MRPC News Release
2006 MRPC Annual Dinner Award Winners
Outstanding Contributions to a Community Award Winners:
• Tonya Price of Belle, nominated by Glenn Dressendofer, Maries County commissioner;
• Nancy Moenster of Salem, nominated by Gary Brown, mayor of Salem;
• Kittie Robertson of Rolla, nominated by John Butz, Rolla city administrator;
• John. L. Baxter of Bland, nominated by Bruce Sassmann, mayor of Bland;
• Toni Nichols of Crocker, nominated by James Morgan, mayor of Crocker;
• Donald Olds of Rolla, nominated by Charles “Bud” Dean, Phelps County commissioner;
• Marv Luten of St. Robert, nominated by Theresa Cook, St. Robert city alderperson;
• Pam Schroeder of Washington County, nominated by Robert Reed, Washington County presiding commissioner;
Federal, State or Local Elected Officials Award Winners:
• Mayor Norbert Englert of Hermann, nominated by Jay Gourley, Hermann economic development director;
• Osage County Clerk Wanda Bunch, nominated by Russell Scheulen, presiding commissioner of Osage County;
• St. Robert City Alderperson Todd Williams, nominated by Theresa Cook, St. Robert city alderperson;
Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award Winners
• Chip Lange of Cuba, nominated by Lester Murdock, Cuba alderman:
• Mandi Scheulen of Loose Creek, nominated by Jerry Wolfe, Osage County commissioner;
• Laura Arrington of St. Robert, nominated by Theresa Cook, St. Robert city alderperson; and
• Zach Happel of Salem, nominated by Jim Biggs, Dent County presiding commissioner
Detailed Information on Award Winners
Outstanding Contributions to a Community
8 awards
Award Winner: Tonya Price
Nominator: Glenn Dressendofer, Maries County Commissioner
Nominated for: Outstanding Contributions to a Community
Explanation:
As a member of the Belle and Maries County communities, Tonya Price has donated much of her time to activities to better the lives of the people who live there. For the past four years, Price has donated her time to serve as the bible school director at First Baptist Church in Belle. She was also instrumental in the development of the Maries County R-II PTO, where she currently serves as president. Price also assists with securing gate workers for the annual Belle Fair, volunteers to work at the lunch stand and is currently serving on the Belle/Bland Soccer Board.
Award Winner: Nancy Moenster
Nominator: Gary Brown, Mayor of Salem
Nominated for: Outstanding Contributions to a Community
Explanation:
Nancy Moenster has been the person most responsible for the creation of floral displays and tree plantings in Salem. Nancy began several years ago working with the city of Salem, Salem Area Community Betterment Association, Spring Creek Garden Club and the Dent County R-80 School System in creating beautification projects. Nancy was also a driving force in development of the city of Salem Tree Board and in the city being designated as a Tree City. She has subsequently been involved in Arbor Day projects in the Community. She has served as President of the Spring Creek Garden Club, on the Board of Directors of the Salem Area Community Betterment Association and The Bonebrake Center of Nature and History. She also has served on the City of Salem Tree Board since its inception in 2000 Some of Nancy's notable accomplishments are:
Nancy's projects have not just been in appearance of the community, she has also been one of the most successful fundraisers for the Salem Area Community Betterment Association. She is a superb developer of partnerships and has a special desire to envision projects that enhance appearance in her community.
Award Winner: Kittie Robertson
Nominator: John Butz, City of Rolla
Nominated for: Outstanding Contributions to a Community
Explanation:
Kittie Robertson has spent countless hours working with individuals in the Rolla community. From the time her sons were young, Kittie carted them to and from soccer practice. Her “soccer mom” experience eventually led her to become a board member of the Rolla Area Youth Soccer League and she would later serve as its president for several years. Since seeing one of her proudest achievements come to pass in the Rolla Soccer Complex, Robertson has moved on to the Ozark Actors Theatre, one of only two professional summer stock theatres in out-state Missouri. Robertson’s passion for theatre started as a young girl – attending drama camps – and has continued to this day. Her involvement with OAT began by working as a cast member. Now serving as OAT’s managing director, Robertson has served in many capacities at Ozark Actors Theatre since it was founded in 1988 – from a member of the audience to long-time board of trustees member and president with several stints on the stage in between.
Award Winner: John L. Baxter
Nominator: Bruce Sassmann, City of Bland
Nominated for: Outstanding Contributions to a Community
Explanation:
Mr. Baxter was an employee of the city of Bland before retiring about five years ago. Since then he has put in as many hours for the city as when he was employed. He mows the city park and other city properties from spring until fall using his own equipment and in all weather. He additionally assists the city street, water and sewer commissioner with his duties as well, such as meter reading, repairing water lines, streets and any other projects where assistance is needed. He is unfailingly cheerful despite health problems. At a time of life when many people are sitting in their rockers, John Baxter is still a vital force in the community and for the community at the age of 77.
