Another great idea is coming forward in the community to benefit the Ben Kruse 18 FORE Life Foundation as the charity continues to pursue the milestone of their one millionth dollar given to area families that are experience a medial need.
Jake Kreulen, a highly touted sportswriter and photographer in the area is putting his talents to work for the 18 FORE Life charity.
Kreulen worked in the area as a sportwriter and photographer at newspapers in Poplar Bluff and Dexter from 1999 to 2007. He now owns his own photography company, specializing in action photos at youth and high school sporting events.
Searching for his own way to get involved in helping a local charity, Kreulen had the idea to make his digital photos available to the general public in a very unique manner. He shot every game of the Lady Royals Christmas Classic and the Bloomfield Christmas Tournament and has compiled team photo CDs.
He then offered the individual team the chance to purchase every single photo of them on CD.
“The cost might seem a little high at $150,” said Kreulen. “But when you realize that this cost is split among the entire team and every single team member gets his or her own copy, then it really becomes a great, affordable deal.
“The coach gets his or her own copy, and the school can use the photos for yearbook or program purposes. So for each of the players, the coach and the school to have a lasting memory of the season and the team is almost priceless.”
The idea to offer the CDs to the teams in the tournaments with a portion of the proceeds going directly to 18 FORE Life brought Kreulen up from his Memphis-area home for two weeks during the holidays.
“What Scott (Kruse) and 18 FORE Life has done is such an unselfish endeavor,” said Kreulen. “The project has been some hard work and long hours, but to be able to watch some quality high school basketball, see a ton of friends and family in the area and help out a charity that truly helps people made it an easy decision.”
"This is an awesome idea for players and parents of area athletes," commented Scott Kruse. "We are honored that he thought of 18 FORE Life as the recipient of his work."
"Jake's support is deeply appreciated as 18 FORE Life looks to give away our $1 Millionth support check in 2013," added Kruse.
To purchase your copy of the team pictures for Dexter and other area schools, you can contact Jake on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jakekreulen or email him at: jakekreulen@yahoo.co
Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Writer
Dexter, Missouri – The Missouri Department of Revenue is changing the format of the driver license and non-driver identification cards as this will enhance the security and help reduce the risk of identity theft and other kinds of fraud.
Beginning this year, the license offices around the state will be converting to the new process. The Dexter License Bureau does not know exactly when they will have the new format, however the roll-out should be complete for the entire state of Missouri by late April of 2013.
The new system means the end of the over-the-counter driver license system that has been in place since the 1990s, and allows the Department of Revenue to install substantially more modern technology. The new licenses will have security features such as special printing, laser perforations and barcodes.
The state also plans to issue temporary licenses at local offices and the drivers will then receive their permanent licenses in the mail seven to ten days later. the license or identification card will be mailed in a regular envelope through the U.S. Postal Service, similar o the way a credit card or passport is mailed. The envelope will be unmarked and will not suggest or reveal the contents. The overall the time spent in the license bureau should decrease.
The newest look will be those drivers under the age of 21 will have a vertical license. Other new features are:
1. Laser perforations,
2. Ghost image,
3. Fine lines through portrait and ghost image,
4. Overlapping data onto ghost image,
5. Photo,
6. State seal and the work "TEMPORARY" are printed with temperature sensitive ink,
7. Optional organ donor indicator,
8. Mailing information,
9. Expiration date,
10. Issue date,
11. 2D Barcode.
If your driver license or non-driver identification card does not expire for a few years there is no need to renew until closer to the expiration date. However when you get your temporary license it will be in paper format. The state seal and the word 
“TEMPORARY” are printed with a temperature-sensitive ink that fades with exposure to warmth. You can use it like a normal license or non-driver identification card until your new card arrives. Your temporary license is only valid for 30 days from the date of issuance. The expiration date will be printed on it.
The Department of Revenue is working hard to inform business throughout the state about the new licenses and process. If you experience a problem with a business accepting your temporary license, please contact the Department at 573-526-2407.
