The Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield received a donation of $51,320 from the Sikeston American Legion.
The funds were raised at the Legion's annual cook off and poker run fundraiser event. The event also featured a corn hole tournament, barbeque dinner and more. The event has raised more than $220,000 in the 10 years it has been held. The event raised $9,967 the first year and has increased each year up to the more than $51,000 this year. A presentation ceremony was held at the cemetery.
“It's a team effort, it's the Legion, the auxiliary, the Sons of the American Legion and the riders,” said Blair Moran, President of the Bloomfield Assistance League. “It's a labor of love for all of them, each and every year. This is the tenth year and this being the tenth year this was our best year. We have doubled what they have done in the past and we truly appreciate it.”
Money raised from the Poker Run and Cook off have done such things as enclose the Committal Shelter and installed heat and air for the comfort of the families during a service. The bell in the bell tower has been replaced, a new sound system was installed and more.
“I just want to thank the American Legion Family for a wonderful tenth year,” said auxiliary member Vicki Wilson. “I knew that the sponsors were up this year, but I was in awe when the final totals came in, I was just busting at the seams.”
“Thanks to the American Legion Auxiliary, the Legion, the S.A.L. (Sons of the American Legion), the riders,” Wilson continued. “And you poor riders, one of these days we are going to have this poker ru and it is not going to rain. We have had it in April, we have had it in May, we have had it in September we have had it in October and it has rained every single time. So I think you guys are just going to have to deal with it and you do a good job. Thank you guys for going through the weather to make that happen.”
Despite the rain 25 vehicle were in the poker run, 23 of them motorcycles. The cook off featured 15 teams representing Missouri, Illinois, and Arkansas. Royal Oak Charcoal provided all the charcoal for the event and the Legion provided the meat.
Dexter Fire Chief Don Seymore honored Crystal Bracken with the Fire Chief's Signature Coin.
Seymore awarded the win for her actions following a piece of equipment fire at BA Promotions recently.
"Her quick reaction and utilizing a fire extinguisher was excellent," stated Seymore. "Her actions saved the building from significant damage and possibly saved the business."
Seymore further said had everyone left the building and waited on the fire department the fire would have spread by 16 percent per minute. Because of Bracken's actions the building suffered no damage and the business only lost the piece of equipment. Seymore said this is the first such coin he has awarded since 2012.
The coin bears the same wording as the Dexter fire trucks, Honor, Integrity, Pride and Strength. On the opposite side it says Dexter Fire Department.
The graduating Puxico High School Class of 2023 held their Commencement Exercises on Friday, May 12, 2023. Class President, Ella McLain led with the Welcome followed by the Opening by Elizabeth Zych.
Pomp and Circumstance was played by the Puxico High School Band.
Superintendent Cindy Crabb introduced the School Board Members. High School Principal Gretchen Hill introduced the Salutatorian Miss Ella Nevaeh McLain.
Ella is the daughter of Michael and Lisa McLain and the granddaughter of Terry and Donna Scott and Stewart and Brenda McLain. She has followed a college preparatory curriculum and has maintained a 4.3325 grade point average. While in high school Ella has been active in Future Business Leaders of America, FCCLA, Sr. Beta Club and FCS.
In addition Ella has earned numerous awards such as Highest Honors all four years, placed 1st and 3rd in FBLA Districts, placed 1st and 5th in Sr. Beta Club at State, along with many other academic awards from her teachers.
Ella will attend Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri in the fall, where she plans on majoring Nursing. After she earns a Bachelor of Science Degree, she plans to pursue her Master’s Degree. She wants to be a Travel NICU Nurse along with serving on medical mission trips.
Mrs. Deborah Wilkerson, High School Counselor introduced the Senior Speaker Miss Destiny Griffin.
The students and their families then watch a graduation video of baby photos and senior photos.
Mrs. Cindy Crabb then introduced the Valedictorian Mr. Cole Barnfield.
Cole is the son of Chris and Traci Barnfield and the grandson of Larry and Vicki Barnfield of Puxico and Kimberly Brown of Greenville. He has followed a college preparatory curriculum and has maintained a 4.344 grade point average.
