Councilman Brian Haskins and County Executive Dennis Gannon presented separate proclamations of appreciation to Danny and Retta “Susan” Tuggle on Nov. 25, recognizing them for their years of leadership and commitment to the county.
Danny, 78, is the founder and president of the Northwest Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Jefferson County Planning and Zoning Commission. His wife, Susan, 77, serves on the Northwest R-1 School District Board of Education, Jefferson County Library Board and the Jefferson College Board of Trustees. The two live in the Jefferson County portion of Eureka.
“On behalf of the Jefferson County executive and Councilman Haskins, I do hereby recognize and honor Retta ‘Susan’ Tuggle for her extraordinary commitment, exemplary leadership and enduring contribution to the people and the institution of Jefferson County,” Gannon said at the Nov. 25 County Council meeting, where the Tuggles were surprised with the proclamations.
Haskins read Danny’s proclamation.
“On behalf of Jefferson County Executive Dennis Gannon and Councilman Haskins, we do hereby recognize and honor Danny Tuggle for his vision, leadership, entrepreneurial contributions, community stewardship and unwavering dedication to the people of Jefferson County,” he said.
Danny and Susan were joined by their three children during the presentation: Kim Tuggle Patterson, Julie Tuggle Nguyen and Matthew Tuggle.
Danny said he was shocked to receive the proclamation.
“I didn’t even know what was going on when they asked us to come down there (to Hillsboro),” he said. “I noticed our kids were sitting there, just before the meeting started. We didn’t know anything.
“I think the reason we received this is that we’ve been a team that had decided, 20 years ago, to give back to the community. There are many different organizations we give 100 percent to,” he said.
“I was totally shocked – I had no idea,” Susan added. “I never felt like I did anything for recognition. I think (the proclamation) was really special, and it was so appreciated.”
Haskins said he has known Danny for many years and encouraged him to join the Planning and Zoning Commission about seven years ago, representing northwest Jefferson County. Haskins commended Danny for the tremendous amount of work he’s put into the House Springs Preservation Site along Hwy. MM. The small park has a walking path, park benches, a fountain and seasonal decorations.
Haskins said he believed this is the first time the county has awarded proclamations for a husband and wife on the same day.
“It’s a pleasure and honor to have (Danny) as a friend and a community member,” Haskins said.
Councilman Billy Crow (District 2, Arnold) congratulated the Tuggles on the proclamation during the meeting.
“Thank you for your service to the county and all the things that you guys do,” he said. “Every time I see you at an event, I’m more and more amazed at all of the effort that you put into this wonderful county to make it what it is.”
Years of service
According to the proclamation, Susan began serving on the Jefferson County Library board in 2001 and has been on the board ever since. She was elected to the Northwest Board of Education in 2006 and served as board president from 2015-2022, “providing steady leadership, advocacy for students and staff, and a strong commitment to academic excellence,” the proclamation states.
In 2019, Susan was first elected to the Jefferson College Board of Trustees, and she now serves as vice president of the board.
“This county is very caring,” Susan said. “I don’t know if people really understand that, outside of the county, but this county is very caring. We join together to do things to make our county better. If we have a need in this county, we’ve seen people pull together to help in whatever way they can. You see that a lot.”
Both Danny and Susan have been active in the High Ridge Rotary Club for nearly 30 years and have been members in the Northwest Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, both serving as president at various times, since its inception in 2001.
Danny has also served on the Jefferson County Parks Foundation board since 2000.
Danny was the founder and owner of the House Springs Golf Course from 1975-2015, “creating a valued recreational venue and contributing economic and social vitality for House Springs for four decades,” according to the proclamation.
“You see so much need, and if we’ve got the time, let’s see if we can help this problem,” Danny said. “Being on all the different boards, it makes us see the overall picture: the north part, the south part and all the cities. We’ve got a pretty good overlook of what’s needed and where the problems are.”