Some feel that the early start time is cutting into the otherwise very special day of thankfulness. But the small degree of backlash felt will only bring big smiles to the faces of many retailers as groups of shoppers are rolling out in record numbers.
Estimates indicate that Black Friday shopping will be up by 10% of last years numbers, with over 150 million people expected to shop. These estimates are expected to be conservative as 2010 estimates were undershot by 74 million.
The photo to the left shows Jodi Williams of Dexter joining the already long line at Toys R Us in Cape. With an opening time of 9:00 pm, the line wound in front of Toys R Us, past Big Lots, past Hancock Fabrics, and down the street toward Cape First. But the lines would not stop Jodi and her shopping buddy, Leigh Ann Kincy. They were set for an all-night marathon searching for great deals.
Among the major big box stores, Toys R Us will kick off its Black Friday sales at 9 p.m. Thursday night, followed by Wal-Mart at 10 p.m. Then, at the stroke of midnight, Target, Best Buy, Macy's and Kohl's all plan to open their doors.
If you haven't made the trip tonight, there is still time throughout the weekend. Please remember our local retailers here in Dexter. Your dollars spent locally stay in our community and make us stronger.
In fact, the Corner Cottage in Dexter held a special "Mingle Jingle" on Thursday from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Thursday night, hosting shoppers to hot cider and beautiful selection of Christmas decoration.
Happy Shoppings.
JEFFERSON CITY - Gov. Jay Nixon and Department of Agriculture Director Dr. Jon Hagler today went to the southern Callaway County farm of Jay and Kim Fischer to celebrate Thank a Farmer Day. They were joined by representatives of farm commodity groups and other agricultural organizations to mark the occasion, which celebrates the contributions Missouri farmers make to feed, fuel and clothe America and the world.
"Millions of Missourians will sit down with family and friends at the dinner table on Thursday as part of our national day of thanksgiving," Nixon said. "We certainly are a blessed state, and a blessed nation, with much to be thankful for. There is no lack of delicious, healthy food on our tables or in our restaurants and grocery stores. For that, we can thank the farmers of Missouri."
The average Missouri farm is about 269 acres, and with 108,000 farms, Missouri has more than 29 million acres of agricultural land.
"Our farmers provide the safest, most affordable, reliable food supply in the world," Hagler said. "The efforts of our Missouri farmers and farm families make so many of our holiday traditions and celebrations possible, and coming together today to thank them for their efforts is one small way we can recognize their outstanding work."
Nixon also recognized the owners of Fischer Farms Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze, Jay and Kim Fischer, with the Governor's Award for Agricultural Achievement, which honors outstanding farmers, growers and processors in a variety of agriculture commodities. The Fischers have a diversified farm operation in south Callaway County, just across the Missouri River from the State Capitol, where they raise corn and soybeans.
In addition to those crops, Fischer Farms also is involved in agri-tourism, offering visitors in the fall an opportunity to explore a 10-acre corn maze, go on hayrides, get pumpkins from a pumpkin patch, and engage in other family-friendly activities. The Governor noted that the pumpkins, gourds and other fall decorations used at the Governor's Mansion for this year's Harvest Fest were purchased from Fischer Farms.
"The Fischers truly represent today's Missouri farmers - diversified, smart in business, and ready to meet the needs and demands of a changing world," Nixon said. "I am pleased to present them with award in recognition of their accomplishments on behalf of Missouri's multi-faceted agriculture industry."
The Thanksgiving holiday this week has slightly altered trash pickup in Dexter.
Dexter City Administrator Mark Stidham reports that trash pick-up proceed as usual on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week. Thursday’s trash pick-up will be completed on Wednesday so city employees can enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with families.
In addition, Stidham reported that city offices would be closed on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 24 and 25.
The Dexter Board of Aldermen is scheduled to meet tonight, Nov. 21 for a regular meeting. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the Dexter Municipal Building on Vine Street.
Link Of Interest
Four local educators with more than 70 years of classroom experience have announced their intention to retire from Dexter Schools at the end of the 2011-2012 academic year.
The Dexter Board of Education unanimously accepted the retirement notices from Vicky Jarrell, Maria Chamberlain, Carolyn Carroll and Betty Huffman at its meeting recently.
The four educators have a combined total of 93 years of teaching experience - more than 70 of which were spent in the Dexter system.
- Jarrell is the elementary physical education teacher at Southwest Elementary. She has taught in Dexter school for 20 years and a total of 25 years in Missouri schools.
- Chamberlain is the elementary music teacher at Southwest Elementary. She has taught elementary music in Dexter for six years and 11 years in Missouri.
- Carroll teacher computer science at T.S. Hill Middle School in Dexter has taught her entire career – 26 years – in the local school district.
- Huffman language arts at T.S. Hill Middle School and has taught for 22 years in Dexter schools and has a total of 31 years in the teacher profession in Missouri.
In other business, the board approved a recommendation to move January’s professional development activities to Jan. 3. The original date was Jan. 26.
The recommendation to move the date was from the district’s Professional Developent Committee and the district’s administration.
In other business, the board:
- Gave conditional approve to four DHS seniors requesting early graduation;
- Approved the employment of Steve Sparlin to fill a district-wide technology position;
- Announced refinishing the Bearcat Event Center is scheduled for March 12, 2012;
- Approved a lending agreement for Bernie Schools to provide the Bernie district with a table saw that is currently not being used.
The next regularly scheduled meeting on the Dexter Board of Education is at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 20.
By Annabeth Miller, SMT Editor
A major change in professional leadership with Girl Scouting in the region has been announced by the Girl Scouts of Missouri Heartland.
The Girl Scout Council’s chief executive, Jennifer Orban, has resigned, effective Nov. 30, to pursue career paths “outside of Girl Scouting.”
Orban has led the council since it was formed by a merger of Cotton Boll and four other legacy councils in Missouri, Oklahoma and Kansas in 2008.
In its third year of existence, GSMH achieved record growth with an 18% increase in girl membership and a 1.4% increase in adult membership. Out of 112 councils, this positions Missouri Heartland third in overall membership growth across the country.
"Partnering with Jennifer during the past three years to develop a high performing council and board of directors has been a pleasure," said Tina Stillwell of Springfield, board chair. Stillwell notes that under Orban's leadership the council has laid the foundation for a successful 100th Anniversary Campaign and Celebration in 2012. On behalf of the board, I thank Jennifer for her advocacy for Girl Scouting and her service and dedication."
Stillwell reports an interim CEO will be appointed soon.
Girl Scouts of Missouri Heartland serves girls throughout southern Missouri – from the Mississippi River westward to include counties in Oklahoma and Kansas. The council headquarters is in Springfield, with service centers in Dexter, Cape Girardeau, Jefferson City and Joplin.
Photo Above: Jennifer Orban, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Missouri Heartland, at a regional meeting addressing area volunteer concerns in 2010. Orban announced Thursday she is leaving the Girl Scout council at the end of November. (SMT file photo by Annabeth Miller)
