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Monroe County Appeal
Paris Mercury & Madison Times

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In December, a Monroe County jury found Thomas A. Ess, of Paris, guilty of two counts of 1st degree statutory sodomy; two counts of 2nd degree statutory sodomy; and one count of 1st degree attempted child molestation. Ess was charged with sexually abusing two of his stepsons in the late 1990s in Monroe County.
   On Thursday, Feb. 2, Circuit Judge Rachel L. Bringer sentenced Ess to 47 years in prison, Assistant Attorney General Monty Platz had requested 58 years. She sentenced him to 20 years on each count of 1st degree statutory sodomy to run consecutively; 7 years on each count of 2nd degree sodomy one to run concurrent and one 7 year sentence to run consecutively; and to 4 years on attempted child molestation to run concurrently.
   Ess told Judge Bringer that he intends to appeal.
   Look for complete details in the Feb. 9 issue of the Monroe County Appeal.   3515

An enthusiastic Sarah Steelman addressed the “9-12 We The People of Monroe County” group on Thursday, Jan. 26, at the Paris Library. Steelman is a Republican candidate for the United States Senate. She is running against Todd Akin and John Brunner in the primary for the right to face current Senator Clair McCaskill, D-Mo.
   “Look at my record and you know that I do what I say I will do,” said Steelman leading off her talk. “Our country is terrible now and we have to do something to change that.”
   Steelman explained her stance on various issues to the approximately 40 local residents in attendance.
   “I am pro-life,” Steelman said. “I also support going toward a flat tax (she replied when questioned).”
   Steelman noted, to the delight of the assembled, that she would, “repeal the Affordable Heath Care bill, in its entirety.”
   I think the whole thing needs to be repealed,” said Steelman.
   “Washington is disconnected from the rest of us,” added Steelman. “We have lots of big issues but we have to deal with the fundamental issue of Washington being broken. It is going to take all of us to take it back.”
   “I want to be your public servant,” said Steelman.
   When asked what skills she has that will help her in Washington, Steelman remarked that she knows and understands the economy and how it works.
   “Why would Congress let us lose our AAA rating?” asked Steelman. “Cause they don’t care.”
   Steelman was asked a far ranging group of questions from the attendees including topics about Iran, gay rights, illegal immigration, Tea Party issues, voter identification, judges, taxes and more.
   “The whole system is just broken and I want to help fix it,” said Steelman in closing.
   Sarah Steelman is a lifelong Missourian. She lives in Rolla, with her husband David. The have three sons – Sam, Joe and Michael. Her husband’s daughter, Amanda, lives in Springfield with her husband Taylor Moore and their little girl, Lily.
   Steelman attended the University of Missouri - Columbia and graduated with a Masters in Economics and a BA in History. Steelman grew up in Jefferson City, and graduated from Jefferson City High School.
   Steelman served as State Treasurer of Missouri from 2004 until 2008, and also served two terms as the Senator for the 16th State Senatorial District (1998-2004).
   For the last two years Steelman has been active in grassroots politics. She is a board member on the Missouri Club for Growth. She is a contributor to FUJAH magazine. She also served as a consultant for Empowerment Financial Group and taught a political science class in leadership and public policy change at Missouri State University in their Executive in Residence program.
   When asked what issue she thinks most troubles Missouri voters Steelman replied, “jobs!”
   Earlier in the “9-12” program, the group’s co-founder Martha Staggs introduced Pat Thomas, Secretary of the Missouri Republican Party.
   Thomas gave the group a comprehensive overview of the upcoming March Republican Caucus and the reason that the primary does not set the parties delegates.
   “The election will just be an expensive opinion poll,” said Thomas. “The delegates will be selected at the Saturday, March 17, Republican Caucus.”
   The state’s Republican primary is nonbinding. The Republican nominee will be chosen at a March 17 caucus rather than the primary.
   State Republican officials chose to go with a March caucus after the state Legislature failed to move the primary.
   The national Republican and Democrat parties ruled that only four states could have primaries or caucuses before March 1. The national Republican officials threatened to cut any state’s number of delegates in half if the state violated the rule.
   Thomas explained that despite holding a March caucus, Missouri continues with its presidential primary.
   “Please vote,” said Thomas.
   Voters at the caucuses held in each county will select delegates to attend one of eight congressional district conventions on April 21.
   The election costs the resident of Monroe County nothing. The state of Missouri picks up the tab.
   Thomas went on to give the group an interpretation of what will occur not only at the local caucus but also at the congressional and state caucuses.
   “Monroe County will have four delegates,” said Thomas after explaining the specifics of how a caucus works including that you have to be where you are registered.
   Thomas explained that County Republican Chairperson Richard Thomas will set the day for the caucus and the first item of business will be for him to ask for nominations for caucus chairperson, then the chairperson will direct the events from there.
   “The time you invest in politics is well worth it,” said Thomas. “I encourage you to find the candidates you like and support them.”
   In beginning their regular meeting, co-founder Martha Staggs discussed “9-12 We The People of Monroe County” 12 values and nine core beliefs. If you embodied these beliefs and values what a wonderful world it would be,” said Staggs. Also, after the Pledge of Allegiance, Staggs recognized the veterans on hand.
   After the session refreshments were served.   3498

