Memphis Democrat Newspaper

JEFFERSON CITY – The members of the Missouri House Policy Development Caucus will spend the next several weeks touring the state to seek public input on the funding problems plaguing the state’s transportation system. State Rep. Jeff Messenger, who serves as chairman of the group, said the goal is to talk to Missourians from all walks of life to get their thoughts on how the state should generate much-needed revenue for its roads and bridges.

“We know this is a crisis situation with the thousands of miles of roads and hundreds of bridges we have that are falling into disrepair with no viable funding plan to ensure their long term viability,” said Messenger, R-Republic. “This is an issue that everyone has talked about but for some reason continues to go unresolved. Our goal as a caucus is to go directly to the people to hear from them on what they think will work as a reasonable, cost effective solution.”

Messenger said the Policy Development Caucus, which was formed by House Speaker Todd Richardson last year to develop and fine tune the policy goals of the Missouri House Republican Caucus, has spent the last several months analyzing Missouri’s transportation funding needs and possible funding solutions. The caucus now hopes to present its findings to Missourians in all parts of the state and to receive their input on solutions they think are feasible.

“We have worked as a caucus to thoroughly look at this issue, and to consider possible funding mechanisms to infuse our transportation system with needed dollars. MoDOT currently has $825 million in high-priority unfunded transportation needs. It is vital for us to receive input from Missouri citizens on how to address those needs,” said Messenger.

The caucus is presenting eight possible funding options for Missourians to consider at these meetings. Messenger added, “We invite folks to come out, share their creative ideas, and make their voices heard on an issue that directly impacts their daily lives.”

The House Policy Development Caucus plans to hold its first public meeting in Maryville on Tuesday, July 25. It will follow up with a meeting later in the day on July 25 in Lee’s Summit. From there the caucus will hold meetings on the following dates and locations:

• August 1 – Kirksville
• August 1 – Boonville
• August 22 – Sikeston
• August 23 – St. Charles
• September 6 – Springfield
• September 7 – Waynesville

The caucus will wrap up its work on September 13 with a final meeting in Jefferson City where it will present its findings.

HANNIBAL – Weather permitting, August 3, MoDOT crews will be doing sealing work on Scotland County Route W. There road will be temporarily closed from Missouri Route 15 to Scotland County Route M for sealing operations. Work will be completed between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Please use alternate routes during this time.

Again, this work is weather dependent and could be rescheduled or delayed. For more information, contact MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK MoDOT (275-6636). All roadwork is posted on the traveler information map. You can also visit us online at www.modot.org/northeast.

by U.S. Senator Roy Blunt

President Trump was sworn into office six months ago. Senate Democrats have had plenty of time to come to terms with the election results. Unfortunately, they are channeling their disappointment through the confirmation process by engaging in an unprecedented level of obstruction of President Trump’s well-qualified nominees.

It’s nearly August, and my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have only allowed us to confirm 55 of President Trump’s 242 nominees – or 23 percent. By the August recess of President Barack Obama’s first term, the Senate had confirmed 313 of his 454 nominees – or 69 percent.

At the current rate, it will take more than 11 years to fill every Senate-confirmed position in the government. That would take us into the third term of a Trump presidency.

They have created this backlog by using a procedural tactic to delay nominees who are eventually confirmed with broad, bipartisan support.

The comparison between the number of nominees confirmed under the Trump and Obama administrations is striking, but this isn’t simply about the math. This is about the key positions in our government that are going unfilled.

As a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I hear all the time that our country faces more threats, from more directions, than ever before. But, they have only allowed us to confirm 7 of the president’s 22 nominations to the Department of Defense.

These aren’t low level positions. These are positions that the president and his national security team need filled to help defend and protect the nation.

As the president continues working to improve the safety of our communities and enforce our nation’s laws, they are also obstructing important nominations to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Of the 27 qualified individuals the president nominated to fill vacancies at DOJ, only 3 nominees have been confirmed. Two of the nominees who have been reported out of committee received votes of 20-0 and 19-1, respectively.

They have clearly decided that it is in their best political interest to stand in the way of the president’s nominees and the Senate’s ability to do the work Americans sent us here to do.

