SSE Hosts two networking events in Southeast Missouri



Members of the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce

enjoy 1st Friday Coffee at the Poplar Bluff SSE Office

Poplar Bluff, MO- Schultz Surveying and Engineering was thrilled with the 75 people who joined them as they hosted the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce 1^st Friday Coffee on June 7^th.  The staff of SSS welcomed chamber members and municipal leaders at their Poplar Bluff office for an early morning meet and greet while enjoying some great coffee, fresh fruit, and fresh baked bread.

 

The 1^st Friday event is held every first Friday of the month, hosted by varying chamber members as an opportunity to network with fellow chamber members and the public. SSE has been a member of the chamber since 1997 and SSE’s own Debby Norris was named Poplar Bluff Chamber Ambassador of the year in 2012.

 

SSE founder Stan Schultz said, “Having your business belong to something like the Poplar Bluff Chamber is not only just good business sense, it gives you an opportunity to take pride in your local area. The chamber events and meetings are a great way to network as well as become involved.”

 

Poplar Bluff Mayor Ed Dagaris with

SSE’s Debby Norris

Debby Norris concluded by saying, “Becoming a part of the chamber has opened a lot of doors for me to be able show how much SSE cares about the cities we all live and work in. It’s really been one of the best parts of my employment with SSE and I look forward to all the great things I will get to participate in the coming year.”

 

Doniphan, MO – Following up to the success of June’s Poplar Bluff Chamber event, SSE was excited to be able to host the Ripley County Chamber Coffee and Conversation event on July 26, 2013. Fifty chamber members joined hosts SSE at Coffee and More to take a few minutes in the early morning to hear about SSE, where the big news of the morning was SSE’s latest addition of their Doniphan office.

 

Stan Schultz, owner of SSE said, “Having owned more than one business here in Doniphan, and it being my own hometown, made opening an office in such an area a no-brainer. The towns like Doniphan of Ripley County are the kind of small town America songs are written about, and it’s that quality that has made me proud to call Doniphan and Ripley County my home.”

 

SSE has been a proud long standing member of the Ripley County Chamber, helping out in popular events like Timberfest, Coffee and Conversation and the Ripley County Fair. The Coffee and Conversation event brought some of the county’s most active residents.

Ripley County resident and SSE employee

Marvin Nesbit enjoys some good conversation at the

SSE hosted Coffee and Conversation

Doniphan resident and 13 year SSE veteran Marvin Nesbit enjoyed the great snacks and coffee while being able to chat with those he has worked with and lived with for years, saying, “You really can’t ask for a better place to work, play or live. Ripley County is home and being a part of a company like SSE that takes so much pride in being able to help the residents of my home town and other rural Missouri municipalities means a lot.  Our company is focused on helping rural communities and areas find ways to develop their infrastructure because we understand the unique process for bringing these projects from idea to reality. Knowing I have helped many small communities receive funding for clean drinking water or safe wastewater systems, well, you can't beat that feeling"

SSE Honored to Help Design Infrastructure for Eagle Sky Christian Camp of the Ozarks

www.EagleSky.com

Eagle Sky is a private 4,500 acre camp and retreat center.  They have a world mission to provide a unique camp environment where everyone is challenged to grow in their faith and relationship with Jesus Christ.  Eagle sky is committed to providing a place where children, adults, church leaders and corporate executives can come relax, rejuvenate and recharge their lives as well as team build, evaluate, and plan the future of their ministry, church or business activities.

With planned camps in Missouri, Colorado, and Kenya Africa, Eagle Sky is on track to be one of the premiere summer camps in the world.  Schultz Surveying & Engineering were honored to be selected to develop the entire design for Eagle Sky Drive, the main road into this rejuvenating paradise.  They will also be putting their water and wastewater design experience to work making sure Eagle Sky provides campers the clean, safe drinking water while having a minimal impact on the pristine environment of the Ozark foothills. 

Eagle Sky has many activities designed specifically for its array of campers.  “We will have many water sports such as lake canoeing, kayaking, water volleyball, etc,” stated Eagle Sky Camp Director, Jim Garr.  “For those who enjoy staying on land we also have a sports complex for soccer, baseball, basketball, hiking trails, high-ropes, paintball and other land-based activities.”

