Dexter, Missouri - The ShowMe Times is continuing our support of these two amazing teenagers in Dexter, Missouri.  We published an article recently of how "Two People With One Goal" were able to create a beautiful collaboration between a community and those that needed their help.  They established "End Poverty in Stoddard County" and decided as their first commitment to the community was to host a Coat Drive.

Just in case you have not heard about these wonderful students , the "End Poverty in Stoddard County" Coat Drive surpassed its goal of 100 coats.  The final count was 348 coats donated!!  Awesome job!!

It's truly amazing how two Dexter High School Students can do so much in such a short period of time.  The Stoddard County community is so proud of Alexis Smith and Jacob Robinson.  They proved that they are truly "two people with one goal!"

Alexis and Jacob, both wish to thank so many who helped make this Coat Drive a success.  Special thanks to the Corner Cottage of Dexter, Southern Bank, Dexter Medical Center, Kim Williams and Kellie Reese.

Jacob and Alexis delivered the coats to the Stoddard County Mission and will be giving away many coats to the elementary schools throughout the county this week.

To find out what their next community project will be or for more information about this new organization, "End Poverty in Stoddard County", they have established a website, www.endpovertystoddardcounty.com and a Facebook page.

New Madrid, Missouri - Maggie May Bodi, Live Wires Director would like to invite the public to the Little Dixie Theater Saturday evening.

"Come enjoy some of the top Disney songs from some of the top Disney movies as the Dixie Live Wires take the stage performing everything from The Zorro Theme Song to Annie's Hard Knock Life!" Bodi proclaimed.

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck & Goofy will be putting on a special performance and also be on hand at intermission to say Hi to the kids!

Fun time begins at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, February 2nd at the Dixie Theater in New Madrid. Admission is $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for ages 12 and under.  Concessions will be available.

Dexter, Missouri - "Today we are going to read about strangers!  Not bad strangers, but good ones." That's how Mary Ann Simmons started her morning with the children.

"Can you figure out who the stranger is?" she asked as she showed them the front of the book, "Stranger In The Woods" by Carl R. Sams II and Jean Stoick.   One little girl pointed out the deer on the front cover while another pointed to the snowman.

The book is a photographic fantasy that tells how the furry and feathered friends of the forest respond to a mysterious visitor.  All of the animals are apprehensive because there is a stranger in the woods. The bluejays, chickadees, deer, owl, squirrels and other animals are not sure how to react. Little by little, starting with the birds, the animals in the forest follow the snow trail and come close enough to examine the stranger.  They find a snowman.

Unbeknownst to them, a brother and sister had crept into the woods and built the snowman. They gave him a carrot nose, mittens, and a cap in which they make a dent so it could hold nuts and bird seed.

They also left corn for the animals. A doe eats the snowman's carrot nose, while the birds enjoy the nuts and seed. Later, when a fawn finds a mitten on the ground, the animals realize that there is still another stranger in the woods.

Stranger in the Woods is a beautifully photographed, captivating book that will appeal to three to eight year old children. There is also a special feature in the back of the book, "Recipe for a Snowman".

The children enjoyed singing songs and dancing.  Then after story time, the children gathered around the tables to make wonderful treats and crafts to take home.  Doughnut snowmen, shaving cream snowmen and snowmen made of doilies.  From the smiles on their faces one could see that the children had a fun time at the library.

The authors have created a website www.strangerinthewoods.com and is a wonderful page for activities, recipes, and wonderful graphics.  They also have a Facebook page which you can discover some of their wonderful photography.

For more exciting pictures of Tuesday's Story Hour go to the ShowMe Times Facebook page.  We have created an album of photos, Keller Public Library Story Hour, January 29, 2013.

Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Tiger Cub Scout Pack 200 Den 9 became superstars when they visit YHCtv this past week. 

The little Tigers traveled to the studio to see the inner workings of a television station.  The Tigers learned how they get the news, sports and tv programs to their home television.  As part of the tour they were able to visit the newsroom where they filmed a short "hello" to everyone watching YHCtv in Dexter, Missouri.

The children were excited as they were "live" on the air.   They were asked how does it feel to be on tv.  Some said "cool", "awesome", and one boy said "embarrassing."  No matter how they felt they were all intrigued with the "green screen".

Touring the studio, they were able to ask questions and learn about the green screen, microphones, cameras and many aspects of how television programs are made.  Being in an actual television station made learning more fun and easier to explain all the equipment used to make a news program.

Touring the studio and learning how television stations operate gave the boys scouts an opportunity to earn a badge.  They discovered how the microphones worked, how the cameras operated and many aspects of how complicated running a television station can be.  

The cub scouts are now working on their next service project by selling Chili Supper tickets.  They will be serving chili at the Sacred Heart Church on Saturday, February 16th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.  All you can eat chili and hotdogs for only $7.00.

Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Writer

Bloomfield, Missouri – If you love history, you won’t want to miss attending tonight’s discussion at the Stars & Stripes Museum located on Hwy 25 in Bloomfield, Missouri.

The Stoddard County Historical Society will hold their regular monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. tonight, January 28th.  Dr. Bill Shell will be discussing “Slavery in Missouri”.

The Stoddard County Historical Society is dedicated to the preservation of data and or items relating to the history of Stoddard County Missouri.  They also are dedicated to helping preserve our heritage by completing and updating various publications.

Anyone who would like to be a member of the Stoddard County Historical Society may do so by sending $5.00 each year for dues.

If you have comments or suggestions, email Mary Thorn at thorn@sheltonbbs.com or stop by the meeting tonight and meet everyone.