It's an exciting time of the year, as things begin to perk back up after summer vacations, and thoughts turn toward a new school year and great activities and events.

This last week for the "Boys of Fall" (the Dexter Bearcat football crew) to have football camp each evening at the sports complex.

Drivers passing by Bland Stadium could see the young guys and the coaching staff hard at work. It was a week filled with hard work in near unbearable heat as the team prepares for the 2011 season of Bearcat football.

As a way to celebrate the end of football camp, a number of Bearcat fans organized a special barbecue for the team and staff at the conclusion of Friday's practice.

As guys came off the practice field hot and tired after an extremely tough practice, they were treated to a "Summer Spectacular" of hamburgers, hotdogs, fresh grilled sweetcorn and all the fixin's. This was the perfect ending to the grueling hours of preparation for the 2011 football season.

The Football 'Cats have worked hard all summer in the weightroom and running. Yesterdays practice was the culmination of increases to the running program as the team performed 10 sets of 200 yard sprints.

"It (the practice) really shows who has been working because it's hot and tough out here." says coach Aaron Pixley.

The barbecue crowd gathered early at the end of the track adjacent to the Field House to prepare the evening's meal. Helping with the Bearcat Barbecue were:

"The boys have really looked forward to this all summer" commented head coach Aaron Pixley. "We really appreciate the support of all the people that make this possible".

The crowd "chowed down" on the extra thick and juicy burgers and the hot dogs, ate fresh "peaches & cream" sweet corn grown by the Christian Church Youth group, and really savored the sweet, cold watermelon.

It was a meal "enjoyed by all" and a meal worthy of great Bearcat athletes!

As the young Bearcat men prepared to go home after an evening of football and Bearcat Barbecue, they could be seen standing in line to shake the hands and thank the folks who made their barbecue possible.

GO BEARCATS!

By Annabeth Miiler,
ShowMe Times Editor

Back in 1949, it was a little spot on the undeveloped western end of Dexter. It was known as the Daisy Queen, and Leon and Gwen McGarrity served ice cream and fountain soft drinks. Before too long, the McGarrity’s started serving hamburgers and hot dogs to go with the soda.

But Leon learned to smoke meat, and he soon began making what has today become a Southeast Missouri classic. Leon named his most popular sandwich, the “Pig”, made of sliced barbecued pork, topped with slaw and his secret mustard sauce. And eventually Gwen stopped pealing those potatoes that came in 100 pound sacks, and they bought crinckle cut frozen cries, and today's favorite Pig Basket joined the menu.

On Saturday afternoon, Gwen McGarrity joined today’s owners – Lori Hawkins and husband Dana Hawkins – for the dedication of a special mural on the western side of Dexter Queen. Painted by local muralist Bob Whitehead, the artwork depicts a special era in Dexter Queen lore – complete with classic cars and a special section dedicated to Leon and the old Daisy Queen days.

In addition to a special ribbon cutting that included all of today’s staff, the Hawkins' and Dexter Queen hosted a classic car show to celebrate the new mural. Classic cars – just like the ones that would “circle” the Dexter Queen in the 1950s and 1960s – were lined up and ready for viewing. With old time “rock and roll” tunes in the back ground, it was a trip to yesteryear.

Leon and Gwen McGarrity owned Dexter Queen for 32 years. Due to the high heat and humidity, Leon – now 91 - was unable to attend Saturday’s event. Gwen attended in his absence. But the legend that Leon created back in 1949 is still served every day thanks to Lori and Dana Hawkins who celebrate the Dexter Queen tradition.

Photos Above: Top - Gwen McGarrity and Lori Hawkins with the "Dexter Queen Girls;" Middle - Lori Hawkins and Gwen McGarrity next to the mural of Leon; Bottom - The Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Celebration for the new Dexter Queen Mural. (SMT photos by Annabeth Miller)

By Annabeth Miiler,
ShowMe Times Editor

There are some puppies that are just looking for a good home this weekend.

The Dexter Animal Shelter is hosting an animal adoption event beginning at 10 a.m., this Saturday, July 23, at the shelter at 601 East Grant in the city. The adoption event will continue to about 3 p.m.

Animal shelter director Jeff Jarrell says he has a number of puppies and dogs that he hopes finds new homes on Saturday.

“We’ve got a good selection of puppies – about eight puppies and 11 medium-to-big sized dogs all for adoption,” Jarrell said. The dogs are all mixed breed animals ranging from “a hound to a Chihuahua mix.”

Just so folks don’t think Jarrell is favoring dogs these days, he said he did not have any kittens or cats at the shelter at this time.

“We get cats, too. Just not any right now,” he said.

All of the dogs are available to be adopted free of charge, Jarrell said. In fact, Jarrell said adoption is free until the end of the month.

“I just want them to have good homes,” he commented.

The Dexter Animal Shelter is located at 601 East Grant. Jarrell said signs would be posted leading to the facility. “You can’t miss them – they’re pink!”

By Annabeth Miiler,
ShowMe Times Editor

A familiar face joined the table at Monday’s evening’s Dexter Board of Alderman.

Tim Aslin was appointed by Mayor Joe Weber appointed and confirmed by the board to fill the aldermanic seat left vacant with the resignation earlier this summer of Dr. Rick Hux. Aslin will hold the seat until the next municipal election in April 2012 and may then choose to seek election to the seat.

Hux and his family have moved to Jonesboro, Ark., where Dr. Annette Hux has assumed a teaching position with Arkansas State University.

Aslin is no stranger to aldermanic business. He served Ward II as alderman from 2004 until January 2010. Aslin works at Mingo Job Corps as the Business and Community Liaison.

In the brief meeting Monday evening, Ward I Alderman Jerry Corder nominated Ward II Alderman Kent Essner to serve as Aldermanic President. The aldermen unanimously elected Essner to the position.

In a unique twist, Essner was appointed to the board in January 2010 to fill the seat vacated when Aslin resigned his old seat due to professional obligations.

In other business Monday evening, the board:

• Learned from Fire Chief Al Banken that the summer testing of city water hydrants is almost complete;
• The last Summer Reading Program session is Wednesday, July 20 at 10 a.m. Library Director Pam Trammell said the annual program for children has been highly successful this summer. The library will also host a nutrition program for children hosted by the University Extension service on July 27.

The next meeting of the Dexter Board of Alderman will be at 7 p.m., Monday, Aug. 1 at the Dexter Municipal Building on Vine Street.

Photo Above: Tim Aslin (left) takes the oath of office from City CLerk Crystal Bishop as Mayor Joe Weber (center) looks on. (SMT photo by Annabeth Miller)

Scott Chesser was serving up fresh, cold lemonade at the Dexter Chamber of Commerce’s July Jubilee last Friday. Chesser was just one of the Dexter Chamber of Commerce officers and directors on hand at the event. Carol Roberts, assistant executive director with the Chamber, announced on Monday the winners of door prizes at July Jubilee. The winner of the $100 in Dexter Dollars was Chris Guethle. Winners of $25 in Dexter Dollars were Mary Worley, Marti Porter, Annabeth Miller, Ann Marie Mitchell, Dean Drerup, Mark Stidham and Dr. Ryan Schlief. Chambers participating in July Jubilee were treated to lunch of smoked pork loin, barbecue chicken, and all the fixings. (SMT Photo by Annabeth Miller)