Written by
Jessica Snider SMT Writer
For several years Central Gardens Residential Care Facility in Dexter, Missouri has entered a float in the Stoddard County Parade.
Many of the residents enjoy getting to work on the float throughout the days prior to the parade. Many residents always participate with riding on the float entry and often dressing up to match the designated theme.
Throughout the years, a few of the floats from Central Gardens have placed in the parade. Placing in the contest or not, this is an activity that many people involved with Central Gardens enjoy getting to help with.
Every year, months prior to the parade, the minds of residents and employees at Central Gardens turn in hopes of coming up with an even better theme than the year before. Last year their float was revolved around Wizard of Oz. This year everyone knew it needed to be something new and fresh.
The idea of doing something “under the sea” or “pirates” came up among the group at Central Gardens and they ran with it.
A few months ago the project got under way. The residents began creating garland for the float by sewing together plastic shopping bags. The residents cut the bags, sewed them together, and then painted them. Coffee filters were also dyed to make coral. The residents have been busy painting fish cut from cardboard, shells, and many other decorations that will be on display Tuesday night.
A few of the residents may be seen as the float dressed up as mermaids hanging out by the ship which was craftily made from cardboard and painted. Among the mermaids, fish, coral, and ship, there will also be someone filling the role of King Triton.
The residents have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of putting this float together. That’s not to say the employees from Central Gardens haven’t worked hard either though. 
The past week or so, employees and residents have been rushing around to add the finishing touches before the float goes on display tomorrow evening. As of today a few things, such as painting cardboard fish, were still keeping a couple of residents busy.
Although only a few residents were available for a photo at the time, many have been more than happy to help with everything they can to help this float come together and be the best it can be.
Shown in the photo at the top is from left Elsie Temples and Erma Dowdy. The two ladies were busy painting a few finishing touches this morning.
Shown in the photo on the right is George Smee painting a little extra on the ship to be used as the main decoration on the float. George may also be spotted tomorrow evening looking a little different, as he will be dressed up as King Triton.
Written by
Zach Hedrick, SMT Writer
Dexter, Missouri - Tyler Wilson is a well-rounded Dexter High School senior who has been seen frequently on the basketball courts and football fields of DHS. He also is a member of Dexter Honor Society and a member of the top 10 percent of his class for the past three years. However, Tyler has an secret outside of the realm of school that few are aware of, but in which he has excelled.
Tyler is a member of the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA), an organization of over 400 affiliated clubs throughout the United States. The USPSA was incorporated in 1984 and has its roots in the sport of practical shooting.
Having become popular in the 1950's, practical shooting initially evolved from experimentation with handguns used for self-defense. Today, practical shooting has evolved into more of a pure sport with weekly competitions held all over the United States.
USPSA shooters have earned a reputation of the most proficient shooters in the world, proven by their domination in the world of firearm competition. Many members of the association are sought after and employed as trainers for elite military and police units.
Tyler is the 17 year old son of Curtis and Theresa Wilson and became interested in practical shooting through is dad. Curtis involvement in shooting matches spurred his Tyler’s interest in the sport. Shooting since 2006, Curtis had an initial emphasis on rifle shooting but later switched to pistols.
At the age of 13, Tyler decided to try his hand at competition. Initially, he began in the introductory production class, consisting of store-bought pistols that cost $600-700 dollars. His first major match was the Tennessee State Sectionals.
After one year, Tyler began to advance to higher levels of competition entering the "limited class.” The limited class allows certain adaptations to the pistol, but shooters are required to use "iron sights" to aim at the target. Six months later, Tyler advanced again to the "open division”, allowing far more pistol and sight modifications.
The pistols used in practical shooting events are custom built and cost several thousand dollars. One of the most common modifications is the "red dot" optical sighting system.
“My dad and I have made a lot of modification to my pistol,” Tyler stated. “Ed Bowling has been a big encourager and someone to help me with these modification.”
Ed Bowling is also a local shooter and is the co-owner of MetalWeld Inc.
Tyler states that the USPSA ranks its shooters according their performance on a classifier stage. These rankings range from D, C, B, A, master, and grand master.
As a young shooter, Tyler has competed in both the junior division as well as the adult open division. He has quickly progressed up the ranks, and is now competing in the Open B Class. His goal is to soon progress to the A class as his shooting percentages improve, and ultimately, his goal is to become ranked as a Grand Master.
Tyler has an impressive list of wins under his belt. His most important win was a multi-state competition held in Barry, IL where seven states wererepresented. In that event, Tyler received the highest junior score in the event.
Tyler’s junior days are quickly coming to a close as on September 26th, he will turn 18 years old. At this time, he will leave the junior division and compete in the adult only division. An added incentive will be that he will now compete against his dad Curtis.
"My dad and I are competitive against each other with either one of us being able to beat the other at times," explained Tyler.
Besides the actual competitions, one of the greatest highlights Tyler noted was his attendance to the Junior Camp at Fort Benning, Georgia in 2010. He received training on the Army Base from Army marksman with 80-100 other juniors shooters.
