NEW MADRID -- Ginger Reese, former administrative services supervisor at Associated Electric Cooperative's New Madrid Power Plant, has retired after 30 years

Reese worked at the plant site beginning in 1969 when she worked for contractors building the plant, including the engineering firm Burns & McDonnell. She joined AECI in 1978 and was promoted to the supervisory position in 1980. For the next 28 years, Reese was the go-to person in New Madrid's administrative office

In addition to supervising three administrative staff members, Reese handled the benefits portion of the human resources department. She helped co-workers planning for or nearing retirement look at different options, then processed retirement paperwork. Reese also supervised payroll at the plant. When new employees were hired or transfers and promotions made, she made sure everything was done according to policy

"We always had good benefits. It was a good place to work and provide for your family," she said. "I enjoyed working with everyone, and I will miss all my friends and co-workers through the years.

In her retirement, Reese plans to travel, play golf and spend more time with her daughter, son, grandchildren and mother, who live near her in New Madrid

Another recent retiree is Larry Thresher, former maintenance supervisor. He retired after 21 years.

Thresher joined AECI in 1987 as a journeyman welder/mechanic in the maintenance department. As a supervisor, he was responsible for a crew of eight workers who welded and repaired all types of equipment at the plant. Before joining AECI, he worked for the Local 27 Boilermakers union and actually helped with the construction of New Madrid Unit 2

"I really enjoyed the supervisory time. It was extremely rewarding," he said, referring to his crew, some of whom he had known for 30 years. "I always treated them the way I wanted to be treated.

Thresher and his brother plan to continue to grow soybeans, melons and pumpkins on their farms and sell produce at Thresher Farms roadside stand at Sikeston. He and his wife, Sue, also will have more time for their nearby children and grandchildren.