Searcy AR – With the same beautiful smile that captured the Miss DHS in 2007, Elisa Hester was crowned the 2011 Football Homecoming Queen of Harding University.

The crowning ceremony was held at halftime of the Harding University’s game against Quachita Baptist on Saturday.

Elisa is the daughter of Terry and Ranan Hester of Dexter. Elisa’s brothers, Bryn and TJ Hester, and many friends were on hand for the celebration following the game.

There is a certain genuine glow in the smile and spirit of Elisa Hester that removes the surprise of her crowning. During her summer work at Hidden Trails Country Club or Hickory Log Restaurant, she has always been able to touch people with her willingness to love and care for others. She is an incredible young lady that is well deserving of this title.

Miss Hester is a senior at Harding University, majoring in family consumer science research. Her current plans are to complete her degree and then pursue a master’s degree. She hopes to work at the university level as an educator.

SMT staff is very happy for Elisa and the entire Hester family. Congratulations to the 2011 Harding University Homecoming Queen, Elisa Hester.

SIKESTON - A busy roadway in Stoddard County will be closed next week while state crews complete a project.

The Missouri Department of Transportation announced that Route AB in Stoddard County will be closed while crews replace a pipe beneath the roadway. 

The section of roadway of Route AB that will be closed is located from Highway 25 to County Road 503. Weather permitting, work will be performed Monday, Oct. 31 and Tuesday, Nov. 1 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

The work zone will be marked with signs.  Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.

 

Can't get enough of fall fun? There will be fun around every corner Saturday afternoon at Central Gardens in Dexter.

Central Gardens will host its Fall Fest this Saturday, Oct. 29, from 1-3 p.m. There will be crafts, games and costumes and kids of all ages are invited to attend and participate.

Administrator Stacy Blocker says the event is free and all are welcome to come and enjoy the afternoon. Central Gardens is located at 302 North Elm Street in Dexter.

CAPE GIRARDEAU – Lt. Col. Edward Gargas of Dexter has been appointed the new commander for the 1140th Engineer Battalion in Cape Girardeau.

The battalion has six units in seven locations - Headquarters Company in Cape Girardeau, Forward Support Company in Cape Girardeau, 880th Engineer Haul Team in Perryville, 1138th Engineer Sapper Company in Farmington and Fredericktown, 220th Engineer Company in Festus, and 1438th Multi-Role Bridge Company in Macon and Kirksville.

During a ceremony, the battalion guidon was passed to Gargas to symbolize the transfer of authority and responsibility.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of leading one of the best battalions in the state,” said Gargas. “This battalion has an impressive legacy and I pledge to lead our officers, noncommissioned officers, and soldiers towards and beyond the goals set by our brigade.”

Brig. Gen. Randy Alewel, commander of the 35th Engineer Brigade, said his expectations for the battalion to continue moving forward are in good hands with Gargas.

"Lt. Col. Gargas was chosen because he’s a go to and get it done type of gentleman and officer,” said Alewel. “I’ve got all the confidence in him to lead the battalion and take it to the next level.”

Gargas’ military experience and history with the battalion also made him the right choice, said Alewel. Gargas enlisted in the Missouri National Guard in 1987 with the 1140th Engineer Battalion. Over the years he has had leadership positions with several of the battalion’s units, including platoon leader, executive officer, commander, and operations officer. He deployed with the battalion in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004-2005.

“I’m glad and honored I was selected to command the battalion I grew up in,” said Gargas.

Gargas and his wife Tina and son Nate live in Dexter. Gargas is a producer with County Wide Insurance in Dexter.

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Links of Interest

A Dexter man has been appointed to serve on a special committee in the Missouri General Assembly.

Brett Dorton, vice president at First Commercial Bank in Dexter, has been appointed to the appointed to the Joint Interim Committee on State Employee Wages by President Pro Tem Rob Mayer, R-Dexter.

Mayer said Dorton is the only member of the public appointed to serve on the special committee by the Missouri State Senate.

The Select Committee met for the first time Wednesday in Jefferson City to begin its work. Dorton attended that meeting.

The Joint Interim Committee on State Employee Wages has been charged with examining the wages earned by Missouri state employees, currently ranked the lowest of any state employees in the nation. The committee will compare Missouri wages to other states, study and develop strategies for increasing wages of state employees. The Special Committee will report its findings to both the Senate and the House by the end of the year.

Missouri Senate members appointed to serve on the Special Committee include Senator Mike Kehoe of Jefferson City and Senator John Lamping of St. Louis County. House members include Rep. Jay Barnes and Rep Mike Bernskoetter both of the Jefferson City area and Rep. Jacob Hummel of St. Louis.


Photo Above: Brett Dorton in Jefferson City earlier today for the first meeting of the Joint Interim Committee on State Employee Wages. (Provided photo)