Award Winner: Toni Nichols
Nominator: James Morgan, City of Crocker
Nominated for: Outstanding Contributions to a Community
Explanation:
Ms. Toni Nichols serves as unpaid volunteer, who assists in maintaining the
Crocker Community Park and Norma Lea Park, located in downtown Crocker.
At the Crocker Community Park she has established a Prairie Wildflower Trail with area seeded with natural grasses and wildflowers. She has established a Youth Bike Trail that will further develop the park. In addition, she maintains the park benches that were donated by local churches in the community. Each church has a designated area in the park where one can sit and enjoy the peace and serenity of the park. Each bench has flowers surrounding each with a different theme. She coordinates and works together with volunteers from each church. With her knowledge of plants and flowers, Toni knows exactly the right flowers and plants to be chosen and where they will give the most to enhance the beauty of the park. On the first Saturday of each month, you will find Toni up at 5 a.m. setting up for the Crocker Community Chamber of Commerce monthly yard sale. From dawn to dusk, Toni is there giving of her time and effort to raise funds to make improvements within our community. In addition Toni has established a Park Scout Program that works with youth ages 7-12. The youth of the scout program volunteer for park maintenance, observation of wildlife, birds, establishing habitat for small animals and painting of the part totem pole. Toni has done much to make our community a better place to live and enjoy the beauty of nature and wildlife that is found in the Crocker Community Park. One only needs to take a trip to Crocker to see the work of Ms. Toni Nichols.
Award Winner: Donald J. Olds
Nominator: Charles “Bud” Dean, Phelps County Commissioner
Nominated for: Outstanding Contributions to a Community
Explanation:
Don Olds retired from the Federal Aviation Administration in 1987 and has spent countless hours volunteering for many different organizations in Rolla and Phelps County during his retirement. He is always there when needed and does not hesitate to volunteer his services. Don is a very caring person and shows his willingness to come to the aid of any organization with his time and talents to help in any way he can when called upon.
Some examples of Don's service to our community are:
Award Winner: Marv Luten
Nominator: Theresa Cook, City of St. Robert
Nominated for: Outstanding Contributions to a Community
Explanation:
Marv Luten, sports director for KJPW radio, has been an active volunteer in the city of St. Robert and its surrounding communities for over 20 years. Luten has helped coordinate events from the very first Old Settlers Day Celebration to last year’s Salvation Army Katrina Hurricane Relief fundraiser, which raised $9,500. During the flood of 1993, Luten was heavily involved with the benefit concert held at the community center. He coordinated all the performers and entertainment and served as emcee. The concert raised $15,000 for the Salvation Army and also provided enough funds for the city to send a load of supplies to Jefferson City for distribution. Over the years, Luten has distinguished himself as a point-man for help and ideas. He has spent many hours planning and organizing city and charitable fundraising events, helping to make them a huge success, and as a result, thousands of dollars and countless individuals have been assisted.
Award Winner: Pam Schroeder
Nominator: Bob Reed, Washington County Commissioner
Nominated for: Outstanding Contributions to a Community
Explanation:
On July 19, 2006, a major disaster struck Washington County. The storm was of such magnitude the entire county was left without power, leaving the majority of the residents without power for as long as nine days. Pam volunteered to take on the task of Emergency Management Director and immediately began setting up command center operations. Pam’s expertise in coordinating the operation of a command center saw her set up emergency shelters, food and water delivery and coordinating with the emergency response officials on the local state and federal levels to assure that adequate supplies were available to the residents of Washington County. Pam worked around the clock in assuring that all aspects of the operation were being coordinated and functioning in a timely manner. Her outstanding contribution to Washington County resulted in a successful recovery from the disaster.
Federal, State, or Local Elected Official
3 awards
Award Winner: Norbert Englert
Nominator: Jay Gourley, City of Hermann
Nominated for: Federal, State or Local Elected Official
Explanation:
Aside from serving as mayor of Hermann, Norbert Englert has devoted much of his time to volunteer work in the community. He is past president of the Hermann Lions Club, where he received The Melvin Jones Award for outstanding leadership – the organization’s highest honor. He is also past president of the Hermann Jaycees. He is an elder on the church board of the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Hermann where he is a former trustee and served on the building committee when the new church was constructed. Englert was first elected mayor of Hermann in 2004 and reelected in April 2006. When the mayor was first elected, Hermann city government was in turmoil. He and his wife helped “Citizens for a Better Hermann.” His goal was to change the negatives into positives with open meetings and allowing the citizens their right to speak. His belief in honesty, openness and the right to free speech turned around the attitude of the community and set in motion what we have today. Mayor Englert started televising and recording the meetings. He opened communication to all those in the city. He strives to have new ordinances read over two meetings rather than have both readings on one night. The mayor is an example of what teamwork can do. He was able to get qualified aldermen to run for office. The mayor and the aldermen then hired an outstanding city administrator and filled key positions with people who cared about Hermann. New Industry has and is locating in Hermann. The retail development is growing at a fast pace. Tourism is moving at unbelievable pace as a destination. New housing developments are starting up and updating of our historic district continues. Most of all, the new Christopher S. Bond Bridge over the Missouri River, a new bridge and intersection at highway 100 and 19 and the newly completed bridge at Hermannof Winery.
