With going back to school many students are simply getting used to their new, unfamiliar classes. When entering into high school the options of all different kinds of clubs can be overwhelming.

 Dexter High School offers many different clubs that appeal to a variety of students. The main purpose of the different organizations is to help students find people who share the same interests, and to have fun with those mutual interests.

 At the beginning of each school year, students have the option to join a number of clubs. Some of those include: Student Council, Future Teachers of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Family Career and Community Leaders of America, Future Business Leaders of America, Future Farmers of America, and a few more.

 One of the clubs that gets started pretty quickly is Future Farmers of America (FFA.) This club is under the leadership of Mr. Ronnie Shipman.

 FFA members don’t have to live on a farm to be a part of the club. One can simply join FFA for the experience it offers.  To be in FFA all one has to do is to be enrolled in an AG class, or to have previously taken an AG class.

 One of the first things FFA does every year is the Watermelon Social. This is a great way for the new and even the returning members to get to know each other. Members of the FFA feel it’s important to socialize outside of the classroom.

 The 2012 Watermelon Social was held this past Monday right outside the AG building.  There was a great turn out of students, and of course, lots of watermelon.

Shown in the above photo (listed left to right): Karlee Wright, Taylor Page, and Kristen Copeland

Shown in the photo to the right (listed left to right): Ethan Ward, Hannah Craft, Kyle Ward, Chelsey Massey, Colton Averett, and Shelby Edwards.

The Dexter Chamber of Commerce shared today that the nation’s largest 4G network just got larger for customers in Dexter. 

AT&T* has activated a new 4G mobile Internet cell site in Dexter that will enhance coverage for area residents and businesses and provide speeds up to four times faster than 3G. Customers can now enjoy 4G speeds in the southern part of Dexter, along State Highway 25 and Worley Road, including at the Dexter Municipal Airport. 

Please help us celebrate this new investment in Dexter at a ribbon cutting on Friday, September 7th at 9:30 immediately following the Industrial Appreciation Week Proclamation signing in the Chamber Building.  Refreshments will be provided.

For more information, Contact Janet Coleman or Carol Roberts at the Dexter Chamber of Commerce office located at 515 B West Market Street in Dexter.  You can email the office to Carol Roberts at carol@dexterchamber.com or reach them by phone at (573) 624-7458.

This is an exciting time for local Lauren Powers, and she needs your help!

 Lauren will be performing tomorrow night in downtown Cape at 6:00 P.M. She will be performing for the second round of Heartland Idol.

 Earlier this year, Lauren auditioned in front of judges and made it through the first round. In this round there will be three judges and one winner will be selected to move on. The one who moves on will be in the finals of the SEMO District Fair.

 Lauren hopes to see many of her family and friends there because the audience will also get to pick a second finalist to move on.

 We wish Lauren the best of luck, and ask that everyone supports her!

Recently a member of the Dexter FFA chapter was notified that he earned the American FFA Degree.

 Caleb Johns is a 2011 graduate of Dexter High School and a member of the Dexter FFA Chapter.

 Johns has earned the highest FFA degree that can be presented.

 Caleb is the son of Kevin and Janet Johns. Caleb attends College of the Ozarks where he is a sophomore. Johns is majoring in Agriculture Education.

 He will be presented his degree during the American FFA Degree ceremony during the 85^th National FFA convention held in Indianapolis, IN. on October 24^th-27^th, 2012.

 A big congratulations to Caleb for receiving this well deserved honor!

On July 29^th 2012, two-year old Drew Albritton was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is a rare form of cancer found in 1 in every 100,000 children. Drew has a malignant tumor in his chest that is touching his spinal cord. Drew has already endured a lot, and his road to recovery is only just beginning. He will undergo five more rounds of chemotherapy along with blood work twice a week.

 In the future Drew will face major surgery, bone marrow transplant, and radiation treatments.  Also, there will be a four consecutive-week stay in the hospital.

 Drew is the son of Mike and Elizabeth Carroll Albritton and the grandson of Dean and Carolyn Carroll. Grandparents still live in Dexter, and mother (Elizabeth Carroll) is a Dexter graduate.

 With everything Drew is going through, the financial burden is the last thing on Mike and Elizabeth’s mind. They are willing to do anything to make sure Drew is comfortable.

 Mike and Elizabeth are both in education, and are uncertain about getting back to work. Most people cannot even begin to fathom the heartache this has caused, and the expenses will be immense.

 The main purpose for the donations will be medical expenses. Of course, not only donations, but prayers as well would mean a lot to the family.

 Donations can be sent to:

 All of your donations and prayers will be greatly appreciated from Drew and his family.