
For every test-drive completed, Bud Shell Ford contributed $20 to the Relay for Life organization.
Robert Shell of Bud Shell ford presented Belinda Worley, co-chair of Relay for Life with two checks totaling $5,080.
The money will be donated to the American Cancer Society to help fund a cure for cancer as well as for cancer education and to help those undergoing cancer treatment.
Shown in the photo are Emma Kate Worley, Belinda Worley, and Robert Shell.

Dexter, Missouri - Vocal talent runs thick in the Powers family! Coby, Caroline, and Lauren Powers each auditioned for Heartland Idol at the Cape Mall on July 11th. All three were picked to move on to the semi-finals.
Forty talented singers were chosen from hundreds who tried out. Those 40 will then sing at one of four venues in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois.
Coby and Caroline Powers will sing on Tuesday, August 4th at 6:00 p.m. at Port Cape in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Lauren will sing at the Boathouse on Friday, August 28th at 6:00 p.m.
Out of the top 40 they take two out of ten from each venue, one chosen by a panel of judges and one by a vote of the people present. They also choose one person who competes at the SEMO District Fair Karaoke Night. Those 9 singers will then compete at the SEMO District Fair main pavilion in the finals on Wednesday, September 16th at 7:00 p.m. for a $1,000 prize.
A panel of judges chooses the ultimate winner. Mississippi River Radio who owns 16 radio stations in the Heartland sponsors the contest.
Last year, Caroline was the only family member to compete. She made it to the semi-finals at the Boathouse. She lost to the eventual winner. This year Coby will have his first competition as you have to be 14 to compete. He may be one of the youngest contestants from the area. Lauren made it to the finals once and eventually lost to Katherine DeHart of Sikeston. All three have big dreams of winning!
Each of these Dexter students has an amazing voice! Caroline and Lauren will also sing God Bless America at the Moving Wall Ceremony in Dexter on August 9th beginning at 2:00 p.m.

The first pageant is set for 10:00 a.m. and each age group will follow. Deadline to pre-register is August 7th. An additional $5.00 will be added for late entries.
In case of rain, the pageants will be held at the Harvest Assembly of God Church in Essex.
The fees are $10 for Baby,Wee, and Tiny entries. the entry fee is $20 for all other entries. All contests are open to everyone. The attire is casual or Sunday best. No pageant wear should be worn. Points will be deducted for those in pageant wear.
The categories are: Baby Miss (0-11 months), Wee Miss (12-23 months), Tiny Miss (24 months - 36 months), Little Miss (4 years - 6 years), Baby Mister (0-11 months), Wee Mister (12-23 months), Tiny Mister (24-36 months), Little Mister (4-6 years), Young Miss (7-11 years), Junior Miss (12-15 years), and Miss (16-19 years unmarried).
The Pageant is sponsored by the Lion's Club of Essex-Gray Ridge.
Checks should be made payable to the E.A.D., P.O. Box 15, Essex, MO 63846. For additional information please contact Janet Palmer 820-8248 or Sandy Kildow at 283-5175.

Monday - Barbecue meatballs, pork chops, brown rice, carrots, salad, whole grain bread and peaches.
Tuesday - Polish sausage, chicken Parmesan, whole grain pasta w/marinara sauce, cabbage, corn, garlic breadstick, and German chocolate cake.
Wednesday - Chopped steak with mushrooms, breaded chicken livers, mashed potatoes, and gravy, broccoli, whole grain bread, and Jello.
Thursday - Breaded pork patty, turkey slice yams, cauliflower with cheese sauce, whole grain bread, and chocolate cream pie.
Friday - Cheeseburger, catfish, coleslaw, baked beans, bun/whole grain bread, and pears.

Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Altrusa Club will host their 3rd Annual Charity Auction and you are invited.
On Saturday, September 12, 2015 a Live Auction, a Silent Auction, 50/50 Cash prize raffle, and Last Card Standing Prize. Arlen Taylor will provide music.
Doors will open at 4:00 p.m. at the Dexter Elks Lodge located at 325 North Two Mile Road. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. and the Live Auction starts at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are $20 per person including the meal. For tickets call (573) 624-4070 (days) or (573) 624-5009. Please reserve your tickets no later than September 1st so they may have a good count for the dinner.
Proceeds benefit UCAN (United Cancer Assistance Network) and Laundry Baskets of Love.
Altrusa also asks that you bring a product or two for the Laundry Baskets of Love, soda can pull tabs for Brandon Scott’s annual collection or a new or gently used children’s book for future literacy projects.
“If attendees would be so kind as to bring one or more of the items suggested," stated Tammy Robinson. "We would be so grateful!"
Items requested for the Laundry Baskets of Love are laundry detergent, toothbrush (singles), chapstick/lip balm, toilet paper, soap (liquid or bar), shampoo, dishwashing liquid, disposable razors, fabric softener, toothpaste, dental floss, paper towels, deodorant, conditioner, body lotion, or air fresheners.