YOUR LOCAL ROOFING COMPANY
BASED OUT OF HERCULANEUM,
MISSOURI.
Residential & Commercial Roofing
We also have expertise in managing the totality of insurance claims, which means less of a headache for the homeowners!
Eric has been in the roofing/construction industry his entire life, with both sons (Luke and Jake) following suit. Mandy serves as the main point of contact and with her 20+ years of experience within the industry, is always willing to assist our customers with questions concerning each step of our work.
Greenstreet Roofing & Exteriors takes pride in being a “true” local company. Not just as business owners but also as a family we enjoy supporting our community by sponsoring school activities/sport teams, eating/shopping local and referring local businesses when given the opportunity. We know that the first line of defense between your home and the harsh elements is your roof. We look forward to helping you protect your biggest investment.
Gents
As the saying goes, “Ladies first.” We highlighted our lovely mothers and women of our community last month, in May’s edition. But it is time to honor our other half – the important father figures in our lives that make just as valuable of an impression. This issue highlights the gentlemen of The Parkland, and I am delighted to share some of their impactful stories.
The men of our community can stand as the pillars of our families, churches, schools, and businesses and bring a solid foundation to our culture in a most essential way. Our patriarchs can bare a heavy weight of responsibility, legacy, and leadership – forging paths of success for their loved ones and future generations.
As I reflect on fatherhood this month, I am reminded of just a few ways that the men in our lives help to shape and mold us.
• A father’s strength can be powerful and compelling
• A hug from grandpa can be deeply comforting
• A coach’s words can be fueling and inspirational
• A pastor’s sermon can be moving and life-changing
• A teacher’s guidance can be pivotal and motivating
• A mentor can offer a sense of purpose and acceptance
• A doctor can offer life-saving and life-altering care
• A serviceman can offer reassurance and safety
Let your father or a father figure in your life know how much he matters to you. And if you are a dad, let us be the first to say - thank you. You are invaluable to the people who need you as well as the community around you.
Happy Father’s Day!
LENA JOHNSON, PUBLISHER
June 2025
PUBLISHER
Lena Johnson | Lena.Johnson@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Kayle Nephew | kayle.nephew@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Amy Tinnin
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Destiny Borgmann, Ashley Turner
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
JESSE BEARD, DO
THOMAS BERKBIGLER, DO
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Adam Hector with Wise Grounds providing refreshments at the Leadington-Park Hills Chamber of Commerce event 2: Deputy Jeremy Bowles with canine Onyx 3: Dr. Overcast and Dr. Abe with the Desired Health Chiropractic team 4: City of Farmington workers celebrating previous Farmington Mayor, Larry Forsythe, for his accomplishments while in office 5: Bonne Terre Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Gala recipient for Young Professional of the Year, Shae Marler 6: Kona Ice visiting KTJJ “The Boot” in Farmington 7: Will Dugal, current season and career record holder for Mineral Area College Golf
Dr. Perry and his team are dedicated to getting you the care that you need to be fully healthy. We have made it our goal to help you keep your teeth well into 80s and beyond.
The best decision I’ve made in my entire life!
This patient came to us in August of 2024 really self conscious about their smile and in a lot pain. Dr. Perry and his team jumped right in and began the treatment process! Over the course of treatment, this patient was hopeful and excited to get their smile back “Brylee and Hannah really kept me coming back!” April of 2025 this patient finished their treatment! They received denture implants, and they LOVE their NEW smile!
Scan to watch our testimonials!
business monthly
A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Farmington Chamber Of Commerce Sponsors 47th Country Days Festival
The Farmington Regional Chamber of Commerce proudly presents the 47th Annual Country Days Festival, a cherished tradition since 1978. Set for June 6–8 in downtown Farmington, this family-friendly event features rides, live music, delicious food, craft vendors, and community contests. Highlights include the Nicholson Heating and Air Country Days Parade and a Saturday night performance by country artist Kaleb Austin. Join us for a weekend of fun, nostalgia, and community spirit!
