Business briefcase 5/1

ESSEX - Ronald L. Ledbetter of Essex, a district representative of Modern Woodmen of America, was named membership leader in the Missouri East Agency for March. Also Ledbetter was honored by the company as the "Agent of the Month" for March.

Ledbetter joined Modern Woodmen's Rainwater Agency in Farmington in July 1991. For more information about Modern Woodmen's life insurance and annuity products contact Ledbetter at 573-283-5925.

POPLAR BLUFF - Kristi Grobe Booker has joined Spain, Merrell and Miller, L.L.C. of Poplar Bluff as an attorney.

Ms. Booker will practice primarily in the areas of civil litigation, appellate work, domestic matters and worker's compensation law. Prior to joining Spain, Merrell and Miller, she practiced law in St. Louis and clerked for Judge Gary M. Gaertner Sr. on the Missouri Court of Appeals Eastern District.

A 1992 graduate of Dexter High School, Ms. Booker obtained a Juris Doctorate degree in 2000 and a Bachelor of Journalism degree in 1996 from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - B. Kenneth Spitler, chief executive officer of Intermark Medical Innovations, was named to the National Register's Who's Who in Executives and Professionals 2005-06 edition. The National Register recognizes those individuals who have reached a level of success in their field.

Spitler, a 1980 Sikeston (Mo.) High School graduate, is the son of Phyllis Spitler of Sikeston and the late Bud Spitler.

COLUMBIA - Judge Byron D. Luber of Pemiscot County was elected president of the Missouri Association of Probate and Associate Circuit Judges during the annual conference April 6-7. The conference was held in conjunction with the Missouri Association of Professional Court Clerks.

The conference consisted of educational programs and a business meeting. Over 130 judges and 250 clerks attended the separate conferences.

The educational programs covered civil law, criminal law, search and seizure, probate law, family law, DWI and traffic law, bail bonds and collection of fines and court costs, and a legislative update on proposed law.

POPLAR BLUFF -- A nine-week course in medical coding will start May 4 at Three Rivers Community College. The non-credit course is designed for persons already employed or seeking employment in a medical facility.

Instructor Jana Chastain will cover topics including the assignment of diagnosis and procedure codes to patient records and the processes for billing and reimbursement. Students must have a working knowledge of medical terminology.

Class will meet from 5 to 9 p.m. Mondays, May 4 through July 6, in Room 106 of the Westover Administrative Building on campus.

The cost of the course is $140 for students living within the TRCC taxing district and $234 for those living outside the district. In addition, students will be expected to buy a $60 textbook.

To enroll in the course, or to get more information, call TRCC's Division of Extended Learning toll-free at 877-TRY-TRCC, Extension 690, or dial direct at (573) 840-9690.

SIKESTON - Jay's Taxi has announced a new policy to assist its customers.

Smoking will no longer be allowed inside their vehicles. "We are sorry for the inconvenience but due to other people's health problems we will no longer allow our passengers to smoke while in the tax cab," said a company spokesman.

SIKESTON - Michael Bewley has joined the staff at Cronie's Sports Bar and Grill as chef.

Bewley, who was previously with the Main Street Cafe, will be overseeing the cooking from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday. Lunch specials will be offered.

Cronie's is located at 1637 E. Malone Ave.