![Saint Francis Welcomes Fr. Anthony](/img_vi2o_910_800.png)
Saint Francis Healthcare System is pleased to welcome Fr. Anthony C. Nwankwo, STL, CPE, as a Chaplain in Pastoral Care Services.
Fr. Anthony earned his Bachelor of Philosophy and Bachelor of Theology from Seat of Wisdom Seminary, affiliate of Urbania University in Rome, Italy. He earned his Licentiate of Sacred Theology from Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, Calif. and his Clinical Pastoral Education at John Muir Health Concord/Walnut Creek Facilities in California.
Fr. Anthony has more than five years of pastoral experience. He will assist Pastoral Care Services in the visiting and anointing of the sick, pastoral counseling for patients, integrating our Catholic Mission into daily practices across the Healthcare System and more.
Saint Francis Healthcare System is guided by our Mission to provide a ministry of healing, wellness, quality and love inspired by our faith in Jesus Christ. Founded by Franciscan Sisters in 1875, our priority remains the same: serve all who enter with dignity, compassion and joy. Serving nearly 713,000 people across Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Arkansas, our focus is on patients' outcomes, experience and value.
Anchored by Saint Francis Medical Center, a 306-bed tertiary hospital, and supported by nearly 3,000 employees and more than 250 providers in eight communities, the Healthcare System is a driving economic force in the region. Major services include the Cancer Institute, Emergency and Level III Trauma Center, Family BirthPlace and Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Heart Hospital, Neurosciences and Orthopedics.
![Saint Francis Foundation Recognizes Physician Philanthropists](/img_vi1l_910_800.png)
Saint Francis Foundation recently honored both Charles H. Pancoast, MD, and Clifford R. Talbert Jr., MD, FACC, with Healing Hands Lifetime Giving Awards in recognition of their long-term support and leadership giving.
“Their generosity has helped provide comfort and healing to numerous patients and colleagues over the years,” said Stacy Huff, Executive Director - Foundation. “We extend our deepest gratitude to both of them.”
The Healing Hands Lifetime Giving Award was created to recognize physicians and advanced practice providers at Saint Francis Healthcare System whose cumulative giving has reached the $50,000, $100,000 or $250,000 level.
Saint Francis Healthcare System is guided by our Mission to provide a ministry of healing, wellness, quality and love inspired by our faith in Jesus Christ. Founded by Franciscan Sisters in 1875, our priority remains the same: serve all who enter with dignity, compassion and joy. Serving nearly 713,000 people across Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Arkansas, our focus is on patients' outcomes, experience and value.
Anchored by Saint Francis Medical Center, a 306-bed tertiary hospital, and supported by nearly 3,000 employees and more than 250 providers in eight communities, the Healthcare System is a driving economic force in the region. Major services include the Cancer Institute, Emergency and Level III Trauma Center, Family BirthPlace and Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Heart Hospital, Neurosciences and Orthopedics.
Pictured left to right: Nate Gautier, Saint Francis Foundation Development Officer - Special Events Charles H. Pancoast, MD, Cathy Pancoast, Clifford R. Talbert Jr., MD, FACC, Phyllis Newman-Lewis, and Justin Davison, Saint Francis Healthcare System President and Chief Executive Officer
![Sparklight® Completes $250,000 Upgrade to Dexter, Missouri Network](/img_vi0k_910_800.png)
Sparklight®, a leading broadband communications provider, recently completed a $250,000 upgrade to its robust, fiber-rich network in Dexter, Malden, Campbell, Kennett, Bloomfield, Bernie, Essex and Senath, Missouri.
In addition to further strengthening the reliability and performance of its high-speed internet service, Sparklight is engineering a network designed to meet the long-term connectivity needs of these Missouri communities
“Sparklight is committed to providing fast, reliable internet service to our residential and business customers and understands how critical high-speed internet is in keeping them connected to what matters most,” said Reid Morgan, Sparklight General Manager. “Our customers’ digital needs are advancing rapidly, and we are actively working to stay ahead of those needs with continuous investment in a network that will support our customers and community – now and in the future.”
For more information about Sparklight, visit www.sparklight.com.
About Sparklight
Sparklight® is a leading broadband communications provider and part of the Cable One family of brands, which serves more than 1.1 million residential and business customers in 24 states. Sparklight provides consumers with a wide array of connectivity and entertainment services, including high-speed internet and advanced Wi-Fi solutions, cable television and phone service. Sparklight Business provides scalable and cost-effective products for businesses ranging in size from small to mid-market, in addition to enterprise, wholesale and carrier customers.
![Sparklight Awards $30,000 to Teachers Building a](/img_vi0n_910_800.png)
Sparklight®, part of the Cable One family of brands, recently announced the winners of its "A Stronger Connection" social media campaign, which recognized teachers who are making a difference in the 24 states served by the company.
Twenty teachers each received $1,500 and the individuals who submitted the winning nominations each received a back-to-school prize pack.
"This prize means the world to me as I have never been the recipient of anything so generous and thoughtful," said Teacher Appreciation Award Winner Ashley Arellano of Whipple Ranch Elementary School in Show Low, Ariz. "I come to work as a teacher every day because I truly love it and there isn't anywhere else I'd rather be. The students and community make each day worth it. I am truly blessed."
Teacher Appreciation Award winners included:
Lacey Anderson, Williams Intermediate — Pell City, Ala.
