Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Chamber of Commerce met on Thursday, May 11, 2017 for their annual Spring Full Membership Meeting. The event was held in the foyer of the Bearcat Event Center.
C.A. Counts, new Dexter R-XI School District Superintendent, spoke to the crowd and is excited to get to work in Dexter.
"I believe that part of the school's responsibility is to provide a productive workforce for the community," stated Counts. "It is our job, our responsibility, to teach students the work habits and the things that are vital for them to remain in this community and to be productive citizens."
He praised the accomplishments of those students who find great success in medicine, education, and business management, but he also noted that one of his passions is the education of those students who will enter the workforce and utilize skills in welding, HVAC, and other trades vital to our community.
"That's been a something that has been of interest to me," commented Counts. "How to teach kids to be good, solid members of the community and of the local workforce. That's one of my goals. We can't concentrate on just the upper level students. We need to focus on all students."
Counts has 26 years in education and the last 11 years he has been in the role of administrator.
"I have a great respect for the job that the teachers here do," he said. "To be able to have an effect on this school systems means a lot to me. My door is always open and I encourage anyone from the community to contact me." His contract with Dexter Schools begins July 1, 2017.
Bernie, Missouri - The 64th Annual Miss Bernie was held on Saturday evening in the Bernie School Cafeteria. Junior Miss Bernie is Landri Baker.
She is the daughter of Bub and Lisa Baker.
First Alternate is Mallory Rodgers. Daughter of Myra Rodgers and Josh Rodgers.
Second Alternate is Macie Botsch. She is the daughter of Brad Botsch and Tracy Botsch.
Miss Congeniality is Lilly Bridges. She is the daughter of Jimmy and Darla Bridges.
Pictured from left to right is Macie Botsch, Landri Baker, and Mallory Rodgers. Lilly Bridges was not available for photo.
Photo courtesy of Norman Swafford Photography in Bernie.
Bernie, Missouri - The 64th Annual Miss Bernie was held on Saturday evening in the Bernie School Cafeteria. Petite Miss Bernie is Joslynne McGowan.
She is the daughter of JT and Shonda McGowan.
First Alternate is Jaelyn Williams. She is the daughter of Jason Williams and Brandy Cannady.
Second Alternate is Alexa Dillinger. She is the daughter of Nick and Cara Dillinger.
Pictured from left to right are Alexa Dillinger, Joslynne McGowan, and Alexa Dillinger.
Photo courtesy of Norman Swafford Photography in Bernie.
Bernie, Missouri - The 64th Annual Miss Bernie was held on Saturday evening in the Bernie School Cafeteria. Little Mr. Bernie is Drake Zimmerman.
He is the son of Tony and Natalie Zimmerman.
First Alternate is Gage Miller and he is the son of Jimmy and Callie Dean.
Pictured are from left to right Drake Zimmerman and Gage Miller.
Photo courtesy of Norman Swafford Photography in Bernie.
Bernie, Missouri - The 64th Annual Miss Bernie was held on Saturday evening in the Bernie School Cafeteria. Little Miss Bernie is Brynlee Owens.
She is the daughter of Richard and Brittany Owens.
First Alternate is Annabelle Shelton. She is the daughter of Jason and Melissa Shelton.
Second Alternate is Haley Graham. She is the daughter of Jackie and Cecily Graham.
Pictured from left to right are Annabelle Shelton, Brynlee Owens, and Haley Graham.
Photo courtesy of Norman Swafford Photography in Bernie.
