PROFILE 2014 edition
2 • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014
PROFILE
NEVADA DAILY MAIL
Cottey’s Hedges brings leadership, CCPA’s Fenske veteran dramatist experience, opportunities Denise Carrick Hedges came to Cottey College because she wanted to work at a women’s college. “Women’s education is something I’ve always been interested in,” she said. “It’s a supportive environment for women where we can focus all of our energy on women.” Denise began as an admission representative before serving as the director of P.E.O. relations. Today she is the director of the Helen and George Washburn Center for Women’s Leadership where she is in charge of leadership programs for women on campus and for area middle school and high school girls. “We collaborate with Nevada High School to offer the Cottey-Nevada Presidential Leadership Program,” she explained. “And now we are collaborating with the University of Missouri Extension Office to offer a brand-new program — Building Strong Girls — for middle school girls. We recently partnered with the area Girl Scouts to offer the Mother/ Daughter Etiquette Tea. Also, I annually partner with the Girl EmPOWERment program at Nevada Middle School.” What Denise likes best is working with students, she said. “It really gives you a sense of why the college is here,” she said. “I get to work with the best and brightest because they’re the ones who are interested in being leaders and changing the world.” Denise supervises the College’s LEO (Leadership, Experiences, Opportunity) program, which is a four-level leadership certification program. She noted that those students at the Presidential Project level often complete projects that benefit the local community.
“This year, Carly Schooley is organizing activities for eating disorder week at NHS and partnering with the Student Council. Meghan Ford led the Girl Scouts tea. Priscilla Barrios headed the Peace Begins with Me flash mob. Last year, Blaklee Sanders offered a basketball workshop for area girls.” Providing more opportunities on campus for local girls is something Denise supports, she said. Cottey is offering a new tuition structure for local high school girls. Beginning next fall, area high school students can take one to six credit hours for $25 per hour. This rate applies to any junior or senior young woman attending a high school that is eligible to participate in the Regional Leadership Achievement Award Program (Barton, Bates, Cedar, Dade, St. Clair, and Vernon Counties in Missouri, and Bourbon County in Kansas) and who maintains a minimum B average in high school. This rate is available for up to six credit hours per semester, and private music lessons are excluded. Denise has a bachelor’s degree in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication from Manchester University in North Manchester, Ind. This summer she will begin a master’s program in Organizational Leadership at Evangel University in Springfield, Mo. She is married to Mark Hedges, and they have three children: second-graders Rylan and Reese, and Madison, who is a junior at NHS. She attends the First Baptist Church in Nevada, and is a member of the Thalias and the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She is also a regular reader at the Nevada Head Start program.
In three sentences, tell us how you got into your line of work? My name is Alfred Fenske. I began studies in theatre at the Goodman School of Drama, or the Art Institute of Chicago, from which I obtained a master’s degree in directing and a bachelor’s degree in acting. I spent the next 33 years teaching on the college level. Thirty of those were spent as professor of drama and speech right here in Nevada, Mo., at Cottey College. During the 40 years that the Community Council on the Performing Arts has been in operation I have been associated with it and I am directing the current production of “ On Golden Pond,” for performances on Feb. 27-28, and March 1 and 2. What do you like most about your work? Creating theatre is a constant challenge and keeps life interesting. What memories from your career stick with you most? Watching students progress in their studies and become productive members of society. What three pieces of advice do you have for someone wanting to start a business career? Have a goal and follow it. If life throws you a curve, flow with it and persevere. Work and do what makes you happy.
Family: I am the proud father of three sons and a daughter. All are grown up and have their own families, resulting in my being the proud grandfather of eight. Hobbies: When not creating theatre, I enjoy photography. Educational background: BFA and MFA. Military background I joined the U.S. Army during the Korean War and spent three years as a combat engineer. Career background: College professor and theatre director.
More about Al Fenske Age: If I live to the middle of April I will be 80 years old.
Civic, community or club memberships: Board member of the CCPA. Member of the Vernon County Arts Council. Member of the Vernon County Historical Society and volunteer docent at the Bushwhacker Museum. Member of the Route 54 Car Club.
Job title: My current job title could be retired but active.
Church affiliation and involvement: Protestant.
Denise Hedges, second from right, poses with some of last year’s LEO (Leadership, ExpeMembers of “On Golden Pond” are March Garton, Dalton Bittner, Kim Bessey, Mike rience, Opportunities) students who completed a presidential project. Pictured are ConBessey, Whitney Mowry, Andrew McNair, Will Tollerton, Brandy Todd, Kenny Jones, Steve nie Chia, Jennifer Melton, Annie Coleman, Sarah Neill, Hedges, and Rebecca Nielsen. Reed, and Alfred Fenske.
YOU!
