Progress, A Great Place To Work 2022

SPRING 2022 • Laclede County, Missouri - A Great Place To Work 1
TABLE OF 49 YEARS
Contents
7
10
Marie Lorenz, Bennett Spring Dining Lodge
Brian Esther, Commerce Bank
of bringing you
affordable, luxurious
flooring in Laclede Co.
12 Richard Peterson, The Durham Company

16 Sherri Hicks, First State Community Bank
20 Gary Helton, Helton's Home Furnishings
24 Enos Hawkins, Heritage Tractor
26 Michelle Mizer, Lake Regional Clinic
30 Mike Bowling, City of Lebanon
32 Rodney Northrip, Lowe Boats
40 Shannon Jones & Ann Marie O'Brien, The Lunchbox Cafe
44 Larry Gregory, MFA Agri-Services
48 Mike Cheek, Laclede County Purchasing Agent COME SEE US FOR ALL
50 Shelby Cole, Ed Morse Chevrolet YOUR COUNTERTOP AND
FLOORING NEEDS!
54 Mike Kafenburger, Fantasy Threads
56 Maxine Kincheloe, Holman-Howe Funeral Home
60 Sandy Sample, Joel E. Barber 417-532-3118
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62 Craig Reeves, Lebanon High School

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66 Renee Westbrook-Durbin, Lowe's Home Improvement Store
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68 Stephen Brown, Swiss Inn Drive-In Right in the Heart of Downtown next to the Post Office
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2 Laclede County, Missouri - A Great Place To Work • SPRING 2022
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Longtime employees are the

unsung heroes of our economy
By: Fines Massey
Laclede County is home to a stranger to longtime “I have enjoyed my work at Department. While there he
hundreds of jobs - some employees. Several people the newspaper through the helped compose ads the old
you probably deal with all have spent huge chunks if years and have worked with fashioned way, cutting and
the time and others that are not all of their working life many great people that I am pasting them onto special
manufacturing goods that doing their part to make proud to call boards to be printed rather
are sold around the world. sure the people of Laclede my friends,” than on a
Several of these businesses County stay up to date on Kirk recently “I arrived thinking computer as
can boast about employees the latest news and events said when I’d work here for it is done
who have spent many years in the community. The two asked about three or four years, today.
with them. We at the Laclede longest running employees why he’d worked but I liked the people Kirk has
County Record wanted of the Lebanon Publishing at the newspaper I worked with and followed the
to give those longtime Company, the newspaper’s for so long. “I am the area was close newspaper
employees the recognition parent company, are a still in contact with to my hometown in through three
that they deserve. The men couple guys you are used people that I started locations.
Warsaw...I enjoyed
and women you’ll read to seeing in the newspaper working with in When he
about in these pages are every publication - Kirk 1972. I have
getting to know the
area and telling the started at the
the unsung heroes of our Pearce and Steve Smith. enjoyed my work newspaper,
community. Without these Kirk has worked at the and one thing that community’s story in it was at
people who fulfill roles in newspaper since he was I like is that there the local newspaper.” its original
our area from teaching a teenager. He joined is something new - Steve Smith 120 E.
our children to cooking our the newspaper in 1972. happening every Commercial St. location,
food, our community just This summer will mark his day.” which also housed the
wouldn’t be what it is today. 50th anniversary as an Kirk started in the Lebanon KLWT radio station. The
The Record itself isn’t employee. Daily Record’s Ad next year, the newspaper
Fines Massey Chris Roden Laura Valenti Jennifer Early Shawna Bradley
LCR Editor LCR Reporter LCR Columnist LCR Advertising Director LCR Graphic Designer
moved to a facility on South in Richland, grew up in where he served as editor. thank you to Kirk and
Madison Avenue, which is Warsaw. He is the son of the After the Mirror closed in Steve. We couldn’t tell the
now owned by MFA. The late Darrell and Marie Smith. 2017, Steve became a stories about our community
newspaper made He has two reporter for the Laclede or chronicle its history without
its final move brothers. County Record. them.
to its current I have enjoyed After high “I arrived thinking I’d work We also want to remind the
l o c a t i o n my work at the s c h o o l , here for three or four years,
at 100 E. newspaper through Steve earned business community that
but I liked the people I worked it doesn’t take a special
Commercial, the years and have a print with and the area was close
where he still helps worked with many journalism publication to shine a
to my hometown in Warsaw,” spotlight on the workforce in
with the Laclede great people that degree from Steve said about his time
County Record’s two I am proud to call the University our county. We encourage
with the company. “I enjoyed businesses to send us photos
weekly newspapers. my friends...I am of Central getting to know the area and
Missouri. of employees celebrating
Kirk no longer still in contact with telling the community’s story anniversaries, promotions
makes ads, but he people that I started B e f o r e in the local newspaper.” and retirements. If you have
is responsible for working with in 1972. h e a d i n g While we are thankful for all an employee you want to
two important things I have enjoyed my south, Steve of the employees featured brag on, please email us
at the newspaper work and one thing worked as a in this special information and pictures to
- obituaries and reporter and publication, editor@laclederecord.com.
historical features.
that I like is that editor at we want
Along with writing there is something the Platte to give a
up obituaries every new happening every C o u n t y special
day, Kirk has two day.” - Kirk Pearce Citizen,
of the most popular a weekly
weekly features at the newspaper. He later
newspaper - “A Look Back” worked at the Smithville
and “Pics From the Past.” newspaper, which is close
Kirk has been a history buff to Platte City.
for most of his life, and his He started his career at
features showcase that love. Lebanon Publishing
The Record staff and our with a job at the
readers aren’t the only Pulaski County
ones who have noticed D e m o c r a t
how important Kirk is to our and Richland
community. He is also the Mirror. He
recipient of the Hometown continued
Hero Award from the to work
American Red Cross and was for those
placed on the Wall of Honor publications
in 2016. when they
Steve Smith has been with moved to
Lebanon Publishing Company St. Robert
for just over 20 years. Steve a n d
worked for newspapers in merged to
southwest Missouri and the become
Kansas City area before t h e
heading to this area. Pulaski
County
Steve, who now lives M i r r o r, Kirk Pearce and Steve Smith
BENNETT SPRING
DINING LODGE manager
Marie
Lorenz
MARIE LORENZ: BENNETT SPRING

DINING LODGE MANAGER
Story and pictures by Laura L. Valenti
" I went to work as a server

at the Bennett Spring
Dining Lodge for Jack and
when the park and the Dining
Lodge are closed, it makes
you anxious to come back and
admit that having relatives
working for you is not always
easy.
to the customers in a timely
fashion, whatever—you have
to do it right. The difference
Virginia Rogers in 1991. I catch up on what’s been going “Everyone thinks that they get is when you are a server, you
had worked for them as a on in everyone else’s world.” away with everything when do your job and go home and
bookkeeper in the 1980s at In the last year or two, Marie your kids or grandkids work don’t think about it again until
his previous restaurant, Mr. admits that like everyone else for you but that simply is not you have to go back to work.
Jack’s Steak House, located hiring right now, she’s faced true.” When you run it, you have all
where the American Legion the challenge of not enough She continued. “I think the headaches,” she added
is now. They were the Dining workers. “I think the people running a restaurant is with a laugh.
Lodge managers at that time who come to Bennett are always pretty much the same, She concluded. “Of all the
working for Jim Rogers, their different, I don’t know, they no matter where you are, jobs here, my favorite is still
son, who has been the Bennett are just more patient and whatever type you have. It’s being out front, as a hostess
Spring concessionaire since understanding, if they have always the same problems, or server, out there with the
1980. to wait a bit, because they getting enough servers, cooks, people. That is definitely the
“Since then, I’ve been a know we are short-staffed. dish washers, get the food out best part of this job.”
hostess at the Dining Lodge, a My customers are really good
waitress, a breakfast cook, a about that.”
dish washer, the first person Marie sees many of her
to arrive there at 5 am to get customers who return, year
it open...in other words, I’ve after year, become friends as
done it all.” well as patrons
W h e n Of all the jobs here, of Bennett
Jack and my favorite is still Spring and its
Virginia amenities. “I
retired,
being out front, as a have customers
Donna Lorenz, hostess or server, out who come back,
Marie’s mother there with the people. year after year.
took over as That is definitely the You get to know
manager and best part of this job.” them, watch their
remained in that kids grow up—
position for the I’ve even been
next 12 years. Marie worked invited to a wedding. Then
for her for many of those years. you watch those kids as they
“When I think back, I can’t have their kids and they all
believe it’s been that long. keep coming back to Bennett.”
What makes it all worth it, are Marie has a son, Robert who
the people. Jim and Carmen owns his own dump truck and
(Rogers), for instance, are the a daughter, Raedawna who
best. I couldn’t ask for better works as a waitress at the
bosses. If they weren’t, I’d Dining Lodge and has done
never have been here this so since she was 15. She’s
long.” also had her grandchildren
She continued. “Being off working for her at different
for 4 months each winter, times. Marie is the first to
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commerce bank
Brian
Esther
Brian Esther has turned customers

into friends at his bank
Story and pictures by Chris Roden
B rian Esther is winding