Temporary license holders may also want to keep their old license (which will have been punched “VOID”) along with their temporary license until they receive the permanent card in the mail.
The fees for the new drivers license will not be changing, nor will the terms of the expiration. Drivers between the ages of 21 – 69 will still receive a 6 year driver license that expires on the applicant’s date of birth in the sixth year after the date of issuance.
For more information you may contact the local Dexter License Bureau, 1525 W. Business US Hwy 60 #B or 573-624-9730. They are open until 4:30 pm daily.
"I am honored to be sworn in today as the 35th Circuit Judge and look forward to continuing to serve the people of Dunklin and Stoddard County," commented Judge Mayer.
On November 6, 2012, Rob was elected judge of the 35th Circuit Court of Missouri by area voters over Stephen R. Mitchell.
A large group of area residence and supporters joined Rob, Nancy and their family at the Stoddard County Judicial Center to celebrate the days activities. The group was given a time to congratulate and offer their encouragement to Rob as they all enjoyed a meal provided by the Mayer family from Dexter BBQ.
Judge Mayer and formerly, Senator Mayer, was first elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in 2000, and later elected to the Missouri State Senate. Most recently, Rob was elected as President Pro Tem of the Missouri Senate at the start of the 2011-2012 legislative session.Judge Mayer is a gentleman of many talents and a broad background. He could best be described as a true "hometown boy that made good".
With his roots established deep within the Dexter area, Rob initially worked as a farmer, a broadcaster, and an industrial engineering technician at Arvin Automotive. At a later age, he went back to Southeast Missouri State University to received a B.S. in political science.
Pursuing his passions for serving people in the community, Rob set out for the University of Missouri-Kansas City to receive his J.D. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1996. He practiced as a local attorney in the Dexter area for the past 16 years while serving in the legislature.
Mayer's career path has allowed him to gain a broad spectrum of the world from many different angles. He is a value based leader that has dedicated his life to the service of others based upon fairness and impartiality.
A graduate of Dexter High School, Rob resides in Dexter, Missouri, with his wife, the former Nancy Tuley. The couple has three children, Jason and wife Lauren, Dustin and wife Ashley, and Daniel. He and Nancy are also the proud grandparents of Merideth Mayer.
He is a deacon of the First Baptist Church, and has faithfully served as a young couples Sunday School teacher for over 20 years. He is also a member of Dexter Kiwanis Club, the Missouri Farm Bureau, the American-International Charolais Association, the Missouri Delta Center Advisory Committee, the Missouri Veterans Home Foundation Board, and the Stoddard County Gospel Mission Board.
Dexter, Missouri -Southeast Missouri may expect a treacherous start to 2013. The National Weather Service at Paducah, Kentucky has issued a winter weather advisory for Scott, New Madrid and Mississippi counties beginning this afternoon and overnight. At this time there are no watches or warnings.
According to the weather service, “a mixed bag of winter precipitation” is expected for our region.
Other counties in the area including Stoddard County will see rain; however with the dropping of temperatures freezing rain may be expected. This will make driving conditions after dark somewhat treacherous for the New Year’s Eve holiday.
Everyone should be aware of the changing weather conditions as they may be out late celebrating. Most of the wintry weather will be north into the Cape Girardeau area where they will see a 70% chance of snow mixed with sleet or ice.
Have a Happy New Year and please be safe this holiday season!
Stoddard County, Missouri - You still have a few hours left to pay those Personal Property Taxes. Just remember there are penalties for paying late.
The Stoddard County Collector's Office will be open until 4:30 pm New Year's Eve.
You may pay your taxes in person at 312 South Prairie St in Bloomfield, Missouri or you may pay by mailing in your payment to Carla Moore, Collector of Revenue, Stoddard County Courthouse, P.O. Box 80, Bloomfield, Missouri 63625.
If you have questions or need directions, please call 573-568-3327.
