The 32nd Annual Fourth of July Patriotic Parade for Kids will be held on Thursday, July 4th at 10:00 a.m.
This annual parade will begin at the corner of Elm and Vine streets in downtown Dexter, across from the License Bureau with the Dexter Fire Department leading the way.
The youngsters guided by Uncle Sam (aka Jason Banken) will gather on the steps of the U.S. Post Office on Stoddard Street to salute the American Flag with the Pledge of Allegiance. They will sing a few patriotic songs and pose for those everlasting photos and videos. (ShowMe Times will be there!)
The parade will follow its traditional route down Elm Street to Stoddard Street with kids on bicycles, tricycles, wagons, scooters, golf carts, on foot or in strollers. You may even see a few patriotic dogs in the parade.
The parade will get moving again, east down Stoddard Street to Poplar Street, where it will turn south at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) back to Vine Street and turn west returning to the Bankens' front yard where they will be treated to lemonade and a small snack.
The "just for kids" parade was started by Janice Barney, Lisa Greer and Jean Rahm. The parade leadership has passed to a new generation, as Kristina and Jason Banken, now host the holiday parade each year. The Banken family began hosting the parade 17 years ago, and have continued to build upon the Independence Day tradition.
Children are invited to participate. They may walk or bring their bikes and other means of transportation for the parade. Parking will be available for grown-ups in the city parking lot on Vine Street across from the Dexter Municipal Building
Walter P. Rushing, U.S. Navy Veteran, was quite surprised on Thursday afternoon when he received an Untied States Flag flown over the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington D.C.
Dee Loflin, owner of the ShowMe Times, knew about the US Flag Program and contacted Mike Schoelhamer, Constituent Services Specialist, with Jason Smith's office, to get a special flag for Dexter's move beloved Veteran.. Smith is the 8th Congressional District of Missouri in the US House of Representatives.
Mr. Rushing is moving to Tennessee to be with his two daughters and their family.
He was in the United States Navy and if you have ever been in his apartment it's like walking into a mini war museum. He has quite the collection.
On Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. the public is invited to drive by, honk and waive at Mr. Rushing. It will be his last time waiving those American flags in Dexter. You may also stop by and sign his banner!
Thank you Mr. Rushing for all the memories and making us smile each and every day!! The students on the buses will miss you very much! You are truly the most Patriotic Veteran of Dexter!!
IV Salon and Spa had their grand opening and ribbon cutting in downtown Dexter.
They are located at 201 E. Stoddard Street, just across from the U.S. Post Office.
To contact them you can message on Facebook or call 573-614-7175.
They offer a luxurious blend of beauty treatments and unparalleled customer service! Their place is beautiful!
The owner is Rachel Murphy.
Royal Neighbors of America Awards Scholarships to
Two Local Dexter Students
Peyton Boles and Ryder Boles Named as Recipients of National Scholarship Program
Royal Neighbors of America, a nonprofit life insurance organization located in Rock Island, Ill., has awarded 32 scholarships as part of its unique promise to provide Insurance with a Difference℠. Since 1961, scholarships have been awarded annually to help alleviate the financial burden of higher education for members and their families. Peyton and Ryder Boles of Dexter, MO were both awarded this acclaimed scholarship to complete their bachelor’s degrees at Murray State University.
“The program is an investment in tomorrow's community leaders,” said Senior Director of Social Impact Amy Jones. “By supporting our members in their educational pursuits, we are empowering them to be at the forefront of critical issues and shaping a better future for all. These scholarships are not just financial aid; they are a commitment to nurturing the leaders who will drive positive change in their communities.”
This scholarship program emphasizes the importance of strong, community-based leadership delivered through volunteerism. Students are required to respond to essay questions about their personal experiences and discuss a social issue currently affecting communities.
“My goal is to have zero debt by the time I graduate. I took many hours of dual credit in high school to cut down on expenses, and I will be working over the summer to cover additional costs. This scholarship has removed some of the financial burden from my shoulders, and I am very grateful to Royal Neighbors of America,” says Peyton Boles
More than $5 million has been awarded to date. Scholarship recipients can use their scholarship funds for tuition, room and board, and books. To learn more about the program, visit royalneighbors.org/scholarships.
“Education is a powerful tool for change, and we are honored to support our members in their educational journeys,” said Royal Neighbors CEO and President Zarifa Reynolds. “A sincere congratulations to the 32 outstanding individuals who have been named as scholarship recipients this year. Our Scholarship Program has and will continue to fulfill our mission to insure lives, support women, and serve communities.”
About Royal Neighbors of America
In 1895, nine founding women created a membership community. They were one of the first to make life insurance accessible to women. Nearly 130 years later, Royal Neighbors remains committed to its mission of Insuring Lives, Supporting Women, and Serving Communities℠. The organization’s 265,000+ members, chapters, employees, and appointed agents across the country drive the mission through localized volunteerism and Philanthropy Programs making social impact the cornerstone of their work.
Royal Neighbors members experience Insurance with a Difference℠ through their tailored life insurance and annuity products, opportunities to make an impact in their communities, and access to a variety of Member Programs including savings on prescriptions, health screenings, grief support, and more.
Mike Schoelhamer, Constituent Services Specialist with Congressman Jason Smith’s office out of Poplar Bluff, presented an American flag that was flown over the United States Capitol building in Washington D.C. to Corporal George Vails.
“At the request of Honorable Jason Smith, this flag was flown over the capitol building for Corporal George Vails, in honor of his distiquished service in the United States Army from 1954 to 1957,” stated Schoelhamer.
Mr. Vails received the flag at a morning breakfast at the Puxico Nutrition Center. He is 90 years old and lives in Puxico, Missouri.
Thank you for your service.
Capitol Flag Program began in 1937 when a Member of Congress requested a flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol. Today thousands of flags have flown proudly over the Capitol building.
