Dexter, Missouri - Normally school would be out for Easter break, but thanks to Mother Nature the Dexter Public Schools are in session this Good Friday.

Central Elementary is making the best of it by holding an Easter basket drawing at their school.  One boy and one girl were the lucky students today and received a basket of Easter goodies.

Winners in the photo are Hannah Frazier and Kaeden Kennedy!  Happy Easter and have a great Good Friday!!

Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor

Dexter, Missouri – “Game On!”  Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors all competed against each other and raised money for their classmate, Riley Rickman!

Riley who is a senior at Dexter High School was recently diagnosed with Leukemia and spent a month at Barnes Hospital undergoing treatment.

“The kids really got into the fundraiser and were absolutely awesome,” stated Mrs. Jennifer Miller, Student Council Advisor.  “Student Council wanted to do a fundraiser and this is what they came up with and it turned out great!”

The four classes together raised $4,051.91 total.  How did they raise so much money is so little time?  PENNY WARS!

And the winner was…….the 2014 SENIOR CLASS of Dexter High School!

The senior class actually raised a positive donation of $1,209.09.  The other classes each had negative balances, but that’s ok because the way the game is played only the pennies count as a positive number.  Paper money, nickels, dimes, quarters and any silver money is counted as a negative.

Mrs. Miller contacted Riley and her mother, Robin and told them the good news.

“We are once again overwhelmed by the support our family has received,”  stated Mrs. Rickman.  “We are so lucky to live in this amazing community.”

Riley who has just started chemotherapy this week and will undergo further treatment over the next 8 months is now in remission, but the battle is not over and neither are the medical bills.

“A big thanks to everyone, especially Dexter High School,” commented Riley.  “Everything you have done has been awesome and I am forever grateful!”

A Rally for Riley Facebook page has been set up to track all the wonderful fundraisers and a bank account has been set up for donations at the First National Bank, 310 N. Walnut, Dexter, Missouri 63841.

Written By

Erin Lauters Writer SMT

Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Senior High School Jazz Cats traveled to North County on Saturday, April 12, 2014. The Jazz Cats left at 5:45 a.m. on Saturday morning, and to many of these band members this would be a start of a long day with Prom later that evening.

The band got together, warmed up and tuned, ready to play their new set of songs for the people of North County and other schools eager to see what they have to offer.

The band started with a piece called "Afro Blue" which is a Latin chart. Tyler Jones, Senior Lead Tenor in this High School Band, had a solo in this song.

Following "Afro Blue", the band played a song entitled "Welcome Home Bill Bailey" featuring the whole saxophone section in the beginning.

The third and final piece performed by the Jazz Cats at the festival was a funk chart named "Honk".  Solos for this song were as follows Gina Magarian, Sophomore and Lead Trumpet, Sarah Durham, Senior and Baritone Saxophonist, Brandon Parks, Sophomore and Bass Trombonist, and Erin Lauters, Sophomore and Second Tenor Saxophone.

The band earned straight ones at this festival, which is the best you can do. The band also included an outstanding soloist award given to Senior and Lead Tenor Saxophonist Tyler Jones.

Written By

Erin Lauters Student Writer SMT

Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Senior High School participated in a spirit week to prepare for the Spring Fever Reliever dance on Friday, April 4, 2014. The spirit week was a week fit for warriors.

Monday was Weary Warrior Day or encouraged pajamas at school day.

Tuesday was Wounded Warrior Day or fake an injury excluding crutches and wheelchairs.

Wednesday was Working Warrior Day or dress like your projected future occupation.

Thursday was Wacky Warrior Day or Tacky Day to go crazy with mismatching clothes.

Friday was Wild Warrior Day or wear red or black.

Dexter, Missouri - Congratulations to Sarah Durham on receiving the Stoddard County Green Clover 4-H Scholarship.

Sarah was presented with the scholarship on Tuesday, March 25th at the Stoddard County Extension Council's annual banquet by 4-H Youth Program Assistant, Monie Brehmer.

Sarah is a senior at Dexter High School and a member of Star Banner 4-H.

She is the daughter of Larry and Lawanda Durham of Dexter.