Scan to read more
POSH Medical Introduces New Services
POSH Medical announces the expansion of services to now offer: Medically Managed Weight Loss, and Metabolic Health, Hormone, and Cortisol Testing! Take a deeper look into your body’s inner balance with their advanced testing options. Understand your metabolism, hormone levels, and cortisol patterns to gain powerful insights into your health. "Your health goals are our priority—and now we have even more tools to help you achieve them."
Scan to read more
Freedom Realty Sponsors Country Days Grand Marshal
Freedom Realty sponsors the Farmington Pet Adoption Center as the Non-Profit Grand Marshal in the Nicholson Heating & Air Parade. Their generous donation and parade vehicle sponsorship support FPAC’s vital mission of rescuing and caring for abandoned pets throughout Missouri’s Parkland.
Scan to read more
Doing what the other guys have forgotten,
Locally Owned & Family Operated
Reliable & Dependable Service
Commercial and residential waste removal at affordable prices.
Follow the “Jackson’s Journey” Facebook page to learn more of his amazing story.
Jackson’s Journey Foundation started in 2022 when Daniel Wood learned of his son’s Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia diagnosis.
This 100% non-for-profit organization aims to support all children affected by cancer and also provide financial support to our local families fighting this battle. The Woods family donates thousands of toys to St. Louis Children’s hospital to help put a smile on these brave little faces.
You can help too, by donating toys to this amazing cause.
Fresh & Local
“Let us live like flowers, wild and beautiful and drenched in sun.”
-
Ellen Everett
Summer is full of vibrant blooms, textures and natural elements. Whether you are hosting a graduation party, backyard BBQ for Father’s Day or a 4th of July swim party, we can provide the florals to elevate your hosting experience.
Specializing in wedding, funeral and everyday arrangements.
Let us create a centerpiece for your table, or have us set up a bloom bar for your guest to enjoy.
We love nothing more than creating floral to suit your needs, no matter the season or occasion.
House of THE KRAUSE
Deeply
ARTICLE BY KAYLE NEPHEW
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DESTINY BORGMANN
In Farmington, Missouri, there’s a building where sweat hits the mat like clockwork, where echoes of grit and glory bounce off the walls, and where a single name carries decades of dominance: Krause. They don’t just call it the wrestling room—they call it The House of Krause. And that’s not just a nickname. It’s a monument to a family that has shaped one of the most respected wrestling programs in the
The
Rooted Farmington Wrestling Program
state of Missouri, from its roots in dusty gymnasiums to the bright lights of state championships.
The Krause legacy in Farmington wrestling didn’t start with trophies or titles. It started with a father, Jim “Papa” Krause, who simply wanted to give his sons a shot at something greater. In 1984, he launched the Mineral Area Wrestling Club, unknowingly planting the seed for a dynasty. His sons took to the mat—Jimmy, Lance, Mark, and John—each leaving their own imprint, but it was Mark and John who turned that seed into something massive.
Mark Krause wrestled with a quiet intensity that turned into a lifelong devotion. After high school, he competed at Forest Park Community College. He thought he was done, and attended SEMO to continue his education. But with one year of eligibility left, he strapped the headgear back on and competed for Missouri State (formerly SMSU). That fire never dimmed. By 1991, he was back in Farmington—this time as head coach—bringing a vision with him that would change everything.
Five years later, his brother John joined him as an assistant. John was returning a wrestling career that spanned Missouri State (then Southwest Missouri State) and the University of Oklahoma, surviving injuries and surgeries and qualifying twice for nationals. Together, the Krause brothers built something special. They weren’t just teaching takedowns—they were building a culture. A mindset. A family.
In 1995, the program crowned its first two state champions. A year later, the team took third in the state. By the early 2000s, Farmington Wrestling had become a juggernaut, winning back-to-back-to-back state championships in 2000, 2001, and 2002. The era from 1996 to 2004 was so dominant, it was officially enshrined in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.