I’ve talked to countless Missourians who want to know what we’re doing in Washington, D.C., to help businesses create jobs, improve our infrastructure, address the failures of Obamacare, and make college more affordable. Nowhere in those conversations do I hear a call for more obstruction and more inaction.

President Trump has every right to put his government in place. It is time for my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to stop standing in the way so that we can move forward on the priorities American families care about.

The Scotland County Hospital Board of Directors met in open session June 22 at 5:30 p.m. in the SCH Library. Present were   Joe Doubet, Vice Chairman; Judy Wilson-Secretary, (arriving at 6:05pm); Robert Neese, Treasurer; members Dwight DeRosear and Lori Fulk. Chairman Curtis Ebeling was absent. Also attending the meeting were Dr. Randy Tobler; CEO, Dr.  Jeff Davis, CMO, Elizabeth Guffey, RN CNO, Missy Smith, HR, Michael Brandon, Controller, Angela Schmitter, RHIT, Lori Nelson, Clinic Supervisor, and Brenda Prather, recording secretary.

QI Quality and Safety Report

Dashboard Prototype.  Heather has obtained data for matrix. Many departments will have their own individual dashboards.  Template graphs of dashboards presented measuring national averages/benchmarks quality followed on clinical outcomes, patient and employee satisfaction, Patient Harms (medication error, falls with injury, pressure ulcers, infections, etc.). Dashboard 2 compared with chart prototype.

Determine Board priorities-action item.  Question to Board at this time: Are there special areas not discussed or mentioned to be added as markers?  Additional areas may be added or changed over times. Motion by Fulk to include this benchmark in monthly meeting agenda.  Second offered by Neese.  Motion approved by majority vote.

With reference to recent QI and Safety Committee meeting, there were some questions regarding:

concerns of painting curbs in multiple areas of the parking lots.

SCCC patients accessing IEC through SCH and MMS hallways. Discussion of policy to be developed requiring attendant from SCCC or MMS offering transport employee.

New door into SCCC, security lock ready to go live.

Discussed readmissions.  CareSync following chronic care patients. Potential reimbursement penalty in the future for CAH, but “brand” penalty with transparency initiatives publicizing our data,  danger of outside physicians’ patients readmitted.  Important to stay on top of CMS data, penalties and incentives.

Financial Report – Michael Brandon, MBA

Finance Report and Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Stats presented to the board. Approval of June A/P.  Motion by DeRosear to approve June A/P listing.  Fulk offered second.  Motion approved by majority vote.

Administrative Report – Randy Tobler, MD, CEO

Operations

Received a letter announcing audit for Medicaid FY ‘16 EMR incentive

Consensus from clinical team evaluating BHS EHR recommending no transition from Meditech

Infrastructure and plans for pilot implementation of more efficient MMS workflow in progress.  Dr. Davis’ team will pilot before adopting across all practices.

CCM (Chronic Care Management) initiative progressing with 3rd party vendor (Care Sync) and an internal pilot team (Dr. Davis, Dr. Wilson, Jessica Christen, DNP).  Identification and enrollment process anticipated in 1-2 months.

E-911 update-discussions with Knox County officials indicate “piggybacking” with Macon E-911 efficient and affordable. We are investigating contracted vs. alternative of a home grown dispatching service

Business office buildout in progress.  Move planned early July.

Hail storm 6/17 damaged 2 rooftop air handlers beyond repair. Emergency replacements arrived today and will be replaced by tomorrow start of business.

340B Pharmacy update:  Volume is growing steadily.  Promotional material references the participating pharmacies, and explains the programs advantages to patients and the financial support of our mission.  Our third party vendor confirming 340B eligibility is now able to have a cash discount program.  Demo and implementation anticipated.

Day Care at SCCC exploratory group led by Dr. Rollison ongoing.  Current venue focus: Annex building.  Business plan in development.

Discussion with alternative providers of desired service lines not available through our BHS affiliation ongoing 6/9

Discussion with Hannibal Regional Health system regarding their recent business venture in our service area, expressing our desire to provide the best care and experience for their patients referred to SCH.

CoP (Conditions of Participation) Pharmacy Regulation Webinar 6/19.  Reviewing, adjusting and creating P and P as needed.

Phone call with Loretta Prater PhD, Chair of Missouri Foundation for Health Community Advisory Council discussing funding opportunities for an intergenerational, community-collaborative, sustainable “Food is Medicine” program on our campus.  Exciting possibilities connecting many SCH, SCCC, and community constituencies.

