Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Writer

Dexter, Missouri - Southeast native Pvt. Larry Jackson recently completed his military training to become a petroleum supply specialist for Missouri National Guard’s 1221st Transportation Company in Dexter, Missouri

“What inspired me to join the Guard was because I wanted to serve my country,” said Jackson. “The Guard also had college benefits that I wanted to take advantage of.”

He graduated from basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina and advanced individual training at Fort Lee, Virginia on November 16, 2012.

Prior to his training, Mr. Jackson served with Company E of the Recruit Sustainment Program in Cape Girardeau. Through the program, he learned basic Army skills and values and became more familiar with his role as a Soldier in the Missouri Army National Guard. 

Sgt. 1st Class Doyle Wicker, a recruiter in Southeast Missouri, said, “ Mr. Jackson has a bright future with the Missouri National Guard.  We are pleased to have him.”

Wicker continued, “He’s a hard working Soldier. I expect big things for him in his military and civilian future.”

Larry Jackson will begin serving with his new unit in January 2013.

Mr. Jackson is the son of Angie Clanch, of Dexter. He is a graduate of Bloomfield High School and is currently attending Three River Community College in Poplar Bluff. He works for Jason Jines Construction, LLC in Dexter.

It’s that time of year again when winter sports are in full swing and Christmas break is approaching.  Every year before the high school students go on break, each winter sports team nominates two girls to be candidates for Winter Homecoming.

Winter Homecoming will be held when the students return back to school from Christmas Break.

Today the candidates stopped by the Bearcat Event Center for a photo.

Nominated were: (back row left to right) Katelynn Frazier-girls basketball team, MaKayla Waldner-wrestling team, Emily Triplett-Kickin’ Cats Dance Team, Victoria Trammell-Boys Basketball team, Hannah Noe-Girls Basketball team, Sydney Graves-Boys Basketball team. Front row from left to right: Heather Davis-Wrestling team, Bethany Christian-Kickin’ Cats Dance Team, Jessica Norman-Cheerleading, and Brooke Stoker-Cheerleading.

We wish each candidate the best of luck and congratulations to each of them for being nominated!

Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Writer

Cape Girardeau, Missouri - The Cape Girardeau Nature Center is hosting “Rediscover the Mighty Mississippi” on Saturday, December 15^th from 1 pm – 3 pm.  No registration is required and the event is for all ages.

You will spend the afternoon discovering the majestic Mississippi River as you look at maps and letters that tell a tale of its history and origins.  Hopefully, you will walk away with an appreciation of the powerful, yet beautiful treasure we have in the Heartland.

Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Writer

Bloomfield, Missouri - “In The Shadow of Thy Wings” is a fictitious book written by a local author and published by WestBow Press this year.  Sharron L. Willis, now retired, earned her bachelor’s degree in education and now hopes to minister to women of all ages through her writing.

Since her younger days as a teenager, she has enjoyed reading romance novels set in the earlier days of our American history.   She lives with her husband Tom and their poodle/miniature pinscher, Muffin, about 30 miles south of Bloomfield, Missouri.

“In The Shadow of Thy Wings” is about a young woman, Claudia Rose Pickett who lived during the Civil War on a farm near Bloomfield, Missouri.  Her fiancé, Andy, fights for the Union.   While reading this novel, you will experience many of the horrors of the war, including the death of neighbors and family members, the destruction of their homes and the daily fear of living during a war. “In The Shadow of Thy Wings” is their love story.

Sharron Willis has a great love for the Lord and people.  All of the main characters in her book rely on their faith in God, even though they sometimes question Him.

On a recent visit at the Stars and Stripes Museum, Mrs. Sue Mayo suggested this wonderful book, as it is available for sale in their museum.  She stated, “It would make a nice Christmas present for those interested in romance or the Civil War era”. 

The Stars and Stripes Museum is open Monday – Saturday and is a wonderful place to bring students, church groups and people of all ages.  If you would like a tour or would like more information please contact the museum at 573-568-2055.