
Following its production of The Elves and the Shoemaker in December, the Imaginary Theatre Company of St. Louis will return to Poplar Bluff to kick off the new year with Puss and Boots at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Tickets are on sale now at trcc.edu/tinnin, the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce, the college Business Offices, and will also be available at the door before each performance. Each ticket is only $10.
The feline favorite of children's fairy tales will come to life onstage in this rendition of the beloved story: Puss is a clever cat who promises his master a life of luxury and adventure in exchange for a pair of boots. Puss goes on to use cunning and intelligence to overcome an ogre, befriend a king and win the heart of the fair princess. ITC's version of the Mother Goose tale combines the spirit of the original with fresh, musical mischief. Through adaptations of classical literature, ITC works to encourage young audiences to "learn through play."
"The mission of the Patrons of the Arts Society is to provide a quality level of entertainment at an affordable price," said Dr. Wesley Payne, Vice President for Learning at Three Rivers. "Here in the Poplar Bluff area, we have great opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Patrons' series expands the cultural offerings of the region and adds a different kind of entertainment option to the area."
Puss in Boots is underwritten by the Missouri Arts Council and a generous donation from Southern Bank, with a new location on campus at Three Rivers College. Companies or individuals interested in helping to sponsor Patrons of the Arts shows can call 573-840-9527 for more information.
Photo Above: Southern Bank is the corporate underwriter of 'Puss in Boots' at Three Rivers. Bill Hirtz, representing Southern Bank(right) and Dr. Wesley Payne of the college announce the production. (Photo from Three Rivers)

By Annabeth Miller, SMT Editor
Turkey hunters and outdoor enthusiasts will gather for an evening of food, fellowship and fun at the Wild Turkey Banquet hosted by Crowley’s Ridge Limbhangers chapter of the Wild Turkey Federation.
The evening will be held on Saturday, Jan. 21 at the Dexter Eagles Lodge on Old Highway 25 in Dexter.
“Come and join in the fun at the banquet,” said member Tom Love. “The NWTF banquets are where you can buy exclusive merchandise and have a great time with friends.”
Among the merchandise to be featured at the Dexter auction will be a limited edition Remington 1911 – the NWTF Gun of the Year, and a Stoger Super Conder 20 guage over-under shotgun.
All the while, Love said those who attend will be raising vital funds for wild turkey conservation and important programs that introduce the outdoors to women, children and the disabled.
The Wild Turkey Federation in Missouri sponsors a number of important programs, including JAKES Field Days, Calling Contests, landowner workshops, shooting events and other events.
Since 1985 over $3,447,184 has been raised and spent by Missouri NWTF chapters on projects within the state. Included in the list have been habitat enhancements projects at sites throughout the state, including at Otter Slough Conservation Area in Stoddard County.
What’s Happening
What: NWTF Wild Turkey Banquet
When: 6 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 21
Where: Eagles in Dexter
Contact: Tom Love at 820-0802 or Kyle Ouzts at 258-0770
Link Of Interest
National Wild Turkey Federation
Photo Above: The local National Wild Turkey Federation Banquet will be held Saturday, Jan. 21 at the Dexter Eagles. With some of the merchandise to be auctioned are (from left) Mark Jacques (with the Remington 1911), Maddie Jacques, and Tom Love (with the Stoger Super Condor 20 gauge over-ender shotgun. (SMT photo by Andrew Cato)

By Annabeth Miller, SMT Editor
A trio of young men took a step up the ladder toward the highest level in Boy Scouting on Monday night.
Dexter Boy Scout Troop 200 held a Court of Honor on Monday night and Tyler Stevenson, Josh Parks and Jon Rodgers each earned the rank of Life Scout, the second highest in the Boy Scouting program.
Stevenson is the son of Keith and Kay Stevenson; Parks the son of Don and Angie Parks; Rodgers the son of Jay and Tiska Rodgers.
Life Rank requires that each Scout meet certain standards. A Life Scout must :
- Demonstrate the Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law in everyday life;
- Earn an additional five merit badges for a total of 11, including three on the required life for Eagle Scout - the highest rank in the Boy Scouting program;
- Take part in service projects;
- Serve in a troop leadership position;
- Teach younger Scouts;
- Participate in a Scoutmaster conference and complete his board of review
The ranks were awarded with troop members, parents and friends at the Court of Honor held at the First United Methodist Church in Dexter. Parents participated in the special pinning ceremony.
The United Methodist Men organization at the local church is one of two sponsors for Troop 200; the second sponsor is the Dexter Kiwanis Club.
Photo Above: Three young men in Boys Scout Troop 200 in Dexter were recognized Monday evening for earning the Life Rank in the BSA program. Becoming Life Scouts were (from left) Tyler Stevenson, Josh Parks and Jon Rodgers. (ShowMe Times Photo By Annabeth Miller)
Link Of Interest
Boy Scouts - Greater St. Louis Council

