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SMT Writing Staff
Dr. Barry Aycock Asked To Serve As Missouri Director of Agriculture
Parma, MO - Lifelong Southeast Missouri resident and agri-businessman, Dr. Barry Aycock made it official today that he will not accept the invitation to become Missouri's next Director of Agriculture. Aycock spoke with Governor Jay Nixon's Chief of Staff John Watson earlier this morning explaining that "while I am honored and humbled that the Governor has the confidence in me to lead this department, the timing is not right for myself or my family."
Barry’s strong advocacies for agricultural issues and expanded technologies, coupled with his strong business sense delivers the political light upon Aycock. Very similar to January of 2013, Aycock carefully considered running for the democratic nomination for the 8th district. He opted not to pursue that position at that time.
His qualification and broad background make him an ideal future candidate to represent our region, yet his dedication to AgXplore along with family commitments ultimately remain his priority at this time.
Aycock's passion for agriculture became very evident when he started his first business – Aycock Agricultural Services -- as a cotton consultant in 1989. Later, Barry was asked by the Bolivian Ambassador to come to Bolivia to assist eight farm businesses as a cotton crop consultant.
AgXplore International, LLC was founded in 1999 following Barry’s consulting trip to Bolivia. The company is involved with fertilizer, research and agricultural consulting, providing places like Bolivia, along with the United States and other countries, with high-quality fertilizers and additive products.
Barry is a 1991 graduate of Southeast Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Agronomy. Aycock also holds a Master of Science from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a doctorate from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.
In 1996, he was named National Cotton Consultant of the Year by Cotton Farming Magazine, the youngest and the only person from Missouri to ever win the award.
Barry and his wife Michelle have two children, Joel and Jonathan.
Congratulations to Barry!!
Rainey-Mathis Displays Community Fanfare for the St. Louis Cardinals
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SMT Writer
Dexter, Missouri - With an incredible bottom of the 13th inning win by the St. Louis Cardinals, local Dexter fans continue their excitement in the playoff fever and are prepared for the afternoon 3:07 opening pitch. Many Cardinal faithful lost their battle with their heavy eyelids, but the Redbirds didn't let them down defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers by a score of 3 to 2.
Local Cardinal fans, Greg and Lisa Mathis, have been busy helping to raise the excitement locally for St. Louis. Greg was able to acquire street banners from the past championships for the Cardinals and worked with the City of Dexter to show the community's spirit for the playoffs.
Shown above, Greg Mathis and Doug Cox display one of the two banners that are displayed on the light poles in front of the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home on Stoddard Street in Downtown Dexter.
When was the last time that a playoff team won two games in one day? Stay tuned and we can all hope that today holds another win for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor
The annual regional meeting, hosted by Barton Mutual Insurance of Liberal, Missouri, brought together independent agents for instruction in sales, product offerings, and industry endeavors.
Barton Mutual is a property-casualty insurer that writes approximately $25 million in premium in Homeowners, Farm Owners, Commercial, Rental, and Vacant Dwelling Lines of insurance throughout Missouri utilizing approximately 300 agencies.
Shown in the picture is Dave Ellinghouse of County Wide Insurance. If you are interested in purchasing insurance or would like a quote please contact them at 573-624-5540 or visit their website County Wide Insurance. You can also follow them on Twitter and Facebook. County Wide Insurance is located at 140 S. Walnut in Dexter.
Dexter, Missouri - Welcome Home Kyle Cox, Welcome Home! It was an emotional homecoming for Kyle and his family. Wrapped in his girlfriend's arms, Taylor Fuwell, tears of joy and relief rolled down their cheeks. His family cheering in the background waiving posters and signs.
Kyle became an EMT and works for the Stoddard County Ambulance Service, but more than anything he wanted to serve his country. A Dexter High School graduate of the class of 2007, Kyle has served proudly and has been deployed with the OEF 12-13 2nd Platoon 2nd squad 704th En Co.
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
The Buzz energizes familiar classic rock favorites that will cause your toe to tap and your body to move. Their music includes classic rock from the 70's, 80's and 90's with songs from bands such as Bon Jovi, Guns 'N Roses, KISS, Poison, and Prettyboy Floyd.
Band members include Mr. Scott Kruse on drums, Kip Musgrave on the bass and tamborine, John E. Law with the guitar and BobbiKay Parker on vocals, keyboard, rhythm guitar and KAZOO!
The band is driven by their passion to help others and share their love of life. As primary organizers and supporters of The Ben Kruse 18 Fore Life Foundation (www.18forelife.com), they always have music built into their own events.
Their personal desire to bring a great time to people marks the spirit of the band. Each set is specifically designed to deliver a positive message and allow others to catch their contagious spirit of fun.
Bring your family and friends and warm up by the fire while you listen to the