down his career as the
Lebanon market president
pork packing business.
After graduating from LHS in
1976 and MU in 1980, he
many home mortgage loans
as well as loans to agriculture
customers.
activities like tending his
cattle, walking and taking
care of his properties to offset
with Commerce Bank. started a commodity futures Esther said that the bank his sedentary time behind his
"At some point, you just brokerage and a livestock followed a shifting center desk at Commerce Bank
know that the time is right,” dealership for about four of economic activity from “I think that’s important.
Esther said. years before going to work at Commercial Street and the You’ve got to keep moving,”
When he retires at the end Commerce Bank. railroad that fed so many he said.
of February, he will be a He started off in accounting, businesses to the bank’s One way he keeps moving
few months shy of a 38 year taking on new duties and current location at the junction is on a motorcycle. After
banking career that started in learning about many areas of Missouri 32 and Missouri years of riding street bikes
July of 1984. of banking 5. with his son Cody, Esther now
Esther saw firsthand what
banks could do when, at
over the
years.
Being He is proud of
the bank’s new
rides street bikes. He and his
wife, Cindy, have been on
13, he deposited his first To d a y, part of an facilities with short trips, taking his bike to
the East Coast or west to the
paycheck from his 75 cents
an hour job in a passbook
E s t h e r ’s
m a i n
organizational its young, well-
trained staff all mountains to see the scenery
savings account to save up for function is to head culture under one roof. there.
a vehicle when he turned 16. the commercial He believes it Esther does not have any
With a little help from his division. that keeps is important to definite plans for his post-
parents, his savings made He has seen employees be involved in retirement years besides
that happen. improvements in the community being more accessible to his
As a youth, Esther was banking over the engaged and whether it is family of kids, grandkids and
impressed by the bankers
that were involved with and
years.
“It seems like the
enabled to being a member
of a group or
a great-grandaughter.
He has accumulated a lot of
supported activities like Little changes continue provide a great simply looking memories over the years.
League Baseball, high school
band and sports, horse shows
to experience for
accelerate,
and technology
out for neighbors.
“That’s what we
“Being part of
organizational culture that
an
and churches. is driving that,” our customers have in our town keeps employees engaged
“I had two uncles, James Esther said. that I hope we and enabled to provide a
Vernon and Kinder Esther, COVID-19 made is what I will never lose, that great experience for our
that worked at Commerce that technological remember. caring attitude customers is what I will
Bank and were bank innovation a for each other,” remember. Many customers
Presidents during the 70’s, valuable one since Many Esther said. have become great friends,”
and I saw first-hand how
involved they were. A career
customers could
do their banking
customers in
His interest
community
Esther said.
His time at Commerce Bank
that encouraged you to be online and Esther have become involvement has paid off on his efforts with
involved in the community
appealed to me,” Esther said.
could work from
home.
great friends.” shows in his nine
year stint on the
interest.
“I really enjoyed being in the
Before his focus was on Besides the Lebanon R-3 Lebanon community, and I’m
banks, it was on beef. commercial School Board just excited to see our town
Esther grew up on a livestock angle that Esther oversees, and 35 years in the Rotary continue to grow and do
farm. His dad was a livestock Commerce Bank has also Club. well,” Esther said.
dealer who had a beef and impacted the community with Esther enjoys physical
the durham company
Richard
Peterson
Richard Peterson likes problem

solving at Durham
R ichard Peterson has

spent nearly 50 years
working for The Durham
He gained experience on
most of the machines quickly.
"Within the first year, I could
Several of his high school
friends applied and were
hired at about the same time
City Chiefs fan.
"I've followed them pretty
hard over the years," Peterson
Company. He spent his first run almost every machine in he was. Consequently, he had said.
25 years at the Lebanon plant the plant," Peterson said. built in friends at work. Not that they have
and is about to complete He kept all his fingers but And he was hired for the disappointed him sometimes.
another 25 at a Houston experienced a few cuts. coveted day shift. "I'm always right back in
plant. "It always seemed like I "I was fortunate to be on day behind them the next year,"
As vice-president in product needed to be careful around a shift the whole time," Peterson Peterson said.
management of the pad holiday because that's always said. He has been married for
mount division, Peterson is when you'd cut yourself just in Peterson said finding people 44 years to "a wonderful
considered the plant manager time," Peterson said. that are willing to work is a woman" named Janet, and
there. His skill set current challenge. they have two kids, David
He began working for The was a match We were farm However, he has and Amy.
Durham Company about 13 for his work kids, and we noticed an increase in Peterson is considering a
years after it started in 1959. at Durham. were taught the newer generation's June 3, retirement two days
The Durham Company "I like problem computer skills, which after reaching his 50 year
specializes in making metal solving, and to work hard. is helpful since most of mark.
electrical enclosures. The there's always a lot Keep your Durham's machinery is He sometimes wonders what
electric meter on light poles or of problems here," nose to the computer controlled. life would be like if he had
houses are often products of he said. grindstone, and Some of the machines worked at a different business
The Durham Company. They Although he hated you'll make cost as much as $1.5 in Lebanon. He comes to the
also make communication, having a machine million. same conclusion each time.
signal and specialty go down, he was something Peterson said new He is in the right place for
enclosures. happy to use his of yourself. I machinery gets added him.
Many of the big concrete farm kid skills to think we all on a regular basis at And his childhood helped
pad mounted boxes in get it running. did." the Houston plant. prepare him for his Durham
the area are The Durham "[We would] just "Expansion is always experience.
Company products, although do whatever it took on the horizon," "We were farm kids, and
they are designed not to be to make things happen, and Peterson said. we were taught to work
distracting and, consequently, I've done that for 50 years," In his spare time, he is a hard. Keep your nose to the
are painted light gray. Peterson said. crappie and bass fisherman grindstone, and you'll make
Peterson worked at Duard When he first began who also likes to walleye fish something of yourself. I think
Johnson's service center for working at Houston, the plant in Canada once a year. we all did," Peterson said.
two years during high school employed 30 – 35 people. "From here to there, it's After five decades feeling
before he graduated LHS in Now the Houston plant 1,500 miles. We drive it non- the grindstone's burn, Richard
1972. employs around 300 people stop and can't wait to get Peterson is still happy.
He began at Durham as a versus the 350 or so Lebanon there. The last two years we "Durham has been a
press operator trying to fill a plant employees that are haven't been able to go up fantastic place for me, and
huge barrel with small parts working in three shifts. because of COVID. So far this I've enjoyed working here,"
before switching to a press Luck was on his side in year, it looks like we might get Peterson said.
break two days later to bend several ways when he started to go," Peterson said.
metal. at Durham. Peterson is also a Kansas
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first state
community bank
Sherri
Hicks
Sherri Hicks likes the face to face

interaction with customers
S herri Hicks has worked

in most of First State
Community Bank’s locations
teller with a three year stint in
new accounts in the 80s, but
has spent the bulk of her 43
a more formal approach
interrupted by jeans on casual
Fridays, which employees pay
to manually post transactions
and keep ledgers and hand
file and put statements together
and many of its departments years with the bank as a teller to do as a fundraiser for those to hand postage them,” Hicks
at some time or another. or teller manager. that need it. said.
For almost all of her “It may be playing with the “This bank is big on giving,” Automation has even affected
banking career, her job has money. Maybe that’s what Hicks said. a banking tradition, the check
meant interacting with bank I like,” she In its Central Bank book.
customers. joked. incarnation, it was one of the “Now you can open a
“For the most part, it’s always She almost first banks checking account and don’t
been face to face with the w e n t to offer an even need checks. A lot of
customers. I like that. I hope another I would love automatic individual accounts, they just
route when t e l l e r
they like me,” Hicks said.
Despite the opportunity to do a teacher to RV. That machine, a
get a debit card, and they
could care less about those
a lot of their business online,
customers still come inside the
her junior year
suggested she work may not novel idea
that the bank
checks,” Hicks said.
Despite the availability of
bank to chat up the tellers and
other employees.
at McDonald’s for
her after school
sound exciting took
steps
extra
to
automation and checking
her personal account online,
“We love to do business with
our customers. They don’t just
job since it aligned
more with her Vo-
to some, but I introduce.
Telly 24 was,
Hicks goes old school and
balances her checkbook each
come and do their business
and leave. Even in the drive-
Tech class.
“I’m glad I didn’t
do like to that. more or less,
the bank’s
month.
“I still balance that monthly
thru where it’s crazy busy, listen to her, and It’s a good way m a s c o t
tasked with
statement. It doesn’t feel right
they’re still going to find that I’ve been here since without it,” Hicks said.
time to talk, and we’re going then,” Hicks said. to stay with introducing Automated cash and coin
Hicks has seen a the ATM idea
to listen. That’s how we know
what they need,” Hicks said. lot of changes in family and to area kids.
counters have also sped up
the banking process.
She started with the bank her
senior year of high school,
the bank in her 43
years of work. not get out Hicks wore
the bulky and
She has plans for her post-
retirement life that begins in a
working evenings after school
cleaning the downstairs of
“When I first came
here, smoking
around a lot blockish Telly
24 suit to
few years, traveling plans.
“I would love to RV. That may
what was then, and until
2016, Central Bank.
was allowed. I
remember having
of people, so schools and
parades.
not sound exciting to some,
but I do like to that. It’s a
When the cleaning was
done, she helped out with
ash trays at all the
desks, all the teller
I enjoy doing “We actually
went around
good way to stay with family
and not get out around a lot
sorting checks to be sent out windows. Now we that.” to the schools
and saw the
of people, so I enjoy doing
with statements. wear face masks. that,” Hicks said.
After graduation, the bank We’ve gone from kids, usually Number one on her list of
asked her to work full time one extreme to another,” kindergarten and first grade retirement plans is simply not
in bookkeeping in the proof Hicks said. ... They were little, but they working.
department. The dress code has cycled soaked it up like a sponge,” “It’s time to stop sometime,
“I came upstairs to the teller between ties for the men Hicks said. but I enjoy it while I’m still
line, and I’ve been there ever and dresses and hosiery for Hicks worked in the pre- here. Love it. I couldn’t ask for
since,” Hicks said. the ladies to a more relaxed computer automation days. better,” Hicks said.
She interrupted her streak as expectation and back toward “I remember when we used
LET’S GET TO
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WORKFORCE
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Helton's home furnishings
Gary
Helton
'Good customer relationships' have kept

