
Walter P. Rushing, U.S. Navy Veteran, was quite surprised on Thursday afternoon when he received an Untied States Flag flown over the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington D.C.
Dee Loflin, owner of the ShowMe Times, knew about the US Flag Program and contacted Mike Schoelhamer, Constituent Services Specialist, with Jason Smith's office, to get a special flag for Dexter's move beloved Veteran.. Smith is the 8th Congressional District of Missouri in the US House of Representatives.
Mr. Rushing is moving to Tennessee to be with his two daughters and their family.
He was in the United States Navy and if you have ever been in his apartment it's like walking into a mini war museum. He has quite the collection.
On Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. the public is invited to drive by, honk and waive at Mr. Rushing. It will be his last time waiving those American flags in Dexter. You may also stop by and sign his banner!
Thank you Mr. Rushing for all the memories and making us smile each and every day!! The students on the buses will miss you very much! You are truly the most Patriotic Veteran of Dexter!!

IV Salon and Spa had their grand opening and ribbon cutting in downtown Dexter.
They are located at 201 E. Stoddard Street, just across from the U.S. Post Office.
To contact them you can message on Facebook or call 573-614-7175.
They offer a luxurious blend of beauty treatments and unparalleled customer service! Their place is beautiful!
The owner is Rachel Murphy.

Royal Neighbors of America Awards Scholarships to
Two Local Dexter Students
Peyton Boles and Ryder Boles Named as Recipients of National Scholarship Program
Royal Neighbors of America, a nonprofit life insurance organization located in Rock Island, Ill., has awarded 32 scholarships as part of its unique promise to provide Insurance with a Difference℠. Since 1961, scholarships have been awarded annually to help alleviate the financial burden of higher education for members and their families. Peyton and Ryder Boles of Dexter, MO were both awarded this acclaimed scholarship to complete their bachelor’s degrees at Murray State University.
“The program is an investment in tomorrow's community leaders,” said Senior Director of Social Impact Amy Jones. “By supporting our members in their educational pursuits, we are empowering them to be at the forefront of critical issues and shaping a better future for all. These scholarships are not just financial aid; they are a commitment to nurturing the leaders who will drive positive change in their communities.”
This scholarship program emphasizes the importance of strong, community-based leadership delivered through volunteerism. Students are required to respond to essay questions about their personal experiences and discuss a social issue currently affecting communities.
“My goal is to have zero debt by the time I graduate. I took many hours of dual credit in high school to cut down on expenses, and I will be working over the summer to cover additional costs. This scholarship has removed some of the financial burden from my shoulders, and I am very grateful to Royal Neighbors of America,” says Peyton Boles
More than $5 million has been awarded to date. Scholarship recipients can use their scholarship funds for tuition, room and board, and books. To learn more about the program, visit royalneighbors.org/scholarships.
“Education is a powerful tool for change, and we are honored to support our members in their educational journeys,” said Royal Neighbors CEO and President Zarifa Reynolds. “A sincere congratulations to the 32 outstanding individuals who have been named as scholarship recipients this year. Our Scholarship Program has and will continue to fulfill our mission to insure lives, support women, and serve communities.”
About Royal Neighbors of America
In 1895, nine founding women created a membership community. They were one of the first to make life insurance accessible to women. Nearly 130 years later, Royal Neighbors remains committed to its mission of Insuring Lives, Supporting Women, and Serving Communities℠. The organization’s 265,000+ members, chapters, employees, and appointed agents across the country drive the mission through localized volunteerism and Philanthropy Programs making social impact the cornerstone of their work.
Royal Neighbors members experience Insurance with a Difference℠ through their tailored life insurance and annuity products, opportunities to make an impact in their communities, and access to a variety of Member Programs including savings on prescriptions, health screenings, grief support, and more.


The Board of Directors of First Midwest Bank announced that Chris Guethle has been named the Community Bank President for the Dexter market.
Guethle has worked for First Midwest for nearly 15 years, specializing in commercial and consumer lending. He will manage the bank’s two Dexter locations while continuing to serve the residents of Dexter and the surrounding communities as a lender. Guethle steps into his new role under the mentorship of Jerry Dorton, who will continue as Executive Vice President of the bank group.
“We’re very pleased to have Chris transition into a leadership role,” said Jerry Dorton. “Being a Dexter native, his commitment to his hometown combined with his experience in banking will be a great asset to our customers and the community.”
Chris earned both his bachelor’s degree and Master of Business Administration from Missouri State University and graduated with honors from the Louisiana State University Graduate School of Banking. He and his wife, Maddie, live in Dexter with their three children. Chris is an active member of First Baptist Church in Dexter, serves on the Southeast Health Foundation Board, and is a proud supporter of the Dexter Bearcats.
Guethle’s office is located at First Midwest Bank’s main bank location on Business US 60 in Dexter.
First Midwest Bank is a family-owned community bank headquartered in Southeast Missouri. Our belief in serving customers with midwestern values has led to steady local growth, long-standing customer relationships, and the ability to make meaningful investments in the communities we call home. Since its founding in 1964, First Midwest has met the financial needs of consumers and businesses with an extensive suite of banking products and services.
Under the Midwest Bancorporation holding company, the First Midwest Bank group has assets of over $1.2 billion and operates 19 locations throughout Missouri, including Cape Girardeau, Dexter and Springfield. For more information, visit www.onemidwest.com. First Midwest Bank is a member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.