While Eagle Sky is a first-rate multimillion dollar camp complex, a difference that separates Eagle Sky from many other similar facilities is its vision to reach the world through the teachings of Jesus Christ.  Some of the core values of Eagle Sky include:

• Christ-like work ethic: with every thought, word, and deed
• Personal integrity: in both public and private life
• Stewardship: of the Lord's resources in the environment, in the facilities, and in staff and finances
• Safety and Security: providing a program and facilities that focus on safety and security for all participants

Camp Director Jim Garr added, “We are truly committed to the values and teachings of Christ and everything about this facility is designed to enhance the campers ability to leave the daily grind of life behind and have fun while growing in their faith.”

Eagle Sky Camp Director,
Jim Garr and wife Pam

With 4,500 acres of property and a 130 acre lake area, Eagle Sky is bound to grow at a fast rate when more people hear about this unique experience right here in the heartland of Missouri.  SSE owner, Stan Schultz, stated “I became an engineer because I wanted to design projects that would improve people’s lives.  Roads, bridges and water systems are all projects that I have been proud to be a part of but working with Eagle Sky to design the infrastructure to make the multimillion dollar facility the best it can be is different than a normal project.  These facilities will help the campers have an enjoyable stay while they are at Eagle Sky, but the impact they will have on other lives after they leave here can impact and change lives for years to come.”

The Eagle Sky Foundation's Mission is to provide a unique retreat environment where everyone is challenged to grow in their faith and relationship with Jesus Christ.  

To enter the camp you must cross
this beautiful bridge

• Providing quality facilities where guests can retreat in comfort and security while they focus on expanding their faith and relationship with Jesus Christ;
• Utilizing dedicated, talented staff who demonstrate servant leadership and total commitment to Jesus Christ;
• Involving guests in challenging Christian Campaign Programs which strive for quality and excellence in recreational opportunities, ministry development programs; educational programs, and quality Bible teaching;
• Leading guests to engage the beauty of God's creation, the joy of fellowship, and the challenge of growth in their faith and walk with Jesus Christ.

"Schultz Surveying and Engineering has been wonderful to work with," said Eagle Sky's Jim Garr, "Stan is a very caring and giving person and he understands the bigger mission of what we are trying to do with Eagle Sky.  He listens to our needs, offers good suggestions, and works with all our staff to help execute the plan."

Eagle Sky is planning to open its facilities with more than 1,000 bunks.  Eagle Sky has come to the Missouri Ozarks with a vision to build and operate the finest camping and retreat facilities available for utilization by church groups, Christian organizations and businesses.  It is their hope that children of all ages and families from around the country will be able to make memories that will last a lifetime, while building a stronger relationship with Christ and learning how to live more in His favor.

SSE Owner, Stan Schultz

"Eagle Sky is truly an organization that will make a huge difference in the world," concluded Schultz.  "Helping families and reaching children through Christian teachings is something I can personally get behind and we are excited to be working with such a strong, ministry oriented organization like Eagle Sky."  

You can learn more about Eagle Sky of the Ozarks by visiting their website at www.EagleSky.com or by calling (573)-856-4219.

Committee Weighing MODOT Options

The following story is taken from the Daily Dunklin Democrat and can be found in its original format here: http://www.dddnews.com/story/1855943.html

Committee Weighing MODOT Options

Sunday, June 3, 2012

COREY NOLES SEMO News Service

A committee of Missourians, co-chaired by Dexter City Administrator Mark Stidham, is travelling the state hoping to answer questions for MoDOT regarding necessary infrastructure improvements and repairs.
(Photo by Corey Noles/SEMO News Service)

How important are good roads to you?

This is one of several questions the Blue Ribbon Citizen's Committee on Missouri's Transportation Needs is asking Missourians to think about.

Dexter's City Administrator Mark Stidham co-chairs the committee alongside Rod Jetton and Bill McKenna as well as 18 others from across the state.  The committee began meeting in April when they learned about the challenges the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) faces in years to come.

