
Dexter, MO - The Dexter Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards banquet on Friday, March 4, 2022 at The Lair Event Center. The meal was catered by Dhafer's Mediterranean Steakhouse. Both Representative Herman Morse and Senator Jason Bean were on hand to present resolutions to the award recipients.
Mark Whitehead presented the 2021 Business of the Year Award to Dexter Cinema. Chris and Alysa Costin are the owners and were unable to attend the banquet.
"Chris began working at the cinema at the age of 16. His grandfather ran the Dexter cinema for 30 years and the reason why Chris is now the proud owner."
"In 202 they purchased the cinema and shortly after taking over the cinema closed from February 28th through March to make remodeling upgrades. Then on March 18th Covid-19 guidelines forced them to shut their doors. They would not open their doors again until June 2020. Even though doors were open, business was not the same. The film industry was hit hard and new movies were not being produced. If new films were not being released, then the enticement of seeing the latest movie in the theaters wasn't there either."
"Then in May of 2021, a vehicle crashed into their front lobby. It wasn't until December that new windows were able to be delivered and installed."
Congratulations to the Dexter Chamber of Commerce 2021 Business of the Year - Dexter Cinema.
Accepting the award for them is from left Alisha Trammell, Herman Morse, Jason Bean and Whitehead.

Dexter, MO - The Dexter Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards banquet on Friday, March 4, 2022 at The Lair Event Center. The meal was catered by Dhafer's Mediterranean Steakhouse. Both Representative Herman Morse and Senator Jason Bean were on hand to present resolutions to the award recipients.
Dustin Mayor presented the 2021 Industry of the Year to Rick Shipman Construction.
"Rick Shipman Construction was established in 1991. Throughout its thirty years, this company has been able to employ hundreds, currently having over 120 employees. "
"From commercial, industrial, and retail construction to remodels or retrofits, Rick Shipman Construction contracts services nationwide and has completed projects in nearly all 50 states."
"A few of their most known projects include newly builts and remodels of Walmart stores, Sam's Club stores, and Love's Convenience Stores. Rick Shipman Construction's growth is evident in our community.
"Instead of housing their employees in different locations, they recently built a new building to accommodate everyone under the same roof.
"During their recent building dedication, Rick Shipman dedicated the building to the Lord. To symbolize this dedication, the Christian flag flies in front of the building. It is very humbling to not only know, but to see a business so graciously acknowledge the Lord's presence."
Rick was unable to attend tonight due to a prior commitment.
Congratulations to Rick Shipman Construction on the Dexter Chamber of Commerce 2021 Industry of the Year!
Pictured from left is Alisha Trammell, Herman Morse, Vice President of Rick Shipman Construction Danny Shelto, Rick Shipman's wife Barbara Shipman, Jason Bean and Mayer

Winchester Place the Assisted Living Facility held their annual Valentine's Day party.
Congratulations to Mr. Dewayne Keirsey and Mrs. Norma Jo Guise, Valentine's Day King and Queen
Photo submitted.

The National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) declared February 15th as “National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day” and encourages schools and communities across the nation to recognize the accomplishments of their school resource officers (SROs) that day.
We would like to thank local police officers Dwain Forshee and Jacob Garcia for all they do for Dexter Public Schools and for the lasting relationships they create with the students and staff.
Forshee and Garcia are invaluable to all of our community. Keep up the good work and prayers go out to all of the officers who put themselves in harm's way to protect us each and every day!

The Stoddard County ARC held its annual Valentine's party and crowned its Valentine's King and Queen.
Whitney White and William Stewart were crowned 2022 Valentine's Queen and King at the Stoddard County ARC.