Ashley Arellano, Whipple Ranch Elementary School — Show Low, Ariz.
Candace Batiste, Moss Point Career & Technical Education — Moss Point, Miss.
Savanah Bowers, Duncan High School — Duncan, Okla.
Wesley Brooks, Williams Intermediate — Pell City, Ala.
Stacey Buck, Republic High School — Republic, Mo.
Dan Dye, South Central Career Center (High School) — West Plains, Mo.
Adrienne Gonzalez, Owensville High School — Owensville, Mo.
Trenna Hanlin, Timmerman Grade School — Emporia, Kan.
Juanita Harris, Harmony Leadership Academy — Texarkana, Ark.
Neil Hohenstein, Taylorville High School — Taylorville, Ill.
Jessica McLenna, Heights Elementary School — Middleton, Idaho
Chuck Moore, Sullivan High School & Sullivan Middle School — Sullivan, Mo.
Ginger Nolker, Prairie Song Academy — Kirksville, Mo.
Bobbi Jo Noblin, Senath-Hornersville Middle School — Senath, Mo.
Matt Peabody, Taylorville Junior High School — Taylorville, Ill.
Shea Phillips, Texas High School — Texarkana, Texas
Sheila Sparks, West Plains High School — West Plains, Mo.
Melba Tatum, Eden Elementary — Pell City, Ala
Amy Thornton, Eden Elementary — Pell City, Ala.
"We are proud to honor the commitment and hard work of the exceptional educators in the communities we serve," said Trish Niemann, Vice President, Communications Strategy. "These teachers are real heroes, making a lasting difference in the lives of their students, their schools and their communities."
![Stoddard County Commission Meeting for Monday, November 7, 2022](/img_vi11_910_800.png)
Bloomfield, MO - The Stoddard County Commissioners met in a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, November 7, 2022 at 9:00 a.m.
Jeff Crocker, Heartland Area Land Owners, introduced himself to the Commissioners. Crocker represents landowners who want to develop their land. For example farmers who might want to put solar panels on their land. Commonly referred to as HALO, "They seek to organize, educate, and engage member landowners to better advocate for their own land use priorities. Their landowner members are passionate about their land, their world, and stewarding the resources that feed America and power its economy."
Bell City Update
Bell City Improvement Corporation (PIC) functions alone; however it is up to the mayor and the city council to get involved and appointment members. This according to Peter Coutavas, IDA Director. Mr. Finney had come to a previous meeting and asked questions about the Bell City Improvement Corporation. Mr. Coutavas will call him and let him know what he found out with regards to the group.
Bootheel Regional Planning Commission
According to Katelyn Lambert, they have almost completed the roof for the Bootheel Regional Planning Commission. Tomorrow is the Bid Opening for the HVAC. Once all that is complete that should be the end of the grant they received.
Duck Creek Township - Administration Update
The only Bid received for the Duck Creek Township was from Bootheel Regional Planning Commission. It was $30,000 for the administration of the blacktop of a road in the Duck Creek Township. The Community Development Block Grant require the bidding of the administration of the grant. The Commissioners sent a letter to 23 potential bidders.
Commissioner Jarrell made a motion to accept the bid from Bootheel Regional Planning Commission to administer the grant for Duck Creek Township. The grant will go towards the paving project. Seconded by Commissioner Talkington. Both voted yes.
Commissioner Carol Jarrell made a motion to accept the minutes from October 31, 2022. Commissioner Talkington seconded the motion. Both voted yes.
The minutes stated two items. Associate Commissioner Jarrell made a motion to approve the minutes for October 24, 2022 and a motion to adjourn at 10:42 a.m.
Commissioner Carol Jarrell made a motion to accept the Ads & Abates from the Collector, Josh Speakman. Commissioner Talkington seconded the motion. Both voted yes.
Stoddard County Collector Josh Speakman Update
Real Estate Tax and Personal Property Tax bills went out in the mail. Don't forget you can do an instalment payment plan with the County Collector. Go to the website www.stoddardcollector.org
Sign up now to pay your 2022 Stoddard County taxes on a monthly installment basis. Contact the collector's office at (573) 568-3327 for more information.
"Your payments will be based on the amount you paid for the previous year taxes. There will be ten equal installments, with the eleventh and final installment being the balance of the tax due. Taxes not paid in full by December 31st will result in late penalties and fees being charged which will be the responsibility of the taxpayer; and, the payment plan may be terminated.
We will only accept automated payment from your bank account. Please contact our office for further information regarding payment. If you are planning to signup for automated payment, please fill out and sign the Automated Payment Service authorization and agreement form to enroll in the installment payment plan. Please read the Installment Program fact sheet for additional information regarding the automated payment process.
Real estate and personal property taxes are eligible for installment payments at this time. Payment plans will be set up for each individual account. Delinquent taxes are not eligible for the payment plan. For example, your 2021 real estate taxes must be paid before enrolling in a payment plan for your 2022 real estate taxes.
If you currently escrow your real estate taxes with a mortgage company or related servicing company, you will not be able to set up a payment plan for that particular parcel of land at this time. Remember, payment plans will be set up for each individual account regardless of the number of properties you own."
Commissioner Jarrell made a motion to adjourn at 11:33 a.m. Seconded by Talkington. Both voted yes.