Dexter, Missouri - Life is always a little brighter when you add color!!!  And that was certainly true as over 200 participants in the first D-Unit Bearcat ColorBurst Run approached the starting line in the drizzling rain on Saturday morning. 

For many years, 5K runs have brought a lot of excitement to events but they have taken on a whole new dimension in the FUN category with the addition of corn starch and powdered food coloring. 

The ColorBurst ideas quickly grabbed the attention of young and old as well as runners and walkers.  Dana Adams of First National Bank conceived the idea after her daughter, Kendall attended a similar event in Sikeston, Missouri.  She immediately knew this was the perfect to coordinate for the 2013 DHS Homecoming weekend. 
 
From the beginning, the Regional Healthcare Foundation organizers encouraged local businesses to work closely with groups and organizations at Dexter Senior High School in their sponsored activities for Homecoming.  The newly formed D-Unit Pep Club at Dexter High School was the perfect partner for Dana and First National Bank. 

With considerable help from the Dexter High School administration and High School counselor, Judy Patterson, the event began to reach participant numbers that guaranteed a good time for all.

The rain did not dampen the spirits as runners and walkers began to arrive prior to the 8:00 a.m. start.  Dexter High School principal Dan Pollock was on hand to welcome the group and get the race started. 

Organizers have not completed a final tally of the benefit to the D-Unit Pep Club, but all indications are that this event will be a great starting place for the group. 

"I've heard nothing but good things about the event," commented high school counselor, Judy Patterson.  "Everyone had a great time and is already looking forward to the event next year." 

Discovering the fun had by participants is just a click away on Facebook.  Many local participants' Facebook pages exploded with pictures and exciting quotes. 

Runners and walkers came from a broad range of both the community and others returning for reunion activities.  Kindergartener Klaire Essner, daughter of Kent and Kim Essner, was probably the youngest runner and Tom Love of Dexter was the most senior runner in the group. 

"We are really proud to have been a part of a great team from both the school and the community to pull this off," noted Dana Adams of First National Bank in Dexter.  "Mark Stidham, the Dexter Police Department and the Stoddard County Ambulance District were vital to making this event work for us."

For great photos go to the ShowMe Times Facebook page by clicking below and don't forget to hashtag #bearcatcolorburst on Instagram and Twitter so that everyone can enjoy all the absolutely colorful photos!

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Additional Pictures of Event Located Here:

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Submitted by Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor

State’s highest public safety award is reserved for officers who bravely risk their own lives to protect their fellow Missourians

Jefferson City, Missouri - In a ceremony today at the State Capitol, Gov. Jay Nixon awarded the Missouri Medal of Valor to nine public safety officers from across the state for their exceptional bravery and heroism in efforts to save lives and protect the public during 2012. The officers represent Missouri’s fire service, a rural sheriff’s department, urban and suburban police agencies, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. They responded to a variety of challenges and threats: rescuing people from burning buildings and vehicles, and stopping deadly threats posed to others by armed criminals. 

“These nine brave men and women represent the highest ideal of the commitment of Missouri’s public safety officers to public service,” Gov. Nixon said. “The circumstances of each heroic, life-saving act were different, but in every instance the officers had to take swift, decisive and courageous action that was focused entirely on protecting the public. They faced dangerous gunmen, went into burning buildings and vehicles, and in one instance even mustered the herculean strength to raise an SUV off a motorist who was perilously close to dying.”

Family members and the officers’ colleagues were on hand for the presentation of Missouri’s highest public safety award during a ceremony in the Governor’s office in the Capitol. Gov. Nixon was joined at the ceremony by Department of Public Safety Director Jerry Lee.

David W. Crank, Missouri State Highway Patrol – On the night of March 10, 2012, Trooper Crank initiated a traffic stop of an SUV on I-55 in New Madrid County. There was a strong odor of raw marijuana in the SUV, which had four occupants. The driver was cooperative and exited the vehicle and accompanied Crank to his patrol car.