Medical Staff

Pain Management Service contract with PSN for services of Dr. Richard Wolkowitz executed.  Start date TBD, likely in August, following credentialing.  One day initially, with potential of more.

Contract sent to part time Neurologist, awaiting response

Dr. Hoyal assumed E.D. Medical Director 6/1, Docs Who Care will be supplying Mon/Tues. E.D. coverage and overnight med/surg coverage starting 7/1

Internal medicine physician contacted and after initial interest has declined further discussion.

Personnel

Elizabeth Guffey, RN accepted new Chief Nursing Officer position which expands DON role and is added to the executive leadership team (CEO, Controller, CMO, COS, CNO). She will continue to administer the E.D. and Oncology service. We welcome her servant-leader style, and proven problem-solving abilities

Revenue Cycle Manager applications received, interviews and selection will be completed by mid-July

Conference Highlights

SLU 27th Annual Geriatric Conference, June 5-6. Attended with Dr. Wilson.

Supported by the NE regional AHEC office in Kirksville, speakers from around the world and locally presented talks and workshops on health aging and the management of patients with MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) and Dementia.  Headlines:

Programs emphasizing lifestyle interventions (nutrition, activities, “brainwork”) perform as well or better than medicines alone for MCI and established dementia

Universal screening for frailty, muscle loss, nutritional and cognitive status of patients using a 5-minute tool (Rapid Geriatric Assessment) identifies a target population for early intervention.  The Medicare Annual Wellness Exam is a great opportunity to administer this screening test-handout

Polypharmacy is a growing and serious problem in an aging population with multiple conditions, cared for by multiple clinicians.

Early intervention slows progression

Mediterranean diet is healthy for prevention and treatment of geriatric decline

Perry County Hospital in SE Missouri has an extraordinary, effective and comprehensive program funded by a community children/seniors tax.

Dr. Tobler previewed and led discussion on the questionnaire used by St. Louis University Rapid Geriatric Assessment

MHA Leadership Forum, June 15-16.   Highly recommended Board try to attend next year: May 16-18, 2018

Directed to Hospital Trustees and Executives, aimed at identifying industry trends, challenges, and strategic solutions

Headlines:

The fiduciary responsibility of trustees is intimately dependent on engagement with Quality and Safety:  Carrots/Sticks/Brand

The new normal is that payers (government and commercial) are paying for value, not simply volume

Value = Quality/Cost

Quality= Outcomes + Safety + Patient Experience

Change is here to stay

Changed Payment: VALUE, More risk for providers, Transparency

Changed Care: Population health, Focus on the 20% of patients that use 80% of resources

Changed Experience: Patient engagement, Consumerism rules

Data collection and analysis is critical to successful transition to the new normal

Hospitality creates a healing environment and engages patients àWin-win

One journey of a large public indigent hospital involved culture transformation. The organization’s mantras/values: OWN IT, SEEK JOY, DON’T BE A JERK

Integration into networks a likely necessity

National Health Policy will NOT abandon the current trajectories (above) set under ACA

Nursing workforce is getting younger as baby boomers retire.  Good news: Large increase in nurses with BSN and APN degrees in the next 10 years.   Challenges: Aging/sicker patient population’s needs cannot be met solely by nurses, particularly in context of physician shortage.  Teams of contributors (social work, pharmacists, therapists, community resources, churches, health departments, social agencies) will be needed to deliver care in a different way.  Nurses are not presently engaged with concepts of Value replacing Volume.

Millennials will dominate the workforce shortly.

Managing millennials’ expectations of work-life balance is hard

AHA and MHA have resources on their respective sites.  Recommended summer reading!  www.aha.org    web.mhanet.com – handout

SCH should have a dedicated self-inspection of our future strategic direction recognizing industry trends, patient expectations, our capital muscle, and paths to achieving our mission and vision

CMO Report – Dr. Davis

Quality Assurance

Attended the QA & S committee meeting with Directors DeRosear and Fulk.  Reviewed minutes. Discussed on patient accident/injury outside on our campus.  Discussed options for prevention and improved safety/patient flow to IEC.

No physician complaints reviewed since last board meeting.

