Nakato Japanese Restaurant co-owner Joe Nakato died April 23 at age 36 in an apparent suicide. Police were dispatched to 2234 E. Richmond St., where Nakato was found dead in the middle of the afternoon, according to Springfield Police Department Lt. David Millsap. The cause of death had not been finalized, but Tom VanDeBerg, an investigator with the Greene County Medical Examiner's office, said the death did not appear accidental, nor did it appear to involve anyone but Nakato.
Restaurant Manager Debbie Hicks said the staff at 2615 S. Glenstone Ave. would miss its leader. "He was a very caring and generous person," Hicks said. Nakato owned the restaurant with his father. The family opened the Springfield location in 1995 after success with locations in Charlotte, N.C., according to the restaurant's Web site.
Nakato was a three-time high school wrestling champion in North Carolina and was a supporter of Springfield Youth Wrestling Club, which plans to create a scholarship in his name. Hundreds - including Nakato's former wrestling coach and Springfield food-service colleagues Shawn Askinosie and Nicola Gilardi - attended Nakato's funeral service at Park Crest Baptist Church, where he was a member.
Clean as a Whistle
Nixa-based Jordan Essentials Bath and Body has put together a special lotion bar for active military members. The unscented bar, which comes in a metal tin and includes a special message from a local elementary student, costs $5 and can be purchased at stores selling Jordan Essentials products or through the company site, www.jordanessentials.com. "It is a great honor as an American business owner to be a part of this program where our company, children and community show sincere gratitude to our troops," Jordan Essentials owner Nancy Bogart said.
Earth Day Data
Several area companies honored Earth Day on April 22. Rapid Refill Ink's recycling efforts collected 109 inkjet cartridges and 188 laser toner cartridges. Arvest Bank officials say they'll save the equivalent of 1,173 trees by converting 100,000 accountholders last month to electronic statements. The effort will save 4.5 million pieces of paper waste and 1.5 million envelopes each year, which stacked on top of each other, climbs 1,500 feet or 250 feet taller than the Empire State Building.
Health Projects Get Boost
Two major projects for St. John's Health System have received a financial boost from St. John's Foundation for Community Health. The health system said $800,000 from the foundation will pay for major remodeling at Mercy Villa, St. John's long-term care facility at 1100 E. Montclair St. The project entails a larger entrance and lobby, more seating for visitors, a new fireplace and space for a piano. The money comes from the foundation's Mercy Villa care fund, designated by donors for the facility. A second project - expanded offices for St. John's HospiceCare - received $180,000 from the foundation's HospiceCare fund. The foundation has awarded more than $1.2 million for internal and external projects so far this fiscal year, which runs through June 30.
This installment of Springfield Business Journal’s Architects & Engineers Project Report showcases 26 endeavors by area design and engineering professionals.
