Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Chamber of Commerce recognized Jim Bollinger and Son Heat & Air with a ceremonial ribbon cutting.  Mayor Joe Weber was on hand to cut the ribbon with owners Jim Bollinger and his son Braden.

Their business is located at 1110 Nina St. in Dexter and they are open from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Jim and Braden can be reached by calling 573-624-4098 or all of your heating and air needs. 

Shown in the photo from left to right are:  Chamber Executive Director Janet Coleman, Mayor Joe Weber, Owner Jim Bollinger, Niki forkum, Laura Sandage, Alderman Terry Battles, (back row) Ron Temples, William Pate, Steven Tucker, Owner Braden Bollinger, Anthony Townsend, and Charles Johnson.

Bernie, Missouri – The Bernie Parents as Teachers Program has selected several June Students of the Month.  They are both clients of PAT as well as attending summer school in preparation for kindergarten in the fall. 

Students are from top to bottom:  Ryleigh Foster, daughter of Jason and Becki Foster; Jaxon Standfield, son of Travis Stanfield and Stephanie craft; Kylie Allen, daughter of Justin and Kristen Allen; Jon Aycock, son of Barry and Michelle Aycock; Aubree McDowell, daughter of Tyler and Taylor Trover; Finley Watkins, son of Tcheanina Watkins and Chas Watkins: Josiah Copeland, son of Jerry and Denise Copeland; Abby Gordon, daughter of Adam and Kara Gordon; Grace Redding, daughter of Matt and Gail Redding; and Lila Wishon; daughter of Ryan Wishon and Tracy Wishon.

When asked, the students said their favorite parts of summer school included playing in the water, playing outside, and eating fun snack.

Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer

Dexter, Missouri – The local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will host their 9th annual Hunting Heritage Banquet this Friday, June 20, 2014.  Doors open at 5:00 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m.

The National Wild Turkey Federation is a nonprofit organization, which is headquartered in Edgefield, South Carolina and has chapters in every state.  The NWTF was founded in 1973, and has become a leader in upland wildlife habitat conservation.  The NWTF is dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage.  Through vital partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations throughout North America.  Wild turkeys once numbered a mere 30,000 in the entire United States but are now 7 million strong across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Tickets are available from American Outdoors in Dexter, any NWTF committee member or at the door.  There will be live and silent auctions, raffles and games.  Merchandise will include unique furnishings for the home or cabin, NWTF guns of the year, other firearms, wildlife artwork, and more.

The dinner will be at the Dexter Eagles on HWY 25 and is being catered by Doug Cox of Dexter.  The menu includes pork steaks, smoked chicken, baked potato, baked beans, slaw, roll, desert and drink.  Anyone who has tasted Doug’s cooking will tell you the meal alone is worth the ticket price, but in addition to fine dining, your admission includes a one-year membership to the National Wild Turkey Federation.

As mentioned earlier, the NWTF is dedicated to wild turkeys and our hunting heritage.  Dollars raised at Hunting Heritage Banquets are used in many ways.  Locally the NWTF supports our annual JAKES Event at Holly Ridge Conservation Area, the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP), college scholarships, reduced cost food plot seed, Wheelin’ Sportsmen and Women in the Outdoors hunting events, and many other programs.  In addition, NWTF has partnered with the Missouri Department of Conservation to plant trees and other wildlife habitat projects on public and private lands.  The NWTF has also provided equipment to the MDC for educational purposes as well as habitat work.

Whether you enjoy camping, hiking, hunting or any other outdoor activity, the National Wild Turkey Federation is working to improve public lands, increase opportunities and strengthen family ties.  Even if you are not yet an avid turkey hunter, if you enjoy the outdoors odds are that the National Wild Turkey Federation has helped you in some way.  Show your support for our hunting heritage by joining your friends for a great time this Friday evening at the Eagles.

For more information contact American Outdoors at 624-5421, Dr. Kyle Ouzts at 258-0770, or Mark Reed at 421-3240.   

Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer

Dexter, Missouri – “Service Above Self” is the motto of the Dexter Rotary Club.  This group of dedicated individuals spends hundreds of hours each year volunteering for many charities and raising money for local scholarships.

Last year the Rotarians decided to help the people of Moore, Oklahoma after their town was hit by a devastating tornado.  Other projects besides their scholarship program have been a tree beautification project, helping feed the hungry through the Stoddard County Gospel Mission, they host numerous Blood Drives each year including the Rally for Riley Blood Drive in May, they host an Annual Food Drive,and have generously donated to the Disabled Veterans Wildlife Facility.

The Rotary Club also hosts a Spaghetti Supper, Ham & Bean Day in conjunction with their high school group, the Rotary Interact Club, work a booth at the Stoddard County Fair, and host a Chili Day each year to raise additional money for charities and scholarships.

The Dexter Rotary Club’s annual Four Person Scramble is Friday, June 20, 2014 with tee-off at 1:00 p.m. at the Hidden Trails Country Club.

A Polo T-Shirt will be given to each player.  Awards will be given for the Longest Drive, two closest to the Pin Holes, and Longest Putt.  This is an 18-hole scramble and free beverages will be offered on the course and a light meal following your afternoon of fun in the sun.  There will also be prizes for two flights.  Entry of $75 includes Mulligans, Skins and 50/50.

Sponsors for the event are greatly appreciated and can sponsor a hole for just $100.  Your name or business name will be on the tee box.

Please contact the Rotary Club Vice-President Dave Ellinghouse at 624-5540 or Henry Kestner at 820-6168.  Registration begins at noon.

The Dexter Rotary Club is also having a membership drive.  If you are interested in becoming a member please come out and enjoy an afternoon of golf or just visit with the Rotarians for a bit.  The public in encouraged to visit the Hidden Trails Country Club where an information booth will be available.

Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer

Dexter, Missouri – Join the Corner Cottage of Dexter from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. to share their blessings with the Mother-to-Mother program while “showering” them with items they could certainly use.

Mother-to-Mother program is in need of diapers, wet wipes, laundry detergent, rattlers, pacifiers, band-aids, infant toothbrushes, infant toothpaste, antiseptic ointment, baby lotion, baby wash, baby shampoo, teething rings, coloring books, crayons, and children’s books.

Through the mentoring program young women are given the resources and skills they need to become good parents and productive members of society. 

Hope you can stop by Saturday, June 14, 2014 to enjoy refreshments while showing yur support for this great local program.