
Bernie, Missouri - In September of 2014 Nancy Abernathy was diagnosed with Lelomyosarcoma, a cancer of the smooth muscle connective tissue and is often referred to as LMS. This is a relatively rare form of cancer.
Nancy went in for a routine surgery and by the time she left the hospital her world was turned upside down. The doctor informed her that they had found cancer in her uterus. She was immediately referred to a specialist in St. Louis.
That’s when the dreaded diagnosis was given, Leiomyosarcoma. They had removed the cancer; however she was required to return in three months to run tests.
In March of 2015 things changed. During a scan they found multiple spots on her lungs. Just after the birth of her first grandchild she was headed back to surgery. She didn’t heal quite as fast this time and Nancy had to start chemotherapy.
Since treatment began things have gotten progressively worse for Nancy and her family. She is on unpaid medical leave and now has to pay a very high premium for her health insurance. They have even put her house up for sale to help cover medical costs.
A fund has been established at all 10 branches of First Commercial Bank to benefit Nancy.
Contributions may be made to The Nancy Abernathy Fund at any of the location and as well donations can go directly to the Abernathy family in Bernie.
"A couple of very caring customers wanted to start the account anonymously for her," commented Kathy Jones. "She has touched so many hearts and we have some very amazing people who wanted to help her and her family."
For further information contact either Kathy Jones or Mary Lawrence at Dexter’s First Commercial Bank at (573) 624-8828.
A Facebook page: Nancy Abernathys Battle Against Leiomyosarcoma has also been established. Click HERE to LIKE her page.
Nancy is a Christian woman who has spent her life serving the Lord and helping others. Now it’s time to give back to this amazing woman.

Dexter, Missouri - On Saturday, July 25th the FORR (Freedom of the Road Riders) will host a Bike Show and Swap Meet at the Stoddard County Fairgrounds in Dexter.
Gates open at 10:00 a.m. and the public is encouraged to attend. Funnel cakes, shaved ice and other delicious treats will be available. There will be live music as well.
There is a $10 entry fee for bikes with nine classes to enter. Some of the classes are Stock Sportster, Trikes, Antique, Customer American, and Rat Bikes.
For almost 30 years this “local” bike club in Dexter has increased awareness of motorcycle related issues. They will have literature and brochures for people interested in learning more about FORR and motorcycle safety.
Have you ever thought about learning to ride a motorcycle? FORR can help you with that as well. They offer "riding courses" and information to help you obtain your motorcycle license and be more safe on the roads.
Mary Reeves has been a member for several years and feels motorcycle awareness is an important issue in the state of Missouri. FORR tries to have a representative in our state capitol almost every week congress is in session.
Proceeds from this event will be used to help the Freedom of the Road Riders to improve safety awareness as well as raise money for local charities. They are also very active in Toys for Tots for children.
If you would like to follow them on Facebook click HERE.
You don’t have to be a biker to come out and enjoy the bike show, just come out and support this great event!

Dexter, Missouri - Dexter Tumbling and Cheer in Dexter will begin a Competition Cheerleading Team this fall for girls ages eight - fourteen. Girls are required to have a round-off backhand spring!
These young ladies will compete in at least two competitions; one in Cape Girardeau and the other in Poplar Bluff and maybe one in St. Louis. Along with a couple of competitions the Cheerleading Team will perform a few exhibitions at local football and basketball games. They may even perform during the homecoming activities as well.
This brand new Cheerleading Team is being organized by Courtney Potts, DHS graduate along with Jessica Gott and because they are feeling out the number of participants have not set an exact date, but will more than likely practice for about two hours per week on Tuesdays. They are flexible and want to see how many girls sign-up for the team.
The Fall session is $60 per month with a few extra charges like choreographer fees, cheer uniform, shoes, and the cost of competitions. To offset some of the cost they will be doing several fundraisers.
The seasons run from August to April and All-Star Cheerleading is a “select” sport. It takes a full commitment form both the athlete and the family. The ability of all athletes to attend all practices will maximize the entire team’s ability to reach their full potential therefore practices are mandatory.
If you are interested or have questions please contact Courtney Potts at (573) 625-0671 or find her on Facebook by clicking HERE.
Shown in the photo is Courtney Potts, former Dexter High School Cheerleader and 2015 graduate.

Bernie, Missouri - Missouri Rural Services, an insurance carrier through Countywide Insurance Agency of Dexter, Missouri, awarded The City of Bernie the Hall of Fame Award this week.
In order for the City of Bernie to become a Hall of Fame recipient they must maintain a Three Year Loss Ratio of 35% or less with their Worker’s Compensation Insurance carrier, be a member of Missouri Rural Work Comp Trust for three years and have a minimum premium of $10,000 per year.
Shown in the photo are Zach Hedrick, Countywide Insurance Agency, Gloria Dean, City Clerk of Bernie and Sharon McCord, Countywide Insurance Agency.
"County Wide Insurance Agency is located in Dexter Missouri. They provide personal insurance packages for car insurance, homeowners insurance and more. Businesses throughout Arkansas and Missouri also rely on them for complete commercial insurance needs, whether you need a Business Owners Policy , agricultural insurance , commercial auto insurance or a customized package incorporating many difference coverage options.
As an independent insurance agency, they will shop around with several carriers to get you the most affordable rates. Not sure what you need? That is what they are here for. They will assess your risks and offer you a variety of products to choose from. Service, whether it is in response to an insurance claim or general question, is the most important value they offer you."
If you are interested in purchasing insurance or would like a quote please contact them at 573-624-5540 or visit their website County Wide Insurance. You can also follow them on Twitter and Facebook. County Wide Insurance is located at 140 S. Walnut in Dexter.
Did you know that the Dexter facility has the capacity to produce 5 million gallons of Biodiesel fuel in one year? This could mean an average decrease in the cost of fuel by as much as .50 per gallon. Who knows where this may lead in the future.
"Biodiesel is a Fatty Acid Methylester that is produced from a triglyceride or free fatty acid by reacting it in the presence of methanol and a catalyst," explained Pavelka.
Pavelka also explained that Biodiesel fuel can be used in any diesel engine and it has a similar BTU value to diesel fuel so it can be blended with home heating oil.
Since 2005 more than 62,000 jobs have been created in the Biodiesel business producing 5 billion in sales and decreasing imports by more than 8 billion.
Locally DGA in Sikeston and the LOVE's Truckstop in Matthews carry Biodiesel. Bootheel Petroleium has hauled it as well locally.
"Biodiesel is mostly used in farm machinery, trucking, road construction equipment, and in the mining industry," stated Slavings.
"We have been using animal fat and soybean oil, but just recently expanded operations to process used cooking oil from restaurants," continued Slavings.
Most feedstock for biodiesel is sourced domestically which has led to increased value for commodities for US suppliers. It also produces jobs domestically not only in the biodiesel production but also in all the supporting industries such as soy oil processing and trucking.
Pavelka also noted that Biodiesel requires no special handling and is safe to store. It has a very high flash point and is nontoxic. Of course you probably don't want to drink it!!
Jerry Bagby started Global Fuels in Dexter and they are currently striving to gain their BQ9000 Certification.
If you are interested in Global Fuels visiting your club just contact Robert Slavings at (573) 614-7410. He would be glad to bring a few samples and talk about the impact it is making in the USA!