Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Chamber of Commerce held their annual awards banquet on Saturday evening. 

"We can't express how grateful we are to have such wonderful businesses in Dexter," commented Stacey Blocker.  "The nominations this year showed us what a caring community it is and that the citizens show their support for all businesses."

The top three nominees stood out for their love of Dexter and their endless effort to do things for Dexter.  All of the nominees not only own and operate one business, they have at least two businesses they own.

The nominees are the ShowMe Times, N'Style Galleria, and The Loft.

1. ShowMe Times puts in endless amount of time.  She needs about 48 hours in a day to cover all the things that are going on in Stoddard County.  When you see Dee Loflin running around, you know there is an event going on.  She seems to be a one woman show, but she has a great support backing her.  the ShowMe Times team is always looking for ways to grow and communicate with the citizens.  They are all positive news and informing you on everything.  They do ads, text alerts, classifieds, Facebook, Twitter and of course their ShowMe Times website.  The owner, Alan Hedrick recently added Air SMT utilizing  a drone to video record Dexter and the surrounding areas.  We can only image what is next.

2.  N'Style Galleria or formerly known as Lois' House of Fashion was purchased by Pam Garner in March 2014.  She carries fashion accessories, Merle Norman Cosmetics, clothing line, offers full service salon and art gallery with custom paintings and photography.  She is always looking at ways to grow.  She recently started MeN'Style which offers men's clothes and custom design shirts.  She is eager to participate in what Dexter is doing and sponsors the Annual Cruisin' for Kids car show in downtown Dexter.  This event brings several people into Dexter and all proceeds go to children in need.

3.  The Loft which is owned and operated by Brian Crawford since 2011.  Brian isn't from Dexter, but saw the potential and decided to put in a store.  His store fronts have really made the downtown look great.  After suffering a fire to his store, he rebuilt and even grew into a larger business.  they carry a full coffee bar, tea, and hot chocolate.  the store has beautiful furniture, jewelry, home decor, and many other unique items.  He is always willing to support the local schools and organizations and individuals that are in need of help.  He host many events in his store that gives people a different experience. In 2014, eh opened his second store "The French market" that offers truffles, spices, herbs, and other cooking needs.  His store overcame tragedy and became a bigger and better asset to Dexter downtown.

The 2015 Business of the Year went to The Loft.

Photo credit to Dee Loflin, ShowMe Times Manager/Editor.

Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Chamber of Commerce held their annual awards banquet on Saturday evening. 

Chris Brannan said, " Dexter has several great organizations that do a lot of community service.  We had several nominations turned in this year."

"The committee narrowed it down to three very active and well deserved nominees: Relay for Life of Stoddard County, Dexter Lions Club, and Star Banner 4-H of Dexter."

1.  Relay for Life has been raising money to fight cancer since 2004.  In 2005, over $81,000 was raised to provide services and life saving research to cancer patients in Stoddard County.  This year they are going to strive to hit the $1 million mark of funds raised within Stoddard County.  Their annual event is huge and brings positive attention to Stoddard county.

2.  Dexter Lions Club does tons of work for Dexter.  They provide and pay for the school children's eye exams and also provide eye exams and glasses for others in nee.  They hand out two $1,500 scholarships to students, they pay for the student athletes to play in state all-star games and donated 3 Lion water fountains to the city parks.  they also donate annually to the Wreaths Across America, Stoddard County Children's Home, Boy Scouts, Boys state and Girls State, after Prom activities, Truck or Treat, Mid South Lions Sight and Hearing and the Kenny Rogers Telethon.  They have fundraising events, such as their annual golf tournament, Waffle Day, and sell funnel cakes at the Stoddard County Fair.  They are very active and we appreciate their work.

3.  The Star Banner 4-H of Dexter program completes several community service projects throughout the year.  They go to nursing homes for holiday visits, play Bingo, go caroling, and deliver food baskets.  They have also done several other projects like Wreaths Across America, had a haunted house, and participate in the Stoddard County Fair.  Each student chooses to participate in speech contest, livestock, entrepreneurship, workmanship, or political involvement to obtain their service hours.  These students are learning viable skills before graduating from school.

The 2015 Organization of the Year Award goes to the Dexter Lions Club.

Photo credit to Dee Loflin, ShowMe Times Manager/Editor.

Dexter, Missouri - H&R Block is putting the "fun" back in the Tax Refund Season!  James and Julie Twomey, local winners of the "H&R Block 1,000 wins $1,000 Daily Sweepstakes", celebrate at the H&R Block office at 209 W. Business 60.  

