Killian to fill Ward Three seat

Dexter Mayor Joe Weber appointed a replacement to fill out the first year of Alderman Kirby Taylor's seat on the Dexter Board of Aldermen.

Taylor, who served as an Alderman for Dexter's Ward Three, resigned from his position in May after moving outside of the ward.

Weber appointed Frank Killian, Dexter resident and Superintendent of Richland Schools, who was sworn in during a meeting of the Dexter Board of Aldermen this week.

Weber said he believes Killian is quite capable of the position and should be a nice addition to the board.

"He's definitely qulified -- probably over-qualified, but that's a good thing," said Ward 1 Alderman Jerry Corder. "He'll be a nice addition."

Killian was immediately sworn-in and was on hand to participate in the Monday night meeting.

He and his wife, Cathy Anthony Killian, are the proud parents of five children and four grandchildren.

Killian enlisted in the Army after graduating from Woodland High School. After returning home, he received a BS in Education from Southeast Missouri State University and began his career in education.

In 2000, he obtained his Masters in Administration, and in 2003 accepted a principal's position at Cooter Schools. He continued his education, eventually earning his Specialist in Educational Administration.

Killian moved his work to Stoddard County in 2011 when he accepted the Superintendent position of Richland Schools, where he currently serves.

His work in education, he attests, gives him vast experience with the workings of a governmental body and board meetings.

Killian said he appreciates the opportunity and looks forward to serving the City of Dexter.

In other business:

* The board passed resolution 2013.03, setting the date for the city fireworks display. The exception has to be made each year because the ordinance does not account for the fact that the fireworks display is not held on July 4. This year's display will take place on July 3, but in the event of rain will be re-scheduled for July 5. Citizens will be allowed to participate with their own fireworks in the park, according to the resolution.

* Janet Coleman reported that the Tourism Committee advertised the 100 Mile Yard Sale in the Columbia area and seemed to notice a difference. Soleman said the Chamber of Commerce received calls from people in that area inquiring about logding. She said the yard sale's own website has also been a big help, with regional people watching it for yard sale notices.

* Corder noted that the tracks are in place behind the local train depot museum and are ready for the caboose that is soon to be delivered.

* Water superintendent Tom Espey said the construction on the side of the west lagoon is nearing completion.

* Tom Espey said he asked the contractors for the water project to return to work on two places in the Plaza Heights subdivision. There were a couple of things with which he was unhappy, but they have since been repaired.

* Fire Chief Don Seymore noted that his department will be testing fire hydrants for the next 45 days and has asked residents to be patient if any rust appears in their water.

* Park Superintendent Lawson Metcalf noted that the pool is now open, but poor Memorial Day weather and cooler temperatures have lowered anticipated guests.

* There will be an open house on June 21 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the new Park and Recreation facility on Hwy. 114. A ribbon cutting will take place at 10 a.m. The public is invited to attend.

* Library Director Pam Trammell announced that the Summer Reading Program, themed "Dig into Reading," will kick-off on June 12 at 11 a.m. The program runs for a total of six weeks.

The next meeting of the Dexter Board of Aldermen will be on Monday, June 17 at 7 p.m.