
Dexter, Missouri - National Library Week will be observed April 9th - 15th by Keller Public Library in Dexter. They are recognizing the Library Board of Trustees and waiving fees for overdue material if returned during the week.
Library Board Trustees are President Chris Brannon, Vice President Debbie Vanslyke, Treasurer Brett Miler, Secretary Teresa Overall, Dave Ellinghouse, Renee Trout, Ashley Mayer, Connie Churchhill, and Kristi Banken, and City Council Liaison Tim Aslin.
Keller Public Library joins libraries in schools, campuses, and communities nationwide in celebrating the many ways libraries are transforming their communities every day through the services and invaluable expertise they offer.
The role of the library has changed for librarians and library workers. Libraries of all types are evolving to meet the needs of the communities they serve.
Elected officials, small business owners, students and the public at large depend upon libraries and the resources they offer to address the needs for their communities.
The library embraces the entire community , offering unlimited opportunities for personal growth and lifelong learning," stated Library Director Pam Trammell. "Libraries level the playing field for people of any age who are seeking the information and access to technologies that will improve their quality of life."
Libraries also offer something unique to their communities - the expertise of individual librarians.
The Board of Trustees give freely of their time and expertise to provide the best possible library service.
"They are tireless library advocates who establish policies and long-term goals, oversee the general operation of the library and budget process and promote the library in the community," commented Trammell.
"The waiving of overdue fees is a courtesy offered annually by the library to say thank you for supporting our library," Trammell said.
For more information about the Keller Public Library call (573) 624-3764 or check out their website at www.kellerpl.org or just stop in at 402 West Grant Street.

Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting at LA Cotton located at 1402 N. Outer Road, Suite C.
The business is owned by Leslie Ackman and features clothing, Jewelry, make-up, candles and other items. She also does heat press and embroidery.
Shown in the photo front row from left to right: Rhonda Hall, Leslie Ackman, Averee Ackman, Annsley Ackman, Mayor Joe Weber, Jason Banken, Alisha Trammell, Debbie Stidham, Cameron Bell, and Hillary Starnes, Dexter Chamber Executive Director. Back row from left to right are: Jerry Corder, Tammy Moore, Trey Ackman, Ryder Ackman, Terry Battles, Kim Norman, and Jeri Pierce.

The program will bring Extension Specialists to Dexter who will provide practical knowledge on gardening, garden fertilization, native plants, farmers markets and other topics.
This is a great opportunity for garden enthusiasts and small commercial growers in the area to ask questions and gain knowledge on garden related topics.
The Garden Symposium will begin at 9 a.m. with a welcome followed by presentations by Sarah Denkler, Horticulture Specialist, Jeff House, Agronomy Specialist and Van Ayers, Community Development Specialist. Kara McSpadden from Missouri Department of Conservation will discuss native plants. Master Gardeners will present on several garden topics.
The event includes lunch with activities concluding by 1:30 p.m. To register call the University of Missouri Stoddard County Extension Office at 573-568-3344. There is a $10 fee payable at the door.
University of Missouri Extension provides equal opportunity to all participants in extension programs and activities, and for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

The Missouri State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (MSSDAR) celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the El Camino Real Markers on Friday, March 10. MSSDAR Missouri Trails Chair Lemira Parks organized the event. El Camino Real is the oldest public road in Missouri and was the main line of travel from New Madrid to St. Louis.
Centuries ago the road was traversed by Native Americans in their expeditions and by the French and Spanish and early pioneers. In later years, it was the first post road and telegraph road west of the Mississippi and the main highway in this part of the state for military usages during the Civil War.
There were a number of important settlements along El Camino Real. Kimmswick was the site of a ferry crossing established by Jean Baptiste Gomache. Ste. Genevieve is the oldest settlement in Missouri followed by St. Louis and then New Madrid, Cape Girardeau, and “Little Prairie” which is Caruthersville today. Perryville was important due to being near a salt springs. Sikeston, Benton, and Rock Levee (Scott City) were also important stops along the Royal Road or King’s Highway.
The marking of this trail was a labor of love for Mrs. Jennie Kochtitzky and the Old Trails Road Committee of MSSDAR. In 1914, Mrs. Kochtitzky discussed the mapping out of the trail and the plans for marking the route. In 1915, discussion of the cos of marking ad the hope of getting money was evident. MSSDAR was sure this would happen, but a fire at the Warrensburg Normal School (University of Central Missouri) caused the allotted funds to be redirected. Other MSSDAR funds were applied to the cause and three Missouri red granite boulders were purchased for $100. The three markers purchased were sent to New Madrid, Sikeston, and Rock Levee (Scott City). Two more boulders were purchased and placed at Caruthersville and Benton. By 1917, four more boulders had been purchased to be placed at Cape Girardeau, Perryville, Ste. Genevieve, and Kimmswick.
The ceremony held at the Benton El Camino Real marker was hosted by the Crowley’s Ridge Chapter of Dexter and the Chalk Bluff Chapter of Campbell. Attending from the Crowley’s Ridge chapter were Glynda Bates, Shirley Richards, and Shirley Carney, Treasurer. Attending from the Chalk Bluff Chapter were Lemira Parks, Ann Polsgrove, and Martha Fine.
Photo and article submitted.

Dexter, Missouri - For the Love of Pageants will host a Miss Flip Flop into Summer Pageant at the Dexter Pioneer Days on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. located at 1503 W. Business 60 just behind EZ Buildings (Old Walmart Parking lot) and next to Ultimate Flooring & Paint.
Age Divisions are for girls only: Baby Miss (0-9 months), Wee Miss (10-23 months), Tiny Miss (2-3 years), Little Miss (4-6 years), Petite Miss (7-10 years), Junior Miss (11-13 years), and Miss Flip Flop into Summer (14 years and up).
Entry fee is $25 if pre-registered. Day of the pageant it will be $30. Casual attire plus your favorite flip flops or sandals. Registration begin at 10:30 a.m. on the day of the event.
This is a non-glitz pageant. No excessive hair or make-up. Standard pageant walk. There will be a Queen and two alternates in each division. Queens will receive a trophy and crown. Alternates will receive a trophy. All scores are final and no refunds.
Registration fees may be sen via PayPal to williamsp@bernie.k12.mo.us or contact Paige Williams at (573) 421-1396.
2017 Dexter Pioneer Days will be held on Friday, March 31st and Saturday, April 1st from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and on Sunday, April 2nd from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Crafters will be there on Saturday only. Living History Encampment will be there rain or shine with lots to do! Shoot a bow, throw an atlatl or tomahawk, see live turtles, feel pelts and furs of Missouri and the candy cannon at noon and 3 on Saturday! Don't forget the fantastic old fashioned foods!!