The strong foundations supporting economic development in our community begin with strong relationships. Effective relationships must be in place long before progress is ever seen. They are the result of slow, steady, time-consuming work done by community leaders. The time to establish these relationships is before you need them, and not waiting until you need something, to begin communicating. This is a basic understanding shared by our leaders, and what makes our Dallas County region so successful. The Dallas County Economic Development Group (DCEDG) works alongside these leaders to create even greater opportunities for economic growth in our region. more

Finding a job that you enjoy and that allows you to be creative is hard for some, which is exactly why Amber Skinner with the Buffalo Prairie Middle School kitchen staff hit the jackpot. Skinner has a special talent for decorating desserts, and brings her passion with her to work for all the students to enjoy. more

The movement in Urbana to start a Neighborhood Watch Program, spearheaded by Assistant City Clerk, Brittany Crawford, is well-timed with Dallas County law enforcement under the new sheriff, Darren Cheek. Cheek included in his campaign that he’d like to bring Neighborhood Watches to Dallas County. Citizens of Urbana, after several recent break-ins, are ready to be the pilot Neighborhood Watch program for Dallas County. more

Katie Dotson more

This week in Dallas County history, as recorded in the Buffalo Reflex. more

Abbey Woodyard more

Last week, the temperatures were unseasonably low, reaching negative numbers. Imagine a child sleeping on the floor or a makeshift pad in extreme weather. Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Inc. (SHP) MO-Dallas County Chapter built 26 beds; applications exceeded that number last fall. more

Maureta Evelyn Fugate more

According to the team at Beau Fournier Memorial Fund, Beau was nearly an unbelievably loving child, who was always looking for ways to help other children and brighten the day for others. That’s what makes his premature passing May 19, 2020, so difficult to understand. And it’s what has spurred his mother, Sammi McCleary, into action, making sure that Beau’s efforts to lighten others’ loads continues. Through the memorial fund, which was founded in Beau’s name, and with additional funding from Stand For the Silent (STFS)*, children in Buffalo, Missouri, grades PreK-8th don’t have to worry about buying school supplies each year, other parents in the community who lose children have access to counseling, and scholarships help make college more affordable for two local students each year. more

The National Sheriff’s Association says on their Neighborhood Watch site: more

I had/have no musical ability. I've written before how Mom spent money to give me piano lessons, taught by Miss Webb. I hated every minute of it. Our piano was in the east, front room used at one time as a parlor, then as a guest bedroom. During part of the time, the room was not heated. There I sat, practicing my lessons, and sometimes crying. Mom said if I hated piano lessons that much, she would allow me to quit. I did, apparently learn enough to be in a recital, at Miss Webb's house. more

This week in Dallas County history, as recorded in the Buffalo Reflex. more