Dexter, Missouri - The Elk's Lodge in Dexter hosted their annual American Essay contest at T.S. Hill Middle School and the winners have been announced.

The topic "What the Pledge of Allegiance Means to Me" is an ongoing event held each year.  The top three winners will on to the next level of judging at the district and then on to the state level. 

First place was Chaylea Mosby.  Second place was Brock Simmons and third place went to Sarah Smith. 

Shown in the photo provided by Michelle Cannon is Americanism Chairperson Randy Northington, Chaylea Mosby, Brock Simmons, and Sarah Smith.

Dexter, Missouri - The Rotary Club of Dexter will host their annual Chili Day on Tuesday, January 20th  at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Hall in Dexter.  The weather is cold, but the chili will be nice and warm!

The serving times are from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. and again from 4 p.m.  - 6 p.m. with carry-outs also available. Call 820-6168 to order a carry-out meal. the cost is $6.00 per meal with vegetable beef soup available as an alternative.

All proceeds go to fund Dexter Rotary Club projects including Boys State, Girls State, Stoddard County Gospel Mission and high school scholarships, beautification projects and more.

Children under three years of age eat for free.

The public is encouraged to attend. 

Shown in the photo are Rotarians Phil Ternes, owner of Pizza Hut and Wayne Jean, owner of Jean & Company.

Dexter, Missouri - Courtney Potts has been chosen as the ShowMe Times January Calendar Girl for 2015.  She is the 18 year-old daughter of Randy and Peggy Potts and is a senior at Dexter High School.

Courtney is a member of Future Teachers of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, FCCLA, and Future Business Leaders of America.  She is also a Dexter Honor Society student and a member of the 2014/2015 Yearbook Staff.  Courtney is a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and is actively involved with the youth group.   She is a varsity Basketball Cheerleader and after school is an instructor at Dexter Tumbling and Cheer.  She is also a Cadet Teacher.

Miss Potts plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau and will obtain a Bachelor of Science in education.

Miss Courtney Potts was an attendant in the Miss Dexter 2014 Pageant.  This is an annual pageant sponsored by the Dexter Senior High School Music Department.  Each year Miss Dexter and her attendants are chosen as Calendar Girls throughout the year.

 

Congratulations Courtney!  The Dexter community is extremely proud of you and your accomplishments.

Dexter, Missouri - Employees of Countywide Insurance Agency in Dexter, Missouri have big hearts during the holiday season.  They collected toys at their annual employee Christmas party to donate to children who also receive much needed food at the Stoddard County Gospel Mission.

Without help from the community many children would have nothing for Christmas leaving them depressed and sad.  With donations of toys, children will have smiles upon their faces and something new to play with and enjoy.  Watching a child smile is one of the greatest gifts of love and knowing they are happy brings much joy to many who offer their time and love to these children.

The Countywide Agency team would like to extend a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all and hope everyone has a safe and wonderful holiday season.

Countywide Insurance is located at 140 S. Walnut and can provide you with all of your insurance needs. 

Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Rotary Club donates their time each year to help bag holiday "baskets" at the Stoddard County Gospel Mission.  On Monday, December 15th several Rotarians and Rotary Interact students stuffed 3,000 bags to be given to those in need.  

"I am so proud of the Dexter Rotary Club for working year after year helping us to provide food or a warm Christmas meal for those in need in our county," stated Kim Slavings, Director of the Stoddard County Gospel Mission.

The Rotary Club donates endless number of hours helping those in need each year and raising money to donate to several organizations in the area.  

Rotary is an international service organization whose stated purpose is to bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.  If you are interested in joining Rotary, please contact Jack Rodgers at jrod63841@yahoo.com or 573-624-5762.