My team has diligently worked to put together a comprehensive Community Services Directory for the residents of the 32nd Senatorial District. This helpful guide contains contact information for national and state elected officials and departments, local branches of government, county offices, municipalities and area schools. It also contains dedicated sections for veterans, senior citizens, agriculture and public health services. If you have a resource that would benefit our communities to include in the directory, please email me.
DHSS Offers another Round of Free COVID-19 Testing
Southwest Missourians may register to get tested for COVID-19 in the next few days. Please note that Jasper County residents have two dates, times and locations.
New Funding Available for Farms and Small Businesses
The Missouri Department of Economic Development recently announced a new grant program to help provide relief to farmers and other small business owners who continue to struggle with COVID-19 related interruptions in production and earnings. The department’s assistance will focus on industries that have felt the greatest impact: retail trade, accommodations, food service, health care and agriculture, but all businesses that employ less than 50 may qualify. To learn more about the grant program and other recovery funding, visit ShowMeStrong.mo.gov.
Riches of Southwest Missouri Adorn State Capitol
The walls of the second floor in our State Capitol are lined with beautiful half-moon shaped works of art, or lunettes, which depict Missouri’s vast heritage, landscapes and resources. One of these beautiful renditions, “Riches of the Mines,” portrays a mine in the once thriving Tri-State Mining District comprised of southwest Missouri, southeast Kansas and northeast Oklahoma. According to the secretary of state’s website, the discovery of lead ore near Joplin in 1848 catapulted the construction of smelting plants and the production of lead and zinc that helped make Missouri an industry-wide world leader. Lasting from 1850 through 1958, the era ended in our region when the demand and price for these two commodities plummeted in the 50s.
Conservation Department Accepting Applications for Agent Training Academy
If you love protecting nature and educating people, consider applying to be a conservation agent. Throughout the month of July, interested college graduates may apply for the training academy scheduled to begin April 1, 2021. The 16 selected candidates will attend an intense 26-week course in law enforcement and resource management to prepare them for a future county assignment to help the public and uphold Missouri’s Wildlife Code.
Swift Response Saves Local Young Man’s Life
Our southwestern communities are blessed to have numerous emergency responders looking out for their safety and well-being. On June 27, Webb City Police Department’s Officer Jacob Williams put his expertise into action while responding to an emergency call from agonized bystanders who witnessed a recent high school graduate sustain life threatening injuries from a fall through a window. My heartfelt thanks goes out to this hero for his valiant actions, and I was honored to present him a Senate resolution on July 8.
Missouri Southern State University Welcomes New President
Last week, I joined several lawmakers from southwest Missouri to have coffee and discuss higher education with Dr. Dean Van Galen, the new president of Missouri Southern State University. On July 1, he officially took the reins as the university’s sixth president, and I believe his academic background and track record of success will fare well with our MSSU culture and family. Welcome to Lion Country, Dr. Van Galen!
Legislators Tour Local Dairy Farm
During the 2020 legislative session, Rep. Ann Kelley, District 127, and I sponsored companion bills to allow local merchants to sell raw milk and cream, but the shortened session stalled the bills’ progress. On June 13, approximately ten legislators visited one of our local dairy farms in Carthage, Marlee’s Creamery, to learn more about this product from farm to shelf. The owners, Dr. Mark and Leesa Robinson, testified in support of Senate Bill 861 at the Senate Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources public hearing on March 2. Rep. Kelley and I both plan to file similar legislation in 2021.
Congregation Congratulates Retiring Pastor
On Sunday, July 12, members of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lockwood bid their final farewells to Pastor Gary Griffin after 27 years of faithful and devoted service. During his tenure, he founded Restored Hope Against Addiction, worked with local law enforcement and medical professionals, opened an early child care center and conducted a great deal of outreach ministry. My chief of staff, Mike Kelley, presented him with a Senate resolution for his contributions to the community.
