On the Edges

Bingle named interim city administrator

Nixa City Administrator Mike MacPherson has resigned after nearly two years on the job.

He will work until Oct. 22 while he trains Planning and Development Manager Brian Bingle, who will step in as the interim city administrator.

MacPherson said his 60-mile commute, long hours and the desire to slow down prompted him to resign. His wife practices law in Mountain Grove with their son, Jason.

"I have some opportunities to get into private business," MacPherson said. "The time was right for me to do that, and they don't involve the travel.

"There's nothing wrong here. Nixa is a nice place. The city's financially solvent and a lot of nice projects are occurring. I don't have the steam anymore. You have to have a certain amount of energy for the public process. It was good time for a breaking point," he added.

Bingle said he is "absolutely interested" in becoming Nixa's next city administrator.

"I am going to devote my undivided attention to the job as interim city administrator," Bingle said.

MacPherson said the Nixa Board of Alderman would likely address the hiring process issue on Oct. 6 or Oct. 11.

"Things are on a steady flow now," MacPherson said. "I can make the move without a negative impact. There is nothing critical at this point. Brian has been here two and a half years. He would be the only choice for the interim position. He's fully capable."

With a 35 percent increase in sales tax collections this year, the money is in place for Nixa to proceed with its parks development projects.

New retail operations such as the Wal-Mart Supercenter, Burger King and Braum's have significantly added to the city's coffers, along with 34 new businesses so far in 1999.

The city's plans include building a 32,500-square-foot community building with athletic facilities in McCauley Park. Also in the plans are developing 40 acres with an aquatic center and outdoor swimming pool, walking trails, pavilions, ponds and open park space, according to MacPherson.

He said the city is almost ready to finalize plans and cost estimates.

The next step would be to hire architects and engineers to design the building, pool and overall site plan.

Couple opens Forever Fit exercise club

A new women's fitness center, Forever Fit, opened in August at 719 N. 20th St. It is owned by Mark and Jeanna Holmes and managed by Gale Craig.

The 1,200-square-foot space features a cardio theater and areas for women to work on cardiovascular fitness, strength and stretching, using Keiser Express machines.

The 30-minute workouts help improve strength, cardiovascular fitness and flexibility, according to Mark Holmes.

He said the Keiser air machines, which are designed for women and older adults, add weights in one-pound increments and are great for "de-conditioned persons or nonexercisers."

Certified personal trainers assess personal fitness levels, devise individualized fitness plans and help clients learn proper techniques.

This is the couple's first fitness center, but plan to expand to other areas. Forever Fit is open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays.

Memberships to Forever Fit range from three to 12 months and cost $39 per month.

The phone number is 581-2996.

Raymond James Financial Services opens

Owner and Manager Danny M. Powell Jr. held a ribbon cutting and open house on Sept. 24 at a new Raymond James Financial Services office, located at 1515 W. Diane, Ste. C.

Powell has 13 years of financial experience, most recently at Empire Bank.

The company is a broker/dealer and offers retirement planning, education planning and estate planning, with a primary focus on managing investment portfolios. Raymond James is a New York Stock Exchange member and has about 3,000 offices nationwide, according to Powell. The office is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and the phone number is 581-8338.

Pinegar Chevrolet offers car for hole-in-one

A new vehicle from Pinegar Chevrolet will be awarded to anyone who hits a hole-in-one on the 15th hole in the Republic Area Chamber of Commerce inaugural golf tournament Oct. 8.

The tournament will be held at the new Island Green Golf Club in Republic, beginning with a shotgun start at noon.

The cost per person is $50 or $200 for a four-person team.

Food and drinks will be provided on the course. For more information, call 732-3356.