Longtime Radio Personality Marv Luten interviews guests, shares community updates, National and Local sports and more. The Marv in the Morning Podcast is a production of O’Quinn Media.
For guest or sponsorship opportunities, email tracy@oquinnmarketing.com or marvinthemorning53@gmail.com
— Automated Transcript —
Marv: Welcome to the Marv in the Morning podcast. Now, here’s Marv.
**Intro**
Marv: Thanks for the intro, and welcome to another episode of the Marv in the Morning podcast on the Fort Not Lost in the Woods podcast site. Brought to you by Shelter Insurance agent Dave Holland of Richland, St. Robert Auto Supply, Seger Toyota, the Pulaski County Health Center, STR Glass of St. Robert, VFW Post 3168 of Laquey, TK’s Pizza, Three Brothers Meat Company in Lynn Creek, Bale’s Construction, the Bank of Crocker, and Paul’s Furniture.
**Traffic Talk**
Marv: Well, today, we’re going to start with traffic. And you should know where I’m going with this eventually.
In the radio business, the traffic director is the one who schedules the commercials you hear and what time of the day they’re to be played. Some businesses pay more for prime time, which is called drive time, usually between six and eight in the morning or four to six in the afternoon and evening.
This is not the traffic director we’re talking about today. The traffic director we’re aiming at are those who direct motorists through intersections where stop lights are not functioning. And that’s usually the local police officers, and those blinking signs directing the driving public to merge or warn them of traffic problems ahead. And that’s where this is headed.
The construction work in Pulaski County, and it is well needed, but it all have to happen at the same time? Sidewalks getting installed in both Waynesville and Saint Robert had traffic down to one lane at times. And then there’s the work at Exit 159 on I-44, going from historic Route 66 in Saint Bob to the Ruby Doo Bridge in Waynesville and a little bit beyond.
Again, this was well overdue, but it has left the traffic in Waynesville a royal mess. While the westbound part is mostly done, as they extended the entrance ramp onto the interstate and apparently are putting in additional lane heading down 44 to near Exit 156. The eastbound traffic is getting another lane going up the hill from the Rubydoo Bridge to Exit 159 to the Saint Robert City route or westbound Historic Route 66. This is where the traffic on I-44 has hit a snag.
As we dropped this podcast, work crews on the interstate have the eastbound traffic merging into one lane, while the work is going on. And with all the loaded 18-wheelers who do not move very fast up a hill anyway, start to merge, traffic gets backed up quickly. This has impatient motorists getting off at either Exit 153 in Buckhorn, or Exit 156 at Waynesville at Paula Road, which heads into the Westgate of Fort Leonard Wood.
The only alternative for the motorist is to come through Waynesville. Both the north and south outer roads at Exit 156, one goes by LaClede Electric and Hunter’s Point, the other by Waynesville High School, are both dead ends. They can’t get through the Westgate either without a pass. So it’s onto Waynesville and they go through town.
While the traffic does move a little faster than the interstate in Waynesville, it has the locals using the city route shaking their heads and posting nasty comments on social media and is the talk of the town. I was at home about a week or so ago. My wife and her sister, after leaving church in Buckhorn, went to Price Cutters to get some Starbucks coffee and to pick up some groceries for dinner.
It took them 40 minutes or so to get to Ikerd Avenue from Buckhorn, normally a five to eight minute trip. She was not a happy camper. Again, more patience is needed until this work is complete, or until at least they can get two lanes open on the interstate going up that hill. When it’s all said and done, this road improvement will be a big bonus to the area. Patience, my friends, is the key. And allowing extra time when going through Tiger Town on the historic route.
As mentioned in earlier podcasts, I was an impatient driver, but that has changed. Allowing more time for the trip and to stop and smell the roses along the way is the key. That, and the fact that you don’t need to use the bathroom also helps.
**Political Attack Ads**
Marv: Well, the August primaries are over. And so are the political attack ads. When I see or hear one of these on the tube or the radio, my vote automatically swings to the other side. The attack ads are very numerous. In the past, it usually told of the candidate’s background and the accomplishments, not what their opponent has or has not done or the malicious BS.
These ads are usually paid for by an outside organization and not by the candidate they’re running against. If it were, there would be fisticuffs at polling places on election day. Not that that has not happened before or will in the future. My favorite political ads are the ones that come in the mail. It’s a good filler for the trash can, because that’s where most of them end up at least at my place, and I’m sure yours too.
There will be more of these coming up in the November general election, but at least we have a few months reprieve before the nonsense starts all over again. I can’t wait. Okay, just kidding, I can wait. We have some great political candidates and human beings running for office in Pulaski County for state and local government positions. Many are friends and know each other well.
And I can’t believe those running for office have anything to do with these attack ads. Now, I may be wrong about this, but I hope I’m not.