Senior Management

Met with Senior Management discussing strategic plan and management and administrative issues.

Meetings with Dr. Tobler regarding recruitment, retention, employee satisfaction and personnel management.

Meetings with Lori Nelson, RN, Clinic Manager regarding clinic work flow, personnel, scheduling and physician relations.

Clinician Relations

Ongoing communication with clinicians regarding clinical operations.

Working with Kristin Hyde and Dr. Heather Martin, Secretary of Medical Staff regarding inpatient/OB/Peds physician coverage.

Meeting with Jessica Christen, NP to discuss processes, chronic disease management clinic and clinician satisfaction.

Service Line Development

Traveled with Lori Nelson and delegation from Informatics, nursing and administration to Blessing Hospital at the end of May to review their outpatient family medicine clinic workflow design.  Have been working with Lori and Libby on nurse scribing piece.  Working with Lori on Patient Access Representative process design and location.  Making a concerted push for SCH brand model of Team Care at MMS.  Planning a 2 clinician pilots with future plans of rolling out and training the rest of the clinicians the model for improved patient access, patient satisfaction, nurse and clinician satisfaction and timely EHR chart/record completion.

Teresa Kirchner, NP is working full-time and collaborating with me.  Some days very busy.  Others a little lighter.  Depends on Walk-In Clinic volume.

Walk-in clinic at MMS and LMS continues to go well.  Numbers variable day-to-day.  Still widely utilized.

Onsite collaboration with Haley Shrum, NP in the ER, Stephanie Henley, NP and Teresa Kirchner, NP at MMS and SCCC, and Lois Quenneville, PA at MMS and SCH.  Jessica Christen, NP on pediatric issues in the clinic.

Recruitment and Retention

Merritt Hawkins FP search has thus far only turned up one lead.

Decided not to move forward with Dr. Jim Bowers in Lancaster.

Contract in place with Tabitha Rohr, NP at Lancaster.  Will begin July 31st.

Participated in discussions and phone contact with IM physician from Kirksville.  Currently not looking good.

Dr. Tobler had 2nd year resident from Blessing Hospital who is from the area visit this week.  Met briefly with them.  Will begin working on new contract for her to review.

Old Business

Bank Depository Agreement Update. After the May meeting and action by Board to continue banking services through Bank of Kirksville, provided the interest rate could be increased, M. Brandon contacted Bank of Kirksville regarding this condition. He learned that, in fact, the rate would actually be decreasing. With this information, Brandon has submitted letters to other local banks requesting their bids for these services.   To be presented next month.

New Business

2018 Capital and Operating Budget. M. Brandon detailed assumptions and analysis, proposed rate increases, revenues, expense trends, departmental capital budget items which encompasses the proposed budget documents. Following discussion and questions, Motion was made by DeRosear to approve both Capital and Operating Budgets as proposed    Wilson offers second to the motion and this carries by majority vote. Signatures from Vice-Chairman Doubet and Treasurer Neese were obtained.

Approve Hospital General Liability Insurance Proposal in the amount of $114,135 ($118,349 in 2016).  Motion to approve continued coverage with HSG by Neese with second from Fulk.  Motion approved by majority vote.

D & O Insurance, (Directors and Officers) Motion by DeRosear to extend coverage for Director’s & Officers Liability, Employment Practices Liability and Third-Party Liability, however decline the crime coverage.  Second by Fulk. Motion approved by majority votes.

Executive Session

Motion by Neese to enter Executive Session pursuant to Sunshine Law Sections 610.021 to discuss matters that pertain to: Sections (1) Legal Matters (13) Individually identifiable personnel information.  Wilson offered second to the motion.  Motion approved by roll call vote:  Fulk yes, DeRosear yes, Neese yes, Wilson yes.  Time is 8:30 pm.

Those Present:    Doubet, Fulk, DeRosear, Neese and Wilson, Dr. Tobler, Dr. Davis, Missy Smith, and Brenda Prather.

Approval of Executive Session minutes of 5/25/17. Motion by DeRosear and second by Wilson to approve.  Motion approved by roll call vote: Fulk-yes, DeRosear-yes, Neese-yes, Wilson-yes.