It's an amazing story with James and Julie as they both were entered to win because of a joint tax return.  James received his email first and was pretty excited to be a winner, but when Julie received her email they thought there was a mistake or it was a repeat email.  Much to their surprise both won a $1,000 prize and were presented two checks on Friday, January 22, 2016 for a total of $2,000.

"I thought it was super cool," stated James Twomey.  "It's a blessing.  We are foster parents and have been using H&R Block for more than 20 years."

H&R Block is giving away a total of $32 million in the first month of tax season.  Anyone who files their taxes at a participating H&R Block office by February 15th can automatically be entered into the sweepstakes.  Thirty-two thousand people will win $1,000 from H&R Block.  You could be a winner if you file your taxes soon.  For more information, visit www.hrblock.com/grand.

Pictured are Cheryl Bridgewater, H&R Block Preparer, James Twomey, Julie Twomey, and Kim Allen, H&R Block Franchisee.

Congratulations James and Julie Twomey!

Bernie, Missouri - "Every Day Is a Good Day - Hoops for Hope", sponsored by 18 FORELife will be held in honor of alumnus Shawn Green on Friday, January 22, 2016 at the Bernie Mules game against the Puxico Indians.

“Every day is a good day” is the motto Shawn Green lives by.  After graduating from Bernie HS in 1993, Shawn enjoyed a stellar collegiate basketball career at Shawnee CC and the University of St. Francis (IL).  But his every day journey since 2009 has had many challenges.

In January of 2009, Shawn was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer called Glioneuronal.  He underwent surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.  For the next 6 ½ years, Shawn was considered cancer free and cherished every minute of every day. Shawn and his wife, Erin, added to their family with the birth of Avery Hazel. Shawn continued to do the things he loved such as: spending time with family, traveling, playing golf and running half marathons with his twin brother, Shane and cousin, Jason Long.

In June of 2015, Shawn’s next challenge arose. He experienced an intra-cranial hemorrhage.  In early October 2015, the doctors confirmed that there was tumor regrowth in the same area. Within a month (Nov. 4^th), Shawn had a second brain tumor resection surgery.  He was able to walk out of the hospital just 3 days after the operation.  Unfortunately, the setbacks didn’t stop.  On Thanksgiving day, Shawn started to develop a staph infection around the incision.  Shawn was again admitted to the hospital and endured another surgery to clean out the infected area.  This resulted in the permanent removal of the bone flap (part of the skull) which now requires Shawn to wear a helmet when he is not sitting down.  The staph infection also led to the weakening of the right side of his body.  Shawn spent the next 3 weeks in the Rehab Institute of Chicago (RIC) for physical, occupational and speech therapy.  Being released on Christmas Eve, Shawn was able to spend Christmas Day with his family. 

This new tumor, a Stage 4 Gliosarcoma, is his biggest challenge yet.  Shawn is currently undergoing another round of radiation (15 treatments that will ended January 14^th) and chemotherapy.    He continues to receive outpatient therapy at RIC to regain the physical strength he lost due to the staph infection. 

On behalf of Shawn’s family (Erin and Avery), Shane’s family (Kerri, Lainey and Malley),brother Kevin and our mom and dad, we want to express our sincere gratitude for all of the support, prayers and positive energy.  Shawn is an inspiration to all of us on a daily basis with his undeniable will to fight this terrible disease.  “Every day is a good day”

Several events are slated for the evening of January 22nd, please come out eat, enjoy, and most of all give whatever you can to help this amazing family.

A Fish Fry will be held from 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. in the Bernie Cafeteria.  Tickets can be purchased for $10 or you can purchase at the door.

Luminaries in memory or honor of someone who has battled cancer can also be purchased for $2.00 that night.

There will also be a booth set up to start a college fund for Shawn and Erin's daughter, Miss Avery.  Donations will go toward the purchasing of a savings bond that will help someday with her college expenses.

A silent auction will also be held.  many items will be available.  The auction will end at the start of the halftime of the varsity basketball game.  Top bidders will be announced at the conclusion of the varsity game. Baked goods will also be available for purchase in the lobby.

Single donations for Shawn can also be made to "Hoops for Hope" at the Bank of Advance in Dexter.  You can mail or drop off your donation or give it to Coach Brad Botch or Kristi Whitehead.

Bernie, Missouri - Blakely Mae Oens has been chosen as January Student of the Month by the Bernie Parents as Teachers organization.

She is the four-month old daughter of Richard and Brittney Owens.  She is the little sister to Macayla, Blair, Brynlee, and Baylor.  

Her face just lights up when her big sisters talk or sing to her!  Blakely enjoys chewing on her hands, swinging in her swing, and cooing.

During the family's Parents as Teachers visits, Blakely loves watching the different activities that Mrs. Courtney brings and getting a new book for Mommy an dDaddy to read to her.