But the Krause impact isn’t measured in medals alone. It’s in the way John Krause still leads his room—with sleeves rolled up, drill shoes on, grinding alongside his wrestlers. He doesn’t need to bark orders or play the disciplinarian. The room is built on trust and hard work. He creates the structure, the intensity, the expectation—and his athletes rise to it.
That culture is still alive. Just last season, three wrestlers placed in the top 6 at state, with two winning championships. One, Aiden Hahn, stunned the bracket by toppling a two-time returning champ. Another, Presley Johnson, took on a mid-season weight class drop and still came out on top. But it wasn’t just about the wins—it was about what it took to get there. When Presley needed a coach for a major competition in Virginia, John didn’t hesitate. He got on a plane and flew across the country to be in his corner. That’s the kind of coach he is—hands-on, all-in, and fiercely committed to his athletes. It wasn’t just talent that carried those boys to the top. It was the swagger. The belief. The Farmington edge.
And it all starts young. Todd Brackett, now an employed assistant coach for the high school team, runs the Mat Rats youth program – where kids from pre-school to sixth grade are sharpening their skills year-round. He volunteers his time over the summer, just to keep them on the
mat consistently. That is the kind of commitment that has kept the pipeline strong and steady. Brackett, once a wrestler himself, is now shaping the next wave under John’s full confidence and trust.
With one of the largest, most committed groups of freshmen and sophomores in recent memory, the program is positioned for another run. John admits his coaching days may be numbered, but the future? The future looks like fire. With the right kids, the right coaches, and the right culture, Farmington is ready to climb again—toward victory, toward championships, and toward forging the next generation of tougher, smarter, and stronger athletes who carry the Krause legacy forward.
Wrestling isn’t for everyone. It demands everything –grit, technique, heart, and an appetite for adversity. It’s not a game. It’s a grind. And in Farmington, it’s more than a sport. It’s tradition. It’s family. It’s legacy. It’s the House of Krause, and it still stands strong.
VISIT COLUMBIA STREET CARRIAGE HOUSE
in historic downtown Farmington, minutes away from restaurants, wineries, shops, and parks. Our newly renovated carriage house has much to offer! Our 2+ acre yard is fully fenced with a gated entrance offering privacy, a fire pit, covered patio, and large deck. The city park is located next door with a private access gate offering basketball courts, pickle ball, tennis, swing sets, pavilions and playgrounds. Come enjoy a relaxing weekend or stay a week exploring the area attractions.
ARTICLE BY KAYLE NEPHEW
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DESTINY BORGMANN
“MISSION TRIPS ARE IMPORTANT, BUT MY MISSION IS RIGHT HERE. THERE’S STILL SO MUCH WORK TO DO AT HOME.” - DR. JOHN FITZ
CLEAR VISION,
Dr. John Fitz and the Legacy of Precision Eye Care
In a region once underserved in eye care, Dr. John Fitz saw an opportunity—and a responsibility. Nearly four decades later, Precision Eye Care in Farmington, Missouri, still stands as a cornerstone of quality, community-focused ophthalmology care. Founded in 1986, this local practice has transformed how eye care is delivered in southeast Missouri, combining leading-edge surgical services with small-town compassion.
When Dr. Fitz returned to Farmington after graduating magna cum laude from Duke University and completing his medical degree at Saint Louis University, he knew his skills could serve a real need. At the time, St. Francois County was the second-largest county in Missouri without a full-time ophthalmologist.
“I originally went to Duke thinking I’d become a marine biologist,” he laughs. “But it didn’t take long to realize my passion was somewhere else – back home, in an area where I was truly needed.”
Dr. Fitz opened Precision Eye Care with a clear mission: to offer the same high standard of care patients might expect from major medical centers, but right here in their community. Today, his team includes fellow SLU alum Dr. Anton Beffa, who joined the practice in 1996, and optometrist Dr. Logan England. Together, they provide a blend of surgical and general eye care to patients across multiple counties.