**The Marv in the Morning Podcast**
Marv: I went to visit my cows last Sunday. I had not seen them in a couple of days. They have plenty to eat because they have plenty of pasture. I drove four fields in some weeds higher than the cab of my truck and, yes, I need to brush hog. No cows anywhere. I called and called and had no response. Then I got worried. Did they find a way to the neighbor’s or for the river to the other side?
I got to our upper field, far from the river. The only access to that field was an open gate by the barn lot, and before I made the trip, I checked and there were no signs. 13 head of cattle made that trip. Because after Saturday’s rains, there would have been tracks. I get pissed when people who use our gravel bar leave the gates open, which I can say does not happen very often.
When I got to that upper hayfield, the silver gate, which is kept closed, was open a little, and the chain holding the gate was broke. I was never so happy to see a gate open in my life. That was a clue the cows were the culprits. And it was. I found the cows. Everything was good. They were happy to see me with a buckly cubes. I thank the Lord because even though the fences are fairly good, the cattle were on our land and I didn’t have to find them at the neighbors. That to me is a great day.
Needless to say, that has not always been the outcome in previous searches. Well, I was trying to keep the events in Washington D.C. off this week’s podcast because there’s not much new going on. The war with Iran is still on, I think. One day the President is going to blow the hell out of them, the next day he recants. This is an ongoing process, week in and week out. And in the meantime, gas and grocery prices continue to go up. Some gas prices are down a bit but not really enough to make any difference. Enough of the DCBS.
**Cow Days**
Marv: Today on the podcast, we’re going to the northern portion of Pulaski County in the town of Dixon, where an event happens every September. It’s the town’s biggest event of the year. It’s called Cow Days, a three-day festival this year, which runs the mid-part of next month in September. We’ll visit with President of the Chamber of Commerce in Dixon, who puts this festival together, Lacey Rollins, coming up next. We’ll find out what their big 40th anniversary celebration entails. Lacey is next.
**Commercial Break**
Marv: Plan to enjoy more family time and comfort this summer on your new furniture from Paul’s Furniture. They have two massive showrooms stocked full of today’s hottest brands at the guaranteed lowest prices. Brands like Lazboy, Flexsteel, and Ashley. Paul’s Furniture even offers 12 months same as cash financing. So with the guaranteed lowest prices and free delivery, your home for more comfort is Paul’s Furniture in Rolla and Saint Robert.
When you’ve been in business since 1939, and when you do the math, that’s 85 years, you’re doing something right. Bale’s Construction in Waynesville has been doing things right for a long time, and that continues today. Bale’s Construction has rapidly grown from being Pulaski and neighboring counties’ top residential builder to one of Missouri’s largest commercial general contractors. Today, they specialize in construction of educational and healthcare facilities, but their excellence in building does not stop there, completing an extensive number of projects such as banking, retail, industrial, civil, multi-family, food service, hospitality, transportation, and municipal projects. Their offices in Waynesville and Springfield, Missouri allows Bale’s Construction to cover a large portion of Central and Southwest Missouri. Explore their website and see what Bale’s can build for you.
WIC is here to help your growing family thrive. WIC is a supplemental nutrition program providing healthy foods, free nutrition education, and community referrals. If you are pregnant or have a child under the age of five, you or your child may be eligible for WIC. With a card to use at the store and more fruit and vegetable dollars, it’s a great time to be on WIC. Call the Pulaski County Health Center at 573-774-3115 to learn more. That’s 573-774-3115. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
**Cow Days Discussion**
Marv: Today on the podcast, we are going to jump into the fall part of the year, which a lot of people are looking forward to, especially after the heat we have been through here in the, uh, our back in the month of July. We are visiting with Lacey Rollins, who is the, shall we say, head honcho of this year’s Cow Days celebration over in Dixon. Lacey, thanks for joining us.
Lacey: Thank you.
Marv: Let me get a little background, uh, on Lacey. And, uh, where did you grow up and how did you get this job?
Lacey: Uh, born and raised in Dixon. Um, I’m from there, graduated there, uh, moved away for college, came back. Uh, I’m the librarian in town, and I’m the President of the Chamber now. So,
Marv: So, uh, a lot of things on your plate, uh, these days, and I’m special, I’m sure getting Cow Days all together, um, is an event. How many years now is this for Cow Days over in Dixon?
Lacey: It’s our 40th anniversary of the festival. Um, we started it back in the 80s, um, well, actually it dates back to the Great Depression when the merchants decided to throw it together and then it kind of trailed off. Um, and then back in the 80s, uh, the Chamber decided to resurrect it and have it as more of a festival and and here we are, 40 years later.
Marv: How many members do you have, uh, in the Dixon Chamber of Commerce? I know that’s probably a number you’re probably going to grab out of the air.