Crank returned to the SUV to obtain IDs from the three passengers, but they denied having IDs. Crank then requested backup. When Corporal Jeremy Stewart arrived, he and Crank approached the SUV and requested the passengers exit the vehicle one at a time. One did so. The passenger in the front passenger seat refused to comply and immediately locked the door. Crank saw the front seat passenger reach between the seat and center console. Crank alerted Stewart and drew his service weapon. Stewart opened the driver’s side door and the passenger fired a single shot, striking Stewart in the neck. To protect Corporal Stewart and himself, Trooper Crank fired repeatedly at the passenger, killing the gunman. On a dark highway, in a perilous situation, Trooper Crank acted swiftly to eliminate a deadly threat and protect his wounded colleague. Corporal Stewart underwent surgery, made a full recovery and returned to duty.

“Each of these exceptional public safety officers represents the highest ideal of dedicated public service and courage under life-or-death conditions,” Gov. Nixon said. “They not only proved their willingness to put their own lives in jeopardy to protect and save others, they considered it part of their duty. I am pleased to present them with this high honor on behalf of the people of Missouri.”

About the Medal of Valor

The Medal of Valor was first awarded in 2008 and is bestowed annually based on recommendations submitted by the Medal of Valor Review Board. Recipients must serve a public agency, with or without compensation, as a firefighter, law enforcement officer or emergency personnel. The nominating form states the Medal of Valor is awarded "to a public safety officer who has exhibited exceptional courage, extraordinary decisiveness and presence of mind, and unusual swiftness of action, regardless of his or her own personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect human life."

Nominations are now open for acts performed during 2013 and must be received by March 31, 2014. The nominating form is available on the Missouri Department of Public Safety Web site at http://www.dps.mo.gov/documents/MedalofValorForm.pdf.

Submitted by Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor

Missouri - The Missouri State Highway Patrol joins the National Crime Prevention Council in observing October 2013 as National Crime Prevention Month. It is always smart to keep safety in mind, no matter where you are. Missourians can help decrease crime with these simple habits: Anticipate potential crime situations; recognize when there is a problem; and, take action to remove or reduce the risk of a crime occurring. The Patrol urges residents and visitors to be alert and think safety!

Identity Theft:

Once you realize you’ve become a victim of identity theft:

* Notify the credit bureaus, your creditors, your bank, and law enforcement.

* Notify the local postal inspector if you suspect an identity thief has filed a change of address with the post office or has used the mail to commit credit or bank fraud.

* In dealing with the authorities and financial institutions, keep a log of all conversations, including dates, times, names, and phone numbers. Note the time spent and any expenses incurred. Confirm conversations in writing. Send correspondence by certified mail (return receipt requested). Keep copies of all letters and documents.

* If someone is using your driver’s license number from your stolen checks, you may need to contact the Missouri Department of Revenue’s Fraud Unit.

* If you have a passport, notify the passport office in writing to be on the lookout for anyone ordering a new passport fraudulently.

For more detailed information, the Patrol has included a brochure on identity theft on its Web site: www.mshp.dps.mo.gov. (Select “brochures” under the “publications” heading.)
Home:

* Make sure you have good locks on all exterior doors--at least dead-bolt locks with a minimum of one-inch throw.

* Make sure your windows have strong locks.

* Use the locks you have.

* Secure sliding glass doors with commercially available bars or locks, or, put a wooden dowel or broom handle in the door track.

* Porches, entrances, and outside areas should be well lighted.

* Trim any bushes or trees that hide doors or windows. Maintain your yard and keep ladders and tools inside when they are not in use.

* Don’t hide a house key under the doormat or in a flowerpot. That’s the first place a burglar will look! Give a key to a trusted neighbor instead.

*Consider an alarm system.

In Missouri, a burglary occurred every 12.4 minutes in 2012. (Statistic from Missouri State Highway Crime In Missouri report.)


Car:

* Always lock your car and take the keys, even if you plan to return in a short time. One motor vehicle theft occurred every 32.3 minutes. (Statistic from Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime In Missouri report.)

* Keep your car in good running condition to avoid breakdowns.

* If your car breaks down, raise the hood or tie a white cloth to the street side door handle. Stay in your locked car. Call *55 on your cellular telephone to reach the nearest Missouri State Highway Patrol headquarters and ask for assistance. If you don’t have a cell phone with you, wait in your car. If someone stops and offers assistance, ask them to make the call for you.

