Dexter, MO - Marty the Magician performed on Wednesday, June 30, 2021 as part of the Summer Reading Program at Keller Public Library. Marty performed a variety of magical tricks for more than 150 children and adults.
Children of all ages loved his magic and his high energy. He has quite the ability to instantly connect to the children. The children laughed hysterically and then you could hear silence as he amazed them with his magic. They say laughter is the best medicine. This reporter could see the adults laughing and smiling right along with the children.
This was most definitely a favorite during the summer "Tails and Tales" reading program.
"My wife makes my vests," said Marty. "She also said I kind of act like a seven year old so I fit in perfectly." Marty has been interested in magic since the second grade and has over 35 years of experience entertaining.
Next week the Keller Public Library will offer "Tales with Teens" at 11 a.m. on Wednesday! Please come out and enjoy!
Pictured are Keller Library Director Jordan Myers, Marty the Magician and Children's Librarian Chris Hillis.
If you would like more information about Marty the Magician click HERE.
Dexter, Missouri - The 29th Annual Fourth of July Patriotic Parade for Kids will be held on Monday, July 5th at 10:00 a.m. This annual parade will begin at the corner of Elm and Vine streets in downtown Dexter.
The youngsters guided by Uncle Sam aka Mayor Banken will gather on the steps of the U.S. Post Office on Stoddard Street to salute the American Flag with the Pledge of Allegiance. They will sing a few patriotic songs and pose for those everlasting photos.
The parade will follow its traditional route down Elm Street to Stoddard Street with kids on bicycles, tricycles, wagons, scooters, golf carts, on foot or in strollers. You may even see a few patriotic dogs in the parade.
The parade will get moving again, east down Stoddard Street to Poplar Street, where it will turn south at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) back to Vine Street and turn west returning to the Bankens' front yard where they will be treated to lemonade and a small snack.
The "just for kids" parade was started by Janice Barney, Lisa Greer and Jean Rahm. The parade leadership has passed to a new generation, as Kristina and Jason Banken, now host the holiday parade each year. The Banken family began hosting the parade 14 years ago, and have continued to build upon the Independence Day tradition.
Children are invited to participate. They may walk or bring their bikes and other means of transportation for the parade. Parking will be available for grown-ups in the city parking lot on Vine Street across from the Dexter Municipal Building
Dexter, MO - The Keller Library Summer Reading Program kicked off on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at the Park Lane Gym with a Tails and Tales theme. Dee Loflin talked about turtles and brought Missouri animal furs.
Loflin had three box turtles from Missouri and a Sulcata Tortoise that is indigenous to Africa.
"Myrtle the Turtle has been in our family 4 generations," commented Loflin. "She currently lives with my daughter, Jessica Georger, but has lived with my grandmother and my father. She is estimated to be about 80 years old and is considered the oldest turtle of this species in Missouri."
"Elvis is probably around 50-60 years and is totally blind," continued Loflin. "He was found on the road covered in dried mud. We took him to the Dr. Ward in Advance and that's when we discovered he was totally blind."
"Danni has been with us for several years," stated Loflin. "She loves to be petted."
Chomper is a favorite among the children. He is a Sulcata Tortoise and is only five years old weighing about 30 lbs. He will live to be over 200 years old and may end up weighing more than 250 lbs.
In addition to the turtles Loflin also displayed several animal pelts which included deer, buffalo, a red fox, racoon, skunk and a coyote. Loflin also displayed deer antlers, turkey legs, a buffalo vertebrae and a donkey skull for the children to examine.
"It's always a joy to see the kids touch and feel the furs and skulls," continued Loflin. "Many never get the opportunity to see these animals in the wild, but to feel their fur is a real treat. The turtles are also a big hit with not just the children, but we have many adults who want to pet them as well."
The program will continue Wednesday, June 23 at 11 a.m. with Bookish Beats presented by Debbie Koening with the Mingo National Wildlife Refuge.
Pictured: Children's librarian Chris Hillis (left) and Keller Library Director Jordan Myers with Chomper.
A new columbarium wall was dedicated today during Missouri Veterans Cemetery – Bloomfield’s annual Memorial Day ceremony. Annual services are held at the five Missouri Veteran Cemeteries across the state to honor military members who gave their lives in service to their country.
Veterans, their families, and friends gathered around the new columbarium wall as Kara Bone sang the national anthem to begin the ceremony. Representative Wayne Wallingford was the keynote speaker. Executive Director Paul Kirchhoff also delivered remarks during the ceremony.
“Today, all across our nation, the citizens and veterans of this nation gather to pay homage and honor America’s finest, to the heroes who gave their lives in defense of our country and the freedoms we all hold dear.” Representative Wayne Wallingford said. “By giving up their tomorrow they have ensured our today.”
“It is an honor to be part of the dedication of this columbarium wall that serves as a final resting place for these heroes,” Director Paul Kirchhoff said. “It is a privilege to be in the presence of the family members of our state and nation’s heroes. Thank you all for coming out to pay homage to these individuals.
The first columbarium wall at Bloomfield reached capacity in January 2020. The new $2.7 million project was funded through the Veterans Commission Capital Improvement Trust Fund and is 100% reimbursable by the Veterans Administration (VA) through the Veterans Cemetery Grant Program. Construction on the new wall began in September 2020. Principal construction on the project was completed three months ahead of schedule.
The Missouri Veterans Commission operates seven State Veterans Homes, five State Veterans Cemeteries, and the Veterans Services Program. The Commission is committed to honoring and serving Missouri’s Veterans whose dedication and sacrifices have preserved our nation and its freedoms. For more information about the Missouri Veterans Commission programs, call 573-751-3779
Dexter, MO - Sergeant Jody Laramore will be promoted to the rank of lieutenant and assigned as an assistant director in the Gaming Division, General Headquarters, Jefferson City, MO, effective June 1, 2021.
Laramore was appointed to the Patrol on January 1, 1995, as a member of the 69th Recruit Class. After graduating from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy on June 22, 1995, he was assigned to Troop E, Zone 8, New Madrid/Pemiscot counties. On February 1, 1999, he transferred to Troop E, Zone 10, Dunklin County. On January 1, 2000, Laramore was promoted to corporal. He was promoted to sergeant and designated zone supervisor of Zone 11, Stoddard County, on March 5, 2006.
Lieutenant Laramore was born in Ironton, MO, and grew up in Kennett, MO.
He graduated from Holcomb High School in Holcomb, MO, in 1990.
He is a graduate of Mineral Area Junior College in Park Hills, MO, where he earned an Associate of Arts in 1992. He earned a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO, in 1994.
He completed the Law Enforcement Leadership and Organizational Change course at St. Louis University in 2015. In 2018, he completed the Police Leadership: The WestPoint Model course.
Lt. Laramore and his wife, Pam, have two children, Garrett and Lexie.