Helton in business for 50 years
I t has been 50 years since

Gary Helton became a
co-owner in the home furnishing
furniture store.
After adding their first addition,
their business doubled during
The freight elevator was a huge
improvement over the early days
when Gary and Larry hoisted
days.
He has four granddaughters,
a great grandson and a great
business. the first year. furniture upstairs. granddaughter. When he does
Prior to that, he learned the JC Benage with United Savings He has plenty of family working retire, he will spend more
business by working for his and Loan recommended they with him: His wife, Jonice, who time enjoying the three g’s:
father, Bob, at a company that buy the nearby house that had Gary said is a big part of the being a grandfather, a great-
began in the mid-sixties. been their grandparents’ home. business; his son Josh; their grandfather and a golfer in a
“I’m a graduate of BCU--Bob’s However, with limited funds daughter, Amy Rumfelt; and family that loves golfing.
Custom Upholstery,” Helton after building the addition, Amy’s daughter, Karley. He also enjoys trail riding,
said. Gary Helton had to initially Other family members found playing a fiddle occasionally
After leaving the Missouri decline. Benage then offered it their niche in the medical world. in the Dixie Hix band with trail
Army National Guard where on a lease-to-buy plan. His son Jon is an x-ray technician riding partner Clint Massey
he was trained as a cook, he “He did us one of the biggest at Lake Regional where his and singing in his church choir
bought the business from his favors anybody could ever do,” wife, Michelle, is a primary before COVID-19 postponed
dad in 1972. Helton said. care doctor in Camdenton and that opportunity.
His brother Larry joined him When business doubled a granddaughter is a nurse. In addition to La-Z-Boy, Helton
in the business in 1978 where because of the addition, it made Granddaughter Kaitlin Ivey is sells products from another local
they continued to do furniture the house purchase much easier. an R.N. business, Justice Furniture &
upholstery work. Consequently, the warehouse Plus, Helton has six employees Mattress.
In 1983 when the local La-Z-Boy space in the old home was well who deliver furniture in a 60- “You can’t buy better than
dealer was going used. mile radius. Justice. It’s as good as there is.
out of business, M a k i n g “You could never imagine the Angie Jackson takes really good
the Heltons saw an I enjoy the people. way for new great guys we've had work here care of us,” Helton said.
opportunity and Customer service has i n v e n t o r y over the years,” Helton said. He spends his time at the store
became the new just been something eventually Helton values delivering doing paperwork, meeting
dealers. The location, we’ve always done, meant ending excellent customer service as and greeting the public and, of
across north Jefferson and to stay in the upholstery well. course, sales.
from Walmart, now a business for 50 years, side of the “I enjoy the people. Customer Helton still goes out on the
Price Cutter store, meant you have to have business service has just been something occasional delivery and returns
high visibility. in 1998, we’ve always done, and to to his Bob’s Custom Upholstery
“Could there be a better
had good customer although he stay in business for 50 years, days by repairing a La-Z-Boy
location in this town for relationships.” still makes you have to have had good recliner.
us to start a La-Z-Boy repairs. customer relationships,” Helton “There’s nothing on a La-Z-Boy
business?” Helton said. Further additions followed, said. we can’t fix,” Helton said.
He wore a shirt that sported a including a two-story portion in Larry Helton and his wife, Thanks to the additions, the
Bob’s Custom Upholstery logo 2000 complete with a freight Beverly, retired in 2020 and Helton name was permanently
on one side and a Helton’s elevator for warehousing sold his interest in the business placed on both ends of a
Home Furnishing logo on the upstairs above the showroom. to Gary’s children. building that has seen the
other side. Thanks to an additional “I treat it like we’re all full expansion of the Helton clan
A bell signaled it was time warehouse on King Street, partners,” Gary Helton said. and the family business.
for Gary or Larry to stop Helton’s Home Furnishing has Helton, 68, is now a part-timer “We’re proud that it’s Helton’s,
upholstering and help customers over 200 La-Z-Boy recliners in who works often to give the and it’s going to stay Helton’s,”
in their 1,200 square foot stock. others their days off and sick Helton said.
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heritage tractor
Enos
Hawkins
ENOS HAWKINS: A LIFETIME SPENT

AT A SINGLE COMPANY
Story and pictures by Laura L. Valenti
A t age 17, Enos Hawkins

was working at the
Apco gas station next door
Farm & Lawn and finally,
the current owner Heritage
Tractor. They’ve all been
they needed. I also really
enjoyed traveling around and
seeing the countryside while
milked for 30 years. Today,
in conjunction with his wife,
Denice, his daughter, Leslie
to what was once the old Bell good but the best was Dooley selling tractors and related and his brother, Bruce he
Restaurant on East Elm Street Palmer because at that time, equipment.” raises Herefords crossed
when Roy Palmer, brother to it was strictly a family-owned Still, being back in the with Santa Gertrudis. They
Dooley Palmer, owner of the operation.” parts department in the 21st maintain a herd of 100 head
John Deere dealership asked Hawkins started in the parts century now, where he started on 600 acres in the Oakland
if he might like a job at the department, back before more than four decades area.
tractor store. When Hawkins computers, as he explained ago, doesn’t seem to bother “I’ve seen a lot of changes in
walked into the Palmer when they did everything Hawkins. this business over the years,”
dealership a f e w by hand and handled an “I’m now serving the kids and Hawkins concluded. “When I
days later, incoming part even the grandkids of many started, we had no computers
he never When I started, five times before of my original customers,” he and we did everything,
imagined he we had no turning it over laughed. “Now that makes including writing sales tickets,
would still be computers and we to the customer. me feel old!” by hand. We had one phone
there 45 years later. did everything, “Back then, I did In addition to selling tractors, line and we probably have 10
“I remember I went a parts inventory agricultural equipment and today.” He admits he thinks
to work for John
including writing every two weeks. the parts to keep them going, about retirement occasionally
Deere store here in sales tickets, by Now it’s every day Enos Hawkins has his own but in 2022, the beginning
Lebanon on June 7, hand. We had one and there are five agricultural operation. He of his 46th year, he still isn’t
1976, the Monday phone line and we of us doing parts, was raised on a dairy farm quite ready to make that
after Memorial probably have 10 and we still can’t where he and his family move....yet.
Day. I wasn’t even today." keep up!”
18 yet. They didn’t Hawkins started
even have a service manager in the parts department as a
back then. At the time, teenager but he didn’t stay
there were multiple different there. Over the years, he
tractor dealerships in town— has served the dealership as
International, Ford, Deutz. their service manager and a
John Deere is the only one of salesman and is now back in
those that is still here,” Enos parts.
explained. “Probably the best job was
In 45 years, Enos Hawkins as a salesman because I got
has worked for four different to travel to different area
company owners, including counties like Pulaski, Phelps,
his first, Dooley Palmer. Hickory, Webster, Polk,
“Dooley Palmer Jr. owned Wright, and Texas as well
Palmer Motor and Implement as Laclede County. I was
for 52 years and I worked able to go to the customers’
for him for 26 years. I’ve farms, actually see their
continued to work for the fields and the equipment
dealership when it was owned they had. Then, I could visit
by John Donald, then Larson with them about exactly what
lake regional clinic
Michelle
Mizer
Being a nurse is challenging

but rewarding for Mizer
L ebanon area residents

that seek medical help in
the Lake Regional Clinic will
said.
Of course, it is not just the
folks at Lake Regional that are
type.
“I do a lot with the boys. We
like to go camping. Of course,
She has seen the beginning of
the clinic in Lebanon and will
soon see the next step.
probably run into Michelle feeling the strain. I’m a boy mom, so I like all “We started out in 2018,
Mizer there. She is the lead “I feel like everywhere — those outdoor activities with and we have exceeded
clinic nurse and enjoys seeing clinics, ERs, hospitals — have them. My boys are kind of expectations here, and we
her patients through a wide been under a lot of stress just wild. They’re the dirt bike or just can’t wait for our new
range of maladies. due to the high volume of four-wheeler building to get here. They’re
Mizer began her career in patients and their illnesses and r a c i n g in the process
2008 at Mercy Hospital’s how sick they are from COVID b o y s , ” of building it,
emergency room before as well,” Mizer said. Mizer said. I feel like and just the
joining Lake Regional Clinic at
441 West Elm Street in 2018.
She said Lake Regional
Clinic has an informal way of
M i z e r
described
everywhere — oppor tunities
for patients and
The building also houses Lake helping their medical staff deal the best part of her clinics, ERs, specialties, it’s
Regional Express Care and
Lake Regional Occupational
with the emotional rigor of
dispensing health care during
job.
“Being in the clinic,
hospitals — going to be
great when it
Medicine the coronavirus crisis. we see repeat have been under gets here for our
Mizer is a lifelong Lebanon “We all talk. We huddle patients. We get to a lot of stress c o m m u n i t y, ”
resident who graduated from and meet every morning and build a relationship Mizer said.
Lebanon High School in 2006. talk about different things we with them, and it’s just due to the Mizer said
After completing two years of could do just to help with the nice to be able to high volume of the Elm Street
prerequisites, Mizer spent two stress in the clinic and better know them and location would
years in nursing school at Cox options we could do just to know their families patients and continue to
College in Springfield and help everybody and ourselves. and to be able to provide some
graduated in 2011. We are a great team here,” help them when
their illnesses services after
Even before she started her Mizer said. they’re in need,” and how sick the move to the
education, she had significant Patients share their Mizer said. new facility on
insight into what the nursing appreciation for the services The worst part for they are from Cowan Drive.
profession entails. Lake Regional provides in her is seeing the high COVID as well." Mizer is
“I have a lot of family, aunts Lebanon. volume of patients happy in her
and my mom, who are nurses, “They are very appreciative. due to COVID-19 role as the lead
so I grew up with that all my They are just happy to be able and helping with clinic nurse.
life ... and I really liked it,” to get in here and get the care those. “Lake Regional has been a
Mizer said. that they need,” Mizer said. Given the current variant great company to work for,”
COVID-19 has made her job Her husband, Brad Mizer, and and variants to come, Mizer Mizer said.
a little bit harder than in years his parents own Henderson thinks the cycle of a decrease She does not intend to pursue
past. Heating and Cooling in in coronavirus patients just a management position at this
“It’s very challenging. We’ve Lebanon. They are parents before an increase caused by time. She prefers to work in
been doing long, hard days to three boys ranging in age a new variant may be never the Lake Regional Clinic where
working, but we are making from three to nine. ending. she can interact with Lebanon
it. We are getting through it. “Three boys are a handful. I She works four days a week, area residents and learn about
We’re just trying to provide wouldn’t trade it for the world Monday through Thursday, them and their lives.
the best care we can with the though,” Mizer said. for Laura Seaman, a nurse- “It’s nice knowing them on
resources we have,” Mizer They are not the sedentary practitioner. that personal level,” she said.
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city of lebanon
Mike
Bowling
Bowling loves Lebanon and helping