Award Winner: Wanda Bunch
Nominator: Russell Scheulen, Osage County
Nominated for: Federal, State or Local Elected Official
Explanation:
Wanda was hired as a deputy county clerk in 1971. She held that job for 15 years until she was elected county clerk in 1986. She has held that office for five terms and will retire Dec. 31, 2006. In 35 years, Wanda has seen many changes in the county clerk’s office, whether it is how records are kept or how current-day elections are held. Wanda has always risen to those challenges and has met the challenges with great results. She has given 110 percent to the people of Osage County and that resulted in five successful elections.
Award Winner: Todd Williams
Nominator: Theresa Cook, City of St. Robert
Nominated for: Federal, State or Local Elected Official
Explanation:
Upon his retirement from the United States Air Force in September 2000, Todd and his wife, Teresa, decided to settle in Saint Robert. He was briefly employed with the city as a building inspector. During his employment, he helped set up and establish the Building Department to ensure the safe and health of the citizens and businesses of the city.
Mr. Williams started his political involvement as a member of the Saint Robert Planning and Zoning Commission in the fall of 2000. He was appointed chairman of the commission and served in that capacity until April 2004, when he was elected Ward III alderman for the city of Saint Robert.
In his new capacity, he has been involved in several projects:
Todd has been an active member in the Saint Robert, Fort Leonard Wood and Waynesville communities for over a decade. From 1985 until just last year, Todd has coached several youth sports teams: baseball, basketball and football. Additionally he coached and played on several sports teams himself, including softball, volleyball and basketball. While on active duty, he was involved with many community projects including installing playground equipment at local schools and helping with upgrades to the homes for the women and children’s shelter.
Outstanding Youth Volunteer
4 awards
Award Winner: Chip Lange
Nominator: Lester Murdock, City of Cuba
Nominated for: Outstanding Youth Volunteer
Explanation:
In the classroom, Chip Lange is described as an honor roll student who excels in academics. Outside the classroom, Chip is involved in everything from scholar bowl to sports, band and Boy Scouts. In addition to his activities as a high school student, Chip dedicates time each year to instruct the fourth grade class on the history of the Civil War. This began when Chip was in middle school and was the result of Chip's extensive knowledge of Civil War history and his desire to share some of that knowledge with younger students.
Chip was the moving force behind the series of Civil War murals that now grace Buchanan Street in Cuba. These murals were the result of Chip's Eagle Scout project, which was completed in the summer of 2005. Chip visualized the murals when he was just 14. Before the murals could become a reality, Chip had to first convince the Viva Cuba Committee that this project would benefit its mural program and that he would see the project through to completion. Chip conducted extensive research on the Civil War in Cuba and surrounding areas and helped to secure the services of a professional artist. To finance the project, Chip raised over $36,000, including $15,000 in matching funds from Viva Cuba. In order to help defray the expense of the mural, Chip and his family provided San Diego artist, Don Gray with housing and transportation. Mr. Gray's rendition of the Civil War in Pilot Knob, Huzzah, Leasburg and Cuba is based on the combined research by Mr. Gray and Chip. As a tribute to Chip's involvement in the project, Mr. Gray included Chip's image in one of the murals.
It is obvious that this young man not only feels a need to help his community, but he actually lives by the Boy Scout Oath and the Boy Scout Law, which in turn reflects well on his school and his community. Chip has been featured in various newspaper articles, the Show Me St. Louis television show and has participated in radio interviews, all in an effort to promote his community and the Viva Cuba mural program. In 2006, Chip was recognized for his contributions to his school and community when he received the Cuba Area Chamber of Commerce Youth in the Spotlight Award. He was also honored by the Daughters of the American Revolution when he was awarded the Mary Desha National Founder's Medal For Youth at the 2006 DAR State Convention.
