By Annabeth Miller,
ShowMe Times Editor

An investigation is underway into a fraud complaint filed by the Dexter Public Schools earlier in August.

In a statement issued late Wednesday by the Dexter Police Department, Detective Trevor Pulley reported that on Aug. 18 the “Dexter School District filed a fraud complaint with the Dexter Police Department to report that money was missing externally.”

The school district would like to assure the community that there is no evidence of “corruption” of the school computer system and school officials offered high praise for local police department and for Pulley.

“In order not to hinder the investigation or reduce opportunities to secure the remaining funds, it is unwise to elaborate on the specifics of the robbery,” said school superintendent Dr. Thomas Sharp. “But we can state that we have been very pleased with the performance and professionalism of the Dexter Police Department and Officer Trevor Pulley in the investigation of this matter.”

Sharp reported that banking officials and law enforcement personnel have retrieved approximately one-third of the funds that were stolen by means of a falsified electronic transfer request created by an outside source.

“These hackers have no connection with anyone employed by Dexter Public Schools. The district expects eventually to make a full recovery of all of the insured funds. In the meantime, the investigation continues and again is expected to take considerable time to come to its fruition,” Sharp said.

According to Dr. Kim Flowers, assistant superintendent in the district, school personnel were informed earlier this month of the situation but at that time there were no details on the breach.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Dexter’s National Guard Unit has received some new vehicles to upgrade its fleet.

The 1221st Transportation Company of the Missouri National Guard, based in Dexter, Sikeston, and Portageville, has received 19 new M915A5 line-haul truck tractors to replace previous models. The two-passenger trucks support combat service and support units with transportation missions.

The new trucks have several key upgrades since previous models. The changes include enhanced suspension, updated anti-lock braking system, and a collision avoidance system. The changes make the vehicles more powerful, safer, and provide for a smoother ride.

"They ride better, have armor underneath, they have air bags, and two 60 gallon fuel tanks," said Sgt. 1st Class Scott Hindman, who also likes the new 34-inch extended cab which provides comfort and additional space for Soldiers and their equipment.

The transportation company fully expects to use their new vehicles right away.

The unit usually has haul missions every month, said Capt. Venita Shackelford, the 1221st Transportation Company commander.

"Any time you have new equipment, you are fully mission capable," added Shackelford.

In the past, National Guard units would receive refurbished equipment from active duty, explained Chief Warrant Officer Shawn Skelton, the director of logistics of the Missouri National Guard.

"I think it's really cool that we are receiving brand new trucks for this unit," said Skelton.



Photo Above: Capt. Venita Shackelford, the 1221st Transportation Company commander, helps unit members prepare and inventory 19 new M915A5 line-haul truck tractor's. The trucks have two 60 gallon fuel tanks, an extended cab, and 500 horsepower.(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Sarah E. Lupescu, Missouri National Guard Public Affairs Office).

By Annabeth Miller,
ShowMe Times Editor

Ten years ago on Sept. 11, “everything changed.” On that sunny day, thousands of Americans were killed in terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Passengers kept another airliner from reaching a target believed to be in Washington; the Pennsylvania countryside that claimed them is now hallowed ground, too.

As the 10-year anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks draws near, the ShowMe Times wants to help our community share in remembrance of that day and its continuing impact on our lives.

We invite our readers to write about anything related to the attacks and what you’ve seen, felt and experienced in the 10 years since that fateful day.

• What were you doing when you learned of the attacks?
• What does the anniversary mean to you?
• Do you remember where you were when you heard the news?
• Did you or someone you know lose a loved one?
• Can you remember your first thoughts?

We hope you will feel free, as well, to share your experiences. Have you visited Ground Zero or any of the Memorials in New York City? Have you travelled to that field in Pennsyvania where so many brave people died? Or have you paid tribute to those who died or injured at The Pentagon?

Throughout the week prior to Sept. 11, the ShowMe Times will publish your stories and photos. Please send your them to amiller@showmetimes.com. or fax toll free to 1-866-515-6826. Please make sure you include your name, age, and where you live.

The first week of football is a fond memory, but the winners in the ShowMe Times' Pigskin Pick’Em Challenge are still celebrating!

The first week's winners in the ShowMe Time’s Pigskin Pick'Em Challenge have been tabulated, and Matt Miller of Dexter is the winner with a total of 20 out of 22 points possible.

“We are excited about the start of play for the Pigskin Pick’Em Challenge and congratulate our winners this week,” said Andrew Cato, ShowMe Times Sports Editor. “We encourage our readers and friends to play the game and thank the many community sponsors who are joining us for Pigskin Pick’Em..”

All points earned by players roll over each week of the contest to go toward the finale and the Grand Prize of a 42-inch flatscreen television.

Weekly prizes are awarded on a weekly point-total basis with the top three players getting prizes from the ShowMe Times and our sponsors. In addition, there are two randomly drawn prizewinners each week. To be fair to all players, an individual can win only one prize per week.

First Place: Matt Miller - A prize package that includes certificates from EZ Check & Gold Buyers, Hideway Pizza & Package and Airways Café, a Tervis glass and goodies from the Metro Gallery,

Second Place: Kurt Lovelady – A prize certificate from Rob Scott Studios and candle from Ann Marie’s.

Third Place: Dustin Benson – a prize package that includes gift certificates from Dexter Queen, Burger King and Mud Magnet Car Wash and a candle from Locust Str. Flowers.

The winners of the Weekly Prizes are Denny Putnam, who receives a package from Luvleigh Creations and Gary’s Quick Stop; and Kim Lacy, who receives products from Halo Hair Studio.

Voting for this week’s games has begun on the ShowMe Times website and will continue until 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2.

The Dexter Chamber of Commerce helped with the celebration Saturday morning for the new owners at Sayre’s Sprockets Landing in Dexter. New owners Lisa and Sam Sayre are celebrating their new ownership of the business. All day on Saturday there will be pony rides and inflatable bouncers and slides, as well as JoJo and Magnolia the clowns, face painting and more. The Sayre family has exciting plans for the convenience store, including the addition to new food and breakfast items, expansion of the kitchen area and future addition of a drive-thru lane. On hand for the Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Celebration were (from left) Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Janet Coleman, Kati Briggs, Kat Gibson, Tori Sayre, Cindy Wilcox, Brittney Cato, Dexter Mayor Joe Weber, owners Lisa and Sam Sayre, Dexter City Administrator Mark Stidham, Jo Jo (Joanna Pack), Magnolia (Shawn Everett), and Dexter Alderman Terry Battles. Sayre’s Sprockets Landing is located at 1115 North One Mile Road, across from Missouri Southern Healthcare. (SMT photo by Annabeth Miller)