The Monroe County Appeal
Oldest Continuous Newspaper
in Monroe County, since 1867
The Paris Mercury
and The Madison Times

Recently it was noted that the Christmas Is Caring committee expressed their concerns regarding funding for this year. In 2007, the monetary response to their mission was less than they had expected. For the first time in the 35 years, they had to “dip” heavy into what small reserve they had accumulated over the years.
   They will provide food, clothing, and toys to approximately 90 - 110 families in the Monroe County area and their expenses will be $8,000.00 to $9,000.00.
   Over the years, the majority of donations have come from the Paris area. It was also noted that this is not just for families around Paris. This is a county-wide project reaching out to anyone in Monroe County. For Christmas Is Caring to continue, they need the financial support from everyone in all of the supported communities.
   “We realize that all of us are seeing difficult times but with some large donations and some small ones, they add up to make our mission a success,” said Chairman John Gilmore.
   Numerous local organizations have stepped up to the plate and made sizeable donations to the program numbering among those The Paris National Bank, Paris Rotary Club, Abels and Country Homemakers to name a few.
   The Paris National Bank employees rasied $1,000 that they donated to the Christmas is Caring - Toy Fund through candle sales and their annual Soup-To-Go lunch for this worthy cause. The employees noted that, with the current financial difficulties many families are experiencing it is anticipated more families will be in need of services.
   TPNB employees are challenging other clubs or individuals to match or exceed their donation and help out this important local project
   Phyllis Barton and her friends take care of the clothing and toys for the children. You can make donations directly to her at 327 W. Monroe, Paris, MO 65275. Other donations can be made to Martha Cullifer, Monroe County Court House, or John Gilmore, 201 S Main, Paris, MO 65275.   782

County Collector Anita Dunkle has mailed the 2008 tax bills to county residents.
   Dunkle reminds residents that Missouri Law states that taxes become delinquent on Jan. 1, 2009. To avoid any late penalties being assessed, taxpayers are cautioned to obtain a postmark of no later than Dec. 31, 2008.
   “Check with your local post office to see when they will close for New Year’s Eve,” suggested the collector.
   Tax payments may be deposited in the gray drop box located at the south door of the courthouse or by online payment until midnight, Dec. 31. Tax payment can also be made in person no later than 4:30 p.m., on Wednesday, Dec. 31. Walk-in traffic on Friday, Jan. 2, 2009, will be assessed penalty and interest.
   “Please review all receipts for correct information,” asked Collector Dunkle.
   Collector’s Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Closed: All Saturdays; Thanksgiving, Thursday and Friday, Nov. 27, 28; Christmas, Thursday and Friday, Dec. 25, 26.
      783

Abel’s and Country Homemakers joined together to have a food booth at Fall-In-To-Paris. The proceeds goes to Phyllis Barton for Christmas for Kids. Verna Spangler, representing Abel”s and Country Homemaker’s Club is shown handing the check in the amount of $775.00 to Phyllis Barton. Others in the group include Ricki Neuser, Lois Spencer, June Rives, Ruby Miller, Erma Stross, Mary Hayhurst, Shirley Ensor, Louise Armstrong, Sharon Martin, and Marguerite Jones.   784

It’s official! More than 500 employees of Hubbell Inc., including numerous Monroe County workers went on strike over the past weekend, unhappy with a proposed contract that eliminates or restructures their retirement, health and medical benefits.
   Members of Local 86821 authorized the strike Saturday morning by what was described by some as a close vote. The union’s contract with Hubbell, formerly AB Chance Co., expired at 10:30 p.m. Friday.a
   “This affected such a wide spectrum of people,” said Matt Jackson, president of the local union, in an earlier interview referring to a proposed three-year contract that eliminates benefits for retirees, including company-paid $10,000 life insurance policies and a 50 percent medical premium payment.
   Jackson noted that the proposed contract also has both economic and non-economic clauses affecting employees that union members could not agree to, such as changes to the company’s attendance policy. He did not spell out specifics out of worry that his comments could negatively affect ongoing negotiations.
   “I still have to negotiate this thing,” he said. “I’m cautiously walking around some issues.”
   Matt Jackson hoped the contract issues could be resolved soon so workers can leave the picket lines and get back on the job.
   “It could be today, it could tomorrow, it could be next week,” he said. “Talks are ongoing; they haven’t stopped.”
   “We will have to pay more attention to how we spend things,” said Nancy Garnett, Paris, an AB Chance Co. employee and now on strike and preparing to walk the picket lines with her fellow employees. “It will hurt the Centralia businesses especially those where employees ate their lunch.”
   A prolonged work stoppage could have an adverse impact on the local economy. It was noted that workers will receive strike pay from the union only if the walkout lasts more than one week. Strike pay would be the same for everyone but in some cases it would be more than workers’ current pay, and in some cases less.
   Local grocery and convenience stores had donated coffee, donuts, hot food and even gloves for the strikers picketing in sub-freezing weather.
   Ginny Zoellers, executive director of the Centralia Chamber of Commerce, said Hubbell management and union leaders were working to resolve their issues.
   “I think the sooner they can come to a resolution, the better,” she said. “And that’s for everybody - management and the employees, as well as the community.”
   A.B. Chance Co. was founded in 1907 and is Centralia’s largest employer. Hubbell Inc. purchased the company in 1994. The Centralia factory manufactures plastics, construction materials and tools for electric power lines.
   Company officials in Centralia directed media inquiries to the Hubbell corporate office in Orange, Conn. That office has not returned calls.
   Hubbell workers last went on strike in 2000. Insurance benefits were the issue during that three-day weekend strike, which did not include a picket.   785

