On the Street

Paul Mueller Co. became officially deregistered from Nasdaq April 1, the deadline of the 90 days the Securities and Exchange Commission had to reject the company’s Jan. 3 termination request. While Mueller no longer files with the SEC, it continues to operate as a public company, now traded over the counter through the pink-sheet system. The new ticker symbol is MUEL.PK. Stock was trading at $26 per share at press time. At 2004 year-end, the company posted a loss of $7.36 per common share.

Future of flight

Allegiant Air, the airline that’s bringing Springfield-Branson Regional Airport nonstop flights to Las Vegas, has announced nonstop flights to Orlando will begin in four of its markets – but Springfield is not one of them. While airport spokeswoman Sherry Wallace said there would be strong demand for Orlando, Allegiant Air officials say no such plans are on board.

Name dropping

A forthcoming book names Springfield-based O’Reilly Automotive as one of America’s best performing companies. Author Jason Jennings dedicates a chapter of “Think Big, Act Small,” to be released May 9, to O’Reilly’s work in growing future leaders. Jennings also wrote “Less Is More,” and he is co-author of the New York Times best seller “It’s Not The Big That Eat The Small – It’s The Fast That Eat The Slow.”

In memorandum

While the investigation into the death of Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Carl D. Graham continues, a memorial fund has been established in Graham’s name. Graham was found slain March 20 near his Van Buren residence about three hours east of Springfield on Highway 60. The memorial fund, established at First Midwest Bank in Van Buren, will benefit Graham’s 4-year-old son, Hayden. Anyone wishing to make a contribution can contact the bank directly at PO Box 129, Van Buren, MO 63965 or (573) 323-4246. Lance Shockley has been arrested in the case. Shockley is charged with murder in the first degree.

Officers are still seeking the murder weapon and are offering a $30,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individuals responsible for Graham’s death.

Slice of Nice

Springfield’s Rotary clubs are making their last call for volunteers for the Rock’n Ribs BBQ Festival April 22–23 in the Bass Pro Shops parking lot. The Rotary event benefits children’s charities in the Ozarks. Last year the festival raised $50,000 for Boys & Girls Town of Missouri, Ronald McDonald House, Good Samaritan Boys Ranch and others. To volunteer for site setup and cleanup, meat serving, ticket sales and other activities, go to www.rocknribs.com, click on “sign up,” then “volunteers.”

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