Award Winner: Mandi Scheulen
Nominator: Jerry Wolfe, Osage County commissioner
Nominated for: Outstanding Youth Volunteer
Explanation:
Mandi Scheulen, a student at Linn High School, has been doing community service since she was 9. As a member of 4-H and now FFA, she has been called to community service such as planting flowers and washing windows at the Linn Senior Apartments, trash pick up along the 4-H adopted Highway, setting up pens in the swine barn for the county fair and Christmas caroling at the Linn Nursing Home. She is a member of St. George Catholic Church where she plays the piano at Mass on weekends and other occasions. She also gives piano lessons at church. Her involvement with the Church High School Youth Group has called her to Chicago to do service at the Commodity Supplemental Food Program and Accolade Senior Day Care. She has also been involved with several local food drives for the Good Shepard Pantry in Linn. This summer Mandi was up bright and early on her day off to help with Daycare Day at the fair to help teach young children about farm animals - then endured the heat the next day to be a volunteer referee at a 3-on-3 tournament at the fair. Mandi is currently tutoring Hannah Neuner, who was involved in an auto accident this spring and was unable to attend class the remainder of her freshman year. Mandi is working with Hannah's teachers so that Hannah will be ready for school this fall. Mandi is also involved in many sports. She has been running cross country and track since the 5th grade and now shares her time and talent helping her mother coach for St. George and also organize meets for the Parochial Athletic League (PALS). She also assisted coaching the St. George Girls basketball team last fall.
Award Winner: Laura Arrington
Nominator: Theresa Cook, City of St. Robert
Nominated for: Outstanding Youth Volunteer
Explanation:
What has separated Laura from many her age though is the dedication she has shown to the citizens of this community through a tireless donation of her time to the City of
Saint Robert Fire Department. Laura has actively served her community in the cadet program with the fire department since April 26, 2005. As a fire department cadet, Laura has trained side-by-side with the city's firefighters, been an active participant in many fire department activities and has assisted the fire fighters at several emergency incidents within our community. Laura, with her outgoing and upbeat personality coupled with her natural leadership abilities, has proven time after time to brighten a room; even when things were especially difficult for those around her, even when the room is filled with many twice her age, Laura's participation, with the fire department has gone well beyond attending a weekly training session. One of her many accomplishments with the fire department included her role as a liaison between the fire department and Students Against Drunk Driving during the planning stages of a mock car accident designed to impact her fellow students on the consequences of mixing alcohol with driving. Laura's tireless dedication to her school, her friends, the fire department, her neighbors and even strangers has proven her to be a young lady of outstanding character, worthy of comparison to civic leaders many years her senior.
Nominee: Zach Happel
Nominator: Jim Biggs, Dent County Presiding Commissioner
Nominated for: Outstanding Youth Volunteer
Explanation:
Zachary Happel is an extraordinary youth. He is an exemplary student (4th in his class of 160), responsible, committed to his family and friends, athletic, preparing to begin his college career - an all around good kid. But Zach is much more. He makes good, moral choices. Zach always wants to do more and better. From the time Zach was a little boy, when he wants to accomplish something new, he acts on it and figures out what he has to do to reach his goal. From the time he was three and taught himself to read, he has been zealous about teaching himself when no other learning source is available. He has an affinity for foreign languages, and when he decided he wanted to learn Portuguese, he got a book from the library and taught himself. A strong initiative and consistent follow-through are significant characteristics of Zach. During high school, Zach participated in a broad spectrum of extracurricular activities, including varsity tennis, the D.A.R.E. Role Model program, Mu Alpha Theta, Spanish Club (Vice President), National Honor Society (President and Vice President), Student Council, Science Club (MDC Grant Chairman), Missouri Boys State, and the SEMO Chemistry Bowl. He was an elected leader in some, as noted; he was an active, influential member in all. Zach became a school leader because he commanded the respect of his peers and his teachers who recognized his strong sense of responsibility and work ethic and his constant 'commitment to making things better. They offered him opportunities to lead; he did not disappoint them.
The closeness and connections felt among the folks in a small community, like Salem, is
appreciated by and important to Zach. Beyond his busy schedule as a student, Zach makes time to give to the community. As a National Honor Society member, Zach organized members to volunteer at the public library and to serve as Salvation Army bell ringers. In addition, Zach gave volunteer hours to the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History. He also served two years as a youth representative to the MCB conference in Columbia; adult members of the board valued Zach's contributions. Zach's exemplary leadership has been rewarded with many honors. Perhaps the most significant of these is the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce's 2005 Teen of the Year Award. Youth who have had a positive influence on the community are nominated, and a chamber committee selects the most outstanding. As a student, Zach received academic awards in English, Chemistry, Biology, Spanish, Literature and math. He was named to "Who's Who Among American High School Students," the National Honor Roll, the United States Achievement Academy, the National English Honor Roll and the National Student Council Honor Roll.