The Squall

The Dexter Farms

Andrew Milkey — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:13:16 +0000

Land was purchased and the farm life began. The farm has been in the family for generations, and hopefully it will continue for many more. People may not give credit where it is needed to the farmers who put in a full, honest day’s work, who wakes up before, the break of dawn and watches the sun set as he turns the ground for the new seasons crop.
As I travel around town, it is easy to be lost looking across acres and acres of fields being flipped and fitted for the new season crop, but I was able to stop by and ask a few of the area farmers their hopes for this season.
Wing Farms has been in the area starting in 1850 and is known for their large pumpkins in the fall. They also plant cash crops which they use for their own livestock as well as sell to the mill. As I began to talk to them, their biggest love on the farm was all of the land. “The land is by far the best part of the experience. It is like a giant playground to us,” Kevin Wing said. He added that it has been quite an experience watching his grandpa start the farm with nothing but a horse and a plow where as now the farm uses multiple John Deere tractors and numerous attachments and equipment to improve the efficiency on the farm. Kevin said he is proud of their tractors because he loves the reliability of a Deere.
Nate Wing said “By far the 4020!” This is a shared favorite amongst many farmers being quoted as the best tractor and most reliable tractor ever made.
The interview was short as the wings had to finish working their 320 acres of land. Like any farmer there is always things to do, and when you finish one the start of another begins. I had lots of fun going the around the small farming town of dexter.

Graduation Parties: Worth the Cost?

Miranda Mors — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:07:16 +0000

As my parents and I were looking at graduation expenses, we found people spend up to $3,000 or more on graduation parties. We wanted to reduce our cost toward my graduation party. To cut down on the expenses my parents and I came up with the idea of combining my grad party with one of my childhood friends. I feel that it is important to still celebrate accomplishments but you can do so in a less costly way. There are plenty of ways to keep grad party expenses down. But you’re having your party alone, then the expenses can get out of control if you allow them to, but you create a budget and stick to it then I don’t think that grad parties are too much money.
I know that most seniors feel obligated to have a grad party because of their parents but I don’t think you’re obligated to have a grad party. I think you should have one, because it’s a nice time to celebrate with your family and loved ones. But if you’re truly against having a grad party then you could keep it small and just celebrate within your family. If you don’t want to make a big deal about your graduation because maybe you’re not excited to be moving out of your comfort zone into the big bad world,
I hope that graduates and their parents think about cutting down on party costs by combining their parties with friends like I chose to do. It makes the idea of spending $3,000 a little less overwhelming.

Bavineau Signs Contract With Nike

Lindsay Henderson — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:07:32 +0000

Athletic Director Mike Bavineau has been working in corroboration with Nike to turn Dexter into a “Nike school”. A contract is in process and very close to an agreement, Bavineau said.
Through this agreement Bavineau said that it will not be made mandatory for all coaches to wear Nike gear or purchase Nike uniforms. This contract will, however encourage coaches to wear Nike and purchase Nike uniforms for players.
What benefit does this bring to the school? With this contract with Nike, Dexter is given $2500-$4000 a year to spend as they like.
Bavineau said, “For example, the money could be used to buy every athlete a Nike T-shirt”.
In addition to the money received, all teams will also be given discounted prices on uniforms, shoes, practice shirts, etc.
Mens and womens varsity soccer coach, Scott Forester supports making Dexter a “Nike school” he said. He has always purchased Nike uniforms for his teams.
In contrast, mens and womens varsity tennis coach Rob Smothers has some apprehension with this change.
Smothers said he does not have a problem with Dexter becoming a “Nike school”, but he is worried that he might not be offered a good deal.
“We have purchased our uniforms from a local company and they are of high quality…If we were provided with cost-effective options from Nike, I have no problem with it,” he said.
“I think it is important for student athletes to feel good in what they are wearing,” Bavineau said, “It’s important for all athletes to look as close to the same in uniform as possible to represent Dexter”.

School Zone Police Enforcement

Boss — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:01:09 +0000

In and around the school zones in Dexter the police have been on the lookout for traffic violations. The police not only want to look out for the safety of the students, but also the parents or guardians picking up the students. School zones have been being scrutinized, due to the many reports of speeding and other traffic violations.
Deputy Hilobuk said the enforcement of law officials around the school are the direct consequence of the many traffic violations that have occurred.
Hilobuk said the speeds of most drivers have decreased. The enforcement around the Dexter school zones is critical because of the many children walking and the chances of hitting a student or a civilian, in a vehicle or not . Common sense brings forth the topic that the chance of an accident decreases when the traffic speed limit around the schools are obeyed.
Another situation is at fault; what if the speed of the drivers is not the main problem? Texting and driving is common. Michigan law says an officer can ticket the driver for the offense without any other traffic violation taking place. Tickets can be accustomed if an officer notices you are on your phone. So, stop texting and driving!
To all of the drivers who just received their license that have insufficient experience driving: Driving fast in the school parking lot is not cool. The parking lot is a great place to find one or two police officers. The 1200 students who leave the high school at 2:51 p.m. have no choice but to be surrounded by many novice drivers.
In reality, the police officers are sitting on the side of the road for the safety of everybody. They are not out there waiting to be the bad guys and hand you a hefty ticket for doing absolutely nothing. Abide the speed limits around the school (well, actually, everywhere), ignore your texts messages and watch the road!

Issue 7: May 3, 2013

Boss — Fri, 03 May 2013 17:43:39 +0000

Women’s Varsity Soccer

Boss — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:26:05 +0000

Battle of the Bands

Lindsay Henderson — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:17:27 +0000

Spanish Class Salsa Dance

Andrew Milkey — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:06:43 +0000

Senior Survivor: 2013

Boss — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 23:16:43 +0000

Charity Basketball Game

Lindsay Henderson — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:50:56 +0000