Who’s the Most Important Person on Campus?
A
t Cottey College, you’re the most important person on campus, because we’re focused on your education. At Cottey, leadership is an essential element of your education, hands-on experience is guaranteed, learning happens everywhere, and the campus environment is ideal. A Cottey education means you’ll go places and realize your life’s ambitions. Leadership Essential At Cottey, all our leaders are women. And Cottey women have amazing opportunities to develop their leadership skills. Experience Guaranteed Cottey is the only college in the US that guarantees—and pays for—an international travel experience for every second-year student. Learning Everywhere A diverse student body, lots of activities, clubs and sports, plus a tightlyknit residential community all give Cottey students the chance to learn both inside and outside the classroom.
COTTEY 1000 W. Austin Nevada, MO 64772 417-667-8181 www.cottey.edu
Environment Ideal Cottey’s environment brings out the best in every woman. In an academic atmosphere that’s open and challenging, supportive and friendly, and completely focused on developing every student’s individual potential, anything is possible. Ambitions Realized Everyone has dreams. Cottey women have goals and ambitions. Wellprepared for the future by their Cottey education, our graduates are going places! Cottey offers the following degrees: Associate in Arts Associate in Science Associate in Arts-Music Associate in Fine Arts-Art Associate in Fine Arts-Dance Associate in Fine Arts-Theatre Bachelor of Arts in Business Bachelor of Arts in English Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Business Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Find out more about Cottey, the college created for women, by women, and about women.
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PROFILE
Koons’ pioneer ancestry leads to passion for aviation, hearing
Healthy Nevada’s Alyson Harder enjoys helping community In three sentences, tell us how you got into your line of work? I initially recognized my innate desire to impact the lives of children and families when I was doing my student teaching in a kindergarten classroom in an impoverished and underprivileged section of Fayetteville, Ark. I realized then, that my work as a teacher needed to be more and I set my sights on obtaining a master’s degree in social work. I began my social work career in some of the most destitute areas of Houston, Texas; seeing some of the devastating affects that poor health and mental health can have upon individuals and whole communities. I continued my social work career in Colorado and now Nevada. What do you like most about your work? My mantra is to ‘Change the World, One Child and One Family’ at a time. I have that opportunity every day working as a clinical social worker, CEO, private practitioner and through my volunteer work in our community. What two memories from your career stick with you most? I have so many, but I would say reading the letters and emails from patients and families thanking me and my staff for changing their lives, for believing in their ability to find a life worth living. Watching the children that myself and my staff have treated walk across the high school graduation stage or putting their handprint up on our wall at Heartland as they leave us, symbolizing their commitment to change and their commitment to life, makes every day memorable. What three pieces of advice do you have for someone wanting to start a business career? You have to LOVE and be PASSIONATE about what you do. Know what your mission statement is and mold your career around that mission. People with passion find a way to get things
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014 • 3
done, no matter the obstacles. Love life and be charismatic in all that you do. More about Alyson Harder Age 39 Job title: Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Chief Executive OfficerHeartland Behavioral Health Services Hometown: Nevada, Mo. Family: Husband-Matt, married for 16 years. Children: Branden-14, Abby10 and Drew-4 Hobbies: Fitness-Running and spinning®, reading, spending time with my family, enjoying their activities Educational background: B.S. in Education, University of Arkansas, Master of Social Work, University of Kansas Career background: Department of Social Services: Houston, Texas, Colorado Springs, Colo. Nevada R-V School District social worker Heartland Behavioral Health Services, 10 years private practice therapist Civic, community or club memberships: Healthy Nevada Board Member Alive at Five Running Group! I love my girls Church Episcopal
affiliation:
All
Saint’s
Any business or personal honors: I have received a variety of honors and recognitions over the years, but I believe that all of those are as a result of the people I work with and my family. “No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself or get all the credit.” — Andrew Carnegie
“My ancestors were pioneers in Oklahoma,” reflected Bill Koons. “My great-grandfather Baker made the run in Oklahoma in 1889 and was probably the last Civil War veteran to die in 1957. “I was very fortunate to have met him. My grandfather and grandmother Koons rode one of the settlement trains into Fairview, Okla., area about 1910. “I was born in a small Oklahoma town, the only non-Native American in the nursery. “I’ve lived in many different places growing up. The two places I consider home were the ranch near Depew, Okla., and the town of Stillwater, Okla. “When I was about 4 years old, there was a flood in the Stillwater area. My mother’s brother was getting married in Guthrie and she convinced the university’s corporate pilot to fly us to Guthrie. “The pilot loaded us up in a two-place training airplane called an Aeronca Champ. With my sister in my mom’s lap and me in the baggage compartment standing up, off to Guthrie we went. That flight ignited my passion for aviation. “When I was in high school, my grandfather passed away. The responsibility of all the manual labor on the ranch went to me. “I also worked at the local airport and the University Airport during the holidays. “After high school, I enrolled in the Oklahoma State University aviation program and soon had my private pilot’s license. “In college I worked at the University Airport, and with a couple of cropdusters in New England. “Soon, my funds for continuing my education were depleted. During this time, the Vietnam War was going on, and I was persuaded to join the Army. In the Army, I was a helicopter mechanic. “After the service, I changed my major, went back to OSU, and received my first degree. Later, I did graduate work at Colorado State University. “After college, I married my first wife and we had three children. “During this time I ran a non-profit agency, worked on an Indian reservation, and owned a retail book sales company that sold mostly children’s books. “I was an independent contractor for
