
The following individuals have made donations in July and August to the Stoddard County Children’s Home, Inc. in Memory or in Honor of a loved one.
Anna Kristina Stokes in Memory of Opal Bondurant Tamra & Randall Terry in Memory of Opal Bondurant Ishmael Smith in Memory of Alice Vaughn Griffey
New Bethen Church in Honor of Cheerful Workers Class Doris Moore in Memory of M.C. Moore
Lynn Hassell in Memory of Percy Clippard
Cecil Vincent in Memory of Kenneth Brock
Mike & Susie Meese in Memory of Bobby Johnson
S.D. & N. N. Arnold in Memory of Opal Bondurant
George & Janice Arnold in Memory of Opal Bondurant
Norman & Leslie Knicl in Memory of Opal Bondurant
Deane Williams in Memory of Melvin “Churn” Williams
Sherry & Jim Paules in Memory of Betty Guinn
Class of 1957 in Memory of Carolyn “Douglas” Reasons
Kenneth & Carolyn Walters in Memory of Billy Aycock
Marv & Freda Ferguson in Memory of Rev. Wiley McGhee
Darrel & Debbie Crow in Memory of Billy West Aycock
Bruce & Karen Dawson in Memory of Billy Aycock
Steve & Norma Womack in Memory of Opal Bondurant
Bobby Lowrey Farms in Memory of Karen Seiler, Jim Spitler, Myrtle Adams & AB Campbell Holly & Jay Lemons in Memory of Elaine Lemons
Dirk, Marcia, Taylor & Zack Eggiman in Memory of David VanGennip
Bud & Donna Wilson in Memory of Jarnett Trosper
Amy Seals in Honor of Ruby Elaine Lemons
Denny & Linda Blake in Memory of Charles “Chase” Chilcutt
Doug & Lydia Temples in Memory of Earl Hutchison
Randy & Betty Russell in Memory of Harold Wright
Randy & Betty Russell in Memory of Earl (Hutch) Hutchison
Carl Godwin in Memory of Earl (Hutch) Hutchison
Advance Community Teachers Assn. in Memory of Cecilia Beel-Wilton
Joe & Cynthia French in Honor of John & Janet Davis 50th Wedding Anniversary James & Carrol Russell in Memory of Earl (Hutch) Hutchison
Jane, Stan, Tim, & Kevin Flowers & Families in Memory of Bob Rowe
Jane, Stan, Tim, & Kevin Flowers & Families in Memory of Henry John Ruhl

Local residents chosen as State Fair Farm Family for Stoddard County
Bloomfield, Missouri - Bobby and Jackie Harmon and daughter, Miley, of Puxico, MO were among the families honored during the Missouri Farm Family Day, Aug. 15 at the Missouri State Fair.
The Harmon family was selected as the Stoddard County Missouri Farm Family by the Stoddard County Extension Council and local Farm Bureau. Each year, the fair sets aside a day to recognize farm families from across the state who are active in their communities, involved in agriculture and participate in local outreach and extension programs such as 4-H or FFA.
The annual event is sponsored by five partner agencies, including the Missouri Farm Bureau, the Missouri Department of Agriculture, the Missouri State Fair and Commissioners, the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, and University of Missouri Extension.
This was the first year in its 58-year history that all 114 counties participated by nominating a family.
The event showcases the impact Missouri Farm Families have on the economy and heritage of our state. “These families are involved in agriculture activities in their communities, and are active participants in local outreach and extension,” said Missouri State Fair Director Mark Wolfe. “As the showcase for Missouri agriculture, the Missouri State Fair is most certainly the appropriate place to celebrate these families.”
Pictured: Front Row – Bobby, Miley and Jackie Harmon.
Back row dignitaries include: Rob Kallenbach, Asst. Dean of Ag Extension, MU College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, Todd Hays, Vice President, Missouri Farm Bureau, Ted Sheppard, State Fair Commissioner, Lani Ogle, 2016 Missouri State Fair Queen, Jack Magruder, State Fair Commissioner, Barbara Hayden, State Fair Commissioner, and Lloyd Wilson, Deputy Director, Missouri Department of Ag

