T.S. Hill Middle School has a new program - Headed To The Top - which reqarded students each quarter who meet a set of basic criteria - and they are rewarded with an afternoon of fun.
"It's simple," said middle school principal Scott Kruse. "You make it, we reward you with an afternoon off and something fun! "
Kruse said the criteria is spelled out for the students.
- C's or Better
- 3 days of Absence-excused or unexcused, must be at school!
- NO discipline referrals
- Fines and Fees up to date.
- Contract for the signed and turned in at the beginning of the quarter
And so each quarter the students have a chance to Head To The Top. And this week they had the day of fun with an afternoon at Dexter Bowl.
The music was popping, and kids were hanging out chatting with friends, playing video games, and there was action on the lanes on Friday when the eighth grade group had their fun. Everywhere kids reported having a good time; giggles, and laughs and smiles were proof positive.
Kruse reported that 209 students from the middle school - Grades 6, 7 and 8 - had an opportunity for a fun afternnon at Dexter Bowl in the Headed To The Top program.
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WASHINGTON – Southeast Missouri’s representative in the United State Congress voted to block an increase in the national debt late Wednesday afternoon.
U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson today voted to block an increase in the amount of debt the U.S. Treasury is allowed to incur to satisfy the financial obligations of the United States. The Budget Control Act of 2011 provides Congress with the opportunity to prevent the President from authorizing an increase in the debt limit, although the measure must win passage in both the House and the Senate to become binding.
“Our country is deeply afflicted by debt. As anyone who has struggled with debt knows, this is not a problem that can be solved overnight. It requires discipline and tough decisions. Even today, we as a nation are paying for spending decisions made years ago,” Emerson said. “In just three years, this administration has added roughly $5 trillion to the national debt. We can’t afford this kind of fiscal irresponsibility, and we have to stop it.”
Emerson has now voted twice to prevent increases in the debt limit through the Congressional Resolution of Disapproval.
“We are the kind of nation that pays its bills and I am very proud of that fact, but I would also like us to be the kind of nation that acts with commonsense when it comes to making decisions about spending. It’s downright reckless to reach the limit on our national credit card, and then to simply raise the limit to suit this terrible bad habit,” Emerson said.
A debt level of $15.194 trillion triggers an increase in the debt limit of $1.2 trillion. The vote in favor of stopping the accumulation of debt won passage in the U.S. House of Representatives by a margin of 239 to 176.
By Annabeth Miller, SMT Editor
A special exhibit paying tribute to those from the ShowMe State who have died in the War on Terror will be coming to the Dexter Welcome Center and Museum this winter.
Dexter Alderman Jerry Corder announced at Tuesday’s meeting of the Board of Aldermen that “Remembering Our Fallen” a displayed sponsored by Bellevue University in Bellvue, Neb, will be coming to the newly remodeled downtown center.
“It is a touring exhibit honoring our men and women who have died since 9-11,” Corder said. Currently, state exhibits have been developed and are touring in Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Colorado, Arizona. The exhibit was featured in December and early January at the Hart-Stepp House Gallery in New Madrid.
The exhibit is the work of Patriotic Productions, and features photographs of each the men and women in Missouri who have died while serving in the military since September 11, 2001.
The exhibit was developed originally by Bill & Evonne Williams of Omaha, who have four sons who have served in the military since 9-11.
The exhibit will be at the Dexter Welcome Center and Museum (the Old Depot) beginning Feb. 29
Link of Interest
By Annabeth Miller, SMT Editor
They were all there: professionals and young people; friends and family; leaders and fire chiefs from throughout the Bootheel.
The crowd gathered Sunday afternoon to say thanks and good wishes to Dexter Fire Chief Al Banken, who retired Sunday after 48 years of service to Dexter and the region. The reception hosted by the City of Dexter was held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Hall.
A trio of fire engines were parked outside the church hall, and inside was a sea of blue-shirted Dexter firemen. Guests made their way through a receiving line to offering best wishes, trade stories and offer hand shakes and hugs to Banken and his wife, Betty.
Throughout the afternoon Banken was recognized and honored for his commitment, dedication and loyalty to the city and to fire safety in the state. Banken received commendations from the City of Dexter, the State Fire Marshall, and State Rep. Billy Pat Wright, R-Dexter, and State Rep. Terry Swinger, D-Caruthersville, presented Banken with resolutions from the Missouri State House of Representatives and the Missouri State Senate.
Banken regaled the gathering with some tails of days gone by – and paid tribute to wife Betty and his family. All three sons – James, Joey and Greg – were on hand as was Banken’s grandchildren from Cape Girardeau.
“I want to thank my family,” an emotional Banken said, surrounded by his family, with wife Betty right by his side. “I want to recognize Betty.”
The “largest’ recognition of the afternoon came from Banken’s ‘second family’ – the members of the Dexter Fire Department.
“Al, we know you’ve always wanted on, so everyone chipped in,” said Assistant Chief Don Seymore, as the wrapping was lifted to spotlight a deluxe barbecue grill, complete with a plaque from the department.
“Chief: We Appreciate all you knowledge and leadership you have shared with us in the past 48 years. Dexter Fire Chief All Banken. Service Years 1964 – 2012. Thank you – your firefighters.”
Photo Above: High School senior Garrett Wray was one of the hundreds who recognized Dexter Fire Chief Al Banken on his retirement Sunday. Wray is a COE student, working parttime at DFD. (SMT photo by Annabeth Miller)
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Reception Honor Fire Chief Al Banken
The deadline for candidates to file for April’s municipal and school board elections is just around the corner.
The deadline for both elections is at 5 p.m, Tuesday, Jan. 17. The deadline has been extended one day throughout the ShowMe State due to the Monday, Jan. 16 observance of Martin Luther King Day.
City Election
Dexter city voters will go to the polls on Tuesday, April 3 to elect a mayor, city collector and aldermen in each ward. As of 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13, the following candidates have filed:
- Mayor: Joe E. Weber (incumbent)
- City Collector: Crystal Allstun (incumbent)
- Ward One Alderman: Jerry D. Corder (incumbent)
- Ward Two: Kent Essner (incumbent)
- Ward Three: Ray Pixley (incumbent)
- Ward Two – Unexpired term; One-year: Tim Aslin (incumbent); Billy McClain
School Board
The Dexter R-XI School District will hold an election on April 3 for elect two board members. Candidates who have filed by 5 p.m., Friday, Jan. 13 include:
- Kenny Pope (incumbent)
- Rick Williams (incumbent)
- Ken Rinehart
- Allen L. Massey
Candidate filing for both elections will continue through the end of business on Tuesday, Jan. 17. Candidates filing for city office may do so at the Dexter City Administration Building on Stoddard Street. Candidates filing for school board may do so at the Dexter R-XI Administration Office on Brown Pilot Road.
