Meet the Candidates 2026
Last night’s Meet the Candidates event was a strong reflection of community engagement and civic participation here in Park Hills and Leadington. We were proud to bring together candidates, community members, and local leaders for an evening focused on information, transparency, and meaningful dialogue ahead of the upcoming election. The evening began with City Council candidates sharing their perspectives, followed by an informative presentation on Proposition U. We were honored to hear remarks from
March Investor Connect
The Park Hills – Leadington Chamber of Commerce was pleased to host its March Investor Connect at the Cardinal Center in the MAC Tech Building, made possible through the continued support and partnership of Mineral Area College. This month’s meeting brought together a strong group of Chamber investors, including several first-time attendees and new members. We were especially encouraged by the continued growth in engagement and participation, which reflects the strength and momentum of our local business
2026 KREI/KTJJ 110% Award: Corey & Brooke Maynard
The KREI-KTJJ 110% Award is given to those who believe in giving back to the community not asking anything in return. Tonight two people will receive this award for the countless hours of support they’ve given our schools, the business community, and others. The pair took over the valuable space that is now a thriving business on West Main Street a little over two years ago. What began as a labor of love has grown into something truly special. They expanded and curated every inch of the property, from the
2026 KFMO/B104 Kelly Valle Sweat Equity Award: Zach Franklin
The Kelly Valle Sweat Equity Award-Presented by: Jase Odle Good evening everyone, For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Jase Odle with Odle Media Group, KFMO and B104 Radio Stations located, right here in Park Hills. Tonight, I have the honor of presenting one of our most meaningful recognitions — The Kelly Valle Sweat Equity Award. Now, the name of this award says a lot. “Sweat equity” isn’t about titles or recognition. It’s about the work people do when no one is watching. It’s about the long
2026 Chamber’s Friend Award: Kyle Bonney
Good evening, everyone!!! At the Park Hills–Leadington Chamber of Commerce, we are fortunate to work with so many businesses and individuals who care deeply about this community. But every once in a while, there is someone who quietly goes above and beyond, time after time, simply because they want to help. Tonight’s award recognizes exactly that kind of person. If you have ever helped with a Chamber event or a City of Park Hills event, you know that behind every parade, festival, car show, or
2026 Lifetime Contribution Award: William Bess
Good evening everyone!!! Tonight, we gather to honor a lifetime defined by trust, service, and unwavering commitment to community. The Lifetime Contribution Award recognizes individuals whose work has not only shaped their profession, but whose character and consistency have strengthened the very fabric of the community they serve. This year’s recipient has played an important role in the business community of Park Hills for more than four decades. His story is one rooted in dedication, relationships,
2026 Lifetime Contribution Award: T.J. Isgrig
Good evening everyone!!! Tonight, we gather to honor something truly extraordinary. Not a single achievement. Not a single moment. But a lifetime shapedby courage, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to others. The Lifetime Contribution Award honors a lifetime of outstanding dedication and profound impact. It is reserved for someone whose work quietly shaped our community, whose influence is felt not only in accomplishments, but in lives forever changed. For more than three decades, this year’s
2026 Citizen of the Year Award: Rebecca Buchanan
Hello again. It’s an honor to stand here again and present this year’s Citizen of the Year Award. Tonight, we come together to celebrate what truly strengthens our community – the everyday people whose compassion, dedication, and selflessness uplift others and inspire us all. The Citizen of the Year Award is more than a recognition – it’s a tribute to the spirit of service that defines who we are. This year’s recipient has gone above and beyond to make a difference, through work, leadership, and a
2026 Legacy Award: Gary Busenbark
Good evening everyone!!! We are gathered tonight to celebrate a life defined by passion, purpose, generosity, and service. A life that left an unmistakable mark not only on our business community, but on all our hearts. It is my honor to present the Park Hills Leadington Chamber of Commerce Legacy Award to a truly remarkable man, Gary Milton Busenbark!!! Gary Busenbark was born on September 4, 1939, in Bonne Terre, Missouri, to Leslie and Irene Busenbark. Even at a young age, his entrepreneurial spirit
2026 Awards Banquet: Celebrating 30 Years of Service with Tamara Coleman
Good evening, everyone. For those of you who do not know me, my name is Brenda Jordan, immediate past president and current board member of the Park Hills-Leadington Chamber. I am not on the agenda and without looking at her, I am quite positive Tammi is wondering… What is she doing? Why is she up there right now? This is not on tonight’s schedule!! We are here tonight to recognize community leaders, community legacies, and community accomplishments. We are going to start off these awards with one
2026 Park Hills - Leadington Chamber of Commerce Award Banquet
The Park Hills – Leadington Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2026 Annual Awards Banquet at The White Magnolia Banquet Hall, bringing together local business leaders, elected officials, and community members for an evening dedicated to recognizing individuals who have made an extraordinary impact on the region. The event was emceed by Chuck Odle and began with an invocation by Harvey Faircloth. Guests enjoyed dinner prepared and organized by the Chamber’s own Glenda Straughn and amazing assistants and
St. Francois County Clerk’s Office Shares Key Dates for April 7, 2026 General Municipal Election
St. Francois County, Missouri The St. Francois County Clerk’s Office is reminding voters of important deadlines and voting dates ahead of the April 7, 2026 General Municipal Election. Voters are encouraged to review the following key election dates and make a plan to participate: • January 27 – Candidate Certification Deadline • February 24 – Absentee Voting Begins • March 11 – Last Day to Register to Vote for the April Election • March 24 – In-Person, No-Excuse Absentee Voting Begins • March 25 –
