Leaders Among Us 2009

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About Us The Southern Business Journal Monthly is a publication of The Southern Illinoisan. Contact us via mail at 710 N. Illinois Ave., Carbondale, IL, 62901, or at P.O. Box 2108, Carbondale, IL, 62903. Also reach us on the Web at www.sbj.biz and via email at SBJ@thesouthern.com.

Copyright 2004 by The Southern Illinoisan, all rights reserved. Information about how to subscribe may be obtained by calling 618-529-5454 or 618-997-3356, or by visiting our Web site.

F M G R Feirich / Mager / Green / Ryan

Attorneys at Law Providing Business and Personal Legal Services to the Midwest Commercial Transactions Workers’ Compensation Labor Negotiations Employment Matters Municipal Law

Administrative Law Banking Law Real Estate Transactions Probate and Estate Planning Business Organization

Located in the Westown Centre • 2001 West Main, Carbondale • (618) 529-3000

Visit our web site at www.fmgr.com

Congratulations to Contact Us

Lois Murphy

Publisher: Dennis M. DeRossett (618) 351-5038

Editor: Gary Metro (618) 351-5033

Advertising: Abby Hatfield (618) 351-5024

from the City of Murphysboro, Murphysboro Tourism Commission, Murphysboro Chamber of Commerce & Murphysboro Main Street

Circulation: Trisha Woodside (618) 351-5035

Publication Design: Rhonda M. Ethridge (618) 529-5454

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MAY 2009

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About This Issue

Join us in applauding ‘Leaders’ class of 2009!

Welcome to the sixth annual issue of the Southern Business Journal’s “Leaders Among Us” publication.

Each spring since 2004 we have had the pleasure of honoring a group of individuals from throughout Southern Illinois who go to extra efforts to make their communities – and the entire region – a much better place to live, work and play. Community involvement, commitment and leadership are qualities shared by all those receiving this award.

This year’s 16-member Class of 2009 brings the total number of those honored as “Leaders Among

DeRossett

Metro

Us” to 102. You will enjoy reading about this year’s award winners in the pages of this magazine. Each will be recognized at the Community Leaders’ Breakfast on Friday, May 1 at John A Logan College.

Over 45 people were nominated this year and the selection process was made more difficult because of so many qualified nominees.

The selection committee did

a good job of choosing a group to be honored that was representative of the entire region. The Class of 2009 represents 16 different communities in 10 different counties in Southern Illinois.

None has requested to be recognized or to be honored, but their fellow citizens have recognized their importance in their communities and put forth their names in nomination.

And, each one is very deserving of the recognition and we are pleased to honor them.

We thank everyone who participated in the nomination process this year. We also thank our Community Partners,

without whose sponsorship and commitment to “One Region, One Vision” these awards would not be possible. They are: Southern Illinois Healthcare, Pepsi MidAmerica, SchoolCenter, John A Logan College, Southern Illinois University, Egyptian Electric Cooperative and Shawnee Community College.

Please join us in honoring this year’s “Leaders Among Us.” – Dennis DeRossett is publisher, and Gary Metro is editor, of the Southern Business Journal. They can be reached at 351-5033 or at sbj@thesouthern.com.

A-1 BUILDINGS & OVERHEAD DOORS

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rnie Collins has never thought twice about going the extra mile for someone in need. There were times throughout his 28 years as an Illinois State Police trooper that he would let strangers use his tools, borrow his car and even stay the night at his home. He was not looking for personal gain but received satisfaction simply by being able to help.

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A lifelong resident of Mount Vernon, Collins began helping others at 17 when he bought his first car. He

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often was called on by friends and neighbors for aid.

After high school, he attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale and Mount Vernon Community College (which would later become Rend Lake College), but decided to enlist in the U.S. Air Force before receiving a college degree.

The Air Force taught Collins the true value of teamwork, respect for others and a positive attitude. He served in Japan, Thailand and the Philippines, and discovered that being polite to his neighbors made his stay a much more satisfying experience.

Upon returning to civilian life, Collins married his wife, Brenda, and was accepted into the Illinois State Police Academy. As a state trooper, he made a habit of

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DID YOU KNOW? Ernie Collins loves his Honda Gold Wing motorcycle and has been part of several biker groups, including the American Legion Riders.

ERNIE

spent about 20 years of his career as a trooper teaching the law to others.

Shortly after joining ISP, Collins became a volunteer firefighter for Jefferson Fire Protection District.

Averaging 55 calls per month, he responds to fires, medical emergencies, car accidents and public assistance cases. Collins takes pride in directing the young firefighters on the staff.

“I know from my experiences I can help out these younger people,” he said, “but I also learn from some of these new guys.”

Even though he has loved his career, Collins considers his position as chaplain for the American Legion his No. 1 priority. Last year alone, he performed eulogies at 86 funerals for war veterans and believes vets deserve a better sendoff than they are otherwise given. Collins spends much of his time calling funeral homes, visiting families and researching on the Internet the deceased veterans, all to pay proper tribute at the funeral. As part of the color guard, he has great respect for the American flag and includes explanations for all 13 folds of the flag in every service.

“Some of those guys were in harm’s way and some were not, but every one of them has a story to tell,” Collins said. “I stress the point that we had a lot of good memories.”

It is not always easy for Collins to keep up with funerals. Sometimes he

THOMAS BARKER

COLLINS

going out of his way to help motorists on the interstate. On one occasion, he encountered stranded motorists with a blown radiator. He removed the radiator himself so it could be taken to a repair shop. In less than two hours, the driver was back on the road with only a $15 bill to pay.

“Quitting time did not mean you went home. Many, many times, I was out there MAY 2009

after hours because there was still something that needed to be done,” Collins said.

Collins not only enforced the law; he also taught it. He taught truck laws and overweight enforcement at the police academy. He also taught classes in first aid, CPR and age-awareness to church groups and other civic groups throughout Southern Illinois. Collins

doesn’t hear of a veteran’s passing before reading obituaries in the local newspaper. Even with the stress of time restraints, he will not skip a funeral for a fellow war veteran. This makes it impossible for him and Brenda to take vacations, something he hopes to do someday. But, right now, he feels it is a sacrifice he must make.

Collins also serves as a deacon at Meadowbrook Christian Church and has taught a Sunday School class for 10 years. He takes the time to mail birthday cards to church members and assumes custodial duties from time to time.

His other volunteer works include serving once a week at a local soup kitchen and making deliveries for Meals on Wheels. During his deliveries, he carries a pocket full of dog treats and hands them out to families with dogs. That, Collins said, just makes their day, and he is happy to do it.

“People don’t help people anymore, and they need to,” he said.

Collins also plays a role on Operation: Iraqi Freedom Committee, which raises money for local soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Upon returning home, each soldier is presented a BX gift card, valued from $600 to $900, to be used for groceries.

Committee members also throw soldiers a parade when they come home from service.

“I see these boys in uniform, and I’m just so proud of them. I get choked up emotionally a lot of times,” he said.

Collins really just appreciates the fact that he has a good life. He encourages others to be what they want to be and to not sweat the hard stuff. He likes to quote something he once read: “If there wasn’t any rain, life would be a desert.”

– Thomas Barker SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

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DAVID & HELEN DID YOU KNOW? David Coracy devours movies as Helen Coracy devours books. He buys every new movie when it comes out on DVD. She once read three books in three days on a vacation.

sense of family permeates the home, business and myriad of community projects that occupy the waking hours of David and Helen Coracy.

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The family-owned business, B and A Travel Service in downtown Carbondale, remains in the same building where David’s parents (Bill and Anna) started it in 1963, and there’s also an office in Marion. He owns the business with his brother and sister and they consider their employees family.