Reading Is Fun. “After moving to Missouri, I made two of the best decisions in my life. “I went to work for a hearing aid company in Kansas City and married Arlene. Arlene is originally from Minnesota but had worked as an occupational therapist in Nevada for about 15 years when I met her. I dated her for about a year before we were married. We’ve been married for 11 years now and call Nevada home. “My passions in life are aviation, traveling, being a lifelong learner and helping people hear better. “Because of these passions, I am an active member of the International Hearing Society, and member/board member of the Missouri Hearing Society. “I also give and attend educational in-services on hearing healthcare. I’ve become known internationally and achieved several awards. “The most important thing that this has allowed me to do is to be able to help people hear better. “After years of commuting to Kansas City and working for other companies, Arlene and I decided to open up ABK Hearing Center in Nevada. “This allowed us to spend time doing activities that we enjoy and spend time with our children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. “It also gave me the opportunity to put in practice my expertise and professionalism and to spend time with customers to achieve the best hearing outcome for them.”
HEALTHY NEVADA WANTS
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4 • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014
PROFILE
NEVADA DAILY MAIL
Thomas retires after 12 years at Crowder College Nevada campus BY JANET REED When Crowder College Nevada Campus Director Donna Thomas leaves campus on Feb. 28, she will be saying goodbye to a career at Crowder that began in 2002, when she was hired as an adjunct instructor to teach Introduction to Business and Human Resource Management. That entry into the fledgling new enterprise that was Crowder College Nevada Campus turned into Thomas’s appointment as the first Student Services Coordinator on campus and finally to her selection as Campus Director in August 2005. The campus has experienced enormous growth during her tenure, and the school she leaves behind now serves a wide variety of students from several counties and is poised to continue its growth under a new director. Crowder College came to Nevada in 1995, first offering classes to 99 students in the Nevada R-5 Bowman Building. The initial class offerings were slim — Speech 101 and English 101, for example, and many of those 99 students were sitting in an ITV classroom participating in a class being taught by a teacher at another location. The vision was right; the need was great, and the students who came made the process work for them. In fact, the need was so great that Crowder acquired its current location at 600 W. Edwards Place from the state of Missouri in 2000, opening for classes in the Spring 2001 semester with 170 students attending. The building was once the employee dormitory and infirmary for the Nevada State Hospital, and while its historic features offered many possibilities, the building needed serious renovation. Crowder appealed to the Finis M. Moss Charitable Trust for help with repairs and improvements and made a promise to the trustees that if the Moss Trust would help Crowder bring access to public higher education to Nevada, Crowder would be a permanent addition to the community. The trustees said yes, and the old infirmary became a school. The rest is history, but it’s a great story worth telling. Since 1995, Crowder Nevada has seen a 330 percent increase in enrollment. As of fall 2013, 5,215 area residents have enrolled in at least one class, and 676 have earned associate degrees in myriad disciplines and programs. The charter class graduated three students, and in 2012, the number had jumped to 101. Last August, 426 students began a new semester at Crowder Nevada. The average age was 27, and 60.1 percent were firstgeneration college students. A total of 101 high schools are represented in the current student body as well as 61
GED graduates. These students are earning degrees in every discipline and field from teacher education to nursing to psychology and addictions counseling. Many have declared a general studies major anticipating transfer to a four-year institution when course work at Crowder is completed. Crowder is first and foremost about serving its students and helping them become successful in their chosen fields, and it has kept its promise to the Moss Trustees to become a permanent part of the community. Growth requires nearly constant change and enhancement of staff and infrastructure, and as Crowder has faced challenges, it has turned back to its community partners for financial help. The local 3M Company plant donated money for the first science lab in 2003, and the Moss Trust has continued its support with additional funds to renovate the building and provide computer access for student learning. Other community partners, too numerous to name, have also made contributions, and to each partner and for each gift, Crowder says thank you. Phenomenal growth also requires changes in staffing, and during Thomas’s tenure as campus director, Crowder has expanded its original number of employees from two in 1995 to nine full-time, one 3/4-time, six half-time, and 43 adjunct instructors. A nursing program, fully accredited by the state of Missouri, began in 2007, graduating eight students in 2008, and approximately 25 nurses each May since. The program enjoys a 90 percent pass rate and an exemplary reputation for training healthcare professionals. This program employs a campus coordinator, an office manager, two full-time instructors, and a clinical instructor. A student support services grant, awarded to Crowder Nevada in 2011, added a director, two full-time academic coordinators, and a part-time office manager to the staff. This federally funded program has allowed Crowder Nevada to better meet the needs of first-generation college students through a deeper focus on tutoring, advising and transferring. This program serves 140 qualifying students and coordinates cultural enhancement opportunities, college fairs, and campus visits among many other roles on campus. Throughout all of this growth, Thomas has been at the center of Crowder’s outreach. As Lyle Catron, health and wellness Instructor, said, “What nuclear was to coal, what electricity was to a candle, Donna was to Crowder Nevada.” Nursing instructor and former nursing
