Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Writer

Dexter, Missouri – On a cold, crisp Sunday morning this was perhaps one of the most touching scenes witnessed this holiday season.  With so much sadness with the recent shootings in Connecticut, children in Dexter were excited to hold the hands of those who protect them each and every day of their lives.  No, it was not Spiderman or Batman or even Superman, but real heroes.

Policemen, policewomen, firefighters, highway patrol officers, probation, parole and juvenile officers, and all types of emergency responders were dressed in their best uniforms as they drove their emergency vehicles to Wal- Mart to shop with a child who is less fortunate this holiday season. 

These men and women took an oath to protect and serve.  Perhaps shopping at Wal-Mart with hundreds of children was not first on their list; however as the children laughed and smiled, you could see how proud the emergency responders were by the expressions on their faces.  They were absolutely delighted to participate in this heartfelt program. And as each child was assigned their “Hero”, some were quiet and shy, others a bit more rambunctious began to run and pick out their toys for Christmas.  It was an emotional moment for some of the emergency responders, some were grinning, some had a little tear in their eye, but each were happy to help the children who are so innocent in the struggles of every day life.   

Even Santa Claus made an appearance. Children began to yell, “Santa!” as some ran to give him a hug.  One little girl, Lesley, kept asking her mom if she could give Santa a hug.  Each time Santa would take her by the hand and squeeze her as she giggled.  Santa would smile and proclaim, “Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas!”

The Shop with A Hero program began 12 years ago when several emergency personnel from Stoddard County who decided to make Christmas a little brighter for underprivileged children in this area.  There are many financial donations made each year by the community and lots of fundraising to help each child have a memorable Christmas.  This year was no exception as each child was allowed $75 to shop at Dexter Wal-Mart.  Debbie Juden, Wal-Mart Manager, is a huge supporter of this worthy organization.  She was also on hand Sunday helping the Wal-Mart elves at the registers.

If you would like to make a donation or have further questions, please call Carol Moreland at 573-624-9086.

Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Writer

Dexter, Missouri – East Prairie native, Pvt. Robert Willoughby recently completed his military training to become a wheeled-vehicle mechanic for Missouri National Guard’s 1221st Transportation Company located in Dexter, Mo.

“I joined the Guard because it has been my life’s dream to be in the military,” said Willoughby. “The Guard also had many benefits that just fit me and can help me.”

He graduated from basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina and advanced individual training at Fort Lee, Virginia, November 13, 2012.

Prior to his training, Mr. Willoughby 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, recruiter in southeast Missouri, said, “ Mr. Willoughby will be a successful and a valuable asset to the Missouri National Guard.” 

“He really excelled during basic training,” said Wicker, who was also impressed with his performance during RSP. “He’s dedicated, and when he starts college next fall, I know he will excel there and capably handle his education and military careers.”

Pvt. Robert Willoughby will begin serving with his new unit in January 2013.

Robert is the son of Marty and Vicky Willoughby, of East Prairie. He is a graduate of East Prairie High School.

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!