Bloomfield, MO - The Stoddard County Commissioners met on Monday, August 30, 2021.  Associate Commissioner Carol Jarrell expressed her concern over the notification of an ongoing audit of the Stoddard County finances.  The audit has been ongoing for a few weeks and she was not aware of the details.

"Someone mentioned the audit to me, and I actually looked like a deer in the brightest of headlights," stated Jarrell.  "My replay was, well I don't know anything about an audit.  I haven't been told about the audit.  It seems everybody in this building knew about it.  I'm hurt.  I'm upset!"

Associate commissioner Steve Jordan told Jarrell that the commissioners had discussed the audit.

“No, not in here (referring to the Commission chambers), we had not discussed it,” Jarrell said. “Nothing had been discussed about an audit.”

This is true as both local press reporters have attended every meeting of the Stoddard County Commissioners and nothing has been noted about a Stoddard County audit.

Steve Jordan, Commissioner,  said she might not have been present for that meeting, but if that was the case then the reporters would have put that information in their newspaper.

“I mean, this has really bothered me that an audit is being done,” Jarrell said. “Everybody knows about it, but I wasn’t included in on any kind of conversation.”

“I had asked Danny a couple of months ago about the audit from (state auditor) Nicole Galloway,” she said. “I asked had you heard anything about it? And you told me no you hadn’t. That hadn’t been discussed. But nothing was said to me about an audit going on.”

Talkington said the audit has been going on for about six weeks and is expected to be concluded by mid-September.

The State of Missouri auditor's office requested information regarding the recent distribution of the CARES Act.

Jarrell obtained a list of CARES Act items requested by the state. She questioned some of the requests.

“I want to get the copy of their requests, and I want to look at the vouchers that were sent,” Jarrell said. "There are things on this list that (say) reimbursement. Who was it a reimbursement to? There’s one COVID expense for more for $32,612. Well, I look back through the copy that (former county collector/treasurer) Carla Moore gave me at the first of the year. And I guess that was a sheriff’s (expense). Another one on here is COVID. But there’s no name.”

Talkington said he was unaware of what was on the list.

Jarrell expressed a concern that she has been left out of the loop in other instances.  Meetings are being held prior to or after commissioner meetings between Talkington, Jordan, and Weeks.

“I’m assuming not accusing, but I’m assuming that there (are) things being discussed back there (referring to the Clerk's office area),” she said of pre-meeting get-togethers among county officials. “And I’m not aware of it and this has happened a few times when things have been done, and I wasn’t told about it. And you as a Presiding Commissioner should keep us informed. Steve, you knew so I’m the odd one out that didn’t know.”

In other business during the meeting, Stoddard County Emergency Management Agency Director Andrew Bohnert discussed upgrades to the county's tornado siren system.

He wanted permission from the commissioners to apply for an Emergency Management Performance Grant for the upgrade.

“I would like to do it in a three-tier process,” Bohnert said. “Our No. 1 priority would be to change how our siren system is activated. This new system isn’t like the push-button consoles. It will be computer-based, (featuring) automatic triggering.”

Bohnert said as long as the internet is operational, the sirens will be activated when the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning; however if the internet is down it will not work, you will have to hit the buttons on the screen.

Bohnert said he would like to divide the county into three zones, such as northern, central and southern zones.

“Right now it takes 3 minutes to set (the sirens) off,” Bohnert said. “So if you have to do Puxico and Dudley at the same time, you have to do one and wait 3 minutes while that siren goes through and do the second one, or you do the whole county at the same time.”

The second part of Bohnert's plan would be to establish a backup system to operate the sirens from a separate location.

“Right now, if the building goes down at Dexter, there’s no backup option,” said Bohnert, who received approval from Sheriff Carl Hefner to locate the backup system at the sheriff’s office. “If we get the system put in down there, we would take a different control box, put it up here and have everything set up in case the (Dexter) building goes down, we can still set them off from up here.”

Bohnert said he would like the Bloomfield location to work as a backup for the siren systems at Bernie and Dexter. Those cities are responsible for setting off their own sirens.

“I’ve talked to both of them to see if we can do a backup for them and they were not interested at all,” Bohnert said. “So I’m going to talk to their city boards and convince them that you guys need a backup.”

Bohnert said the automatic trigger software will cost approximate $13,000, and the grant would cover 75% of the cost. He is awaiting on an estimate for the backup system, but believes the cost will be less than $5,000 to the county.

Bohnert said he would like the county to add new sirens to the current system in the future as well. He said the larger omnidirectional sirens cost about $28,000 per unit, including installation. These sirens have a range of only 7,100 feet. The smaller sirens cost about $20,000 per unit.

Bohnert also told the commissioners he is beginning to track time and expenses for his COVID-19 duties each week.

“Last week alone, I had 21 1/4 hours, which is equal to $765 (which is) eligible for FEMA reimbursement,” Bohnert said. “I guess I’ll start tracking that every single week, every single month moving forward and submit it for FEMA reimbursement.”