* NEVER pick up hitchhikers.

* Park in well-lighted areas that will remain lighted until you return to your car. Be particularly alert when using enclosed parking garages.


Children:

* Teach your children how to use the telephone properly in an emergency situation.

*Make sure your children know their name, address, phone number, and your work number.

* Teach your children to walk and play with friends, not alone.

* Tell your children to refuse rides or gifts from someone they don’t know well.

*Teach your children to tell a trusted adult immediately if anyone, even a teacher or close relative, touches them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable.

* Remind your children to leave the door locked if they are home alone. They shouldn’t answer the door if you’re not there.

* Teach your children never to tell anyone they are home alone, especially over the phone.

Parents are encouraged to listen to their children’s worries and problems. Talk to them. Make sure you know where your children are going, who they will be with, and when they will return. Know their friends’ names and phone numbers.

There are other ways to prevent crime. Education through your schools and Neighborhood Watch groups are good first steps. The Missouri State Highway Patrol has public information and education officers assigned to each troop headquarters and the Division of Drug and Crime Control. These troopers are available to present a variety of programs to civic groups, church groups, schools, and companies. Contact the nearest Patrol troop headquarters if you would like a safety or related program presented to your group.

Remember: Anticipate ... Recognize ... Take action.

 

United States - October is the national month for Breast Cancer Awareness. Many people all over the nation and even some locals have been affected by this terrible sickness. October is the perfect month to show support to the fighters, survives, and remember the ones who have already passed away. Multiple schools within the Stoddard County area have been raising awareness by participating in the Dig Pink Volleyball games, helping with St. Jude Hospital Research Fundraisers, and ‘Pinking Out’ when they go to school.

There have been multiple activities to support the ones that are still fighting. Throughout this month, the local volleyball teams from the Stoddard County schools will be selling Dig Pink t-shirts for their Breast Cancer Awareness game that will be scheduled for the near future. 

But the local high schools aren’t the only ones going Pink for October, there are many people in the community that are honoring all the fighters with pink porch lights, hanging ribbons in their front windows, and are participating in fundraisers their community are involved in.

Although there are many things going on this month to support the Breast Cancer Awareness process, it is important that people participating understand what wearing pink actually means. October is part of the annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. While most people are aware of breast cancer, many forget to take the steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do the same.

One in every eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer throughout their lifetime, so the problem is very common among people everywhere in the United States. It is important that people are able to be tested for breast cancer as soon as possible because statistics show that if the cancer is found early enough in the localized stage, survival rate of five years is 98%! 

It is inspiring to see websites, networks, businesses, schools, social media, restaurants, and all sorts of others go pink this month for such a great cause! As a community, it is important to support each and every fighter and their family as they battle through this journey. The rest of this month will be full of sporting events in honor of Pink October, fundraiser money for Breast Cancer foundations and organizations, and other great activities that will support our fighters. The ShowMe Times will be sure to keep you updated on all those upcoming events this month!

Dexter, Missouri - Madeline Launius was recently recognized for her exceptional volunteer service with the cardiac rehabilitation program at the SoutheastHEALTH Center of Stoddard County.  She received the Ilena Aslin Service Award.  Ten years ago, Launius suffered a heart attack. She was treated at Southeast Hospital. As a longtime Dexter resident, she completed her cardiac rehabilitation at Southeast’s rehab clinic at the Dexter hospital. She subsequently started volunteering at the hospital in Dexter.

She has contributed more than 7,800 hours of service. She volunteers three to four days a week for five to six hours each day. She assists the cardiac rehab staff. Launius is a role model and inspiration for patients, encouraging them to embrace exercise and healthy eating. Bray said, “Staff members sing her praises and patients love here.”

The service award is named for Ilena Aslin who continues to serve as a volunteer at the Hospital, in the community and throughout the region. A past president of the Auxiliary, she was Missouri’s Auxilian of the Year in 2002 and served as president of the Missouri Association of Hospital Auxiliaries from 2008 to 2009.

Madeleine Launius of Dexter, Mo., center, receives the Ilena Aslin Service Award from Auxiliary President Judy Brown, left, and Ilena Aslin.