Stories from Friday, February 13, 2015

JEFFERSON CITY -- Gov. Jay Nixon today announced that Col. Ron Replogle will retire as superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol on May 1 after leading the agency for more than five years since being appointed by the Governor in February 2010, and after 31 years as a member of the Patrol. The Governor said he would submit the name of 28-year Patrol veteran Maj. Bret Johnson to the Missouri Senate in March for confirmation as the next superintendent...

PUXICO, Mo. -- When voters go to the polls April 7 they will be asked to decide whether or not to forego future municipal elections if all candidates are running unopposed. If the majority of the voters approve the ballot issue, it would eliminate write-in candidates while in effect...

The Dexter Board of Education accepted a letter of retirement this week from Central Elementary School principal, Cindy Bowman. Bowman has served as principal at the school for the past 12 years. According to Supt. Dr. Thomas Sharp, Bowman is currently on administrative leave and will remain on leave through May 31, 2015, at which time she will officially retire...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The Missouri House approved a full 'right-to-work' measure Thursday that would bar unions statewide from collecting fees from non-members. The Senate will now have a chance to consider the legislation, but it's unclear whether it will pass in that chamber...

The American Cancer Society is recruiting teams from businesses, schools, families, places of worship and other groups to participate in the Relay For Life of Stoddard County event, which will be held May 1, 2105, at Dexter East City Park. "Relay For Life teams are committed to finishing the fight against cancer and raise funds to support the American Cancer Society's lifesaving mission," says Belinda Worley, Stoddard County volunteer Relay For Life event lead. ...

HOLCOMB, Mo. - The Bloomfield Wildcats edged the Holcomb Hornets 49-41 on the road Thursday night. "We've struggled playing on the road this year so it feels good to finally win one away from home," Bloomfield coach Jason Karnes said in a press release to Dexter Daily Statesman. ...

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - The Dexter Bearcats varsity girls basketball program didn't pass up an opportunity to add a final impressive victory against a district opponent to its resume eight days before the coaches meet to decide the seedings for Class 4, District 1 on Feb. 20...