A local Boy Scout has participated in several leadership programs this summer through Boy Scouting.
Tyler Stevenson of Dexter, a member of Boy Scout Troop 4200, traveled to St Joseph, where he attended Boy Scout Camp Geiger.
While at Camp Geiger, Stevenson successfully completed Project C.O.P.E. Project C.O.P.E. is a national program of the Boy Scouts of America. COPE is an acronym for “Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience” and is designed to provide all participants both group and individual challenges that encourage teamwork and leadership skills.
Stevenson is also a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say at Camp Geiger and was elevated to the rank of Warrior on the last night of camp.
In order to progress to the next rank, Stevenson had to complete parts of his costume by hand and pass the Warrior test, which consisted of grading his costume and dancing skills.
Stevenson left Camp Geiger and traveled to S-F Scout Ranch in Farmington where he was on the camp staff of National Youth Leadership Training. N.Y.L.T. is a program designed for councils to provide youth members with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home troops and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others.
Stevenson attended as a participant last year and was chosen to be a Troop Guide for a patrol this year. Stevenson has been recommended for an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader position for the 2013 Camp Season.
Stevenson will be a freshman at Dexter High School this fall and is active in marching band, jazz band, football, tennis and a member of the Missouri Bootheel Society Children of the American Revolution where he holds both local and state offices. He is the son of Keith and Kay Stevenson of Dexter.
Written by
Zach Hedrick, SMT Writer
Prior to Matlock and before The Andy Griffith Show, there was a comedy routine by the name of "What It Was, Was Football".
The likelihood is that your children haven't heard this comedy routine. It's even more likely your grandchildren haven't heard this. But this is truly a classic piece of "country art" by the late Andy Griffith that should be shared with all the ages.
This was in a much simpler time in life that was without Google, YouTube or Netflicks. The idea of a digital new journal like The ShowMe Times wasn't even a thought. This comedy routine came packed on piece of plastic called a record and was played individually in each home. This could practically be referred to as "The Land Without iPods, iPhones or iPads". The idea of an iTunes account was only found in the episode of The Jetsons.
It is reasonable to expect that you ask your child or grandchild to come and listen to this classic piece of art, you will receive one of those all so endearing looks that says "you are so stupid". But if you are watching this on Facebook or The ShowMe Times, we would argue that you are a little more advanced than the average.
This classic comedy selection was the actual breakout routine that moved the late Andy Griffith to a successful career. So actually, Andy Griffith got his start with his country boy way of describing a football game.
It is told that one evening in 1953, while traveling down pastoral N.C. Route 54 from Chapel Hill to an appearance in Raleigh, Griffith was struck by an inspiration that would ignite his career.
He dreamed up a comic monologue about a country bumpkin mystified by a game “where you try to run across a cow pasture without getting hit or stepping in something.” It got big laughs in that day and still brings a smile to many today.
"What It Was, Was Football" sold a million copies. It got Griffith on The Ed Sullivan Show and established Griffith as a Southern comedic voice.
Draw a crowd into the room and enjoy this YouTube video below.
What It Was, Was Football ~ANDY GRIFFITH
Written by Zach Hedrick, SMT Writer
Bell City, Missouri - In the wonderful world of music, talented individuals have a tendency to find each other. When the right combination of friends and talented musicians gathered together two years ago, a magical moment occurred and the bluegrass band of Ringer HIll Bluegrass was born.
It was a meeting of chance, as the group wanted to make certain that the individuals could "gel" musically. It became evident early in the meeting that the group shared a passion for bluegrass, good times and entertaining others.
"We love singing and playing music together." commented upright bass player, Cissy Willams.
As names for the group were discussed, someone suggested "Ringer Hill Bluegrass" and the group enthusiastically embraced the name.Recently, a few of the band members took a quick trip to Mountain Home, Arkansas, the "Mecca" of bluegrass music and festivals. The downtown courthouse area is crowded with talented musicians from all over the area.
"We had a great time," noted guitarist Dale Williams. "We would go down to the courthouse and join a groups and play for hours on end."
Dale shared that the trip was basically a fun trip for the band but filled with opportunities to share their music with tourist and other musicians. He noted that the Ringer Hill Bluegrass banjo player, Eric Pendergrass, was completely energized by the event and would play for hours on end.
Starting their 3rd year together, the group has grown in popularity and fan following. Ringer Hill Bluegrass has played at area fish fries, family reunions, charity benefits, and many local churches. On many occasions, the group will play and entertain the residents at local nursing homes.
The group is scheduled to play at upcoming events such as the Jackson Homecomers Gospel Night and the Bell City Community Days.
Band members of Ringer Hill Bluegrass are Dale Williams on guitar and Cissy Williams on the upright bass. Harriet Weger and Eric Pendergrass have a broad spectrum of musical talent and share duties on the guitar, mandolin and banjo. Harriet will also play the upright bass for the band. The band has another very talented member in Rhonda Cooper playing mandolin and John Simmons completes the group on the violin and harmonica.Dale and Cissy Williams are remember by everyone as long time residents and community contributors to the Dexter area. Actively involved in local church, Dale and Sissy moved to the Cape Girardeau area from their 30 year home in Dexter upon Dale's retirement from AmerenUE.