Lacey: It’s, no, it’s, it’s 49 at the last count. At the last meeting, we, we report on that every month. It’s 49. Um, and then there’s, there’s a handful of us that plan the event though.
Marv: And how is Dixon doing? I have not been, uh, over to Dixon in a while. Used to play softball over there, uh, many years and still have friends that live over in Dixon. And of course, uh, I go to the golf course over there. As a matter of fact, uh, as we drop this podcast, I was over there last week, uh, in Oak Hills in a golf tournament.
Lacey: Absolutely. Oak Hills has a lot of golf tournaments coming up, too. Um, yeah, I’m at the golf course a lot too. Uh, no, Dixon’s thriving. Dixon’s doing well. We have lots of events coming up, um, you know, not just Cow Days, and, uh, we’re doing really well. We just had an event on Saturday that was really great at Old Oak Station in town. Um, you know, Dixon’s trying to do better and we have some great business owners in town that are helping. Um, you know, the Chamber’s doing well, and we have other organizations in town like DCA and the Lions Club that are banding together to do events as well. So.
Marv: How many years have you been working with Cow Days, or is this your first?
Lacey: Uh, no, definitely not my first rodeo. I mean, no pun intended, that is our theme. Um, but, um, I’ve actually been, I’ve had my hand in it since I was a kid, really. Um, my mom’s always been a lifelong volunteer, um, not just with the Chamber but with other, um, through other avenues with the nursing home in town and such. And, um, she kind of, I don’t know, I just kind of followed in her footsteps, and here I am now. Um, but I’ve always helped her with different events in town, and now I’m the President of the Chamber. So, a little hand in it since I was a kid, really. So.
Marv: And there’s going to be a lot of things going on. I’m sure if this is your 40th year, you’ve probably boosted up the ante a little bit.
Lacey: Yes, absolutely. Um, you know, we’ve, we’ve had feedback through the years, you know, things that people want to see, things that need to change. Um, and we listen. Um, and, um, so we have some new and exciting things happening this year. Um, we have a mechanical bull coming this year. We have some more things like a rock climbing wall, um, for those, um, young kids, the in-between stage kids, you know, that can’t quite do the bounce houses, but they want to have fun while they’re at Cow Days. Um, we have lots of stuff like that for them. Um, we do have some more games coming this year, um, more than usual. Um, there’s usually a few, but this year there’s going to be quite a few. Um, and then, of course, we have our traditional stuff. We have our, um, hot dog eating contest, which is quite possibly the most popular part of Cow Days. Um, we get lots of good feedback from that, and we have a kids one this year, um, which is new to Cow Days. Um, we had lots of kids interested last year, so they’ve separated that out. We have a kids hot dog eating contest, and then an adult one.
Marv: So, how long has this hot dog eating contest been going on? Because I used to do commercials for Cow Days, at the radio station, and either it was not on the brochure or it was just tossed in there, because I never mentioned anything about a hot dog eating contest at Dixon Cow Days in all the commercials I’ve done.
Lacey: I believe, so Jackie’s Snack It in town, um, you know, we’ve always had the Snack It for years. Um, the newest owners of, of the Snack It, um, decided to start this, I believe it was three years ago. Um, I’d have to ask Dustin and Chelsea, the owners. Um, but I think it was three years ago that we started it, and it just kind of has grown from there, and I mean, it’s, it’s kind of a big deal. Um, our friend down the road, Pat Ryan at Tire Town, he hosts it. I don’t know if you’ve ever watched him host anything, but it’s hilarious. Um, it’s, it’s just a great time all around. Um, we, we really enjoy it and the, like, that’s probably what draws the biggest crowd at Cow Days, to be honest.
Marv: So when is the hot dog eating contest taking place?
Lacey: It’s Saturday at 5:15.
Marv: Okay, and that is for both the youth and for the adults?
Lacey: Yes, we’re going to do the kids one first, um, and then in between, we’re going to do a cow calling contest because, you know, it is Cow Days, after all. And then, um, while we do a little bit of cleanup, and then we’ll do the adult one right after.
Marv: So, how many hot dogs do they go through in this?
Lacey: That’s a good question. Um, that would be a question for Dustin and Chelsea, but it’s quite a few. Um, judging from the pictures that I’ve taken, um, I have to turn my head away when I take these pictures, because I can’t watch it. Um, but, um, I do listen to the hot dog eating contest. Um, but it’s, it’s quite a lot. They, you know, and they cook them on site and, and serve them and, um, and they just pile them up, and I think everybody starts with 10, and like last year, I’m not sure how many entrants we had, but it was a good 20 or so. And then they just keep eating and, uh, it’s, it’s a lot.
Marv: And I’m sure it’s kind of like if you’ve ever seen the Coney Island hot dog eating contest during the 4th of July holiday up in, uh, New York, uh, this is probably somewhat similar to it.