According to the United States Post Office creed, “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”
   Well move over faithful mailmen, the Paris R-II Elementary School has adopted this motto now!
   Currently, Lynn Turner’s third grade class is “delivering the mail.” The idea was brought to the school by a representative of the Unites States Post Office to participate in a “We Deliver” program.
   “The purpose of the program is not only to provide an opportunity to see how the post office works but also to get everyone in the building writing,” said Turner. “It is not only the students writing but it is everyone in the building – staff, cooks, nurse, custodians and administration.”
   According to Mrs. Turner, the school developed an address system to be used for each student. First each area of the school was designated as a city with an associated zip code and named; then each area of the city was designated as a street; and finally a street address number was assigned to each student and staff member - E.g. Superintendent Nancy Henke’s address is 1 Leadership Lane, Incharge, MO 18100.
   City’s names include Kinderville, Vacuumville (janitors), Howling Acres, Jungletown, Thrilling Thunder and Clickercity.
   Each address is delineated in a large booklet, available in each classroom, so that students can find addresses and mail letters.
   Mrs. Turner’s third grade class is divided into postal positions to allow for the free flow and accuracy of the mail and the delivery process. The process includes the following positions: Facers – make sure that letters are all facing the same direction. Cancellers – Examine the front of the letter and cancel the stamps. They also return to sender any letters bearing the wrong postage or no postage. Nixie Clerks – these workers make sure that the front of the envelope is correct; that the address and return address are correct, and that all proper punctuation and spelling is used. Any letters to be found with errors are returned to sender. Sorters – These employees sort the mail and make sure it goes to the right city. Carriers – These employees deliver the mail to the teacher in the proper city for distribution to the addressed.
   The third graders have the job of delivering the mail until the end of the quarter. Then other students who have applied and passed the “postal test” will be trained by the third graders to deliver the mail until the end of the school year.
   “We hope to do this again next year,” said Turner about the successful program. “It is neat to see our building has accepted it.”
   “It is fun,” echoed the third grade students.
   Look out United States Post Office the Paris R-II Elementary students are learning that neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays the Paris R-II third grade students from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.
   Cutline: This quarter it is Lynn Turner’s third grade class that are filling the roles of post office employees to make sure that the “mail goes through.” Left to right: Eli Jordan, Ethan Chapman, Bobby Gash, Laken Edwards, Chris Ebbesmeyer, Charlie Vitt, Bryanna Conboy, Kaylee Mitchell, Nicole Skinner and Faith Gibbs.   3497

