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Monroe County Appeal
Paris Mercury & Madison Times

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RICHARD J. FREDRICK
Publisher 
DAVID EALES
Editor
MEGAN HULEN
Advertising/Classified Manager
CHELSEA LUNTSFORD
Graphic Design
JOANNE BONNEY
Bookkeeper/Typesetter

During their regular meeting, on Wednesday, Jan. 18, the Paris R-II Board of Education members hired Paris R-II Elementary Principal Chris Johnson as the new district superintendent. Principal Johnson will assume her new position upon the retirement of current superintendent, Nancy Henke, on July 1. Also reported from the closed session was the offer of a contract to Secondary Principal Matt Smith for the 2012-2013 school year. The board members also accepted fifth grade teacher Colleen Ritter’s retirement as of April 1. The board members entered their approved closed session at 7:16 p.m.
   President Libby Williams called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
   The board members approved the consent agenda including amended minutes of the Dec. 21, regular board meeting; financial statement and bills presented for payment; transfer of funds (Fund 1 to Fund 2: $101,913.49); attendance report; transportation report; and substitute teacher.
   Approve diesel fuel: Two bids for diesel fuel were received: MFA $3.1385/gal, COOP $3.398/gal. Superintendent Henke recommended the approval of the MFA bid for 6,000 gallons of diesel and the board members approved the bid.
   Set tuition: It was noted that the current tuition rate is $5,300 and Superintendent Henke recommended keeping this rate for next year – approved unanimously.
   Policies: this item was tabled unto next month to allow District Superintendent Nancy Henke to research a policy in question.
   Program Evaluation
   Health Services: District Nurse Diane Hickman gave the board members a thorough overview of the district’s health service policies.
   Nurse Hickman noted that the state immunization reporting is not the same as STI and that her office needs compliant software. Nurse Hickman gave the board members an overview of the differences in reporting. It was recommended to contact STI representatives and see if there is an update to the district’s program. Nurse Hickman will pursue a possible STI update. She also requested a piece of equipment that was needed for the high school. Nurse Hickman also noted that the last MSIP recommended dividers in her office for privacy for students.
   Superintendent’s Report
   District Superintendent Henke informed board members that the February meeting would be held on Wednesday, Feb. 15.
   It was noted that filing has ended for the open school board positions. Superintendent Henke informed the board members that incumbent Libby Williams and candidates Richard Fredrick and Shari Embree have filed for school board.
   Principals’ Reports:
   Elementary Principal Chris Johnson presented her report to the board members. “Things are going smoothly for the most part,” said Principal Johnson.
   Secondary Principal Matt Smith’s report was read by Principal Johnson. The report noted that the pink-out basketball game was a huge success. Teacher Sarah Bennett was singled out for individual praise besides the two students who organized the event - John DeOrnellis and Lauren Embree.
   With no further business for open session the board members adjourned to closed session at 7:16 p.m. (Closed session items reported above)
   With no further business the board members adjourned at 9:31 p.m.   3484

It is different but it is the same! That is the best description for the new tax service to be found at 113 W. Monroe, in Paris. Cross and Associates, Moberly, is the new owner of what was formerly Joyce Arnett Tax Service.
   Still on hand to serve her customers and others will be Joyce Arnett who will man the Paris office.
   “We are still open in Moberly after tax season is over and can help when Joyce is not there,” said Sherry Cross.
   Cross noted that she began doing tax and bookkeeping work about seven years ago when Pamela Fuemmeler needed help with her business.
   “I thought it was time to branch out and asked Pam to buy in and we formed a partnership,” said Cross.
   “I always say the biggest thing I do is doing payroll,” added Cross. “I plan to get my enrolled agent license.”
   Cross and her husband Frank have two boys – Corey and Cody (wife Gina) and a granddaughter Mickenzie.
   Cross explained that people need to frequent her business because, “they receive great service from Joyce; and we are adding our knowledge – if we don’t know the answer we will find it out.”
   “There is no better place to go,” said Fuemmeler. “Here you have 32 years of experience with Joyce and now she can draw on our experience. There are not many times that you can purchase a business and leave the existing staff there and walk off. She has our complete trust.”
   “I have been working in the tax preparation field for 32 years,” said Joyce Arnett. “I like working with numbers.”
   Arnett noted that there have been changes in the field in her 32 years including a large leap in technology but also, “numerous changes in the tax code. “
   “What was once maybe a two page return can now be up to 10 pages,” said Arnett.
   Arnett expects that with the sale of her business to Cross and Associates there will be little change in a customers’ routine.
   “We anticipate little change from the client’s standpoint as everything should proceed as it has in the past,” said Arnett.
   One advantage of having the new owners is that with the IRS putting more regulations on preparers, Cross and Associates already has these regulations in place and the cooperation will make for a smooth transfer of knowledge.
   Joyce and her husband Tim have three children, two girls and a boy and have six grandchildren with another expected at any time.
   Arnett and her husband live north of Paris in rural Monroe County. Her hobbies include gardening, quilting and animals.
   “Seriously consider what you are getting into when you pick this line of work; and don’t mind long hours,” said Arnett when asked for apiece of advice for people entering her profession. “ You have to stay on top of things and have to want to do it right.”
   “As a courtesy to customers I wanted to keep our office open,” said Arnett in closing.
   Office hours for Cross and Associates are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information contact Joyce Arnett at 660-327-4601.
   Cross and Associates has purchased Joyce Arnett Tax Service, and has opened its doors at 113 W. Monroe, in Paris. Recently it was presented its “First Dollar” by the Paris Area Chamber of Commerce. Left to right, Chamber Executive Director Vanessa Forrest, Joyce Arnett, Sherry Cross, Pamela Fuemmeler, Chamber Member Chris Johnson, Chamber Secretary Joanne Bonney, Chamber Vice-President Charles Holland, Chamber Member Troy Vaughn and Chamber Member Lloyd Miller. Not pictured but present - Chamber President David Eales.
      3462