After a brief time in Cape, the Williams' path led back to Cissy's family farm near Bell City, MO. They reside there with her father, Anson Knoderer's.
This farm where Cissy was born and raised was named "Ringer Hill Farms" due to the large hill and timber that is part of the farm. It was only proper that the bluegrass band take on the name of Ringer Hill Bluegrass.
For more information about the band or booking them for your next event, contact Cissy Williams at cissywilliams@yahoo.com or Dale Williams at dalewilliams1335@yahoo.com.
By Annabeth Miller.
ShowMe Times Editor
A young Dexter musician is preparing to embark on a great adventure that will lead west to some of America’s great landmarks.
Brooks Probst, son of Molly and Darin Probst, is a member of the Missouri Lions All-State Band. The Dexter Lions Club sponsors Probst, who will be a sophomore at Dexter High School in the fall.
The band gathered earlier this week at Fort Leonard Wood, the U.S. Army base near Rolla. The band is rehearsing and preparing for their journey. According to his mother, the week of rehearsal is no picnic. The band members are staying in a military barracks, and must march in formation to the dining hall for each of their daily meals.
High school band members from throughout the ShowMe State are participating in this annual all-state band. Membership is determined by performance ability, attitude, and moral character. Local high school band director must also submit an evaluation of character and playing ability.
The band’s website explains that it is a combination marching band and show band.
“Versatility is the key word, as the group will perform in parades and concerts,” the website states. “A variety of musical styles will be performed. The band will consist of a balanced horn line, a full drum line, and color guard.”
“They are marching in a parade at Mount Rushmore on the Fourth of July,” Molly Probst said. She said she told Brooks to be sure and ask some take a photo of him – in band uniform – at Mount Rushmore!
The band director for this summer’s Missouri Lions All-State Band is Steve Eubanks, retired band director from Jeffferson City. Eubanks taught for 25 years in Jefferson City, and his Marching Jay Band performed in a number of top parades, including the Rose and Orange parades.
The band is schedule to present a concert Thursday evening at Fort Leonard Wood, and will leave on its journey on Friday. Although the itinerary may change due the fires out west, the band is scheduled to visit Rapid City, SD, and Colorado Springs, Col. Band members will return to Missouri on July 8. The band will get back together later in July for the Lions All-State Football Game in Warrensburg.
Probst is a member of the trombone section in the Missouri Lions All-State Band. He is a member of the DHS Marching Bearcats and the Jazz ‘Cats bands under the direction of Scott Rybolt. In addition, the musically- talented Probst was a member of a DHS trombone quartet that received a I rating at State Music Contest, and also participated in vocal solo and piano solo at the state contest. Probst is also a member of the Dexter Show Choir, directed by MaryRuth Boone.
Zach Hedrick, SMT Writer
The music will begin Thursday evening with well over 15 bands on tap for your musical entertainment. The Yonder Mountain String Band will perform both Friday and Saturday night. Other bands such as The Del McCoury Band and Bluegrass Ball will also take the stage during the weekend.
Yonder Mountain String Band is a very popular bluegrass band that is well traveled. They have always played music by the own set of rules. Bending bluegrass, rock and countless other influences, Yonder has pioneered a sound of their own. With their traditional lineup of instruments, the band may look like a traditional bluegrass band at first glance but they’ve created their own music that transcends any genre.
The event will take place Thursday through Saturday (June 28 through June 30). The Arrowhead Campground is located on Highway J near Grassy Missouri. Arrowhead Campground is a beautiful camping park situated on the banks of the Castor River in Southeast Missouri. Camping facilities are complete with both electric and non-electric camp sites, two showerhouses, a concession stand that is open on the weekends, a playground area for kids as well as the cool waters of the Castor River.
Arrowhead Campgrounds hosts multiple events throughout the year like the Boom Hollow Bluegrass River Romp Festival. The Root Hog Rally is a very popular event with local motorcycle riders on the third weekend in August.
If you are looking for something to do this weekend, the Boom Hollow Bluegrass River Romp Festival is the perfect ticket for great music filled and a relaxing weekend. More information about Boom Hollow activities, visit their website at http://www.bloomheavy.com.
For more information, you can contact Arrowhead Campground at their office number of 573.495.2137. You can visit their website at http://www.arrowheadcampgrounds.com or their Facebook page of https://www.facebook.com/groups/Arrowheadcampgroundsinc/.
Direction: Take Hwy 25 North from Dexter to Advance. At Advance, Turn West and then take Hwy 91 North toward Marble Hill, MO. From Marble Hill, take Hwy 34 West approximately 15 miles to Hwy Y. Turn Left (South) on Hwy Y and you will find Arrowhead Campground.
