Kennett, Missouri - Congratulations to Farm Credit customer Regina Thomas on winning St. Louis Cardinal tickets at the 2018 Kennett Branch Customer Appreciation Dinner!

Loan Officer Nathan Creed is pictured presenting the tickets.

Enjoy the game, Regina!

Each year, thousands of volunteers in Missouri donate their time and energy to make their communities a better place to live. These volunteers will be among the millions across the country who will be spotlighted during the 44th anniversary of National Volunteer Week, April 15-21, 2018. 

Research conducted by the Corporation for National and Community Service found that in 26.5% of adult Americans (64.5 million) volunteered 7.9 billion hours of service worth $175 billion in 2014. In Missouri, approximately 1.45 million volunteers of all types contributed 151.6 million hours of service. The 32.3 volunteer hours per resident ranks Missouri 15th among the 50 states and Washington, D.C. (Source: http://www.volunteeringinamerica.gov/MO#sthash.vpNhdtuB.dpuf). 

One group that relies heavily on volunteers is the University of Missouri Extension 4-H Program.  In 2018 over 7,000 youth and adults volunteered in some capacity with Missouri 4-H. In Stoddard County, 34 volunteers, both youth and adult, will serve as club leaders, project leaders, committee members, and in advisory capacities for the 4-H Youth Development Program.

Volunteers spend numerous hours working on tasks, such as helping organize an event at the county fair, helping a child with a 4-H project, or leading a project to serve the community. 

4-H Program volunteers are just one group of volunteers who are instrumental in carrying out the mission of the University of Missouri Extension. Volunteers are involved in every aspect of the Extension Service, including determining the needs of the local residents, planning and implementing programs to address these needs, securing resources, and evaluating programs. 

An example of these volunteers is the Stoddard County Extension Council. The 12-member board, which consists of appointed county citizens, works with the county Extension staff to plan and oversee Extension activities. 

The work of Extension volunteers is continuous. Every day volunteers lend a helping hand to make Extension programs more beneficial to the residents of Stoddard County.  Those interested in joining the team of Extension Volunteers are invited to contact the Stoddard County Extension Office at 573-568-3344, stoddardco@missouri.edu, or email milnersn@missouri.edu .

Submitted by:  Stephanie Milner, 4-H Youth Development Specialist

Keller Public Library Children's Story Hours are held each Tuesday at 10:15 a.m.  Below is the schedule for the May 2018 Story Hours.

May 1 - "Turtle Mania" presented by Dee Loflin, Manager of ShowMe Times and Jessica Loflin owner of Muddy Paws LLC - Come meet Chomper the African Sulcata Tortoise and Myrtle the Turtle, a 70 year old box turtle.

May 8 - "Furs and Hides" presented by Agent Michael Collins, Missouri Department of Conservation 

May 15 - "Fire Engine Red" presented by Chief Don Seymore, Dexter Fire Department

Thursday, May 31, 5:15 P.M. -  Keller Public Library Board of Directors meeting - Library Community Room

Dexter, Missouri - The Regional Healthcare Foundation’s 2017 4-Person Golf Scramble will be held on Friday, April 20th with a shotgun start of 1:00 p.m. at the Hidden Trails Country Club in Dexter.

Entry fee is $75 per player and that includes Green Fees and buffet meal after the scramble.  Golf cart rental is not included in the entry fee.  Flights and Cash Pay Outs determined day of scramble.

This is the only fundraiser for the Regional Healthcare Foundation located at 215 W. Grant St. in Dexter.  They support local programs such as Prescription Drug Assistance, Mother-to-Mother Program, Scholarships, GED/HSE Classes, First Thursday, Fitness Challenge, Walkers for Wellness, and Special Assistance Programs.

Corporate Sponsor is $500 and that includes 2 paid entries and a banner.  Hole Sponsorships are $100 each.

For more information or to register please contact the Regional Healthcare Foundation at (573) 624-1607.

Dexter, Missouri -  First Midwest Bank customers will experience a new rewards program unlike anything in the area with the launch of the First Midwest Buzz Points reward program. 

Similar to rewards programs offered by national banking institutions and credit card companies, the Buzz Points program allows customers to earn points every  time they use  their debit cards. Points can then be used at local and national retailers or can be redeemed as monetary donations to local charities. 

“At First Midwest, we are committed not only to our customers, but also to our local communities,” said Joey McLane, Bank President, and CEO. “One of the key components that drew us to the Buzz Points program was its focus on shopping locally.” 

.Customers will  earn more points by shopping with local merchants who have partnered with First Midwest and Buzz Points, providing a unique opportunity for local businesses to advertise to a highly-engaged audience. 

All points are tracked online or through a mobile app and participants are notified  of new promotions  when they are within a 1000 ft radius of a participating merchant with a special offer. 

First Midwest Buzz Points is available for all First Midwest debit cardholders. For more information or to enroll, visit www.onemidwest.com/buzzpoints or visit a First Midwest location. 

First Midwest Bank is a locally owned and managed community bank with locations throughout Southeast and Central Missouri. For more information, visit www.onemidwest.com.