coordinator Karin Baughman expressed her admiration for Thomas this way: “Donna’s legacy will forever be multiplied through the lives of those she tenaciously fought to educate at the Nevada Campus and into the lives of the many they will each serve, teach, and heal.” Thomas’s first full-time position at Crowder was as student services coordinator, and student services is a role she never relinquished. Working with students, advocating for them, and motivating them to succeed will be the fruits of her labor that will continue to yield results long after the enrollment numbers are relegated to the history books. To touch a life, to help make dreams come true; to be the arrow pointing the direction to success is the legacy a true educator seeks. Of those 5,215 students who have entered Crowder Nevada, Thomas has seen or touched each one. Thomas has been at Crowder Nevada long enough to hire a former advisee as the newest student services coordinator on campus. Delpha Crain said, “I was a nontraditional student who had never been successful at college until Donna became my advisor. “Donna and Crowder College gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams. She saw a future beyond my associate’s degree and encouraged me to continue. I graduated with my master’s degree in 2012. I’ll be forever grateful to her.” Glen Sadler, senior nursing student said, “Thanks, Donna, for always being available, even without an appointment and for your commitment to us students.” Megan Mulkey recounts her first day of school. “Mrs. Thomas found me on my first day and was the only one that morning who spoke to me like a person and not some lost child, although I’m sure my facial expression resembled that of a scared child. From that day forward, I made sure to stop and say hello. Finally, her magic wand for finals was always welcomed.”
Thomas is famous for her pink magic wand that she pulls from a drawer and shakes with a flourish to reassure students that their problems will pass and they will survive the next test or challenge. Sadler recounts a specific encounter with the wand. “I was struggling with a class and was conflicted about dropping it. I made an appointment with Donna. I poured my heart out as I explained my huge decision to drop a class. As I finally came to the end of my 10-minute speech and there was a silence in the office, I was expecting to hear that everything would work out in the end, but nothing. “Donna reached over, opened the drawer, and pulled out the infamous ‘magic’ pink wand. With a gentle chime from the pink fortune teller, my decision was made, papers were signed, and I was on my way.” After a career that has spanned 40 years and has included stints as Chamber of Commerce director, Nevada City Hospital director of strategic planning and public relations, and West Central Missouri Community Action Agency chief administrative officer, Thomas will be “on her way” Feb. 28, and will have more time to pursue a hobby in woodcarving, spend more time with her family, and travel. She leaves a campus deeply impacted by her service and grateful for the heart she put into it. As Sadler said, “Donna, you may retire, but Pinky stays. We still need the magic.”
Longtime dentist Ogburn reaches milestone of 50 years of serving By Neoma Foreman Dr. Donald Ogburn has been a practicing dentist since 1964 — 50 years — and all of that time in Nevada. “I rented a room above Thornton Bank for $30 a month. I had Roy Brown Sign Company make me a sign for the door. Charlie Logan was my landlord. Roberta, my wife, worked as my receptionist for the first two years. “My first patient was Ralph Smith. He came by the office and asked if I was working so I took him in. “The phone rang the next day and before the day ended, I had eight patients. “I charged from $3 to $5 each and took in $80 the first week. We went to Lamar to the Blue Top and had a steak. “We only needed $300 a month to make all of our bills so we splurged then.” Jack and Helen Ogburn, Donald’s parents, moved to Nevada in 1967. He did some dental work preparing dentures for Dr. Bunton and learned how to do it. He continued to help Bunton, but worked for. Ogburn until he was 88 years old. “Dad would do the work during the day and I’d do it over again at night, but it didn’t take him long to get it right. “He went to seminars and learned more than I did. Dad would have a set of dentures made in a couple of hours.” Ogburn laughed and said, “It made me tired working with my dad. He was such a hard worker. He had to have a heart attack before I could keep up with him.” As the dental practice grew, Dr. Ogburn rented two more rooms over the bank and now paid $60 a month rent. He worked from that office for 10 years before building his own building on East Cherry in 1973. He has continued to work in his own office for 40 years. Roberta quit working in the office when their family came. They have a daughter, Cindy, and a son, Kendall. Betty Jo (May) Klotz worked Ogburn’s receptionist for 10 years and there were two other ladies that helped out some. However, his daughter, Cindy, has been his receptionist for the last 26 years. “It’s really been a family affair,” he said. “The kids were little when we built this building and were in on all of it, along with my dad and wife.” Cindy smiled and said, “I’ve been here my whole life. I raised my son, Kutter, here in this office so now we’re starting the fourth generation in dental work.” Most people do not have going to the dentist on their fun-to-do-list. However, Ogburn and Cindy both related a time when someone tried to come in and the sheriff arrested them in the parking lot.