it grow through his street work
M ike Bowling is one

of Lebanon’s most
streetwise gentlemen.
right’ or ‘This isn’t going to
work,’” Bowling said.
He and his crew prepare a
area more heavily than most
to accommodate the weight
of the fire trucks.
the faster pace of city work
compared to the Lebanon’s
Special Road District job he
He is the project manager new street’s site by digging For a time, new home worked after high school.
for the City of Lebanon’s it in and stabilizing it construction has been slow Consequently, he began
street department. before installing the curb in Lebanon. However, he pestering then Mayor
In November, he will mark and storm drains. They believes it is picking up as Kenneth Cowan for a job.
his 40th year of working also do asphalting on small will his workload. After a month, Cowan
for the city and plans for jobs, leaving the big jobs “That’s good for Lebanon, relented.
retirement in the next year or to Willard good for Bowling married his wife,
two unless he decides to stay Asphalt. us, good for Donnetta, shortly after high
in the job he loves. In addition “I love Lebanon. e v e r y b o d y, ” school. They have two sons,
“I’ve always liked working to
streets,
new It seems like Bowling said.
When he
Allen and Dustin, who each
here. It’s always been a have a boy and girl, giving
very good place to work,” B o w l i n g the younger first began Bowling the grandpa life.
Bowling said. updates the old ones generation all working with “I have a blast with them,”
As the project manager, by adding curbing. the department Bowling said.
Bowling reviews each He said he would wants to go in 1981, he He and Donnetta spend
incoming work plan, looking like to see every to Springfield was strip time jug fishing from a deck
for any potential problem street in Lebanon sealing streets boat and rent a place at the
areas before the work equipped with or somewhere and patching lake in the summers. He also
begins, which is important curbs. Currently, he anymore, but streets. He crappie fishes with a friend
when a chunk of the work believes that over I like a small moved up to a of his. And the grandkids
involves concrete work. half of the 100 foreman of a come for visits.
Each work day, he decides miles of streets now town. I like small crew and He is happy he chose
the specific work goal for that have them. watching it then assistant to work for the City of
day and what equipment will He has a crew of supervisor Lebanon’s street department.
be required before going out about 15. They grow. I like b e f o r e Although he has added
with them to supervise and often work with building becoming curbing to many of Lebanon’s
problem solve. Brad Boyer’s street the project streets, he cannot curb his
“If they have any problems maintenance crew. new streets, manager. enthusiasm for the small
or if anything breaks down, For example, both putting in the Bowling said town life and his opportunity
I just deal with the situations crews worked turnover in his to leave his mark on it with
that day and start it over the on pouring the subdivisions department is work that will far outlive him.
next day,” Bowling said. concrete for the and doing rare, making “I love Lebanon. It seems
Consequently, problem street entrance of his job easier like the younger generation
solving is a typical part of his the Lebanon Public things.” thanks to an all wants to go to Springfield
day. Safety Center, experienced or somewhere anymore,
“Usually when I get a phone commonly called Station 3. and knowledgeable crew. but I like a small town. I
call, it’s not just to talk about “That took a lot of guys. It Bowling’s father also like watching it grow. I like
the weather. It’s ‘We’ve hit was like a 45-yard pour,” worked for the city in the building new streets, putting
this’ or ‘What’s this over Bowling said. water department, which in the subdivisions and
here?’ or ‘This doesn’t look He said they poured that gave him some insight into doing things,” Bowling said.
lowe boats
Rodney
Northrip
Northrip says that welding is as

natural as riding a bike for him
R odney Northrip got

some advice from his
dad many years ago. "My
about 10 years in that role.
He has seen some changes
in his almost 48 years at
requires.
Northrip targeted one of the
benefits of doing the same
“Back then it was a basic
engine. Put gas in it and have
a battery for ignition, and
dad said you should try to Lowe Boats, including the first type of work for nearly five they would run generally.
work as long as you can,” paving of the parking lot, the decades. They would vibrate a lot,”
Northrip said. addition of several buildings “I’ve welded enough that I Northrip said.
Northrip, 72, took that and new boat lines. don’t have to think about what In addition to motorcycling,
advice to heart. Thanks to his daily drive, he I’m doing every second. ... he started lifting weights when
He began his long stint as has also seen I-44 has gotten Once you’ve got everything he was 40 and continues that
a welder at Lowe Boats in busier over the years. The tacked together, it’s almost activity as well as practicing
1973 after serving four years 1967 Stoutland High School like riding a bicycle. It’s just good nutrition habits.
in the Navy as an aviation grad continues to live there so natural,” Northrip said. “The main thing is just
hydraulic and still makes His wife, Linda, retired staying with it and doing
the drive from from Lowe Boats about five
technician
on a ground Part of the Stoutland to years ago. They met there
something,” Northrip said.
He also continues to cut
support
team. reason I Lowe Boats.
Northrip works
almost 20 years ago after
her husband passed away.
firewood.
“I think as long as you keep
As a
technician he honed stay here next to one of
the roll up doors.
They both have children from
previous marriages.
doing things like that, I think,
overall, it’s good for me,”
skills that would pay
off later. is it’s been That has two
consequences
At 72 he still rides
motorcycles.
Northrip said.
“Part of the reason I stay
“I was always able
to look at a diagram such a when it opens.
“In the winter
“I’ve done that since before
I went in the Navy,” Northrip
here is it’s been such a good
place to work. There’s a lot of
or a drawing and
figure out how to good place time, it gets
chilly quick,”
said.
His first motorcycle was a
good people here,” Northrip
said.
work on anything. It
just came natural to to work. Northrip said.
And the sunlight
1948 74 cubic inch Harley
Davidson he purchased at
His longevity makes his co-
workers and friends curious.
me,” Northrip said.
And he did some
There’s a causes
automatically
his 16. It was the first year of the
panhead engine. He still has
“People are always asking
me if I’m going to stay until
welding on both
steel and aluminum,
lot of good darkening
welding helmet
the bike. He also has a 2001
and a 2020 Harley that have
I’ve been here 50 years, and
May starts my 49th year.
which made the
transition to Lowe
people to black out,
making seeing
a more comfortable ride.
“I used to be quite a bit
I’m sort of watching how
the COVID goes and how
Boats an easier one.
He first came to
here.” a problem.
N o r t h r i p
tougher maybe when I rode
the old panhead. It was a
I’m feeling. If I don’t feel
like I could do a good job,
Lowe Boats because began work rigid frame, but I rode it I’ll probably go ahead and
they offered a two- at Lowe boats all over the country, rode it retire,” Northrip said.
week welding class. welding boat hulls but when I was in the Navy, rode Until then, Northrip is
“I’ve been welding on and transitioned to welding boat it to Florida,” Northrip said. working toward 50 years at
off ever since,” Northrip parts. Consequently, he can He appreciates the electric Lowe Boats.
said. weld sitting down part of the starter on the new bikes but “It’s been a good place
Northrip said he was a time instead of the standing- enjoys the simplicity of the to work over the years,”
group leader twice, tallying only welding that the hulls panhead. Northrip said.
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Join Become A Part

HR is actively recruiting for
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Our Of Our Story

FIRE
• Firefighter EMT/Paramedic
POLICE
e a m
• Police Officer I/II
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Many jobs include • Police Recruit
• Animal Control Officer (part-time)
Benefits • 401K • Retirement ADMINISTRATION
Full & Part Time Hours • Airport Maintenance Worker I
(part-time)
For more career opportunities with the City of Lebanon, PARKS
go to www.lebanonmissouri.org/jobs
• Maintenance Operations
www.lebanonmissouri.org Worker II
lunchbox cafe
Sha nnon J on es
& Ann M a rie
’O Brien.
Mother and daughter pair say work

is their home away from home
T he Lunch Box at 106 East

Commercial St. does not
have an official floor show.
“We go home everyday
crying. No, I’m lying. She’s
great,” O’Brien said.
worked with her mother.
They both worked together
previously at The West Side
“She calls me 24/7. She
had me a beautiful, beautiful
granddaughter a little over a
However, customers can “In my 20 years of Cafe beginning in 2015. year ago,” Jones said.
hear some entertaining and waitressing, I could not ask for O’Brien said she plans to If they have not seen their
light-hearted banter from a a better boss. She’s golden,” continue waitressing even regular local customers, they
mother-daughter waitressing Jones said. longer than her mother has. call them, especially the
duo, Shannon Jones and her “I think they’re great. I Jones has no plans to stop elderly.
daughter Ann Marie O’Brien. wouldn’t trade these two for even though her feet hurt a bit “We worry about them. To
“We fight all the time,” anything,” Apperson said. at the end of her shifts. me, being a waitress isn’t
O’Brien said. O’Brien “I’m 20 years in. I might as just being a waitress. There
“For the most part, we just targeted well finish it out,” Jones said. are several job descriptions
play. The customers love to the reason It is not in being a waitress. We’re a
see us bicker,” Jones said. she loves a l w a y s shoulder to cry on. We’re a
“They laugh at us all the
time,” O’Brien said.
working
there so
I really do easy work.
O’Brien said
friend to talk to,” Jones said.
“We’re a therapist. To me,
O’Brien has worked at The
Lunch Box since 2017. Jones
much.
“The people. I love
like coming she
on
was
hands
it’s not just about the tips or
whatever. Some of my favorite
started just three days earlier.
However, O’Brien, 25, states
the people. I’m a
big people person,”
into work. and
scrubbing
knees people have never left me a
dime, and I just have loved
that despite her seniority her
mom is not the boss of her,
O’Brien said.
Jones echoed her
It’s home the floor like
Cinderella
them,” O’Brien said.
Their compassion earns
merely her coworker.
“She’s very wrong, but she’s
daughter. “The
people. I love all of
away from with
toothbrush
a dividends.
They said customer Lester
the boss of everybody. Just
ask her,” her mom said.
my customers. They’re
like my family. I like
home. It is earlier in the
day.
“Fuzz” Barker shows up a
half hour before the 6 a.m.
“I am. I’m number one,”
O’Brien said.
my co-workers, and I
love the hours,” she
work, but it’s “It only had
two bristles
opening to start the coffee,
pull the chairs off the table
This entertainment is not
limited to mother and
said.
O’Brien said the
not. We have on it,” Jones
said.
and fill the ice machine before
serving them coffee.
daughter.
“All of our coworkers are
Gary’s Favorite
option was their most
a good time.” “It
more
had
than
O’Brien said on her last day
before her maternity leave
like one big family, so we
all banter back and forth all
popular
dish.
breakfast - Shannon two, and I
didn’t get
began, her regular customers
threw her a party with presents
day,” O’Brien said.
Tammy Apperson has owned of
“It’s a mountain
food,” Jones
Jones the whole
floor done,”
and others stopped by to see
her before her break from The
The Lunch Box for three years interjected. O’Brien Lunch Box.
and earned the respect of her “It’s a mountain said. It is a job they both love.
waitresses. of food topped with eggs,” After spending the day “I really do like coming into
“She’s horrible. Horrible!” O’Brien added. working together, they still work. It’s home away from
Jones said. O’Brien is a fourth generation keep in contact until work home. It is work, but it’s not.
“I am. I’m mean. I make them waitress. Jones’ mother and begins the next day with We have a good time,” Jones
work really hard,” Apperson grandmother also waitressed activities like shopping and said.
said. together. Jones also briefly calling on FaceTime.
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mfa agri-services
aL rry
Gregory
Larry Gregory has been at MFA for 14 years

