Kicks off multi-day clinics providing oral healthcare exams for veterans
Mark your calendar to attended the Groundbreaking Ceremony for a new and expanded clinic at The Lighthouse Church. Recently announced, The Lighthouse Church will soon have additional operatories to accommodate patients who have no access to quality oral healthcare.
“Many of our veterans and others have no insurance and lack the resources for dental care,” explained Kevin De Arman. “We know how important oral healthcare is to overall health and well-being for our patients.”
In collaboration with faculty, staff and students at the St. Louis Dental Center, a community health center founded by A.T. Still University-Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-MOSDOH) in partnership with Affinia Healthcare, multiple clinics over a period of days will welcome veterans at no cost thanks to funding made possible by generous donors, ATSU-MOSDOH, and Affinia Healthcare.
"Our services are critical because only 15% of veterans are eligible for dental care through the Veterans Administration ," emphasized Herbert Silva, DMD, ATSU-MOSDOH assistant professor, comprehensive care director, and leader of the Dentures for Veterans Project at the St. Louis Dental Center. “When veterans are no longer in pain and can smile again, they are more likely to engage with work, family, and socialization. These meaningful connections can prevent isolation and desperation.”
By the numbers, to date, more than 1,500 veterans have been screened and treated, and over 660 veterans have received more than 1300 full and partial dentures – at no cost to the recipient veteran.
WHO: Confirmed Speakers
Sr. Pastor & Board President—Tim Russell
Dental Minister & Board member— Kevin DeArman
Board member & Construction Company CEO— Rick Shipman
ADA 2025 Humanitarian of the Year & Chief Dentist @ Smiles of Hope—Dr William Kane
ATSU Professor—Dr Herb Silva
Additional VIPS and Elected Officials
INFO: For more information, please call Kevin De Arman 573.621.2593
REGISTER AND SUPPORT @ SmilesOfHope.com
SUPPORT VETERANS @ atsu.edu/support-mosdoh-vets
About The Lighthouse Church
Smiles of Hope was birthed through a vision of wanting to reach out to those that have a need for dental services but couldn't afford the costs. Our clinic began in a mobile facility with very limited resources in 2010. We have been blessed to expand into our own dedicated dentistry suite provided by Lighthouse Church. Further expansion is on the way as we begin work on a 33-chair dental clinic addition.
About A.T. Still University of Health Sciences
Established in 1892 by A.T. Still, DO, the founder of osteopathic medicine, A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU) began as the nation’s first college of osteopathic medicine and has evolved into a leading university of health sciences comprised of a growing community with a rich history in education and osteopathic healthcare. Today, ATSU offers certificate and master’s degrees across health disciplines; doctorates in athletic training, audiology, health administration, education, health sciences, medical science, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, dental medicine, and osteopathic medicine.
About St. Louis Dental Center
The St. Louis Dental Center, located at 1500 Park Ave. in the Lafayette Square neighborhood, is a state-of-the-art 79,000- square-foot clinical education facility with 101 dental chairs. Dental care is provided for the St. Louis community by Affinia Healthcare dentists and staff and ATSU-MOSDOH faculty and dental students. To learn more about St. Louis Dental Center services and schedule an appointment, call 314.833.2758. Please visit stldentalcenter.org or Facebook.com/stldental.center.
WHEN: Friday April 4, 2025
WHERE: The Lighthouse Church Clinic
The City of Dexter has announced the retirement of longtime City Attorney Yewell “Bud” Lawrence, who has served the city with dedication and distinction for over 38 years. Mr. Lawrence will officially retire on March 31st, leaving behind a legacy of legal expertise, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the city and its residents.
During his tenure, Mr. Lawrence has played a pivotal role in guiding the city through complex legal matters, ensuring sound governance, and protecting the city’s interests. He has been instrumental in shaping key policies, overseeing legal compliance, and providing trusted counsel to city leadership, as well as serving as the prosecutor within the city court.
“Bud Lawrence has been an invaluable asset to our city, and we are deeply grateful for his many years of service,” said Mayor Mark Snider. “His knowledge, professionalism, and dedication have left a lasting impact, and we wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.”
City Administrator David Wyman echoed the mayor’s comments, “Bud Lawrence has been a fixture in the management of the City of Dexter for decades. This level of loyalty and devotion is rare in today’s workforce. We have been very blessed to have had him helping the city for this length of time. We are losing a tremendous amount of institutional knowledge and experience.”
Moving forward, the City Council has opted to hire two attorneys to manage the legal matters for Dexter. Lifelong Dexter resident, Joe Satterfield, will assume the role of prosecutor for the city court. In addition, the city attorney position will be filled by Cameron Parker, whose office is located in Risco, MO. Both attorneys have accomplished legal backgrounds and experience in municipal law.
