
Written by
Beth Farrah, SMT Writer
Essex, Missouri – Emergency tests are currently being administered throughout the area during the first Wednesday of the new month. City Hall will be testing tornado sirens as well as other alerts over the speakers placed near the fire station. The short tests will give local citizens the opportunity to hear the sirens from their property, to insure that they will be able to hear them during springtime storms or other natural disasters and town emergencies.

Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
Dexter, Missouri - East and Westbound US 60 in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs.
The westbound section is located from Route F to one mile west will be performed on Monday, June 3 and Tuesday, June 4 from 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The eastbound lane is located from Butler County line to Route H will be performed on Tuesday, June 4 through Thursday, June 6 from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.
For additional information, contact MoDOT's Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/southeast.

Written by
Bloomfield, Missouri – In the backwoods of Stoddard County over looking a beautiful lake there is a perfect little place to spend an evening. The Boat House Wine Company offers that perfect retreat and is not your average winery.
With live entertainment on the weekends and an outdoor stage, the Boat House is the place to be. The Boat House also offers an assortment of foods, wine and beer.
There are currently six wines offered on the menu. One wine called “Masters’ Estate”, named after Dr. Ed. Masters from Sikeston. He was the former owner of the land prior to it becoming the Boat House back in 2010. As a tribute to the late physician, the specialty Merlot bears his name.
There are even RV hook-ups, cabins, and tent camping available. Fishing, no problem! You can even stand at the edge of the water and feed the catfish. They love tasty treats!
The outdoor movie theater is almost complete. Jared expects to show two movies each month beginning June 7th. Live bands will be performing each weekend with THE BUZZ appearing at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 8th, the following Saturday will be the HUMAN ZOO BAND at 7:00 p.m. and on June 22nd will be the JOHN D. HALE BAND, also at 7:00 p.m.
Want a romantic outdoor wedding? No problem, it’s beautifully landscaped with covered seating areas and outdoor lighting for that perfect nighttime ambiance.
“We have had lots of high school reunions, birthday parties, and church groups come out and enjoy the Boat House,” stated new owner Jared Chandler.
“It’s absolutely beautiful and so very peaceful out here, who wouldn’t want to come and enjoy nature, eat great food and visit with friends.”
The Boat House is open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday each week. It may be hidden away, but is relatively easy to get to. Just take Highway 25 to Quila, turn west on route M, turn north on route BB and then a quick right on County Road 252. Watch for Boat House Wine Co. signs! If you would like more information about the Boat House contact Jared Chandler at 573-722-3760, find them on Facebook or check out their website at www.boathousewineco.com.=""> Shown in the picture are Alice Chandler, Jared Chandler (Owner), Marie Chandler, Sandy Chandler, John Allen, Dan Chandler, Cheryl Allen, Jerry McElrath, Benjie Ferguson, Sam Cook, and Janet Coleman.


Dexter, Missouri - Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander today reminded voters that the deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail or fax for the June 4, 2013 Special Election is Wednesday, May 29. Voters may vote absentee in person at their local election authority's office until 5:00 pm on Monday, June 3.
To receive an absentee ballot by mail, eligible voters must complete an absentee ballot application and mail it or fax it to their local election authority. Applications must be received by the local election authority no later than 5:00 pm on Wednesday, May 29.
If requesting an absentee ballot by mail, first time voters must provide a copy of their personal identification in order to vote. Local election authorities will be open for limited hours on Saturday, June 1 for absentee voting. Please contact your local election authority to inquire about their Saturday hours.
The application form and contact information for Missouri's local election authorities are available online at www.GoVoteMissouri.com.
Registered Missouri voters are eligible to vote absentee if they expect to be prevented from going to the polls to vote on Election Day due to:
(1) Absence on Election Day from the jurisdiction of the election authority in which such voter is registered to vote;
(2) Incapacity or confinement due to illness or physical disability, including a person who is primarily responsible for the physical care of someone who is incapacitated or confined due to illness or disability;
(3) Religious belief or practice;
(4) Employment as an election authority, as a member of an election authority, or by an election authority at a location other than such voter's polling place;
(5) Incarceration provided all qualifications for voting are retained.
The local election authority must receive absentee ballots no later than 7:00 pm on Tuesday, June 4.