Every year members of Ronnie Shipman’s Dexter Greenhouse class plant poinsettias and care for them. The poinsettias are cared for until after Thanksgiving, and then are hopefully ready to be sold for the Christmas season.

This year the Greenhouse members from Dexter High School were extra busy on September 4^th and 5^th as they were potting the rooted poinsettia cuttings. The cuttings are purchased from a greenhouse supply company and are about two inches tall.

Every year around Christmas time the poinsettias go on sale for anyone to purchase. They are a big hit with the teachers within the building, but can be purchased by anyone who wishes to do so.

Shown in the above photo are greenhouse members potting the flowers: Chelsey Massey, Erika McCoy, and Emily Peters.

Every year the Xi Lambda Psi Chapter of Beta Theta Pi Sorority holds the Miss Stoddard County Pageants.

 This year the annual Stoddard County Pageant will be held on Sunday, September 16^th at 2:00 P.M. The pageant will be held in the Dexter High School Auditorium.

 There are five different categories in the pageant. Those categories include: Little Mister, Little Miss, Petite Miss, Junior Miss, and Miss.

 To be eligible for this pageant, you must have placed in a pageant within the last twelve months.

 Entry forms are available in every high school office within the county, and also at the Bunny Patch located in downtown Dexter.

 The deadline to enter for the Miss Stoddard County Pageant is Thursday, September 13^th.

 All proceeds for the pageant will be going to local charities.

Aquilla, Missouri - Be sure to catch the great sounds of THE BUZZ on Saturday night at the Boat House Winery.  Every performance of this local group brings a new degree of fun and excitement to your evening.

THE BUZZ energizes familiar classic rock favorites that will cause your toe to tap and your body to move.  Before they leave the stage, you may even find yourself singing along. 

Need a warm up?  Visit TheBuzzDexter's YouTube Channel to get yourself ready for a great night at the Boat House.   Of course, this will not top the electricity of a live performance but be sure to listen and subscribe at www.youtube.com/thebuzzdexter.

The band originated as a group of friends with a desire to simply play music.  The group set out on their road to fame under the band name of "Sittin' Pretty", receiving second place in the Stoddard County Fair in 1988.  The group included at that time Scott Kruse, drums; Kip Musgrave, bass;  John E. Law, lead guitar; David Robinson, rhythm guitar; Candy Howard/Coburn, vocals; Jim Elledge and Arlen Pixley, background vocals and security.

With his term as the District 25 State Senator drawing near to the end, Senator Rob Mayer continues to serve the people of his district with a passion and commitment.  Most would think it's time to "coast" through the remainder of his time in office, but the heart of a political candidate is better witnessed in his actions rather than his words. 

Senator Mayer was on hand recently to address the student body of Mingo Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center regarding the importance of self respect.  Senator Mayer interacted with the audience of over 200 students, seeking their opinions on what self-respect means to the individual and to society in general.
 
Mayer then shared some moments from his personal journey from working in industry and farming to his decision to become an attorney.  Respecting others as a roadway to respecting yourself was a principal theme of his remarks.

Senator Mayer balances his political and personal career, while campaigning for Circuit 35 Judge.  One might quickly realize that a typical "politico" would not see many votes at the Mingo Job Corp and thus, find a more beneficial campaign stop.  But Mayer's integrity and commitment to excellence exceed the average and are very evident in his actions. 

Neither would the students of the Mingo Job Corp be considered average.  Misunderstood by many, the idea that Mingo is a form of punishment for these young people is untrue.  Mingo students make application and must be accepted into the program. 

These students many times originate from challenging situations but allow the Mingo Job Corp to build into their lives the qualities needed to be successful in today's world.  Senator Mayer's discussion on "Self Respect" is one of many opportunities these young people are exposed to throughout the year.
 
Mingo Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center is a residential vocational and educational training program serving students ages 16 to 24, located near Puxico, Missouri. In addition to seven vocational trades, Mingo Job Corps offers GED or High School attainment, driver’s education, and basic health care all at no cost to the student. The U.S. Forest Service administrates the program in Southeast Missouri and at 27 other centers across the nation. For more information, call 573-222-3537 or visit www.jobcorps.gov

Dexter, Missouri - The days of putting your dog in your bathtub at home has been upgraded recently with the addition of the Mud Magnet Dog Wash.  The facilities have the self-service tools that favor a Saturday morning trip to the beauty parlor. 

"The facility has been real popular so far", commented owner Patrick Barbour.  "We wanted to put one of these in our car wash facilities on the west side of town but the design wouldn't let us fit it in".

Use of the facilities is simple and easy.  You can bring your quarters, but the operations will conveniently take dollar bills as well as a debit card.  You can expect that an average sized dog will cost approximately $5 to $10 to wash, if you use all the services. 

The dog wash bay is made of sturdy stainless steel with a ramp leading upward.  The sides are adequately high to prevent escape of your pet, plus the bay has two snaps that can will help to hold your pet steady as you perform the wash.

There are eight cycles involved with the dog wash system.  Those cycles include:

1. A Disinfectant Cycle:  This will provide pet owners with the assurance that your pet will be protected from harmful bacterial or problems from other pets.
2. A Soaping Cycle:  The soap cycle provides a warm soap/water mixture to quickly get the suds rolling for your pet.
3. A Rinse Cycle:  Again, warm water is used to keep your pet calm.  The spray nozzle is much like those found in a cafeteria dish washing system and is simple to operate. 
   
4. Flea & Tick Cycle:  This cycle is very handy in the protection of your pet from fleas and ticks.  The solutions is filled with the ingredients and easy to apply.  You are encouraged to allow your dog to sit for two minutes to allow the solution to soak into the coat of your animal.
5. Conditioning Cycle:  To ensure that your pets coat maintains that luster and shine, a conditioner is added to the solutions during this cycle.  Again, it is recommended that you allow the conditioner to soak into your animal's coat for a few minutes before rinsing.
6. Vacuum Cycle:  A powerful vacuum hose is conveniently located on the right side of the platform allowing you to pull loose hair and water from the coat of your pet.  This is highly effective and avoids the dreaded "shake" of the animal.
7. Blow Dry Cycle (low):  The blow dryer is very helpful in removing additional water from your animal.  The low setting is useful if your animal becomes anxious over the blowing sound or the rush of air over his or her body.
   
8. Blow Dry Cycle (high):  A much more powerful setting, you can quickly use the high setting to decrease the time in drying your pet.  Be careful around the eyes and ears of the animal not to cause discomfort from this cycle.

You will also find additional grooming items and treats available through a vending system in the facility. 

Everyone is fully aware of the great job that the Mug Magnet system does for your automobiles.  From the self service bays to the automatic systems, the car and truck wash is exceptional and fully gets the job done.  You will also find advancements in the vacuum system for the autos behind the wash, complete with pleasing scents and shampoo cycles for those tough stains.

  You may have wondered about the bright neon sign and the Dog Wash, while passing by the East Business 60 location.  Well rest assured that the Dog Wash is exceptional and just the ticket to get your dog protected, shiny and groomed.  You will find the operations simple and easy, but be sure to wear older cloths just in case you are caught by the dreaded "shake".

BONUS:  Share this story from our Facebook Page and we will have a random drawing for a FREE $10.00 Gift Card courtesy of Mud Magnet.  You name will be entered in the drawing via the list created on Facebook.   BE SURE TO FRIEND THEM ON THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE!  CLICK HERE!