Dexter, Missouri - Keller Public Library held probably the most exciting Summer Reading program of the season when Wildlife Biologist Jonathan Hardison brought Animal Tales from Mayfield, Kentucky.

Hardison presented several animals for the children to see and touch.  He explained their habitats, what they liked to eat, and told the children the names of each critter. 

When he brought out the very large Brazilian Rainbow Boa, the crowd gasped and some of the parents seemed to squirm in their chairs when they saw the large snake.

Other animals featured were a red kangaroo, chinchilla, African crested porcupine, and a small bird.

Their mission is to educate, entertain and inspire children to love animals.  A professional Wildlife Biologist and the former Curator at the AZA Accredited Zoo, Jared Baker, started Animal Tales. 

“Baker hired Hardison in 2015 and was so impressed with his ability to both simultaneously control and educate the kids all the while keeping them entertained. 

Hardison was born and raised in Western Kentucky, spending the majority of his childhood in the Mayfield and Benton areas. Being the son of a pastor, Jonathan also spent time growing up in both Vermont and Brentwood, TN. He now lives in Dover, TN with his wife, Natalie, and their two children, Dylan and Joy Beth.

Jonathan is a 2002 graduate of Murray State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Biology.

Jonathan’s career in Wildlife Biology was paused for a short time when he accepted the call into the gospel ministry. He is currently the pastor of Dotsonville Baptist Church in Woodlawn, TN.

Before joining Animal Tales in 2015, Jonathan worked in helicopter and aircraft maintenance at Fort Campbell Army Base. With Animal Tales, he looks forward to being able to utilize both his education and experience in wildlife biology to teach and share with others the unique programs that Animal Tales has to offer.”

 

The Keller Public Library will continue their weekly Summer Reading Program on Wednesday, July 1^st with Super Magic Super Hero, Magician Marty Hahne at 11:00 a.m.  Should be a great program!!

 

Dexter, Missouri - Using consumer fireworks on the 4th of July is a tradition.  And it can be safe if a few common sense rules are followed, says Ralph Apel, the spokesperson for the National Council on Fireworks Safety.

Consumer fireworks go through vigorous third party testing in China before being shipped to the United States.  But he notes, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”), there were an estimated 9,600 fireworks related injuries during the Fourth of July season in 2011.  Most of these injuries would not have occurred if the fireworks had been used under close adult supervision and if some basic safety steps had been taken.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers these common sense safety tips for using consumer fireworks in hopes that injuries to consumers can be greatly reduced this season:

• Know your fireworks; Read the warning labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
• Have a designated shooter to organize and shoot your family show.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Parents and caretakers should always closely supervise teens if they are using fireworks.
• Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
• Fireworks should only be used outdoors.
• Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.
• Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
• Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
• Never relight a “dud” firework.  Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor garbage can.
• Never attempt to alter or modify consumer fireworks and use them only in the manner in which they were intended.
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety urges Americans to follow common sense safety rules in their holiday celebrations.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose sole mission is to educate the public on the safe and responsible use of consumer fireworks.  For a full list of consumer fireworks safety tips and a safety video, please visit www.FireworksSafety.org.

The Dexter Fireworks Display will be held at dusk on Friday, July 3rd.  Happy 4th of July!

Dexter, Missouri - 1st Thursday at Cox Corner has just received a wonderful donation and are loaded with lots of new items for your choosing.

On Thursday, June 4th from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 1st Thursday will be open.  Proceeds will go to the Mother-to-Mother Program, a Regional Healthcare Foundation Program. 

Their re-sale shop is always accepting donations throughout the year so clean out those closets and remember to donate to First Thursday!  Please contact Linda Ulm at 624-0365 to schedule a time to meet to drop off your gently used items.

The Mother To Mother (M2M) is a three-phase mentoring program to support young women who are pregnant or parenting by giving them the resources ad skills they need to become successful parents.

They provide them with CHOICES, OPPORTUNITIES, and ACHIEVEMENTS.  The Mother-to-Mother mentoring program works with the young women through their pregnancy and the first year of their child’s life.

They hold regularly scheduled activities where the girls can participate in programs that promote the physical and social growth of both parent and child.

They introduce participants to additional services in the community that can help them make choices that will bring about a better life for tem.  After Phase I (pregnancy) and Phase II (baby’s first year) the girls may choose to remain in the program and contract with them to enter Phase III. 

In Phase III she may retain all the benefits of the program, if she agrees to continue her education or obtain employment. They believe that education will insure a brighter, more secure future for the young families by reducing the level of poverty.

You can also follow them on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Stoddard County, Missouri - Individual fundraisers for the recent Relay for Life event were recognized for having collected a total of nearly $30,000 to battle cancer.

In front row are Jolie Barbour (raised $2,030), Emma Kate Worley ($9,531.78), Logan Holman ($1,227.66), Michele Carmode ($2,872.24), and Kristi Venable ($1,840).

In back row are Liza King ($2,333), Megan Cullum ($1,227.66) and Jennifer Hartlein ($7,528). Not pictured is Chloe Holman ($1,227.66).

Thank you for all of your hard work and raising money for a great cause!

Dexter, Missouri – The Regional Healthcare Foundation is planning a tour for the pubic to see some of the best gardeners around.

On Saturday, June 13^th, the Foundation will host a Garden Tour.  This self-guided tour will showcase four very unique and beautiful gardens in and around Dexter, Missouri.

Tickets for the tour are only $20 each and are available at Gregory’s Two East downtown, Shelter Insurance at 1002 W. Business 60 and at the Regional Healthcare Foundation’s office at 215 W. Grant St.

Tickets will be available through June 13^th and the four gardens to be toured include the residences of Bob and Janice Barney, Gene Rowland, Andy and Natalie Riley and Gary and Judy Crump.  Directions to the gardens are on the back of the tickets.

In addition to the tours, Master Gardeners will be available at Cox Corner between 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on the day of the tour.  A door prize and complimentary gifts will also be given out that day.

For more information or questions please call (573) 624-1607.