Motion to exit executive session and adjourn regular open session by Fulk with DeRosear offering second.    Motion approved by roll call vote: Fulk-yes, DeRosear-yes, Neese-yes, Wilson-yes.  Time is 10:22 pm

Dr. Tobler queried board interest in scheduling a casual Saturday strategic planning event later in the fall with board members, senior, leadership team.  General consensus was in agreement and a date will be suggested.

Adjournment

Motion by Fulk to adjourn, with second by DeRosear.  Motion approved by majority vote.  Time is 10:22 pm.

The annual Hyde Reunion was held at the Grand Hall in Memphis on Sunday, July 16, 2017.  60 descendants of Hollis and Nellie Hyde and Virgil and Helen Hyde gathered to enjoy the meal catered by Elaine Forrester and the Rutledge School Restoration Committee.  They spent the afternoon  visiting, watching a CD of pictures put together by Delores Hyde, and reminiscing.

Those in attendance were Mr. and Mrs. Fred Bertram of Gorin.  Tina Townsend, Joshua and Danielle of Wyaconda.  Tim Bertram, and Chloe,  of Kahoka.   Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Waterman  and Taylor of Donnellson, Iowa.  Bradley Waterman  of Tipton, Iowa.  Mr. and Mrs. Leland Hyde, Mr. and Mrs.  Richie Radar, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Hyde, Mary Morgan,  Morgan Sites, Annette and Dustin Humphrey, all of Memphis.  Mr. and Mrs. Don Bundy, and Vanessa Bowlin of Blue Springs, MO.  Mr. and Mrs. Norman Hughes, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Thompson, and  Jessica , of Kirksville.  Nick Smith of Green City.  Mr. and Mrs. Gary Winkler, Brittany and Allie, and Alex Cosby of Macon, MO.  Bob Moore, Mr. and Mrs. Gary Twitchell of Keokuk, Iowa.  Kathy Hyde of Conway, MO.  Mr. and Mrs. Casey  Hull, Addie and Maddox of Leawood, KS.  Margaret Hyde, John Gauld IV and John Gauld V of Independence, MO.  Mr. and Mrs. Mark Bundy, Nick and Eli Bundy, Stephen and Megan Bundy and Camron of Lee’s Summit, MO.  Maurice Hyde of El Dora, Iowa.  Connie Hyde, Richard Hyde, Marcus Hyde, Tobias Hyde, Michaela Newberry, and Oakley Hyde of Luray.  Mr. and Mrs. Jim Bass of Marina, CA.

Mr. Gary Winkler offered the blessing on the meal.

The next Hyde family reunion will be held July 15, 2018.

Health Departments across the state of Missouri have announced support of the recent executive order by Missouri Governor Eric Greitens targeting the growing opiod epidemic.

Scotland County Health Department Director Margaret Curry shared a state health department release, highlighting the fact the opioid crisis in Missouri has reached epidemic proportions.

According to the state health department, in 2016, there were 908 opioid- or heroin-related deaths in the state a 35% increase over 2015.

An average of 2.5 people overdosed and died every day last year, compared with 1.8 the year before. One out of every 66 deaths in the state was due to opioid or opiate abuse in 2016 – a significant increase from 2015 when one out of every 89 deaths were opioid-related.

St. Louis County is one of the hardest-hit parts of the state. In 2016, 237 overdoses were attributed to heroin, prescription drug abuse or synthesized opioids such as fentanyl. In 2015, that number was ­­­141, indicating a 68% increase. In the City of St. Louis, there were 182 such overdoses in 2016 compared to 93 the year before—a 96% increase.

“We are incredibly appreciative that Governor Greitens has signed an executive order today instructing us to institute a prescription drug monitoring program,” said Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services director Randall Williams, MD. “The department will be entering into agreements with private companies to perform sophisticated analyses of the prescribing and dispensing data they hold. We think this is a better iteration of present models which can impose burdens on those who are doing what they’re supposed to do, and allows us to focus on those who are perpetuating the crisis.

“Governor Greitens has charged his cabinet with taking a coordinated, integrated and innovative approach to helping all those families and individuals affected by the opioids crisis,” he continued. “We have traveled throughout the state and listened to the many ways this has affected Missourians; it is our goal to help people not face this challenge alone.”

This collaborative initiative is being launched with a series of nine Opioid Summits around the state, designed to bring awareness to the issue, spur innovative action and address the specific problems found in different communities throughout Missouri.