“We try to select (travel packages) that are the best value and that people get the best experience from,” he said.

“We want to make sure we’re the best we can be and set an example for everyone else.”

He points to a laptop computer in the corner of their living room, “I don’t go anywhere without that thing.”

Helen adds, “We try to treat people with fairness, treat people like you want to be treated.”

He is what they refer to as “the portable guy,” doing marketing, quality control, IT work, the back office jobs, and filling in for employees on vacation.

She is a front line agent, spending her time in the office.

“I’ve always felt the responsibility of running the business; that comes before anything else,” David said.

“It’s my way of saying to my family and coworkers ‘I’m doing this for you.’ I value my family, and I think that’s one of the reasons it’s been so successful.”

Ironically, the two who plan wonderful trips for everyone else don’t have time for a vacation themselves.

The last time they got away was for a cruise several years ago. They usually try to steal some time on business trips, which they take separately.

The passion that fuels their long

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CORACY

hours in the travel business spills over in long hours both devote to numerous community programs and projects.

“With the good fortune we’ve had, we’re in a position to do something for other people,” David said. “I love Carbondale and I love Southern Illinois.

Some of us need to take time to make things better.”

Through the business, they sponsor fundraisers for groups like sports teams at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and The Women’s Center.

David is immediate past president of Carbondale Community Arts, where he helped coordinate regional arts programs and education with the Illinois Arts Council and assisted in the formation of the Arts Ambassadors Council, a volunteer group.

He’s on the board of directors for the Varsity Center for the Arts, is their treasurer and is the chair of the design committee, which is considering ideas for the interior and exterior of the building.

The Coracy home contains art pieces from many CCA events, including a bird house made out of wine corks and a handmade mask. Helen often volunteers at the programs.

“So much of what surrounds us in life is art,” David said.

“We have to look at how we can get people to understand how important art is. The more kids are involved in the arts, the more creative they’ll become.”

Carolyn Snyder of the CCA staff nominated him for the leadership honor.

“Most important is David’s effective leadership in working with persons with a range of ideas,” she said. “He listens carefully and builds a consensus that is focused on the needs of those served.”

Helen also called her husband a “great compromiser.”

He admitted, “Everyone can be a winner. I’m a big believer in thinking of how to do things to accomplish

everyone’s goals. I’ll do whatever it takes to make it work. Maybe that’s why I don’t know how to say no.”

When their children were small, David coached soccer and softball.

He is chair of the Carbondale Community High School Foundation, a past president and treasurer of the Rotary Club and has served on the Lights Fantastic Parade Committee since 1991.

In addition to volunteering for CCA, Helen was a “soccer mom” when her children were growing up. A former member of the Chamber of Commerce board of directors and the executive board, she now serves on several chamber committees.

She is also on the board for Inspiring Women.

For the past 25 years, she has performed with the SIUC Choral Union, which does two concerts a year.

“We do a master choral work each semester,” she said. “It’s my total ‘turnoff-the-brain’ and sing to my heart’s content. I love it.”

David was born in Detroit and grew up in Carbondale. Helen was born and raised in Houston.

They met at Tulane University in New Orleans. After marrying in 1977, they moved to Carbondale the next year, and David began working at B and A, learning the business from the ground up.

Their son Ryan, now lives in Chicago, and their daughter, Kristin Snyder, lives in Murphysboro with her husband.

Two four-legged friends, dogs Chaser and Sammy, now share their home.

In the few spare moments they have, David watches movies and Helen likes to read books.

And as David said, “We always look for a way to do something that will make a difference or make things better for other people.”

– Debbie Luebke Metro MAY 2009

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STEVE JAHNKE

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GALEN

DAVIS or most of his 86 years, Galen Davis has been playing on the field, coaching along the sidelines or cheering from the stands at Du Quoin High School sporting events.

He has been such a fixture at games, generations have come to know him simply as “Mr. Davis.”

His story is a love affair with Indian sports and one that started as a child in the shadows of the bleachers.

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“As a kid, I could throw a rock and hit the football field from my yard, so I saw all of the games from the time I was 7

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CHUCK NOVARA

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or 8 years old,” Davis said. “I don’t remember paying to go to any of them. I always snuck through the fence.”

When he was old enough to play, he starred on the high school basketball, football and track teams, leading Du Quoin to conference championships in each sport. His career-best long jump of 21 feet, 4 inches stood as a school record for many years. He was a second-team all-state selection in football and basketball. He fondly remembered once, singlehandedly, outscoring rival Pinckneyville in a varsity basketball game, and he recalled one particular football achievement with pride.

“I remember playing Carbondale on a Thanksgiving Day football game. I caught a pass with 30 seconds to go to win the game,” he said.

Davis said he vividly remembers the catch and the game,

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even though it happened more than 65 years ago in his junior year.

“I didn’t go out for football as a sophomore,” he explained. “My mother wouldn’t let me.

She said football was too rough a game for a boy.”

A year after he convinced his mother to let him play, he led the Indians football team as a senior to eight wins, one loss and a tie. The basketball squad was 19-7 that same year.

World War II interrupted Davis’ athletics, but upon completion of military service, he continued his athletic success in college, lettering once as a member of the Southern Illinois University basketball team and three times in football under legendary SIU coach Abe Martin.

After graduation, he took to the sidelines, coaching and teaching briefly in

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DID YOU KNOW? Galen Davis, who trained to be a co-pilot on a B-24 bomber, was only two weeks from overseas deployment when the Japanese surrendered, ending World War II. Carlinville before returning to his hometown and alma mater.

“I love Du Quoin,” he said.

“I never was satisfied when I was away from it.”

That love of community led Davis to not only teach English, history and sociology at Du Quoin Township High School, but also to serve as head or assistant coach for four sports, athletic director and, later, assistant principal.

“I have served on the school board, the city council and was a teacher, coach and administrator,” he said. “What an exciting

life it’s been.”

Before his retirement, Davis began to compile a history of Du Quoin prep sports, citing a lack of a central source of information about teams from the past. This work has become his passion.

“I like discovery and research,” he said. “I just wanted to do something for my community and schools.”

His little “something” has blossomed into a comprehensive collection of names, dates and details about Du Quoin sports and the community, as well. He still works to keep information up-to-date and even takes special requests for information, as long as those making the requests do not expect the findings to be typed.

“I did my original writing on a typewriter. I started out on a mechanical typewriter, and that one broke down. I bought an electric

“Pepsi MidAmerica would like to thank their employees who are celebrating a milestone anniversary for the many years of dedication”.

2605 West Main Street Marion, IL 62959 1.800.827.7020 www.pepsimidamerica.com MAY 2009

typewriter, and I typed thousands of words on it.

When it broke, I decided it was time to quit,” he said.

“Now, if people ask me for some information, and I don’t know it, and I feel like I can find out, that’s what I do.

But I’ll give it to them verbally or in longhand.”

Davis, who said he can’t even estimate how many Du Quoin games he has attended during his lifetime, was inducted in 1984 into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

He was honored in 2007 by Du Quoin High School, not only as one of the first inductees into an athletics hall of fame, but also for having the hall named after him.

“What little notoriety I have has been a result of my own little community,” he said. “That’s my life. This is my hometown.”

