Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Fire Department held their annual Christmas banquet on Tuesday, December 20, 2016. Todd O'Dell, a 15 year veteran of the Dexter Fire Department was named the 2016 Firefighter of the Year.
The Dexter firemen vote each year as to who has gone above and beyond the call of duty and who exemplifies the spirit of the department.
Presenting the award to O'Dell is the 2015 recipient, Jeffrey Hueckel.
Mark Stidham, City of Dexter Manager, spoke during the celebration. "We have come a long way over the years," commented Stidham. "You guys are working efficiently. I'd like to brag on all of you and put you up against any fire department in southeast Missouri."
"We try to address every need that Don has asked for over the years," Stidham said of Don Seymore, Fire Chief. "The city of Dexter appreciates each and everyone of you!"
Amy Palmer with SCAD, guest speaker, also said a few words about the Dexter Fire Department.
"You guys do a fantastic job. You are all heroes to EMS," stated Palmer. "We know without a doubt you will have our back. We sometimes don't take the time to thank you and let you know how much you are appreciated."
"You put your lives in front of us. We park our vehicles next to the fire engines and you protect our vehicles and us while we work. Thank you!"
Don Seymore, Fire Chief, also spoke about some of the most interesting and unfortunately tragic situations the firemen and rescue have had to deal with during the 2015 year. One of course was the recent train wreck taking the lives of two adults and two children. With tears filling his eyes he spoke of that tragic day being one he will never forget and if any fireman needed to talk his door was open.
"Days like that one will stick with you forever during your career and life. You are never completely prepared for that type of tragedy," stated Seymore.
On a much lighter note he spoke of the recent water rescue and the amazing efforts by everyone involved to rescue a young lady partially submerged in a ditch on Arvin Road. She received very few injuries and was a very lucky lady. "Who would have guess a water rescue in Dexter. It's flat here and not many water sources except the lagoon, but the ditch was full of water and well we did what we had to do to rescue that person."
Jeffery Hueckel received his 5 year pin. Todd O'Dell and Terry Battles received their 15 year pins.
Malden, Missouri - The winner of the $1,342.26 donation from the Devin Busby Charity Challenge is Hope International!
Busby is a Risk Advisor and Master Farm Insurance Agent at the Byrum, Culp, Davis & Dell Insurance Agency in Malden.
"To everyone that had a hand in this, I really appreciate it and I can't tell you how appreciative Hope International was to receive the donation," stated Busby. "I can promise you the money you donated will go to good use in helping children and families. Also a big thank you to the other two charities who participated - Bootheel Youth Museum & Delta Children's Home."
A REMARKABLE fact on Hope International for the year 2016 alone: They fed 170,072 people, clothed 687 families, supplied furniture to 338 families, assisted in three major disasters, sent 33,000 pounds of clothes to Haiti, supplied 600 kids with school supplies, raised $5,000 for the Barnes family, along with touching lives every single day! Truly amazing!
If you would ever like to make a donation to Hope International you can contact Kristin Stevens, Gale 'N Heather Jordan, or go to the Bernie/Kennett location. Your donation WILL make a difference!
Dexter, Missouri - Ashlynn Wyman has a heart of gold! Her goal is to eliminate trash bags as an acceptable form of luggage for foster children. When a child enters foster care sometimes a trash bag is the only thing they are offered for their most personal belongings.
Wyman's journey on her latest project, "Luggage for Foster Children" began when she was very young and her grandma became a foster parent. Then about two years ago her mom showed her this video about the life a foster child and it made her realize just how lucky she was to be with her family.
"In the video, the child moves from house to house with her clothes and belongings in trash bags," commented a very passionate Wyman. "I have set up a Luggage Drive at Dexter High School and I really need everyone's help!"
The luggage, suitcases, backpacks or duffle bags will be donated to the Department of Social Service (They oversee the Division of Family Services) so that children will have something of their own to take with them when they go to a foster home.
"Community members please join in!" Wyman said. "If you have anything you would like to donate please let me know and I can come pick it up. DHS Students please bring to school and place underneath the Student Council Christmas Tree!"
There is no deadline for this worthwhile cause. Ashlynn just wants to continue this project and pass on to her fellows classmates and brothers next year!
More than 300,000 kids enter the foster care system in America each year. They deserve better than a trash bag for their belongings. Let's help Ashlynn by donating at least one piece of luggage, backpack or duffle bag this holiday season to help her cause and continue into the new year helping those who are in need!
You can reach her on Facebook by clicking HERE. You can also reach out to the ShowMe Times and we will be glad to help her deliver or pick-up items for donation.
Dexter, Missouri - The 8th Annual Christmas Reading is slated for Saturday, November 26th beginning at 6:00 p.m. at 125 W. Stoddard Street across from Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.
Greg Mathis began the annual Christmas Reading by reading the Second Chapter of Luke in 2009 and has not become a wonderful tradition.
June Coffey, Lisa's mother and Greg's mother-in-law read the Christmas story from Luke 2 every Christmas Eve to their two boys when they were young. It was a tradition Greg decided to share with others through the Christmas reading. Mrs. Coffey passed away in 2015.
“Too often we tend to get caught up in the rush of the holiday season,” Mathis said. “It is simply a reading by a special person in the local community who tells aloud the true story of the first Christmas.”
The event is outside and everyone is encouraged to attend. A special guest will read the story of the first Christmas, but you have to attend to find out who the secret guest will be this year. Also the Crowley Ridge Mennonite Church will once again bless us with their beautiful magical voices.
In case of inclement weather the event will be moved indoors to the chapel at Rainey Mathis Funeral Home.
Greg Mathis has created a website if you would like to learn more about the event, click HERE.
Dexter, Missouri - The XI Lambda Psi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi hosted the annual Stoddard County Pageants on Sunday, October 9, 2016.
2016 1st Alternate is Adesyn Shelton. She is the 18 year-old daughter of Terrie Hughes and Jason Shelton of Bernie.
2016 2nd Alternate is Ashlyn Stevens. She is the 18 year-old daughter of Tina Embrey and the late Jeff Stevens of Bernie.
2016 Miss Stoddard County Queen is Faith Oliver. She is the 16 year-old daughter of David and Stephanie Oliver of Puxico.
Shown in the photo from left to right are Adesyn Shelton, Faith Oliver, and Ashlyn Stevens.
Submitted photo.
