including the Office of Residence Life, Recreation Services and the University Center, and he serves as contract administrator for the university's Campus Health Clinic contract with SoutheastHEALTH and dining services contract with Chartwells Educational Dining Services.
__BOARD OF REALTORS INSTALLS NEW OFFICERS__
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Incoming officers for the Three Rivers Board of Realtors are __Audrey Holifield,__ director; __Kurt Knodell, vice president/president elect; JoNell Miller,__ secretary/treasurer; __Lucas Edington,__ president; __Patty Wright,__ MLS/Realtor associate director; __Vicki L. Henderson,__ state director; and __Brock Littles,__ state director.
CURVES OWNER COMPLETES TRAINING
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Janie Nothdurft, owner of Curves, completed classes through Curves Cleveland Clinic. She completed courses in embracing life, exercise and the Curves circuit, nutrition and Curves Complete.
__FUNERAL DIRECTOR RECERTIFIED__
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- __Randall D. Schulz,__ funeral director with Cotrell Funeral Service, qualified for recertification of the designation of certified funeral service practitioner by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice. To receive the initial certification, practitioners must complete a 180-hour program of continuing education activities and events. The practitioner is then required to accumulate 20 hours per year to recertify.
__BUZZI UNICEM RECOGNIZES EMPLOYEES__
The Buzzi Unicem USA Cape Girardeau Cement Plant honored four employees for reaching 20 years with the company. __Edward Vandeven, Frank "Chuck" Bertrand, John Heisserer and David Robert__ all were recognized for their years of service.
__MEEDS HELPS WITH HURRICANE RELIEF__
__Debi Meeds,__ CEO of the Greater Ozarks chapter of the American Red Cross, mobilized to provide continued relief to victims of Superstorm Sandy in New York City. Meeds previously deployed to Joplin, Mo., to help provide tornado relief.
__MOSSY OAK ANNOUNCES LEADERS__
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- __Sandy Taylor__ was top lister for October at Mossy Oak Properties, and __Matt Stahl__ was top producer. In November, Darrin Whited was top lister and __Sandy Rickman__ was top producer.
__PARK HILLS-LEADINGTON CHAMBER PRESENTS AWARDS__
PARK HILLS, Mo. -- The Park Hills-Leadington Chamber of Commerce presented awards at its annual banquet Jan. 18, the Park Hills Daily Journal reported. Awards went to __William "Bill" Holloway,__ Daily Journal Citizen of the Year; __Carla Johnson,__ Chamber Friend Award; __Kenny Yow,__ Lifetime Contribution Award; __Dina Brake,__ 2012 Fourth Quarter and Ambassador of the Year Awards; __Dr. David Cramp,__ KFMO/B104 Sweat Equity Award; and __Chad Bradley,__ KREI/KTJJ Radio 110 Percent Award.
The new board of directors installed for 2013 to 2014 are __Charlie Boyer, Robert Gerig, Larry Joseph and Ginger Pizarro.__ The board of directors for 2013 to 2015 are __Ryan Blankenship, Linda Dickerson, Jean Merrill-Doss and Ursula Kthiri.__ The board for 2013 to 2016 includes __Dina Brake, Rob Baker, Donna Hickman and Jeff Williams.__ New officers for 2013 are President __Ursula Kthiri,__ first vice president __Jeff Williams,__ second vice president __Ginger Pizarro,__ treasurer __Linda Dickerson,__ executive director __Tamara Coleman,__ ex-offico for Leadington __Troy Dickens,__ ex-offico for Park Hills Matt Whitnell and immediate past president __Larry Joseph.__ Retiring board members are Jim Eaton, Leann Kelly and Chuck Odle.
JACKSON CHAMBER PRESENTS HONORS
The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce presented awards to business and community leaders at its annual banquet Jan. 11. Awards went to Jackson Mayor __Barbara Lohr,__ R.A. Fulenwider Meritorious Community Service Award; Associated Sheet Metal of Jackson, Industry of the Year; McDonald's, Business of the Year; Strickland Engineering of Jackson, Small Business of the Year; and __Kevin Schaper,__ Ambassador of the Year. Lohr and __Jason Wray__ were recognized for their service to the chamber's board of directors, from which both are stepping down. Also recognized was board member __Tom Ludwig.__ The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee was named Volunteer Committee of the Year. Committee members recognized were __Darrell Aufdenburg, David Wells, Roger Eakins, Dean Sawyer and George Kirchendorfer.__ Chamber director __Brian Gerau__ swore in new chamber officers, including President __Beverly Koehler,__ vice president Connie Werner and secretary/treasurer __Charlie Glueck.__ Also sworn in were officers for the Jackson Industrial Development Company, including President __Greg Nolan__ and vice president __Steve Green.__ Lohr will be secretary/treasurer.
__AIR EVAC PILOTS CELEBRATE MILESTONES__
SIKESTON, Mo. -- __George Smith and Fred Finnell,__ pilots for the Air Evac Lifeteam base in Sikeston, recently celebrated milestones in their careers. Smith was presented with his 2,000th flight wings, and Finnell received his 3,000th flight wings.
