Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Writer
Dexter, Missouri - After 30 plus years Phyllis Mason will no longer be the face of MJ’s Fashions in downtown Dexter, Missouri. Her retirement marks the end of an era.
Phyllis has seen so many wonderful changes throughout her years in downtown Dexter. She is pleased that people from all over Missouri and surrounding states have shopped at MJ’s Fashions. Even her local patrons will miss seeing her behind the counter each day.
Her son, Chris Mason, who is the Worship Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Arnold, Missouri wants everyone know that he is so very proud of his mom and knows she will be overwhelmed by your visits.
Everyone is welcome to stop by today between 9 am and 5 pm to wish her well. She might just offer you a cookie and a cup of coffee and then chat with you while she finishes her last day.
MJ’s Fashions is located at 12 East Stoddard Street, downtown Dexter.
Poplar Bluff, Missouri - With many New Year’s resolutions circling around in the air this time of year, it seems like everyone wants to live a healthier lifestyle or find more exciting and fun hobbies to defeat the previous year’s boredom. That’s why on Tuesday, January 1st, 2013, the Poplar Bluff Vipers are hosting their third annual 5K run on New Year’s Day. In previous years, this event has been a great success and they hope to continue it in this upcoming year.
The Poplar Bluff Vipers are an eleven years old and younger AAA traveling baseball team and they have found that a New Year’s Day 5K is a great fundraising event that they have used in previous years to earn funds towards their upcoming games, trips, and equipment. The Vipers often travel to cities in Missouri, Mississippi, and Arkansas to play other traveling teams in the Midwestern area. They are currently preparing for their third season.
This year, not only will the money be going towards the baseball team and their upcoming expenses, but they are also planning to donate a sum of their funds towards Lou Gerhig’s Disease Research. Lou Gerhig’s Disease or ALS, is a disease that effects the nerves throughout the brain and spinal cord, causing the brain to lose control of the muscles, which causes them to not function properly or at all. This young baseball team thought that it would be a great idea to donate the extra money raised at their own event so they could give to the ALS Foundation that are searching for a cure for this disease.
You can support both the Poplar Bluff Vipers Baseball Team along with the ALS Foundation by participating in the 5K and One Mile Run. On-site registration for the run will be held at the Three Rivers Community College Campus at 9:00am. The 5K run will start at 10:00am while the One Mile Run will be held at 11:00am. All people that haven’t pre-registered already can join the One Mile Run for $15 or join the 5K for $20. If you would like to run in both events, you can register now and only pay $25.
Door prizes will be awarded after both of the races have been completed. 1st place through 3rd place will also receive awards or ribbons. Both runs will begin and end at the Three Rivers Campus and they will end shortly after they are schedule to begin.
To register, you can email Early Childhood Center Speech Pathologist, Sharon Burkey, at sburkey@pb.k12.mo.us. For more information on the run or how to get involved, you can contact Roger Hanner at 573-300-1214 or Sharon Burkey at 573-718-0462.
After all, what’s a better way to start off the New Year with some fresh air, a good workout, and lending a helping hand to raise money for a worthy organization?
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.
