Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Writer

Dexter, Missouri - KFVS12 Heartland Blood Drive is under way and the Fraternal Order of Eagles on Old Hwy 25 is having a Blood Drive January 10^th and 11^th from 2 p.m. - 7 p.m. and January 12^th from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.   This year’s drive is sponsored by Subway.

“The annual KFVS12 Heartland Blood Drive follows a critical shortage of blood products, “ says Scott L. Caswell, CEO of the American Red Cross Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region.  “We applaud KFVS12 and their viewers for answering the call to help patients in need.”

Call 1-800-RED CROSS or go to www.redcrossblood.org, sponsor-code KFVS12, to schedule an appointment to donate blood, and help save lives at the blood drive nearest you. 

Potential donors must be 17 years old (16 with a signed American Red Cross parental consent form); meet weight requirements and be in good health.  Donors should remember to bring a picture ID.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.  Blood donations typically decline during the winter months, due to factors such as holiday travels, inclement weather, and seasonal illnesses.

Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Writer

Dexter, Missouri - Aaron’s just opened a new store and is now a Chamber Member in Dexter.  They recently opened at 907 Hwy Business 60 West just behind Family Video.   General Manager, Richard Wright stated “Dexter is a great location and we offer a guaranteed low price on brand name furniture, appliances, tv’s and computers.  You don’t need credit which will help many folks build or establish their credit.”

Aaron’s is dedicated to providing the following to all of their customers: everyone’s pre-approved for lease ownership – there is no credit needed, you get a guaranteed low price on everything you choose, options of 12, 18, 24 month plans or 120 days same as cash, receive highest level of service, a large selection of brand names you trust, and delivery and set up are included with your new lease agreement.

Aaron’s always says, “Nobody Beat’s Aaron’s…..Nobody”.   In fact, Aaron’s will beat any advertised price on the identical item or they will give you $100.00 cash. 

Aaron’s is not to be viewed as a rent-to-own store.  They offer quality name brand items such as Sharp, Toshiba, Samsung, Frigidaire, Panasonic, HP, and Maytag at the lowest possible price.

Aaron’s began in 1955 by entrepreneur Charles Loudermilk, Sr. and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.  A national leader in the sales and lease ownership of residential furniture, consumer electronics, and home appliances as there are over 2,000 company-operated and franchised stores in 48 states and Canada.

For consumers with income or credit constraints, Aaron’s affordable and flexible payment program is a popular alternative path to owning. 

If you have questions, call 573-614-4694 or stop by and see their beautiful array of furniture.   They are open Monday – Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 10 – 8 and Saturday 10 – 5.  They are closed on Sundays.  You may also preview their merchandise online at http://www.aarons.com/store-F1288-Dexter-MO.aspx.

Dexter, Missouri - The holidays were a little different this past year for Gaige and his family.  On December 3, 2012, his mother, Misty, learned that his leukemia (Acute Lymphblastic) had returned for the second time.  Since that day, the community has come together to support and pray for the Willems family. 

A Facebook page has been created, "Gaige's Battle Off The Court" to follow his progress and to send prayers to Dexter's Young Hero!  He is currently receiving treatment at St. Louis Children's Hospital.

As most people realize, medical treatment can be extremely expensive and the many trips back and forth to St. Louis will take a toll on anyone's pocketbook. 

This Saturday, January 12, 2013, Smiling Face Pageants is sponsoring "Fight Like A Champ All Stars Pageant" fundraiser.  The attire is sport wear and the cost is $25.00.  To get in the door it's only $3.00. This event will take place at 4:00 pm at the Eagles Club in Dexter. 

There will be bouncers, food and drink, booths and a silent auction.  You can also pre-register or if you need more information you may call Brandi Long at 573-625-3818 or by email smilingfacespageants@yahoo.com. 
All proceeds go to Gaige and his family.

Next Saturday, January 19^th, a once in a lifetime show is going to be held in the Notre Dame High School.

Not only is this a once in a lifetime show, but also by attending, you are helping a wonderful cause.

The show has been called, “Story Tellers Behind the Songs: Nashville for a Cause.”

The show will consist of five Nashville Legends reaching out to help the Joe Hoffman family of Jackson, Missouri.

The Hoffman family has been hit hard by cancer recently, and you can help by simply attending this show.

The Nashville Legends will come together and perform legendary hits they have written for legendary country stars.

A couple of the hits you may know are: George Strait’s “Baby Blue,” written by Aaron Barker, and also Kenny Chesney’s “Don’t Blink” and Toby Keith’s “Love Me If You Can,” written by Chris Wallin.

The show will start at 6:00 P.M. in the Notre Dame High School. There is a $10 entry fee, and all donations go to help the Joe Hoffman Family of Jackson, Missouri.

You don’t want to miss this once in a lifetime show!

Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Writer

Dexter, Missouri – The National Wild Turkey Federation recently honored the Dexter’s chapter of the NWTF with the 2012 Show Me Award, Wheelin’ Membership, 3^rd place.

The Crowley’s Ridge Limbhangers are proud they placed 3^rd in the state of Missouri.  "With 125 banquets total throughout the state they place within the top three.  That is a big accomplishment for such a small chapter," stated Kyle Ouzts, Chapter President and local veterinarian.

The award is based on the number of memberships the chapter acquires during their annual banquet.  This year the Annual National Wild Turkey Federation Banquet and Auction will be held on Saturday, January 19^th at the Elks Lodge beginning at 6:30 pm.

One goal for this year’s banquet is to sign-up 100 students under the age of 17 into the JAKE’s Program.  JAKES, which stands for Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship, is dedicated to educating and involving youth in wildlife conservation.  Each student will receive the JAKES Country Magazine at no cost.  If you are 17 years or younger and you like hunting, fishing, hiking, camping or just being outside with your family, JAKES is the program for you.  There are JAKES and Xtreme JAKES.  JAKES are 12 years and younger and Xtreme JAKES are 13 – 17 years of age. 

The Crowley’s Ridge Limbhangers who sponsor the banquet utilize proceeds to hold a JAKE’s Day, which is held east of Bloomfield in the Holly Ridge Conservation Area.  Other monies from the event will go to enhance habitat for wild turkeys and other wildlife in Southeast Missouri as well as other outdoor activities and wildlife education.

Along with the banquet, the Limbhangers host an auction that offers a variety of sculptures, artwork, home furnishing, luggage, collectibles, a generator, backstrap ground blind, various NWTF shirts and several knives. 

The NWTF banquet auction would not be complete without the many raffles throughout the evening.  The “Rifle of the Year” raffle is limited to 200 raffle tickets and is a Browning A-Bolt Medallion, .30-06.  There will be two other weapons, one being a 9 mm pistol to raffle during the banquet. 

A silent auction of many items including collectibles, knives, and other items donated by businesses will be held as well as the live auction. 

Don’t despair ladies, there will be plenty of prizes for the women as well.  Each year there is a special “Ladies” table with lots of items chosen especially for you.  Of course you can always play the many raffles during the banquet and bid at the auctions as well.

Business or individual sponsorships are available, you may also choose to sponsor a table for eight.  Special advertising spots can be purchased by businesses or individuals prior to the event.

Tickets can be obtained in advance or at the door.

If you are interested in volunteering at the banquet or helping set-up prior to the event, have further questions about the banquet or auction, or would like to sponsor this awesome event, please contact Dr. Kyle Ouzts, Stoddard County Animal Clinic, 573-258-0770 or Dee Loflin, 573-380-3318 or Dale Kemp, 573-624-1283.  You may also go online to www.nwtf.org/special_events/CoreItems.php to view some of the items that will be available for auction.