Dexter, Missouri - Are you watching The Voice tonight?  Tyler Montgomery the son of John and Patti Shell and the late Terry Montgomery of Dexter was chosen to be on The Voice on NBC.  There were 70,000 singers who auditioned across the country and 117 were chosen to be on the televised blind auditions.  

Tyler grew up in Dexter and graduated from DHS before going away to college.  While in school he was active in the high school choir, the Show Choir, Band and Jazz Band.  He attended the First Baptist Church and was the praise leader in Refuge which is the Youth Group.  

Today Tyler is living in Nashville where he is a producer, recording artist, and a song writer.  He has already issued two CD's, but he has written 40 more songs that he is ready to record.  

We hope to see Tyler tonight!  Good luck from Dexter, Missouri!  We are so proud of you!!!

Jefferson City, Missouri -  Ahead of a major winter storm system that is anticipated to bring snow, sleet, freezing rain, and high winds to much of Missouri, Gov. Jay Nixon today announced he has activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and delayed his scheduled departure to Canada for a trade mission. The Governor and state emergency officials continue to track the weather system and are in close contact with the National Weather Service and local emergency management agencies to monitor conditions.

“State emergency management officials are working to ensure we are fully prepared for what is forecast to be a severe winter storm,” Gov. Nixon said. “Snow and freezing rain, combined with high winds, will bring hazardous conditions and potential power outages to parts of the state.  As we brace for another round of severe winter weather, I urge Missourians to use caution, check on friends and neighbors, and avoid unnecessary travel so that MoDOT and local road crews can do their important work to keep Missourians safe.”

Gov. Nixon was scheduled to depart tomorrow (Mar. 2) for a trade mission to Canada, Missouri’s largest export market. In order to continue leading the state’s preparations for and response to the storm, the Governor has delayed his departure.  Another advisory will be sent out once the Governor’s revised schedule is confirmed.

The Governor cautions Missourians to report downed power lines immediately to their electric utility; to stay away from them; and to warn others to do so as well.

Gov. Nixon encourages Missourians to:

Listen to radio, television, or NOAA Weather Radio for weather reports and emergency information, or visit the state's Web site, MO.gov, for emergency information.

If you must drive, check MO.gov for road conditions before departing. Dial the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s emergency line -- *55 from a cellular phone - if you encounter an accident while driving on a highway.

Check on the elderly and neighbors who may be in need of additional assistance. For information about emergency services and resources, visit MO.gov.

Missourians who need disaster information, shelter information, and referrals are urged to call 211. The 211 service is now available throughout Missouri.

Jefferson City, Missouri - Another major winter storm will enter Missouri this evening, bringing freezing rain, sleet, snow and bitterly cold temperatures.  Due to expected hazardous conditions, the Missouri Department of Transportation has issued a "no travel advisory" starting tonight and extending through Sunday.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning from 6 p.m. tonight until 6 a.m. Monday. This storm will will impact travel across the entire state, with a chance for up to 10 inches of snow in the Kansas City area and northeast portion of the state. The rest of the state will have lesser amounts of snow but could have more ice accumulation and high winds.

Winds are expected to be 10-20 mph throughout much of the storm with gusts to 30 mph at the end of the storm, particularly in southeast Missouri. Sub-zero low temperatures are predicted for the northern half of the state on Sunday, with highs not expected to reach much more than 10 degrees.

"For your safety and the safety of our crews, we're asking that once this storm hits your region of the state, you avoid travel unless it is a dire emergency," said Elizabeth Wright, MoDOT state maintenance engineer. "Snow is predicted to be heavy at times and when accompanied by ice and the extremely low temperatures it makes travel extremely hazardous.

"Blowing snow and high winds make it very difficult for MoDOT crews to clear roads," said Wright. "If there are no other vehicles on the roadways, we have a much better chance of making progress so traffic can get moving again."

Should you attempt to travel during this storm, bring your mobile phone and winter survival supplies. If you do become stranded, stay with your vehicle and call 911. Be aware that emergency responders may have difficulty reaching you.

Stay informed about Missouri road conditions by using MoDOT's Traveler Information Map, available online at http://www.modot.org/, or through MoDOT's smartphone app, available for iPhone and Android phones. The map offers current views of road conditions for Missouri interstates and highways. You can zoom in to a particular location, check live weather radar, and view images from MoDOT's traffic cameras and message boards.

MoDOT also provides road condition information through our Customer Service Center. Dial 888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636) to speak with a customer service representative 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Written by

Beth Farrah, SMT Writer

Bloomfield, Missouri – May is approaching quickly and the prom dress shopping has already begun for many juniors and seniors. The Richland Project Prom Committee has been doing different fundraisers throughout the year to raise money for this year’s Project Prom, which will take place at the YMCA in Sikeston on Saturday, May 3^rd.

Their newest upcoming fundraiser is the Richland Rebel Prom Dress Extravaganza. This event will take place this upcoming Saturday, March 1^st at Living Water Worship Center in Bloomfield. The event will be held from 9am to 2pm. The price to sell a dress is just $10 (per dress) and all funds raised will go to help the juniors and the Project Prom Committee. Aside from the $10 fee, you keep everything that you make when your dress is sold. This is a perfect place to buy or sell your perfect prom dress.

Living Water Worship Center is located on Highway 25 between Dexter and Bloomfield. For any more information please contact Toni Holman, Project Prom Committee Leader, at 573-703-6765. Students from all schools are encouraged to participate, it will be a great event so be sure to stop by!

Submited by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor

Parma, Missouri - Barry and Michelle Aycock have donated $50,000 to the Three Rivers Endowment Trust for Three Rivers College’s Eastern Campus, currently under construction in Sikeston. The Aycocks are residents of Parma, where they own and operate AgXplore.

“Our families have deep roots here in Southeast Missouri,” said Barry Aycock of the donation. “We are happy to be a part of Three Rivers College’s expansion here in New Madrid County.”

Mrs. Aycock, a Three Rivers graduate, added: “We believe in the foundation of junior colleges and the opportunities they give both traditional and non-traditional students.”

The Three Rivers Endowment Trust is a 501(c)(3) organization that receives and manages donations on behalf of Three Rivers College. The Endowment Trust provides a mutually beneficial means for individuals and businesses to partner with the college. For information on donating to scholarships, building projects, or other college needs, contact Endowment Trust Executive Director Emily Parks at 573-840-9077

Shown in the photo are Michelle Reynolds, development officer for Three Rivers College, accepts a $50,000 donation from Michelle and Barry Aycock to the Three Rivers Endowment Trust, to be used for the Eastern Campus being constructed in Sikeston.