The fourth seeded Paris Lady Coyotes fell behind the second seeded Community R-VI Lady Trojans by 11 points in a barrage of first quarter points and found themselves trailing 15-5 at the first break.
   In the second quarter Paris found their offense and also clamped down the defense on Community R-VI. The quarter started with a great pass from Dede Bounds to a wide-open Shelby Dickey who buried a three pointer; Haley Fredrick stepped in front of a Community R-VI pass and drove the lane for a bucket and the Lady Coyotes trained by five. A Payton Gruber three pointer after tremendous ball movement found Paris trailing by a deuce 15-13. A Gruber charity toss and a Bounds free throw tied the score with 4:58 left in the half.
   The teams battled back and forth with the Lady Trojans hitting consecutive treys to push the lead back to a five spot. But a Gruber long ball and four free throws (Bounds 2, Gruber 2) saw the game tied at the half.
   The Lady Coyote defense was on its form in the second half as they forced numerous one and done on many Community R-VI trips down the floor. Whitnie Barr, Haley Fredrick, Nicole Burke and Dede Bounds all cleaned the glass to slow the Lady Trojan scoring effort. Also Lauren Embree, Kayla Popkes, Kaylee Callison and Kaidy Heitmeyer came off the bench to give the Lady Coyotes quality minutes and played shut down defense.
   On the offensive side of the ball, as usual Payton Gruber scored easily and often as she knocked down 22 points and was 7 of 10 from the free throw line. But as usual when the scoreboard read 4th quarter it was Gruber time to hit a 14-foot floater and her free throws as she added two free throws in the final minute to help seal the win. Shelby Dickey also added 12 points and gracefully roamed the perimeter waiting for a teammate to hit her with that perfect pass for an open trey. When defended Dickey used her head fakes to drive the baseline and score with floaters. Haley Fredrick and Dede Bounds did their damage underneath the glass grabbing offensive rebounds or scoring off steals. -
   The play of the fourth quarter saw Barr knock a ball away when Paris led only by a single bucket. She raced a Lady Trojan for the ball and dove to bat the ball off the Community R-VI player to give Paris the ball. Gruber and Dickey turned the turnover into two crucial free throws and a four-point lead that saw Paris never trail again in the 49-42 victory.
   The Paris Lady Coyotes have now taken home two third place tournament trophies.
   “Community came out of the gates swinging, but we hung in and battled back and played solid basketball for the final 3 quarters,” said Lady Coyote Coach Chris Willingham. “This was a big win for us against a quality district opponent. I am proud of our kids for bouncing back after a poor showing in our 2nd round game against Sturgeon (55-22 Sturgeon, the eventual tournament champions) and bouncing back after Community’s big 1st quarter. We were down 15-5 after 1 quarter, so we could have easily laid down and quit, but we responded in a big way with a 20 point 2nd quarter and our defense responded very well also holding Community to 10. Tied at 25 at the half made it a whole new ball game. We played well again in the 3rd quarter to take a 6-point lead into the 4th. Community made another run and we went cold from the floor for most of the 4th quarter. Community had opportunities to tie or take the lead, but we were able to get several stops on defense and hit our free throws down the stretch to pull out a hard fought good win. The biggest difference for us defensively in the ball game was figuring out how to slow down Brittni Bradwein who was having an incredible game. She finished with 30 points, but had 15 at the end of the 1st quarter and 20 at halftime. We rotated several different girls on her defensively and they did a great job. Kaylee Callison in particular had a great game defensively. Kaidy Heitmeyer, Lauren Embree, Payton Gruber, and Shelby Dickey also rotated on Brittni. The rest of our team also played great defense holding everyone else on Community’s team to 12 points. That was key for us in that game. Very good team win and successful tournament.”
   Statistics
   Points: Haley Fredrick 6, Payton Gruber 22, Whitnie Barr 3, Shelby Dickey 12, Dede Bounds 6.
   Three pointers: Gruber 3, Dickey 1.
   Rebounds: Fredrick 7, Lauren Embree 1, Gruber 2, Barr 8, Dickey 1, Nicole Burke 2, Dede Bounds 8.
   Blocks: Fredrick 1.
   Steals: Fredrick 4, Gruber 6, Kaidy Heitmeyer 1, Barr 2, Bounds 1.
   Assists: Fredrick 1, Gruber 3, Barr 2, Kaylee Callison 2, Bounds 1.
   The Lady Coyotes played Marion County on Tuesday, Jan. 31and host Westran on Thursday, Feb. 2 for Courtwarming. (See Courtwarming candidates on pages 12-13)
   Cutline: The Paris Lady Coyotes defeated Community R-VI to capture third place at the Sturgeon Tournament. Third Place Lady Coyotes, left to right: First row – Whitnie Barr, Kayla Popkes, Haley Fredrick, Payton Gruber, Lauren Embree and Dede Bounds. Second row – Shelby Dickey, Kaidy Heitmeyer, Josey Ball, Jill Nobis, Kaylee Callison, Nicole Burke, Leah Ensor and Ricki Painter. Third row – Coach Derek Vanlandingham and Head Coach Chris Willingham. Click here for more pictures 3511