Wappapello Lake – Two wildlife refuges at Lake Wappapello have reopened following duck season.
The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers at Wappapello Lake has reopened the Asher Creek and Lost Creek Waterfowl Refuges to vehicle and boat traffic.
The gates at Warner Davis (Corps Road #9) and Lost Creek Low Water Bridge (Corps Road #8) in the Shook area and the gate on Corps Road #10 in the Davis Schoolhouse area are now open. The “No Boat” buoys from Asher Creek, Lost Creek, and at Lost Creek Landing have been removed.
Wappapello Lake is currently at winter pool. Boaters are advised to be aware of shallow water hazards such as stumps and shallow mud flats.
Corps personnel recommend boaters follow the deeper waters of the river channel marked by mid-channel buoys and to prepared for emergencies and guard against hypothermia, a cold water hazard. Visitors are advised to layer clothing and stay dry and out of the wind. As with all boating excursions, boaters should leave leave a float plan with a friend or relative stating when you plan to leave and return, where you plan to go, and how many will be with you.
Boaters should also check the weather forecast before getting underway and protect themselves by wearing a U. S. Coast Guard approved, properly fitted life jacket.

By Annabeth Miller
SMT Editor & Girl Scout
The girls who gathered Thursday evening in Wesley Hall at the First United Methodist Church were – well, they were excited, energized, and electrified. They knew that something special was about to begin, and they were eager to start the journey!
For the area Girl Scouts who gathered, it was Cookie Rally – the night before the beginning of a much-anticipated time when Girl Scouts in the area visit will family and friends, go door-to-door, and set up special booths to sell those wonderful once-a-year treats – Girl Scout Cookies!
What can a cookie do? More than you think! A Girl Scout Cookie can help girls dream more, experience greater opportunities, offer chances to learned real life skills. There’s more to Girl Scout Cookies, than just your favorite sweet treat.
Beginning Friday, Jan. 6 and continuing through Jan 23 girls throughout Girl Scouts of Missouri Heartland will be taking orders for the cookies.
The Girl Scout Cookie Program has helped make Girl Scouting the premier leadership organization for girls. The program teaches skills—such as financial literacy and responsibility, teamwork and setting goals—that allow girls to realize their full potential and develop their own personal leadership style. Through the Girl Scout Cookie Program, girls develop five essential skills, important ingredients in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience:
• Goal setting
• Decision making
• Money management
• People skills
• Business ethics
All proceeds from Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland’s Girl Scout Cookie Program benefit girls in the area; girls earn troop proceeds and Girl Scout Cookie Credit that can be used to pay for Girl Scout camp, leadership programs, uniforms, and more. Additional proceeds help to fund needs such as financial assistance, volunteer training and support, and program resources.
“As we enter our one hundredth year of Girl Scouting in 2012, the Girl Scout Cookie Program reminds us of the great potential of girls” says Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland interim CEO Anne Soots. “Since 1912, Girl Scouts has taught self-sufficiency, independence, and service. The Girl Scout Cookie Program is a fantastic way for girls to learn those skills and more.”
New in 2012 is a council-wide Girl Scout Cookie Share program, in which customers may purchase cookies to donate. Many troops throughout Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland’s 68-county jurisdiction will select a local organization that is special to them, such as a food shelf, family shelter, or military unit. Others will give customers the option to donate cookies to military troops and military family groups, which are this year’s council-designated Cookie Share beneficiary.
Girl Scout Cookies will be sold through mid-March this year, with eight cookie varieties available:
- Thin Mints
- Caramel deLites
- Peanut Butter Patties
- Peanut Butter Sandwich
- Shortbread
- Thanks-A-Lot
- Lemonades
- Shout Outs.
The shortbread cookies will feature a special-edition 100th anniversary box. Cookies are $4 per box, with all proceeds benefitting the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
Link Of Interest
Girl Scouts of Missouri Heartland
Photo Above: Daisy Girl Scouts Riley Christian, Marie Fee & Maddie Glaus are excited about the opportunity to participate in the 2012 Cookie Sale with the Girl Scouts! All three girls say their personal favorite is the Thin Mint cookie - the best selling Girl Scout Cookie in the USA!