One of the fringe benefits to the sport are the friends Tyler has been able to make from all over the United States. The travel and competition have always been fun and exciting.
Even though Tyler has been duck hunting, he stated, "I am not a hunter - just a shooter."
As noted, Tyler is an incredible student and a highly valuable athlete to the Bearcat football and basketball programs. He noted that his school activities limit the practice time he needs to really advance his shooting skills.
His next major match will be the Tennessee Sectionals the last weekend of September, and the Missouri State Match in Rolla at the beginning of October. He states that he usually practices 1-3 times per week, and that repetition of the skills over and over is the key to success in this sport.
Tyler will practice dry-firing at home to perfect his technique. There is also a shooting range north of Dexter where he practices actual shooting. This range is the training site for area police officers as well as the Bootheel Pistol Club.
Tyler's future plans are to attend Missouri State University next fall and major in physical therapy. He has all ready attained a high enough ACT to qualify for academic scholarships to the university.
Missouri State does not have a formal practical shooting team, but he states that there is a trap and skeet club that he may participate in. Tyler definitely plans on making practical shooting a part of his future.
"Shooting is a great way to teach responsibility and learn respect for guns and ammunition," stated Tyler. "I love the individual aspect of the sport. I have no one to blame but myself if I don't do well."
Tyler added that the sport has also allowed him to spend lots of quality time with his dad that he will always remember. His 12 year old sister MaKenna is expected to take up the sport very soon.
It is apparent that Tyler is a young man with high goals for his future. With or without competitive shooting, he will always aim for the top in whatever he chooses to do with his life.
Senate Leader Robert Mayer Honored During Ceremonial Portrait Unveiling
“It was an honor to look around during the ceremony and see many of the senators who have made their mark in this great building on behalf of the citizens of Missouri,” said Sen. Mayer. “I am humbled and proud to be able to serve as the President Pro Tem of the Missouri Senate. I’ve enjoyed working hand-in-hand with members from my party and across the aisle in passing beneficial legislation for Missourians.”
Sen. Mayer joins the ranks of former Senate leaders, including John E. Scott, 1983-1988; James L. Mathewson, 1989-1996; William P. McKenna, 1997-1998; Edward Quick, 1999-2000; Lt. Gov. Peter D. Kinder, 2001-2004; Michael R. Gibbons, 2005-2008; and Charles W. Shields, 2009-2010.
Elected to the House of Representatives in 2001 and then to the Senate in 2004, Sen. Mayer has served 12 years in the General Assembly, two of which in the role of President Pro Tem. As leader of the upper chamber, Sen. Mayer is responsible for managing procedural functions and ruling on parliamentary matters, among other important duties.
“As a boy who grew up in a small community working on a farm, I never dreamed I would have the opportunity to serve in the Legislature, much less in the role of Senate President Pro Tem,” said Sen. Mayer. “It’s been a challenging, but rewarding experience. With kind and encouraging words from my colleagues, both past and present, love and support from my family and friends, and God’s good grace, I’ve been able to achieve what few will be able to experience in their lifetimes, and for that, I will be forever grateful.”
On May 6, 2012, Ashley Mosier competed in the Mrs. Missouri United States pageant in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Ashley is a resident of Dexter. She and her husband Justin are the proud parents of Landon, age seven, and Jett, age two. Ashley holds a bachelor’s degree from Southeast Missouri State University, and is the owner of Halo. Halo is a salon and day spa located in Dexter. Ashley enjoys camping, fishing, and traveling with her family.
At the Mrs. Missouri pageant, Ashley won Miss Congeniality, and was named first runner up. Aquillia Vang of Waynesville, Missouri was crowned. In July, Aquillia competed in the Mrs. United States pageant held in Las Vegas and she won.
Three weeks after Aquillia’s win, Vanbros and Associates contacted Ashley. Vanbros and Associates is the company that produces the pageant. “They asked if I would like to take over the title and I said yes,” recalls Ashley.
This past weekend Ashley traveled to Kansas City to be officially crowned Mrs. Missouri. The crowning was viewed live on KHBS News. This was a very exciting time for Ashley Mosier.
“The reason I initially decided to do the pageant was so that I would become motivated to lose the remaining baby weight I had from my son, Jet, who just turned two.” Ashley knew that if she had to get on stage in a bikini she would really buckle down and get into shape, and she did it!
“I feel like getting ready for the pageant was an awesome experience because it made me get in the best physical and also mental shape of my life.” Ashley says she would encourage any married woman to do this because it has been so fun for her.
“Sometimes as wives and mothers we forget to take time for ourselves because we’re so busy worrying about taking care of our spouses and children. This gave me the opportunity to do something that made me feel more confident. My husband and children also loved it because they loved to see me on stage,” says Ashley.
Ashley’s family was very proud of her. “My six year old son was the happiest of them all. He came racing out to me as soon as I pulled into the driveway Sunday and couldn’t wait to see the crown. It was too funny.”