The Monroe County Commissioners, Presiding Commissioner Mike Minor, Western District Commissioner Glenn E. Turner and Eastern District Commissioner Mike Whelan, unanimously approved the 2012 county budget on Friday, Jan. 27, during their scheduled budget hearing. In attendance at the hearing were county elected officials Assessor Judy Harmon, Collector Anita Dunkle and Treasurer Mary Lynn Powell.
   The budgeting process involves projecting county revenues for the upcoming year in addition to budgeting expenses.
   Commissioners Turner and Whelan both noted that estimating revenues is at best an, “educated guess.”
   The 2012 Monroe County Budget projects revenue estimates at $3,569,951 with budgeted expenses of $3,856,006. The budget is considered balanced when the revenues are added to the $482,654 net cash on hand Dec. 31, 2011.
   Eastern District Commissioner Whelan thanked Western District Commissioner Turner for all his hard work on the budget. All three commissioners thanked County Clerk Sandra Francis for her hard work in support of the budget process.
   “We were fortunate and our health insurance did not go up this year,” said County Clerk Francis. “That was amazing.”
   Clerk Francis noted that the county does have great benefits.
   “If a young person started here and stayed until they retired they will have a nice retirement fund,” said Clerk Francis.
   Commissioner Turner explained that past and present commissioners and elected officials made a choice to pay those benefits.
   “We need to thank all of our former commissioners and elected officials for their good stewardship of the counties monies,” said Eastern District Commissioner Turner. “We owe them a big thanks!”
   Monroe County Clerk Sandra Francis presented the following 2012 budget message: “The budget this year consists of one hundred and eight pages representing twenty two funds. The twenty-two funds do not include Treasurer Accounts or Cemetery Funds. The main four budget funds are General Revenue, Road and Bridge, Assessment and Mark Twain Reservoir.
   Net cash available Dec. 31, 2011 in all of the budgeted funds totaled $482,654. Estimated revenues for 2012 are estimated at $3,569,951 with budgeted expenses of $3,856,006. Appropriations in the General Revenue, Road & Bridge and Assessment budgets for 2012 were reduced. There will be no mileage or meal reimbursements paid to elected officials and the county will pay for state mandated training only.
   $655,495.00 in Federal Money passed through County funds this year. $104,859.00 was money received for the ADA Grant, which paid for two handicapped accessible restrooms located on the first floor of the courthouse along with two handicapped accessible entry doors. With this project finished the Monroe County Courthouse is now compliant with ADA.
   $84,462.00 was a pass through grant for Monroe County Water District #2.
   Road and Bridge received $411,668.00 in bridge money with Bridge BRO Projects #33 and #35 being completed. Preliminary engineering was finished in 2011 on three Bridges, BRO# 36, 37 & 38, and a construction bid was recently awarded to Bleigh Construction Co. to build all three of the bridges with work to begin in the spring. BRO (39) was added to the list of possible bridges to also be built in 2012. Road and Bridge received $51,714 in 2011 from FEMA for disaster relief due to flooding in 2010 & early spring of 2011.
   The County Clerk applied for Grants thru the Secretary of State in 2011 and received $5,792.00 for election machine related expenses, maintenance on Touch Screen machines, maintenance on the printer which is used for elections and also the grant paid for the MCVR Internet costs in the clerks’ office. A grant has been received for the 2012 year in the amount of $7,704.00 for the purchase of nine, four station voting booths; one new station will be placed at each polling place. This will be the first time in twenty-five years that voters will have new booths in which to vote.
   The Sheriff will receive a grant in 2012 in the amount of $3,570.00 to be used for the purchase of seven duty, LED rechargeable, flashlights and also V Con & Olympus Sirens.”   3499