__SCHOEN SITS ON DAIRY EXPO PANEL__
__John Schoen__ of Schoen Farms Inc., a dairy farm near Oak Ridge, sat on an educational panel at the Heart of America Dairy Expo Jan. 25 and 26 in Springfield, Mo.
__DEAL HIRED AS ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL__
DEXTER, Mo. -- __Bethany Deal__ was hired as principal at Southwest Elementary School, the Dexter Daily Statesman reported. Deal is currently a principal at Valley R-VI Junior High and High School in Caledonia, Mo., and will begin her new position in Dexter for the 2013-14 school year. She will replace __Sherry Matthews,__ who is retiring in June after serving as Southwest principal for the past 15 years.
__CITY HONORS EMPLOYEES FOR YEARS OF SERVICE__
PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Twelve employees with the City of Perryville were honored Jan. 22 for their years of service, according to the Perryville Republic-Monitor. Those honored were __Brian Bohnert, Ben Corse, Jeremy Mantz, Kim Picou and Jesse Whistler,__ five years of service; __Jason Mattingly, Eric Degenhardt and Jackie Schumer,__ 10 years; __David Clements,__ 20 years; __Mark Weibrecht,__ 25 years; __Tracy Prost,__ 30 years; and __Kathy King,__ 35 years.
__FEATHERSTON, KNODELL LEAD P.B. REALTY__
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- __Gary Featherston__ was top lister for October at Poplar Bluff Realty Inc., and __Kurt Knodell__ was top producer. Knodell was also top lister and top producer for November.
__MOGELNICKI ELECTED PRESIDENT OF PUBLIC TRANSIT GROUP__
__Tom Mogelnicki,__ executive director of Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority, was elected president of the Missouri Public Transit Association for 2013. Mogelnicki has served as transit authority director since 2006.
__LUSK NAMED CFO AT COUNSELING CENTER__
__Lonnie R. Lusk__ was appointed chief financial officer of the Community Counseling Center in Cape Girardeau. Lusk is a certified public accountant with more than 20 years of experience. __Timothy J. Schwent__ recently retired as director of finance and administration after 10 years with the center. __Larry Essner,__ director of development, recently retired after 12 years with the center. Essner still assists with fundraising.
__GREEN IS EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR__
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- __Sela Green__ was employee of the year for 2012 at Commerce Bank. She has been with the company for two and a half years and works as a financial services representative at the North 67 branch.
__MORGAN RECOGNIZED AS DISTINGUISHED PRINCIPAL__
KENNETT, Mo. -- __Kim Morgan,__ principal at South Elementary School, will be recognized as one of 12 "Distinguished Elementary Principals" by the State of Missouri in a March ceremony at Lake of the Ozarks, the Daily Dunklin Democrat reported. A ceremony recognizing the 12 who have been chosen will be held March 9, and on March 11, it will be announced who will receive the national award of Distinguished Principal. That award will be presented in the fall in Washington, D.C.
__CHAMBER PRESENTS ANNUAL AWARDS__
DEXTER, Mo. -- The Dexter Chamber of Commerce recognized the efforts of local individuals and entities during its annual awards event Jan. 26, the Dexter Daily Statesman reported. Awards went to Kenady-Hanks American Legion Post 59, Organization of the Year; Smith Properties, Small Business of the Year; Brown Construction Co., Business of the Year; Gateway Shoes, Industry of the Year; and __Jana Flannigan,__ Educator of the Year.
__SIKESTON DEPOT HAS NEW ADMINISTRATORS__
SIKESTON, Mo. -- __Shari Bartyzel__ is the new administrative director at the Sikeston Depot Museum, and __Lynn Lancaster__ is the new program director. Bartyzel replaces __Mike Marsh,__ who is moving with his wife to Springfield, Mo. Lancaster works at the museum part time; he also works as executive director of Historic Downtown Sikeston.
__ESQUIVEL NAMED CITIZEN OF THE YEAR__
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- __Francisco Esquivel,__ owner of Mayas and Las Margaritas, was honored as 2012 Citizen of the Year at the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce banquet Jan 26, the Daily American Republic reported. __Debby Norris__ of Schultz Surveying and Engineering Inc. was named Ambassador of the Year. Chamber officers for 2013 include Matt Hillis, chairman;__Dr. Ben Adkins,__chair-elect;__Mel Jackson,__vice chair; and __Matt Looney,__treasurer.
__PERRYVILLE CHAMBER HOLDS AWARDS DINNER__
PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- The Perryville Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual dinner meeting Jan. 24, presenting awards to local individuals and businesses, the Republic-Monitor reported. __Melissa Hemmann,__ executive director of the chamber, swore in the 2013 board of directors, which includes new members __Nicole Moore, Stephanie Richardet, John Staggs and Ericka Worley,__ along with returning members __Scott Hotop, Robynne Duvall, Lorna Gibbar, Rachel Layton, Paula Terbrak and Jim Sutterer.__ Awards were presented to RE/MAX Realty, Republic-Monitor Business of the Year; __Chuck and Sharon Cathcart,__ Republic-Monitor Citizens of the Year; and __Barry Blechle,__ Most Caring Person Award.
