Bernie, MO - The Waterfall opened in Bernie today!! 

A grand opening ribbon cutting was held on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 for La Cascada Authentic Mexican Restaurant in Bernie.

The new restaurant is located at 309 South Walnut St. and are open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Owners are Manuel and Dominga Anastacio.

They have a very large menu to choose from including appetizers, soups, fajitas, nachos, quesadillas, burritos, chimichangas, seafood, salads, tacos, and so much more!!

Enjoy eating outside as well under umbrellas.  You may dine in as there is plenty of seating available along with flat screen tvs and beautiful decor'.  There is also a drive-thru.

To order call 573-293-3250 and enjoy some authentic Mexican food!!

Dexter, MO - The 2020 Stoddard County Fair has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It is with a heavy heart the Stoddard County Fair Board has decided not to proceed with the 2020 Fair Season," commented Henry Kestner, Fair Board Chairman.

"After talking with State and Local officials, meeting with local officials, meeting with local volunteers and talking in depth with both we have made the hard decision that we cannot proceed safely.  The health and safety of our patrons, volunteers, entertainers, and the entire community has to be our first concern."

"It was our ultimate decision that we would be unable to safely have the event that we have all become accustomed to.  The Fair Board knew that whatever decision was made we would not be able to make everyone happy, so this was not a decision we made without lots of discussion or that we took lightly."

It is with the greatest hope that we will be able to have a Fair September 21st - 25th 2021.

This also includes the Stoddard County Fair Parade.

Dexter, MO - Silas Pfeffer may have quite the green thumb and a story to tell his grandchildren.  He and his classmates at Central Elementary were given cabbage seeds before school was dismissed due to COVID-19 earlier this year.

Mrs. Kristi Whitehead who teaches third grade at Dexter said, "We learned about plants in our Science unit this year before the students moved on to the 4th grade.  Each student was given cabbage seeds to grow."

Silas did a fantastic job doing this project to foster his planting unit in science.  He planted, grew, nourished and harvested this cabbage which weighed an impressive 14 pounds.

Jefferson City, MO - Governor Mike Parson appointed Mark Stidham of Dexter to the Missouri 911 Service Board.

Mr. Stidham has served the City of Dexter since 1997. In his role as City Administrator, he oversees the Police, Fire, Street, Water, Waste Water, Sanitation, and Parks and Recreation Departments. He also advises the Airport and Library Boards. Previously, he served four years on the Board of Aldermen.

Mr. Stidham has also served on several other state and local organizations, including the Regional Homeland Security Oversight Committee, the Missouri Municipal League, the Transportation Advisory Council, the City Managers Association, the Blue Ribbon Citizens Committee on Missouri Transportation Needs, and the Endowment Trust for Three Rivers College.

Mr. Stidham received a formal education in forestry and industrial relations from the National Hardwood Lumber Association in Memphis, Tennessee.

"It's a real privilege to serve on the 911 Service Board," commented Stidham.  "I want to help ensure that all Missourians have access to 911 services.  There are still many rural areas that do not have adequate service. We are quite fortunate in Stoddard County to have the equipment and ability to offer 911 service."

The 911 Service Board only meets four times per year, but there are committees that may meet more often.  This isn't a paid position, but a worthwhile service to the community.

Bernie, MO - Isabella Kaye Siebert is the Bernie Parents as Teachers' June 2020 Student of the Month.

She is the one-year old daughter of Laura Counts and Steven Siebert.

Isabella enjoys playing chase with her mommy, building blocks, helping out with laundry, and singing and dancing.

She also loves playing outside with her friends and throwing balls for the dogs. During the family's PAT visits, Isabella enjoys playing games and reading the new books with her mom and Mrs. Courtney, the family’s parent educator.

The following information was taken directly from the Parent as Teachers Missouri website.  

Our Vision

All children will learn, grow and develop to realize their full potential.

Our Mission

To provide the information, support and encouragement parents need to help their children develop optimally during the crucial early years of life.

Our Values

The early years of a child's life are critical for optimal development and provide the foundation for success in school and in life.

Parents are their children's first and most influential teachers.

Established and emerging research should be the foundation of parent education and family support curricula, training, materials and services.

All young children and their families deserve the same opportunities to succeed, regardless of any demographic, geographic or economic considerations.

An understanding and appreciation of the history and traditions of diverse cultures is essential in serving families.

History

In 1981, Missouri pioneered the concept of helping parents embrace their important role as their child's first and best teacher. Today, Parents as Teachers continues to equip early childhood organizations and professionals with information and tools that are relevantᾢand widely applicableᾢto today's parents, families and children.

The Parents as Teachers leadership team and Board of Directors is engaged in a three-year strategic plan, which positions the organization as a valued partner to support the organizations and professionals who serve families and children, especially those most vulnerable.

The concept for Parents as Teachers was developed in the 1970s when Missouri educators noted that children were beginning kindergarten with varying levels of school readiness. Research showed that greater parent involvement is a critical link in the child's development of learning skills, including reading and writing.

Early childhood professionals suggested that a program to provide early detection of developmental delays and health issues, and parent education to help parents understand their role in encouraging their child's development from the beginning could help improve school readiness and parent involvement.

With funding from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and The Danforth Foundation, Parents as Teachers began in 1981 in Missouri as a pilot project for first-time parents of newborns. Recognizing the program's benefits and cost effectiveness, the Missouri legislature provided state funding in 1985 to implement Parents as Teachers programs in all Missouri school districts. Since 1985, Parents as Teachers has expanded to all 50 states and six other countries.