With his term as the District 25 State Senator drawing near to the end, Senator Rob Mayer continues to serve the people of his district with a passion and commitment.  Most would think it's time to "coast" through the remainder of his time in office, but the heart of a political candidate is better witnessed in his actions rather than his words. 

Senator Mayer was on hand recently to address the student body of Mingo Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center regarding the importance of self respect.  Senator Mayer interacted with the audience of over 200 students, seeking their opinions on what self-respect means to the individual and to society in general.
 
Mayer then shared some moments from his personal journey from working in industry and farming to his decision to become an attorney.  Respecting others as a roadway to respecting yourself was a principal theme of his remarks.

Senator Mayer balances his political and personal career, while campaigning for Circuit 35 Judge.  One might quickly realize that a typical "politico" would not see many votes at the Mingo Job Corp and thus, find a more beneficial campaign stop.  But Mayer's integrity and commitment to excellence exceed the average and are very evident in his actions. 

Neither would the students of the Mingo Job Corp be considered average.  Misunderstood by many, the idea that Mingo is a form of punishment for these young people is untrue.  Mingo students make application and must be accepted into the program. 

These students many times originate from challenging situations but allow the Mingo Job Corp to build into their lives the qualities needed to be successful in today's world.  Senator Mayer's discussion on "Self Respect" is one of many opportunities these young people are exposed to throughout the year.
 
Mingo Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center is a residential vocational and educational training program serving students ages 16 to 24, located near Puxico, Missouri. In addition to seven vocational trades, Mingo Job Corps offers GED or High School attainment, driver’s education, and basic health care all at no cost to the student. The U.S. Forest Service administrates the program in Southeast Missouri and at 27 other centers across the nation. For more information, call 573-222-3537 or visit www.jobcorps.gov

Dexter, Missouri - The days of putting your dog in your bathtub at home has been upgraded recently with the addition of the Mud Magnet Dog Wash.  The facilities have the self-service tools that favor a Saturday morning trip to the beauty parlor. 

"The facility has been real popular so far", commented owner Patrick Barbour.  "We wanted to put one of these in our car wash facilities on the west side of town but the design wouldn't let us fit it in".

Use of the facilities is simple and easy.  You can bring your quarters, but the operations will conveniently take dollar bills as well as a debit card.  You can expect that an average sized dog will cost approximately $5 to $10 to wash, if you use all the services. 

The dog wash bay is made of sturdy stainless steel with a ramp leading upward.  The sides are adequately high to prevent escape of your pet, plus the bay has two snaps that can will help to hold your pet steady as you perform the wash.

There are eight cycles involved with the dog wash system.  Those cycles include:

1. A Disinfectant Cycle:  This will provide pet owners with the assurance that your pet will be protected from harmful bacterial or problems from other pets.
2. A Soaping Cycle:  The soap cycle provides a warm soap/water mixture to quickly get the suds rolling for your pet.
3. A Rinse Cycle:  Again, warm water is used to keep your pet calm.  The spray nozzle is much like those found in a cafeteria dish washing system and is simple to operate. 
   
4. Flea & Tick Cycle:  This cycle is very handy in the protection of your pet from fleas and ticks.  The solutions is filled with the ingredients and easy to apply.  You are encouraged to allow your dog to sit for two minutes to allow the solution to soak into the coat of your animal.
5. Conditioning Cycle:  To ensure that your pets coat maintains that luster and shine, a conditioner is added to the solutions during this cycle.  Again, it is recommended that you allow the conditioner to soak into your animal's coat for a few minutes before rinsing.
6. Vacuum Cycle:  A powerful vacuum hose is conveniently located on the right side of the platform allowing you to pull loose hair and water from the coat of your pet.  This is highly effective and avoids the dreaded "shake" of the animal.
7. Blow Dry Cycle (low):  The blow dryer is very helpful in removing additional water from your animal.  The low setting is useful if your animal becomes anxious over the blowing sound or the rush of air over his or her body.
   
8. Blow Dry Cycle (high):  A much more powerful setting, you can quickly use the high setting to decrease the time in drying your pet.  Be careful around the eyes and ears of the animal not to cause discomfort from this cycle.

You will also find additional grooming items and treats available through a vending system in the facility. 

Everyone is fully aware of the great job that the Mug Magnet system does for your automobiles.  From the self service bays to the automatic systems, the car and truck wash is exceptional and fully gets the job done.  You will also find advancements in the vacuum system for the autos behind the wash, complete with pleasing scents and shampoo cycles for those tough stains.

  You may have wondered about the bright neon sign and the Dog Wash, while passing by the East Business 60 location.  Well rest assured that the Dog Wash is exceptional and just the ticket to get your dog protected, shiny and groomed.  You will find the operations simple and easy, but be sure to wear older cloths just in case you are caught by the dreaded "shake".