Lacey: It is, it is. Um, and they take it, they’ve gotten to the point where they take it very seriously now. They have their cups of water sitting there, and they soak the buns. I mean, it’s, it’s a whole deal. And, um, and they work to win that money, and I believe it’s a hundred dollar prize and, um, and of course a really obnoxious trophy. Uh, obviously, you know, everyone wants bragging rights on the hot dog eating contest.
Marv: Sure. And a free bottle of Pepto-Bismol when you’re done, right?
Lacey: Yes, you’re going to need it.
Marv: Okay. You, okay, you have a lot of stuff for the kids this year.
Lacey: Yes, yes. Tons of stuff. We have the bounce houses, um, uh, Larry Helms with Boiling Springs, he’s bringing his barrel train up, uh, for the kids. Uh, we have a dunk tank coming, um, we have pony rides this year. Um, that’s going to be really fun. Um, of course, we have the parade on Saturday. That’s a huge tradition. Um, you can see everything there. Um, we have a youth pageant. Uh, the forms for that will be out soon. Um, and that is open to everyone, not just Dixon residents. So if you have a kiddo, um, ages birth through sixth grade, um, it’s open to them, even in the surrounding area. Um, we also have, um, little bit karaoke with Ashley Meza. She, um, does a dance party and kids karaoke down at the Utter Stage. Um, so that’s going to go on on Friday and Saturday. Um, she’s a great time. She lets those kids get up there and entertain, do whatever they want, kind of have fun. And then, of course, she plays music for them to dance to, um, down there, and it’s near the kids zone. So everybody can kind of stay in the same area there. Um, so that’s going to be really fun. Um, she, we got great feedback from that last year when we had her do that. So, we’re, we’re having that again.
Marv: What about entertainment? Because I know you have entertainment almost throughout the entire Cow Days celebration.
Lacey: Yes, yes. When we don’t have other events, um, lined up, we always have, uh, live music. Um, we have Ryan Voss, um, from Iberia coming. Um, he’s, um, going to be there on Friday night. Um, we have, um, Haley Powers, who is a Dixon native, but she now lives in this area, um, over here in, in the Waynesville area. Um, she is coming. Um, she’s going to entertain right after the parade on Saturday, um, at 12:30. Right after her is Owen Kleepple. He’s from, um, Vienna. He does, um, some great country music. Um, he’s right after her, right before the hot dog eating contest. So, um, and then, um, that night, um, we’re doing something a little different, um, headlining Cow Days. We thought what better way than to celebrate our 40th year than to have our local friends, um, headline the festival. Um, you know, when, when I was a kid, when a lot of us were kids, um, that’s what it was. It was local entertainment. And, so that’s what we’re going to do. Um, there’s going to be a variety of people. Um, a few of them are going to be, uh, Pat Reagan, um, who lives in Dixon, uh, Donnie Warnoll from Dixon, uh, Jenna Blue, who actually lives over here and runs the flower shop, of course, over here. Um, she’s from Dixon though, and, um, you know, she’s been on the Cow Days stage before. Everybody loves her. She has a beautiful voice. She’s also going to be there playing and as well as a few others, I’m sure we’ll make a cameo appearance. So.
Marv: So, basically, you’re going to have a jam session of just local local people.
Lacey: Yes. And it’s going to be really fun, and we’re really excited about it because, um, you know, we, um, we just feel like that’s what Cow Days is all about, you know, supporting local people and, and doing, um, doing this for, for our town. And, and everybody enjoys them playing music. So, I think it’s going to bring a crowd. I think the crowd’s really going to enjoy it. And, of course, those people are so talented. So.
Marv: What time does the entertainment start on Friday and Saturday?
Lacey: Friday, uh, Ryan comes in at seven. That’s, that’s the only entertainer on Friday because, um, we have like our opening ceremonies going on, the pageant, um, a cow calling contest, of course. Um, and then, um, right after Ryan, uh, we do our merchant cow giveaway, which we give away tickets for, of course, the few weeks leading up to Cow Days. And then on Saturday, it’s kind of peppered in. Um, Haley, like I said, she starts right after the parade. Um, the parade is at 11:00 AM. So if you want to come watch the parade, get some candy for the kiddos. Um, that starts at 11:00, and then Haley’s right after that. Um, right after Haley’s done, Owen comes on stage, and then we have that hot dog eating contest, which is also entertaining. And then, um, after that, we have the local legends coming on stage to, to play until we do our raffle cow drawing.
Marv: So, what is the parade route this year?
Lacey: Sure. Um, so the parade route always starts up at the Dixon High School, um, and they come down the high school drive, turn onto Highway 28, and then they take, um, Second Street all the way through town. Um, which for those of you that are not familiar with our street names in town, uh, Second Street is the street that, um, has like Tri-County Lumber on it, Mary’s County Bank, um, you know, the, uh, Dixon School District administration building. It’s all that. It’s that main street in town. Um, it, it goes all the way through there, um, all the way down. So, that’s the parade route. Most people do, um, it, probably the safest and best place to be is on Second Street.