On Tuesday, Jan. 10, the Holliday C-2 Board met in a regular session meeting at the school.
   Members present: Richard Ensor, Mendy Blades, Heather Hayes, Sara Callison and David Pence; Administrator Carol Hall; Secretary Megan Day; and guests Tim Schoonover, Trisa Redington and Susan Havens.
   Call to Order:
   •President Richard Ensor called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
   Consent Agenda Items:
   •Mendy Blades moved and Sara Callison seconded a motion to approve the agenda. Passed 5-0.
   •Mendy Blades moved and Heather Hayes seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the Dec. 13, 2011 board meeting with changes. Passed 5-0.
   Closed Session:
   •David Pence moved and Mendy Blades seconded a motion to go into Closed Session per Section 610.021 sub section 3 & 6 RSMo for personnel and student related matters. Time was 7:15 p.m. Roll Call vote taken and passed: 5-0.
   •Sara Callison moved and Mendy Blades seconded a motion to come out of closed session. Time was 8 p.m. Roll Call vote taken and passed: 5-0.
   •David Pence left at 8:03 p.m.
   Finance:
   •Mendy Blades moved and Heather Hayes seconded a motion to approve the bills as presented. Passed 4-0.
   Food Service:
   •Food service is running $9346 in the red which is about $3100 more than last year at this point. The cost of food/supplies has gone up. The board may have to look at raising prices.
   •The board discussed trying to see if larger quantities could be purchased up front for a discount and delivered at a later date when the materials were needed.
   Old Business:
   •Mrs. Hall gave the Principal’s Report.
   •The preschool funding for next year looks bleak. They are looking at reducing the grant by an additional $6000. With the cuts they have already made, it would leave a $14,000 gap for the district to absorb.
   •The board discussed the possibility of charging for preschool next year to help close the gap.
   •The state is trying to get a grant from the federal government to supplement the MPP (Missouri Preschool Project) grants. The district will wait until March or so to make an official decision on the preschool for next year.
   •No school board filings have been received at this point. If we cannot get at least two people to sign up, we will have to pay for an election.
   Transportation:
   •Mrs. Hall gave the transportation report.
   •Jerry’s bus was towed to Meyers in December to have the brakes fixed. The problem was in the electronics and the cost of the repair was around $3000.
   Building Maintenance:
   •Jerry reapplied the nonskid tread to the ramps. He also repaired the faucet in the boy’s bathroom.
   New Business:
   •Heather Hayes addressed the board about having the KC Wolf (Chiefs Mascot) come to speak at the school. The board will check with PTO to see if they could cover the cost.
   Closed Session in February:
   •Mendy Blades moved and Sara Callison seconded a motion to go into Closed Session at the next regular meeting or at any interim per Section 610.021 subsection 3,13,6 14 RSMo. Passed 4-0.
   Next Meeting:
   •Mendy Blades moved and Heather Hayes seconded a motion to set the next regular board meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 14, at 7 p.m. Passed 5-0.
   Adjourn:
   •Sara Callison moved and Heather Hayes seconded a motion to adjourn. Time was 8:30 p.m. Passed: 4-0.   3500

The Madison Homemakers Club met at the Community Center on Jan. 26 with 17 members in attendance. President Karen Forsyth opened the meeting by members reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag which was followed by the Membership Pledge.
   The devotional “Feeding Frenzy” was given by Darleen McNutt. Members were apprised of the final account of the Pampered Chef Fundraiser. Treasurer Bonnie Crain reported that she is prepared to pay the second semester scholarship payment due for Shelby Danner.
   Discussion began on possible places to visit for a Club trip later this year. Barbara Black made a motion which was seconded by Darleen to get information on places to visit so that we could make more definite plans at the February meeting. Members then proceeded to fill out program books for the coming year.
   The annual soup supper will be held on Thursday, Feb. 23, at 6 p.m. at the Community Center. Members may bring a guest. They are also to bring a wrapped small gift for a Bingo game.
   Karen Forsyth won the drawing for the hostess gift. The Club Collect was repeated and the meeting then adjourned for refreshments provided by the hostesses Dorothy Carter and Darleen.
   The next meeting will be on Feb. 23 at 9 a.m. in the Community Center. Hostesses will be Barbara and Karen.   3501