Both of the attorneys hired bring a wealth of knowledge and a strong commitment to public service. According to Wyman, “The city is very honored to hire both Satterfield and Parker. I am confident that they are both looking forward to serving the city, working alongside our city officials, and ensuring that they uphold the highest legal and ethical standards. The Council made an excellent decision, and I believe our two new employees will be valuable additions to the city workforce. The primary goals of our city workforce are to provide safety, health, and welfare for our citizens. Cameron and Joe will definitely help us achieve those goals.”
Cameron Parker will officially assume her new position on April 1, 2025. Joe Satterfield will officially assume his position on August 1, 2025.
The Friends of the Keller Library will host March Into Spring Dinner on March 30, 2025 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Lunch Box.
The Lunch Box is located at 23 W. Stoddard St. Dexter, Missouri.
This will be a ham dinner with dressing, potato, veggies, dessert and drink.
Dine-in, drive thru and carry out available.
Cost is $15.00 per plate.
This is a fundraiser for the Keller Library. The Friends of the Keller Library invites the public to come out and eat and enjoy some great company!
Pictured left to right: Candy Collier, Kay Asbell, Brenda Chrisman. Sherry Medler, Anna Loughary, Andrienne White, Sandy Stone and Tara Mouser.
The Miller's have a family legacy that no other grandfather, father, and son have ever accomplished in Dexter. All three have perfect regular undefeated seasons in Bearcat football. The Miller family has a tradition in football, with aspirations and achievements being passed down and celebrated across three generations.
The 2024 football season was definitely one for the record books. The Bearcats matched a program record of 11 wins and they won the MSHSAA Class 3, District 1 Championship, which was the first in thirteen years. Most exciting for the Miller family was the fact that this achievement may never be matched again as three members of their family played in three of the four perfect seasons at Charles Bland Stadium. The four unbeaten regular season years were 1940, 1963, 1986, and 2024. The Miller family had a player on each of those teams except the 1940 team.
Jaxon Miller, a defensive back, and a sophomore at Dexter High School had told his father, Gavin Miller, "Wouldn't it be cool one day! One day, maybe, we could go undefeated. You went undefeated and 'Papa Moose' went undefeated, and I could too!"
And so this year the 2024 football team did just that, making it three generations on undefeated teams!
'Papa Moose' was Glenn Miller, grandfather of Jaxon. He played on the 1963 team, but passed away in 2009, when Jaxon was less than a year old. Glenn went by 'Big Moose Tank' in high school and was six-foot-five-inches weighing 250 pounds. His height and weight did not transfer down to his son and grandson. "Tank" blocked for Jimmy Bland, whose dad is named Charles. This is who the stadium is named after. Over the three years he played varsity his team went 26-3. He was All-Conference defensive tackle from the 1963 season during which they went 10-0.
Gavin Miller, father of Jaxon, was a wide receiver on the 1986 and 1987 District Championship Teams. His record over three years as a Bearcat was 27-2 so "we beat my dad's team by one," stated Gavin.
"Jaxon is a football fanatic," commented Gavin. "He knew that my dad played college football at Arkansas State and that I played at Evangel University and my brother who also played at Evangel.. He is just a football guy!"
Like most small towns, you might show up at a restaurant, you see an old friend and you talk of the good ole days of football. It is just what small communities do. This season will be no different. Dexter will talk of the wins for many years to come. This team had 11 wins and only one other Bearcat team has ever accomplished this feat.
During Gavin's time, Dexter won 27 of 29 games including a 9-0 season in 1986. The Bearcats went 11-1, similar to the 2024 season his son played on. Two of those teams advanced to the MSHSAA Class 4 semifinal (1986) and quarterfinal (1987). Gavin was an All-SEMO Conference player for three seasons.
Jaxon's 2024 football team went 11-1 and were 9-0 in regular season. He was recently named as First Team All-SEMO Conference selection and he is just a sophomore. He saw the potential for achieving something that had not been done since the 1980s.
"I knew we could," Jaxon said of having a perfect season. "It was there. We had the players, and we had the coaches to do it."
"Our work ethic," continued Jaxon. "We all worked hard. We lifted hard in the weight room. We listened to the coaches. We did what was asked of us."
The turning point for the Bearcats was when they defeated Southern Boone. They exploded offensively in the first four games, but when they faced a state ranked team and beat them, the players knew they had a good chance of going undefeated. Once they got over beating Park Hills and Ste. Gen who have given the 'Cats trouble in the past, a state run was most definitely in their grasp.
This football team may be disappointed in how the season ended; however they should recognize the significance of their achievements.
Jaxon aspires to continue this legacy. "I mean we could do it again next season."
The Miller family has deep roots in the Dexter Community and their connection to the local football scene is shown in their teamwork and community spirit.
There is a strong family tradition in Bearcat football and they hope to pass down those achievements and celebrate for generations to come.
Once a Bearcat, Always a Bearcat!
