Today, U.S. Representative Jason Smith (Mo.) announced that a new company, Cal-Maine Foods, is set to establish an egg processing facility at the site of the Tyson Foods plant in Dexter, Mo. After community leaders came forward to share their concerns that Tyson Foods wouldn’t sell the plant, Smith called the Tyson Foods CEO to demand they change their tune and allow a new employer to buy its facility. “I’m glad that new jobs and opportunities are coming to Dexter,” said Smith. “For months, I’ve worked closely with state and local officials to ensure they have the support they need to bring a new employer to Dexter. I appreciate their efforts to find a solution that helps alleviate the impact the closure of the Tyson Foods facility will have on workers, contract producers, and families in the community. I’ll continue supporting our local leaders and elected officials as they work tirelessly to make this transition go as smoothly and quickly as possible. I’m glad this new employer recognizes the value of the local workforce and the fact that Dexter is a great place to live, work, and start or grow a business. While this announcement is welcome news, the fight to bring more companies and more opportunity is far from over. I will continue supporting our officials who are working around the clock to make this happen. As the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, I’ll keep exploring ways to encourage companies to create jobs and support economic growth here at home.”

The Stoddard County Development Foundation has established seven $1,000.00 scholarships to be given out annually.

These scholarships will go to students attending Three Rivers College, and recipients will be determined by TRC.

There will be a student from each of the seven school districts within Stoddard County that will receive the scholarships. 

Pictured are Peter Coutavas, Executive Director, IDA and Michelle Reynolds, Coordinator of Academic and Career Outreach at Three Rivers College.

It is tradition in Puxico to open the annual V.F.W. Homecoming with the 

sounding of the horn on the Tuesday, the first day of Homecoming. 

 Ronnie Clinton, Puxico High School Class of 1966, a Vietnam Veteran and V.F.W. member continued that timely tradition on Tuesday, August 8th at 10:00 a.m. by sounding the horn.  

Every year they “toot” the horn once for each year of the homecoming.  

The nostalgia and tradition of blowing the horn has passed down through the generations.  The horn was from the old Puxico Handle Company and has been used for many years.

The Dexter Board of Alderman appointed Kerry Jarrell to Administrative Assistant, Sierra Luttrull to City Treasurer and Melissa Wright to City Collector!

Pictured left to right are Jarrell, Luttrull, and Wright.

The 31st Annual Fourth of July Patriotic Parade for Kids will be held on Tuesday, July 4th at 10:00 a.m. 

This annual parade will begin at the corner of Elm and Vine streets in downtown Dexter, across from the License Bureau.

The youngsters guided by Uncle Sam (aka Mayor Banken) will gather on the steps of the U.S. Post Office on Stoddard Street to salute the American Flag with the Pledge of Allegiance.  They will sing a few patriotic songs and pose for those everlasting photos and videos. (ShowMe Times will be there!)

The parade will follow its traditional route down Elm Street to Stoddard Street with kids on bicycles, tricycles, wagons, scooters, golf carts, on foot or in strollers.   You may even see a few patriotic dogs in the parade.

The parade will get moving again, east down Stoddard Street to Poplar Street, where it will turn south at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) back to Vine Street and turn west returning to the Bankens' front yard where they will be treated to lemonade and a small snack.

The "just for kids" parade was started by Janice Barney, Lisa Greer and Jean Rahm.  The parade leadership has passed to a new generation, as Kristina and Jason Banken, now host the holiday parade each year.  The Banken family began hosting the parade 16 years ago, and have continued to build upon the Independence Day tradition.

Children are invited to participate.  They may walk or bring their bikes and other means of transportation for the parade.  Parking will be available for grown-ups in the city parking lot on Vine Street across from the Dexter Municipal Building