Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor
Dexter, Missouri – The Regional Healthcare Foundation would like to announce a new GED Program at Cox Corner. The program is free and the Regional Healthcare Foundation will cover the cost of testing.
All supplies are provided and the program is for anyone 18 years of age or older. Individual test preparation sessions are available with flexible learning hours.
Applications may be obtained at the Regional Healthcare Foundation’s office at 215 West Grant in Dexter between the hours of 9-noon and 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Contact Pam Lewis, GED Coordinator for more information or questions at 573-624-0157. For application click here.
Submitted by Jill Temples
SMT Writer
Dexter, Missouri- The Stoddard County Fair has officially started! Come out and enjoy the food and activities the fair has to offer! Below are a list of events for the rest of the week.
Wednesday, September 18th
For the livestock: Sheep and Goats will be judged at 6:00 p.m.
Church Services will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Midway.
The magician Magic Mike will be the Ground Act at 6:30 p.m.
Fuse Worship, Tyler Feller, and Kryst Lyke will be on the Midway at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 19th
Bracelet Night at the Stoddard County Fair from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Bracelets are only $20.00.
Cattle, Hogs, and Equine will be judged in Arena A at 6:00 p.m.
Magic Mike will start his magic at 6:30 as the Ground Act.
Flashback will be on the Midway at 7:00 p.m.
The FFA Tractor Rodeo will start in Arena A at 7:00 p.m.
Karaoke will kick off at 7:00 p.m. in Arena B.
Friday, September 20th
The Antique Tractor Pull will begin at 7:00 p.m. in Arena A.
Karaoke is back in Arena B at 7:00 p.m.
Blackjack Billy will be on the Midway at 7:00 p.m.
Magician Magic Mike will start his act at 6:30 p.m. as the Ground Act.
Saturday, September 21st will be the last day of the fair. Thanks to everyone who came out and enjoyed the fair this year and a special thanks to everyone who made this happen!
The Buyers Breakfast will kick off the last day of the fair starting at 8:00 a.m.
The 4-H and FFA Livestock Auction will follow the breakfast and begin at 9:00 a.m. in the Livestock Barns.
The Stoddard County Youth Pageant will begin at 10 a.m. on the Main Stage.
Magic Mike will end his performance at the Stoddard County Fair with two acts. He will perform at 2:00 p.m. and again at 6:30 p.m.
The 4-H and FFA Public Speaking Contest will start at 3:00 p.m. on the Main Stage.
Youth Events will take place in Arena B starting at 3:00 p.m.
The Demo Derby will start at 7:00 p.m. in Arena A, while Karaoke will kick off at 7:00 p.m. as well in Arena B.
On the Midway Maggie Thorn will perform from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with Anna Katherine DeHart following from 8:00-10:00 p.m.
Submitted by Jill Temples
SMT Writer
Dexter, Missouri- The Demolition Derby sponsored by the Stoddard County Fair Board will be held on September 21st at 7:00 p.m. This is a rain or shine event and will be held at the Stoddard County Fair Grounds!
Admission will be $2.00 for the General Fair
Grandstands will be $5.00
Children ages 5 and under get in FREE
The prize will be $1,500.00 plus Maddog awards!
-Compact cars will get 100% payback
Feature prizes:
1st $1,5000
2nd $ 750
3rd $400
4th $200
5th $100
For more information contact Jason Holman 573-576-0678
Dexter, Missouri - The detail shops around town are busy in preparation for tonight's Stoddard County Parade. The long lineup of emergency vehicles, bands, floats and fun will be gathering at the North end of Stoddard Street as the parade watchers fill the sidewalks.
The tradition of the Stoddard County Parade and Fair dates back as far as 1917 when the carnival came to town and setup near the old National Guard Armory. The story is told they would begin to march to the fair down Stoddard Street to Locust Street and on to the fair grounds. It the 1960's, it was decided to move the East City Park area in Dexter.
The earlier version of the Dexter Jaycees managed and organized the Fair activities until the 1970's, when the Dexter Fair Board assumed the role for the fair. The Fair Board was handed the reigns of the parade from the Dexter Lions Club for the Stoddard County Parade in the early 90's and have been duly assigned ever since.
When it comes to an event of this magnitude, there are some real key individuals that selflessly give of their personal time, vacations, and work to make these events happen. It's a year around job many times and many don't realize the dedication involved.
"My brother-in-law says 'there is a fine line between a dedicated person and a stupid person," says Sam Huey Jr. "... and my family thinks I might have crossed that line." Sam Huey Jr. has been involved with the Stoddard County Fair for nearly 40 years. He started working with the fair through the Jaycees in 1973. A short move from Dexter brought him back in 1979, and he has been a permanent fixture to the fair every since.
Unlike any other year, Sam donates one of his vacation weeks for this affair.
"There is a lot to get done to be prepared," added Huey. "It's really something that I have enjoyed doing."
Other members of the Stoddard County Fair Board that continue their passionate work each year are Sam's wife, Robin Huey, Pam and Amy Dowdy, John Dowdy, Kevin Holman, this years chairman, Bud Parsons, and countless others that give of themselves to put the smiles on the faces of Stoddard Countians.
The Fair Board is engaged on many levels preparing, upgrading, and sponsoring other event throughout the year. The events range from rodeos to truck and tractor pulls to demolition derby's. There is also work involved as they board is busy upgrading the fair grounds for this annual festival.
The group attends the annual Fair and Festival Conference each year to stay abreast of the latest ideas that help to make the Stoddard County Fair a great success.
When asked "What keeps you all going every year? Pure Desperation," was Huey's reply.
"For the most part, we are a non-profit organization," explained Sam. "The fair is our main money maker each year but allows us the ability to make the necessary upgrades and expansions to the grounds that are needed."
As you are around the fairground this year, you will see some of those upgrades to the tune of $80,000 in improvements to the 4-H Building, the new bathroom facilities and the new stage the strong lineup of entertainers this year. The Fair Board even partnered with the City of Dexter when the pressurized sewer system was installed at the East City Park.
"We are constantly trying to improve something," noted Huey.
The Dexter Fair Board encourages all area residents to make time to come and be a part of the festivities tonight and each night this week.
Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor
Dexter, Missouri – The Miss Heartland Pageant, sponsored by the Dexter High School Choral Music Program, was recently held in Dexter, Missouri.
Shown in the photo is the 2013 Miss Heartland and her court.
From left to right: 2nd Alternate Morgan Cliff. She is the daughter of Steve and Cherie Cliff of Dexter and is a senior at Dexter High School.
Miss Heartland is Brandi Jo Emerson of Oran, Missouri. She is the daughter of Robin Emerson and the late Randy Joe Emerson. She is currently a student at Southeast Missouri State University.
1st alternate is Rachel Putnam. She is the daughter of Denny and Shannon Putnam of Dexter. Rachel is a junior at Dexter High School.
Photo provided by Shannon Putnam.
Congratulations to these beautiful young ladies!