I f a person cannot find

what they’re looking for at
Lebanon’s MFA Agri Services
them taken care of,” Gregory
said.
The new building was
Lloyd Gloe, a Marshfield
veterinarian.
“I worked for him on
He also raises cattle of his
own, hunts, fishes and spends
time with his kids.
on Jefferson Avenue, they designed to exactly fit his farm, raising contract “It’s kind of a balancing act,
should see Larry Gregory. the needs of the store’s Holstein heifers. I worked for getting all the bases covered,
He is a 14 year veteran operations and its customers. him for almost nine years. I but you just have to do the
of the store who monitors Consequently, despite the loss started here at MFA in March best you can,” Gregory said.
the store shelves, assessing of the familiar surroundings, of 2008,” Gregory said. He said there is some room
what needs to be ordered MFA was improved by the He said working at MFA for advancement at MFA.
as the shelves clear out. He disaster. and dealing with the atypical Gregory said that thanks to
also does special ordering “We love it. It’s supply chain has changed the good people with whom
for customers, which can nice. It’s the way he he works and the customers
be a difficult task thanks to been a interacts he would be happy to
COVID-19.
“Sometimes we can get our
They’re all with other
businesses.
eventually retire after a long
career at MFA.
hands on those items, but the
last few months with the way
blessing,
bad that we had
real easy to “It
me
helps
realize
“We’ve got some customers
that have been doing
the supply chain has been,
it’s been difficult at times. We
to get it this way,
but it’s been
get along and be more
understanding
business with us for decades
– 60 or 70 years. Some of
do what we can,” Gregory
said.
a blessing for
sure,” Gregory
with, and when I go
elsewhere for
them maybe longer than
that,” Gregory said.
He enjoys the flexibility of
his job, his coworkers, 20
said.
G r e g o r y
everybody’s auto parts or
tractor parts
Gregory does not foresee
any substantial changes to
or so, and the MFA store’s
management.
has a strong
agriculture
easy going. or something,
that if they
the MFA business structure.
“It will still have farm
“They’re all real easy to get
along with, and everybody’s
background
and formal
Good don’t have
them on hand,
supplies, hardware items
and just some home items
easy going. Good common
people,” Gregory said.
education.
He grew up
common I’m not like
‘Oh my gosh!
as well. We’ve got some
cleaners and all kinds of
He was still assigned to
the fertilizer plant when the
on a cow-calf
operation.
people.” Why can’t you
have them?
different household thing.
There’s something in here
February 2019 fire destroyed A 1997 LHS Why can’t for just about anybody,”
the previous incarnation g r a d u a t e , you get them?’ Gregory said.
of the main building on Gregory, 43, went to MSU, I’m understanding of that Job openings at MFA are
Jefferson Ave. SMSU at the time, and situation,” Gregory said. typically rare. Gregory
A temporary store was majored in animal science. Gregory is widower with believes that is because MFA
set up nearby until the new Before he went to college, three kids: Gracie, Eden and is a good place to work.
building was completed. he worked cattle at C & S Griffin. People do retire or relocate.
“It was cramped, but it Limousine and at The Durham “I am engaged to Stephanie He also said it does not
worked for a year and half Co. Allen. She’s got two boys, hurt to come in, fill out an
or so. We were still able to In the spring of 1999, Blake and Nick. It’s good,” application and talk with the
service customers and get he began working for Dr. Gregory said. manager.
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laclede county
purchasing agent
Mike
C heek
Working for the county presents

'something different every day' for Cheek
W hen people call to talk

to Laclede County’s
purchasing agent Mike Cheek,
good,” Cheek said.
It did not interfere with
her cashier job at Boswell
“A lot of times it’s doing
something different every
day,” Cheek said.
“They all gave up their time to
spend a week with us there,”
Cheek said.
they should not be surprised if Elementary where even Her husband, Greg, works When she's not sampling
a lady answers the phone and though she was not a cook, three days a week with Biltwell foreign culture, her number
says, “This is Mike.” the students still appreciated Construction and then enjoys one hobby is spending time
She sports what is typically her. woodworking with reclaimed with her family. Her number
a man’s name thanks to a “I got a lot of hugs from wood and building things on two hobby is driving area
doctor’s inaccurate prediction. them,” Cheek said. his days off. roads with an eye out for
“Way back before they had She credits interacting with so “He tries to take two days antique shops or places of
ultrasound even, the doctor many students a week to do what he wants interest.
told my parents I was going to each day to do in She and Greg do not collect
be a boy,” Cheek said. for keeping his shop,” anything specifically.
Consequently, her skilled and her immune We’ve got a Cheek said. “We’ve got a menagerie.
creative mother embroidered s y s t e m Travel has Let’s put it that way because
Mike on all her baby items. functioning at menagerie. been their there’s nothing in particular
When Cheek was born, she
was quite the surprise to her
peak capacity and
the short hours for her
Let’s put it that biggest
hobby with
that we collect,” Cheek said.
And it is not necessarily what
family. A nurse suggested the
name Michelle as a reasonable
availability to help
with elections.
way because trips
Costa Rica,
to other people would collect
like the burlap bag with Peru
and similar substitute. Before she left her there’s nothing Australia, written on it she discovered
N e w
“That’s how Michelle came
to be, but I’ve been Mike to
county clerk position
in the late eighties in particular Zealand,
there or the boat paddle she
purchased from her paddler
family and friends forever,”
Cheek said.
to become a state
representative,
that we Peru
Cuba.
and after their boat ride in Peru.
She enjoys interacting
Her parents, Bill and Marge Beth Long asked collect.” “In Peru with her coworkers at the
Bisbee, lived north of Kansas her to participate we went up courthouse and working with
City. in taking the new the Amazon the election judges a few
As Laclede County’s ballot counting machines to in a little boat,” Cheek said. times a year.
purchasing agent, she deals different voting locations. The people and especially However, sometimes she
with processing purchase In 2004 Cheek began the children made an has to see herself a pesky
orders, calls, hotel reservations working part time when impact on her while their Chihuahua viciously biting
and the like. Glenda Mott became county living conditions were in someone’s pant leg in order
A few days each year she clerk. sharp contrast to American to get things moving.
helps with the elections. Full time work began in 2013 standards. At 70, retirement is always
She began her work for the when Presiding Commissioner “They were poor, but they an option but one she does
county when Beth Long was Danny Rhoades asked her were happy. That’s what not plan to exercise this year.
county clerk by counting votes to become the county’s struck me,” Cheek said. Whether she continues
for what turned out to be the purchasing agent. While each of those countries working or retires, Cheek will
last election where ballots It is a job that provides had a unique culture, a trip to never be up the creek without
were hand counted. variety with purchase orders, the Dominican Republic is a a Peruvian paddle.
“All I had to do was read the invoices and other data favorite of hers since all her She has places to go and
ballots. I didn’t have to do the processing work that gets kids and grandkids got to go family to see.
little tally marks, which was double and triple checked. along.
Ed morse chevrolet
Shelb y
C ole
Shelby Cole has been in the car

selling business for 22 years
S helby Cole began her 22

years working at what
was then the Lindsay Auto
school days.
“When I started in finance
18 years ago, everything was
the value of it has increased
by about $20,000. That’s the
first time that’s ever happened
the majority of us were very
sad. I worked for Mr. Lindsay
for over half my life, so that
Group and now the Ed Morse manual, nothing was instant in the time period I’ve been in was a significant change,”
Automotive Group at a young and online like it is now,” Cole the business for sure. It’s pretty Cole said.
age. said. crazy,” Cole said. She said Lindsay did not
At Lindsay she was the finance Gone are the manually written She said it is hard to get simply sell the business to
manager; for Ed Morse, the credit applications and buyer’s inventory currently with without doing his homework to
business manager. orders faxed factories struggling to get safeguard his employees.
She started as an evening to individual certain parts to build vehicles, “He did his due diligence
and Saturdays receptionist lenders and including computer in making that sure his
while still a junior at Lebanon w a i t i n g chips. dealership was turned over to
High School as a second part potentially
I’ve always “We’re actually an incredible company who
time job after finishing her days for their been the type getting new vehicles was definitely going to take
after school data entry job for responses. of person to in that don’t have care of his employees,” Cole
the City of Lebanon at 5 p.m. “Everything is stay busy certain things that said.
After graduating from LHS electronic, instant, working. It they’re equipped The Ed Morse Automotive
in 2001, she spent two years online. There are with when they Group continues the Lindsay
at Missouri Western studying often times when keeps me out of generally should tradition of pleasing two very
business management with we don’t even see trouble, keeps have in the past. different camps.
an emphasis in finance before our customers face me focused, That’s definitely an “Some people around here
transferring to SMSU and to face because so keeps me in an issue,” Cole said. are diehard Ford fans, and
finally to OTC while working much is done over And the low some people are diehard
at Lindsay’s. the internet now,” opportunity to inventory creates Chevy fans, and so fortunately
“I actually did finance and Cole said. be able to make higher prices and for us, we’re able to market to
full time college at the same The number some money short stays at car both of those,” Cole said.
time too. That was a little bit of lenders has and save some lots, a situation Her husband of nearly 15
on the difficult side, but I made increased as well. similar to the years, James, is a drummer
it work,” Cole said. “It’s very crazy, the money. I housing market. for the Blue Collar Kings and
What might seem like a market right now. I always found Cole said the a part-timer at the body shop.
struggle to some and self- have actually been that that was transition from Together, they have a total
punishment to others was in the car business the best thing Lindsay Auto of 33 nieces and nephews,
Cole’s style of living. for a total of 22 Group to Ed Morse which is where they get their
“I’ve always been the type of years, and I’ve never for me.” Automotive Group “kid fix.”
person to stay busy working. It seen the market the meant saying She considers her lucky to
keeps me out of trouble, keeps way it is right now. It’s nuts. Of goodbye to a good boss, have a job she loves and hopes
me focused, keeps me in an course, we don’t know how Larry Lindsay, who co-owned to spend her entire career at
opportunity to be able to make long it will last either,” Cole the business with his brother, Ed Morse Automotive Group.
some money and save some said. Darryl. “I just really enjoy helping
money. I always found that She said that used vehicles “Mr. Lindsay ran the place people make their dreams
that was the best thing for me,” are oftentimes more expensive for 50 years. Absolutely come true and being able to
Cole said. than a new car. incredible individual, amazing get financing arranged for
Naturally, the technology has “We personally bought a person to work for. When we them ... It’s rewarding,” Cole
changed a bit since her high brand new truck in June, and found out that was happening, said.
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fantasy threads
Mike r
Kaff en berg e
Mike Kaffenberger has

