By Annabeth Miller,
ShowMe Times Editor
Two ladies with more than 25 years of service to the Keller Public Library were recognized at Monday evening’s meeting of the Dexter Board of Aldermen.
After 17 years of service, Connie Hutchcraft is retiring from the library at the end of this year.
“We appreciate the many years you’ve given,” said Mayor Joe Weber in making a presentation of a plaque from the City to Hutchcraft.
“I’ve really enjoyed working with everybody and being a part of the City and part of the library and I’ve enjoyed meeting some wonderful people. I won’t forget you,” Hutchraft said.
Blanche Dinsmore was also recognized Monday evening for 10 years of service to the library.
“Best job I’ve ever had,” Dinsmore said cheerfully.
Library Director Pam Trammell said both ladies have been a part of the library in some important days.
“They’ve both seen the library through a lot of transitions, and it is certainly the better for it,” Trammell said. “Connie certainly has a following at the library and she’s going to be missed by a lot of people.”
The ladies received a standing ovation from the aldermen in appreciation for the years of service to the community.
Trammell said that Wednesday, June 6 will be “Connie’s Day” at the library with a drop-in reception from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Library patrons and area residents are invited to visit the library and wish Hutchcraft well as she begins retirement.
Later in the aldermanic meeting, Trammell said that she has made some personnel moves in light of Hutchcraft’s retirement. Assistant Librarian Rita LeBeau has gone from two days a weeks to four, and former Dexter High School Librarian Pam Horton will be joining the librarian staff and will be at the library three days each week.
Alderman Jerry Corder, who is chairman of the city Tourism Committee, reported during Monday’s meeting that the River Heritage Association will meet in Dexter Wednesday. The tourism group will have the opportunity to tour Dexter’s Heritage House, the Welcome Center/Old Depot, and have the opportunity to see Pete Parysek’s model train collection. A dinner meeting will also be held while the group is in Dexter.
Corder also had great praise for the Rib City Shootout, and how it brings families to Dexter for four weekends each summer.
“To me, this is really a boost to tourism,” Corder said. The basketball extravaganza involves more than 250 teams of young people from throughout the mid-south region. Corder praised organizer and Dexter schools coach Chad Allen.
The department chiefs offered updates on projects and programs in the city:
- Water Superintendent Tom Espey report his department would be working on a fire hydrant at Castor and West Elk streets on Wednesday
- Police Chief Sammy Stone report that the parking lot at the newly renovated Police Station has been complete, the lot striped and completed. Stone said this is the final step in the project at the police headquarters and he appreciates the public’s patience during the remodeling and construction.
- The work on the downtown rainwater sewer is nearing a completion, said department chief Jeff Myers. Mayor Weber commended the Street Department for its work on the program.
- Parks and Recreation Supt. Lawson Metcalf reported the pool has experienced good attendance since it opened for the season Memorial Day weekend. The average daily attendance thus far is 184.
- Fire Chief Don Seymore report that the department is nearing completion on its annual testing of the City’s fire hydrants, and should complete testing of fire hoses this week.
- Aldermen unanimously approved an ordinance approving a bid of $30,000 from Jethero Gater Construction for the closing of the West Lagoon cell.