Dexter, Missouri - Jerry Dorton, Executive Vice President of First Midwest Bank of Dexter, recently announced plans to renovate the downtown Dexter banking facility.
The downtown facility has served First Midwest Bank’s customers since 1964; first as the main banking facility and later a branch. More than 50 years later, the location continues to serve customers who work or live nearby.
“Updating our facility reflects our continued commitment to keeping historic downtown Dexter a thriving and successful part of the community,” said Dorton.
To better serve the needs of banking customers, the facility will see significant improvements to the teller and lobby area, including additional office space. The new layout will encourage more engaging and secure transactions between customers and bank tellers. The interior will include a mix of traditional and modern design elements, including embellishments with large-scale graphic compositions highlighting First Midwest Bank’s connection to the Dexter community.
Construction began on Tuesday, August 9 with anticipated completion the end of November. Customers may conduct business as usual during construction, either by visiting the temporarily relocated teller windows inside or utilizing the drive-up lanes.
Brown Construction Co. will lead the renovation efforts. Brown Construction Co. has extensive experience working with First Midwest Bank, including the construction of their main bank facility in 2012. Fixtures will be fabricated by DEI Corp., a national design/build company that creates sales environments for banks and credit unions including new buildings and renovations.
The First Midwest Bank of Dexter has more than $300 million in assets and has locations in Dexter, Dudley, Sikeston, Jackson, and Cape Girardeau.

Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrates the 31st Annual Industrial Appreciation Week September 12th - 16th.
Duley Machine Shop is Dexter's oldest industry. They have been in business for 89 years. Tyson Foods has been in Dexter for 80 years.
Other industries include: Republic Services (46 years), Specialty Engineering Corp (43 years), Faurecia Emissions Control Technologies (42 years), Stoddard County Sheltered Workshop (40 years), Holden Pallet Company (33 years), U.S. Poly Enterprises, Inc. (31 years), Bootheel Tool & Machinery (28 years), Central Pallet Supply (27 years), Pallet Recycling (23 years), BA Promotions & Marketing, LLC (20 years), Bootheel Recycling (11 years), and Global Fuels (10 years).
On Monday, September 12th Mayor Joe Weber will sign a proclamation at the Chamber of Commerce at 8:00 a.m. It's also Sweet Treat Day for all employees, sponsored by SoutheastHEALTH of Stoddard County.
Tuesday, September 13th is Cookie Day for all Employees, sponsored by Saint Francis Health Center.
Wednesday, September 14th is the annual 4-Person Golf Scramble at Hidden Trails Country Club. The cost is $60 per player and has a shotgun start of 1:00 p.m. Entry fee included green fees, mulligans, and a meal after the Scramble, also car if needed. To register call (573) 624-7458.
Thursday, September 15th is Donut Day for all employees and the weekend ends with a Breakfast for industry managers, sponsors and invited guests.
A special thank you and recognition to all the sponsors: Allen Christian, Inc., Saint Francis Health Center, SoutheastHEALTH of Stoddard County, Bank of Advance, First Midwest Bank, FM Bank of SEMO, Pizza Hut, Chris Brannan Insurance, Ozark Federal Credit Union, Southern Bank, AT&T, County Wide Abstract & Title Co., Doug Libla for Senate, First State Bank and Trust, Montgomery Bank, Three Rivers College, and Tila Hubrecht for State Representative.

Dexter, Missouri - Miss Heartland Pageants, sponsored by the Dexter High School Choral Department, are set for Sunday, September 11, 2016 at the Dexter High School Auditorium.
Baby Miss Heartland will begin at 1:00 p.m. and pageants will then run consecutively.
Categories are Baby Miss Heartland (0-11 months), Wee Miss Heartland (12-23 months), Tiny Miss Heartland (2 - 4 years), Little Miss Heartland (5-6 years), Petite Miss Heartland (7-9 years), Young Miss Heartland (10-12 years), Junior Miss Heartland (13-15 years), and Miss Heartland (16-20 years).
If you have questions please contact Lindsay Woods at (573) 820-3369. Checks are payable to Dexter Public Schools - Miss Heartland Pageants.
New This Year: Contestants will be allowed to register at the door the day of the pageant for an increased entry fee of $30 normal fee is $25. Plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to start of pageant.