– Les O’Dell

Adam Stallman 10 Years

Todd Kollman 10 Years

Bonnie Steiner 10 Years

Shane Koester 10 Years

Alfred Reiter 10 Years

William Woodhouse 10 Years

Michael Illberry 10 Years

Peggy Daniels 10 Years

JC Patterson 10 Years

Stewart Kenley 10 Years

Dewayne Crain 10 Years

Kenneth Dixon 10 Years

Charles Foster 15 Years

Joseph ( Frank ) Miner 15 Years

James Simmons 15 Years

Brian Deters 15 Years

Michael Dalton 15 Years

Bobby Spiller 15 Years

Roseanne Hughes 20 Years

Lillian Payne 20 Years

Jeff Hoene 20 Years

Gale Beachum 30 Years

John Rains 35 Years

Jerry German 40 Years

Richard Harris 43 Years

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orn in Carbondale, Don Denny has lived in Anna all of his life. He graduated from AnnaJonesboro Community High School in 1963 and attended Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, majoring in administration. He married Cheryl Davis in 1965, and they have four children and nine grandchildren.

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Denny went into business with his father and brother, starting Denny & Sons, Inc., a highway construction firm. The company, which operated until 1987, worked mostly with earthmoving, rock bases, piping and bridges.

In 1988, Denny got a job working as procurement assistance specialist for John A. Logan College and Southeastern Illinois Community College. In that position, Denny used his 20 years experience in construction to help people in Illinois’ southern 17 counties get contracts. He helped set up agreements between small businesses owners and

representatives of state or federal agencies who wished to buy their products or services.

In 1991, Denny took a job at Shawnee Community College as director of the Small Business Development Center, which provides assistance with government procurement opportunities. He stayed there until his retirement in June 2007. While at Shawnee, he worked on the Olmsted Lock and Dam project, helping a company out of Marion get a $3.2 million contract from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Denny also served as co-chair of the Southernmost Illinois Prison

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DON

DENNY DID YOU KNOW?

THOMAS BARKER

Don Denny is renowned for his barbecue pork steak and often cooks at community events.

Committee, which helped secure the Tamms supermaximum security prison built in 1995. It brought in 250 construction jobs and a payroll that today exceeds $20 million. It was Illinois’ first super-max, and it currently houses around 450 inmates.

“I feel that just shows how successful communities can be when they pull together to bring in a facility like that to the area,” Denny said.

Denny was part of SIDEZ, Southernmost Illinois Delta Empowerment Zone, Inc.,

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which brought in a $2 million per year grant for Pulaski, Alexander and Johnson counties for 10 years. Denny said the project is responsible for considerable economic development and growth for those three counties. To be eligible for the grant, the counties had to show 20 percent poverty levels; this area was one of five regions nationwide that received the grant.

When Denny retired in 2007, he thought he would get to spend more time on his 250-

acre family farm. But he has since taken office as county commissioner, which has kept him pretty busy.

“I had enough people encourage me to be caucused in, and I was lucky enough to be elected,” Denny said. “I have a six-year term, and I look forward to working with the other commissioners and the people in the county to get a lot of things accomplished.”

Union County commissioners have been busy with budget plans but found time to organize a few

committees for community projects, including The Sunshine Inn, a countyowned building, where meals are provided to senior citizens.

Another project the board is pursuing is the structural assessment of the Union County Courthouse in Jonesboro, which suffered severe roof damage during recent ice storms. Insurance will pay for a new roof, but the courthouse is old, and much more space is needed in

SEE DENNY / PAGE 38 SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

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ANGIE

DID YOU KNOW?

HAMPTON ngie Hampton of Eldorado said she is blessed to have “a job that I love to go to every day,” but she doesn’t let that stop her from working hard in her community as well.

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Hampton is the CEO at Egyptian Health Department, which serves Saline, Gallatin and White counties.

She oversees some 150 employees, who provide both public health and behavioral health programs.

“We have so many programs,” she said, that she had no idea on the spot of how many clients are served. “We operate a substance abuse recovery home in Enfield,” in addition to the numerous outreach programs offered

by Egyptian.

She was nominated for the SBJ Leaders Among Us award for numerous activities, but Hampton’s main focus is on children.

In nominating Hampton for the award, Lori Cox, director of the Workforce and Illinois Small Business Development Center, wrote that she is the kind of person who “not only has passion for her job, she has passion for her community,” and is a person who “not only inspires those around her, but also transforms many aspects of the community with her dedication.”

Cox mentioned Hampton’s efforts to prevent child abuse, expand economic development and provide leadership in the community.

“My husband told me, ‘You have to start saying no,’” Hampton said, adding that she only takes on projects she believes in and wants to see succeed.

But, she added, her husband, Bryce, also worked as a counselor before becoming a supervisor for Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services, so he understands her concerns about children.

Their daughter, Lauryn, 6, “is the best thing that ever happened to me,” Hampton declared. “We’re as blessed as

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two people can be. We both have jobs we look forward to and have a healthy child.” Lauryn, she added, “is the most fun I’ve ever had.”

Her office has photos of the daughter who has her mom’s features and grin.

“People call her Mini-Me,” Hampton said, laughing. A framed crayon drawing done by Lauryn depicts the two side by side.

“I’ve always had a passion for children and have done mentoring in the past,” Hampton said.

One of her dreams is to establish a Big Brothers/Big Sisters program in the Egyptian counties.

Until that day, Egyptian sponsors a number of informal programs to offer role models for children.

Hampton has worked at Egyptian since 1993, starting as a Youth Service Program counselor. In 1999, she became supervisor of all the agency’s youth programs, working with area schools and law enforcement agencies and taking part in several state workgroups, she said. She was named director of behavioral health for Egyptian in 2002.

In June 2005, she was appointed as Egyptian’s interim CEO while continuing to serve as director of behavioral health until April 2006, when she was officially named CEO. Unabashedly a hometown girl, Hampton grew up in Shawneetown and Ridgway in Gallatin County. After receiving an associate degree from Southeastern Illinois College in Harrisburg, she obtained a bachelor’s in social work and a master of science in rehabilitation administration, both from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

In addition to overseeing the health department’s daily operations, Hampton, 39, writes grant applications and monitors the agency’s funding.

With the recent economic downturn, some grant funds have been cut, but she said “the agency is in good fiscal shape, so we haven’t yet considered cutting programs.”

The Egyptian office in Eldorado is a

Angie Hampton is an ardent supporter of the organ donation program.

“I’m passionate about organ donation,” she said. “My dad had a heart transplant in 2006. It was the most amazing experience, other than the birth of my daughter.”

Her father, Larry Thrasher of Shawneetown, was waiting for a heart, and time was running out for him, she said. Doctors wanted to implant an artificial heart to help him survive until a heart would become available, but her dad asked them to wait a little longer in hopes of getting the transplant.

The family was in the hospital room saying a prayer. An hour later, a call came in that a heart was available.

Another thing few of her friends know is that as a youngster, Hampton hung from monkey bars on the school playground, hoping to make herself taller. “It didn’t work,” the “almost 5-foot” Hampton acknowledged with a grin. But she’s learned since then that it is ability, not size, that can make a difference.

sprawling building that houses numerous programs, but clients also find a comfortable waiting room and friendly receptionist out front. A sign in the main waiting room tells folks who have been waiting more than 15 minutes for an appointment to let the receptionist know.

Hampton serves on Prevent Child Abuse Illinois board, and also is a board member of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA); Bridge Medical Clinic in Harrisburg; Guardian Center, an advocacy center for abused children and their families; Southern Illinoisan Health Magazine and Community Behavioral Healthcare Association.

She’s also active in Eldorado Rotary Club (one of two women members), Saline County Chamber of Commerce, Saline County University Women, and Alliance Against Drug Abuse.