BONUS:  Share this story from our Facebook Page and we will have a random drawing for a FREE $10.00 Gift Card courtesy of Mud Magnet.  You name will be entered in the drawing via the list created on Facebook.   BE SURE TO FRIEND THEM ON THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE!  CLICK HERE!

Article Written by SMT Writer
Jessica Snider

Last night the annual Miss Dexter Pageant was held in the Bearcat Event Center.  Despite the stormy weather, there was still a big turn out for the anticipated pageant.

With categories for every age, there were a large number of contestants competing to win the title of their age division.

The pageant starts in late afternoon and wraps up come nightfall as the Miss Dexter is announced.

Every year the top twelve contestants of the Miss Dexter pageant are selected as “Calendar Girls.” They can decide, or can be assigned a month and for the following year will be highlighted in that month as the Calendar Girl.

Though all the girls are beautiful and each have their own personality reflecting up on stage, only one girl in each division can take the crown. Along with the queen, there is a second and a first alternate.

After a long day of pageants, from babies to pre-teens, the oldest category got under way. The Miss Dexter category is for high school students.

The Miss Dexter court included: queen, Taylor Owens; first alternate, Morgan Cliff; second alternate, Rachel Putnam.  They appear in the above photo as (left to right): Morgan Cliff, Taylor Owens, and Rachel Putnam.

Taylor is the sixteen-year-old daughter of Ken and Shannon Owens. Morgan is the 16-year-old daughter of Steve and Cherie Cliff. Rachel is the 15-year-old daughter of Denny and Shannon Putnam.

Congratulations to not only the winners, but also everyone who competed!

On August 26^th, 2012, State Representative Terry Swinger had the privilege of attending the welcome home ceremony for troops of the 1137^th Military Police Unit. Swinger felt much pride as they departed nearly a year ago. There was joy within everyone in attendance as the unit completed their mission and all returned back home safely. 

 Swinger notes that helping our military and veterans has generated the most support in his nine years of serving as a Missouri State Representative.  Swinger also says, “We should make it our sacrifice and duty to help them from the time they accept this great responsibility to their final resting place.”  The General Assembly exemplified this goal this past session.

 Governor Jay Nixon has said while visiting troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and asking their greatest fear, many of them replied by saying their biggest fear was not finding a job when they return home.

 In 2010 Governor Nixon announced the Show-Me Heroes program in his State speech. Under the program, employers can pledge to consider a Missouri Veteran for their hiring needs.

 HB 1680 was renamed the Hero at Home Program, which originally assisted members of the National Guard and their families to the Show-Me Heroes Program.

 As of now, 2,326 employers have taken the pledge for Show-Me Heroes.

 In addition to HB 1680, it was very important during this legislative session to help find a funding stream for our Veteran’s homes and programs to keep them sustainable. “I was very happy this year we found a dedicated funding source,” notes Swinger.

 HB 1731 provided funds for the Veteran’s homes.

 State Rep Terry Swinger says, “I cannot express enough gratitude for the 1137^th and those who serve our country. If you see someone in uniform or know a veteran, I encourage you to thank them for their service.”

Shown in the above photo is Terry Swinger and his cousin, Harry Swinger of Dexter at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery. Harry was a P.O.W in WWII.

With going back to school many students are simply getting used to their new, unfamiliar classes. When entering into high school the options of all different kinds of clubs can be overwhelming.

 Dexter High School offers many different clubs that appeal to a variety of students. The main purpose of the different organizations is to help students find people who share the same interests, and to have fun with those mutual interests.

 At the beginning of each school year, students have the option to join a number of clubs. Some of those include: Student Council, Future Teachers of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Family Career and Community Leaders of America, Future Business Leaders of America, Future Farmers of America, and a few more.

 One of the clubs that gets started pretty quickly is Future Farmers of America (FFA.) This club is under the leadership of Mr. Ronnie Shipman.

 FFA members don’t have to live on a farm to be a part of the club. One can simply join FFA for the experience it offers.  To be in FFA all one has to do is to be enrolled in an AG class, or to have previously taken an AG class.

 One of the first things FFA does every year is the Watermelon Social. This is a great way for the new and even the returning members to get to know each other. Members of the FFA feel it’s important to socialize outside of the classroom.

 The 2012 Watermelon Social was held this past Monday right outside the AG building.  There was a great turn out of students, and of course, lots of watermelon.

Shown in the above photo (listed left to right): Karlee Wright, Taylor Page, and Kristen Copeland

Shown in the photo to the right (listed left to right): Ethan Ward, Hannah Craft, Kyle Ward, Chelsey Massey, Colton Averett, and Shelby Edwards.