Dexter, Missouri - Several residents in the Dexter area experienced high winds early Wednesday evening.  Heavy rain and wind caused power outages in the area as well.

AmerenMissouri reported a total of 6,600 homes and businesses without power in their coverage area.  According to their recorded message most power will be restored this evening; however some may not be restored until Thursday due to trees over the powerlines.

Ozark Border Electric also reported about 1,300 without power.

Update:  Only about 1,000 are without power as of 9 p.m.

Dexter, Missouri - Every year I can't wait to get my new Poppy and display it proudly on my rearview mirror!  After a year it gets so sun bleached.  Well tomorrow, Saturday, May 25th is the day.

The VFW will be located at the intersections of Wal-Mart, Cox Corner, Walnut/Vine passing out their Poppies and collecting donations for the local post between the hours of 8 and noon.

They use the money to help those Veterans in need.  Please consider a donating to them.

Here is a little history from the VFW Organization website:

"Before Memorial Day in 1922, they conducted their first poppy distribution, becoming the first veterans' organization to organize a nationwide distribution. The poppy soon was adopted as the official memorial flower of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, as it remains today. 

During their 1923 encampment, they decided that VFW "Buddy"® Poppies would be assembled by disabled and needy veterans who would be paid for their work to provide them with financial assistance. The next year, disabled veterans at the Buddy Poppy factory in Pittsburgh assembled VFW Buddy Poppies. The designation "Buddy Poppy" was adopted at that time.

In February 1924, they registered the name Buddy Poppy with the U.S. Patent Office. A certificate was issued on May 20, 1924, granting their organization all trademark rights in the name of Buddy under the classification of artificial flowers. They've made that trademark a guarantee that all poppies bearing that name and the VFW label are genuine products of the work of disabled and needy veterans. No other organization, firm or individual can legally use the name Buddy Poppy.

Today, their Buddy Poppies are still assembled by disabled and needy veterans in VA Hospitals. 

The VFW Buddy Poppy program provides compensation to the veterans who assemble the poppies, provides financial assistance in maintaining state and national veterans' rehabilitation and service programs and partially supports the VFW National Home For Children. Show your support today. Host a Buddy Poppy drive in your town, or have your local government issue a special proclamation."

Dexter, Missouri - Local law enforcement participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics on Friday, May 24, 2019.  So far the hottest day of the year, but they managed to run from Wal-Mart down Business 60 to On the Go.  

They also sold t-shirts to raise money and awareness for the Special Olympics.

Participating this year from left to right are Josh Benton, Dexter Police Department; Andrew Johnson, Missouri Highway Patrol; Hank Trout, Dexter Police Department; Kristie Palmer, Stoddard County Sheriff's Department; Amy Holden, Stoddard County Sheriff's Department; Trevor Pulley, Chief of Police at Dexter Police Department and Russ Gibson, Missouri Highway Patrol.

Mizzou offering assistance to those affected by violent storms

University of Missouri will provide housing, other help in wake of destructive tornado

The University of Missouri is offering assistance to those affected by the violent tornado that touched down in Jefferson City last night. University leaders have been in contact with state and local officials, as well as individuals from Lincoln University, to offer resources and assistance, including housing for those displaced and help with cleanup efforts. 

“Our thoughts are with the residents of Jefferson City this morning, and with the emergency crews working so hard to protect their citizens and work on cleanup and recovery efforts,” MU Chancellor Alexander N. Cartwright said. “Mizzou teams are working to determine how we can help further.”

Gary Ward, vice chancellor for operations, said temporary housing would be available on campus for affected University of Missouri employees, students and their families as well as those connected to Lincoln University displaced by the storms. Those interested in housing should contact MU Residential Life at 573-882-7275.

“When disaster strikes Missouri, the University of Missouri will always respond,” Ward said. “Without hesitation, we always will do what we can to serve the people of Missouri. As we talk with local and state officials to understand the full scope of the disaster and recovery efforts, we will deploy additional help.” 

The MU Police Department has seven officers, including MUPD Chief Doug Schwandt, in Jefferson City helping with the response to the tornado damage. In addition, MU Extension teams are on the ground to assist with recovery efforts, providing information about assessing water and wind damage. 

“All disasters are local events, and thus it falls upon the local community and nongovernmental organizations to manage events when they occur,” said Conne Burnham, director of MU Extension’s Community Emergency Management Program. “The University of Missouri is here to act as a resource for the public, emergency services personnel and other public officials because we are part of the community.”

The Community Emergency Management Program provides educational and technical assistance to individuals and families, local governments, schools, and organizations during and after disasters.