She also was one of four Southern Illinois residents appointed by the governor to the Delta Leadership Institute. She said it was “a lot of work, but a great experience.” They attended sessions in all eight Delta states, traveling together to Memphis, Little Rock, New Orleans, Tuscaloosa and other cities. Each delegate worked on a team with those from other states, developing a project designed to

SEE HAMPTON / PAGE 38 MAY 2009

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PAUL NEWTON

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reat passions for reading and helping people have empowered Doris Heaton to live a life of service for her community. Anyone who has been to the public library in Benton has seen the good things her efforts have produced.

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After growing up in the St. Louis area, Heaton moved in 1972 to Benton, hometown of her husband, Richard, and attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Six years later, after earning her undergraduate and master’s degrees, Heaton began her career as a teacher and librarian in the McLeansboro school district. Ever since, the retired mother of three, and grandmother of five, has promoted the importance of reading in young people.

“I’ve always had a great love of

reading, and I believe it is a way for so many children to help themselves grow,” Heaton said.

“You learn a little something every time you read a book.”

Heaton shared her love for teaching with Richard, who taught at Rend Lake College for many years. She believes both she and her husband were very lucky to get to do what they loved for a living and would advise anyone to get out there and go for their dreams.

“It’s a good feeling to do what you want,” she said.

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DORIS

HEATON

Doris Heaton enjoys knitting and crocheting blankets and handbags for her children and grandchildren, even if, as she said, they are not as excited about them as she is.

Congratulations Harlean “Tickie” Miller

(618) 997-6281 www.cityofmarionil.gov/

THOMAS BARKER

After a rewarding career and the passing of her husband in 1986, Heaton began volunteering and actively filling her role as president of Benton Public Library District Board of Trustees. Her involvement in the community led to the remodeling of the old library and eventually the construction of the new Benton Public Library, which is now on South Main Street, not too far from the town square.

The board is conducting a campaign to repair Benton’s very own Lady Liberty, an 8-foot statue erected in 1950 by the Boy Scouts of America. It has stood outside the city’s last three library buildings.

Now, the statue can be seen standing in front of the main desk, awaiting donations to begin restoration. The ‘Save Our Lady’ campaign aims to raise money and restore the aging statue by 2010, its 60th anniversary.

“It means a lot to the community to see the statue,” she said. “It has survived three libraries already, so we want to keep it going.”

Heaton considers her work for the library her greatest accomplishment.

The new Benton Public Library was built in 2005, one half at a time so that it had to close its doors for only a few days. The modernity and quality of the building makes it an attractive gem among the city’s streets, inside and out. Computers, study rooms and reading materials provide the district’s residents with the space and information they need, all in a comfortable setting.

“It’s a beautiful building that we’re very proud of, and we’re proud to have it. We’re proud of the people who are supportive of it,” she said.

Another way Heaton serves her community is on Franklin County Tourism Board, preparing advertisements and promotions for the county’s outdoor attractions. She feels it is important to attract more people to the county because tourism is one of its most beneficial venues.

Her other acts of public service include a position on the Soil and Water Conservation Board and an active membership in Kiwanis Club of Benton. Additionally, she works as state secretary for Illinois Retired Teachers

DID YOU KNOW?

SEE HEATON / PAGE 38 MAY 2009

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PAUL NEWTON

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SUSAN rying to provide young people with opportunities to learn and grow as a person is important to Susan Keim.

That’s why in addition to the many hours she spends on the job as program manager at General Dynamics, she devotes hours to groups that can make a difference in the lives of the youngest members of the community.

PAUL NEWTON

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She was just re-elected to another term on the school board in Carterville. She served six years as chair of the board of the Girl Scout Council in Southern Illinois and another six years on the board of directors when her two daughters were growing up. A charter member of the Rotary Club in Carterville, she became the group’s first woman president.

She belongs to PEO Sisterhood, which supports educational opportunities for women. A former PTO president, she was active in the Athletic Booster Club when her children were in high school.

“It’s all one way to give back for what’s been given to you — that’s important in life,” Susan said.

She and her husband, Tom, are natives of Carbondale who have known each other since kindergarten. He is president and CEO of St. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital in Missouri.

After living in various spots in the country, they returned here in 1992 and live in Carterville, on property in a woods her parents owned.

“We wanted to give the kids some stability,” she said. Son Brian is a graduate of SIU and their daughters are going to college, Rachel at Rend Lake and Sarah in St. Louis.

Susan earned a degree in engineering at the University of Illinois. Her first job was with Amoco, in Tulsa, Okla., and then in Chicago. When Tom got a job offer as

MAY 2009

KEIM vice president of marketing for Sylvan in Montgomery, Ala., they moved there. When the job was transferred to Columbia, Md., they relocated.

That’s when they decided to move back to the Carbondale area, she said, to give their young children a chance to go to the same schools and establish themselves.

At first, the couple owned and operated two food franchise businesses at University Mall, selling French fries and ice cream. Then Tom was offered a job as marketing director and assistant CEO at Marion Hospital, which became Heartland Regional Medical Center.

In 2001 Susan accepted a job as executive director for Women for Health and Wellness, which promotes health for women, men and teens through conferences and other programs.

“I really enjoyed that. It was a wonderful opportunity for me,” she said. “It allowed me to apply a lot of business skills and get back into a corporate structure and environment. It also allowed me some flexibility with my family.”

In 2004 she was offered the job at General Dynamics, a manufacturer of medium caliber ammunition, and had a chance to use her abilities as an engineer.

“It awakened the engineering part of me that is my passion. I was fortunate to get the opportunity with them.”

When she returned to Southern Illinois as a young mother, she remembered who had influenced her as a child.

“I did a personal inventory of what shaped me as a person. Girl Scouts gave me courage and confidence. I wrote my Girl Scout leader a thank-you note. I recognized when she met with us

every week it was a gift. It makes the world a better place.”

So she became a Girl Scout leader herself, then joined the board.

“We’re all here for each other,” Keim said. “The girls I had in my troop will always be special to me.

We did some wonderful things together.”

She has nothing but praise for her fellow school board members.

“The beauty of this strong board is we come together to make decisions and have respect for others ideas and values. It’s a collaboration that’s very professional, and we (the school district) are growing by leaps and bounds.”

The 750-student elementary school is now filled, she said, and the new challenge is to build a bigger high school.

“The most important things children can get are a good education and learn values, a work ethic, character. We try to shape the best educational environment for children.”

In addition to being close friends, members of the PEO Sisterhood foster education for women.

“That’s something I’ll always support,” Keim said. “How much more important it is today than ever.”

– Debbie Luebke Metro

DID YOU KNOW? Susan Keim loves pansies.

During her interview, she picked up a bouquet of the bright little flowers in a vase on the kitchen counter. “Aren’t they pretty?” she said, smiling. She said she planned to plant more outside.

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ROBERT

KOENEGSTEIN ob Koenegstein believes his Christian family upbringing has been instrumental in his long career of helping others and giving to his community.

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Originally from the Sparta area, Koenegstein thanks his small-town upbringing for his strong work ethic and desire to be caring and loving to those around him. He was a born track and field star and received a full scholarship to Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he studied recreational therapy.

“It couldn’t have been a better upbringing, really,” he said.

Koenegstein graduated from SIUC in

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1973 and took his first internship at Chester Mental Health Center, the state’s maximum security forensic hospital, which provides a variety of activity, therapy and education programs for its patients. He made many friends in Chester and immediately fell in a love with both the community and his wife, Pat, who worked at that time in the medical records department.

He developed a strong relationship with Chester United Methodist Church and raised a son and a daughter, who have grown up to be track and cross country stars themselves.

During his 28 years in the state mental health program, Koenegstein had the opportunity to work in a few other facilities, including Menard Psychiatric Center and Anna Mental

DID YOU KNOW? Bob Koenegstein once competed in the RAGBRAI, a 500-mile cycling race across the entire state of Iowa, hosted annually in July. With 20,000 cyclists involved each year, it is the world’s largest bike race.

