Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer

Dexter, Missouri – The extraordinary 18 FORE Life weekend is fast approaching and it begins each year with a banquet to dedicate the memory of Ben Kruse, who together with his brother, Scott, and some friends, wanted to do something good to genuinely help people in need.

When Ben’s life was cut short in August of 2004 in a tragic accident, his work was carried on through his brother and all who came together on that first weekend in June, twelve years ago.  The purpose of renewing friendships and raising money for cancer patients soon became what will be this year's 1 millionth dollars in love offerings given to families fighting cancer.  Truly amazing!

Friday, May 31^st the doors will open at 4:30 p.m. at the Elks Lodge with a dinner at 6:00 p.m.  Each year more people attend and each year more money is raised.  This year's event is sold out and the golf tournament is at it's capacity.

Guest speakers will be Becky Dennington and Ed Hearn with entertainment by The BUZZ!  Chad Gaylord will raise his glass and toast to Ben Kruse.   The live auction will follow.  “Ben would be so proud to see his friends reunite.  He would have loved this!” stated Scott Kruse.

Three years ago Chad and a friend canoed down the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers from Jefferson City to attend the banquet.  This year Chad and his wife, Nikki road their bikes down from Jefferson City to honor Ben and arrived at Sonny's around 1:30 p.m. today.  They epitomize the spirit that surrounds what we are doing," stated Scott Kruse.

The following day will be the Ben Kruse 18 FORE Life Charity Golf Event held at Hidden Trails Country Club with tee times of 7:00 a.m. and 1 p.m. with a 4 person scramble, silent auction and dinner to follow.

Someone fighting cancer will utilize love offerings from the money raised, as the financial burdens can be overwhelming to those undergoing treatment.

We thank Scott and Kerri Kruse for all of your hard work, dedication, and the tremendous efforts of bringing hope to so many in our community.  Celebrate/Give/Remember

Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer

Lilbourn, Missouri – Many of you have come to know Brendan Wallis over the past few months.  Today should have been a wonderful celebration of his 11^th birthday, but early this morning God called him to heaven. Now we celebrate his life and how he touched so many of us with his smile!

Brendan was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma Stage IV and attended Lilbourn Elementary School.   He was an amazing “lil joker” who loved life.  He was strong, brave and loved the St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Team.  He was first diagnosed in 2004 and spent several years in remission, but his family learned in May of 2012 his cancer had returned.  When he looked at you and smiled, you could not help but return a smile!

No one really knows the pain that a family endures when a child is struck with Cancer.  We pray for them, we support them, we raise money to help with the financial burden, and we encourage them to continue their fight when the struggle becomes unbearable.  And when the pain is too much, God calls his children to heaven to end their suffering.  It’s hard to understand how a disease can hurt so many, but we persevere and along the way we meet so many heroes.

Scott Kruse, 18 Fore Life said, “Smiles like Brendan’s are priceless.” Brendan was a true hero and his smile would warm your heart.

There is a Brendan Wallis fund set up at Regions Bank in New Madrid for anyone that is interested in donating to help Brendan and his family.

You can mail cards and send condolences to Brendan's family at PO Box 421, Parma, MO 63870.   Funeral arrangements are being made and we will post as soon as we know.

Our prayers are with Tim, Lisa, Samantha, Richard Benjamin and Brendan's family and friends during this difficult time.  You will be missed by many.

Bloomfield, Missouri - The local troop #72 of the century old Boy Scouts of America received some good news recently from the Dexter VFW Post #2659.  After struggling with funding for the past several years, a donation of $1,000 was made to Bloomfield Boy Scout Troop #72.

Created in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) provides young boys a place to build character, learn responsibility, develop personal fitness, and lifelong values. 

Scoutmaster Daniel Slavings is the current leader of Troop #72.  His diligence and hard work to keep scouting afloat for years and his generosity giving of both his time and support has helped maintain the Boy Scouts in Bloomfield.

Eric and Janet Smith also wanted to praise Troop #72 and gave each boy scout a Certificate of Achievement for all the work they did at the Community Fair in April of this year.

Each boy scout helped the vendors unload their items that they were selling, kept trash picked up and after the event, the boys helped the vendors in any way they could.  At the end of the day, they helped with clean-up of the fair grounds.

The Grounds Keeper even complimented the boys as it was the cleanest he had seen it in a long time.

Local Boy Scout groups continue to be a strong part of the growth among young boys in our community.  The Dexter VFW has offered a challenge to area businesses to join them in supporting local scouting troops by helping them to raise funds.  Contact your local scoutmaster to arrange for contribution to support the Boy Scouts locally.