Dr. Ogburn and his daughter, Cindy, who has served as his receptionist for the last 26 years and counting. They are standing back of the window that was in the Thornton Bank where Dr. Ogburn had his first office.
They never did find out what it was all about, but it was a change of pace from pulling and filling teeth. “I’m glad I didn’t drop out of dental school,” Ogburn said. “I probably wouldn’t do it in another lifetime, but I’m glad to do what I do. We have a lot to be thankful for. “The biggest challenge has been to keep up to date with my education and the changes in technology.” Dr. Ogburn attends a continuing education class each year to keep his license current. “Nevada has always had chlorine in the water so people’s teeth are lots better here than other places that do not have it,” Ogburn said. Donald Ogburn was born in Kingdom, Kan. His family moved to Modesto, Calif., when he was 6 months old, but back to the farm in Kansas where his dad got a job welding Cessna airplanes in Hutchison for 70 cents an hour. They rented a home for $10 a month. Donald moved to Kansas City after high school and went to the dental school. He graduated from dental school on July 1, 1961. “Dr. Wood, who had an office just west of Nevada, and I were in the same class and graduated together. “We attended our 50th reunion in 2013, and several in our class are still working,” Dr. Ogburn said. While attending school, he also attended church, which is where he met the woman he would marry on Nov. 16, 1962. Donald and Roberta celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year. Ogburn said he would continue to work as long as his health is good. “There are people here who need a dentist — and I’m here to help them.”
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014 • 5
PROFILE
Miller finds joy in early childhood education By Nicole Garner Nevada Daily Mail “It all fell into place.” That’s how Crystal Miller, center director for Nevada Head Start, describes her career in pre-kindergarten education. Ten years after her first day with the Rich Hill Head Start, Miller now manages the Nevada Head Start, where she says no day is an average day. “It starts at 6:30 a.m. with greeting families and signing in students, classroom observations, teaching and doing paperwork. There’s lots of paperwork here. But nothing’s ever the same,” she said. Miller didn’t envision working with Head Start until after her first son was born. She graduated with a degree in early childhood education from Crowder College, and began substitute teaching at the Rich Hill Head Start. From there, Miller worked as an aid and nutritionist. Experience from those jobs has helped her step into her role as a director. “You know how staff jobs are supposed to go,” she said. In December, Miller transferred to the Nevada Head Start, where she now manages a staff of nearly 20 teachers, family advocates and nutritionists. Nevada Head Start currently teaches around 86 children, ages six-weeks to five-years-old. “My main goal, for the center and program as a whole, is to be here for families and children. I want to give them a quality preschool education where they feel welcome,” Miller said. At Head Start, children under fiveyears-old are able to gain social and
In three sentences, tell us how you got into your line of work? “I have always had an interest in politics and a drive to better my community,” said District 126 State Rep. Randy Pike. Serving several years as a school board member, I became interested in county level leadership. As a Northern County Commissioner for 12 years, I worked in conjunction with our representatives on several state level issues, which inspired me to run and serve at the state level. What do you like most about your work? I enjoy working with the public and helping constituents to address issues that concern them. It is interesting to represent District 126 through the legislative process and work in conjunction with other legislators on statewide issues. emotional skills, which allow them to learn how to share and cooperate. Miller said her favorite part of working with Head Start is interacting with children and their families, and helping develop those skills. The full-time Nevada program, which doesn’t break for summer vacation, brought Miller back to the city she was born in – though, she still resides in Rich Hill. “Rich Hill is wonderful,” Miller said. “It fits my family.” When not in the classroom, assisting students or working through piles of paperwork, Miller enjoys spending time with her three children. Her older sons play several sports, including baseball, football and track. “I enjoy cheering them on and supporting them,” she said. When not following a sport schedule, Miller can be found with a book – especially in those summers which she’ll now be working through. “I’m a big reader, whenever I can find the time,” she said.
