Since mid-October, Women’s League Volleyball has been in full swing. Women’s League Volleyball has been around for a long time for women around the area who wish to play on a team and compete against other teams. To play, one must be at least eighteen years of age, but no age is too old to step out on the court and show everyone what you’ve got!

There are now a few different leagues for women’s volleyball. Ranging from the most competitive, to the least competitive. Many teams that have been around for a while choose to be in the most competitive league. Others are just there for fun or maybe a little exercise, so they are content in the not so competitive leagues.

No matter what league, women’s league volleyball can provide some awesome entertainment. Lots of teams like to get really into their games by bringing their own fan section.

Even though some are more competitive than others, each game ends with a “good game” and a handshake from each player on one team to all the players on the opposing team.

If you’ve never witnessed a women’s league volleyball game in action, you should try to make it to the Old Gym by the library or the New DPR gym down by the pool one night throughout the week and see just how exciting it can be!

If you’re not much for watching and would rather be playing, you should consider getting a group of friends together next year and signing up to play in one of the leagues! It’s a guaranteed good time!

Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Writer

Dexter, Missouri - Santa Claus is coming to the Bank of Advance today!  He will be there from 3 pm to 5 pm and will have holiday treats for the children.

Bring your camera and make a memory!

The Bank of Advance is located at 1428 U. S.  60 in Dexter, Missouri.

Throughout the past year around the community, toys have been collected for the Manager Full of Toys event. The event will be held this Saturday, December 15^th at 10:00 A.M.

Over two thousand new and lightly used toys are projected to be given away at the third annual event.

The toys that will be given are free for children and teens and there’s not a prerequisite income level.

Event organizer Rachel Watson commented on how thankful she is for the donations that allow the program to continue to grow year after year. “We hate to see the same families every year, but then again we love to see them. We love that they know their needs will be met,” said Watson.

It is very unfortunate that the need for these annual events continues to grow, but it is great that we live in such a great and giving community that we never shy away from an opportunity to give back.

Even though the event is just two days away, you still have time to donate toys if you’re interested! There is also a need for volunteers at the event. If you’re interested in donating toys or your time you can call: 573-624-1324.

Bloomfield, Missouri - County Wide Insurance of Dexter, Missouri enjoys giving during the holiday season.  With the temperatures beginning to drop and the cold, night air finally upon us, we assume everyone will stay warm this winter.

This year at County Wide Insurance Agency's annual Christmas celebration new hats, mittens, gloves and scarves of all colors were bundled together.  Everyone was excited folding pretty pink scarves, matching gloves to hats, holding up little tiny mittens for the littlest of children.  All to be delivered to the Stoddard County Children's Home in Bloomfield, Missouri.

The Children's Home is a safe haven for children from infant to eighteen years of age.  Their doors opened in January of 1980 because of a man named, Churn Williams.  He served as the county's part-time juvenile officer during those days.  He knew there was a need in the county to have a place where children felt safe, loved and happy.

Mike Davis, Chief Juvenile Officer and currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Children's Home, knows just how hard times can get when he sees so many children in need, especially during the holidays.  "Your generosity and support will bring joy to the children.  Thank you!"

It is the true spirit of giving that sustains the Stoddard County Children's Home.  Due to the generosity of many local businesses, schools, churches, other organizations, and people from the local community the Children's Home has been keeping children safe for 32 years.

Anyone wishing to donate are encouraged to contact the Board of Directors by mail at P.O. Box 164, Dexter, MO 63841 or you may contact Mike Davis at the Justice Center in Bloomfield, Missouri.

Bloomfield, Missouri - The Bloomfield Masonic Lodge #153 out cooked themselves again this year with a Holiday Breakfast this past Saturday.  Cooking breakfast for the community has been a tradition at the lodge, which is located on Prairie Street just north of the courthouse square near the Bloomfield post office.

Mike McCollum, Worship Master, stated “You can’t get a better breakfast than this anywhere for $6.00.  We had sausage, bacon, eggs, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, orange juice, milk, and hot coffee.  All you care to eat”.   

Even the youngsters who attended the event were excited to pick out a Hot Wheels car to take home.  The little race cars were donated by one of the newest members of the Lodge, Dale Kemp of Dexter, Missouri.

The Mason men really enjoy their cooking as they have each year a Valentine’s Day Breakfast, Mother’s Day Breakfast and Father’s Day BBQ.  Monies from these wonderful events are used for various community projects.  Their most recent endeavor is to have a Hunter’s Safety Education Course for children interested in the sport.   

Clifford Hicks joined the Masonic Lodge #153 back in 1958 just after the building was dedicated.  “I’m a good cook”, and “The Working Tools of the Knife and Fork Degree is proof as it is printed on my apron”.