To Reduce Drunk Driving Fatalities

‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ Campaign Will Target Substance–Impaired Drivers.

Dexter, Missouri - Local and state law enforcement will be out in full force as part of the annual nationwide Youth Alcohol Enforcement Crackdown substance–impaired driving crackdown. The crackdown, which will include high-visibility enforcement throughout Dexter, will run from April 30th – May 9th. 

Although it is illegal in all 50 States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to drive impaired (having a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher), far too many people across the nation get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or other illegal drugs. The latest statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration underscore the serious nature of the nation’s continuing drunk driving epidemic. 

“We want to remind everyone that getting behind the wheel impaired is a terrible idea. Unfortunately, not only does being under the influence impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely, but it also impairs your judgment and good sense about whether you can or should drive. If you have any doubt about your sobriety, do not get behind the wheel. If you do choose to drive impaired, you will be arrested. No warnings. No excuses,” Chief Trout said. 

“Driving while impaired is simply not worth the risk. So, do not take the chance. Remember, we will be out in force and we will be watching, so ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,’” said Chief Trout.

Sparklight® Continues Partnership with Arbor Day Foundation

to Plant 110,000 Trees

April 27, 2021 – Phoenix, AZ – In honor of Arbor Day, Sparklight® is pleased to announce it has extended its partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant trees on behalf of customers who switch to paperless billing. Now in its seventh year, the partnership has resulted in 110,000 trees being planted in Sparklight markets and is helping further the Foundation’s Time for Trees® initiative – a  commitment to plant 100 million trees in forests and communities worldwide by 2022, the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day.

“We’re excited to extend our partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation and assist in their initiative to help reverse damage done by the natural disasters that have impacted the communities we serve,” said Trish Niemann, Sparklight Senior Director of Corporation Communications. “By choosing paperless billing and online statement delivery, customers can join Sparklight in protecting our environment while at the same time enjoying the convenience that paperless billing offers.”  

Paperless billing is part of Sparklight’s ongoing effort to offer customers more choices while reducing the company’s impact on the environment. 

“One of the best things about holidays like Earth Day and Arbor Day is that they are days that look toward the future instead of looking toward the past,” said Arbor Day Foundation President Dan Lambe. “We are so thankful for Sparklight, who works with us to preserve and protect our planet with the simple act of planting trees. We must all come together to invest in a greener future and realize that the time for trees is now.”

In addition to reducing impact on the environment, opting into paperless billing provides Sparklight customers with secure online access to their current statements, payment options, and account history. 

Route MM in Stoddard County will be closed as Missouri Department of Transportation crews replace a culvert under the roadway. 

This section of roadway is located between Route U and County Road 684.

Weather permitting, work will take place Wednesday, May 5 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The work zone will be marked with signs.  Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.

The Chalk Bluff Cemetery Board of Directors has made the decision to postpone this year’s annual membership meeting of the Chalk Bluff Cemetery, scheduled for Sunday, May 2 in order to ensure the safety of our membership.  We are planning to see you at next year's annual meeting on Sunday, May 1, 2022, at 2:00 PM at Dexter's Keller Public Library.  

*review the cemetery policies on our Facebook page (Chalk Bluff Cemetery, Inc.) and share with your family.  

*share or update your address, phone number, email, or next of kin at chalkbluffcemetery@gmail.com.

*remember the cemetery is a not-for-profit organization and maintains the upkeep of the cemetery through memorial donations. 

If you have any concerns, comments, questions, or want a financial update, please contact #573-820-0881.

Chalk Bluff Cemetery Board of Directors

P. O. Box 727

Dexter, MO  63841

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like to make the public aware of the Operation P.R.O.T.E.C.T. (Patrol Response Operation To Enforcement of Construction zone Traffic) enforcement projects scheduled for Monday, April 26, 2021, and Wednesday, April 28, 2021. The projects are part of a joint effort with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT) to raise awareness about work zone safety.

"Last year in Missouri, 27 people died and another 661 people were injured in crashes taking place in a work zone," said Col. Olson. "Speed limits are lower in work zones and the roadway may be narrowed to accommodate the construction. This leaves less room for drivers to react if the vehicles in front of them slow down or stop suddenly. Please stay alert, obey the posted speed limit, and watch for changes in traffic patterns. Let's make work zones safer for our highway workers as well as others who are traveling through the area."

Operation P.R.O.T.E.C.T. identifies and prioritizes construction/work zones with critical issues or problems affecting highway safety through complaints from the public, highway/construction workers, law enforcement, and emergency responders, and takes into account recent crash statistics. In addition, a Zero Tolerance enforcement policy has been established for the operation as well as routine construction zone enforcement focusing on traffic violations, such as speed, following too close, other hazardous moving, and commercial motor vehicle violations. This zero tolerance policy directs troopers to take appropriate action on all observed traffic violations in construction/work zones by issuing uniform citations or warnings.

Too many people die in traffic crashes each year in Missouri. The choices you make when you’re behind the wheel matter. Make good choices, so you’ll never have to say, “If I could just go back …”