__Chamber presents awards__
Longtime Cape Girardeau banker __Maurice "Moe" Sandfort__ was honored with the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce's highest acclaim Jan. 25 at the organization's annual banquet. He received the Rush H. Limbaugh Award, which was created in 1989 and is given to a businessperson who has expended an exceptional effort on behalf of the community for a sustained period of time. Other awards went to chamber ambassador __Paula Myers,__ Go-Getter Award; and Hendrickson Business Advisors and The Printing Co., Small Business of the Year. Additionally, SMC Electric and Cape Girardeau Public Schools were recognized for 50 years of uninterrupted membership. Both joined the chamber May 1, 1962. __Joel Neikirk,__ chairman of the chamber board of directors, acknowledged and thanked outgoing members of the board and recognized current and new members, then introduced his successor, new chairman __Thomas M. Meyer.__
__PAUL NAMED HR COORDINATOR FOR CAPE SCHOOLS__
__Cynthia Paul__ was named human resources coordinator at Cape Girardeau Public Schools. Her primary responsibilities include matching the right individuals with the positions to ensure students receive the best education. She previously was employed by Southeast Missouri State University as human resources coordinator.
__DUNCAN GETS LIFE MEMBERSHIP HONOR__
SIKESTON, Mo. -- __Kathy Duncan__ of Southern Home Realty was recognized by the Missouri Association of Realtors on Jan. 18 with MAR Life Membership.
__MOBLEY SPEAKS AT VETERINARY CONVENTION__
KENNETT, Mo. -- __Dr. Everett Mobley,__ owner and chief of staff at Kennett Veterinary Clinic, attended the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association Convention Jan. 18 to 20 in Kansas City, Mo. He was also the featured speaker during the general membership meeting, where he discussed the new MVMA gift card program that allows people to purchase gift cards for any service or product in MVMA member hospitals. During the meeting, Mobley attended an extensive continuing education program that included more than 20 speakers on pain control, anesthesia, dentistry and more.
__KIRKMAN RETIRES FROM HOUSING AUTHORITY__
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- __Elsie Kirkman,__ deputy director of the Poplar Bluff Housing Authority, retired Dec. 21 after 41 years of service with the organization.
__NORDIN JOINS WOOD AND HUSTON__
__Kristy Nordin__ joined Wood and Huston Bank as a mortgage loan officer. Her primary responsibilities include portfolio management and growth for real estate relationships. Nordin previously worked at Bank of America as a manager and loan specialist.
__SHERIDAN JOINS POOLE COMMUNICATIONS__
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- __Courtnee Sheridan__ joined Poole Communications' Poplar Bluff office. She has experience in radio, television, graphic design and other media avenues. The Poplar Bluff office is one of three Poole Communications locations and is managed by __Rose Anne Huck.__ Other offices are in Hannibal and Marshall, Mo.
__HENSON NAMED REGIONAL BANK PRESIDENT__
__Matthew Henson__ was named regional president for U.S. Bank in Southeast Missouri. His primary responsibilities include overseeing sales, service operations and credit quality for 23 area branches. He has 30 years of banking experience. Henson succeeds __Stan Penn,__ who will retire after 34 years. Penn will open his own business in his hometown of Ft. Worth, Texas. He has been with U.S. Bank in Cape Girardeau since 2007.
__FARMERS HONORED AT SIKESTON LUNCHEON__
SIKESTON, Mo. -- Several individuals were honored at the Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce's annual Farmers Recognition Luncheon Jan. 31, the Sikeston Standard Democrat reported. Awards went to __Mike and David Pearson,__ Farm Family of the Year; __Laura Hunter Collins,__ Farm Woman of the Year; __Lance Lawson,__ Outstanding Young Farmer; and the late __Dwight Crader,__ Ag Service Award.
__CITY OF SIKESTON ANNOUNCES EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR__
SIKESTON, Mo. -- The City of Sikeston recognized four individuals as employees of the year at its annual appreciation dinner: __Bobby Penrod,__ public safety employee of the year; __David Warren,__ administrative/supervisory employee of the year; __Marie Walton,__ governmental services employee of the year; and __Bill Nance,__ public works employee of the year. Several employees were also recognized for their years of service to the city: __Charles Bolen, Marty Godwin, Dale Graham, Earl Hawkins, Anthony Odum, Bobby Penrod__ and __Angela Rodgers,__ five years of service; __James Ash,__ 10 years; __Tommy Conn, Flint Dees and Marie Walton,__ 15 years; __Keith Lawson,__ 20 years; __Carrol Couch and Linda Lowes,__ 25 years; and __Bill Nance,__ 34 years.
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