"Basically, by 2015, the Federal Highway Commission and the Missouri Department of Transportation will be out of money," Stidham said. "The surplus they have operated on through the recession is almost gone." MoDOT's funding is based primarily on income from the state fuel tax. Since 1992, MoDOT has received 17-cents per gallon of gasoline or diesel fuel sold. That revenue is the same whether gas is at two dollars or four dollars per-gallon. This money comes to MoDOT through the Highway Trust Fund, which has helped finance bridge and highway projects since 1956.

Over the 20 years since, the cost of almost everything has risen dramatically. Asphalt has increased approximately 175 percent. Concrete has increased almost 200 percent per cubic yard.

At the same time, the amount of money coming in to MoDOT has actually decreased due to more fuel efficient vehicles and people being more conscientious due to the price of fuel.

According to MoDOT figures, Missouri ranks seventh of the 50 states in terms of the amount of highway in miles. The state ranks seventh from the bottom in terms of fuel tax to fund highway maintenance and expansion.

What does this mean to the committee?

The committee is looking at several different things.

First, they are listening to groups and individuals share the needs for the roads in their region. These range widely from interstate expansion to dangerous curves to river port work.

All of these things fall under MoDOT's jurisdiction, but as the money decreases, so is the output.

Second, the committee is tasked with finding the solution to MoDOT's financial issues. Big projects take money. For instance, Stidham explained MoDOT plans to make I-70 three lanes across Missouri to alleviate congestion issues.

Another area of concern is I-44 from St. Louis to Springfield. Simply put, road work is expensive.

Does this mean more taxes?

It's possible, but they believe there are other options.

The most obvious option is to change the way the fuel tax is calculated. Instead of having it calculated by the gallon, have the tax be on the dollar amount.

This method, Stidham said, would allow for inflation to occur while keeping MoDOT functional.
"Could you live on what you did in 1992?" he asked. "That's basically what MoDOT is doing. Utiliities have gone up. Supplies and fuel have gone up and they're stuck at the same income."

There are several things the committee could recommend to the governor and legislature.

Another option is an increase in licensing fees when purchasing a new car.

A third option is the possibility of toll roads in some places. Other states have had success with this method, but there is some reluctance to bring the practice to Missouri.

"Missouri is the crossroads of the nation," Stidham said. "You can be anywhere in the country in two or three days from Missouri. Our highways are crucial to our economy and business not just within the state, but right here in Dexter."

After the board's scheduled seven public meetings, they will meet among themselves to discuss and determine what their recommendation will be.

"We really don't know what we'll recommend yet," Stidham said, noting that the group is only having its second meeting today, Friday, June 1.

On Friday, June 29, 2012, the group will have its only Southeast Missouri meeting. It will take place at the Show-Me Center in Cape Girardeau at 10 a.m.

Schultz and Summers Ladies Team Won the 'Spirit' Award at the Chamber Golf Outing

The weather was perfect and a large crowd gathered for the annual Poplar Bluff Chamber Golf Outing.  Our ladies didn't win the tournament, but they had a good time and helped everyone enjoy the day.  

Karen Glasteter, Sammi Croy, Debby Norris and Mary Moreland show off their 'Spirit'

Kelsey Koehler Chosen As Doniphan Prom Queen

Kelsey Koehler the daughter of Schultz and Summers employee Dan Koehler was chosen as the Doniphan Prom Queen for 2012.  Here are a few photos from the event.

Kelsey with Principle Mike Jones

Kelsey with her crown!

She requested that her Dad be her escort for the ceremony.  SSE wants to congratulate Kelsey and her Dad!!

Schultz and Summers Joins the USDA In Helping Ellington Make Water Upgrades

We have a great Video that includes some good interviews with Greg Batson from the USDA and Mayor Pickett talking about the upgrades to the Ellington system.  Also you can click the link below to read the story about the details on how these upgrades are saving the city money.

Read Blog Post Here

SCHULTZ AND SUMMERS ENGINEERING DESIGNS ELLINGTON’S NEW WATER SYSTEM

The design includes a new well, waterlines, ground storage tank and

meter reading system that will cut operating costs by a third.  