Marv: So does it wind around Dixon and come back to the, uh, high school, or does it?
Lacey: It pretty much ends there, and then they all go back to the high school to, you know, unload. I suppose.
Marv: Yeah, get all their, get all their stuff together and stuff like that.
Lacey: Yes. But, yeah, but the main gathering is right there in town along Second.
Marv: Okay, I’m going to hit you with the question here that I everybody I talk to that has to do with these festivals. They get hit with this insurance money.
Lacey: Oh, yeah.
Marv: What is the insurance like to put on? And I don’t need numbers.
Lacey: It’s, yeah, it’s, well, it varies every year, and, and quite honestly, we haven’t procured it yet this year, but, um, because we, I mean, we have to wait anyway, um, to finalize every event, um, because they want to know every single thing you’re going to do, of course. Um, it’s, it’s outrageous. And, um, in between last year and the year before, it, pretty much doubled. Our insurance did. Our event insurance, because you have to get special event insurance, and it has to cover everything. Um, you know, and, you know, things like parades make it higher, things like those kids activities make it higher, and, um, and you know, and we, we don’t want to not have them, but we also have to be covered. So, um, it, it’s outrageous, though.
Marv: So, how do you get the money for this? Do the businesses come up with the money?
Lacey: Um, we, we have such a generous community. Um, we, our Chamber members and others that aren’t even members of our Chamber are great sponsors, um, and they’re very generous. Um, you know, some of our, um, I mean, amazing sponsors that have been with us for years. Um, you know, both, both of our local banks. Um, the Bank of Missouri is not a local bank anymore, but they’ve always been super supportive of Dixon. Um, the Mary’s County Bank, uh, Phelps Health has been super supportive for the past several years. Um, we’ve got, um, Dump It Disposal. Um, he helps us with all kinds of logistics every year. Um, Phoenix Home Care and Hospice, Parts City, our auto parts store in town. Um, Cord Moving, um, they’ve been great. They actually help us, um, move literally everything every year. Um, which would be a ginormous expense if we didn’t have that because, you know, we have bleachers to move in, we have tables to move in, um, which brings me to Boiling Springs Campground. Um, Larry Helms has been just a long-term, long-time supporter of Cow Days. He helps us, uh, he lends us all of his tables from the campground. Um, Cord goes down and picks them all up and brings them up to town, and he lends them to us and, and Larry’s always been one of the most supportive guys of Cow Days. He loves it. Um, and then, of course, K&M Automotive and Reese Equipment, they have supported us, um, every year since I can remember. Um, and, and we just appreciate all of our sponsors. They’re, they’re so good to us. Um, we have multiple sponsors otherwise that just too numerous to name that are just so generous at this time of year. You know, help us purchase the cows that we give away, of course. Um, and, and just sponsor every little thing that we have going on. And, and we just love it because Cow Days is Cow Days, and I don’t think Dixon would be Dixon without Cow Days. So.
Marv: Well, it sounds like a great group of people that, uh, all come together, uh, to make this happen. We’re going to take a break, and we’re going to come back after we hear from some of our sponsors and wrap things up with Lacey Rollins from Cow Days. Don’t go away.
**Commercial Break**
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Meet you at the V. is a popular saying in our Neck of the Woods, and for a good reason. VFW Post 3168 at Exit 150 off I-44 is a popular place, especially on Friday and Saturday night, because it’s Steak Night from 4:00 to 9:00, where folks come from miles around to get some of the best steaks at a price that makes even the most thrifty smile. With several cuts of juicy steaks cooked the way you like, complimented by salad, baked potato, and a veggie. Their canteen is open Monday through Thursday from 3:00 to midnight, and Friday from 3:00 to 1:00, and they open at noon on Saturday and Sundays. Their kitchen is open from 5:00 to 9:00, Mondays through Thursdays with daily specials. And did I mention Steak Nights, Fridays and Saturdays, and there’s karaoke Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8:00 to close. Plenty of TVs to catch up on all the big games, and a huge meeting room for rent for your special occasions. Queen of Hearts runs every Tuesday, and check out their website for Bingo Nights, and every second Saturday of the month from 12:00 noon to 3:00 PM, they host a Veteran Service Officer event. Laquey VFW Post 3168, Exit 150 off I-44. See why more people are heading to the V every day.
