Eight counties | 36 cities | one region

ST. JAMES—Gerald “Jerry” W. West of Potosi was honored posthumously during the Meramec Regional Planning Commission’s (MRPC) annual dinner Oct. 25 at the Hermann Hill Wedding and Convention Center, Hermann. Twelve other individuals were honored at the dinner as well.

West was a generous small business owner in the Potosi community, who passed away April 6, 2018, at the age of 61. Owner of Boyer Lumber and Rental and Westside Car Wash, he was an active member of Potosi Elks Lodge #2218 and served on many boards including the Pam Dudley Center Baord, 911 Board, City of Potosi Industrial Development Authority Board, Washington County Hospital Board, First State Community Bank Board and many others. He contributed to many other community organizations, including the Potosi Lions Club and Belgrade Lions Club. West did many things that he wanted “no one to know about,” like paying for those in need to have a shower and a bed at the Super 8 in town and paying for needed equipment for the local police department. He sponsored and supported endless youth activities within the city and traveling teams. He was a regular contributor to the Potosi Baseball Association and local Boy Scout troops. When everyone else said “no,” West said “yes.” One community leader shared: “Jerry was an extremely community-minded person, and I am not sure enough can be said or any of us will ever know just how much he meant to our community.” MRPC board member Janey Radford nominated West for the award.

His wife, Brenda, accepted the award in his memory and honor. His mother, Theresa West, children Lindsey Jarvis and Chris West, siblings and grand children were in attendance.

Other individuals recognized by MRPC for contributions to their communities were:

• Chuck Hartbauer of Hermann, nominated by Gasconade County Presiding Commissioner Larry Miskel and MRPC Board Member Mark Wallace;
• Tim and Anna Long of Belle, nominated by Maries County Presiding Commissioner Ray Schwartze;
• Kathy Speichinger of Belle, nominated by MRPC Board Member Steve Vogt;
• Ruth Rebmann and Shelby Uffmann, nominated by Mayor of Owensville John Kamler;
• Denise Seevers of Dixon, nominated by Mayor of Waynesville Luge Hardman;
• Lucy Brenner of Morrison, nominated by MRPC Board Member Jan Haviland; and
• Sean Hackmann of Chamois, nominated by Mayor of Chamois Elise Brochu.

Youth Volunteers:

• Payden Woodruff, daughter of Michael Woodruff and Kisha Woodruff of Belle, nominated by MRPC Board Member Steve Vogt; and
• Max Thierry, son of Craig and Merry Thierry of Belle, nominated by MRPC Board Member Steve Vogt.

The Eugene E. Northern award, the highest honor given by MRPC for volunteers and community service, was presented to Michael Dunbar of Waynesville. He was nominated by Waynesville Mayor Luge Hardman and St. Robert Mayor George Lauritson. Dunbar retired from the U.S. Army and has served the community by taking a leadership role with the Waynesville/St. Robert Chamber of Commerce, serving on numerous boards, and a strong commitment the Fort Leonard Wood area. As chair of the Missouri Military Preparedness and Enhancement Commission, his influence is felt from Jefferson City to Washington D.C. As a founding member and past president of the Sustainable Ozarks Partnership, Mike has worked tirelessly to enhance the position of Fort Leonard Wood as a premier training facility in the military.

The Maries County Bank was honored with Meramec Regional Development Corporation’s Lender of the Year award. Mark Hayes, senior vice president, accepted the award on its behalf.

Four staff members were recognized at the 2018 awards banquet for years of service: Elaine Cloyde, housing program coordinator for Crawford County with MRPC, received her award for 30 years of service; Tammy Snodgrass, assistant director and environmental programs manager, received her award for 25 years of service; Chuck Cantrell, housing inspector, received his award for 20 years of service; and Larry Blevins, maintenance technician, received his award for 15 years of service. Caitlin Jones, marketing and communications coordinator, was honored as MRPC’s employee of the year. Jones joined MRPC in December 2016.

The night included a reception that began at 5:30, featuring a Taste of Hermann event showcasing food and drinks from Hermann businesses. A silent auction, which raised over $1,287 to offset the costs of the dinner, was held during the reception. Some 171 individuals were in attendance at the dinner.

“Our Annual Dinner is the highlight of our year, as our board takes great pleasure in honoring some very deserving volunteers across our region, recapping some of the great projects that have occurred in our communities and taking a look at the contributions MRPC, as an organization, has made to our cities and counties,” said Bonnie Prigge, MRPC executive director.  “We really appreciate the hospitality, provided by the city of Hermann and Gasconade County, our hosts, and a special thank you to Terry Hammer and his staff for all their hard work to deliver a top-notch location for our evening. The support from the Hermann business community was amazing. It was certainly a great evening.”

Formed in 1969, MRPC is a voluntary council of governments serving Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties and their respective cities. Marvin Wright serves as Chairman of the board. A professional staff of 25 offers technical assistance and services, such as grant preparation and administration, housing assistance, transportation planning, environmental planning, ordinance codification, business loans and other services to member communities.

To keep up with the latest MRPC news and events, visit the MRPC website at www.meramecregion.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/meramecregion/.

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Gerald West.JPG – Gerald “Jerry” W. West was honored posthumously at Meramec Regional Planning Commission’s Annual Dinner Oct. 25 at Hermann Hill Wedding and Conference Center for his enormous contributions to the city of Potosi. MRPC Vice Chairman Larry Miskel (left) and Chairman Marvin Wright presented the plaque to his wife, Brenda West, daughter Lindsey Jarvis, and son Chris West. West was nominated by MRPC Board Member Janey Radford (right).