Usually I focus on just one of our veteran members.  This week's column will showcase those who were recently honored at the 2007 Chamber Banquet.  Jim Ocker of Ocker Insurance was awarded the prestigious Crossroads Award.  Service to the Chamber is one of the key requirements of the Crossroads Award which is not awarded every year.  .  Jim has served 2 years as secretary, 2 as vice president, and 2 years as president.  He will now serve 2 as past president.  That's both an Executive Board and Board of Directors meeting each month, ribbon cuttings, membership, and committee meetings!  Ocker Insurance keeps him hopping as well.  He has an excellent support staff, but Jim's the one who handles all the claims, concerns, and all the day to day details of the insurance business.  He and Deena have two involved sons, Christopher, a senior and Landon, an 8th grader.  Jim is an active member of the Cameron United Methodist Church, Rotary, and Jaycees.  
The Craig Watkins Award is another award w/such high standards that it has only been awarded 3 times (Mike Poland, Andy Drinnin, and Steve Snook).  Mike O'Donnell is latest deserving recipient.  Consider Mike's extensive list of activities:  Ass't Fire Chief (20 year member), Co-Chair of Keep It Flowing and the successful Kids Count school renovation initiatives, Chair of City of Cameron Planning and Zoning Committee, Vice-Chair of City of Cameron Board of Adjustment, Treasurer of Cameron Chamber of Commerce, Member of CCOC Executive Board and Board of Directors, July 4 Activity & Christmas Comm., Owner/operator O'Donnell Motors, Assists w/family farm, and Husband of Iona O'Donnell and father of 3 daughters.  
Business of the Year - Cameron Veterinary Clinic - Dr. Jerry Rainey, Owner and operator of Cameron Veterinary Clinic which provides full service to both large and small animals was honored for his outstanding community involvement for 30+ years. Dr. Rainey has sponsored the July 4th Pet Show since 1972! He was a member of Lions Club for 15 years, current member of the Missouri Livestock Disaster Preparedness Committee, and member of "Ask the Experts" panel at the Pork Producers National Convention for several years.  Dr. Rainey served three 3 year terms on Cameron Library Board, is an active member of Cameron United Methodist Church, is heavily involved with 4 H and Cub Scout animal projects, and has been involved with Jackpot Show since its inception. He's a member of the NW District, the Missouri, and the National Veterinary Medical Associations.  He has given much time to caring for Safe Haven animals. He is married to Jane Rainey and father of Tracy Rainey and Dr. Scott Rainey.
The winner of the 2007 Cameron Educator OTY, Rosann Thompson richly deserved the honor. She is one of the most beloved educators in the area, well known for working with spirited determination to see every student succeed no matter their academic abilities.  She has been active in CTO, Student Assistance Team, Insight Committee and MSTA.  Her quiet voice and calm manner as well as her sense of fun and outstanding work ethic has made her an invaluable member of the Parkview staff for 27 years, teaching 3rd grade 7 years, 2nd grade-12 years, Bridges-1 year, 1st grade-2 years, 4th grade-5 years.  She's given hope to every student and their family, whether at risk or gifted and has been voted top 3 for 3 years in the Cameron Newspapers Best of the Best Contest.  She is a wonderful, compassionate, knowledgeable educator.  Along w/teaching, tutoring, raising 3 children, Brian, Blair and Mary Elizabeth, she completed certification as a funeral home director in 2001,is an associate with Poland Thompson Funeral Home and member of Eastern Star.
The recipient of the Police Officer OTY, Troy Green was unable to personally accept his award as he as deployed to Iraq March 15.  Troy Green has been with the Cameron Police Department for a little over one year.  During this time he has made a great impression, not only on the administration, but his fellow officers.  Prior to joining the police department he worked for the Missouri Department of Corrections.  Troy has many duties at the police department and is assigned to the emergency response team as a tactical operator.  He strives for proper performance in the tactical environment.  He is the certified noise and flash diversionary device instructor for the department.  He also has specialized training in drug interdictions and narcotic investigations.  Troy is one of the pranksters of the department and enjoys playing a good joke on his co-workers.  He has a great attitude, dedication and compassion for serving the citizens of Cameron.  He is one of the many officers that have initiative and can be counted on to get the job done.  Troy is very involved with the community.  He enjoys interacting with the Cameron R-I students at school events, he is active in raising money for Special Olympics and one of the main promoters of the police departments fundraising efforts for Camp Quality Northwest Missouri.  Troy is married to Audrey Carlson Green and they reside in Cameron with their children.  Troy has performed his duties with a very good work ethic, professionalism and he has shown a great dedication to our community.  

Youth Joel Hane
Youth Alissa Wattenbarger