By Annabeth Miller,
ShowMe Times Editor
A Dexter native who has worked both as a small businessman and as officer in the U.S. Army has thrown his hat into the ring for political office.
Bob Thrower, 48, was introduced to the Stoddard County Lincoln Day Banquet Saturday as a candidate for the Missouri House of Representatives in the 159 District.
Thrower graduated from Dexter High School in 1982 and Southeast Missouri State University in 1987. He graduated from Central Michigan University in 1997, and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in 2000.
“When I went to college I had no idea what I wanted to do while I was in college, so I became an Army officer,” Thrower said.
Thrower retired after serving in the military for 20 years as a Lieutenant Colonel. He returned to his hometown and was a small business owner before returning to work for the U.S. Department of Defense.
Thrower said his work with DOD was a “great job” but he wanted to return to his hometown roots and run for the Missouri House of Representatives. So he left his federal career, returned to Dexter, and has entered the political race.
“Education in Missouri right now is teetering between success and failure,” he said. He mentioned the loss of accreditation by Kansas City and the erosion of the school system in Missouri’s second largest city. “We’ve got to fix it. And like any problem, don’t think it won’t impact us down here, because it will. The knee-jerk reaction will be to throw more money into the program. But we need to fix the program.”
Thrower said Missouri’s economy still runs on the back of small business.
“We seem to take for granted that small business owners will be willing to take the risk. We need to do more to support them, but apparently that’s not the case. Today a lot of those on the left are wanting the businessman or businesswoman to feel guilty for being successful,” Thrower told the crowd. “I don’t want them to feel guilty; I want them to feel welcome here in Missouri. I will support legislation that will promote the growth of small business and on top of that, I support Right to Work legislation.”
Thrower described himself as a fiscal conservative, a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and supports right-to-life legislation.
Thrower is seeking the seat currently held by State Rep. Billy Pat Wright. Wright is a candidate for the 25th Senatorial seat currently held by State Senator Rob Mayor. Mayer is prevented by term limits from seeking another term in the Missouri Senate. He announced to the Lincoln Day gathering that he is a candidate for Circuit Judge position, serving Stoddard and Dunklin counties.
Thrower is the only candidate from either political party to announce for the 159th Missouri House of Representatives.
By Annabeth Miller,
ShowMe Times Editor
Friday evening was a big night for Bearcats, their families and friends as senior basketball players, cheerleaders and dance team members were recognized.
Seniors and their parents were escorted to center court of the Bootheel Event Center and introduced to fans before the tip-off of the Dexter-Cape Central varsity boys basketball game. The seniors were presented flowers, which they in turn presented to parents.
"These young men and women have provided us with many nights of exciting basketball action and entertainment in this gym and at our out-of-town games," said game announced Lloyd Hyten. "They have devoted countless hours of practice and preparation to do their individual best for the team or squad. Their team members, classmates, and teachers will miss the leadership and commitments they have made to our extracurricular programs and our school community."
Seniors recognized were:
Jennifer Aslin: Jennifer is the daughter of Tim and Lesa Aslin. She ran cross-country her freshman year, played tennis her sophomore and junior years, and has been on the Dance Team for two years. Jennifer is a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Future Teachers of America (FTA), Student Council, and Dexter Honor Society. She plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University and major in nursing.
Amanda Cooper: Amanda is the daughter of Greg and Laurie Cooper. She was a basketball cheerleader her freshman year, a football cheerleader for three years, and a three-year member of the Dance Team. Amanda is a member of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), FTA, and Dexter Honor Society. She plans to pursue a Master’s degree in nursing and become a nurse practitioner.
Jordan Fitts: Jordan is the son of Allen and Kim Fitts. He played baseball his freshman and sophomore years and has played basketball all four years. Jordan is a member of FCA and FTA. He plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University in Malden after graduation.
Rilee Jones: Rilee is the daughter of Danny and Kathy Jones. She was a football cheerleader for three years and a basketball cheerleader for four years. Riley is a member of FCA, Dexter Honor Society, FCCLA, DECA, FTA, and Rowdy Gals. She plans to attend college and major in education or graphic design.
Jake Lee: Jake is the son of Elaina Lindsey. He has played football and basketball all four years. Jake is a member of DECA and FCA. He is unsure of his plans after graduation.
Taylor Martin: Taylor is the daughter of Mike and Amber Martin. Taylor played volleyball her freshman year, was a football cheerleader her sophomore and junior years, a basketball cheerleader all four years, and will run track all four years. She is a member of FCA, FTA, FCCLA, DECA, Dexter Honor Society, and Rowdy Gals. Taylor plans to attend Mississippi State University and major in radiology.
Tyler Miller: Tyler is the son of Travis and Tracy Miller. He has played football, basketball and tennis all four years Tyler is a member of FCA and Dexter Honor Society. He plans to attend a four-year university and major in Mathematics.
McKenzie Mitchell: McKenzie is the daughter of Dr. Kevin and Ann-Marie Mitchell. She has been a cheerleader and played volleyball all four years. McKenzie is a member of Student Council, DECA, FCA, FTA, FCCLA, Dexter Honor Society and Rowdy Gals. She plans to attend Ole Miss and pursue a career in the medical field.
Sydnie Rinehart: Sydnie is the daughter of Mark and Vicki Rinehart. She was a football cheerleader her freshman, sophomore and junior years, and a basketball cheerleader her sophomore, junior and senior years. Sydnie is a member of FCA, Art Club and Dexter Honor Society. She plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University.