The Board of Trustees scheduled the next meeting for Thursday, Feb. 16, at 5 p.m. at the Monroe County Health Department, in Paris.
   GENERAL “WALK-IN”
   CLINICS
   Clinic will include immunizations, blood pressures and other health services.
   LOCATIONS:
   Monroe City Senior Nutrition Center from 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursdays, Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23.
   Monroe County Health Department in Paris from 8 to 10 a.m. on Mondays, Feb. 6, 13 and 27.
   Paris Nutrition Center from 11 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Feb. 1.
   Beginning Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011 the Monroe County Health Department will charge a fee for services that had been previously provided at no charge. Contact the health department for more information.
   ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH SPECIALIST
   The Environmental Public Health Specialist is available, by appointment, according to the following weekly schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon.
   WOMENS WELLNESS/FAMILY PLANNING CLINIC
   Clinic offers women of reproductive age a Cervical and Breast Screening, STD testing and methods of birth control. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Clinic will be held Thursday, Feb. 16, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please call for an appointment.
   WIC
   Pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum women, and infants and children up to age 5 may qualify. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
   LOCATIONS:
   Monroe City Christian Church, 214 Court Street, Monroe City, on Tuesdays, Feb. 7 and 28.
   Monroe County Health Department, in Paris, on Wednesdays, Feb. 1 and 15.
   The Monroe County Health Department will be closed Monday, Feb. 20, in observance of President’s Day.
   Monroe County Health Department provides services in the home for the homebound patients. The objective of this program is to enable patients who do not require full-time nursing care to remain in their own homes. Care is given under the direction of a physician. Services include skilled nursing care, personal care, physical therapy and speech therapy. Medicare, Medicaid and many other commercial health insurance plans cover services.
   For information regarding the services provided by the Monroe County Health Department/Home Health Agency, please call 660-327-4653 or 660-327-4259.
   All services are provided on a non-discriminatory basis and in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Health.   3503

During the cold winter months, Cat Cora and the American Red Cross are combining forces in order to give you a chance to do a good deed, warm your hearts and warm your stomachs.
   On Tuesday, Feb. 28, at the First Baptist Church Blood Drive from 1 to 6 p.m. held in the Fellowship Hall, 106 N. Main, Paris, all presenting donors will receive a FREE ceramic soup mug and spoon set, and a recipe card from Cat Cora, while supplies last.
   Cat Cora is a Greek-American world renowned chef who is well known for competing on the Food Network television show, Iron Chef America. She was the first and only female Iron Chef! Outside the kitchen, she is President and Founder of an organization that originated in response to the 2004 tsunami disaster called Chefs for Humanity. She also has her very own show on the Oprah Winfrey Network due to be airing soon.
   “We are pleased and excited to work with Cat Cora as our celebrity chef this year,” commented Amanda Schlottach. “Cat Cora’s interest partnering with the Red Cross comes at no surprise, given her history of generous community support. We are grateful for her help in bringing awareness for the need for blood, especially during the winter and holiday months.”
   Amanda Schlottach went on to explain that during the holiday season, donor turnout often decreases for a number of reasons: holiday activities, school or workplace vacations, inclement weather and outbreaks of colds and flu. This lower donor turnout could lead to scarce blood supplies for patients in need.
   “So we invite all of our donors to come on out and help Chef Cat Cora make a difference this holiday season by donating blood.”
   Every two seconds, someone in the United States is in need of blood and more than 44,000 blood donations are needed every day. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission) meet height and weight requirements (at least 110 pounds based on height and age) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Individuals should bring their Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when they come to donate.
   To schedule an appointment for any blood drives, call 1-800-RED CROSS (733¬2767) or visit www.redcrossblood.orq. Those with specific eligibility questions should call the Red Cross Donor Client Support Center at 1-866-236-3276. Many donors are eligible to give blood every 56 days.   3504