Mosher started early as harpist By Gloria Tucker Nevada Daily Mail With gentle, lilting notes and haunting chords of sorrow, the harp demonstrates its versatility. At the age of 10, Elizabeth Mosher, of Schell City, fell in love with the instrument and saved up her money to buy one. She began lessons right away, first in Nevada with Mary Prokes and later in Kansas City. Having already learned the piano, she picked up the harp with ease and played ever since. “I just really love music,” she said. “I love playing however I want. People always really love listening to it. I get to make people happy.” When she turned 14, she started playing for hire and became a familiar face at many social functions. “I did weddings, parties, political events, fundraisers and events like that,”
K EITH’S B ODY S HOP
“Like it never happened”
Working with public fuels Pike’s legislative efforts
What two memories from your career stick with you most? It was very special to be sworn into the House of Representatives with my family and friends from the district present. Another great memory was the Freshman Legislators’ Tour, which provided several stops across Missouri to learn about the state’s business and industry, educational system, farming and agriculture, health services, and natural resources. What three pieces of advice do you have for someone wanting to start a business career? Follow your passion and choose a career that inspires and interests you. Preparation is key. Have a business plan, funding and a network with others in your career field. Show up for work everyday and put in the time it will take to make your business career successful. Age: 60 years old Job title: Missouri State Representative – District 126 Hometown: Born in Butler, Mo. Family: Randy is the son of Wesley and Nelda Pike. My wife Patricia is a retired schoolteacher and school counselor.
We have two children, daughter Dr. Michelle Pike, and son Dillion Pike (wife Channing), and two granddaughters, Isabella Bo and Josephine Harper Pike. Hobbies: Time with family, fishing, woodworking Educational background: Butler High School, attended University of Central Missouri Career background: Business and farming background, taxidermist and wood carver; served as Bates County Northern Commissioner 2000-2012; current Missouri State Representative – District 126 Civic, community or club memberships: Lions Club, Optimist Club, Ducks Unlimited, Wild Turkey Federation, Chambers of Commerce, etc. Church affiliation and involvement: Attends Adrian United Methodist Church Any business or personal honors: Pike was honored with Missouri House of Representatives Freshman Legislator of the Year for Veterans Issues in 2013. Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Member, Lions Club President’s Honor, recognition of service for school board and county commission. He is well known for his world and national champion taxidermist and wood carving awards and now serves as a national judge.
MISSOURI REPRESENTATIVE RANDY W. PIKE FILES FOR SECOND TERM
she said. “Most of the music I play is written for the piano.” Recently married, Mosher, 25, took a break from her performances for the moment. “I hope to get back into it here in the next year or two,” she said. “I plan to keep doing it as a business on the side. It’s something nice for the weekends.”
KEITH & DUSTIN CAMPBELL OWNERS David Martin Office Manager
800 S Alma Street Nevada MO 64772 417-667-6790 Fax 417-667-7098 kbsinc66@sbcglobal.net
Jefferson City, MO - Missouri House Representative, Randy W. Pike, filed for re-election, Tuesday, February 25, 2014. Pike is currently serving in his second year as District 126 State Representative, which covers Vernon and Bates counties. Pike was honored with Freshman Legislator of the Year for Veterans Issues in 2013. He currently serves on several House committees, which include Agriculture Policy, Retirement, Veterans, Missouri Sportsman Issue Development, Issue Development on Workers Freedom, and Interim Committee on Cause and Spread of Chronic Wasting Disease in the Elk and White Tail Deer Population. As a legislator, he has participated in several statewide training activities encompassing agriculture, health technology, economic development, transportation, education, business & manufacturing to represent District 126. “It is an honor to represent Bates and Vernon County constituents. As the Legislature addresses state-wide issues, I strive to provide leadership that represents individuals, communities, schools, businesses and family farms in a conscientious manner.” Pike stated. “I welcome citizens from District 126 to visit with me at the Capitol and around the district, because I am interested in listening to their ideas and concerns about current issues. Legislatively, I combine that with a lot of reading and research on the bills before I vote.” Representative Pike’s prior experience in district issues proved to be beneficial as he stepped into his State Representative role. “My background helped reduce the learning curve that new legislators go through.” Pike said. “Having worked with the public on county and state issues, I was able to transition into my role smoothly to begin serving the constituents of Vernon and Bates counties.” Pike served as Bates County Commissioner from 2000-2012 with numerous district and state leadership and grant funding experiences. Pike is a successful small business and farm owner in rural Adrian where he lives with his wife, Patricia, a retired school educator. They have two children, daughter, Dr. Michelle Pike and son, Dillion Pike (wife Channing), and two granddaughters, Isabella Bo and Josephine Harper Pike. Born and raised in Butler, he is the son of Wesley and Nelda Pike. Randy Pike is well known in Bates and Vernon counties as a proponent of Second Amendment Rights and for his honors as a World Champion Taxidermist and Wood Carver.
