Bernie, Missouri - The 64th Annual Miss Bernie was held on Saturday evening in the Bernie School Cafeteria. Little Miss Bernie is Brynlee Owens.
She is the daughter of Richard and Brittany Owens.
First Alternate is Annabelle Shelton. She is the daughter of Jason and Melissa Shelton.
Second Alternate is Haley Graham. She is the daughter of Jackie and Cecily Graham.
Pictured from left to right are Annabelle Shelton, Brynlee Owens, and Haley Graham.
Photo courtesy of Norman Swafford Photography in Bernie.
Dexter, Missouri - The 14th Annual Stoddard County Relay for Life was held at East City Park on Friday, May 5, 2017. The evening was filled with hope - hope for a cure! Cancer survivors took their annual first lap around the track all wearing their purple survivor t-shirts.
The crowd was entertained by Dexter Tumbling and Cheer group, Carrillo Martial Arts students, Mia Williams singing with local cancer survivors. They sang "I Will Survive"! A silent auction later in the evening attracted several deep pockets to support such a worthy cause! Meatloaf and brownies seemed to get re-auctioned a few times to raise even more money!
A total of 21 teams were on hand to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Through a number of unique fundraising efforts along with funds from the sale of luminaries, local business sponsorships, and generous donations from the community, a total of $59, 472.26 was turned in at Relay. An estimated additional $10,000 still yet to be turned in, but promised.
Funds raised by individual teams are as follows: Carmode Family $315, Central Cats $8,186, KDEX $1,080, Liberty Hill Church $11,916.25, Preferred Hospice $910, Asset Growth Management $452, Health Nuts $645.65, SoutheastHEALTH of Dexter $1,115, Southwest Elementary $5,550.59, Spark of Hope $250, Team Webfoot $1,453.50, VNA of SEMO $1,575, Walgreen $1,285, Stoddard County Health Coalition $1,050, Bank of Advance $1,692, Faith Lutheran $3,153, First General Baptist Church $659, Tyson $1,504.75, Cypress Point $678, One Main $695, and Pyramid $1,397.
Sales of luminaria bags in honor of or in memory of cancer victims raised $1,270, while general sponsorships raised an additional $12,393 and donations totaled $905. With the additional funds pledged and expected to come forth over the next few weeks, the 2017 Relay for Life total is expected to reach $70,000.
Though this isn't the most successful in history of the event, both co-chairs Jennifer Hartlein and Belinda Worley were very pleased with everyone's support of the annual event. Next year will be even bigger it is hoped.
Pictured are standing from left to right: LaVonda Cameron, Paul Bevins, and Faye Bostic. Front row are Kristi Altman and Patty Mason. Patty was the honorary Survivor of the 2017 Relay for Life!
Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter High School Swing Pink Softball Tournament has another exciting year with a grand total of $3,720 was raised for 18 FORE Life and St. Jude Children's Hospital.
The Lady Cats softball team donated $2,000 to 18 FORE Life and $1,720 to St. Jude Children's Hospital.
In the six years including one year that rained out the Dexter High School Softball Team has raised around $21,000 for these charities. Amazing work by some very dedicated athletes.
"Next year we will be playing on April 7, 2018," commented assistant softball coach Leonard Morse. "We already have 21 teams signed up and ready to play."
Pictured are from left to right Scott Kruse, 18 FORE Life, with the softball class of 2017 seniors, Cheyenne Mosby, Olivia Sitzes, and Kaylee Carey.
Bloomfield, Missouri - Build a Better World Summer Reading Program will be held at the Bloomfield Public Library.
Dates are on Wednesdays, May 24th, May 31st, June 7th, and June 14th from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Come and enjoy reading, crafts, games, and special treats.
On May 24th Build a Better World by planting seeds.
On May 31st Build a Better World by obeying the law.
On June 7th Build a Better World with solar energy.
On June 14th Build a Better World by recycling.
The Bloomfield Public Library is located at 200 Seneca Street. Call (573) 568-3626 for more information.
Enjoy the summer reading program at your local library!
You can follow them on Facebook by clicking HERE.
Dexter, Missouri - The Keller Public Library has been awarded a $2,812.00 grant to be placed toward the purchase of three new computers for the library circulation desks.
This equipment upgrade will keep the library on target with their regular replacement policy and allow them to serve the electronic needs of their patrons by providing successful transactions in a timely manner and delivering adequate information and educational services and resources.
This project is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Missouri State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.
"This upgrade will help ensure that our technology infrastructure is continually improved and maintained in order that we may offer the best possible library experience to the patrons we serve. We welcome an average of nearly 2,500 customers each month at our circulation desks, and they check out over 2,800 items. That does not include the eBooks they are also accessing. Our library board and staff are committed to maintaining a high standard of service for each of them," commented librarian Pam Trammell.