The Paris Area Chamber of Commerce is busy preparing for the upcoming Christmas Is Caring Promotion on Saturday, Dec. 6.
   This year the chamber has brought the entertainment and events - downtown! This year’s Christmas on Main Street will hopefully direct foot traffic to the downtown area and in turn the downtown businesses. New this year will be home based businesses sprinkled throughout the downtown area in spots not being used for the day such as the Monroe County Appeal office.
   “Remember - half of all the proceeds generated by this chamber event go to “Christmas-Is-Caring” to help the needy families in our county,” said Chamber Executive Director Vanessa Forrest. “If you are interested in participating, contact the chamber office at 660-327-4450 and an area will be designated for you for the day.”
   Other activities currently planned for the day include “Breakfast with Santa” - sponsored by PTSA from 8-10 a.m. at the Senior Center; a soup/chili luncheon with a silent auction from 11-1 p.m., also at the Senior Center; caroling at the courthouse, a kid’s craft at Sarah’s Beauty shop and the parade to conclude the day’s activities at 5 p.m. The theme for this year’s parade is “A Small Town Christmas” and prizes will once again be awarded in two categories - float and non-float with each first place prize being $50 and the second place prize being $25. Anyone and everyone is welcome to join in on the fun and participate in the parade - for more information on the parade or to sign up contact David Eales, 660-327-4192. While enjoying the parade, residents will be able to view the superb display of Christmas lights placed throughout the downtown area courtesy of Signature Masonary.
   As always, one-half of all proceeds from the event will go to Christmas is Caring. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy this joyous celebration of the season.
   If you need further information about the event call Chamber Executive Director Vanessa Forrest at the chamber office at 660-327-4450.   786

Thanksgiving weekend will bring large numbers of crafters and shoppers to Paris for the Gift and Craft Show to be held on Saturday, Nov. 29, at Paris High School gym. Crafters and exhibitors from three states and surrounding communities, will display items to sell at the 34th annual show, which is sponsored by Xi Gamma Rho Sorority of Paris.
   On display will be ceramics, floral, purses, tote bags, jewelry, quilts, tree skirts, hats, dolls, wood furniture, signs, toys, yard art, snowmen of all descriptions. Handmade pottery, baskets, painted collectibles, glass sun-catchers, windchimes, candles, metal art from 14 gauge steel, photo ornaments and personalized ornaments and much more.
   A $2.00 admission fee is charged. The hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. the Paris Lion’s Club will be in charge of the luncheon, serving sandwiches, drinks, homemade soups and pies.
   A drawing will be held for door prizes of gift certificates. Each paid admission entitles the shopper to a door prize entry ticket. Winners must be present to win and they may redeem the certificates at any booth in the show. Drawings will be a 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
   Proceeds from the craft show are used for community projects.   787

The Monroe County Democrat Club met on Tuesday, Oct.28, for their quarterly meeting. Those attending convened at 7 p.m., at the newly remodeled Paris Senior Nutrition Center for the 8th annual fish fry. Judge Michael Wilson led those gathered in prayer before the meal. Fifty-nine were in attendance.
   President Sandra Francis opened the meeting by asking Jane Akers to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Sandra then recognized the cooks who prepared delicious fried fish as well as regular and sweet potato chips.
   Minutes of the August meeting were read and approved. Sandy Carter gave the treasurer’s report.
   Under old business, Becky Vanlandingham thanked those who helped with the ham breakfast on the day of Fall-In-To-Paris.
   Under new business, Paul Quinn announced that the Glasgow Democrats are hosting a birthday party for him Sunday, Nov. 2 at the Fish Beak Saloon from 11-3 p.m. Anita Dunkle announced that Barack Obama would be visiting Columbia on Thursday, Oct. 31 at the Carnahan Quadrangle at 9:30 p.m.
   Eddy Mitchell then introduced our guest speaker, former State Senator and Lieutenant Governor Joe Maxwell. Joe is currently serving as National Democratic Committeeman. Mr. Maxwell conveyed his enjoyment at being home to spend time with his family in recent years as opposed to being away when serving as a state officeholder. He also spoke of the poor economy of the nation and the need to make changes which can only take place by voting Democratic.
    Click Here For Democratic Club Pictures 819

Paris American Legion Post 221 spent a busy Veterans Day from sun-up to sundown as they visited the Paris, Madison and Holliday schools to participate in Veterans Day assemblies.
   Later in the day the group sponsored their annual Ham and Bean Dinner that they served to a large crowd of visitors and guests.
    Click Here For More Pictures 820

Photo Gallery

Monroe County Appeal
Paris Mercury & Madison Times

ADVERTISING RATES -- Classified 20¢ per word, minimum of $3.00 per insertion; display classified $4.25 per column inch; display advertising $3.75 per column inch.
SUBSCRIPTION RATES -- $24.00 per year in Monroe and adjoining counties; $27.00 elsewhere in Missouri and out-of-state; Counter Copy  - 50¢.
POLICY: The APPEAL will not be held responsible for errors that may appear in advertisements received over the telephone.

RICHARD J. FREDRICK
Publisher 
DAVID EALES
Editor
JERE NELSON
Advertising/Classified Manager
AMANDA SEXTON
Graphic Design
JOANNE BONNEY
Bookkeeper/Typesetter