Proud to announce the completion of our 13th home in Vernon County.
“I appreciate the opportunity to serve as your State Representative in Jefferson City.” Randy W. Pike
BECOME A PART OF OUR REWARDING TEAM EFFORT! Volunteers encouraged to participate, as we look forward to our next project.
For more information, please contact:
Habitat for Humanity • President, Bob Beaver • 417-321-1116
www.habitat.org
MO House of Representatives 201 West Capitol Avenue Room 400CB Jefferson City, MO 65101 Legislative Assistant: Beth Rohrbach Phone: 573-751-5388 E-mail: Randy.Pike@house.mo.gov Paid for by Randy Pike for State Representative- 126, Barney Fisher, Treasurer
6 • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2014
NEVADA DAILY MAIL
PROFILE
Constant improvement is sheriff’s goal
Becky Bruce: Preserving history through restoring quilts
By Nicole Garner Nevada Daily Mail If you ask Jason Mosher about his first year as Vernon County Sheriff, he’ll tell you it’s been a work in progress. “There have been a lot of big changes over the last year,” Mosher said. Mosher mentioned some of the big items: adding 24-hour deputy coverage of the county, revamping the Sheriff’s office image with new uniforms and more marked vehicles and increasing security at the Vernon County Courthouse by adding a bailiff. The Sheriff’s Office underwent staffing changes, and the department worked with nearby Nevada Police Department and Moss House to create a better protocol for domestic violence situations. Many of those changes were expected. But there were some unexpected changes that came with the job – such as the overwhelming amount of community support and interest. Mosher said his first days as sheriff were used to connect with residents of Vernon County. “Every morning, I’d sit down and spend hours listening to all my voicemails, trying to call people back or answer emails. I’d leave late that night and come back the next morning, and there’d be 25 to 30 messages on my phone again.” Mosher said it was like that – day in, day out – for his first month as Vernon County Sheriff. Now, he still gets several calls a day from county residents, but nothing like those first month. Or, out in public, people will mention his regular column that runs in the Nevada Daily Mail. “I’m surprised that nearly anywhere I go, people come by and say they’ve read my column. It never dawned on me that so many people read the opinion section,” Mosher said. But not all of those changes – known or unknown – have been easy. “The ideas that were ready to put into place were the easiest,” Mosher said. For him, some of the most difficult parts of his first year as sheriff have involved working with the jail. “The jail always has its own issues,” Mosher said. When he entered office, housing numbers in the jail were declining, and as sheriff, Mosher was tasked
By Neoma Foreman When some of her family’s quilts needed help, Becky Bruce made a trip to Omaha, Neb., and took an intensive quilt restoration class. She went to the Lincoln National Quilt Museum in Lincoln and studied dating for fabrics. If different stitches were needed in restoring quilts, she bought books and taught herself to make the stitches. Now, she restores and collects antique quilts. She can also tell you approximately when the quilt was made using the fabric and stitching as dating symbols. “Quilts and quilt making are an expression of the women — and some men — who make them,” Becky said. She held up a quilt she had pieced. “I started piecing quilts when I was a child and made my first entire quilt in the ‘70s. Now, I admit, it’s an obsession. I love learning the history of quilts as well as making and restoring them.” She showed examples of stitched, tied, and stuffed stitch quilts. “Stuffed stitch is when the stitch is made and stuffing is inserted into the area to make a puff. It was especially popular in about 1780.” Becky said that some of the first fabrics used were linen, wool and silk. Wool was especially used because of warmth. Chintz was very expensive in the 1780s and if people had old curtains of that fabric, they sometimes made quilts from this. The early quilts were made by women on the East Coast who had access to imported fabric. The Baltimore Album pattern was exquisite and made use of the talent of the quilter by using appliqué. Later, cotton fabric became accessible and piecing became a hobby and expression of art by many. The dying process of fabric was long and most bolts of fabric were never exactly the same color. In the late 1800s, the coloring process became more stable. Until 1846 and the advent of the sewing machine, all sewing was done by hand. The machine allowed women to accomplish their necessary sewing in a shorter time and gave them freedom to make more things to brighten their homes and lives. Becky said that during the Civil War, men took quilts as bedrolls and few returned. She shared an excerpt in a Civil War diary written by a 17-year-old woman in South Carolina on March 14, 1864, which said, “How are we going to ever get to make clothes again, let alone quilts, when a yard of calico costs from $25 to $30?” “This would have been an exorbitant price for the times as fabric today costs from $8 to $12 a yard on the average.” Quilting began again about 1880-1890. The quilt of favor was made using the Album pattern. Blocks were made with names of family and neighbors in the center and put together as a gift when people moved, as they were