Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Writer

Sikeston, Missouri –  If you thought the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) only performed highway maintenance and graded the roads during blizzards then you need to read about these wonderful MoDOT employees.  For over 25 years, the Missouri Department of Transportation has helped grant Christmas wishes to Southeast Missouri families through the Christmas Angels Program.

“This program began decades ago with a crock pot of chili and the desire to help at least one child, “ said Transportation Project Designer Jeff Wachter.  “With the help of area businesses, organizations and individuals, the program has grown.  This year, we sold 1,495 bowls of chili and received many generous donations.”

Jeff said that the $6,173 raised during this year’s event provided Christmas wishes to 120 Southeast Missouri children.  MoDOT volunteers work with the Department of Family Services to identify needy children in the area.

“The program has grown locally and many businesses and organizations purchase chili for their employees,” said Kathy Hixson who is the Senior Design Technician at MoDOT.  “Participants receive a hot lunch and help needy families at the same time.” 

This event is a great example of teamwork.  Current MoDOT employees and retirees work together and volunteer their time during the busy holiday season.  Businesses or individuals wishing to donate to the Christmas Angels program may send or drop their donations by the Division, 10 Highway Employees’ Credit Union Office, located at 337 North Main Street in Sikeston, Missouri.  Checks can be made out to the Christmas Angels Program.  For more information about the Christmas Angels program, Contact Jeff Wachter at 573-472-5294 or Kathy Hixson at 573-258-0932.

Written by

Jessica Snider, SMT Writer

The 56^th annual Bloomfield Christmas Tournament has just gotten underway this morning after being delayed due to yesterday’s snowy weather conditions.

The game between the Kennett Indians and Richland Rebels is almost complete and is being broadcasted live by YHC (Your Hometown Channel.) If you’re interested in viewing the games live from the comfort of your own home, you are welcomed to join the YHC team on channel 21 as the play by play is brought to you for each individual game of this year’s tournament.

If you decide to travel to Bloomfield to be a spectator of the Annual Christmas Tournament, remember to take caution on the roads you use for traveling. The Street Departments have done a wonderful job of making our roads accessible, but it’s always a good idea to be cautious, especially after having this much snow throughout the area.

Dexter is set to play Twin Rivers around 3:30 P.M. this afternoon. Whether you decide to stay in and watch it on YHC or travel to the Bloomfield gym, we hope you enjoy your day of the 56^th annual Bloomfield Christmas Tournament.

Dexter, Missouri - Everyone wishes for a white Christmas and this year was no exception.  By 6 pm Christmas evening the Heartland was beginning to see some precipitation in the form of sleet and snow.  Within just a few hours some folks were reporting the ground to be covered with a white glaze of sparkling snow.  By morning most of the Heartland had five to eight inches of snow on the ground with snow drifts from three to four feet.

Southeast Missouri has never been known for its snow, there have many years we did not see any of the "white stuff".  If we did, it mostly would not have amounted to anything more than a light dusting.  Students were already out for the holiday break so no huddling around the tv to watch the news in anticipation of school letting out.  The real question most children wanted to know was "how much?"  Will it be enough to build a snowman or a snow fort?  Can we ride the 4-wheeler?  Can I go outside and play?

For Landon King, a kindergarten student from Paducah, Kentucky, he saw his first real snowfall.  What memories he will have of eating his first snowball and making his first snow angel!  Children of all ages were outside yesterday throwing snowballs, building snowmen, riding 4-wheelers, slipping and sliding down hills and falling into the snowdrifts.  What fun it was to watch them playing, laughing and having a great time just running around in the beautiful white blanket of snow!

Even college students like Lauren Dudley, a Freshman at the University of Arkansas, Jonesboro played in the snow.  She was was home for the holidays spending time with her family.  Instead of after holiday shopping, she took pleasure in building her very first snowman.  With a carrot nose and some coal for eyes her little snowman was cute as it could be. Some folks went all out with building of their snowmen, with scarves, mittens, coal buttons and eyes and even a corncob pipe. The Blizzard of 2012 will last in the memories of many and it was a day filled with much fun for the young and old.

Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Writer

Poplar Bluff, Missouri – Poplar Bluff has a new emerging country/pop artist in their town.  Eighth grade student, Tori Travers will be hosting a CD release party.  Tori will celebrate the debut of her new album at Las Margaritas on Saturday, December 29^th from 5 pm to 8 pm.

Tori will also be performing and signing autographs.  If you have not heard this very talented 8^th grader sing, you should stop by, have a bite to eat and enjoy the entertainment.  She is truly a remarkable young lady with a wonderful voice.  Her CD is already available for purchase online and in music stores.

 

 

Dexter, Missouri - The anticipated blizzard we have experienced was predicted days ago by our own Dexter weatherman, Jeff Huffman.  Jeff long predicted the storm would be a good one or a bad one depending on your perspective.

In speaking with Dexter city manager, Mark Stidham, the Dexter city offices are closed at this point but will play it by ear as to when they will open.  The street department and others are busy clearing the streets to make them safe for area residents to travel.

"This is some stiff stuff (snow)!" commented Stidham.  "We are busy working on the streets to get them in good shape."

Other local businesses will be opening slowly throughout the day and of course, there are no school closures due to the Christmas break in the area. 

The greatest complication is the Bloomfield Christmas Tournament that was scheduled for their opening round today.  At this point, the tournament has been moved back one day and will now hold the finals on Monday. 

Though out of the area, Jeff Huffman continues to have a heart for his hometown of Dexter.  It's fun to follow his career as a meteorologist and fun to watch his predictions for the weather in our area.  You can follow him at on his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/jeffreyhuffmanor on his Twitter page at https://twitter.com/huffmanweather. 

Jeff is the son of Jack and Betty Huffman.  After graduating in 2001 from the University of Missouri-Columbia, Jeff worked a period of time in the Jefferson City / Columbia area as a meteorologist before transferring to Gainesville Florida  He is a 1997 graduate of Dexter High School.