TK’s Pizza in Saint Robert, home of the original hand-tossed King, has been throwing dough in Pulaski County for over 40 years. Although a lot has changed in that time, TK’s delicious hand-tossed pizza has not. Taste our iconic pizza, our delicious toasted subs, mouth-watering calzones, huge fresh salads, gooey cheese bread, and more. At the same little spot we’ve been throwing dough for decades. 743 Missouri Avenue in Saint Robert. Call 573-336-FAST or order online at 336FAST.com. We’ll have it ready when you get here. Come on, taste the TK’s tradition.
**Cow Days Discussion – Continued**
Marv: We’re back with Lacey Rollins, the President of the Dixon Chamber of Commerce, who joins us to talk about the 40th anniversary of Cow Days happening in Dixon this year. And I don’t think I’ve got the dates on this as of yet. Have we?
Lacey: Well, that’s kind of important. Um.
Marv: I think so.
Lacey: Cow Days always falls the third full weekend in September every year. Um, so you can always count on that. That’s when we always plan it. Um, this year that falls on September 18th through 20th. Now, the first two days, the 18th and 19th, are our normal Cow Days days. Uh, the 20th, um, that is devoted to our, um, Third Day Praise and Worship. Um, so it’s a community worship where, um, you know, um, the ministerial alliance, the Dixon Ministerial Alliance gets together and brings their churches together in town, and we all have a community praise and worship at the stage. So we do that there. Um, and our friend Melissa from Healthy Futures, Pulaski County, she comes. Um, she has some of her friends do some testimonies, uh, on stage, um, and we have speakers and they do, um, a, a great, um, service for the community. Um, we usually have some baptisms right after we, we do that. So, um, that’s what the Third Day is, so there’s no vendors or activities or anything other than that. Um, but, um, the first two days, the September 18th and 19th is when we do all these activities otherwise.
Marv: Now, you’re talking about Melissa. You’re talking about Melissa Sharp?
Lacey: Yes, sir.
Marv: Does she make you run?
Lacey: Um, she does do running. On Saturday morning, we have a 5K.
Marv: How did that not surprise me when it comes to Melissa? She is the runningest woman. I know.
Lacey: She’s great. She always, she’s been putting that on for us for quite a few years now. We appreciate her so much. She’s such a positive light and energy, and we love having her at Cow Days.
Marv: Well, I’ll tell you what. Yeah, she, she kind of like triples the energy of the, uh, the bunny, no matter what she does.
Lacey: She is.
Marv: It is full tilt boogie, baby. And, uh, have you ever known anybody that would run a 100-mile marathon?
Lacey: Uh, no, uh, you won’t get me to run a 5K. So, if you see me running, you should probably be running too because there’s a reason I’m running.
Marv: Exactly right, like there’s a bear behind me or something like that. Um, one thing we need to get into is how do you win a cow?
Lacey: How do you win a cow? That’s a great question. Um, so the couple of weeks prior to Cow Days, um, and we will post it on our Chamber Facebook page when they’re out. Um, we give our Chamber merchants, uh, tickets that they will hand out to their customers free. Um, and so those tickets, um, go out, that’s what we call the merchant cow. Um, and that’s your one free chance to win a cow. And we give that away on Friday night, um, and you have to be present to win, um, because, of course, it has to match the ticket that’s drawn. Um, so we read off the, you know, number on the ticket, and whoever’s ticket gets drawn, um, that’s the winner. Um, and this year, we actually upped the prize money that if you don’t want the cow, because, you know, there’s a lot of logistics involved with a cow. So, if you don’t want the cow, you can take a thousand dollars cash.
Marv: If you do take the cow, you don’t have to have a trailer there.
Lacey: We have, um, one of our local farmers, Jayden Rome. He, um, actually goes to the sale barn for us, and he houses the cow until the Sunday after. You do have to pick it up from him on the Sunday after Cow Days.
Marv: Can you pick it up already in boxes like after the butcher gets done with it, or do you actually have to go over there and get that cow?
Lacey: You have to go get the cow. We get asked that a lot. Um, maybe we should consider that one year. Um, but no, you have to go pick up the actual cow, the live cow from Jayden if you take the cow, which with cow prices the way they are, I mean, you know, it’s.
Marv: I’ll tell you what. A cow’s worth more than a thousand bucks right now.
Lacey: I know. Well, the prize money used to be 600, so we upped it this year to a thousand.
Marv: Well, I’ll tell you what. A calf that’s worth about a grand. They’re not anymore with the prices of.
Lacey: Cows are crazy. Um, but yeah. And then the raffle cow, um, that we sell tickets for the raffle cow, um, all weekend long. Um, and we will sell them, um, Friday and Saturday at the festival. Stop by the Chamber tent. Our Chamber tent is yellow, so you can’t miss it. And it’s right by the stage. Um, stop by, get tickets, and try to win that cow. I mean, like you said, cows are outrageous right now, so it’s worth it.
Marv: You have two stages over there. You have the main stage, which is where located where?