During their regular meeting, on Wednesday, Jan. 18, the Paris R-II Board of Education members hired Paris R-II Elementary Principal Chris Johnson as the new district superintendent. Principal Johnson will assume her new position upon the retirement of current superintendent, Nancy Henke, on July 1. Also reported from the closed session was the offer of a contract to Secondary Principal Matt Smith for the 2012-2013 school year. The board members also accepted fifth grade teacher Colleen Ritter’s retirement as of April 1. The board members entered their approved closed session at 7:16 p.m.
   President Libby Williams called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
   The board members approved the consent agenda including amended minutes of the Dec. 21, regular board meeting; financial statement and bills presented for payment; transfer of funds (Fund 1 to Fund 2: $101,913.49); attendance report; transportation report; and substitute teacher.
   Approve diesel fuel: Two bids for diesel fuel were received: MFA $3.1385/gal, COOP $3.398/gal. Superintendent Henke recommended the approval of the MFA bid for 6,000 gallons of diesel and the board members approved the bid.
   Set tuition: It was noted that the current tuition rate is $5,300 and Superintendent Henke recommended keeping this rate for next year – approved unanimously.
   Policies: this item was tabled unto next month to allow District Superintendent Nancy Henke to research a policy in question.
   Program Evaluation
   Health Services: District Nurse Diane Hickman gave the board members a thorough overview of the district’s health service policies.
   Nurse Hickman noted that the state immunization reporting is not the same as STI and that her office needs compliant software. Nurse Hickman gave the board members an overview of the differences in reporting. It was recommended to contact STI representatives and see if there is an update to the district’s program. Nurse Hickman will pursue a possible STI update. She also requested a piece of equipment that was needed for the high school. Nurse Hickman also noted that the last MSIP recommended dividers in her office for privacy for students.
   Superintendent’s Report
   District Superintendent Henke informed board members that the February meeting would be held on Wednesday, Feb. 15.
   It was noted that filing has ended for the open school board positions. Superintendent Henke informed the board members that incumbent Libby Williams and candidates Richard Fredrick and Shari Embree have filed for school board.
   Principals’ Reports:
   Elementary Principal Chris Johnson presented her report to the board members. “Things are going smoothly for the most part,” said Principal Johnson.
   Secondary Principal Matt Smith’s report was read by Principal Johnson. The report noted that the pink-out basketball game was a huge success. Teacher Sarah Bennett was singled out for individual praise besides the two students who organized the event - John DeOrnellis and Lauren Embree.
   With no further business for open session the board members adjourned to closed session at 7:16 p.m. (Closed session items reported above)
   With no further business the board members adjourned at 9:31 p.m.   3485

Monroe County Clerk Sandra Francis has scheduled a School of Instructions for Election Judges who will be working at the February Presidential Primary Election. The session will be held on Friday, Feb. 3, at 10 a.m., in the Circuit Court Room on the 3rd floor of the Monroe County Courthouse. A public demonstration of the ballot counting machines will be conducted at this time.
   The County Clerk’s Office will be open Saturday morning, Feb. 4, from 8 a.m. until noon for absentee voting for the Presidential Preference Primary Election.
      3486

