Heard on the Street

CHICKEN BIG. Mike Benzen, chief information officer for the Missouri Office of Information Technology, sent out a release June 23 that said the world is not going to end in six months, in case you were wondering. "The sky is not falling and the world will not come to a standstill at 12 a.m. in the new year 2000," Benzen wrote. The release goes on to enumerate the ways the state has prepared its computer systems for date-related bugs and describes the way its regulatory agencies have sought to require compliance from regulated industries. His screed is to publicize the state's Y2K awareness campaign, Challenge 2000. Part of that campaign is a workbook for businesses, organizations and governmental entities, available by calling the toll-free number 877-661-4925 or on the Internet at

www.y2k.state.mo.us

where the information can be downloaded.

ONLINE BANKING. Union Planters announced June 23 its new Internet banking capabilities, UPOnline. The service allows Union Planters' customers access through the bank's Web site at

www.unionplanter.com.

The service includes viewing account balances, transferring funds, reviewing statements and reviewing account histories. In addition, a feature to pay bills via the Internet will be free for the first 90 days. "We're taking security very seriously, and UPOnline will provide the highest level of security available today," said Charles T. Bryant, president and chief executive officer of Union Planters Bank in Springfield.

MEET ME AT THE FAIR. Continuing with the theme of resources available on the Web, the Ozark Empire Fair has moved onto the medium as well.

www.ozarkempirefair.com

has detailed, day-by-day accounts of the upcoming 1999 event. Exhibit show times, available discounts and grandstand performances are all listed. A map of the fairgrounds can be printed from the site (handy to mark all the corndog stands in advance of your fair visit so none will be missed). In addition, the site has information on the E-Plex on the fairgrounds, including a calendar of events throughout the year.

NOTED PASSING. Wayne Hamilton, presiding commissioner in Stone County from 1990 to 1994, died June 28. A glowing release from the Table Rock Lake/Kimberling City Area Chamber of Commerce extolled the contributions Mr. Hamilton made to his retirement home and allowed friends and admirers to describe his character. Mr. Hamilton moved to Kimberling City in 1981 after a career with Chicago-based Bankers Life & Casualty Company. He started Hamilton Brothers Auction Service and was awarded, along with Bob Hamilton, the chamber's Community Service Award in 1989. Among Mr. Hamilton's accomplishments as presiding commissioner, the release noted he was instrumental in the county's road and bridge tax, a wastewater treatment ordinance and developing a planning and zoning procedure. "During my life there are only a few men besides my father and grandfather that I admire," said Tony DeLong, who is now presiding commissioner in Stone County. "Wayne Hamilton was one of those few. Wayne had the honesty of Washington and Lincoln, the passion of Schindler, the patience of Gandhi, the dedication of selfless service of Mother Teresa and the leadership and decisiveness of Harry S. Truman."

SLICE OF NICE. The Boys & Girls Town Wagon Train to Springfield will begin July 5 and end July 10, when the group will reach Springfield. The six-day ride will cover 150 miles and will include 140 children and support staff from Boys & Girls Town. Now in its 16th year, the wagon train aims to give riders a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem. Each rider spends nine weeks prior to the ride building skills for riding and horse care. Riders will arrive in Springfield's Park Central Square at 2 p.m. July 10.

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