Lacey: Um, it’s at the corner of Elm and Second. Um, it’s right in the middle of town, can’t miss it. Um, and like I said, we’re going to have lots of entertainment and live music, um, all weekend long there. Um, and then we have the Utter Stage.
Marv: Yeah, I know. It’s completely intended.
Lacey: Yes.
Marv: The Utter.
Lacey: Pun completely intended. Um, and like I said, Ashley’s going to be at that stage most of the weekend providing that entertainment for the kiddos. Um, and then on Saturday after the parade, we’ll also have, um, the Dixon High School Dazzlers Dance Team performing.
Marv: Oh, they’re, they’re amazing.
Lacey: Oh, they are. And, um, and they also do a camp all week with the elementary school girls, um, where they can come and, and learn a dance, and so they perform there at that stage as well.
Marv: Is there anything that you want to add to what we have talked about that maybe we didn’t get on this podcast?
Lacey: Sure. We didn’t talk about my favorite part of Cow Days, which is Food Alley. Um, that, I mean, we have so many good food vendors this year. We have everything from euros to turkey legs, to barbecue, to fried fish. I think we have every fried food there is available at Cow Days this year. Um, of course, we have funnel cakes. What kind of fair would it be without that, of course? Um, we have everything you can think of, shaved ice, ice cream. So, be sure to stop out there and grab yourself something to eat if nothing else.
Marv: Again, it’s Friday and Saturday and then into Sunday morning on the 18th, 19th, and 20th of September, Dixon Cow Days. Lacey Rollins, thanks for being with us and.
Lacey: Absolutely, thank you.
Marv: Good luck at Cow Days, and we pray for great weather.
Lacey: Yes, absolutely.
**Commercial Break**
Marv: Back after this. Hold up, this is good. If you haven’t been to Seger Toyota of Saint Robert, you’re missing out. This is the place where buying a Toyota actually feels good. Great selection, friendly faces, and zero, I said zero awkward pressure. It’s why drivers keep voting us Pulaski County’s number one dealership four years in a row. So whether you’re ready to buy today or just ready to smile, come by Seger Toyota of Saint Robert, doing it the right way. The Seger way for over 56 years. Come see what all the talk’s about. Seger Toyota of Saint Robert, the fun starts here, next to Walmart and at Seger Toyota.net.
Since 1911, the Bank of Crocker has served the greater Pulaski County area. This year marks their 115th year. How do you last that long? Well, by giving their customers cutting edge banking services with a hometown flair. You can do your banking from anywhere in the world with their convenient online banking. At the big banks, you’re just another number. At the Bank of Crocker, they know your name, maybe some of your family and might even know the name of the dog sitting next to you in the drive-in facility. It’s called the personal touch, which is why they’re celebrating their 115th year as your hometown bank. And there’s four locations for your convenience in Crocker, Richland, Waynesville, and Saint Robert. The Bank of Crocker. Member FDIC and equal housing lender.
**Sports**
Marv: Let’s do some sports. Brought to you by Three Brothers Meat Company in Linn Creek, where their cuts of beef, pork, and broths, especially, are waiting for your grill. Last Saturday, I played in the Jim Phillips Memorial Golf Tournament, put on by the Richland Lodge. It’s a benefit tournament for the lodge, so they can help the less fortunate in the Richland and surrounding communities. This tournament raises thousands of dollars for their cause, and most of the winners donate their winnings back to the lodge to help with that cause. 50-plus golfers took to the course at Oak Hills Country Club in Dixon, who plays host to the tournament, and they do a great job every year.
About a week before the tournament was held, it was hot and humid. Typical July and early August weather. When I saw the forecast for that Saturday, August 1st, I was all smiles. Clouds and temps in the upper 70s and low 80s, rain out of the forecast by early morning. It looked like a great day to be on the golf course. By the time August 1st got here, the forecast was right on, well, almost. The temps were right, but those weathermen and weather women were far from correct when it came to the rain. Not only was it raining in the morning when our 9:30 tee time took off, the rains, albeit a light rain with some wind, continued most of the day.
There was about an hour during the four to five hours on the course when it was not raining, but the forecasters, even though they tell you they’re the most accurate, blew this one. Most of the golfers showed up in shorts. Some had rain gear. Most had on long sleeves to start, then took them off for that little dry period, but they had those long sleeves back on by the time we finished about 2:00 in the afternoon. Golf shoes are not water resistant. By the time I got home, removed my shoes and socks, my feet looked like I had been in the bathtub or swimming pool for a long period of time. You know, in other words, my toes look like prunes. Even though the weather was not conducive for a good day on the course, I enjoyed it much better than 95 degrees in the shade. And I’m not going to tell you how I did on the golf course.
