Barkley Ag sells its Montana cereal grains research subsidiary

Barkley Ag of Yuma has sold its Montana-based cereal grain research subsidiary, WestBred, to Monsanto.

WestBred specializes in wheat germplasm, the genetic material of a seed. Barkley had purchased WestBred in 1991 to aid in its development and production of cereal grains, including Desert Durum and barley.

Desert Durum, grown in the desert Southwest, is considered the premium wheat for the production of pasta by Italian manufacturers.

Monsanto announced last week it was re-entering the wheat market with the $45 million purchase of WestBred. Monsanto is the world's biggest provider of seeds.

St. Louis-based Monsanto says the investment will bolster the future growth of Monsanto's seeds and traits and allow farmers to benefit from the company's experience in drought-tolerant and improved-yield traits.

Robby Barkley, owner of Barkley Ag, said the sale will open the doors to greater opportunities for growers in the desert Southwest because of Monsanto's strong research background.

"WestBred is the premiere cereal grains research company in North America," he said. "And Monsanto can bring resources to the company. It's just a great opportunity for the Southwest."

Melrose Family Fashions is now open at 2850 S. Pacific Ave., in the space formerly occupied by Fashion Bug next to the Wal-Mart Supercenter. Half the store is devoted to junior apparel, with the other half stocked with missy and plus fashions, children's clothing and shoes (some cute stuff there).

The new store is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. The phone number is 317-1500.

For more information about Melrose, a discount clothing store established in 1976 in McAllen, Texas, visit www.melrose store.com.

Dr. Darrell Scheetz, an osteophathic doctor, has joined the Up2Par Medical Clinic, 1025 W. 24th St., and is accepting new patients. He's currently working Wednesdays and Thursdays, but will extend his hours for the winter.

For an appointment, call 341-0700.

A native of Pennsylvania, Scheetz was stationed at Walter Reed Army Hospital while serving in the Army in the early 1950s working in rehabilitative medicine.

He earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry and natural sciences from Eastern Michigan University in 1957, and graduated from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1964. He interned at Phoenix General Hospital and since has practiced in Arizona in Phoenix and other communities.

A certified scuba diver, Scheetz is certified by the Undersea Medical Society for hyperbaric medicine.

Best Nails and Spa of Somerton is celebrating its grand opening at 725 E. Main St., Suite 2, in the Somerton Plaza. It can be reached at 627-9137.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.

Geico Insurance is planning to move, but they're not packing just yet.

Owned by Russell Baas, the insurance agency will be relocating to 182 E. 16th St., Suite B, to gain more exposure. Plans are to start moving Aug. 27 and be open for business in the new office on Sept. 1. It will retain the phone number of 726-9610.

The former JCPenney building - the one downtown at 354 S. Main St. - again is on the market. The historic building is listed with Jon Matheus of A.T. Pancrazi Real Estate for $420,000.

The store, which has been vacant for several years, had been purchased in 2007 by Centro Familiar Cristiano Buena Nuevas to convert it to a place of worship. However, the city of Yuma Planning and Zoning Commission denied an application for a conditional use permit, saying a church didn't fit in the revitalization plans for Main Street.

In February, a federal judge ruled against the church in a lawsuit filed on its behalf challenging the commission's action.

There has been some interest in the historic building, Matheus said, but no takers so far.

Eric Capetillo, formerly a State Farm agent, has recently become a Farmers agent. He is still located at 3970 W. 24th St., Suite 106, in the Mission Valley Plaza at the corner of Avenue C and 24th Street.

His phone number remains 782-4300.

The Foothills Bank in Yuma is the recipient of a 5-Star Superior rating for financial strength and stability from BauerFinancial Inc., the nation's leading independent bank rating and research firm. This is the highest rating attainable from BauerFinancial and is based on the institution's overall financial picture.

Earning a 5-Star rating indicates that The Foothills Bank is one of the strongest banks in the nation. This is the 12th consecutive quarter the bank has earned this honor.

Established in 1997, The Foothills Bank has been serving the banking needs of its neighbors and friends for 12 years. It currently operates through three offices and can also be found on the Internet at www.thefoothillsbank. com. Wayne Gale serves as the president and CEO.

Still looking is the word from Bill and Barbara Bowles on the couple's efforts to find a permanent home for their business, Das Bratwurst Haus.

They weren't able to reach an agreement with the owner of the site they had originally selected, Bowles said, and the search continues for an alternative location that would be suitable for a German restaurant.

Anyone with a suggestion, give him a call at 329-4777 or e-mail dasbratwursthaus@ hotmail.com.

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Report Comings and Goings to jlobeck@yumasun.com or 539-6853.