 

Greg Batson from the USDA congratulates Mayor Pickett

ELLINGTON, MO – Residents in Ellington are now using the City’s new water production and distribution system.  Their old system was first designed in the 1950’s, but over the years, the City had used their limited budget to cobble together wells, waterlines and pumping stations just to get by.  The leaking and deteriorating system was having significant problems serving the City’s 450 homes and businesses.  Maintenance crews were constantly digging up city streets and residents’ yards to fix and replace old leaking waterlines.  Pump controls were worn out, and the water tower needed serious maintenance.   In 2008, the City asked Schultz and Summers Engineering (SSE) to evaluate any deficiencies with the system and help identify what funding was needed to make the necessary repairs.  SSE owner Bob Summers said, “The problems Ellington’s older system was experiencing are similar to what we have seen in other communities in Missouri.  We enjoy designing projects that provide communities safe and clean drinking water while keeping water rates low for residents.”

Everyone in front of the new plant and refurbished water tower.

After a careful review of all the troubles with the old system, SSE put together a design that would meet the needs of Ellington’s citizens not only today, but well into the future.  The city council took that design and presented it to the voters who passed a $3.5 million dollar bond issue with more than 80% approval.  .   Mayor Ben Pickett said, “Because the plan Schultz and Summers developed was a cost effective way to solve our water needs, voters overwhelmingly supported it.   He continued, “Bob Summers, and Marvin Nesbit came to our public meetings, explained the funding process and answered all the questions that the voters asked.  As a first term mayor, having someone like Bob, who had been through the process before and knew how everything worked, made my job much easier.” 

After the bond was successfully passed, a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER)was submitted by SSE to the Missouri Water and Wastewater Review Committee.  Included with the PER was a report by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources stating that Ellington’s existing wells had the potential for surface water contamination.  Phyllis Minner from USDA-Rural Development said, “Because of the chance of surface water getting into Ellington’s existing water supply, we felt that this was a perfect project for USDA to support.” 

Inside the treatment plant

By making sure all the required paperwork was filled out properly and turned into the USDA, SSE helped the City of Ellington secure a $1.6 million low interest loan with a 2.5% fixed interest rate for 35 years.  Owner Bob Summers added, ”Sometimes it is hard for a small town to afford hiring an engineer to get all the cost estimates and initial designs done before they have been awarded any grants.  Providing rural residents with clean drinking water is important to our company.  That’s why we take a chance and work at our own expense until our clients get their funding secured.”  

Ellington was also awarded a $1.25 million grant from the USDA which allowed them to move forward on completing the design and hiring a contractor to make the improvements.  The final project plans were completed in mid-2009 and submitted to both USDA-Rural Development and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR).  The plans were approved in January 2010 and Rural Development approved the bid advertisement    that took place in June 2010.  

Through the normal bidding process, KAJACS construction, Ozark Applicators, and Flynn Drilling were picked to construct the three contracts involved.  The new upgrades are projected to lower the cities operating costs by about a third.  Mayor Pickett added, “We had two old wells pumping water up to our water tower which was expensive.  Now we have one well at the water tower, which will save a significant amount of money over time.  The new well will produce up to 225,000 gallons of clean drinking water per day but will use less electricity, less chemicals and require fewer man-hours to operate. Since fixing all the leaks we have seen daily use decline from 230,000 gallons a day (GAD) to 109,000 GAD.”  The City estimates that they will lower operating costs by over $12,000 a year with the new system.  Additionally, the new well house includes a generator which will allow the water to be pumped even in a power outage from an ice storm.  The project also included the installation of a radio read meter system that will allow the meters to be read in 10 minutes instead of several days. 

The old water tank that served the city for many years

The new well house was brought on line in November of 2011 and a small ceremony was held at city hall.  Greg Batson from USDA-Rural Development presented Mayor Pickett with a plaque commemorating the start of the new system and several community leaders were on hand to witness the event.  Mayor Pickett concluded, “These upgrades are a huge milestone for our community and getting all this work done within budget is something we should take pride in.  Schultz and Summers played a huge part in making this happen.  They were there from the beginning and walked us through the whole process including public meetings, the bond election, then the application process, the bidding process, construction, testing and ending with supplying clean water.  Without Wayne Faries, Marvin Nesbit and Bob Summers we couldn’t have done it.” He added, “Not only will we lower the operational budget, but eliminating the effort we spent digging up yards and roads to fix leaks will save us money and provide our residents with a clean and dependable water supply for years to come!”