Dexter, Missouri - T. S. Hill Middle School was filled with excitement as 195 students along with 9 teachers made their way to the SHOW ME CENTER indoor aquatic facility this week. 

The event was held as a reward for those students earning the 2nd Quarter "Headed to the Top" trip.  After the a swim in the aquatic center pool, the students returned to T. S. Hill Middle School to enjoy a pizza party. 

This is a special group that qualifies by each student being required to earn a letter grade of all C's or better, NO discipline referrals, and fewer than 3 absences.  

"We are really thankful to everyone that allows our school to do this for our students," commented Scott Kruse, Middle School Principal.  "This continues to be a great way to motivate them to make good grades, stay out of trouble, and come to school."

Written by

Jessica Snider, SMT Writer

Dexter, Missouri- For many of the surrounding schools, Christmas Break has come to an end, and school is back in session. For many students and teachers, it can be hard to get back into the routine of things.

Although things do slow down a bit over Christmas Break, lots of sporting events still took place over the couple of weeks that school wasn’t in session. Wrestling matches were still held, cheerleaders still cheered, and there were quite a few basketball games being played throughout the area.

While the students and staff at local schools are getting back into the swing of things, the 2012-2013 school year will continue to provide us with many activities to cover around the area.

Remember to visit us at ShowMe Times for the latest happenings with schools and businesses throughout the area!

Dexter, Missouri - Thumpety thump, thump, thumpety thump, thump, look at Frosty go!!  Everyone knows Frosty The Snowman!! 

The Keller Public Library in Dexter knows how to entertain children of all ages.  Each Tuesday at 10:15 a.m. they have a guest who reads a special book and this week's book was Frosty The Snowman.  Since Dexter received such a generous blanket of snow recently, what a perfect choice it was.

Reita Lebeau who works at the library played her guitar and amused the children as they began to sing songs.  At first the children were a little apprehensive, but as the music played and the parents, grandparents and library staff began to dance and sing, the children commenced.  Singing to the tune of "Frere Jacques" the children sang "Dance Like Snowflakes"!  They even did the "Snowy Pokey" to the tune of "Hokey Pokey" using mittens, boots, scarves and hats.

What fun they had singing, laughing and dancing.  Then a special song was sung very quietly so everyone could get on the mat and listen for the book to be read.  Linda Dowdy, from the Regional Healthcare Foundation, was introduced and began asking the children questions like, "Have you seen any snow?"  "Yes!" the children screamed.  "Did you build a snowman?"  "Yes!" they yelled a little louder.  She said, "We are going to build a snowman!  I need volunteers to help me."  The children volunteered as they were handed mittens, coal, a scarf and a carrot. 

There were adult volunteers as well.  Yvonne Hall, Beth Bischof, and Linda Ulm also from the Regional Healthcare Foundation from just down the street.  This was their first time at story hour and Linda Ulm stated, "I enjoyed watching the little youngsters.  They are so precious."

Gloria Moore brought her grandson, Hudson Moore.  He is two and a half and this was his first time attending story hour.  He listened intently as Linda Dowdy read "Frosty The Snowman".  

It was almost time to go, but there was one more surprise!  Each child was given a "magical" snowman that they could take home and put on the refrigerator.   They ended by walking around the room carrying a large stuffed snowman and singing, "Frosty The Snowman".

Next Tuesday, January 15th at 10:15 a.m., the Keller Library will be hosting a reading of "Snow Friends".  Mary Ann Taylor will be the guest and everyone is welcome to attend.

If you would like to see more photos of The Keller Library Story Hour, please check out the ShowMe Times Facebook page.

JEFFERSON CITY -  Many area residents will be making their travel plans to attend the 2013 Inauguration at the Missouri State Capitol on Monday, January 14th.  Legislators are busy preparing and the event promises to be a great affair for those that participate in this important day.

Gov. Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon will begin the day's activities with a worship service at 8:30 a.m. Because of construction at First United Methodist, the Nixons' home church in Jefferson City, the service will take place at the neighboring First Baptist Church. Seating at the service is limited, and additional details will be provided when they are available.

After the prayer service, Gov. and Mrs. Nixon will participate in the traditional inaugural parade, which will begin at 10 a.m. near the Missouri River Regional Library and proceed to the State Capitol. The official swearing-in ceremony will begin at 11:15 a.m. on the south lawn of the Capitol.

In the afternoon, the Nixons will welcome Missourians on the first floor of the Governor's Mansion, before taking part in the first-ever Missouri Barbecue Showcase and Reception at the Capitol Plaza Hotel. The festivities will conclude with the Grand March and Inaugural Ball, which begin at 7 p.m. in the Capitol rotunda.

All events are open to the public and you are encouraged to attend.  A schedule of events is provided below for your convenience.

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