Saint Louis Cardinals were five games over 500 at the All-Star break and looking good in the wild card race. Since the break, the Red Birds went three and 14 and coming into last Monday, they were 14 and a half games out of first and in fourth place in the National League Central, two games below 500, but only four games out of the third wild card spot in the National League. The Red Birds are the second youngest team in the majors, and while their division standing shows their youth, they’re still in a playoff hunt right now, which still has many surprised. The trade deadline was last Monday, and several Cardinals names were tossed out there. Will they make some moves or stay status quo and continue their rebuilding process was the question. Saint Louis did make some moves, sending pitchers Dustin May and Jojo Romero to Milwaukee for a pair of minor league outfielders, both high prospects. 18-year-old Alexander Frias, a high prospect expected to move up quickly in the organization, and speedy Josiah Raggsdale. Saint Louis also traded Lars Nootbaar to Arizona to rejoin his best friend, Nolan Arenado, a former Cardinal. Cards got a right-handed and left-handed pitcher from the D-backs in Daniel Egan and Sandro Santana. Saint Louis also acquired a left-handed pitcher, Caleb Ferguson from Cincinnati, for international bonus bucks.
What I see is the rebuilding process in Saint Louis continues for this young team. Kansas City Royals remain last in the AL Central cellar and are 11 games out in the wild card race with seven teams to leapfrog, just like last week with a monumental task staring them in the face for a playoff spot. The Royals were pretty inactive when the trade deadline came and went. Last Monday was the first full day of full pad practice for the Kansas City Chiefs. Already a few minor injuries have popped up. One was Xavier Worthy, speedy wideout for the Chiefs. Several were shocked that the sheep Travis Kelce came into camp considering his off season schedule with the huge wedding to Taylor Swift and all the hoopla surrounding the event. Coach Andy Reid commented he was impressed with Kelce’s shape and never doubted his eagerness to continue his career at a high level. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, still wearing a brace on his left leg, that underwent surgery last year, looks mobile and ready to go. I think the doctors and the coaches will have the final say whether he starts the season behind center or give backup Justin Fields a game or two to start the 2026 campaign.
The Chiefs’ first preseason game is August 15th at home against the LA Rams. That’s a week from tomorrow, as we drop this week’s episode. The NFL season draws closer and closer. High school fall practice begins this coming Monday for all the autumn sports. Middle school and junior high practices will start next Monday, and soon the 2026-2027 prep sports season will be underway.
**Commercial Break**
Marv: Well, that’s sports brought to you by Three Brothers Meat Company in Linn Creek. We’re back with the wrap after this. Need to fill your freezer and save some serious money? Well, that’s a problem Three Brothers Meat Company is happy to fix. We’re talking whole beef bundles, quarter beef bundles, and the mighty freezer buster, stacked with beef, chicken, and pork. So good, you might start inviting yourself to your own house for dinner. These bundles are perfect for grilling, family dinners, or just beating grocery store prices with much better quality food. Check them all out on our Facebook page. They’re pinned right there at the top of the page. Call 573-346-5233 or just swing by and see us. 2179 State Highway A in Montreal.
Your NAPA Auto Parts store, Saint Robert Auto Supply, has everything you need for your vehicle and more when you need it. NAPA Brand oil and anti-freeze, windshield wipers and vehicle accessories, plus tools and equipment for all of your projects. From car covers and flashlights to car wash, air fresheners, sun shades and glass and tire cleaner, you’ll find it all at your NAPA Auto Parts store, Saint Robert Auto Supply, just off Missouri Avenue. Stop by today and get the good stuff, seven days a week.
**Outro**
Marv: That’s this week’s episode brought to you by Shelter Insurance agent Dave Holland of Richland, Saint Robert Auto Supply, Seger Toyota, the Pulaski County Health Center, STR Glass of Saint Robert, VFW Post 3168 of Laquey, TK’s Pizza, Three Brothers Meat Company at Linn Creek, Bale’s Construction, the Bank of Crocker, and Paul’s Furniture. Thanks to those sponsors. Thanks to my producer, Tracy, for putting this all together, and thanks to you, my podcast faithful, for letting me come into your lives, albeit for a short period of time.
If you’re enjoying the Marv in the Morning podcast, we invite you to leave a review on whatever app you’re listening on. We would also love for you to share the episode with family and friends on your social media accounts. Be sure to follow our podcast on Facebook, on the Marv in the Morning podcast page, and you’re also invited to join us on Facebook on the Fort Not Lost in the Woods podcast group. This podcast is a production of O’Quinn Media.
Join me next time when we talk data or data, however you want to pronounce it, and the data or data centers, and why we don’t want them in our neck of the woods. Our guest will be Dennis Thornsberry, a local cattle rancher, former Pulaski County Commissioner, and former head of the Republican Party in the county. And I promise you, no politics, just info on what these data centers can do to the water supply, and why so many Americans, 70% right now, don’t want them in their towns either. Until then, later.