He asked the commissioners whether they had decided to use American Rescue Plans (ARP) funds to purchase the Salamander software, which is used to streamline the process of tracking personnel and equipment during a natural disaster.

Presiding commissioner Danny Talkington said the county would pay for the software through the EMA budget but would not use ARP funds for it.  As of this meeting this has not been voted on by the Commissioners in an official meeting.  It has not been on any agenda either.  The cost is $6,880 with an annual maintenance cost of $750.

Bohnert said he has changed the personal protective equipment warehouse procedure to unify and consolidate the approach. All requests made in the county will go through Bohnert.  

“I’m already getting requests for PPE for masks and sanitizer and things like of that nature, passing those out and still tracking items,” Bohnert said.

He told the commissioners he was planning to go to Jefferson City on Tuesday to pick up some gloves and half-face respirators. He said the state is currently offering free PPE.

Bohnert also told the commissioners he plans to hold weekly or bi-weekly informational meetings concerning COVID-19 with executive level personnel from the health department, ambulance district and hospital and the commissioners.

“We’re going to have some information sharing … with what we do as far as approaches and planning,” Bohnert said.

Talkington asked what information would be discussed at the meeting.

“I have insight into what the state is doing,” Bohnert said. “They’re going to share information about current conditions they are seeing. (We can) tell the ambulance district what’s going on so they are ready for it. The health department has information about the Delta variant and how it’s spreading. (The hospital can share what it is experiencing.) We can combine our knowledge to do any mitigation measures for anything we need to do for public outreach.”

Dexter, MO - The Dexter Bearcat Booster Club is having their annual Membership Drive.

The purpose of this organization's existence is to lend support to the TOTAL STUDENT ACTIVITIES PROGRAMS at Dexter High School and Middle School while recognizing and respecting the school administration's responsibility to determine what that program shall include and the policies that shall be followed.  Additionally, the organization will encourage school spirit, citizenship, and physical growth through keen competition.

2021-2022 Board Members are Jon Neely, President, Chris Warren, Vice President, Kristi Booker, Secretary, Tyler Ramsey, Treasurer, Mindi Bell, Lindsey Holden, Wes Howeard, Misti McBride, Aaron Menley, Ryan Schlief, Brandon Vaughn, and Chad Werneck.

Alumni Membership - $15 (DHS Alumni between the ages of 18-25)

Dexter Public School Staff Membership - $30 (Proud to work for Dexter Public Schools)

Bearcat Membership - $50 (Anyone who wants to show their Bearcat pride)

Sponsor Membership - $250 (Businesses that want to display their support of the Bearcat activities)

Corporate Membership - $500 (Bearcat businesses that want everyone to know that their true colors are red and black)

Sponsor Membership will include Dexter Bearcat Booster Club yard sign.

Corporate Membership will include 1 All Sports Pass good for the 2021-2022 regular season athletic events and a Dexter Bearcat Booster Club yard sign.

Mail check to Dexter Bearcat Booster Club, P.O. Box 684, Dexter, MO 63841

Here is a list of some of the items provided to the high school and middle school: Two $500 athletic scholarship to graduating seniors each year, $10 cash to state qualifiers, cookies and refreshments for Fal, Winter, Spring Sports Awards banquets, Concussion caps for football helmets at middle school and high school, cooler for football team, senior banners for all the senior athletes, project prom donation, football tackling dummy, tennis windscreen, Goodwill Games donation, new stand for Bearcat Marching Band, Hudl for coaches and athletes to study film, tennis ball machine, contribution to DHS Sr. Beta, sideline chairs for volleyball and basketball in the Bearcat Event Center, jump boxes for weightlifting, new benches in high school lobby area, golf bags for golf team, sound system for middle school gym, and shooting retrieval system for basketball teams.

Dexter, MO - Jerry Dorton, executive vice president of First Midwest Bank of Dexter, was inducted into the Missouri Bankers Association’s 50 Year Club on Thursday, July 15, during MBA’s 131st Annual Convention at the Chateau on the Lake Resort in Branson, Missouri.

This recognition from MBA honors bankers who have dedicated 50 years of service to the banking community. Dorton is one of seven bankers who were inducted into the 50 Year Club this year.

Dorton accepted his first banking job in 1971 as a loan officer for Security Bank in Paragould, Arkansas. From 1971 to 1980, he held various roles at banks in Arkansas and Tennessee. In May of 1980 Dorton was named chief operating officer for First Midwest Bank of Dexter. Throughout the past 41 years, Dorton has held various roles from chief operating officer to senior vice president to president with First Midwest Bank of Dexter, First Midwest Bank of Poplar Bluff, Midwest Bancshares, and Gideon Bancshares Company. Through his 50-year career, Dorton’s philosophy has been to always hold the customers’ best interests at heart.

He and his wife, Sandy, have been married for 50 years and have two children and five grandchildren that all reside in Dexter. Jerry is a member of the First Baptist Church in Dexter.