The kick-off summit was held in Springfield on July 20. Led by Dr. Williams, the summit was an opportunity for leaders from a variety of sectors—first responders, health care, the faith community, nonprofits and government—to discuss the opioid crisis and the best interventions moving forward, while taking in feedback from the community members most affected by the crisis.

Confirmed city and locations for additional Opioid Summits:

September 6: Poplar Bluff, Mount Calvary Powerhouse Church, 1875 Speedway Dr, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901

September 12: Cape Girardeau, Show Me Center, 1333 N Sprigg St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

October 17: Joplin, Missouri Southern State University, 3950 Newman Rd, Joplin, MO 64801

November 7: Kirksville, Truman State University, 100 E Normal St, Kirksville, MO 63501

November 29: Columbia, Courtyard by Marriot, 3301 Lemone Industrial Blvd. Columbia, MO 65201

St. Louis, St. Joseph, and Kansas City dates and locations to be determined.

FIVE YEARS AGO

The traditional attire of Catholic nuns is called a habit.  While many of the characters in the upcoming Memphis Community Players’ summer production will be adorned in the customary nun garb, the play’s title, “Drinking Habits” reveals that this isn’t your everyday convent.

Cast members include Lynnette Dyer, Angela Westhoff, Lori Fulk, Joe Fulk, Brooke Wineinger, Jeff Dyer, Teresa Cotton and George Koontz.

Sheila Berkowitz is directing the performance.  Members of the production staff include Lois Bertram, Harlo Donelson, JoAnn Peters, Pam Shalley, Allen Shelley, Kim Smith, and Frank Wineinger.

TEN YEARS AGO

On July 16th Scotland County R-1 Transportation Director Dennis Robertson reported that the school’s bus fleet had been burglarized.  In all, seven different buses were broken into, and the thief or thieves made off with a number of first aid kits.

The Memphis Swimming Pool was also the site of a break-in that occurred the evening of the 16th or in the early morning hours of the 17th.  Pool manager Tonya Hunt reported the break in at 9:10 a.m. on July 17th.  The burglar(s) gained entry to the concession stand by removing a window.  The door was also kicked in.  Approximately $100 in cash was taken as well as various food items.

On July 18th a vehicle parked in the 500 block of Maple Street was broken into.  Owner Lytisha Kelley reported numerous CDs were stolen from the 1998 Corolla.

The investigation continues into these thefts.

The police department reported an arrest was made July 16th following vandalism on the city square.  One juvenile was arrested and a second was detained after a park bench was allegedly destroyed by the two youths.

20 YEARS AGO

Darrin “Darcie” Drummond was named the winner in the Scotland County Fair’s Woman-less Queen Contest.  Other members of his court were First Runner-Up Vance “Vanessa” Frederick, 2nd Runner-Up Shawn “Shawna” Douglas, and Miss Congeniality Adam “Adell” Norton.  Other contestants were Tom Matlock, Ed Hogarth, Ralph Small, Wayne Winn, Mike Steeples, Kelly Spray and Mark Drummond.

30 YEARS AGO

Everett Keith, owner of Keith’s Café, Memphis, was recently honored by the Scotland County Rotary Club with the 1987 Community Service Award.

Keith opened his first business in 1949, where the Woodshop is now located.  In 1951 he moved to the present location at the corner of Highway 136 and Business 136.  He and his wife, Zelda, have made a name for themselves nation-wide, for the good steaks and good food served at Keith’s Café.

A very modest man, who quite often requests no mention of his donations be made, Keith was selected for the award for his generosity and help given to the community and individuals in the community.

40 YEARS AGO

Rachel Blaine of the Rutledge 4-H Club and Warren Miller of the Azen 4-H Club were crowned Queen and King of this year’s Scotland County Fair.

Karen Erickson was crowned as Princess and Bryan Johnston, Prince, both from the Rutledge 4-H Club.

The Scotland County 4-H Council initiated this program to recognize some of the hard working 4-H members and to raise money for the 4-H Council.

Winners were selected by “out of county” judges through interviews during Achievement Day.

50 YEARS AGO

A special award was presented June 7, 1967, to Kenneth Holman, who is employed at Gene’s DX Service in Arbela.

