When Ferguson Greenhouse and Flower Shop opened its
doors on April 4, 1971, it was a mere dream to owner and operator Gene
Ferguson and his parents that the business’s success continue
on for more than three decades, but it has continued on, up until last
Saturday, when Ferguson closed the doors in preparation for a well-earned
semi-retirement.“I will be 64 this fall, and I want some time off,” Ferguson explained. “Although I have enjoyed it here, I find myself getting kind of burnt out after all these years...I am so tied down here because I don’t have a lot of regular help.” Ferguson, who was employed by the U.S. Postal Service in Kansas City when he chose to build the flower shop and greenhouse with his parents so many years ago, only worked part-time at the flower shop in the beginning. “Two-and-a-half years after we opened my Dad had a heart attack,” Ferguson reflected. “It was either sell this place or quit my job with the postal service and come on full-time. I was so excited about this place, so I quit my job and started working here.” Ferguson, who said his favorite part of the flower business is sympathy work, in which he has created beautiful flower arrangements memorializing those who have passed on in the Holden area, commented that he will miss his customers more than anything. “Some people have been customers ever since this place has been here,” Ferguson said, glancing around the shop. “I’ve enjoyed this. It has been my life for a long time. I’ve made a lot of good friends here, but I think it is time for a change.” Although the entire business will be closed until next spring, Ferguson’s customers who look forward to the purchase of bedding plants, vegetable plants and the aptly named “Ferguson’s Surprise” tomato plants each growing season will be delighted to know Ferguson will be re-opening the greenhouse portion of the business next spring and plans at this time to keep it open for many seasons to come. “For a number of reasons I just can’t close down all the way,” he commented, “but I will be closing for a short time.” Ferguson said he plans to use his time off to travel and relax, including a trip to Virginia to visit relatives. By Christi Stowe News Editor
By Christi Stowe |
Randall Fiene, Certified Public Accountant, presented the Johnson County
Ambulance District with a essentially clean audit during the district’s
board of directors meeting June 16. According to Fiene, only a few items require improvement on the district’s part, including the retainment of all fuel purchase tickets, the daily deposit of cash receipts and adjustment to the district’s recording of compensated absences. In other business, Johnson County Ambulance District Director Earl Neal announced eight EMT’s were interviewed and offered positions with the district following testing procedures in May. According to Neal, three full-time positions were offered to EMT’s who are scheduled to test for their paramedic licenses later this summer. In other business, the board approved a proposal to purchase exercise equipment to be housed at all three of the district’s stations. The cost of the equipment will be $6,307.82. The purchase of exercise equipment for the district was first discussed during the board’s regular meeting in March when members shared concern that the district’s workman’s compensation premium had increased significantly. The district’s insurance company suggested that a strength training program be initiated for employees of the district in an effort to decrease claims, thereby decreasing premiums in the future. Under the suggestion of Neal, the board agreed to research the matter at that time. The district has two open workman’s compensation claims at this time, according to Neal. In other business, Neal reported to the board that the district’s new ambulance has arrived and is in the process of being equipped. This ambulance will be used front-line after one of the older vehicles reaches 125,000 miles. Two Kenwood walkie-talkies have been ordered for the new ambulance at a price of $280 each. In other district additions, a website created free of charge by CMSU students for the district is up and running. It is located at www.jcadamb.com. Training on laptop computers is in process for all district employees. A two-week trial beginning July 15 is anticipated with on-line use planned for July 31. The purchase of computers for the district was approved during the board’s regular meeting in March, when the board heard a proposal to purchase computers to be used on board the ambulances along with new software. In reports, Neal reported the district responded to 419 calls with 73 percent including transports during the last 30 days. In related business, the board heard the zone report. Reportedly, the district ran a total of 429 calls in May, compared to 371 in May 2004. Zone 5, which includes the City of Warrensburg made up nearly 52 percent of those calls, and Zone 2, which includes Holden, accounted for almost 18 percent. Zones 1, 3 and 4, which include northwest, southeast and northeast Johnson County including Knob Noster, accounted for nearly 30 percent of all ambulance calls for the month of May. In other reports, Melinda Monn presented the billing update for the board’s review. According to information presented during the update, the district has billed a total of $3,373,933 since 2003. Of that total, $2,231,944 has been credited to the district, and $813,591 in mandatory adjustments has been made. $353,940 is currently in collections, and $1,418,353 has been received on account. This leaves the district with a billing balance of $788,049. In related business, the board approved the payment of the district’s monthly expenses, which totaled $72,321.11. In other business, the board discussed creation of a district education training policy. Neal agreed to prepare a policy for the board’s consideration to present during the next board meeting. In related business, Neal called attention to an upcoming Missouri Ambulance Association training event. Board members Ray Patrick and Ron Morrison indicated that they would attend. In other business, several recognitions were made during the district board meeting. Warrensburg Mayor Charlie Rutt presented a proclamation to the ambulance district from the City of Warrensburg commending the district for outstanding service to the citizens of Warrensburg for the past two years. In addition, district employees Jay Hall, Erin Chambers, Amy Summers, Roy Hampton, Brad Hubbard and Ronnie Vogelsmeier were recognized for extra contributions they have made to the district. The next meeting of the Johnson County Ambulance District will be Thursday, July 14. By Christi Stowe News Editor |
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