Press Briefing 7/11/21 3:00PM
Dexter Tornado – Published by the Stoddard County Emergency Management Agency
The National Weather Service arrived here in town at noon today, and have relayed preliminary information that this is a potential EF-2 tornado with approximate 120 mph wind gusts. Their survey is ongoing.
If any impacted families need housing assistance or have unmet needs such as food or water, please call the Stoddard County Emergency Management Agency at (573) 614-5155.
For residences and businesses that are requesting volunteer assistance with clearing debris, or are needing supplies such as tarps, gloves, and hand tools, please call the Dexter Fire Department at (573) 624-3425. This is for any residents in the impacted area, not just those in Dexter city limits.
We kindly request that all non-essential travelers remain off of the roadways in the impacted areas. The crews need space to work, the more cars that are in the way, the longer the clean-up process and the time to restore power will take.
The City of Dexter is requesting that all homeowners in city limits place their debris on the edge of the street, and NOT in the street. They will send crews to pick-up debris as soon as they can.
Dexter, MO - "We are going to give out our 3 millionth dollar soon," stated Scott Kruse, Founder of 18 FORE Life.
How can such a small community raise that much money in a short 20 years? It takes many hands, lots of love for our friends and family, and the ability to come together whenever someone is fighting the big "C". Ben Kruse would be amazed how a small golf tournament turned into such a big part of our everyday lives.
Last year due to Covid-19 people couldn't come together in person, but that didn't stop the Kruse family. They went virtual!! There was an online auction and still many of the wonderful fundraisers were able to take place throughout the year. There's not a day that goes by that Scott and his family aren't doing something for someone with cancer. It amazes this reporter that so many people have cancer in our area and how much these LOVE Offerings help! It's truly an inspiration.
"This year we were able to send out over $50,000 in love offerings," stated Kruse. "Clearing the wait list and pushing within a few thousand of hitting $3 million....which should be sent out before the end of this summer."
The Ben Kruse 18 FORE Life Banquet is held each year in June at the Dexter Elks Lodge. Kerri Kruse opened the event and welcomed everyone. Her husband, Scott, paid tribute to the late John Barge. Barge welcomed the 18 FORE Life Golf Tournament at Hidden Trails Country Club during his time as the club pro. Kruse said that most club pros would not allow a one day tournament of nearly 90 teams on their course out of concern for the wear and tear. Barge loved having them there. He wasn't sure how that many teams would work, but he never let it stress him.
One of the funniest local love-offering recipients spoke about his ordeal and recovery from cancer. Darryl Orr and his wife Diana have both successfully battled cancer. He told his story of his cancer journey with a great amount of humor.
It all began with a trip to the emergency room in June of 2019 when Orr thought he was having a heart attack. "The good news was it was not a heart attack, but the bad news was I had a mass in my chest and the ER doctor suspected cancer."
After an appointment with Dr. Andrew Moore in Cape Girardeau, then came the roller coaster ride of tests and more tests. If you have ever had cancer or known anyone who has dealt with cancer it's one test after another and then repeat. "And the amount of blood they draw for tests, you would think they were vampires!" He stated his cancer treatments involved six week stays in the hospital and he finally completed his treatments in January of 2021. He lost his hair. He lost his voice and he lost about 30 pounds.
"The hair did grow back, but I can't seem to do a thing with it," joked Orr. "Unfortunately for me the 30 pounds also came back too. And unfortunately for you, my voice came back."
"The community has always given generously for this cause and I am appreciative for my wife, Diana, for you who donate and for the Kruse family who give and give and give! Thank you."
Once Orr concluded his speech, former St. Louis Rams Coach Dick Vermeil addressed the audience.
He spoke on his seven common sense principles of leadership.
Those principles are:
1. Make sure people know you care,
2. Be a good example,
3. Create an atmosphere in which people enjoy working,
4. Define, delegate then lead,
5. Bring energy to the workplace,
6 Build relationships as you implement your vision, values and process, and
7. Be sincere.
Vermeil spoke of each principle and how each one was applied to rebuilding the Rams into a Super Bowl winning football team.
At the conclusion of both speakers, a video was played along with music of previous banquets and golf tournaments and of course photos of Ben Kruse. It's always a touching tribute to those who have embraced this deadly disease and beat cancer and those who lost their lives. "We wait for a day when cancer is gone from this earth, but until that day comes, 18 FORE Life will be there for you and your family."
On Saturday, the morning after the banquet, a record 88 teams of 4 descended on the greens at Hidden Trails Country Club Golf Course to compete in the annual Ben Kruse 18 FORE Life Golf Tournament.
The team of Chad Wooldridge, Shawn Wooldridge, Chris Cohen and Cody McCain won the 2021 tournament.
Dexter, MO - The annual Grille It Up will take place on Friday, July 9th from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. and on Saturday, July 10th from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. at East Park.
This two-day event was created for the whole family with a car show, cornhole tournaments, co-ed mud volleyball and a cook-off contest.
There will be plenty of food vendors and various snack trucks as well. Throughout the day, there will be a range of event vendors set up as well including bounce houses, local crafts and so much more. Come out and grab a meal, snack or drink and most importantly have a great time!!
"We hope that everyone will come out to support the event and that it will continue to grow each year," commented Jamie Rowe, Park and Rec Director.
Dexter, MO - The Dexter Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting and celebrated the grand opening of Allen's Auto Repair and Quick Lube at its new location at 715 Highway 25 North.
Owners are Adam and Brandy Allen.
"Allen's Auto Repair is an auto repair shop that can handle any automotive problems you may have, including 4x4 and performance needs. With free checkouts, financing options, and military discounts, we offer high quality work that won't tax your wallet!"
For an appointment or for more information call (573) 203-5055.
Pictured from left are Dexter Major Jason Banken, SueAnn Williams, SoutheastHEALTH of Stoddard County, Mike Henson with Allen's Auto Service, Adam Allen, Brandy Allen, Alice Allen Shelly Wilcox, Tara Barker, dustin mayer, Dexter Chamber President Cecil Haley.
Back row from left Dexter Chamber Development Coordinator Ed Dust, Jason Ivy, Brad Billingsley, Cayden Mansker, Dennis Allen, Dexter Police Chief Hank Trout, and Dexter City Administrator Trevor Pulley.
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.