Precision Eye Care focuses on advanced eye surgery, with cataract and glaucoma procedures making up a significant part of the practice. Cataract surgery, in particular, is a growing need among the aging population—and Dr. Fitz is an expert in the field.
In addition to surgical care, the practice is working towards bringing retina surgery back to the area – another major step in expanding access to specialized care for rural patients who would otherwise have to travel long distances for this service.
And while the practice isn't general in nature, the team at Precision Eye Care is known for thoughtful, ongoing relationships with patients. “It’s not about volume—it’s about people,” says Dr. Fitz.
Dr. Fitz’s influence extends well beyond the walls of his clinic. In 1999, he led a joint venture with Parkland Health Center and local physicians to establish a general outpatient surgery center in Farmington. At the time, hospitals were seeking to expand their operating rooms independently, but Dr. Fitz envisioned a collaborative effort that would serve the broader community. The result? A successful outpatient center that operated independently for 25 years before joining BJC in 2024.
He currently serves as President of the Board for the center, continuing to advocate for accessible, high-quality care in rural Missouri.
“BEING BORN AND RAISED IN FARMINGTON, I’M PROUD TO SERVE MY COMMUNITY BY PROVIDING HIGH-QUALITY MEDICAL EYE CARE TO THE PEOPLE AND PLACE I CALL HOME.” - DR. LOGAN ENGLAND
Dr. Fitz also invests in the next generation of healthcare professionals. He sponsors the Fitz Science Scholarship, awarded annually to both a male and female student from the local high school, and encourages job shadowing for students interested in medical careers. “Exposure is everything,” he says. “You can’t dream of being something if you’ve never seen it in action.”
He also carefully selected his colleagues with an eye for long-term sustainability. “You need one ophthalmologist per every 20,000 people,” he notes. “I knew we’d need a team.” Dr. Beffa was chosen not just for his credentials, but for his ethics and people-first approach. The same values led him to recruit Dr. England, whose background in the tennis community aligned with Fitz’s own passions.
One thing Dr. Fitz is clear about—financial barriers shouldn’t prevent someone from receiving care. Precision Eye Care regularly sees patients regardless of their ability to pay, and the practice has become known for its flexibility and compassion.
“We’re here to serve, not gatekeep,” he says. “Your vision is vital to your quality of life, and that matters more than anything else.”
For Dr. John Fitz, being a physician has always been about more than medicine. It’s about community, service, and staying rooted in the place that shaped him. Through Precision Eye Care, Dr. Fitz is making that mission a reality—one patient, one surgery, one clear vision at a time.
The Best Banana Pudding
RECIPE FROM AMY TINNIN AT A CUP FULL OF SASS
ARTICLE BY AMY TINNIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY TURNER
Summertime is here, and that means backyard BBQs, family get-togethers, and picnics at Engler Park. With Father’s Day just around the corner, I thought I'd share one of my absolute favorite recipes to make this time of year: banana pudding. This classic dessert is always a hit and brings all the nostalgic summer vibes. When I say this is the best banana pudding recipe, it's because, in my opinion, it is. Every time I serve this at one of my parties or bring it to a family gathering, someone always asks for the recipe! You can serve it in a large trifle dish for a pretty presentation, make individual servings in mini dessert bowls, or layer it all in a 9x13" glass pan; either way, it’s just as delicious!
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 box 3.4 oz. instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 box of 5.1 oz. instant vanilla pudding mix
• 8 oz. sour cream
• 4 cups of cold milk
• 8 oz. Cool Whip, thawed
• 11oz. box of vanilla wafers, regular size or mini
• 5-7 fresh bananas, sliced
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine both boxes of instant vanilla pudding mix with the cold milk.
2. Use an electric hand mixer to beat until smooth and thickened.
3. Next, add the sour cream and continue mixing until it is well combined.
4. Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip.
