Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
HISTORY OF MISSOURI GIRLS STATE:
"Missouri Girls State (MGS) was first established in 1940 as one of 11 Girls State programs in the nation. The first session was held at William Woods University (then College), Fulton, in the summer of 1940 under the direction of Lutie Long Smith. There were 213 citizens in attendance the first year and Juanita Curry was elected Governor.
The citizens were divided into 3 counties -- Scott, Price, and Barton; and there were six cities -- Pershing, Koontz, Boone, Crowder, Lewis, and Clark. MGS was located at William Woods for 17 sessions, with no sessions held in 1943 and 1945 due to war. Following a fire at the college in 1959, MGS transferred to Christian College, Columbia, in 1960.
In 1961, the program moved to Stephens College, Columbia, due to the need for a larger facility. The program returned again to William Woods University in 1976, where it remained until 1998 when it moved to Central Missouri State University, Warrensburg (now University of Central Missouri).
Currently, MGS has 760 citizens in 7 counties and 21 cities. Our cities and counties are named after famous or important people to the American Legion Auxiliary and the State of Missouri or those individuals who have contributed in some way to the success of the Missouri Girls State program."
Dexter, Missouri - Six young ladies had a once in a lifetime chance to attend Missouri Girls State 2013 held on the University of Central Missouri's Campus in Warrensburg, Missouri. Attending this year were Sara Mouser, Alison Jarrell, Riley Rickman, Mollie Whitehead, Kendra Stevenson, and Reale Cook.
Each summer local organizations contribute to make it financially feasible for select girls who have completed their junior year in high school to attend Girls State. The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors the event where the girls live together as a self-governing citizens and may run for public offices at the city, county and state levels. They are also involved in fundraising, running for office, election processes, sponsoring bills and follow the process of guiding a bill into law.
"They have a greater understanding and appreciation of their roles as American citizens," stated Dee Wamble, American Legion Auxillary Unit #59 Girls State Coordinator. "Also this endeavor could not be made possible without the contributions of local service organizations."
Kendra Stevenson is the daughter of Kay Stevenson of Dexter. She is ranked in the Top 10% of her class and is a member of both the tennis and softball Bearcat teams. She is a member of Rotary Interact, Future Teachers of America, Children of the American Revolution and the Bernie Church of Christ. Kendra is in the Dexter Honor Society as well and plans to pursue a degree in forensic science and later a law degree.At Girls State Kendra served on the City Central Committee and was appointed Clark City Attorney. She was later elected as Davidson County Prosecuting Attorney. The Dexter Rotary Club was the civic organization who contributed to her attendance.
Mollie Whitehead is the daughter of Jonathan and Kristi Whitehad of Dexter and she plans to attend college and pursue a degree in nursing.She is an avid basketball player performing with the Lady Bearcat Basketball team and is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Mollie is also a member of Future Teacher of American an attends Liberty Hill General Baptist Church.
While at Girls State she served as a delegate and served on the State Central Committee. "I made friendship that will last a lifetimes. Girls State taught me how to be a leader, have confidence in myself, and realize that my opinion and my voice are very important." Her attendance was made possible through the Dexter Lions Club.
Judge Miller quoted at the inauguration, "There are two ways to spread light; to be the flame, or to be the mirror that reflect it." "That quote will be one I will never forget." stated Miss Whitehead.
Alison Jarrell is the daughter of Dennis and Paula Jarrell and attends
First United Methodist Church. She carries several sports awards including having been named to the All Conference Basketball team as well as All Region and All District teams. She was also named the Best 3-Point Shooter by the Sikeston Standard Democrat.Miss Jarrell is a Dexter Honor Society Member, FCA and FBLA student member. Her plans after high school are to obtain a degree in athletic training then attend a physical therapy program and earn her doctorate.
At Girls State she served on the County Council Committee as well as the State Council Committee. Her attendance was made possible by the Dexter Kiwanis Club.
Riley Rickman is the daughter of Tony and Robin Rickman of Dexter. She is a member of the Dexter Lady 'Cats Softball team where she has earned the 2013 Softball MVP and held the highest batting average on her team. She also received the I Dare You Leadership Award. She is a member of STUCO, Dexter Honor Society, FTA and Top 10%. She plans to attend Murray State University following high school.
Riley served on the City Council at Girls State for the city of Adreon. She was sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary of Dexter.
Sarah Mouser is the daughter of Eric and Pam Mouser of Dexter. She is a member of the South Pleasant Valley General Baptist Church.
She is also a member of FCA, FBLA and Dexter Honor Society. She plans to attend Missouri State University and hopes to teach elementary students.
Sarah served on the State Committee as a Girls State attendee and her contributor was the Dexter Elks Lodge #2439.