upholstery in his blood
M ike Kaffenberger is
a third generation
upholsterer. "I’ve been doing
the boat upholstery repairs
he does for most of the boat
companies in town and cars.
Kaffenberger said he did the
upholstery for a car in Steve
Plaster’s collection, an Isotta
enjoying the comfort of his
easy chair.
Business slows down at times
this since I was a kid old Lots of cars. Fraschini once owned by but never runs out. Currently,
enough to take naps on the Although his dad is retired, Marilyn Monroe. medical and boat upholstery
material racks,” Kaffenberger Robert still helps Kaffenberger The job, his most difficult jobs cause the materials for
said. out with ordering materials. project, took months. other jobs to stack up.
His grandmother, Billie “I consider him my “It was a show car, and “It’s a small business, but we
Kaffenberger, did some purchasing manager. If I need everything had to be perfect,” do a lot of work,” Kaffenberger
upholstering in her K-Way something, I’ll call him and Kaffenberger said. said.
Camping Products that sold say, ‘Get it ordered for me.’ He researched the car’s “(The chances of) finding
boat products and camping He doesn’t charge me much, original specs to recreate the some qualified people to
gear in the building now but he doesn’t work for free,” right look. come in here
occupied by the Heartland Kaffenberger said. Most of the and work in this
Antique Mall.
His father, Robert, opened
He currently has four full time
employees at Fantasy Threads.
upholstery
is sewn on
Just about town is slim to
none. No one
B&H Interiors on Missouri 64 While his upholstery sewers machines.
H o w e v e r,
anything really knows
and ran it until the building stay busy sewing, the rest of upholstery
burned and he retired. his employees have multiple some operations that can be anymore, and
responsibilities. do require some
Kaffenberger has had his own
business, Fantasy Threads, for “Everybody is in charge of hand stitching. done with if they do,
they’re retired
ten years. For the past three
years, it has been located at
making sure everything gets
done,” Kaffenberger said.
He works with
vinyl or a mix of upholstery, and don’t want
to really work,”
19956 Route. W just outside
of Lebanon near several other
He has been married to his
wife, Jessica, for 20 plus years
leather with vinyl
side wraps.
we’ve done it.” Kaffenberger
said.
automotive shops. and helps raise their three kids “The vinyls they He said he
He came up with the name ranging from 22 to 9 years make nowadays are just used to travel to car shows to
Fantasy Threads from early on. old. as good as any top quality drum up business. However,
“As a kid, I always thought “It keeps me young,” leather,” Kaffenberger said. his workload now makes it
about it, Fantasy Threads. I had Kaffenberger said. Kaffenberger said in addition unnecessary.
done strictly car upholstery, The work comes in a steady to the larger jobs Fantasy His favorite part of his
neat custom stuff. You fantasize flow while the materials arrive Threads does small repairs as business is finishing a car
about your car? We’ll do it. haphazardly. well. project and watching the
Whatever it is, we’ll make it “We basically work behind He has upholstered vintage owner see the new upholstery
happen,” Kaffenberger said. on stuff. We’ll tell someone two cars from 1919 as well as for the first time.
He summed up a typical day weeks, and the way the market classic cars from the 1950s. “It’s always been a good
for him at Fantasy Threads in is today, getting stuff in here to The more modern upholstery moment,” Kaffenberger said.
one word. get the job done sometimes takes no time at all. He sees himself working
“Stress. Lots and lots of worries takes two weeks before we “Just about anything that at Fantasy Threads until his
and stress, to be honest with started on it,” Kaffenberger can be done with upholstery, retirement. Until then, he has
you,” Kaffenberger said. said. we’ve done it,” Kaffenberger goals.
He faces a lot of deadlines for This accounts for a portion said. “Sooner or later, I hope
the work he does for medical of the stress of Kaffenberger’s He spends some of his to grow even bigger,”
companies in Kansas City and job. free time fishing and some Kaffenberger said.
holman-howe
funeral home
Maxine
iK ncheloe
Maxine Kincheloe likes being able to

comfort those going through tough times
M axine Kincheloe enjoys

her job as receptionist
and funeral assistant at
funeral home itself, the Mt.
Rose office and the cemetery
to be around 15 to 20.
law enforcement, the hospital
or hospice before calling the
Holman-Howe personnel on
right shots at weddings, family
gatherings, senior photos and
the like.
Holman-Howe Funeral Home Kincheloe said she has always duty to pick up the bodies. “It’s very interesting and very
at 320 S. Adams. had an She said she rewarding,” Kincheloe said.
For many, the idea of working
at a funeral home is off-putting
interest
in the I feel like it wakes
easily for the
up In her spare time, Kincheloe
does some genealogy work.
because of the grieving
family members and somber
funeral
home. is a ministry calls and falls
back asleep
She and Ellis have a home
theatre where they enjoy
environment.
And Kincheloe admits it is a
When her mother-
in-law passed
that I am here quickly unless
it is someone
classic movies from the 30
through the 60s.
job that might not be a good
fit for everyone.
away in 2003,
the service was
for the people. she
who
knows
has
She said “Gone with the
Wind” is her favorite movie
“It takes a special person, not held at Holman- Sometimes passed. while her husband enjoys
that I’m so special, but I have Howe Funeral Although “Casablanca,” afternoon
people ask me all the time, Home. Kenny they just people see B-westerns and WWII
‘How can you work there? I
would be crying all the time,’
Howe asked
her if she would need to talk Kincheloe at
the funeral
documentaries.
She also makes photograph
but I feel like it’s a service
where I can help the people in
be interested in
working for him to someone. home, more
people are
albums of her grandchildren
and great-grandchildren as
a time when they’re sad and
make it more comfortable for
and his wife,
Valerie.
They need a probably
familiar with
gifts for them.
She has two children and
them,” Kincheloe said.
Kincheloe sees her job as an
“Here I am 18
years later,”
hug. They just Kincheloe
Photography
two step-children and a total
of eight grandkids, 13 great-
excellent opportunity for doing Kincheloe said. need to know Studios, where
she and Ellis
children and three great-great-
good and making a difference As a funeral grandchildren. She said her
at a time when it can have a assistant and that there is worked for family is very close.
receptionist, she 47 years until
major impact.
“I feel like it is a ministry distributes thesomeone here Ellis suffered
She does not have retirement
in mind, and Kenny Howe has
that I am here for the people.
Sometimes they just need to
memorials at the
front door for who cares.” a heart attack
and retired
plans for her.
“Kenny said I had to work
talk to someone. They need a visitations and the following until I was 90, and then I could
hug. They just need to know funerals as well as helps the year. go to part-time. As long as I
that there is someone here directors during the funeral In between the photography can and my health allows, I
who cares,” Kincheloe said. with lighting and closing the studio and Holman-Howe, would like to keep working. I
Consequently, she finds her casket and other miscellaneous Kincheloe worked at the do enjoy my job very much,”
job to be an easy one. tasks. Sports Shop, a clothing store Kincheloe said.
“I have a wonderful group She is also the morning downtown, Home Traditions She speculated about how
of people that work here. We receptionist on Saturdays until on north Missouri 5 and she is able to work and make
all work together, and there’s noon. Kitchen Collection at The Mall. an impact at age 89.
really no hard part of it,” Kincheloe answers the She said working at Holman- “I guess the good Lord was
Kincheloe said. funeral home’s transferred Howe was easier than good to me and said I’m
She estimated the total calls evenings and overnight, the photography business needed here yet,” Kincheloe
employees including the taking the death calls from because of the rush to get the said.
CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS!