Since he has been with the First Midwest Bank it has grown from a bank with one location and $30 million in total assets to a bank with five locations including Dexter, Dudley, Sikeston, Jackson, and Cape Girardeau with over $430 million in total assets. First Midwest Bank of Dexter is affiliated with the First Midwest Bank of Poplar Bluff and the First Midwest Bank of the Ozarks.

The Missouri Bankers Association is a statewide trade and professional organization in Jefferson City that represents the interests of more than 240 banks and savings and loans in Missouri. MBA serves as the principal advocate for the Missouri banking community and provides educational opportunities, products and services that assist bankers with enhancing their banking operations. For more information, visit mobankers.com.

Pictured: Dexter’s Jerry Dorton (right) receives his 50 Year Club plaque from Max Cook at the MBA Convention.

Dexter, MO - Congressman Jason Smith toured the damage left behind in Dexter after an EF2 Tornado swept through the area on Saturday, July 10, 2021. Smith was joined by SoutheastHEALTH of Stoddard County administration, State Representative Herman Morse, MO Senator Jason Bean, Dexter Fire Chief/City EMA Director Don Seymore, City Administrator Trevor Pulley, and Dexter Police Chief Hank Trout.

Smith first took a tour of SoutheastHEALTH of Stoddard County where there was damage to various parts of the building, roof, and outer areas of the hospital grounds.

The hospital has made strides in repairs and was given an "overall good report" after structural engineers inspected the building.

Smith said it's a must to get the hospital back up and running as soon as possible.  "This hospital is very, very important because any rural community deserves a hospital to help provided health care that we need, 7,500 people live right here in Dexter," commented Smith.  

"This hospital was so important that vice president (Hubert Humphrey) of the United States came here for the ground-breaking back in the late 60's."

“We have to do it as quickly as possible because everyday they’re not up and around is that much health care that’s not being provided to the people here in Stoddard County. And even surrounding counties for that because if you look just south of here in Dunklin County, they don’t have a hospital there either, so we need it,” Smith said.

It’s also Southeast Health’s goal to restore emergency services operations sometime this week. 

Smith then took an auto tour of the damaged residential areas of Dexter.  It was amazing to see that the community had come together so quickly and a large portion of the fallen trees had already been cut and stacked by the side of the street for city crews to pick up and discard.

“It is amazing how Dexter has bounced back so quickly with the community help. Everyone jumped to action,” said Smith after the tour. “You saw something that happened Saturday evening and this is Tuesday. They (residents) are back to business where they open up. I've seen a lot of natural disasters in our congressional district and friends helping friends and neighbors. Dexter has been a great example here. I am so thankful no one was killed and from what we have been told no one was injured."

After the tour Don Seymore, Dexter Fire Chief/City EMA Director about the city's response to the tornado disaster.

“When the incident started we activated the emergency management plan and once the emergency management plan was activated we made rapid progress. We worked all the way to 2:30 a.m. Sunday morning to get the main streets opened up and made real progress. I felt the street and water department and the police and fire all worked well together along with Missouri AmerenUE. They walked the streets with us to tell us which trees had power in them.  I felt it really went real well and by Sunday night we had every street and alley opened up.”

Seymore said there are 32 blocks worth of damage to property in Dexter, and about 750 assessments so far conducted by Dexter City Fire Department and other crews. 

AmerenUE had more than 1,100 crew members on the ground by Sunday into Monday restore power. 

Sparklight had numerous trucks out to help with restoring lost internet and cable.  They have set up two numbers to call 573-614-7825 or 573-614-7829.  These numbers are used for those who have been affected by the EF2 Tornado only and are temporary.  Roughly 1,000 customers experienced some type of disruption

There is also temporary Wifi hotspot service set up at Pavilion #2 in West Park.  No password is required.

The Dexter Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Alisha Trammell, has set up an account to accept monetary donations to help provide relief to those impacted by last Saturday's EF2 tornado.   Any financial donation amount will make a big impact. 

Donations can be made at the Dexter Chamber of Commerce located at 515 W. Market Street or at First Midwest Bank with two Dexter locations; 819 W. Business 60 or 20 W. Stoddard.

Press Briefing 7/11/21 3:00PM

Dexter Tornado – Published by the Stoddard County Emergency Management Agency

The National Weather Service arrived here in town at noon today, and have relayed preliminary information that this is a potential EF-2 tornado with approximate 120 mph wind gusts. Their survey is ongoing.

If any impacted families need housing assistance or have unmet needs such as food or water, please call the Stoddard County Emergency Management Agency at (573) 614-5155.

For residences and businesses that are requesting volunteer assistance with clearing debris, or are needing supplies such as tarps, gloves, and hand tools, please call the Dexter Fire Department at (573) 624-3425. This is for any residents in the impacted area, not just those in Dexter city limits.

We kindly request that all non-essential travelers remain off of the roadways in the impacted areas. The crews need space to work, the more cars that are in the way, the longer the clean-up process and the time to restore power will take.

The City of Dexter is requesting that all homeowners in city limits place their debris on the edge of the street, and NOT in the street. They will send crews to pick-up debris as soon as they can.