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Pineville By rhonda Baber-Crone McDonald County Directory In 1986, Jerod Mcaffrey's grandmother and her sister opened an H & R Block franchise in Noel, Missouri. ey later expanded, opening offices in Monett, Pineville, and Neosho. It truly is a family affair, as his wife, sister-in-law, aunt and daughter have worked for the company as well. Just last year, Jerod Mcaffrey and his wife Melissa purchased the franchises from his grandmother and now run five H & R block franchises in the southern Missouri area – Noel, Pineville, Monett, and two in Neosho. With 19 tax preparers, two of are them "enrolled agents," meaning they are fully able to communicate with the IRS, an ability that is highly valued. An enrolled person has earned the privilege of representing taxpayers before the internal revenue service by either passing a three-part comprehensive test covering individual and business tax returns, or through experience as a former IRS employee. Enrolled agent status is the highest credential the IRS awards. H & R Block named the Mcaffrey's franchises in the Top 25 Franchisees in the U.S., something Jerod and Melissa are very proud of. ey were also named in the top 100 franchisees based on three tiers: customer service, volume of sales and growth. e Pineville branch will be moving locations, into the old McDonald County Press building on Old Highway 71 in April. Tax season got you down? Top-rated H & R Block locations in McDonald County, family-run since 1986 By Karen rice McDonald County Directory Walter Stephen Geeding "my friends call me Steve," may be retiring from practicing law out of his office in Pineville, but, as he puts it, "I don't plan on being put up on a shelf—that's where a well-read book belongs." And he would know. In addition to being an attorney, Steve is also a novelist, poet and author. Aer a 22-year legal career—nine as a prosecuting attorney of McDonald County, and 14 years in private practice—retirement isn't an option for him. "I don't ever plan to retire—I have set another course to sail!" Steve doesn't plan on finding a lot of free time on his hands. In addition to being a lawyer and author, he is a survivalist, traveller, beekeeper and observer, and says "I am personally living all my hobbies, interests and personal ambitions right here and right now." He has loved writing since his first poem at seven years old. Since then, he has continued to write when he had time, and will now devote even more time to his passion. "I have written one children's book and two novels that begin a new series (potentially a set of 24) of historically accurate, western fantasy/science fiction/action adventures," Steve points out. "I'm half through writing the 3rd book in my new time travel series: Endless Times." Steve finds inspiration in his quiet, peaceful cabin on the Elk River, the perfect atmosphere for writing and reflection. "My cabin is my inspiration but, the stories are in my head and in my heart. In short, they follow me everywhere," he quips. He calls McDonald County home because he says all his people are from there, going back three generations. "I migrated from being born in Washington D.C. back to within walking distance of my great grandfather's home and next door to the little school my dad went to." Four of Stephen's books are published to date and available for sale, and his newest book of poetry should be ready for publishing any day now. You can find Stephen's books on Amazon, and also on Kindle. And you'll find Stephen in his former office (now his private study) in Pineville, in his cabin on the Elk River, or out observing life in McDonald County, looking for inspiration for his next writing project. Attorney Geeding ready for the next chapter 10 | McDonald county Directory 479-640-4590 crosspointplumbing@gmail.com Col 3:23 Crosspoint plumbing llC Professional RESIDENTIAL PLUMBING SERVICE SERVING SOUTHWEST MISSOURI Casual Fine Dining Steaks - Chicken - PORK - fish Prime Rib Wednesdays Lunch Tues-Sat 11-2 • Dinner Tues-Sat 5-9pm Reservations Recommended 408 Havenhurst Dr. • Pineville, MO 417-223-2055 • www.haven55.com • • • • 417-223-8000 • • • • COMPUTER SERVICE AND REPAIRS YOU CAN DEPEND ON • • • • PINEVILLE, MO • • • • Drop off & Pick-up