TO PL AC E A CL A SS IF IE D , CA LL
41 7- 532- 91 31
Miscellaneous
Employment
Keessling & Smi ster County,
Web
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joel e. barber
Sandy
Sample
History teacher Sandy Sample

is part of the J.E.B.'s history
S andy Sample has made a

few timelines as a history
teacher at Joel E. Barber for
for five years, teaching a
combined class of third and
fourth graders.
of a teacher change over the
years.
“I love to teach, but it’s just
the fear and stress of her
students getting COVID-19
as well as herself and for a
the last 30 years. When Dan to the point time, teaching while wearing
If she made one for herself, it was called to now that I’m a mask.
would show that her early life a church in ’Mrs. Sample, tired. There’s “I felt like I couldn’t get
featured a lot of moving and Humansville, so many more enough air half the time,”
seeing some history firsthand. she taught
do you demands on Sample said.
Born in Illinois, her father’s Air s p e c i a l remember teaching than Over the years, she has
Force career took the family to education classes. He there used to seen students excel after
many locales. was called to another when you said be. There’s graduation, and some have
They were in Alaska for the church in Stoutland, if I would too many acknowledged that her bits of
great Alaskan earthquake of which allowed them to things out of wisdom left their mark when
1964 that killed 131 people. come to Lebanon. do this, this the state that she meets them again.
After some shaking and rattling After Randy Sheriff and this, I don’t make it “’Mrs. Sample, do you
there, they rolled into New recommended her, quite as fun remember when you said
Jersey for a time and then on she was offered a job would make as it used to if I would do this, this and
to Libya where they witnessed at Joel E. Barber and something be,” Sample this, I would make something
the government’s overthrow by has spent 30 of her said. with my life? Well, I went
Muammar al-Qaddafi in 1969 40 years of teaching with my life? Te a c h i n g ahead and took your advice.
before leaving that country. there. Well, I went during the I now work at a hospital as
“We were some of the last After all her traveling, coronavirus a nurse.’ It’s important. They
people to leave because my she naturally gets ahead and took pandemic took the words I said, and
dad was in charge of the the wanderlust your advice. I has detracted they actually did something
commissary at the time, and occasionally. a bit from with their life,” Sample said.
food was important for those “That’s why we go now work at her joy of Of course, she has also had
who were staying,” Sample on vacation,” Sample a hospital as teaching. her disappointments from
said. said. With her students that could have
Then it was back to New Sample is enjoying a nurse.’ It’s students been so much more than they
Jersey for a year and then to her last year as an important. missing more became.
Missouri’s Poplar Bluff and educator teaching fifth often than She may be hard to find
then Bolivar for college at and sixth grade history. They took in the past, once she begins marking her
Southwest Baptist University “I love this place. the words I k e e p i n g timeline with post-teaching
where she met her husband, This is a really good every student events.
Dan, who studied to be a school. It’s like a family said, and they on the same “I don’t think I could stay
minister. and always has been,” actually did page is a home. That drives me crazy.
Her teaching career began Sample said. challenge. Even during the summer, I
with a third grade class at She has seen her something with During the have to be on the go. I just
nearby Morrisville. student family become their life.” third week can’t stand it,” Sample said.
Afterward, she spent one year successful with some in January, She has spent all 30 years
of teaching at Summersville returning to Joel about a third at Joel E. Barber in room
before moving to Mountain E. Barber to be teachers of the fifth and sixth grade 122 where history, hers and
Grove where Dan pastored themselves. students were absent. her students’, has filled the
a church and then to Plato And she has seen the role She also has to deal with room.
lebanon high school

assistant principle
Craig
Reeves
Craig Reeves got into education

to help people
F or LHS Assistant Principal

Craig Reeves, being a
teacher and then administrator
bit lost but reminded him that
lives have an expiration date
as do dreams and sparked a
commemorated the men who
defended the Union during the
Civil War.
do to fill holes so when kids
come to school they’re safe
and teachers are safe,” Reeves
answered a basic need. realization. His oldest son, Tristan, said.
“I don’t know why I even got “Man, you better do some graduated from Drury and is Reeves is stopping with 28
into education besides I just more living while you still have waiting to get into a physician’s years of education with the
wanted to help somebody. I the time,” Reeves said. assistant school. Lebanon R-3 district as of Feb.
was lucky I had the opportunity Consequently, he acted on a His daughter Kenzie is 25.
to do that,” Reeves said. dream of his to be a pilot by attending OTC and will attend “Being an assistant principal
He spent 18 of his 28 years in taking flying lessons from a MSU to be a physical therapist. wears on you after a while.
education at Lebanon, always former student, A large part You’re always the bad guy.
returning home after testing Mitch Mather of Reeves’ When I was a teacher, I was
the waters at other districts.
Helping people went beyond
at
Aviation
M&S Like the job at LHS
is acting as
a good guy ... There’s a price
to be paid when you’re an
just education. based at flying the district’s administrator. I think I’ve paid
Reeves spent 23 years in the the Lebanon director of that price long enough. It’s time
Army National Guard, retiring airport. lessons, safety and to go do something different,”
in 2018. He was deployed
twice. On the first deployment
Reeves’ idea of being
of service also took you’ve got to security.
His hard
Reeves said.
However, he will continue
to Iraq and Kuwait, he was a
crew chief and door gunner
root in his kids.
His son Brock is a 2nd follow your work
recognized
was being of service by putting his
experience to good use as a
on a Blackhawk helicopter.
For his second deployment to
Lieutenant in the Army
at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
heart and w h e n
Reeves was
Garrison Safety Specialist at
Fort Leonard Wood, a position
Kuwait, he rode a desk in the
engine shop.
His pinning ceremony
gave Reeves a special
your dream. awarded
the first
designed to keep military
personnel from all branches
He found that education
and the military worked well
memory. You only have
After officers have their
ever Hero
A m o n g
safe while on the base.
“I’m looking forward to it. It’s
together. rank insignia pinned so many days Us Award a new challenge. The hardest
“I wanted to be in the military on their uniform, they through the part about leaving this job is
since I was a little kid, but I also get their first salute on this earth, Missouri the people. It’s a second family
wanted to be in education, so it
was a good double whammy.
from an
man. As a sergeant, so you better
enlisted Center
Education
of ... That’s the hardest part.
You’re walking away from
You could do both at the same
time,” Reeves said.
Reeves jumped on the
opportunity.
make them S a f e t y
for being
friends,” Reeves said.
However, he is walking
Reeves’ father passed before
his mother who died in 2019.
“I was the first person
who saluted him, so
count.” someone
that goes
toward a new opportunity to
serve at Fort Leonard Wood.
“I had one of those perfect it was one of the best above and “Like the flying lessons, you’ve
moms. Everybody’s got one it moments of my life,” Reeves beyond to keep students and got to follow your heart and
seems like. She was amazing, said. staff safe. your dream. You only have so
and when she knew what your Brock also followed tradition “The main thing is trying to many days on this earth, so
dream was, she would do by giving a 1905 coin to his keep people safe, trying to you better make them count,”
anything to help you get that dad, one the elder Reeves and keep students safe, trying to Reeves said.
dream,” Reeves said. his brother discovered as kids guess and second guess, and
Their passing left him a little in their grandparents’ yard. It trying to plan what we can
Laclede County’s Oldest Insurance Company

Laclede Mutual Insurance has been Laclede County's only Insurance Company in Laclede County since 1912.
Our first preliminary meeting was held January 2, 1912 at the

Laclede courthouse for citizens interested in insurance on farm property.
Wm. A. Garretson had drawn a constitution and by-laws, which he submitted for approval.
Five board members and a president, G Schneider were elected to become the first
Laclede County Mutual named Mutual Insurance Association of Laclede County.
In May of 2002, a Certificate of Amendment was filed and our name changed to Laclede Mutual
Insurance. Our first insurance policy was written on February 7, 1912 for the sum of $1,000 on
house and contents, to our present amount of over $2,000,000 in premiums today. With over Mr. Wm. Garretson Mr. G. Schneider
2,000 policyholders, Laclede Mutual Insurance continues to meet the needs of our customers first Secretary first President
by providing property and casualty coverage to our insureds throughout the state of Missouri.
Since our 1st Lebanon Policy was issued in 1912, we have continued the same Hometown
Service you deserve! At Laclede Mutual, your premium dollars stay local, in our community.
Call one of our local

independent agents today,
be sure to tell them you would
like a quote from Laclede Mutual!
325 W. Commercial, Lebanon
(417) 588-1857 • 1-800-279-5543
www.mutual-insurance.com
General Production and Maintenance

positions are available. We are hiring.
Missouri Cooperage is looking for hard-working people to
join our team. A great work-ethic, dedication, and reliability
are a few of the characteristics that we look for.
Our employees are the driving force behind our success!
Employee Benefits - Independent Stave Company offers competitive
compensation and benefits to employees:
• Medical Insurance • Short Term • Paid Vacation

• Dental Insurance Disability • 401k
• Life Insurance • Long Term
Disability
*Some benefits are only available to full-time employees or after designated waiting periods.
Apply in person at 1040 South Jefferson, Lebanon, MO

or online at https://www.independentstavecompany.com/careers/
lowe's home
improvement store
RWesetbnroeoke-Durbin
Renee Westbrook-Durbin says sales are