Ashley closed by saying, “It has been a whole family deal, and I couldn’t be happier with the way things turned out.”
During her reign, Ashley plans to work closely with the Look Good Feel Better program. As a volunteer cosmetologist and area trainer for LGFB, she teaches female cancer patients how to cope with the physical and cosmetic side effects of treatments, as well as educating other cosmetologists on how to conduct patient workshops.
We are proud of Ashley and all her accomplishments thus far, and we wish her the best of luck in all her future endeavors.
Barb Rice has loved music as far back as she can remember, and she notes that her long-term memory is still credible. Barb enjoys most types of music with the exception of rap, hip-hop, etc.
Barb says, “I have such an admiration for anyone who can write, play instruments, and sing. I’m almost jealous which isn’t exactly a trait I like in myself or in others.”
Barb believes music is a wonderful, joyous way to worship. Barb claims she can be a little “Methacoastal” when it comes to music; she explains that that’s a blend of Methodist/Pentecostal. She can hardly sit still at times when hearing the likes of Buddy Heaton, Geneva Accord, Debbie Stogsdill, Delissa Sitze, Mary Ruth Boone, Gayle Clippard, Rosemary Walker, Tony Thorn, Dale Williams, and Eric Pendergrass. All are great local artists.
Barb feels there are many more in our area who are talented with their varied instruments. Also, Barb feels we have awesome singers in this area. She mentions Maggie Thorn and family, Rebecca Northern, Cis William and Dale, members of Ringer Hill group. Barb says, “These are just a few of many that I am familiar with due to them singing at Trinity quite often.”
There is also music/musicians periodically at the nutrition centers in both Bloomfield and Dexter. “Even of the throes of whatever I may be experiencing at any particular time, music calms and speaks to my spirit. Both in joy and in sorrow,” Barb explains.
“A few months ago, I was invited to join a group that has brought me much joy, the Dexter Senior Choir.” Barb says to say that the group has been a blessing in her life would be putting it too mildly.
The Dexter Senior Choir consists of approximately twenty-five people. The youngest being in their early sixties, and the eldest being in their mid to late eighties. Among the group, there is one married couple, Bob and Barb Gillespie. Barb says the group has a couple more men, and most others are widowed.
Barb once heard someone say there were fourteen different churches represented in the choir.
The Dexter Senior Choir sings each Monday at 2:30 P.M. for an hour at Central Gardens assisted living facility in Dexter. Each Thursday at noon, the group performs at the Dexter Nutrition Center, and at 2:00 P.M. is alternated between Crowley Ridge, Golden Living Center, and Cypress Point.
The leaders of the choir are: Marida Atherton, director; and Geneva Acord, pianist.
The group sings out of hymnbooks such as Heavenly Highway, and the residents are always invited to select their favorite songs. “It is such a blessing to have the residents join us in song. At Central Gardens, a few of the residents join the choir, and many of them sing along.”
Barb says about the residents, “They’re always complimentary of our efforts. I have noted while singing at these facilities that even though some may have suffered the loss of memory, eyesight, and hearing, they can still recall every word of a hymn. There’s certainly a lesson in life here, or maybe a sermon in song.”
The choir has sung at various churches, revival meetings, bereavement services, and nutrition centers. Barb has a difficult time expressing how much joy the special group of friends brings to her. She says, “There are some awesome singers, soloists, even ‘scrap iron’ quartets that our leaders choose at random to sing together.”
When the choir isn’t making a joyful noise, or fails to sing from the heart, the leaders stop them and they do it again until they get it as close to right as possible.
“Anyone who knows these two ladies realizes their powerful witness for the Lord that has blessed them with such talent and ability which they freely offer back to Him. They remind me of the energizer bunny,” comments Barb on the two leaders.
Harold Zimmerman and Tom Arnold often assist with the music on their guitars as well as helping out with special music. Judy Acord sets up the equipment along with Sandee Durham, who keeps up with hymnals and sheet music. Mary Lou Northern often bakes cookies for the choir, something everyone eagerly appreciates.
“I would love to name each choir member, but fearful I would forget someone, I won’t make that attempt. I will just say that each person does a great job and has a special place in my heart,” Barb says compassionately.
Several of the group members close out their time of singing by gathering at one of the local fast food spots to eat, talk, laugh, and settle the world’s problems. Barb says the choir has had a positive effect on her life by ministering to others, and making friends with those who are also widowed or single.
Barb closes by saying, “Our goal in being choir members is to bring praise and glory to our Savior because without Him, none of us would be able to sing. We probably won’t be asked to sing on a Gaither video, but this group gets as much joy in the places we do sing as that would bring us. It’s the joyful noise that counts, and we do that part well!”
The Dexter Senior Choir invites anyone who would like to, to come out and join them anytime, anyplace. They would love to have you join them in making a joyful noise. Barb Rice guarantees a blessing.