Health center. His appreciation for Southern Illinois grew immensely. He is an avid hiker and canoeist. Layoff processes caused Koenegstein to bounce around between jobs, but he believes he was able to acquire great experience because of it.

Qualifying for early retirement from the state of Illinois, Koenegstein embarked on several volunteer projects, MAY 2009

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the most prominent being the Christian Food Pantry, which was established in May 2007.

The former food pantry, Western Egyptian, had been forced to consolidate its Chester and Sparta facilities, and officials were very supportive of the new Chester CFP nonprofit coalition.

“It’s been a real blessing in the community in that we are represented by 21 area churches and provide food to those in need in Randolph County,” Koenegstein said.

He was elected as director of the pantry and chair of the board, working to secure foods from local grocers and the USDA. He also gained assistance from school food drives, church donations and volunteer workers.

“God has been at the forefront of this project,” he said. “I would be remiss not to mention that. We’ve been blessed.”

Koenegstein volunteers from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday at

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the pantry, where he orders, stocks and distributes food for the needy. The pantry also offers educational programs, which instructs clients in a variety of areas, including how to prepare food and present themselves during job interviews. The pantry works with Chester Memorial Hospital, Chester Public Aid Office and the University of Illinois Extension Center to offer these educational seminars.

Koenegstein hopes these programs will continue to develop and expand.

The pantry’s client base has grown from an average of 78 families per month in 2007 to more than 200 families per month in 2008 and 2009, an increase partially attributed to the nation’s economic hardships. Because of the growing generosity in the churches, the pantry has never run out of food and has always been able to serve the families coming through its doors. Other private food and monetary donations play a

role in fortifying the food supply, as well.

“It’s helped me develop a philosophy that we’ve been blessed and should be able to provide for those in need,” Koenegstein said.

With retirement, Koenegstein also has had time to serve on the school board for District 149. He served on the school board for four years and coached girls and boys high school distance running.

“The most exciting part about coaching high school athletes in track and field is that they don’t have to be there,” he said. “They come out for a sport that is fairly rigorous, even though they have a multitude of diversions. They show up every day, and work hard to compete, and I am inspired by that.”

Koenegstein was involved in the process of building a new all-weather track at Chester High School, which has been the site of numerous invitational and

sectional state track meets.

He believes that strong community involvement and a committed volunteer base helped make the larger meets a huge success for Chester and local fundraisers.

Something else Koenegstein is grateful to be a part of is co-teaching a Sunday School class for the past 12 years or so. He enjoys being able to share God’s love with the youth.

Koenegstein also has worked under Marc Kiehna, the regional superintendent of education, in a substance abuse prevention program in Randolph County schools.

When he has free time, Koenegstein enjoys trout fishing, cycling and canoeing. At one time, he also had a great passion for photography and placed high in a few national photo contests.

Along with his family upbringing, Koenegstein credits most of his

SEE KOENEGSTEIN / PAGE 38

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Consult your local tax professional for advice on taking advantage of the tax credit.

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MAY 2009

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HARLEAN

MILLER he phone at Harlean “Tickie” Miller’s home in Marion rings often. Like an alarm at the fire station, the calls often lead Miller to spring into action to help someone out of a bind.

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“I’m a connector,” she said.

“I am always connecting one thing to another. I often happen to be in a position to put people together and help them out.”

Throughout the years, she’s discovered a number of ways to help people. A former consumer education teacher at Marion High School, she worked with student council leaders for more than 20 years. After retiring from teaching, she realized it was her turn to lead through volunteerism.

“It started with the Marion Lioness Club, plus I’ve always been active in my church, Community of Christ in Marion,” she said.

Eventually, she began directing the church’s furniture giveaway program, connecting people with surplus household items with those who need furnishings.

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Telephone calls come from residents who know of someone with extra furniture, and Miller makes arrangements for the items to be picked up and stored.

Additional calls come from people who know others in need of some help. Other days, she works to distribute donated items.

“Every Thursday, we have people come to our church with a card from the Marion Ministerial Alliance describing their needs. We try to give them the furniture or household items they need,” she explained. “We spend the rest of the week trying to collect all this furniture from the community. It’s a very busy, ongoing program.”

Miller talked about helping a family so that a sick child could have her own bed.

“When someone comes in and you can give them a mattress to get them off of the floor, that’s rewarding. I think that is the type of thing God wants us to do,” she said.

“I see such a need for the furniture program. I think it is so important, even though it is so time-consuming.”

Her concern for helping others led to a spot on Marion Memorial Health Foundation, now affiliated with Heartland Regional Medical Center. The group

raises funds to offer scholarships for area students pursuing healthrelated careers.

Miller also received a call to explore the need for a medical clinic for residents without insurance. Miller answered by first serving as chairperson of the group, then as a founder of Hands of Hope Family Clinic, a free

health care provider, open two days a week in Marion.

“I really like this organization,” she said. “I think it fills a real void in our community.”

Miller said her work with the furniture program, the medical foundation and the clinic all complement one another, and that is by design.

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“I don’t like to do anything unless I think it contributes to the community,” she said.

“I feel like what I’m doing all goes together; it all goes in one direction.”

Miller continues to look for ways to connect organizations and people, often talking through new efforts and concepts with Charlie, a civil engineer MAY 2009

DID YOU KNOW? Harlean Miller’s nickname, Tickie, was given to her by her father when she was an infant. “He didn’t think anyone would ever call me that, but everyone still does,” she said.

who has been her husband for 50 years.

“I think of lots of things to do. I’m always thinking of ideas,” she said. “I think, ‘What if we did this?’ or ‘What if we did that?’

Sometimes the ideas are good, and sometimes they’re not, but I’m always having ideas.”

So far, many people have

benefited from Miller’s ideas and efforts, especially those who have received scholarships or free furniture and medical care.

For her, it’s just about answering a call.

“I enjoy life,” she said. “I just feel so fortunate that this is what I can do.”

– Les O’Dell SOUTHERN BUSINESS JOURNAL

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MAY 2009

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LARRY

MIZELL arry Mizell’s career has brought him to the top of the Illinois Department of Corrections’ executive structure to the service of the disabled, and yet he still has dreams for his community. “I hope that the day I die I’ll still be looking forward,” Mizell said.

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Born and raised in southernmost Illinois, Larry Mizell graduated from Vienna High School and attended Murray State University in Murray, Ky. There he received bachelor’s degrees in psychology and physical education, followed by a master’s degree in guidance counseling. He married his high school sweetheart, Barbara, in 1970, and a year later began his career in IDOC at Vienna Correctional Center, working in the personnel office.

Mizell had considered other careers, such as being a state trooper, a coach or a teacher, but his fascination with the prison system kept him interested enough that, after working at VCC, he never wanted to leave. His duties consisted of coordinating employee interviews, managing benefits and overseeing documentation at the thenminimum security facility.

“I never got bored,” Mizell said.

“There was always something going on.”

By 1979, Mizell had been named warden of the entire facility, taking on all executive duties involved with the prison, ranging from its safety and security to its interaction with the community. The center began offering classes to inmates, preparing them for job interviews and teaching them to be responsible for making their own decisions.

“I believe we were making a difference in some lives and helping people who wanted to be helped,” he said.