5. Assemble the pudding in a large trifle dish (or a 9x13" glass pan), by lining the bottom with vanilla wafers.
6. Slice the bananas and layer them on top of the wafers.
7. Spread a layer of the pudding mixture over the bananas. Repeat the layers — wafers, bananas, pudding — until you reach the top.
8. Finish it off by sprinkling crushed vanilla wafers on top. Chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours.
9. Right before serving, you can garnish with a few extra banana slices and more crushed wafers for that perfect finishing touch.
“Every time I serve this at one of my parties or bring it to a family gathering, someone always asks for the recipe!”
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The Man Behind Classic Creators
ARTICLE BY KAYLE NEPHEW | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DESTINY BORGMANN
HOW MICHAEL WASHINGTON IS BUILDING MORE THAN JUST CHICKEN COOPS
““I never thought I’d be here, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
In the Parkland, a quiet revolution is taking place—one wooden beam at a time. Michael Washington, founder and builder behind Classic Creations, isn’t just constructing chicken coops—he’s building dreams, fostering self-reliance, and hatching a lifestyle that’s as heartwarming as it is handmade.
Originally from New Madrid County, Michael made the move to Farmington in 2003 when his wife Lindsey accepted a job post-college. At the time, Michael was working as a nurse, caring for Alzheimer’s patients. It was meaningful work, but when the world came to a screeching halt during COVID, he took a leap of faith and turned his side hustle—building chicken coops—into a full-time gig.
“I never imagined this would be my life,” Michael laughs, recalling how the first coop they built sold instantly after Lindsey posted it on Facebook Marketplace. “We built it when the ordinance for chickens passed in Farmington. We thought, ‘Why not?’” That one coop turned into a waiting list, and soon enough, Michael was crafting one a week—all while fielding requests from across the region.
But he didn’t just stop at chicken coops. Over time, Classic Creations has expanded to include greenhouses, cat cabins, and custom animal enclosures of all kinds. Each project is handcrafted, thoughtfully designed, and tailored to fit the unique needs of the client, whether that’s a backyard gardener with five hens or a nonprofit in Chicago selling eggs to support its community.
One of Michael’s proudest builds to date? A massive coop for We Sow, We Grow, a nonprofit organization in Chicago that empowers urban agriculture.
Back home in Farmington, Michael also donates his time and talent to the community. He’s built coops for the local middle school, mentored at-risk youth through juvenile center programs, and even became a master gardener along the way. At one point, he helped local teens build the largest greenhouse in the area. “That project meant a lot to me,” he says. “We didn’t just grow plants—we grew confidence.”
Though demand for his work keeps him booked nearly a year in advance, Michael still finds time for what matters most: family. He’s a proud dad to three daughters—Madelynn Reese (17), Miley Renne (16), and Makenna Rose (13). “Being home with my girls is the best part of this job,” he says. “That’s the real reward.”
The building process these days? Streamlined. Efficient. Precision-measured and pre-cut. Michael is self-taught, and as he puts it, “If the math is right, the structure is sound.” But that doesn’t mean it’s all smooth sailing—he admits that moving the finished coops is still the most challenging part of the gig. “These things are big. Like, really big,” he grins.
As more Americans turn toward sustainability and self-sufficiency, Michael believes the coop movement is only just getting started. “People are getting back to grassroots. With everything going on—economy, food costs, you name it—they want to rely more on themselves. And chickens? Chickens are a great first step.”
Michael is now recognized as one of the nation’s leading chicken coop builders—not just because of the volume he produces, but because of the unmatched craftsmanship and thoughtful design behind every structure. These aren’t your average backyard eyesores. A Classic Creations coop is a true extension of your property—custom-built to reflect your style, suit your space, and enhance your home’s aesthetic. Whether you’re going for farmhouse chic, rustic elegance, or modern minimalism, Michael makes sure your build doesn’t just blend in—it stands out. Most importantly, each structure is designed to be a safe, secure, and functional home for your animals. The goal? A beautiful, lasting build that checks every box: your vision, your needs, and your animals’ protection.
