Puxico, Missouri - The Puxico Police Department and Fire Department are collecting gently worn, used and new shoes. Beginning April 1, 2019 - July 11, 2019 you can donate shoes at the police department or at Bill's Market.
There will be one pick-up date on April 13, 2019 from door to door. All you have to do is collect shoes together and place them in a bag or box and place on the door step and they will be picked up that day.
The group they are using for the shoe drive will give .40 cents per pound of shoes at the end of the year to help children at Christmas.
If you have any questions contact Chief Rick Sheren or Cpl. Brandon Throop at (573) 222-3565.
Collected shoes are used to support micro-enterprise vendors. These are small businesses in developing nations and are typically operated by one person or a small family.
Dexter, Missouri - The Stray will perform live in concert on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at the Dexter High school.
Admission is free.
Guest speaker will be Brad Hurtig.
"Brad Hurtig was a student-athlete in a small town in Northwest Ohio. Only days after finishing his sophomore year of high school, a devastating accident resulted in the amputation of both of Brad’s hands."
"Through hard work and determination Brad soon rejoined his high school football team. In his senior year, Brad led his team defense, recording 111 tackles and received all-state honors all while playing with no hands. Brad’s inspirational story of triumph quickly captured national headlines."
"Now Brad is taking his life-changing message to students across the nation."
The concert and speaker is sponsored by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
The Dexter Kiwanis Club recently made a donation to the UCAN (United Cancer Assistance Network).
On hand for the check presentation were Kim Sifford, Kiwanis member, Pat Danner, UCAN, and Allen Walker, Kiwanis President.
Photo submitted.
Bloomfield, Missouri - The Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce held their annual awards dinner on Tuesday, March 12, 2019.
Debbie Shafer was named the 2019 Bloomfield Chamber Educator of the Year.
As a young, married mother of two, Debbie had a strong desire to have an active role in her children's education, so she enrolled in education classes at Northeast Missouri State University, now Truman State University and graduated in May of 1988. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education and one more baby!
On the day of her graduation, Debbie received a phone call from Truman's Placement Center informing her of a job they feld she would be perfect fit. In August of 1988, she began her teaching career as a third grade teacher at Mary Immaculate Catholic School. Debbie credits her seven-year tenure there as the cornerstone for the remainder of her teaching career. Her connections with her students now run through generations as she teaches children of former students.
Debbie's time with Bloomfield R-14 School District officially began in the fall of 1996 when she was hired as a fifth grade teacher prior to piloting the newly formed At-Risk class for third through fifth grade. Though the program only lasted a year, relationships were built that still continue today.
In the spring of 2002 she moved to the middle school at Bloomfield. That's where Debbie's special "niche" became her place in education. She later taught high school, 2nd grade and gifted students and then returned to the middle school.
In addition to her career in education, Debbie has been blessed with a wonderful family, including her husband Tony with who she loves to travel with and her children, two of who have gone into education and are grown with families of their own. She has six grandchildren, Bryston, Layton, Bennett, Jillian, Anderson, and Gwendolyn.
Pictured from left are Chamber Board Member and Bloomfield Superintendent Toni Hill, Shafer and Chamber Vice President Janis Traughber.