In 1981, during the time of a state fuel crisis, Gov. Jim Thompson called on Mizell to make VCC the first and only ethanol plant in a prison. The

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DID YOU KNOW? Larry Mizell is a die-hard Willie Nelson fan and already has tickets to see Willie perform May 25 in Paducah. inmates made alcohol-based fuel products to be sold to a company out of Decatur, and the project earned the Washington, D.C, National Freedom Award. The plant operated for more than eight years and eventually ceased due to changes in the price of gasoline and corn.

Mizell then formed a group called TREE, an acronym for Tourism, Recreation, Economy and Education, which aimed to improve Johnson County’s attractions and increase interest in the area’s living prospects.

The group hoped to use prison land to build a golf course and a hunting reserve for quail and pheasant hunting.

While the plan never completely materialized, Mizell believes the group’s work led to the construction of a nearby golf course and hunting reserve not long after.

In 1983, Mizell was one of several local businessmen who lobbied the Illinois legislature to bring a medium security facility to Southern Illinois.

Gov. Thompson then established Shawnee Correctional Center. Mizell was named the first warden of SCC and oversaw both facilities until 1987, when he was named assistant deputy director of IDOC, a position that controlled all 12 Southern Illinois correctional centers.

Mizell’s executive power peaked in 1991, when Gov. Jim Edgar appointed him to chief deputy director, the No. 2

position in the Illinois correctional structure. In this position, he supervised the prison industries program, the chaplain’s office, legal services and personnel matters for the state’s central office.

He also was chairman of a committee that established boot camps, detention alternatives for juveniles, which were less costly than prisons and had better success rates. He established Dixon Springs Boot Camp, near Vienna, as well as a work camp near Cave-In-Rock, where inmates could perform community service, such as cleaning highway areas and working on

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construction sites.

After retiring from IDOC in 2000, Mizell accepted the position of executive director for a non-profit agency in Vienna, Family Counseling Center, Inc., which provides residential services to developmentally disabled individuals in Johnson, Hardin and Pope counties. Under Mizell’s direction, the agency has developed The Garden Apartments in Vienna, The Cache River House in Karnak and, most recently, Autumn Ridge Supportive Living Facility in Vienna.

Partially built by prison inmates, Autumn Ridge opened in 2008. It is

MAY 2009

designed for anyone 65 and older who needs some kind of assistance, such as medication reminders or food preparation. The facility has 46 apartments; about half are filled at this time.

Mizell’s other community affiliations include memberships in Vienna Civic Club, Johnson County Revitalization Corporation and the Regional Board of School Trustees. He was one of the founding directors for SouthernTrust Bank, which has facilities in Vienna and Goreville. He also served two years on the Human Rights Guardianship and Advocacy Committee.

“If I succeeded in any way, it’s because of the people who helped me,” Mizell said.

Mizell remembered an abnormal psychology final exam at MSU. The exam required only that he state his philosophy on life in 50 words or less.

He does not remember the exact words he chose, but he said it went something like this: “Life is a process of change and a learning experience. How we adapt to or affect that change determines our future.”

– Thomas Barker

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LOIS

MURPHY nyone who has spent time in or around Murphysboro probably has noticed a woman watering plants on Walnut Street, pulling weeds at Smysor Plaza or sweeping the walk in front of Liberty Theater. She’s Lois (Tripp) Murphy.

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In 1948, Murphy left Pomona for Murphysboro, looking for a job and a new future. A short time later, she landed her first job at Ray Mar restaurant.

“When you worked at the Ray Mar, you met a lot of people. It was the gathering place for town, civic organizations and families alike,” Murphy said.

While working at the restaurant, she met her husband, Bill Murphy. After about a year of courtship, they married.

In a short time, Murphy decided Murphysboro was a good place to raise a family.

“Virtually everything you needed was right here in town,” she said.

While she and her husband raised 11 children, Murphy became heavily involved with city, school and church activities.

During the 18 years Murphy worked for J.C. Penney, she always found

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time to devote to her family and remain involved with community activities. When speaking with Murphy about her many involvements with the city of Murphysboro, one gets the impression that she thinks it is no big deal.

Murphy is president of Murphysboro Main Street, a board member for Murphysboro Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Apple Festival committee. She organized and works with Murphysboro’s Farmers Market, regularly attends city council meetings and takes care of bookings for Liberty Theater.

Many people in Murphysboro call her the ultimate volunteer. Where does she find the time?

“When you raise 11 children, you develop a regimen,” Murphy said. “I get up and do my housework, head to town to see people. There are only so many hours in which you can do housework. I have always been energetic.

I do see how I am slowing down, but there are things I still want to do for the community.”

Murphy would like to see improvements made to Walnut Street and, at the same time, inspire people to volunteer.

“We don’t want to change the town,” she said. “We just want the town to function better and keep its

DID YOU KNOW? Before working for J.C. Penney, Lois Murphy operated a children’s shop about three years; the business was destroyed in a fire. historic look.”

Mayor Ron Williams described Murphy as a “sparkplug” and a leader in town maintenance.

“It is not unusual to just see her walking Walnut Street to see how things are being kept.

It is really hard to put into words all she has done and is doing. She has been with Murphysboro Main Street since its inception.

If she is not working with a project, she is cheerleading others to do their best,” Williams said.

Murphy has passed on to her family a sense of dedication to civic activities.

Her son, Bill, is a councilman; and her daughter, Kaye, is director of Murphysboro Chamber of Commerce; her husband, Bill, is actively involved with Liberty Theater, along with civic and service organizations.

“Living in Murphysboro, Bill and I have a good life,” Murphy said. “I enjoy doing things for the town. It gives me a sense of giving back to the community.”

– Chuck Novara

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guess it’s just in me to get in and do things,” Louise Ogg said about her years of volunteering to promote the region, particularly Cairo.

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Though she lives in the tiny community of Unity, most of her efforts have focused on preserving Cairo’s heritage. Ogg and her late husband, Russell, were leaders in the effort to save Cairo Custom House and turn it into a museum. They spent literally thousands of hours tackling the cleanup and preservation.

“We were retired, had the time and took the project to heart,” Ogg said. The imposing Custom House, completed in 1872, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, but was in horrible shape, she said. “It had been vacant for years and before that was used by the police department as a jail.”

The roof leaked, walls were a shambles and termites had attacked the floors. Teams of volunteers toiled to repair the damage.

“It took us from 1984 to 1992 to get the first floor open as a museum, with a lot of good efforts from everybody,” Ogg said.

She recalled opening day.

“We laid carpet on a Thursday, set up exhibits on Friday, and the Civil War College from Princeton University came in Saturday on the Delta Queen,” she said. “We’ve had two tours from the Smithsonian since then, with Civil War themes.”

With the first floor open, Custom House volunteers began creating other exhibits and restoring the old courtroom on the top floor of the building. One of Ogg’s favorite exhibits is a recreated general store with

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many items from Hodges Store, which her grandfather built in 1887.

“I was basically raised at the store,” she said.

Unity Post Office was located there, and when she was 13, Ogg became a postal clerk. She’s “still very put out” that the U.S. Postal Service closed the post office, wiping out the “Unity” address.

“I’m now listed as Tamms and have an Olive Branch phone number,” Ogg said. “I live in Unity.”

Unity, she said, has as much history as any place in Alexander County. And she has a full file cabinet to prove it.

When the Hodges store closed in 1963, Ogg carried off as many items as her mother would allow before the inventory was sold at auction.

“I would have taken it all home if I could have,” she said, chuckling.

What she saved is now displayed at Custom House.

“Both my grandmothers were really into history and kept me interested,” she said.

And her 23 years of work at Safford Memorial Library in Cairo, another historic building, whetted that interest. Ogg worked her way up to head librarian. When she retired from the library, she increased her community service, focusing on the Custom House.

