Dexter, MO - Summer vacation is almost over and the Dexter Bearcat Band Camp will be held August 9th - 12th for the entire band

"Summer is passing quickly and it will soon be time for Marching Band Camp," stated DHS Band Director Giovanni Walker. "I'm so excited to start the new school year with the band students and I'm even more excited to have our new freshman come join the band!"

Walker expects this freshman class to be a fun one!  They apparently provided him with a wig!

Important dates:

Leadership & Band Council July 27th and 28th from 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Freshmen Only and Section Leaders August 8th 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Percussion Camp/Flag Tryouts August 8th 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Full Band Camp August 9th - 12th 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

"We are going to learn new music and a new marching drill for the upcoming season," continued Walker.  "It is important that everyone makes an attempt to be here for all of the camp."

If band members have question you may contact Mr. Walker via email to gmwalker@dexter.k12.mo.us

"It's been a hot summer and it's going to be a hot band camp," stated Walker.  "Each student needs to take proper precaution.  Bring plenty of water and wear cool (but appropriate) clothing as well as comfortable shoes (NO flip flops or sandals) Don't forget hats, sunglasses and sunscreen!" 

Students will need a lyre and flip folder, but if you don't have one there are a few available.

"I have high hopes and expectations for this year and I am very excited to see everyone."

Students may bring their lunch or go out to eat, but must be ready to rehearse for the afternoon session.  If it's it not do not eat too much or you will get sick.

On Friday afternoon there will be water balloon fights and a chance to throw water balloons at the band directors.  They will charge $1 to participate in the water balloon fight and 25 cents per balloon to throw at the directors.  Make sure you wear or bring appropriate clothing for this as you will get wet!.

Last thing are the physicals!  Due to a change in MSHSAA Rules, all band members are REQUIRED to get a physical.  This must be done prior to band camp starting. 

"I will send out a REMIND text for a free physical through SoutheastHEALTH as I am working with them to get this provided to the students."

Dexter, MO - Cody Boyer has been named the new head coach for Dexter HIgh School Wrestling.  The Dexter R-XI School Board approved the hiring of Boyer earlier this year.

"The excitement that I'm experiencing right now is off the charts," commented Boyer. 

Boyer started coaching wrestling in the 2011-2012 season as an assistant middle school coach with Marc Thrower.  "Those kids knew more than me!"  Boyer said that athletes like Ethan Stevens, Storm Massey, and James Mullins were just a few that taught him so much over the years.  He then moved up to coaching at the high school level the following year as an assistant to Coach James Sneed and has been in that position until now. 

"The knowledge that Coach Sneed and Coach Aaron Pixley have instilled in me can never be repaid and I thank them so much for that.  They were amazing and helped bring Dexter their first ever District Title."

"Growing up I had a great opportunity to have an older brother who would practice with me in every sport that I participated in," stated Boyer.  "My brother, Wade, played football, baseball and wrestling growing up and that's what I wanted to do as well.  I wanted to be just like him or even better.  He was a tremendous athlete.  I tried wrestling at an early age, but I didn't really excel at it.  So I didn't do it again until my 8th grade year.  I lost weight and learned a good deal and then went on t wrestle in high school for three years.

Boyer has also coached football as an assistant for seven years and he has been the assistant baseball coach for ten years as a Bearcat.  He is currently the Physical Education teacher at Southwest Elementary.

When as what his most memorable moment was about wrestling and he answered, "Coaching Trevor Waldner to a Missouri State Title!"

"I remember talking to him in the tunnel and telling him that his dad, Bob Waldner, would always tell me that he would be a State Champ one day." It came true!  There are so many wonderful memories that came to mind according to Boyer.  Winning a District Title, many of the athletes becoming state medalists, Waldner winning a state title, first ever girls state medalist was Julianna Rivera, Waldner becoming Dexter's first ever 3 time state medalist and just seeing all the athletes getting better and better every day on and off the mat.

This reporter asked him about Coach James Sneed who retired this year from Dexter.  "What can I say about Coach Sneed?  He was not just another coach to me, he is my friend and mentor," commented Boyer.  "I cannot tell you how many times he had to tell me not to worry.  That if I kept worrying then I would end up with hair like his.....LOL.  We have the same mindset in that wrestling room.  During matches we would yell the same thing at the same time!  Coach Sneed would say we were in sync today.  I could never repay what he has done for me and for my career.  He will truly be missed."

"I found a saying just the other day that states:  If you push yourself to failure, you will never fail.  That is what I want these young men and women to know.  yes, this is going to be hard, but it can be a great tool in the future.  Don't give up when things get hard and tough, keep going, finish!."

"I want to thank my wife, Jordan Boyer and my daughter, Katie Grace for always being there for me and loving me. I know it’s hard for them.  I want to thank my parents, Joy and Dale Boyer, for letting me play sports and have a love for competing. I want to thank my brother, Wade Boyer, for pushing me past my limits. I want to thank Coach Sneed, Coach Pixley and Coach Schwab for giving me the opportunity to help out with wrestling and giving me the love of the sport. I want to thank the administrators for having the faith in me."

Once a Bearcat! Always a Bearcat! I love this school! 

Bloomfield Wildcats Baseball camp was held this summer and it was a huge success. 

"What a great week of camp and thank you to all of our campers for coming out," commented new head baseball coach Chris Smith. "Thank you to the parents as well for getting them there."

"Not only did we get to learn more about baseball, the game we love, we were able to build relationships with all of our future Wildcats!"

The high school Wildcats baseball team came out and helped the youngsters as well. "We couldn't have done it without you!" continued Smith.

The t-shirts have been ordered and once the shirts are in the campers will be able to pick up at the central office with mrs. Sarah Upchurch.

The future is bright for the baseball Wildcats!

Photo submitted.

The Bloomfield Basketball Youth Camp will be for boys and girls going into 1st - 8th grades.  You do not have to be in the Bloomfield School District to attend.

Coach Keith along with Assistant Coaches and players will be present to instruct and teach athletes.

The cost of the camp is $40 if you register now.  It will be $50 the day of the camp.  If the cost of the camp is an issue please contact Coach Keith by email at kkeith@bps14.org.

"We just want the athletes to get the opportunity to participate in a fun and exciting camp.

Sign up sheets are available at the central office or you can email Coach Keith for a copy.

Dates of the camp are July 19th - July 21st (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday)

Grades 1st - 4th are from 8:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

Grades 5th - 8th are from 10:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Make checks payable to Bloomfield R-14 Schools.

Campers will work on the basic fundamentals of basketball including passing, dribbling, shooting, and teamwork.  They will be involved in competitive games along with daily contests.  Each camper will receive a Wildcat t-shirt.

Apply online for MDC managed deer hunts starting July 1

Get more information on MDC managed deer hunts, preview hunt details, and apply starting July 1 at mdc.mo.gov/managedhunt.

Beginning July 1, deer hunters can apply online through the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) website for a shot at more than 100 managed deer hunts throughout the state this fall and winter.

MDC offers managed deer hunts for archery, muzzleloading, crossbow, and modern firearms from mid-September through mid-January at conservation areas, state and other parks, national wildlife refuges, and other public areas. Some managed deer hunts are held specifically for youth or for people with disabilities.

The managed deer hunt application period is July 1 - 31. Hunters are selected by a weighted random drawing. Draw results will be available Aug. 15 through Jan. 15. Applicants who are drawn will receive area maps and other hunt information by email, or mail if an email address is not located on the customer’s account.