Rich Hill man receives state recognition

A crowd gathered at the Rich Hill Youth Development Center in Rich Hill on Wednesday to honor youth center worker Rick Jagels as the Region 8 Most Outstanding Older Worker for the statewide Experience Works program. Left to right: Bates County commissioners Randy Pike, Larry Berry and Donna Gregory. Rich Hill mayor, Jimmy Kithcart, Rick Jagels, Missouri Senator David Pearce, co-worker Tabitha Leister, State Rep. Barney Fisher and Bill Thole of Experience Works.

Representatives from the city of Rich Hill, Mo., Bates County, the state of Missouri as well as friends, family and co-workers gathered at the Rich Hill Youth Development Center on Wednesday to honor Rick Jagels as the Region 8 Most Outstanding Older Worker for the state's Experience Works program.

Bill Thole, the employment and training coordinator for the Experience Works program kicked off the celebration by telling a crowd of several dozen a little about the selection process.

There are 14 regions across the state and each chooses a worker from those nominated. Nominations come from co-workers, bosses and anyone who feels like a person is worthy of recognition. Jagels was nominated by his fellow employees in what senior office support assistant Tammy Williams said was "a group effort." Thole and other Experience Works staff members review the nominations and made their choice for region 8. In Jagels' case, there were "more than a dozen nominees," Thole said.

In his opening statements, Thole said that after reading the nomination form he thought "this man is awesome." Thole went on to introduce Missouri State Senator David Pearce who presented Jagels with a senate resolution and said this was a "very special occasion." Pearce said, "you have the distinct pleasure of working at a place where you make a difference. On behalf of the Missouri Senate, We are very proud of you."

State Representative Barney Fisher presented Jagels with a similar resolution from the House and congratulated Jagels and his family. "Your family should be congratulated, too," Fisher said, "because they help you," with efforts at work and in the community.

All three of the Bates County commissioners were on hand to make a presentation and the mayor of Rich Hill, Jimmy Kithcart, who also works with Jagels, said, "you make me a better person" as he gave Jagels a framed proclamation "declaring Oct. 26 as Rick Jagels Day." Tabitha Leister, one of Jagels' fellow youth specialists gave Jagels a hug and said "you set the example for every one us."

John Creson, regional administrator for the Missouri Division of Youth Services said that Jagels' character and his "morals and values" are a large part of why he accomplishes what he does. It's not just "about the work that Rick does here," Creson said, "it's about the work Rick does in the community as well."

A lifelong resident of the county, Jagels operated a dairy farm for most of his life. In 2007 he went to work at the youth center part time. His position was dropped, but instead of returning to the farm Jagels returned to college and acquired enough hours to become a counselor. "That was the hardest part," he said, "I wasn't ready to go back to school."

Now 61, Jagels said he has always enjoyed working with children. His position as a counselor in a facility for kid with various issues has many duties, too numerous to list. The nomination form states that Jagels is responsible for the "safety, personal conduct, care and security of the youth during a shift." It is demanding work, and as Jagels said, "it's very rewarding and sometimes a little heartbreaking."

Thole said Jagels was chosen for the recognition because "Rick gives to his employer, his family and his community. And according to the narrative of the nomination form, his wife of 34 years, Linda and his three daughters have those same values and beliefs."

Jagels served on the Building a Better Tomorrow committee that helped pass a bond issue for a new school in Rich Hill and has served as a member of the Rich Hill board of education.

Volunteer coaching and doing his part to get a T-ball and little league program started in Rich Hill, and fundraising work are among his activities, and Jagels has been recognized as the local Habitat for Humanity's "volunteer of the year." He also worked in the relief efforts after the Joplin tornado.

Jagels volunteers at the McGennis Youth Center and during the Rich Hill Fourth of July Celebration. He has also been an actor or participant in the Old Barn Theater's annual play for the last 28 years.

Jagels is active in his church. He has been an elder as well as superintendent of the Sunday school and teacher in the Zion Lutheran Church of Prairie City, Mo. He has been the secretary of the church and the financial secretary as well as doing countless volunteer jobs over the years. Rick Jagels is a busy man, but when he isn't busy, he enjoys golf, reading mysteries and spending time with his family.

The Rich Hill Youth Development Center is a residential program is operated under the state of Missouri guidelines through the Department of Social Services within the Division of Youth Services.

The program serves adjudicated juvenile boys 12 to 18 years of age. It is a treatment-oriented program that assesses and meets the needs of each youth on an individual basis. The primary objective of the program is to change inappropriate or offensive behavior to behavior that is acceptable and appropriate in society.