especially going west at that time. The Crazy Quilt was made then, also. People used their scraps of silks, satins, velvets, wool blends and delaine — which is a blend of cotton and wool. According to Becky, fabrics became lighter and brighter about 1910. Pastels and children’s prints became available and different patterns and stitching began. The Kansas City Star ran a quilt pattern each week and companies commercialized it and sold kits. But then the depression hit. People still had to have clothes, and country people being the resourceful people they are, used sacks their livestock feed came in to make their clothes. “Many a farmer was sent to town with a specific feed sack to match. If he didn’t get the right one, the wife went the next time and made sure it matched — even if the feed salesman had to move an entire stack and get the one on the bottom.” Becky is fortunate to still have some feed sacks and articles made from them. She used some to make a feed sack doll quilt. “The 1970s era brought a renewed interest in quilt making and it remains
with finding a way to solve the issue of declining revenue. A recent solution – making contracts with counties with overfilled jails – has helped bring money back to the county. Mosher said the proposal process wasn’t easy, but after several attempts, the effort to bring in revenue through housing inmates has been successful. What will the next year hold? Mosher said that he expects more changes and fine-tuning for the department. “I think every year, as long as I’m here, will have some kind of changes,” he said. One of those goals for 2014 is to improve the jail by adding constructive rehabilitation programs. Mosher said his hope is that these programs can help those currently in jail avoid coming back. Other work is continued community outreach so that people “know how their tax money is spent,” he said. And, creating a more web-friendly Sheriff’s Office is a goal in progress. Within the last months, Vernon County residents have been able to file reports and complaints online, and deputies are able to access pertinent information through the office’s website. Mosher’s goal is to continue on with these web applications. In the meantime, if you ask what he’s most proud of during this first year, it won’t be about himself. Mosher said he’s most proud, and appreciative, of the Sheriff’s Office staff and the daily work they do. “They’ve done excellent. Everyone works together, and it’s a good mix of people. “I’m one person – my staff decides how well I serve my citizens,” Mosher said.
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firm today. A lot of patriotic quilts were made at that time. Some were made as fundraisers during the bicentennial. “There are so many new techniques, like reverse appliqué and paper piecing, which combines an old style with a new one. However, some people left the paper in the quilt and the acid in the paper deteriorated the quilt. Never leave the paper in. Prior to the Civil War, most decorative quilts were made by using appliqué,” she said. Becky showed an eight-point-star quilt made by her grandmother, Josephine Preston Slankard. “My grandmother made the top between 1920 and 1930. I hand-quilted it and had to add some fabric around the edge so even thought the top was made earlier; the date of the quilt will have to be 2008. Your quilt date is only as old as the newest fabric.” Some tips Becky gave for caring for and preserving your quilts: • Keep quilts out of direct sunlight. • Keep quilts in cotton pillowcases — no polyester, or no more than 20/80 percent. When making quilts, don’t use polyester batting or thread — only cotton. You can use 20 percent polyester and 80 percent cotton, but 100 percent cotton is best. She even has her husband, Ray, trained. Once they were on one of their motorcycle trips and he saw an antique quilt hanging in the store window. He went inside and told them if they wanted to preserve it — to get it out of the light. Becky and Ray returned from a 12-day, 3,500-mile trip on their Can-Am Spyder Trike. They went across southern Missouri to an old Civil War fort-Fort Benton near Popular Bluff, and on to Paducah, Ky., where they toured the Quilt Museum. “It was pretty neat. They actually had a Civil War quilt among the other quilts.” Their next stop was a pow-wow in Hopkinsville, Ky. They traveled old highways keeping off the interstates. Along Highways 90 and 92, they followed the Trail of Barn Quilts in Kentucky. They went through the natural tunnel in Virginia. Spending a few days in historic Williamsburg, they went to the Jamestown settlement, Yorktown, and on to Virginia Beach to get into the ocean. In Washington, D.C., they toured the Smithsonian and saw several of the monuments. On the return trip they went to the top of the Shenandoah Valley and rode down Skyline Drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, back to West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and back to Nevada, Mo., — all on old highways. Becky Bruce is a person of contrasts and diversity. She is an expert on quilt restoration, hand quilt repair, and finishes started quilts for others, as well as sells antique quilts and linens, but loves to live life to the fullest by hopping on her trike and discovering new trails. You can contact her at BBStitchinPost@gmail.com, or phone her at 417-667-1909.
Becky Bruce with feed sacks items.
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