Saturday, Jan. 28, the Paris Library is pleased host “Story Time with the Queen,” at 10 a.m. Join us for stories, activities and snacks with Queens Courtney and Lindsey Hendren. Courtney and Lindsey will be gifting every child that attends this event with a book.
   Courtney is 20 years old and a sophomore at MACC. She is a member of the Greyhound cheerleading squad and is the current Miss Madison 2011. Lindsey Hendren is 15 years old and a freshman at Madison C-3 School. She is the current Teen Miss Missouri Outdoors 2012.
   The Queens have promised a lively, fun and entertaining program for all children. We look forward to seeing you on Jan. 28, at 10 a.m., for “Story Time with the Queens” at your Paris Library.   3487

The Monroe County Cancer Supporters held their annual meeting on Thursday, Jan. 12, at the Paris Library Roegge Room.
   Minutes from the Dec. 13 meeting were read with one correction and approved and the treasurer’s report was given. Forty-two cancer patients were helped in 2011 through the efforts of the Cancer Supporters.
   Lauren Embree and John DeOrnellis were present and spoke to those in attendance about the Pink Out basketball game to be played on Tuesday, Jan. 17, against Madison.
   Relay For Life of Monroe County event was discussed. The event will be held on Saturday, June 23, beginning at 6 p.m., and ending on Sunday, June 24, at 6 a.m. The survivor luncheon will be held on Sunday, June 3. A place for the luncheon has not been decided on at this time.
   Barb McCall talked about the Wig and Turban Ministry. Look for pink fliers through the area.
   Monroe County’s Road to Recovery, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, has 16 eligible and trained drivers available for anyone needing transportation to doctor’s appointments or cancer treatments.
   Blow Away Cancer fundraiser for the Monroe County Cancer Supporters was discussed. The event is scheduled to be held on Saturday, March 3, at the Monroe City Knights of Columbus. Doors will open at 5 p.m., with the meal served at 6:30 p.m.
   Officers were elected as follows:
   President - John Turner; Vice-President - Melinda James; Secretary - Leslie Rosenkrans; and Treasurer - Annette Bell.
   The next meeting will be Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 6 p.m. at the courthouse.   3488

Country Homemakers welcomed in the new year at the home of Lois Spencer on Tuesday, Jan. 3. Fourteen members were in attendance at the soup luncheon. Lois gave the devotional “Let us forget and leave some things behind.”
   Phyllis Barton has volunteered to hostess the Valentine party for the club. Final plans for the party will be coordinated by a committee of Verna Spangler, Phyllis Barton and Ricki Neuser. Date, menu and time will be finalized at the Tuesday, Feb. 7, meeting.
   Members will begin quilting the club quilt at the February meeting. The club quilt will be one of the raffle prizes drawn during the Christmas parade in 2012.
   Members were asked to make Valentine cards and bring to the February meeting. Valentines will be presented to residents of area nursing homes.
   In lieu of Valentine exchange, donations will be made to the Monroe County Cancer Supporters.
   After lunch, members participated in a White Elephant sale. Margaret Wilkerson and Marguerite Jones acted as auctioneers for the donated items. Proceeds will be used by the club for community projects.
   Louise Armstrong will be the hostess for the February meeting. The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m.   3489

Plans are complete for the 11th annual Sweetheart Banquet to be held at the Madison Area Community Center on Sunday, Feb. 12. The theme for this year’s banquet is “The Roaring 20’s.” Doors to the center will open at 4:30 p.m. and a buffet dinner will be served at 5 p.m. Items on the buffet this year will include baked breast of chicken, potatoes, vegetable, waldorf salad, stuffed eggs, hot yeast rolls and pineapple upside down cake. This menu is taken from a menu served to President Calvin Coolidge in 1924 at the Waldorf-Astoria.
   Members of the Madison C-3 Future Farmers of America will greet the guests and help them with seating and will also help with serving the meal. Following the meal the Liberty Jazz, a small jazz ensemble based in Mexico will entertain. Moberly High School Band Master Jordan Perry and Madison Band Master David Reetz are both a part of this fantastic jazz ensemble.
   The deadline for purchasing tickets is Tuesday, Feb. 7. Tickets may be purchased at the Madison Area Community Center, at area churches and from members of the Madison Community Betterment Association. Cost of tickets is $10 each and includes both your meal and entertainment. You may also reserve seats for only $1 each. Tickets can be purchased by calling Twana Hulen, 660-291-4282, or the community center, 660-291-5478.   3490