about 'relationships' with customers
R enee Westbrook-Durbin
began her career with
Lowe’s Home Improvement
make the best impression in
the end,” Westbrook-Durbin
said.
It has been a change from her
previous positions.
“Sales is more about
and the different job options.
However, she is happy with
her current position and has
in 2005 while the Lowe’s After her interview, he told relationships,” Westbrook- no plans to pursue the final
building was getting ready for her she had the job. Durbin said. rung on the store ladder of
business. “’He said, ‘How could I She is thankful for her manager.
“I got to be here from the very not pick you after you set relationship with Lowe’s and Getting married seven years
beginning,” Westbrook-Durbin everything up?’” grateful to be involved with the ago to Dexter Durbin and
said. And she continued to climb. Lowe’s Heroes program that having six kids changed her
She credits one of her high “It was about seven months completes a project each year from being career-oriented to
school teachers with preparing before I was a department to fulfill a local community family-oriented and quenched
her to get her first position with supervisor,” Westbrook-Durbin need. the need to go higher.
the company. said. “I wouldn’t have had that She does not have a lot of
“I think what helped me was She was the front end experience without Lowe’s. time for hobbies. However,
Mr. Bob Theimann and going department supervisor for Not everyone has an outlet she and Dexter raise basset
through his retail management nearly a year, being the only for community service. Not hound puppies.
classes at the Votech because female supervisor in the store. everybody belongs to a She said that walking the
he taught us how to go through W h e n church or an aisles and seeing all the
job interviews and how to s h e organization,” home options that Lowe’s
behave,” Westbrook-Durbin wanted There are so many We s t b r o o k - offers has meant making a
said. to prove opportunities ... Durbin said. few improvements at home.
After reaching the first rung s h e The only thing that She said Lowe’s “Working at Lowe’s, my
with Theimann’s help, the rest could limits you at Lowe’s goes above and house is always under
of her climb was on her. do more than beyond in its construction,” Westbrook-
After the grand opening, she supervise the is yourself. You can dedication to its Durbin said.
worked at the service desk cashiers, she go as far as you want employees as well She still remembers the
for a week before lobbying applied to work to go. Everything as the community. tour Lowe’s gave her when
for a team leader position, in receiving and I’ve invested in this When Covid-19 the building on south
a sort of assistant position. worked there first struck and Jefferson next to Walmart
Her department manager a year before company I’ve always was having a was completely empty and
suggested she interview for taking an got back tenfold.” larger impact installing the racking and
the head cashier spot instead aptitude test to on people’s jobs stocking the shelves.
because a more experienced enter manager and discouraging “It was huge and bright,”
person was applying for team training. them from being exposed Westbrook-Durbin said.
leader. Four days after finishing it, unnecessarily, Lowe’s And thanks to Lowe’s, so
However, she took some she became an assistant store provided the funds for a sort was her career.
personal initiative when she manager, known then as a of employee food pantry that “There are so many
believed the manager was zone manager in charge of provided a meal at work and opportunities ... The only
slow to schedule interviews three departments. the option to take food home, thing that limits you at Lowe’s
and did the scheduling for Currently, she is a sales especially helpful if a spouse is yourself. You can go as far
him, even carefully scheduling manager in charge of the was out of work thanks to the as you want to go. Everything
his lunch break. specialty sales departments coronavirus. I’ve invested in this company
“I purposefully put myself like appliances, cabinets, She appreciates the chance I’ve always got back tenfold,”
last because I thought I would kitchen, flooring and millwork. for advancement at Lowe’s Westbrook-Durbin said.
swiss inn drive-in
Stephen
Brown
Stephen Brown has been serving a Lebanon

classic for more than 20 years
S tephen Brown began

working at Swiss Inn Drive-
In when he was 15 in 1999.
time where other restaurants
like McDonald’s offer hiring
bonuses has not been a
that’s pretty much what we sell
the most of,” Brown said.
He said COVID-19 provided
He has a wife, Michelle
Johnson, and a son, Joseph
Stewart, who will soon be 21.
As a sophomore at Lebanon problem. However, staying the a change of pace since In his spare time, he plays
High School, working for course has been an issue for customers were not allowed video games and is still a fan
Lonnie and Judy Strutton in a some employees. to eat inside the building and of "Minecraft."
fast food venue was a learning “Working in the food industry instigated the safer curbside Otherwise, working six days
experience. He credited at all can be very stressful and service. a week at the restaurant and
Lonnie with easing him into the especially here since we have Brown interrupted his 11 taking care of his own two acre
working world. the open kitchen and an influx year total at Swiss Inn Drive-In yard plus his mother’s lawn in
“I’d say he had to shape and of people. Sometimes it can be with other jobs. He worked at town occupies his time.
mold me a little bit,” Stephen overwhelming, and they really Alvin Jackson’s When he
Brown said. don’t want to stick around for Used Cars for The thing I samples the
He continued working at that,” Brown said. 11 years as Swiss Inn Drive-
the restaurant, located at He identified some of the well, doing like the best in’s ice cream,
356 North Jefferson, after
graduation in 2002 and enjoys
traits of the workers who do
have longevity.
detailing for
the most part.
is problem he often opts for
a rarely ordered
the multitasking opportunities “Generally, being able to When he realized solving, combination, the
of being assistant manager. memorize stuff extremely that working in managing and marshmallow
“The thing I like the best is quickly. Being able to talk the shop largely butterscotch
problem solving, managing to people and being open by himself was giving a bunch shake.
and giving a bunch of definitely helps. A lot of people diminishing his of orders all at “It sounds weird,
orders all at the same time. that stick around have that people skills, he but adding
Whenever I’m up here (behind quality,” Brown said. decided to return to the same time. marshmallow
the counter), I usually switch The small confines of the Swiss Swiss Inn Drive-in Whenever to pretty much
back and forth to wherever I’m Miss Drive-In’s kitchen can be hone his people skills any other shake
needed. I do like that aspect of tough for new employees to while considering a I’m up here makes it a heck of
it,” Stephen Brown said. navigate. different career. (behind the a lot creamier,”
As a 38-year-old assistant “Sometimes, especially with However, he Brown said.
manager, he works with some newer people, we have wound up staying at counter), I Working at
several high school students to remind them you have to the restaurant where usually switch Swiss Inn Drive-in
in what can be a stressful make sure you tell people he feels needed. has added flavor
environment when there is a you’re right behind them “Lonnie relies on back and forth to his life as well.
rush. because we’re very likely me quite a bit. I’m to wherever I’m “It’s definitely
“I’ve already got my fair to knock someone down, the last long-time got me to where
share of gray hair going on,” especially if we’re really busy,” worker. Past that, needed. I do I am better at
Brown said. Brown said. I also do a lot like that aspect talking to people
Over the years, he and Lonnie His food favorites include one of small building ... especially in
and Judy Strutton have seen of the choices for which the maintenance. That
of it." high school, I
Swiss Inn Drive-In take some of Swiss Inn Drive-In is known. way he’s not having was never really
the rough edges of the young “To be honest, I’d have to say to spend a heck of a lot of big on talking to people, but
workers as they grow into the the Big Swiss Steak, as clichéd money just hiring plumbers working here has definitely
job. as it sounds. Those and the and electricians and stuff,” brought it out a bit and made
He said finding workers in a Mountain Cheese Burgers, Brown said. it a lot easier,” Brown said.
LOWE
BOATS
A great place to work.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR

YEARS OF DEDICATION
Rodney Northrip – 48 Georgia Hatmon – 33
With many long-term employees, Lowe® offers a Rex Becker – 48 Teresa Williams – 33
rewarding environment where you become part Jo Hendrix – 48 Ricky Holland – 33
Robert Jennings – 46 Deana Hanning – 33
of a family, and have an opportunity to grow a Jerald O’Dell – 45 Mary Kirkland – 32
Dennis Smith – 45 Tommy Ross – 31
job into a life-long career. Lowe offers industry- Richard Luttrell – 43 Roy Vaughan – 30
leading benefits, and we support and invest in Raymond Scott – 42 Terry Blackburn – 29
John Doeden – 42 Mike Berry – 29
our employees from day one. Scotty Myers – 41 Bradley Reeves – 28
Douglas Rogers – 41 James Elson – 28
David Bradish – 40 Donald Brackett – 28
“Lowe is part of Terry Christner – 40

Patrick Schurman – 39
Thomas Massey – 28
Jamie Brown – 28
Randolph Shelton – 38 Kelly Myers – 28
my family.” Wesley Law – 38
William Bohannon – 38
Roger Smith – 27
Bonnie Bohannon – 27
—Bethany Marks Kirk Parker – 36 Karen Webster – 26
Bethany Marks – 35 Frank Rachau – 26
William Vincent – 34 Deanna Schurman – 26
CONSIDER CHOOSING LOWE AS Annabelle Matney – 34
Jerald Peterson – 34
Randy Semsch — 25
Clinton Peterson – 24
YOUR FOREVER JOB. APPLY TODAY Guy Brown – 34 Al Brown – 24
David Davis – 34 Larry Jones – 24
AT BRUNSWICK.COM/CAREERS Rose Eady – 33
Committed to you
in Lebanon
Jeffrey Fears, M.D. Kimber Guinn, D.O. Dan Johnson, MSN, Amy Lockhert, M.D.,
Internal Medicine Pediatrics APRN-BC, Family Medicine FAAFP, Family Medicine
Lake Regional
Clinic – Lebanon
441 W. Elm St.
417-532-2805
Greg Miller, M.D. Neil Schwartzman, M.D. Laura Seaman, FNP-C,-

Family Medicine Internal Medicine Family Medicine
Building Laclede County

From The Foundation Up!
LEBANON’S NEWEST FIRE STATION

NEAR BECK & IVEY LANE, LEBANON
417-532-2728 417-532-6179

Progress, A Great Place To Work 2022

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SPRING 2022 • Laclede County, Missouri - A Great Place To Work 1

12 Richard Peterson, The Durham Company

62 Craig Reeves, Lebanon High School

• HARDWOOD • CARPET • VINYL • LAMINATE

HATCHING & SHIPPING SINCE 1936

For All Your Real Estate Needs

CENTURY 21 Laclede Realty

AUTO BODY Repairs

We are a full-service auto

Longtime employees are the

MARIE LORENZ: BENNETT SPRING

" I went to work as a server

Since 1983 - Our 38th Year NOW HIRING!

For the ultimate protection of your client

HOGAN LAND TITLE

N I ENwith the S years se thru Labor Day Weekend.

Brian Esther has turned customers

B rian Esther is winding

the durham company

Richard Peterson likes problem

R ichard Peterson has

YOUR ONE STOP SHOP Anytime. Anywhere.

Scott Chase, Fred Hynes,

body • mind • spirit

CROW PAINT & GLASS

Family-Owned & Operated Since 1970.

CCFarm & Home

Sherri Hicks likes the face to face

S herri Hicks has worked

186 N. Adams • Lebanon, MO

Now more than

Spending money locally provides:

Invest in OUR community

Helton's home furnishings

'Good customer relationships' have kept

I t has been 50 years since

Proud to honor our employees with

Your “Honey Do” List

Dr. Margaret K. Swick • 417-532-5462 417.532.9181

Employees You Can

ENOS HAWKINS: A LIFETIME SPENT

A t age 17, Enos Hawkins

lake regional clinic

Being a nurse is challenging

L ebanon area residents

Serving up the best subs, pizza

Teresa, Karen, Mike, Hannah and Jackie

Subs on our famous homemade bread

Owners Zach & Casey Cox and their children Rush,

FOR FARM VISITS, MARKET

539 East Elm, Suite A

LITERACY VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA

Hudson Feed & Grain

Bowling loves Lebanon and helping

M ike Bowling is one

Northrip says that welding is as

R odney Northrip got

We Can Print It All!

with expert packing

You pull it,

• Banner, poster & sign • Custom calendars

The UPS Store®

We carry many major