
Three Rivers College signs agreement to purchase TRC-Dexter building from Dexter Chamber
Three Rivers College signed an agreement with the Dexter Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, March 9 to purchase the building that houses TRC-Dexter. The four-year lease-to-own agreement will secure a permanent home for the College in Dexter and provide room for growth.
“The Dexter Chamber of Commerce is excited to see Three Rivers College accelerate their growth into our Dexter community. The pathway for Dexter and surrounding communities to further their higher education will remain constant,” said Alisha Trammell, Executive Director of the Dexter Chamber of Commerce.
The property, located at 515 W. Market, is owned by the Dexter Chamber of Commerce Development, Inc. The building has a total of 62,400 square feet. Three Rivers currently occupies 19,613 square feet.
“The potential expansion of the Three Rivers College Dexter campus will create a profound positive economic impact on our community and its citizens. We are thrilled to continue the partnership between the Dexter Chamber of Commerce and Three Rivers College,” said Trammell.
Currently, TRC-Dexter offers a wide range of classes, including several programs that can be completed without a long commute: Behavioral Health Support; General Education; Green Diesel Technology; Information Systems Technology, Medical Coding Option; and Welding.
“We were pleased to make this agreement with the Dexter Chamber of Commerce,” said Dr. Wesley Payne, President of Three Rivers College. “It not only shows our ongoing commitment to the Dexter community, it also gives us the option to expand our facilities in the future so that we can better serve them.”
For more information about courses and degree pathways offered at TRC-Dexter, please call 573-614, 1081.
Three Rivers College is committed to contributing to the quality of life in Southeast Missouri with quality, affordable higher education opportunities and community services that support and encourage the economic, civic, and cultural vitality of the region. For more information about college and workforce programs and upcoming events, visit trcc.edu.

Dexter, MO - The Dexter Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards ceremony on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at The Gathering. A reception, tasty finger foods and a delicious cake bar was held along with the 2020 awards ceremony.
Missouri State Representative for the 151st District Mr. Herman Morse and Missouri State Senator for the 25th District, Mr. Jason Bean, presented proclamations to the winners along with Alisha Trammell, Dexter Chamber of Commerce Executive who handed out the awards.
"A little over a year ago I interviewed for the Executive Director position," commented Alisha Trammell. "In that interview the very first question I was asked was, what is Dexter’s greatest asset. My response was, it’s people."
"As I have reflected on that question, I realize I was speaking primarily of one individual. That one individual, Dexter’s greatest asset was the person asking the question...Mark Stidham."
Mark started his work for the City of Dexter in 1997 as Ward 3 alderman. In March of 2001, Mayor John Pruitt appointed Mark as Dexter’s first City Administrator.
During Mark’s 20 years with the City, he worked tirelessly for Dexter. And it shows. From 1997 to 2020, Dexter has consistently seen a yearly sales tax increase.
Mark was a huge driving force in making sure this city and its departments were supported.
He didn’t just think of today, he thought of the future. He planned for Dexter’s future.
Mark served on several state and local boards to ensure Dexter’s today and tomorrow were bright.
Such boards were the Three Rivers Endowment Trust, The Bootheel Regional Planning Commission, the Transportation Advisory Council,
and most notably last year he was appointed by Governor Mark Parson to the Missouri 911 board.
Mark was Dexter’s fiercest advocate and its biggest supporter.
There is one thing I know for certain. Mark is up there giving God pointers of how to protect this city and his family. That is his level of commitment.
Pictured from left accepting for the late Mark Stidham are Senator Jason Bean, Debbie Stidham, Brent Stidham, Lauren Stidham and Representative Herman Morse.

Dexter, MO - The Dexter Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards ceremony on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at The Gathering. A reception, tasty finger foods and a delicious cake bar was held along with the 2020 awards ceremony.
Missouri State Representative for the 151st District Mr. Herman Morse and Missouri State Senator for the 25th District, Mr. Jason Bean, presented proclamations to the winners along with Alisha Trammell, Dexter Chamber of Commerce Executive who handed out the awards.
Dee Loflin Named 2020 Citizen of the Year!
Our 2020 Citizen of the Year is an individual who has always been a positive force in our community.
"You will find her at virtually every Dexter event and she never misses a Dexter Bearcat sporting event," commented First Vice President Dustin Mayer. "She enhances our daily lives with photos and articles that truly represent Dexter in a positive light and showcases what an amazing community we get to live in."
"Ms. Dee Loflin is able to do all of this through her business, ShowMe Times, which is celebrating its tenth year in business. Dee serves on many non-profit committees, is always willing to advertise our local fundraisers and at no cost to the organization. 2020 was a tough year for many. Numerous events and school functions were cancelled. This did not slow Dee down. She remained positive and dedicated to our Dexter community."

Dexter, MO - The Dexter Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards ceremony on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at The Gathering. A reception, tasty finger foods and a delicious cake bar was held along with the 2020 awards ceremony.
Missouri State Representative for the 151st District Mr. Herman Morse and Missouri State Senator for the 25th District, Mr. Jason Bean, presented proclamations to the winners along with Alisha Trammell, Dexter Chamber of Commerce Executive who handed out the awards.
Whitney Horton named 2020 Educator of the Year!
"The Educator of the Year award is one of the hardest awards for us to choose. It is true, our educators go above and beyond for their students and last year, we saw some rock star teachers," commented Maddie Guethle, Chamber Director. "Our 2020 recipient stood out because she not only excelled last year, but from day one of her teaching career. Mrs. Whitney Horton is a kindergarten teacher at Southwest Elementary."
"Mrs. Horton has a true talent by being able to take a class of 20 students and meet each students' individual needs. She gives everyone of her students a unique kindergarten experience that will help instill a love for learning. Mrs. Horton has a vibrant personality and creates an energetic learning environment. When we showed up unannounced to surprise her with the award, it was the 100th day of school. You could tell Mrs. Hortons level of dedication as she too dressed up in celebration and her students were busy crafting."
Pictured from left are Senator Jason Bean, Whitney Horton and Representative Herman Morse.

Dexter, MO - The Dexter Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards ceremony on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at The Gathering. A reception, tasty finger foods and a delicious cake bar was held along with the 2020 awards ceremony.
Missouri State Representative for the 151st District Mr. Herman Morse and Missouri State Senator for the 25th District, Mr. Jason Bean, presented proclamations to the winners along with Alisha Trammell, Dexter Chamber of Commerce Executive who handed out the awards.
Dexter Public Schools named 2020 Organization of the Year.
2020 made the education world jump through many hoops.
"This past year, the Dexter Public Schools faced a lot of uncertainty. This did not stop the administration from focusing on the student’s education," commented 2nd Vice President of the Chamber, Tara Barks. "When the school year abruptly ended in March the school district was able to continue providing breakfast, lunch, and snacks to students. In August of 2020, the district was faced with another challenge; to go virtual or conduct in person learning. The administration and board elected to keep our students in the classroom."
"Each school within the district worked together to provide a safe environment for the staff and students. This 'student first' mind set will allow our students to continue to succeed. Even outside the classroom walls, the School District is a positive part of our community. The Dexter Public Schools went above the call of duty in 2020."
Pictured from left are: Senator Jason Bean, School Board Members Nancy Mayer, Rick Williams, Representative Herman Morse, School Board President Jim Reiker, School Board Vice President Ben Worley and Assistant Superintendent Gavin Miller.