George Hunter called the Jan. 18 meeting to order at 12:40 p.m. Attending were: Administrator Tara Sheffield; Board President George Hunter, and Board members Ed Torreyson, Donna Emmert, Jim Johnston, Carole Hartel, Harold Johannaber, Sarah Dawson and Mary Curtright. Board member Edwin Bush was absent.
   Minutes of the Dec. 21, 2011 meeting were read. Donna Emmert made a motion to accept minutes as read. Sarah Dawson seconded. Motion carried.
   Administrator’s Report
   Tara Sheffield reported our current checking account balance is $194.59. The current savings account balance is $2,877.46. We have no outstanding bills. The monthly food cost for December was $9,507.92. The NEMO Triple AAA check in the amount of $6,743.20 has been received. United Way monthly check has not arrived. Catered meals in December totaled $1,267.50. We also received $1,499.67 in donations in December. Newsletter sponsorships for 2012 totaled $525.00.
   The corrections have been made for the NEMO AAA audit in August. A letter has been received stating we are in compliance.
   Administrator Sheffield has submitted the MFH grant that was due Jan. 5. MFH gives out 50 million dollars in grants per year. If we receive a grant, it can be used for payroll, equipment and supplies. Tara attended an informational meeting presented by MFH. Tara learned of other grants she can apply for. We need to have a strategic plan in place. We also need to have a consultant to assist us. Tara will look into who we can get and what it will cost, but we need a plan first. One agency, NSC, Nonprofit Services Center, has grants including grants which could help pay for a consultant. Tara needs volunteer help to assist with answering the phone, food boxes and office paper work, normal daily activities, so she can have more time to research grants, fundraising and the newsletter. Donna is at the center on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings and Mary is at the center on Monday and Friday mornings, and Sarah is at the center most mornings. All expressed they would be willing to assist if able and were trained to do assignments properly.
   Admininstrator Sheffield has come up with a fundraiser and has advertised this in the newspaper and newsletter. One evening a month we will have a “Cooks Night Off.” This will be carry out only on Jan. 24 from 4 to 6 p.m. A few volunteers will be needed to peel potatoes, answer the phone, and take money at the desk. Vanessa at the Chamber of Commerce has been notified of this event to put it on the Paris web site.
   Another fundraiser will be for Valentines Day. We will make giant chocolate chip cookies and personalize them. This fundraiser will be advertised in the newspaper.
   Administrator Sheffield called the calendar company to find out when we will receive our calendars and was told we should have them in February.
   We have received donations for a memorial plaque for the center. Names of deceased will be engraved on the plaque. Any family with memorials to the center will have their name on the plaque.
   Special thanks to Jim and Mary Johnston for the flat screen TV and DVD player donated. This is a great addition to the center.
   Ed Torreyson made a motion to accept administrator’s report. Carole Hartel seconded. Motion carried.
   New Business:
   Jim Johnston reported for March we will have a TV to raffle donated by Frank Marth of Shelter Insurance of Mexico.
   The cost per plate reported for meals was questioned. George Hunter felt additional expenses such as utilities, car expenses, salaries, etc. should be included as cost in figuring the per plate cost.
   Administrator Sheffield reported the food boxes will be in Thursday. Help is needed to unload.
   Administrator Sheffield will attend an Unmet Needs meeting in Shelbina on Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
   It was suggested the minutes be put in the paper to let the community know our financial status.
   Jim Johnston suggested putting something in the paper to try to get persons, especially those under 60, to eat lunch at the center.
   Administrator Sheffield suggested we plan fundraisers a year in advance.
   At 1:50 p.m., Ed Torreyson made a motion to adjourn. Sarah Dawson seconded. Motion carried.   3491

Proud big brothers, Colton and Chase, would like to share the birth of their new brother, Colbe Daniel Kendrick, born on Dec. 21, 2011, at 8:18 a.m. Colbe weighed 6 pounds, 9.8 ounces and was 19 inches long. Proud parents are Jared and Ashley Kendrick, of Mexico.
   Grandparents are Dane and Jill Kendrick and Rick and Karen Hammond, all of Paris. Great grandparents are Evert and Dorothy Kendrick, of Paris, Betty Deaver, of Paris, Keith and Linda Deaver, of New London, and Anna Jeannette Hanna, of Santa Fe. Colbe has one great great grandparent, Lillian Deaver, of Paris.   3492

For complete coverage of local schools' honor rolls, College Deans' Lists, Church News, and Local Sports Coverage pick up a copy of the Monroe County Appeal at many Paris locations including Abel's Quik Shop, Casey's General Store and Hickman's IGA or drop by the office located at 230 N. Main. For a complete list of locations click the suscribe button at the top or bottom of this page.   3480