New Madrid County Commissioners hire executive assistant

The New Madrid County Commissioners approved some changes in their operations with the retirement of longtime advisor Ronnie Simmons. During their Nov. 14 meeting, Nathan Bock was hired as the Commission's executive assistant. Pictured clockwise from far left are: Second District Commissioner Michael Kellams, Presiding Commissioner Mark Baker, Bock, First District Commissioner Bobby Aycock and Simmons (back to camera).(Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

NEW MADRID, Mo. — With an eye on the future for New Madrid County, the New Madrid County Commissioners at their Nov. 14 meeting made some changes to ensure operations continue to run smoothly.

Presiding Commissioner Mark Baker began by announcing he is currently being treated for Alzheimer’s Disease.

“I am on infusion treatment with a new drug called Leqembi that is suppose to slow the progression, but not cure the disease,” he said. “I will have a total of 18 treatments. I have had nine and so far everything is great.”

According to Baker his disease was discovered early enough for him to qualify for the new treatment.

Baker, who was elected first district commissioner in 2004 and elected presiding commissioner in 2014, said he expects to finish the remaining two years of his term. At the end of those two years he said he would not seek another term.

Baker said he is also enlisting First District Commissioner Bobby Aycock and Second District Commissioner Michael Kellams in ensuring he is serving the citizens of the county in a competent manner.

“If they notice that I am slipping or that I’m not making good decisions for the county, all they have to do is say something and I will resign. I trust them and their judgement,” Baker said.

In addition, Baker used the meeting to announce the retirement of Ronnie Simmons from his role in advising the County Commission and the hiring of a replacement.

For the last several years, Baker said Simmons has handled the agenda and provided necessary information on items for their consideration.

“I can’t tell you what a pleasure it has been to serve with him and how he has been able to make my job easier over the years. It has been great. We are going to miss him,” Baker said.

He then made a motion to hire Nathan Bock as executive assistant to the County Commission. The motion was unanimously approved.

“I am pleased to be able to work with the County Commission and am thankful for the opportunity to further serve the needs of the county,” Bock said following the meeting.

Bock will have an office in the County Clerk’s office. Baker said anyone who wants to address the county commission or voice a concern should contact Bock by phone at 573-748-2524, extension 3066, or by email at nathanbock@newmadridcountymo.gov or nmcocommissioners@newmadridcountymo.gov.