While in high school he has been active in baseball, basketball, Sr. Beta Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Scholar Bowl, and band. In addition Cole has earned numerous awards such as All-Conference and two time all District Baseball. Cole held the position of Sr. Beta Club President and Regional Leadership Representative which allowed him to attend the National Beta Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida. He was also selected to Attend
Missouri Boys State at Lindenwood University.
Cole will be attending Southeast Missouri State University - Cape Girardeau in the fall. He plans on majoring in Computer Science. After earning a Bachelor’s of Science Degree his ultimate goal is to work for a major corporation like
Microsoft.
Mrs. Deborah Wilkerson, High School Counselor, presented the senior awards and scholarships prior to the presentation of diplomas by Chad Payne, President of the Board of Education and Ms. Gretchen Hill, HS Principal. (Those awards and scholarships will be in next week’s addition of the Puxico Weekly Press).
The Puxico School Song was sang by Mrs. Tonna O’Dell and Shannon Hanners.
Chloey Foster, Class of 2023 performed the Closing Remarks.
The Class of 2023 is as follows: Cole Barnfield, Ella McLain, Elizabeth Zych, Monica Par, Chloey foster, Adysen Shepard, Sara Woolard, Shelby Woolard, Isaac Hann, Duncan Crabb, Drake Guffey (In Memory), Seth Zimmerman, Corbin McGowen, Talley Burns, Bailey Barks, Talon Burkman, Kelten Adams, Sierra Fleming, Jade Walker, Emily Day, Jessica Coleman, John Brotherton, Eric Riddle, Kaedan Thomas, Madison Martin, Destiny Griffin, Elizabeth King, William Rush, Kaylee Jordan, Abagail Runzi, Lanie Wilkerson, Kylee Carroll, Isabella Adams, Colton Jones, Colton McCollum, Billy Carter, Jr., John Sisk, Jr., Jera Backus, and Raigen Zoll.
The Bernie Chamber of Commerce would like to invite everyone to our 2023 Bernie Color Fun Run! We started this event in 2022, and I think we all agreed that it turned out so much better than we could have even hoped for. It was a beautiful morning of community fellowship and fun, and we've all been looking forward to the next one ever since.
This year's event will take place on Saturday, June 3rd, beginning at 10AM, at the Bernie City Park. Registration will begin at 9AM, and each registered participant will receive their shirt and a color packet at that time.
Waves Mini Donuts will also join us that day from 9AM to 2PM.
Medals will be given to the top three finishers in two age groups: 13 & Up, as well as 12 & Under. Additional prizes may be given, if funds allow.
Water stations will be set up along the route, and light snacks (such as granola bars) will be available at the finish line.
The early bird registration will end on May 12th in order to have shirts in on time. Forms and payment may be turned in to any Chamber officer or board member, mailed back to the Chamber (in time to be received by May 12th), or can be turned in at our May 7th meeting. Same-day registration will also be open for a discounted price, with participants not receiving a shirt. (All of this information is included on the form.)
We would also welcome any volunteers that day. We need volunteers to help with parking, to help register participants, to toss color along the route, etc. If you have a group who would just like to gather and cheer on participants as they pass by on the route, that's great too! There's a job that day for anyone who would like one. We are also always grateful for prize donations from our community businesses. If you are interested in partnering with us or volunteering in any way, please let us know.
If participating in this isn't your thing -- we understand! Please consider helping us out by spreading the word. You can post registration forms at your place of business, forward to anyone you know who might be interested, etc. Every bit helps us out!
We hope you will consider joining us for a colorful day of good music and great fun on June 3rd!
We look forward to serving our community in 2023
Bernie Chamber of Commerce
The Dexter CTA held their Annual Retirement Tea at the Bearcat Event Center on Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Deborah Kay Stogsdill graduated from Southeast Missouri State University - Cape Girardeau with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1992.
She spent eight years with the New Madrid County School District as a 4th grade teacher from 1993 through 2001.
She then worked as a 1st grade teacher at Bloomfield Schools until 2016.
Stogsdill came to Central Elementary in 2016 where she served at a 4th grade teacher.
She retires with 7 of her 30 years spent in faithful and dedicated service to the Dexter Public Schools.
