Dee Loflin SMT Manager/Writer
Many of you have traveled down Business Hwy 60 in Dexter and have noticed a rather well fit, athletic man dancing as he jogs his way past many of the restaurants and businesses. Ever wondered just who this man was? Why is he dancing and waiving at everyone?
Is he crazy? Perhaps, who would run in the middle of the afternoon in the hot sun wearing all black?
The mystery has finally been solved. His name is Lou and he is from Brentwood, Missouri. He is an engineer for Union Pacific Railroad and while he is on layover here in Dexter he chooses to exercise to his own fun routine.
Lou said, "I am truly blessed to be able to exercise and I just love this little town of Dexter." When told he has become famous dancing in the streets and waiving at the folks driving by he just grinned with embarrassment and shook his head. "I feel so blessed if I have made people smile. I had no idea they knew I was out here exercising. I love music, I love to dance and I enjoy excercising."
Lou listens to 60's, 70's and 80's classic rock and R&B style music. He has to get into the groove and works up quite a sweat while he exercises.
He originally grew up in Alabama, moved to New Jersey and now lives in the St. Louis area. He said it wasn't uncommon to see people running and dancing at the parks in New York. We might find it a little odd here in the Heartland, but he does make people happy and we enjoy seeing his fantastic dance routine.
He is also married and has children. Though he isn't in Dexter daily he said when he has to stay for a day or two he tries to hit the streets running and dancing.
If he doesn't take notice of your honk of the horn that's because he can't hear you over his music, just waive at him and he is sure to waive back with a smile!
Written by
Dee Loflin SMT Manager/Writer
Missouri — "Whether it’s your first time camping or you’re following a long-standing tradition, the Great American Backyard Campout is a great opportunity for families to get outdoors and experience nature,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “There are a variety of events at parks and historic sites throughout the state to give you the chance to come out and enjoy a fun camping adventure.”
You can camp primitive, use a modern tent or even drive a camper right into the part. Doesn't matter your mode of sleeping quarters as long as you get out there and enjoy nature.
On June 22, the Missouri State Parks invites you to experience an outdoor adventure under the stars with friends and family during the Great American Backyard Campout.
The Great American Backyard Campout is a nationwide initiative by the National Wildlife Federation to encourage families and communities to reconnect and experience the outdoors. To help you celebrate, Missouri State Parks is offering special programs and activities to make this night one to remember.
Activities will vary from park to park with programs ranging from night hikes and camping demonstrations to overnight campouts and storytelling. Programs will appeal to all ages, including kids who may be experiencing nature for the first time. All parks will offer a camping tradition — sitting around a campfire and making and enjoying s'mores. Some programs are offered during the day and other parks offer overnight camping. Call the individual parks or visit mostateparks.com for more details.
Following are the parks and historic sites participating in this year's Great American Backyard Campout.
Trail of Tears State Park, Jackson, 573-290-5268.
Mastodon State Historic Site, Imperial, 636-464-2976.
Fort Davidson State Historic Site, Pilot Knob, 573-546-3454.
Crowder State Park, Trenton, 660-359-6473.
Wallace State Park, Cameron, 816- 632-374.
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, Middlebrook, 573-546-2450.
Sam A. Baker State Park, Patterson, 573-856-4514.
Pomme de Terre State Park, Pittsburg, 417-745-6909.
Roaring River State Park, Cassville, 417-847-3742.
Weston Bend State Park, Weston, 816-640-5443.
Current River State Park, Salem, 573-858-3015.
Van Meter State Park, Miami, 660-886-7537.
First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site, St. Charles, 636-940-3322.
Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and Historic Site, Lawson, 816-580-3387.
Felix Vallé House State Historic Site, Ste. Genevieve, 573-883-7102.
A visit to any of these state parks is also a great opportunity to log miles as a part of the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles challenge.
To celebrate Missouri’s distinction as the “Best Trails State” by American Trails and to encourage Missourians to enjoy the outdoors, Governor Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon are inviting Missourians to join them in completing 100 Missouri Miles of outdoor physical activity by the end of the year.
For more information and to take the Challenge, visit 100MissouriMiles.com. Participants can also share adventures, post photos and learn about upcoming events by connecting with 100 Missouri Miles on Facebook and Twitter.
If you are not planning to go to a state park for a special program on June 22, visit any Missouri state park this summer and begin your own camping tradition with family and friends. For more information about the 40 state parks with campgrounds, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Shown in the picture is Ken Laffoon of the Crowley's Ridge Blackpowder Club of Dexter, Missouri demonstrating Primitive Camping at a local Rendezvous.