She continues to volunteer there. “It’s so great to get feedback from visitors,” Ogg said. “It makes it worthwhile.”

Some days, nobody shows up. But other days, groups of schoolchildren or families arrive, eager to learn.

The museum recently played host to two Englishmen who are fascinated with Cairo and are planning a documentary about it. Ogg sat down with them and shared her knowledge.

“I enjoy getting people

LOUISE

OGG DID YOU KNOW? “Not too many people know I collect mice,” Louise Ogg confessed. “Not the real ones,” she hastened to add.

Also, most people don’t know that Ogg “really and truly” likes to write. She still writes letters in longhand.

Ironically, the woman who has done so much to preserve and promote the history of Alexander County was born in Iron Mountain, Mich. Her father, Bill Planert, a Boy Scout executive, took a job there before she was born.

“I was 4 when the family moved back to Cairo,” Ogg said.

Friends also might be surprised to know Ogg recently became a DAR member, though she said she’s “not a joiner” by nature.

Her late husband, Russell, had encouraged her to apply, teasing her that it would look good on her obituary. interested in history,” she said. “And I still like to do research. One gentleman came through and said he used to work as a custom officer and offered to send us his old uniform.”

Later, he returned with his wife, who was astonished to see it on display. He hadn’t told her he’d donated it.

Ogg spent three years preparing for the reenactment of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, working with the National Park Service, the Corps of Engineers and groups of reenactors. She convinced them to bring traveling exhibits to Cairo. There were lectures, exhibits, reenactments and dramatizations. Kiosks, signage and statues remain, explaining Cairo’s significance in the explorers’ journey west. Partnerships with Southern Illinois University Carbondale brought in other exhibits.

She worked to start Alexander County Tourism “as a way to help the region’s economy,” she said. The group obtained grants for playground equipment,

brochures and signs.

Ogg’s husband was on the board of Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau, and she often accompanied him to meetings as his health declined. She later took his place on the board. She also serves on the Ohio River Scenic Byway board, which has marked scenic routes and attractions in the area, including Lewis and Clark sites.

A member of Church of the Redeemer, Ogg said the historic church is built of stone from Giant City. “It’s a beautiful building,” she said.

She has given talks on Cairo history at the church’s Parish House.

Ogg said “tearing old things down” is against her nature, and “it just makes shivers go up and down your back” to see historic buildings demolished.

Though she’s volunteered far and wide, Ogg said the most satisfying thing she’s done on a personal level was serving as a 4-H leader when her daughter, Jana, was young.

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DR. CARL

PLANINC arl Planinc of Carterville always wanted to be a pilot.

At 16, he saved up 75 cents — that was a lot of money in 1935 — to take to the skies over Marion in a flight with area pilot Fred Valentin. Neither man realized one simple sightseeing flight would forever link them together.

THOMAS BARKER

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From take-off, Planinc was hooked on aviation. When World War II began, he saw the conflict as his chance to become a pilot himself, and he applied to air cadet training. But, he couldn’t see the numbers hidden among the dots on the military’s chart testing for color blindness.

“I passed the physical test with ease, and they told me I did really well on the mental test, too,” he said. “I thought I was going to get in. Pretty soon, they called my name and told me I was disqualified because I didn’t pass the color chart. I thought the world had fallen in on me.”

Forced to abandon his dream of flight, Planinc turned to another form of military transport.

“I tried to be a pilot, but they wouldn’t let me. I wound up driving a tank instead of flying a plane,” he said.

After the war and graduation from Southern Illinois University, he took a job teaching sixth grade in Cobden.

“My first year in teaching was with 46 students,” he recalled. “I also taught eighth-grade mathematics, art, girls’ P.E. and everything else.”

A year later, he returned to his hometown of Johnston City, first to teach high school Carl Planinc and his wife, Virginia, have English, then to serve as been married 67 years. The key to their principal and later longevity? “I listen to her, and she listens to me,” he said. superintendent. He said he learned a great deal by being in front of classes. become a sort of second career for “My first class of teaching taught him. He’s served as chairman for me more than all of my educational the past 20 years, and even now, at classes in college,” he said. “What I the age of 89, serves as dean of the learned from teaching was to treat Illinois Public Airports every person as an individual and to try to help him or her all that you Association’s Board of Commissioners School. He teaches can.”

Planinc later helped launch a new an annual course for newly appointed board members form of education through throughout the state. employment with WSIU-TV. He was involved in changing the “I helped put the TV station on name of the airport from the the air, and I was in charge of all original Macarin (a combination of the daytime programming on Marion, Carterville and Herrin) to channel 8,” he said. “We had Williamson County Airport, and he programs on the air and we sent later suggested adding “Regional” programs out to all of the area to the name. schools to use as educational films.

“We’re serving all of the region, There were about 35,000 students using our programming throughout so we decided to call it the Williamson County Regional the day.”

Airport,” he said.

After earning a doctorate at Under his watch, the airport has Indiana University, he returned to expanded both the terminal and SIUC to teach in the College of parking lot, all while staying on Education. Through it all, his love budget. of aviation never waned.

“I try to make board members In 1959, Williamson County Judge understand that we have to be John H. Clayton, knowing of fiscally responsible,” Planinc said.

Planinc’s interest in flight, To him, this that means airport appointed him as a member of the board members, who are political board overseeing the county’s appointees, must leave their politics airport, the airport Valentin on the tarmac. himself is credited with “I ask them to honestly make establishing. It’s a position that each decision as to what they Planinc has held ever since, with believe is best for the airport,” he just a few interruptions. said.

“Even though it’s a political During the last 40-plus years, one appointment, both parties have realized that I have a background in of the things that have been best for the airport has been Planinc — all aviation and know all of the people thanks to a 75-cent airplane ride with the Federal Aviation and a failed vision test.

Administration, so they keep me on the board,” he said.

– Les O’Dell Planinc’s term on the board has

DID YOU KNOW?

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DR. BILL

ROE ill Roe isn’t one to brag about his accomplishments.

In fact, he gets awfully uncomfortable just mentioning the good he has done, let alone receiving awards and public recognition. Nonetheless, he has done much for his community and has had plenty of people tell him so.

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Born and raised in Pinckneyville, Roe graduated from Pinckneyville Community High School and attended Washington University for three years. He then transferred to Southern Illinois University Carbondale and graduated with a degree in zoology.

In 1966, he married his wife, Mary, who graduated at the top of her class from SIUC in 1964.

Shortly after, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, and, already having a college degree, was encouraged to become an officer. Given the survival rate of second lieutenants at the time, he tried instead to get a job at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Washington, D.C., and was awarded the position for his two years of service.

Leaving the Army, he returned to education, attending University of Illinois at Chicago for his degree in dentistry and opened a practice with Dr. H.H. Chapman in Pinckneyville in 1972.

While he was in dental school, Roe and his wife had their first son. It was the morning of a very important exam. The child was born around 8, and the test was at 8:30. Test takers were immediately failed if they spoke or even looked up from their papers, so, upon entering the room, Roe went to the chalkboard and wrote “It’s a boy” in large letters, arousing thunderous applause from the students.

The Roes had their first daughter during

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his senior year and another later in Pinckneyville. They have seven grandchildren, with more hopefully on the way.

Roe is still a practicing dentist and afraid of retirement, only because he doesn’t want to lose the relationships he has formed with all of his patients.

He hopes to maintain his good health so he can continue to be involved.

“I believe you have to have a passion in life, a reason to get up in the morning,” Roe said.

Roe has served as a school board member and was instrumental in

acquiring the Rend Lake MurphyWall Satellite Campus in Pinckneyville. He has also been active on the Rend Lake College Board.

