The Basics:

Eli Whiteman -- kid, Keller Library patron, builder of snowmen

Age: 3 (Feb. 8)

Parents: Anna and Greg Whiteman, Dexter

The Questions

1. What is your favorite thing?

A dinasaur! Like the one at the museum (The Science Center in St. Louis). It’s a plain one with striped on it (translation – a King Rex).

2. What is your favorite thing to do?

My favorite thing to do …. (thinking) go to the Science Center. They've got dinasaurs.

3. What do you like to eat?

Red Lobster pinchers (Translation – crab legs).

4. You turned 3 this week. What kind of birthday cake do you want?

A train cake with a railroad track. (Arms spread wide to demonstrate the size of the railroad track birthday cake.)

5. Are there any pets around your house?

Brudie (translation … Bruttle the dog) and Percy (named for the Percy from Thomas the Tank Engine" stories, not Percy Weasley from the Harry Potter books)

6. What’s the best thing about a snow day?

Build a snowman, go sledding and drink hot chocolate. (Lots of hot chocolate.)

7. A third birthday is important. Did you do anything special for your birthday?

Went to the Science Center to see the dinasaur. (The St. Louis Science Center)

8. What do you want to do when you grow up?

Build a cake – a big cake! (Again, arms spread wide to indicate the enormous size of the cake.)

9. Do you have a valentine?

Noooooo. (Even though is busy preparing a valentine for the special women in his life (mom), he is emphatic on this answer.)

10. What is your favorite word?

Loc Nes Monster (said with great enthusiasm and sound effects!)

Editor's Note: Eli and more than 20 other children were on hand Tuesday at Story Hour at the Keller Public Library in Dexter. Story Hour is a weekly treat for youngsters at 10 a.m. each Tuesday. Story Hour is a feature of the Keller Public Library and is free and open to the public.

Reader Submitted Story and Photo
by John Stephens

GREENVILLE, Mo. - Dexter's Boy Scout Troop 200 woke up Saturday morning and discovered their overnight camping trip had become a trip into a winter wonderland.

The Saturday morning snowfall created the perfect environment for the boys and leaders, with imrprovised sledding down the hillsides and - of course - snowball fights!

Boy Scout Troop 200 will join Boy Scouts throughout America in observing Boy Scout Week beginning Sunday, Feb. 6 with Boy Scout Sunday.

Boy Scout Troop 200 has been serving boys and young men in the Dexter area for over 50 years. The troop is sponsored by the Dexter Kiwanis Club and the United Methodist Church.










A ShowMe Times Report

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Willie Nelson will not take the stage this spring at the Show Me Center.

The Show Me Center management in Cape Girardeau announced this morning (Feb. 3) that the country-western singer will not be performing as previously scheduled on March 15.

“Conflicting performance schedules and contractual issues involving the scheduled Willie Nelson date at the Show Me Center March 15 could not be resolved. The concert has been canceled. At this time the Show Me Center does not have a replacement date and will be offering refunds to ticket buyers for their purchases,” the statement from the venue said.

Ticket holders who purchased tickets from the Show Me Center Main Ticket Office may begin the refund process at 10 a.m., Monday, Feb. 7. Upon presentation of the show ticket (s) to the Show Me Center ticket office, credit card purchases will be refunded with cash.

Nelson’s own website. www.willienelson.com, simply states that the Cape Girardeau concert has been “postponed – Update TBA.”

Refunds requests may also be made through the mail. Tickets and a return address should be sent to:

Show Me Center Ticket Office
1333 North Sprigg Street
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Purchases made through Ticketmaster will be automatically refunded to the credit or debit card used for purchase. The Ticketmaster convenience fees are non-refundable.

For more information regarding ticket refunds, contact the Show Me Center Ticket Office at (573) 651-5000.

Dexter Boy Scout Caleb Johns received the highest rank in Boy Scouting in a troop ceremony on Monday night (Jan. 31). Johns received his Eagle badge from his mother, Janet, while dad Kevin looks on. Johns is a member of Boy Scout Troop 200 in Dexter and will formally receive the Eagle Award in the SEMO Eagle Court of Honor on Feb. 12 in Cape Girardeau. The Eagle Award is the highest rank in the Boy Scouting program. Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than 2 million young men. Boy Scout Troop 200 has served boys and young men in Dexter and the surrounding area for over 50 years and is sponsored by the Dexter Kiwanis Club and the First United Methodist Church Methodist Men in Dexter.

Reader submitted photo by Kay Stevenson

SAMMY STONE, Dexter Chief of Police

The Basics:

NAME: Sammy W. Stone

AGE:54

HOMETOWN:Newbern, Tn. / Dexter

MARRIED TO:Mickey Stone

CHILDREN:Karissa Hill, Monica Birdsong, Mason Birdsong, Robyn Wright & Meagan Birdsong

EDUCATION: High School plus some college

CAREER: law enforcement officer

The Questions

1. Why did you decide to enter law enforcement and what age did you make this discovery?


I was looking for a job that would keep me interested and challenged. I began my career at the age of 24.

2. What is the greatest challenge (professional or personal) that you have faced in life?

Professionally- becoming the best police officer that I can be and maintaining that standard. Personally-being the best son, brother, husband and father that I could be and hoping that my colleagues and family are proud of me.

3. What do you see as the strength of the Dexter Police Department?

My personnel. They are dedicated to the safety of the citizens of Dexter.

4. What do you see as the department’s greatest challenge?

Maintaining a professional standard that the city of Dexter can be proud of.

5. Why have you chosen to live and work in Dexter?

After starting my career in Tennessee, I wanted to make a change to a larger department. My parents and brother were living in Dexter and during visits, I liked the looks of the town and what it had to offer.

6. What is Dexter’s greatest asset as we move into the future?

Dexter is very progressive and the city government and the people are always looking for ways to improve and enhance the living conditions for its citizens, whether it's through city programs, industry and small business.

7. What do you feel are the qualities needed for a successful community law enforcement officer?

Officers should be educated about the laws and procedures of the city and state. They should be compassionate and treat everyone as they would like to be treated. Everything is not always black or white; each situation should be handled that way.

8. What are your top 5 goals as chief?

Being a leader not just a manager. Making sure that the department has the best in training and equipment. Becoming more involved in community, not only me but the department as a whole. Being more proactive than reactive. I will strive to be the best Chief of Police that the City of Dexter has ever had.

9.What is your favorite activity to do in your free time?

I like to hunt, watch movies, camp and help my wife in her flower beds.

10. What is your favorite word?

Integrity