The award, a plaque bearing two uncirculated silver dollars, two Kennedy half-dollars, and a specially minted commemorative coin set in an automotive engine design, was presented for exceptional customer service by a representative of The Gates Rubber Company.

60 YEARS AGO

At about 9:00 last night fire was discovered in one of the tents on the south side of the midway at the fairgrounds.

The fire department was called immediately.  Two booths were destroyed and a third damaged in its removal from the area of the fire.

Mr. Thomas, owner of the shows, estimated the damage between $500-$600.  The cause of the blaze was undetermined.

The new power unit at the municipal light plant began operation Friday following a few days of testing.  The new engine is a eight-cylinder opposed piston type with 1,280 horsepower and an output of 900 kilowatts and will be in use most of the time, according to John Simpson, superintendent of lights.

70 YEARS AGO

Reports were prevalent in Memphis Tuesday morning that a flying saucer had been seen over Memphis early in the morning which looked like it was about to land.

Floyd Burgess, who is dairy herdsman on the Dr. C. M. Browning farm just north of Memphis, found a large plastic weather balloon caught in a fence on the farm.  He gathered up the balloon and the instrument and brought them to the house.  Several people went to the farm and saw it.

The balloon was made of transparent plastic, was about 25 feet long and when inflated, looked as though it might have been from 12 to 18 feet across.  The instrument was in a small weather proofed cardboard box suspended by strings from a 12 inch hoop at the bottom of the balloon.

Bruce Kenneth Tague, 88, of Wyaconda, formerly of Gorin, died Sunday morning, July 23, 2017 at Scotland County Hospital in Memphis.

He was born the son of Charley Evert and Elsie L. (Boltz) Tague on February 26, 1929 in Gorin.

He graduated from the Gorin High School in 1947.   Bruce served in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood.  He was a 50 year Mason, a member of the Memphis A.F. & A.M. Lodge #16 in Memphis.

Bruce married the former Vera Olean Welker on January 28, 1961 in Williamstown.  She preceded him in death on October 28, 2016.

Bruce farmed and worked as a land improvement contractor.   The Tagues were involved for many years in LICA (Land Improvement Contractors of America) and traveled extensively, including to Hawaii as part of LICA.

He was preceded in death by: his wife; parents; brothers, Evert, Richard, Weldon and Jean Tague; sisters, Alice (Tague) Snyder and a sister who died in infancy; a nephew whom he considered a grandson, Will See; brothers-in-law Harry Snyder, Jim Brown, Russell Parsons, Jack Green, Gene Cooper, Cecil Hicks and Bob Crandall; sisters-in-law, D.J. Tague, Evelyn Tague, Lena Dell (Sadie) Tague, Demma Tague and Mona Tague.

He is survived by: his children, Charles William Tague of Hurdland, Mikel See (Tammy) Tague of Wyaconda; Edward Lee (Louella) Tague of Rutledge, and Carla June (Kenneth) Fox of Kirksville; daughter-in-law, Paula Tague, of Kirksville; brother, Don “Buck” Tague of Gorin; sisters, Grace Brown of Memphis, Ruth Tague of Edina, and Vera Crandall of Wayland; sister-in-law, Charlene (Ed) See of Gorin; grandchildren, Alicia (Paul) Stanley of Silt, CO, Melanie Tague of Hurdland, Mitch (Terri) Tague of Luray, Hayley (David) Mann of Bowen, IL, Luke (Amanda) King of St. Francisville, Matthew Tague and fiancé Jessica Clark of Cedar Rapids, IA, Logan and Steven Webster of Wyaconda, Stephanie (Les) Richmond of Memphis, Andrew (Brandi) Tague of Baring, Ashley (Sabe) Sears of Arbela, Jared Fox of Raytown, MO, John (Christina) Fox of Edina and Jessica (Brady) McMann of Kirksville; a nephew he considered a grandson, Nathen See and his daughter Paizley of LaPlata; great-grandchildren, Syndey and Alexa Stanley, Olivia and Tristan Tague, Vivian and Waylon Mann, Timerland King, Kade, Tayte and Urijah Richmond, Levi and Carson Tague, Hallie and Ellie Jo Sears, Marissa and Kaden McMann, Alyssa Murr and Xavier “Fred” Davidson; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, July 27 at the Gerth Funeral Chapel with Bubba Eder, Larry Howell and Jim Campbell officiating.  Kathy Campbell and Becky Zahn will perform a musical tribute.   Burial will be in the Gorin Cemetery.