“It’s been a very strong asset and has afforded great education for our students,” Roe said.

Roe played a role in the Optimist Gift Program, a program that gives presents to needy children in the community. Once, a mother presented Roe with a $500 check, thanking him for helping her family when they “had no Christmas.”

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THOMAS BARKER

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a small amount of help can make,” he said.

Roe is a Sunday School teacher at the Methodist church and a member of the chamber of commerce, Murphy-Wall State Bank Board and Pinckneyville Hospital Board.

He and his wife were named Pinckneyville CoCitizens of the Year in 2005 and honored during the Halloween parade.

MAY 2009

St. Louis, needed a babysitter, Roe offered to take care of their Bill Roe and wife, Mary, spend children every three Wednesdays out of four Wednesday, traveling up traveling to St. Louis to spend to the city and making a the day with their grandchildren. day of it. “I honestly believe life’s a gift, and we What he considers the are meant to share it with most delightful thing he has others,” he said. ever done is spending time In his free time, Roe enjoys with his grandchildren. going to the strip mine When his daughter and her property his father-in-law husband, who were living in purchased in the 1950s.

DID YOU KNOW?

There is a small cabin on the property, and it’s a good place to fish. Roe said he plans to take up golf if he gets old enough.

Even though Roe doesn’t like to be praised and hates being put in the limelight, those who know him consider him a model citizen and a valuable asset to the Pinckneyville community.

– Thomas Barker

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cheduling for Marlene Simpson is a complex undertaking.

First, empty blocks and hours are rare because of her duties as Herrin city clerk and a number of volunteer roles and responsibilities that fill her days and evenings. Second, she has to check and recheck to make certain openings on one calendar match the other schedulers she also uses.

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“My calendar is very full,” she said. “In fact, at the office I have a desk calendar and a weekly calendar, and I also have a calendar out in the front portion of the city clerk’s office. I always have to check all three calendars.”

It takes all these agendas to track everything she does. She’s a member of the board of directors for Southern Illinois Healthcare, executive secretary for the Regional Economic Development Corporation and a member of Herrin Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, American Cancer Society board and Herrin United Way board. She also volunteers to assist with civic causes and events including HerrinFesta Italiana.

Simpson inherited a sense of civic duty from her parents.

Her father, LeRoy, was a longtime funeral director in Herrin, and her mother, Edna, is a former Girl Scout leader who was active in her church and the community’s women’s club.

“My parents were very involved in the community, so it comes from the way I was brought up,” she said. “Once I got involved with the city, I just wanted to become more

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involved.”

Her involvement When Marlene Simpson doesn’t have a noon has included working meeting, she often goes home for lunch and to catch as a clerk in the up on her favorite soap, “The Bold and the Beautiful.”

Herrin water office, a stint as a city council member and, since responsibility. It’s very important 1985, serving as city clerk, recently to me that I do a good job,” she elected for her seventh term. For said.

Simpson, her hometown is a “You have to be a very source of delight. structured person. A lot of times “I’m very proud of my on the weekend, I think, OK, community. I was born and raised Monday morning I have to do this, here. I went to school here, and I have to be at this meeting. graduated from here. We raised You have to be a structured person our son here. I can’t say enough to be able to do the duties that you about Herrin. I love it,” she said. have committed yourself to do.

“There are so many things where “When I was first asked to be on the community comes together the Southern Illinois Healthcare and works as a group. It is unique. board, I wondered how I was going When there is a need, people step to do it. It was one more board to up and take care of it.” serve on, but at the same time, SIH Simpson’s sense of pride and was getting ready to do a $20 community spills out all across the million expansion of Herrin region.

Hospital,” Simpson said.

“I not only am proud of Herrin, “That got me thinking about but I am proud of our region. It is what they were doing for this so good to see all of our community, and I wondered why communities coming together and would I not want to serve?” working together like we are,” she Her desire to serve not only has said. benefited the communities, As Simpson racks involvement organizations and people she in one successful organization serves, but also brings her a sense after another, she often gets asked of fulfillment. to assume other duties. Each of “Each board is unique, each one these invitations is carefully is different, but I love everything weighed against her own abilities that I do and everything that I and the potential for the have been able to do,” she said. community.

“That’s how I feel when I serve.”

“I’ve always said that if I felt like I couldn’t do a good job, then I – Les O’Dell wouldn’t take on that

DID YOU KNOW?

MARLENE

SIMPSON MAY 2009

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CHUCK NOVARA

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DENNY FROM PAGE 11 every office. The committee is examining options that involve adding onto the building or constructing a new courthouse altogether.

Denny also helped start Union County Women in Business, an organization which provides networking among its members and grants scholarships to eight high school students from four schools. The organization covers five counties and helps women start their own businesses through the Small Business Development Center at

KOENEGSTEIN FROM PAGE 19 accomplishments to his wife, Pat. “She’s very loving and dedicated to my family and

HAMPTON Shawnee Community College.

In his free time, Denny likes to fish, hunt and golf. He also enjoys cooking and barbecues.

Denny still gets referrals from the SBDC at Shawnee Community College and enjoys helping people with their businesses. He is always willing to help people.

“They come to me because I have a lot of experience, and I can tell people where they need to go,” he said. “You really get a good feeling when you help someone get into business.”

– Thomas Barker

FROM PAGE 12 enhance the well being of residents in the eight-state region. She proudly produced a booklet touting her team’s effort, “Delta Healthwise,” an initiative for employers to help workers develop better lifestyle choices.

The day she was interviewed, she’d just gotten back from Edwardsville, where she accepted an award for Southeastern College for

Association, an organization that protects pensions and living conditions for more than 33,000 retired teachers throughout the state.

Even with all the volunteer work she does, Heaton still – Thomas Barker tries to find time to help people in need. She likes to base her goals in life on a Shaker verse she once discovered: “Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, to all the people you can, in every place you can, as long as ever you can.”

Longtime friend and next-

allows me time and flexibility to be able to pursue the activity I have pursued,” he said.

Congratulations!

Thank You for Your Contributions to Herrin!

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– Linda Rush

HEATON FROM PAGE 15

We Wish to Congratulate Marlene Simpson being named a 2009 Leader Among Us.

a community project, a children’s health fair that emphasized wise choices.

The day’s speaker was a judge who had heartbreaking stories of kids caught in the court system. After hearing stories like that, Hampton said, “When you think you have nothing left to give, you go on. I don’t need stuff for my resume. This is where I hope to be for the rest of my career.”

door neighbor Pat Bauer has many good things to say about Heaton.

“She is a very intelligent, thoughtful person,” Bauer said. “When she chooses something to get involved with, she gives it her all.”

As driven as she is to help those around her, Heaton will never give up her passion for good books and the effects they have on young minds.

“When you’re reading, you can picture in your mind what a scene looks like,” she said. “It’s a very broadening thing.”

– Thomas Barker

OGG FROM PAGE 30 “It’s one of the best things I did for her,” she added.

“Jana went far in 4-H, as far as she could go, but the other girls were great, too.”

Many of them keep in touch with Ogg, and she’s proud that one of them became a home economics teacher.

Jana was killed in 1978 in an accident while on vacation in Springfield, two weeks before her 30th birthday. The Oggs were vacationing in Idaho at the time. Losing their only child brought them closer together

in their grief, she said.

“It was good we could work with each other,” she said, on Custom House and other projects. “You get tired, but you keep going.”

She praised volunteers like Monica Smith, current librarian at Cairo, for her work in obtaining grants and making contacts.

“As long as Monica Smith is interested in working with you, you’ll get it done,” Ogg said.

By preserving the past, they hope to create a brighter future for Cairo.

– Linda Rush

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