Many ShowMe Times readers may have some great memories of their scouting days.  The selfless commitment of scoutmasters and volunteers begins the process of these boys on the right path toward their future.  Parents, including both men and women, often sacrifice their own money, vacations and week nights to teach young men many important life skills. 

Scouting is an honorable endeavor for all that are involved.  Their efforts and those that support them should be remembered and encouraged through your support.  With volunteers and mentors for the boys, it will build more conscientious and responsible young men and a more productive society as a whole.

Check out the national boy scouts website at www.scouting.org and contact your local boy scouts to volunteer your time.

Zachariah Hedrick Earns Degree from College of Communications

 

Dexter, Missouri - The phrase “it takes a village” is never more apparent than when a successful college graduate reflects on the professors and mentors who contributed to his or her success. In the case of recent Arkansas State University graduate Zach Hedrick, this adage has special significance. Having recently received a B.S. in Public Relations, Zach appreciates that both his graduation and positive college experience would not have been possible without the teachers and leaders who helped get him through his college career.

Fresh from small town Dexter, Missouri, Zach first considered Arkansas State University as a potential college choice, but his interactions with Assistant Dean of Students Natalie Eskew sealed the deal. Not only were Eskew’s knowledge of the university and her enthusiasm key in Zach’s choice, but her continued mentoring and encouragement also helped Zach succeed once on campus.   She also guided him in the inner-working of the campus processes, and assisted Zach in mapping out his education objectives. Zach readily admits that, without Natalie Eskew, he would not have been able to reach his full potential as a University of Arkansas student.

In terms of building a solid educational foundation, Zach also credits all of his professors in the College of Communications for giving him the knowledge and experience he will need in his future career.  For example, leader of the Journalism department Gil Fowler pushed Zach to deepen his understanding of public relations beyond the classroom, and help facilitate the key internships that provided Zach with hands-on experience.  

Another outstanding professor, Holly Hall, kept Zach on track with his studies, ensuring that he graduated on schedule. Her uplifting demeanor allowed Zach to flourish in the rigorous program, and gave him the confidence he needed to succeed. Radio-Television instructor Larz Roberts also inspired Zach with his captivating and challenging coursework, and stands as yet another example of the difference that caring and quality instructors can make in the lives of their students.

Zach also credits business and community leaders for their contribution to his collegiate success. Through Liberty Bank’s Director of Marketing Ed Way, Zach landed a top-quality internship with the Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce.  Local realtor Craig McDaniel also helped Zach by encouraging him to become more involved in the community, and facilitating his involvement with local business leaders.

As Zach graduates from the Arkansas State University, he knows that this achievement is not his alone. Without a dedicated group of inspiring mentors, ones who helped him every step of the way Zach could never have made the most out of his time at A-State.

Thanks to these selfless individuals, Zach believes that his future is brighter than ever before, and hopes to pay forward the spirit of their encouragement as he works to make the most it the lessons they taught him.

 

SoutheastHEALTH Regional Operations Vice President Paula Harris recently announced Adam Bracks as the new Chief Executive Officer of SoutheastHEALTH Center of Stoddard County.  Adam began his first day on the job Wednesday morning. 

Adam Bracks is a native of Perth, Australia, where he received his bachelor’s degree.  He earned his master’s degree at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He has most recently served in a hospital setting in Cleveland, Tenn., where he also oversaw rehabilitation, physician practice management and occupational medicine. He additionally focused on process improvement for the hospital.

“The future for our hospital is bright, as we are now part of a regional system of care.” Bracks stated, “We remain committed to providing high quality patient care at a low cost, right here at home.”  

Bracks said, “Plans are currently underway to expand access to specialty services at the hospital through our tele-medicine program, including neurology, cardiology and orthopedics.  This expansion will greatly enhance the availability of quality patient care in Stoddard County.”

As announced when the acquisition with SoutheastHEALTH became a reality earlier in the year, an expansion project is on the horizon.  “We will be building a medical office building onsite.  We’re studying construction plans at this time for this expansion,” Bracks confirmed.  

Bracks says he’s looking forward to joining the hospital team and becoming a vital member of the local community.

“I have already had the opportunity to meet some wonderful people in the area. It became quickly evident that the hospital has quality staff.  I’ve been very impressed with every aspect of the hospital, but it’s that skilled, knowledgeable, and compassionate staff that makes all the difference in patient care. I look forward to working with our team and expanding and continuing a high quality of patient care.” 

Bracks said his wife, Catherine, and their two sons, Luke, 9, and Ian, 6, are equally excited about living in Dexter. 

SMT would like to encourage the community to make it a point to get to welcome Adam Bracks and his family to the Dexter community.