Reale Cook is the daughter of Shannon and Karen Cook. She is
a member of Honors Choir and Dexter Show Choir. She is also a member of FHA, FCCLA, Cheerleading, Dance Team, and Cadet Teaching.At Girls State she became an election official and resided int he city of Cockrill. Her attendance was made possible through the Stoddard County Real Estate Board.
Congratulations to all of these ladies as they further their education as seniors at DHS this year. We look forward to your latest accomplishments.
If you would like to read more about Missouri Girls State just follow the link at www.misourigirlsstate.org.
Providing Fireworks as Community Gift
Dexter, Missouri - Fireworks displays were abundant throughout the community of Dexter and surrounding areas during the July 4th celebrations. With a summer time storm that cropped up late afternoon on Thursday created fears that the Assembly of God's annual fireworks display may not occur. But just like Hollywood, the show must go on.
A large crowd gathered along the streets and the South parking lot of Southwest Elementary School to watch and the Assembly of God Church membership had prepared for a great show.
Prior to the fireworks, the church members hosted a Holiday meal for those who decided to come early. Neighbors from the surrounding homes sat out on their front lawns and enjoyed the show. The Assembly of God Church really knows how to celebrate the Independence Day!
They truly stand behind their mission of "building relationships, with God, friends, and neighbors". Pastor Mike Kohlbaker invites everyone to attend the Church.
As Pastor, "I would like to invite you to worship with us on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings. Both services are designed to lead you into the presence of the King through worship, and to present to you the Word of the King through preaching. Worship is intended to be intimate and reflective. Preaching is intended to be powerful and practical. Our Sunday morning classes and Sunday evening activities are designed to be instructive and relational".
Sunday Morning Prayer begins at 8:30 a.m., Sunday School at 9:30 a.m., Worship Service at 10:30 a.m. and Evening Services begin at 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday Midweek Celebration Services begin at 7:00 p.m. along with the Xtreme Youth Ministries and the Girls’ Ministries. Everyone is welcome.
Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
Jefferson City, Missouri - Do you know a Veteran? Would you like to nominate him or her to receive a very prestigious award? Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder is accepting nominations for the 2013 Lt. Governor’s Veterans Service Award, created to recognize Missouri veterans who provide volunteer service to their communities.
“Not only have Missouri veterans given service to their country, but every year many provide countless hours of service to their communities through their volunteer work,” Lt. Governor Kinder said. “This award provides an opportunity to recognize those efforts and honor our Missouri veterans.”
The deadline to submit nominations is Oct. 15, 2013. Each nominee will receive a certificate of recognition, which will note the nominating person or agency.
Winners, selected from across the state, will be announced on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. They will be presented with an official Declaration from the Lieutenant Governor at a ceremony in the Capitol when the General Assembly is in session to give lawmakers the opportunity to also honor these veterans.
Individuals must have served or currently be serving in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and volunteer a minimum of 25 hours per year. A Veterans Service Award Nomination can be found on the Lieutenant Governor’s official website, www.ltgov.mo.gov, under “Veteran Service Information.” Nomination forms also are available at veteran services agencies, libraries, courthouses, senior services and other agencies in communities throughout the state.
Completed nominations can be mailed to the Lt. Governor’s Office at State Capitol, Room 224, Jefferson City, Mo., 65101, or emailed to ltgovinfo@ltgov.mo.gov. For questions about the award, call the Lt. Governor’s Office at 573-751-4727.
Submitted to ShowMe Times
news@showmetimes.com
Vicksburg, Mississippi- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Vicksburg District presented the prestigious Ranger of the Year Award to Jamie Richmon. Jamie is a ranger at Arkabutla Lake In North Mississippi. The award is presented for outstanding service and support to the Vicksburg District and the lakes and recognizes the Corps ranger who exempliflies the Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.
Jamie is a native of Dexter, Missouri and began her career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District in 1997 as a recreational assistant at Wappapello Lake. She entered into the student cooperative education program in 1998 and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Biology from Southeast Missouri State University in 2001. She became a Corps ranger at Arkabutla Lake in 2002.
She is the daughter of Jimmie and Marianna Burge of Dexter, Missouri. Jamie and her husband, Jeff, reside in Hernando, Mississippi.
Congratulations Jamie!
Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
Dexter, Missouri - Morgan Cliff is the 16 year old daughter of Steve and Cherie Cliff. She will be starting the fall as a senior at Dexter High School. We want to wish her a Happy Birthday a little early as she will be turning 17 on July 10th!
Morgan is a member of the Showstoppers of Southeast Missouri and the DHS Honors Choir. She is also a member of STUCO, FCCLA, and FCA. She is Cadet Teacher.
Her hobbies are the dance team, track and football cheer leading. She also attends First Christian Church.
Her plans are to attend college at either Arkansas State or the University of Arkansas and she has been inspired to become an Ultrasound Technician.
Congratulations to Morgan Cliff!!!
Photo submitted by Shannon Putnam. Thank you!