Dee Loflin SMT Manager/Writer
If you would like more information about the Rib City Shootout or their schedule of this weeks activities, just click on the picture below.
The Boys Varsity, JV and Middle School Basketball will play again on July 12th and 13th.
Girls Volleyball is June 27th and 28th - *Volleyball Information*
All-Star Fundamental Camp at Farmington Civic Center June 24-26 *See Brochure
Submitted by
Dee Loflin SMT Manager/Writer
Van Buren, Missouri - While themes are not necessary for a successful float trip, they can add another dimension to the fun. Here are some great ideas for themes for float trips.
Dressing up or dressing down to match your theme is a common practice. For a luau themed float trip, flower leis, grass skirts, coconut bras, and Hawaiian shirts are clearly the correct uniform.
A 4th of July float calls for red, white, and blue attire. Taking the theme a step further, red wine, white lightning, and Pabst Blue Ribbon are the perfect color coordinated drinks. Don’t be surprised if Santa floats past you in a "Christmas in July" themed event.
Bachelorette floats are becoming more common as the ladies take to the rivers in order to celebrate upcoming nuptials. The bride-to-be is a veil-wearing rafter and that little tuft of tulle is her badge of honor for the day.
For Dad's big birthday bash, he may never lift a paddle, but find himself in a tube towed behind a canoe manned by his loving family. Let them do the work while he relaxes, nurses a beer, and does a little fishing.
Sometimes, the theme is simply a color. For example: green. On this float everyone wears green, drinks green, and eats green. An emerald bikini, lime jell-o shots, and pickles meet the requirements of this event. Of course the floaters may be green themselves after that menu.
There are two themes many have yet to see.
The first is a Zombie themed float trip. A canoe-full of brain-eating undead would be a sight to see and one you would never forget. A menu for this trip could be Bloody Marys as the drink of choice with a rack of ribs for the entrée, and ladyfingers for dessert. With the increased popularity of TV shows like The Walking Dead and zombie related activities such as Zombie Dashes and Zombie weddings, the floating dead cannot be far behind.
The second theme yet to be seen this year is Duck Dynasty. Yes, it’s time for the “Beards” to hit the water. Uncle Sy in cut-offs is worthy of a 21 duck call salute in itself, but putting him in a canoe creates a special kind of chaos. Something anyone would enjoy witnessing from a safe distance.
When planning your annual float trip this year, give some thought to the possibility of a theme. What fun you will have!
Written by
Dee Loflin SMT Manager/Writer
Dexter, Missouri – It’s not everyday you get to witness a high school student develop into a great athlete. Perhaps a major league player in our mists, some of us can only dream of playing in the big leagues. Brad Potts not only has the skill and techniques of being a great player, but academically he has also earned his place.
Brad just recently signed to play baseball with Shawnee Community College in Ullin, Illinois. He will not only be a position player, but will be pitching for the SCC Saints. Not many college students have that opportunity. Potts was also selected First Team-All Conference as an infielder having played for the Dexter Bearcats as both a shortstop and a pitcher.
Shawnee Head Coach Greg Sheppard not only dedicates himself to promoting and teaching baseball skills, but also prides himself with knowing they are receiving a quality education and that the team performs academically as well.
“Our goal every year is to earn a team GPA above 3.0. I am very proud of what our players, both past and present, have accomplished in the classroom,” stated Coach Sheppard. “In 16 out of the past 17 years we have achieved that goal. There are very few NJCAA baseball programs who have year in and year out performed at the academic level as our Saints.”
Brad will have the opportunity to join 23 former Shawnee Community College baseball players who have earned NJCAA Academic honors. “I want Brad to have the opportunity to go above and beyond here at Shawnee. I expect him to exceed what other students are doing.” commented Coach.
The SCC Saints are members of the National Junior College Athletic Association and their Baseball Team participates in the Division I Region 24 as well as National Tournaments.
Brad plans to obtain his degree in Business Administration. He isn’t taking the summer off either as he is currently playing on a traveling team, the Charleston Fighting Squirrels.
Shown in the picture sitting at the table: Courtney Potts (Sister), Brad Potts, Zach Potts (Brother). Standing are Coach Becker, Peggy Potts (Mom) and Randy Potts (Dad).
Congratulations Brad on your signing to play for the Saints! The Dexter Community is extremely proud of you and wishes you well in your future endeavors.
