Sheriffs to be Honored at 2011 California Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner/Meeting

Public Invited to Attend

The annual dinner meeting of the California Area Chamber of Commerce will be held on Jan. 29 at the California Nutrition Center, 107 Versailles Avenue. The evening's events will begin at 5 p.m. with a social hour, music by Phil Lewis and a silent auction. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. followed by a short business meeting and the live auction. Awards will be given to the 2010 Citizen of the Year and 2010 Business of the Year.

The program will be in memory and honor of Sheriffs of Moniteau County for the past 165 years. Philip D. Stephens, one of the old pioneers of Moniteau County, was elected in August 1846 at the first election after the organization of the county. He didn't complete his second two-year term as he "got the gold fever" and headed west. The sheriff to serve the longest in office was Walter Haldiman for six terms or 24 years. Kenny Jones served for 20 years or five consecutive terms beginning in 1984. Presently serving as sheriff of Moniteau County, Jeptha Gump was elected in 2004 and is now in his second term. Honored guests for the evening will be the four living sheriffs and, in some cases, descendants of the deceased.

The chamber board urges everyone to attend and support the chamber by participating in the evening's activities. Proceeds from the silent auction fund the Chamber Scholarship Program. Several scholarships are given each year to high school graduates. Dinner tickets are on sale at the chamber office after Jan. 5. The cost is $15 per person. Tickets should be purchased from Diane at the chamber office on or before Jan. 17, so that an accurate count can be given to the caterer. The chamber office is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays and is located in City Hall at 500 South Oak in California. Phone: 573-796-3040. Email: [email protected].