By Annabeth Miiler,
ShowMe Times Editor

More than 80 years of service to Dexter was recognized Tuesday evening as the Dexter Board of Aldermen recognized employees with key professional milestones.

Mayor Joe Weber honored five employees, including one employee who was retiring and five who celebrated employment anniversaries.

“We are fortunate in Dexter to have the commitment to the town that we’ve got,” Weber said. “These are part of the people that you’ll see that have given a lot of time, effort and expertise to their jobs. You really have to have some good people working for you or you couldn’t run a city like this. ”

JoAnn Dunn retired this week as the city court clerk after serving in the position for 22.5 years. A reception was held for Dunn prior to the aldermanic meeting.

Others recognized were:

• Lawson Metcalf with the Parks and Recreation Department, 25 years
• Kevin Moore, Police Department, 10 years
• Terry Battles, Fire Department, 10 years
• Cecil Hartline, Street Department, 10 years
• Darrell Penberthy, Fire Department, 10 years

Police Chief Sammy Stone reported that work continues to move forward with the expansion at the police station. Stone reported that brick is expected to be delivered just any day and trusses are expected next week.

Stone also report that he and office Charles Sanders attend some training last week.

“It was some pretty good training,” Stone reported. “We got to meeting other chiefs from smaller departments and that’s always good.”

The Fire Department has start on the annual testing of fire hydrants in the city, and Fire Chief Al Banken reports about 75 hydrants have been tested. In addition, the chief reported that the department would participate in an extrication class that will be held in Dexter.

Following a question from Alderman Kirby Taylor (Ward 3), Banken also confirmed that he has been in touch with officials with Union Pacific concerning a washed out area on a railroad bridge in town.

City Administration Mark Stidham confirmed that UP has been notified of the area and has started work to fill in and repair the area. The gravel and embankment at the bridge has washed out due to recent heavy rains.

The Dexter Aquatic Center opened Memorial Day Weekend, and Parks and Recreation head Lawson Metcalf reported that attendance is strong at the facility. In the first ten days of the season the daily average is 235 patrons.

In other business, the board –

• Confirmed Weber’s appointment of John Blair to a 3-year term on the Dexter Library Board
• Approved a liquor license (beer and wine) to Dhafers LLC on Locust Street
• Approved a Resort and Pool Table license (renewal) to Robbie D’s

Stidham also announced that the Independence Day Fireworks Celebration in the city would be held on Sunday, July 3.

During the Citizen’s Input portion of the meeting resident Ginny and Don Martin discussed a problem they have experienced for several years with drainage on the streets near their home at the corner of Elm and Vine. During heavy rains rainwater does not drain well along the roadway, and the Martin’s basement collects water.

After a lengthy discussion, Weber suggested that the Martins meet with Stidham and officials with the Street Department to see if there are any possible solutions to the situation. Weber confirmed that the area around the Martin’s home would be included in a study of drainage issues in the Downtown district that will be conducted this summer.

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