At the end of the day, Michael Washington is more than just “that guy who builds chicken coops.” He’s a craftsman, a mentor, a community builder, and a dad who traded in scrubs for sawdust to live a life full of purpose.
Power Through Summer with JS Equipment!
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS JUNE
JUNE 6TH
Blowouts & Bubbly
The Artistry Loft - Desloge, MO | 1:00 PM
Celebrate The Artistry Loft’s 1-Year Anniversary on June 6th from 1 - 6 PM in Desloge! Sip bubbly, enjoy discounted blowouts, shop local vendors, indulge in tasty treats, and soak up the fun vibes. Enter to win exciting prizes throughout the day, don’t miss your chance to snag some exclusive goodies! Come for the pampering -stay for the party!
JUNE 9TH-11TH
Black Knight Stables Evening Horse Camp
2356 Possum Hollow RdFarmington, MO | 5:00 PM
Saddle Up for the 10th Annual Black Knight Stables Evening Horse Camp. Calling all advanced riders (ages 12+)! Enjoy 3 exciting evenings of riding, games, crafts, barrel racing, vaulting, roping & more. Riders must be proficient in walk, trot, and canter. Cost is $225 per rider. Space is limited, call Phyllis LaPlant or Taylor Fischbeck for more info 573-701-5501.
JUNE 12TH-15TH
Precision Eye Care Tennis Tournament
Engler Park Tennis CourtsFarmington | 8:00 AM
Game. Set. Give Back. Support local tennis by competing in the annual Precision Eye Care Tournament! Players may enter up to two events, with brackets based on turnout. Registration is $15, and all fees benefit Farmington and North County tennis programs. For more info, text PEC2025 to 573-206-9919.
Dr. Anton Beffa
Dr. Fitz and staff- Thank you for the great care and compassion you gave. Dr. Fitz and everyone made me feel comfortable, with the certain knowledge that I was in excellent hands.” - Medford
Dr.
John Fitz
Dr. Logan England
Precision Eye Care has been serving the Parkland area with quality eye care and cataract surgery for over 30 years.
We also provide glaucoma treatment, diabetic eye exams, macular degeneration and dry eye treatment. Drs. Anton Beffa and John Fitz are certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and are fellows of The American College of Surgeons. Our physicians strive to listen to you, carefully.
We provide a thorough, personalized examination with kindness and respect. Doctors Beffa, Fitz, England and their staff are committed to this mission, and we continually strive to improve all facets of our patient’s experience. We hope to provide compassion with a small town feel, maintaining our patient’s dignity, during every visit. We can address all of your optic needs, right here in Farmington.
JUNE 13TH-14TH
Bulls & Barrels
Faith Cowboy Church - Farmington, MO | 7:30 PM
Get ready for adrenaline-pumping action during Bulls and Barrels at Faith Cowboy Church. Experience thrilling bull riding and barrel racing, enjoy delicious eats from the cook shack, and participate in nightly raffles. Gates open at 5 PM; event starts at 8 PM Friday and 7:30 PM Saturday. Admission: $10 (ages 12+), $5 (ages 5–11), free for kids under 4.
JUNE 14TH
Trivia Fundraiser
North County High School - Bonne Terre, MO | 5:00 PM
Come test your knowledge while helping St. Francois County children receive much needed school Supplies. Doors open at 4:30 pm with trivia starting at 5:00 pm. $10 per player. Maximum team size is 10. There will be concessions available for purchase, and silent auction items for bidding. All proceeds go to the Back to School Bash
JUNE 16TH
Mark Griggs Memorial Kiwanis Golf Tournament
Crown Pointe Golf Club & Resort - Farmington | 1:00 PM
Grab your golf clubs and come support the local Kiwanis Club as they raise funds for their Mineral Area College scholarships. Teams are $400 for a 4-person scramble and include lunch and beverages. Not a golfer but still looking for ways to be involved? Sponsor a hole for $125! You can register online at www.farmingtonkiwanis.org/page/gol
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