Tori Seabaugh: Tori is the daughter of Heather and Steve Foster and Jeff Thomas. She was a football cheerleader three years, a basketball cheerleader her freshman and sophomore years, and has been a member of the Dance Team for two years. Tori is the treasurer for DECA, and a member of FTA and FCA. She plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University.
Jessica Snider: Jessica is the daughter of Jeff and Debbie Snider. She played tennis her freshman, sophomore and senior years and has been a three-year member of the Dance Team. Jessica is a member of Student Council, Future Farmers of America (FFA), FTA, FCA, Dexter Honor Society, and is the Senior Class president. She plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University and major in elementary education.
Megan Trewatha: Megan is the daughter of Steve and Deana Trewatha. She was a basketball cheerleader her freshman year, a football cheerleader or freshman, sophomore and junior years, and a three-year member of the dance team. Megan is a member of FCCLA, FTA, and Student Council. She plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University and major in elementary education.
Miranda Warner: Miranda is the daughter of Jenni Zimmerman. She was a football cheerleader her freshman and sophomore years and has been a basketball cheerleader all four years. Miranda is a member of FCA, FTA, and Dexter Honor Society. She plans to attend Missouri State University but is undecided on a major.
The seniors and their parents received a rousing ovation from the Bearcat fans at conclusion of the ceremony.
Photo Above: Senior Jordan Fitts and his parents, Kim and Allen, are introduced to the crowd at the Bearcat Event Center during Friday's Senior Recognition. (SMT Photo by Annabeth Miller)
ShowMe Times Photo Gallery
By Annabeth Miller,
ShowMe Times Editor
Spring is on its way, and along with it a new opportunity to run – or stroll – to raise funds for kids and a local program.
The local Parents As Teachers program in the Dexter Public Schools is hosting a 5K run and Strollerthon to raise needed funds for the program. Planners are busy preparing for the event to be held Saturday, March 31 in Dexter’ West City Park.
A group of volunteers met Thursday with PAT coordinator Melanie Stoelting to continue planning and preparing for the first-ever set of events.
The first event of the day will be a 5K run beginning at 8:30 a.m., and beginning in West Park.
“This is for everyone. This is not a race, but it is a chance to be active for kids and with kids,” said Willa Fees, who is chairing the event committee. Fees added that 5K runners would not be running with strollers.
The entry fee for the 5K is $20 per person, and they will receive a t-shirt and swag bags fill with goodies donated by local businesses and organizations, water and refreshments.
“Not up for 3.1 miles, but have a cute kid and a stroller? Then the Stollerthon is for you,” Fee said.
“Strollerthoners” can check in with registration anytime between 8 -10 a.m. with their decorated stroller. This second part of the day will have a 10 a.m. start time.
Fees explained that participants will push their decorated stronger for two laps, which is 1 mile. During these laps, others can “vote” for their favorites by putting donations in that stroller’s jar. There will be prizes awarded for the best-decorated strollers at the event.
Proceeds from the day’s dup of events will go to support the local Parents As Teachers program. The PAT program, which originated in Missouri, is a national program that provides information, support and encouragement to parents who need to help their children develop optimally during the early years of life. Programs help to increase parents’ confidence and improve parenting skills.
Persons wishing information on the 5K run and/or the Strollerthon may contact Fees at dexterPATstrollerthon@gmail.com or PAT program coordinator Melanie Stoelton at 573.614-1004 or melanies@dexter.k12.mo.us.
Photo Above: Planners got together Thursday morning to work on the upcoming Strollerthon and 5K for PAT in Dexter. On hand for the meeting were (from leftO PAT Coordinator Melanie Stoelting, Marsha Lovelady, Amy Ellinghouse, Willa Fees, and "committee consultant" Stella Fees. (SMT Photo by Annabeth Miller)
By Annabeth Miller,
ShowMe Times Editor
What does Valentine’s Day mean to kids these days? Well, for the second grade students in Tracy Elfrink’s class, it mean giggles, good times, and games … and something that just might be a thing of the past for kids in 2012.
Remember Sweatheart Conversation Hearts? Those sugary sweet, heart-shaped candies with short (and usually sweet) messages, It just wouldn't be Valentine's Day without these candy hearts bearing cute messages, would it?
But what about kids growing up today?
The candies were on hand Tuesday for the Valentine’s party in Mrs. Elfrink’s classroom. But they’re important role in 2012 was more as a marker in Bingo than as a vehicle for sharing special messages with your Valentine.
“The messages just aren’t as popular,” Elfrink said. Blame modern technology. For kids growing up with computers, cell phones, texting and e-mail, the Conversation Hearts are just another great Valentines candy.
But that didn’t dampen the fun times! Games, refreshments (including pink and white cupcakes), and good fun were the order of the afternoon.
Sweethearts Conversation Hearts are more than 100 years old. The NECCO company (NECCO stands for New England Confectionary Company) began printing sayings on candy in 1860, and the company reports that the present version of the candy dates back to 1902. In 1990 the company started updating its messages for the modern crowd – including sayings like “text me”.
But for the kids in Mrs. Elfrink’s class this week, they were just another generation of kids who enjoyed the fun of Conversation Hearts and sharing Valentines Day with friends and finding a stash of cards from classmates in you Valentines Card Box.
