By Annabeth Miller,
ShowMe Times Editor

BLOOMFIELD - Nearly 150 years ago, soldiers of three regiments from Illinois set up camp in this Stoddard County community, and finding the local newspaper's office empty, they decided to print a newspaper about their activities. They called their journal the Stars and Stripes

The newspaper today is printed daily around the world, reporting the news for those in the military. Its rich and long heritage is preserved to this day in the community where it was founded at the Stars And Stripes Museum and Library.

One of Missouri’s most avid historians had the opportunity to visit the museum this week. U.S. Senator Roy Blunt – who has degrees in history and taught the subject before entering politics – visited the Stoddard County museum, had a personal tour of the museum’s exhibits and spoke with museum supporters.

Blunt’s visit started at the museum’s ‘epicenter’ – an original copy of Stars and Stripes from November 1861. Jim Mayo, president-emeritus of The Stars and Stripes Museum/Library Association, was Blunt’s personal guide.

In looking at the copy – one of only a scant handful of original copies known to exist – Mayo explained to Blunt the Stoddard County Historical Society learned the copy was for sale – for $250 many years ago.

"The Historical Society had $200 in its account, so we borrowed $50 from Mr. (Elvis) Mooney and bought it,” Mayo said. Mayo explained there were only four or five editions of the newspaper published during the Civil War.

Blunt’s enthusiasm and knowledge of history was evident throughout his tour – pointing out headlines he read in the exhibits, listening intently to Mayo, asking questions and adding his own perspective. After touring the exhibits, Blunt had an informal meeting with museum board members present for his tour.

“We would like to construct another museum,” said museum board president Dr. Joe Baker. Baker discussed some of the volunteer board’s goals and dreams for the museum. “We’d like to expand it and then use this (the current facility) as a storage area.”

Blunt asked the group about funding sources, including donations from veterans and former newspaper staff members as well as bequeathments to the museum.

“What we have here is the chance for Missouri to have a world-class museum,” Mayo said. He pointed out that the Stars and Stripes has a broad history and has touched a wide spectrum of veterans throughout 150 years of American history. “Our newspaper has covered everything from the American Civil War to today.”

Blunt was obviously impressed by the scope of the collection and the possibilities at the museum.

“It’s good to know all of this and its great to see the collection,” Blunt said. “Its great to have an excuse to think about how many different topics you can touch because of the Stars and Stripes. All people who have served have benefited, seen, looked at, and used this publication. That creates an interesting connection here.”

Joining Blunt on the tour included Mayo and his wife Sue, State Senator Rob Mayor, State Rep. Billy Pay Wright, Charles Kruse, Dr. Joe Baker, Dr. Frank Nickell of Southeast Missouri State University, Cliff Manlove, and Wayne Jean.

U.S. Senator Roy Blunt examines an exhibit at the Stars & Stripes Museum in Bloomfield. His tour guide on his trip this week was Jim Mayo. (SMT photo by Annabeth Miller)

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.