Some guys just can't get football out of their system.  That was true this afternoon as several DHS Bearcat Alumni and friends gathered at the Hidden Trails Country Club for the inagural Punt Return Championship. 

Using a Juggs Football Throwing Machine, the group positioned themselves midway down the driving range at the course.  Footballs were fed into the machine, throwing long spiraling punt-like throws at each participant. 

The hour long contest was good for a number of laughs and a lot of fun.  The idea was conceived by Mark Becker, who took home the 'Funniest Catch of the Day' award.  With feet flung over his head, Becker took a pretty nasty spill as he back-pedaled for one of the opening punts.

Those with notable performances were Scott Kruse, Alex Becker, Mark "Wild Bill" Fulkerson and Darrin Hillis.  Everyone agreed that the group did a pretty good job, with all things considered.

"That ball sure wobbles a lot more now than when I was 15 years old," added Hillis. 

Later, the machine was set on high at 100 mph to throw 'bullet' passes at the participants.  The passes were fast and furious, but many of the guys were able to prove they still have what it takes to make the catch.

"It looks like a bunch of lineman out there trying to catch the football," commented Dr. Bobby Jibben, who was on hand in case any injuries occurred. 

Some of the alumni will have a few black-and-blue trophies of their own to remember the day.  All in all, it was a great time for everyone, and plans are already being made to repeat the event next year.

The Pursuit 151 Elite team from Southeast Missouri took first place recently in the 2012 MLK Classic Volleyball Tournament in Memphis. More than 170 teams participated in the tournament, including 16 in Club 15's bracket. Team members include (from left) Kayla Thurman, Jackson; Maddie Greenlee, Jackson; Lindsey Young, Portageville; Coach Jackie Twidwell, Coach Megan Spooler; Shyann Jines, Dexter; Caitlin Petty, Leopold; Jessica Lindsey, Dexter; Bailee Cope, Leopold. Not pictured is Monica Foltz, Notre Dame. The team won five matches in the tournament, including deteate Krewe of Denise of New Orleans in the semi-finals and AJ's 15's RED National in the finals. (Photo submitted by SMT reader and team parent Stacy Blocker of Dexter; thanks Stacy!!)

By Annabeth Miller,
ShowMe Times Editor

Start Super Bowl weekend this Friday with a “super bowl” of chicken and dumplings!

Steaming bowls of chicken and dumplings – and all that goodness will be served this Friday, Feb. 3 at Dexter’s First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) at its annual Chicken and Dumpling Feed.

The men of the church – with help from the ladies – will be serving chicken & and dumplings, green beans, cole slaw, desserts and drinks.

Serving will be held from 11 a.m. until 7 pm. at the church at 224 E. Stoddard Street in Downtown Dexter. Tickets are $7 for adults and $2 for children age 10 and younger. All proceeds will go towards the church building fund.

What’s Happening

• WHAT: Chicken & Dumpling Feed
• DATE: Friday, Feb. 3
• WHEN: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
• WHERE: First Christian Church
• ADDRESS: 224 E. Stoddard Street
• COST: $7 adults, $2 children 10 and younger

 

There's a quartet of Rotarians who are what you might call "loyal" and "dedicated". Four members of the Dexter Rotary Club were recognized for their perfect attendance at meetings. The presentations were made at the club's Annual Meeting on Tuesday. Honored were (from left) Danny Talkington, 28 years; Jay Rodgers, 3 years; Jack Rodgers, 38 years and Wayne Jean, 38 years. If you do the math, then that's 107 years of Rotary Club perfect attendance! Congratulartions! (Photo submitted by Rotarian Gene Weeks)

By Annabeth Miller,
ShowMe Times Editor

Missouri has a great heritage of conservation, and a great heritage of naturists who take amazing photographs of the ShowMe State’s natural wonders.

So it only seems “natural” for the Missouri Department of Conservation to celebrate its 75th anniversary with a photo contest.

The MDC invites photographers to enter its 75th Anniversary Photo Contest. Photo-bugs are encouraged to get out their cameras and serve photo files for their best images that celebrate Missouri’s natural wonders. Winners will be featured in the October issue of the Missouri Conservationist, as well as on the MDC website and other media.

A full list of rules and guidelines can be found on the MDC website. Entries will only be accepted via Flickr, an Internet photo sharing service. Photographers currently not on Flickr will find it easy to join.  Just go to the75th anniversary photo contest Flickr site for more information.

There are seven categories you can enter:

• Mammals
• Plants
• Reptiles and Amphibians
• Insects and Spiders
• Birds
• Outdoor Recreation
• Habitats and Landscapes

Entries will be accepted through May 15. After that date, a panel of photography and nature experts will select the best entry in each category. These category winners will be posted on the MDC website starting July 1, when the public can vote for their favorite. The photo with the most votes will be named “Best of Show.” All seven winners will be displayed in the October magazine and other MDC media.

Links Of Interest

• Contest Rules
• MDC Anniversary on Flickr