National School Counseling Week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), will be celebrated from Monday - Friday, Feb. 6–10, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of professional school counselors within U.S. school systems and how students are different as a result of what school counselors do. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.
   The special week honoring school counselors provides recognition for school counselors who “implement comprehensive school counseling programs, a vital part of the educational process for all students as they meet the challenges of the 21st century,” according to Tammy Breid, Madison C-3 School Board President.
   In a proclamation, Tammy Breid cited school counselors for being actively engaged in helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents; for working in a partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today’s world; for focusing on positive ways to enhance students’ social/personal, educational and career development; and working with teachers and other educators to provide an educational system where students can realize their potential and set healthy, realistic and optimistic aspirations for themselves. Professional school counselors are certified, experienced educators with a master’s degree in guidance and counseling. The combination of their training and experience makes them an integral part of the total educational program.
   “School counselors work with all students to remove barriers to learning by addressing students’ academic concerns, personal/social skills and career awareness in post-secondary options,” said Kwok-Sze Wong, Ed.D., ASCA executive director. “Comprehensive school counseling programs help to increase student achievement and provide a much-needed resource for students, parents, teachers and administrators. School counselors are integral to student success.”
   More than 29,000 school counselors nationwide will be participating in the week’s festivities. Many school counselors will be hosting special events and activities to call attention to the myriad benefits of a comprehensive school counseling program.
   As part of its celebration for National School Counseling Week, Madison C-3 will be having Spirit Days for students that relate to career and guidance. Parents or community members with specific questions or concerns about school counseling programs should contact the school counselors at their local schools. More general information can also be found on ASCA’s Web site, www.schoolcounselor.org.
   The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) is a worldwide nonprofit organization based in Alexandria, Va. Founded in 1952, ASCA supports school counselors’ efforts to help students focus on academic, personal/social and career development so they not only achieve success in school but are prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society. The association, which is the school counseling division of the American Counseling Association, provides professional development, publications and other resources, research and advocacy to more professional school counselors around the globe.
      3505

Do you want to be better prepared to help yourself, family, neighbors and community in the event of a disaster? Debris-clogged or damaged roads, disrupted communications and the high volume of calls to emergency response personnel mean you could be on your own for the firstthree to four days after a disaster.
   A two-day Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, Feb.11 and 25, at the Shirley R. Bomar Community Center at 253 Munger Lane, in Hannibal. The class will meet both Saturdays with a practical exercise held later in the spring for participants to complete the training. This training is designed for individuals 18 and older. Teens, ages 16 and 17 years, wanting to attend must have a parent/guardian participate with them in the training.
   CERT training is designed to provide citizens with needed skills to perform essential life-saving functions while waiting for the professional responders to arrive in the aftermath of a disaster. Skills learned through CERT training also allow members to deal with emergencies that happen in the course of a normal day. Course topics include: Disaster preparedness, disaster fire suppression, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue, disaster psychology, terrorism, and team organization. This CERT training class is free but you must register. Region B RHSOC, NEMO CERT, Hannibal Emergency Management Agency, Marion Co 911, and University of Missouri Extension Office are sponsoring the class.
   If you would like to register for the class, please call the Marion County Extension Center at 573-769-2177 or e-mail Marionco@missouri.edu . Class size is limited to 20 so call before the class fills. If you have any questions about this CERT training course or CERT in general, contact Sherry Nelson at Marion County Extension as noted above. If you need special accommodations because of a disability, please ask to speak with Sherry Nelson when you register.   3506

Hudson Wayne Fallaw, son of Eric Fallaw and Makenzi Ashenfelter, was born Tuesday, Jan. 10, at Boone Hospital, in Columbia.
   He weighed 8 pounds, 11 ounces and was 19-1/2 inches long. Hudson is joined by brother Gage Rocha and sister Kamryn Fallaw.
   Grandparents are Charlotte and Bobby Fallaw, Vanessa Ashenfelter and Clifford Blackaby and Troy and Kathy Ashenfelter. Great- grandparents are Roger and Ruby Levings, Alberta Studer and the late Zoris (Tutie) Studer and Carla Ashenfelter.   3507

Utha Evelyn Conway Alexander Matlock, of Cairo, passed away Saturday, Jan. 28, at Loma Linda Nursing facility. She was 103.
   Utha was born to Thomas Burl Conway and Ollie Belle Clark Conway, in Monroe County, on June 27, 1908. She attended Duncan’s Bridge school.
   In August 1926, she married Irvin F. Alexander, in Chillicothe. The couple farmed the Alexander Homestead Farm in the Felps Community until 1960. Utha participated in the community extension club and Felps Chapel Presbyterian Church. She continued as a member of the Felps Cemetery Board until her death. Irvin preceded her in death in April, 1960.
   Utha was employed as a bookkeeper by Guy Wright Insurance, in Moberly, for several years. She worked as an individual income tax preparer during that time and for several succeeding years.
   In February 1967, Utha married G. Clarence Matlock, in Columbia. Together they operated Matlock’s Market, in Cairo, until retirement. Both were active in Cairo Baptist Church where Utha served as pianist and organist, and in the Cairo Lions and Lioness Clubs.
   Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law: Doris Alexander Bond and Harold Bond, of Cairo; her granddaughter: Marla Bond Hediger and husband Ron, of Columbia; her great-grandson: Aaron Bond Hediger and wife Cherith, of Papillion, Neb.; her great-granddaughter: Krista Hediger Jennings and husband Eric, of Ashland; and three great-great-granddaughters: Mogan Kellye Hediger, Evelyn Grace Jennings and Brianne Nicole Jennings. She is also survived by nieces and nephews.
   Utha was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; and two sisters: Mildred Wood and Dorothy Lavonne (Bonnie) Bean, both of Madison.
   Visitation was Tuesday, Jan. 31, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Cater Funeral Home. Services were Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Cater Funeral Home Chapel with interment in Felps Cemetery.
   Memorials to Cairo Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.   3508