Visitation is from 12-7, with the family present from 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, July 26 at the Gerth Funeral Home.   A masonic service will be held at 7 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to the Gorin Cemetery and can be left at or mailed to the Gerth Funeral Service, 115 S. Main St., Memphis, MO 63555.

Condolences may be sent to the Tague family by signing the online guest book at www.gerthfuneralservice.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Gerth Funeral Service.

Danny Eugene Simerl, 54, of Brock, Missouri, passed into the hands of God and his Angels on Tuesday afternoon, July 18, 2017, following a prolonged illness.

The first son of Jackie Eugene Simerl and Nora (Levonne) Greene, Danny was born February 28, 1963, at Saint Elizabeth Hospital in Hannibal, Missouri. A lifelong resident of Northeast Missouri, Danny married Kimberly Bowens in Memphis, Missouri. To this union a son, Cory, was born. The marriage later ended in divorce.

Danny was a car salesman by trade, first working for Sill Motors where he made top salesman several quarters in a row. He also worked for Beeler Motors and then he opened his own car dealership, Pioneer Bargains, where he had a wholesale store on the side. He helped many people in the area to get vehicles who couldn’t afford them by taking scheduled payments over time.

Danny loved his family, they meant the world to him and nothing was more important. He loved the days of hunting and fishing with all the “GANG” of kids that he raised or helped to raise. He had a sense of humor and a zest for life. He was always joking or playing jokes. He was known as the family comedian. Danny was almost a mirror image of his father “Big Jack”, and they both had a heart that was larger than life and full of love. He also followed in his father’s footsteps as an exceptional mechanic and as an occasional seasonal Santa Claus, a part played well by both with their bellies that giggled and a jolly laugh.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Junior and Marja (Stone) Simerl of Memphis, Joe and Leona Pence of Memphis and Betty Pence of Memphis, father Jack Simerl of Memphis, an Uncle R.L. Greene of California, and a brother-in-law Hughie Cline of Memphis.

He is survived by his son: Cory (Shelly) of Portland, TX; his adopted daughter: Amanda Shinn of Memphis; his grandchildren Alexis, Keira, Traevin, Camdyn, Kaliann, his mother Levonne Simerl of Brock community north of Memphis; his sister: Kathy (Doug) Lanphier of Memphis; a brother, Steve (Lori) Simerl of Fulton; two aunts: Leola Shuck of Warrenton, MO and Leota Cundiff of Brashear, MO; one uncle: Jim (Virginia) Simerl of Memphis along with numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and his best friend forever and side kick, Oscar (the wiener dog).

Cremated rites were accorded per his wishes and a memorial service was held at 1:30 PM, Saturday, 22 July 2017, at Payne Funeral Chapel in Memphis. Officiating the service was Pastor Larry Smith.

There will never be another like you… my strength…my rock… my hero…my Dad…Love You, Cory, Shelly and Amanda.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Danny’s name at Payne Funeral Chapel, 202 East Madison Street, Memphis, MO 63555. All donations will assist family members in paying funeral expenses.

Online condolences may be made to the family by logging onto Payne’s website at www.paynefuneralchapel.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of the Payne Funeral Chapel in Memphis.

MENU

Thursday, July 27 – Roast Pork, Mashed Potatoes/Gravy, Green Beans, Cranberry Sauce, Ice Cream

Friday, July 28 – BBQ Fish Fillet, Macaroni Salad, Baked Beans, Cornbread, Strawberry Shortcake.

Monday, July 31 – Chicken Strips, Scalloped Cabbage, Buttered Carrots, Bread, Watermelon, Cantaloupe

Tuesday, August 1 – Tenderloin/Bun, Onion Slice, Pasta Veggie Salad, Green Beans, Watermelon, Cantaloupe

Wednesday, August 2 – Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes/Gravy, Spinach, Hot Roll, Jell-O and Fruit

Thursday, August 3 – Taco Salad, Lettuce, Beans/Chips, Tomatoes, Peas, Applesauce, Cookie

ACTIVITIES

Thursday, July 27 –Card Party at 5:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 3 – Card party at 5:00 p.m.