James W. Jones Jr. (Jay), 71, passed away at 6:15 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 23, at Timber Point Healthcare Center, in Camp Point Ill.
   Jay was born July 25, 1940, in Bethel, to James W. and Ruby T. (Barnes) Jones. He graduated from Shelby County R-1 High School in 1958. He served his country in the United States Army from 1960 till 1966. He married Mary Jean (Dowell) on April 11, 1975, she survives and lives in Mendon Ill.
   He is also survived by his son: James K. (Jim) and wife Kelli, of Jefferson City; three daughters: Jennifer M. Jones and significant other Richard Gray, of Fowler, Ill., Jessica A. (Jones) Wilkerson and significant other Vernon Holland, of Monroe City and Janice L. (Jones) Farthing, of Quincy Ill;. two step-children: Richard A. Beaver who is currently serving in the U.S. Army and Melissa A. (Richie) Lay, of Lewistown; seven grandchildren: Sara, Alyson, Emilee and Kayla Jones, of Jefferson City, Isaac and Alexandria Wilkerson, of Monroe City, and Garrick Farthing, of Quincy, Ill.; two step-grandchildren: Isabella and Samantha Lay, of Lewistown; and numerous nieces and nephews.
   Jay owned his own construction business in Monroe City for many years. He also worked for Kuhlman Diecasting, in Monroe City. He was employed with M&R Sheet Metal while living in Tucson, Ariz. Then after moving to Springfield he worked for Ragar Construction then worked for Neal Cornwell Construction, of Quincy, Ill. before suffering a stroke in May of 2000.
   Jay enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals and listening to games on the radio. He never missed a NASCAR race and especially liked Dale Earnhardt. He also enjoyed watching and feeding the birds.
   He was proceeded in death by his parents and sister Mary Evelyn Ragar.
   A memorial service will be held at Garner Funeral Home on Saturday, Feb. 4, to honor the life of Jay as a husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. The service will include a visitation from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Per Jay’s wishes, his ashes will remain with his wife, with a burial at a later date.   3509

Sula Pierce Allgood, 97, of Floral, Ark., passed away Wednesday, Jan. 25.
   She was born June 6, 1914 in Tyler, Ark., the daughter of Rex and Addie Head Pierce. Mrs. Allgood was the oldest member of the New Bethel Baptist Church, having been a member longer than anyone else. She served as church clerk and a Sunday School teacher for many years.
   She is survived by two sons: William Rex Allgood and his wife Anna and Paul Lewis Allgood and his wife Sharon; a daughter: Carolyn Wilson and her husband Doug; four grandchildren: Connie Allgood Bartley and her husband Eddie, Michele Wilson Wood and her husband Travis, Michael Paul Allgood and his wife Audra, and Allison Kay Allgood; five great-grandchildren: Christie Bartley Hale and her husband Chad, Jacob Wood, Billy Bartley, Seth Wood and Logan Allgood; two great- great-grandchildren: Cody and Caleb Hale; and several nieces and nephews.
   She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband: Claude Cecil Allgood; a daughter: Virginia Lucille Allgood; a granddaughter: Virginia Allgood; a brother: Lewis Pierce; and three sisters: Luna Smith, Louise Brown and Lois Griffis.
   Visitation was from 1 to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 29. Funeral services were Sunday at 2 p.m. at the New Bethel Baptist Church of Floral, Ark. Arrangements by the Powell Funeral Home, of Bald Knob-Judsonia
   Memorials may be sent to New Bethel Baptist Church at Powell Funeral Home 1272 Highway 367 North, Bald Knob, Ark. 72010.   3510