Love note from Jeff City

Greetings, My Fellow Missourians

My, what a busy week it has been! The activities started with the El Dorado Springs Chamber of Commerce luncheon held at the high school. My ‘Hat’s Off’ to the chamber for recognizing all the new teachers. I provided an update to everyone in attendance about the upcoming annual 100-Mile Yard Sale hosted by “Discover More on Route 54.” I was pleased to announce that “Discover More on Route 54” has new sponsors: Travis and Melanie Farran, owners of the Shelter Insurance Agency in El Dorado Springs. New sponsors are always welcome. For more information on being a sponsor, please visit www.discover54.com.

I was saddened that the American Legion Post 217 building in Warsaw fell victim to fire early Friday morning. I would like to give special thanks to the fire departments and volunteers of Warsaw, Lincoln and Deer Creek Fire Protection District of Edwards for responding to the emergency.

A very solemn and sobering event was held in Clinton on Saturday morning as hundreds of law enforcement personnel and Patriot Riders came from all over the state to honor and pay last rites to Officer Gary Lee Michael Jr. Gary was a 38 year old Clinton Police officer who gave his all in the line of duty while doing a routine traffic stop on the morning of Aug. 6. It was a sight to behold the procession and flag-lined street as hundreds made their way to the Benson Center for the funeral services. “May he go rest high on that Mountain.”

At noon on Monday, I had a great visit and a delicious baked chicken dinner at the Warsaw Senior Center. With about six volunteers, there are 65-90 dinners served each weekday at the center, and another 100 dinners are delivered each weekday by Meals on Wheels. I encourage everyone to give of their time to this greatly welcomed service.

GARAGE SALE SPONSORS – Rep. Warren Love welcomes new “Discover More on Route 54”sponsors, Melanie and Travis Farran of Shelter Insurance Agency located at 703 East Hwy. 54 in El Dorado Springs.

On Monday, Senator Elect Sandy Crawford and I had the opportunity to conference with administrative members of the Warsaw Health and Rehabilitation Center. The center is facing budget cuts that went into effect on Aug. 1. The census count of residents on Monday was 71 of which 44 are Medicaid clients. The funding for those on Medicaid has been cut $5.37 per patient per day. This cut to nursing homes across the State of Missouri is a serious issue and will need to be addressed by the General Assembly Budget Committees during the next session.

Warsaw Health and Rehab Center Administrator Gary Yeakle, Rep. Love, Senator Elect Sandy Crawford, Jim Blundell, and Regional Administrator Chris Burkart met on Monday, Aug. 14, to tour the facility and discuss current issues being faced by the nursing home industry.

Benton County receives agri-ready designation:

Taking action to support additional opportunities for the local economy, Benton County has received Agri-Ready County Designation by Missouri Farmers Care (MFC), a coalition of 45 leading Missouri agricultural groups. Presented on Tuesday to the Benton County Commissioners, this designation identifies counties that create an environment conducive to agricultural opportunity and growth which are willing to actively support Missouri’s largest industry. MFC’s Agri-Ready County designation launched in December 2015 as a voluntary connection between Missouri counties and MFC. According to the MO Department of Agriculture, Missouri agriculture provides 378,232 jobs and added $88.4 billion in net value to the state’s economy in 2016, making agriculture the largest sector of the economy. Benton County is the 40th county to receive the Agri-Ready Designation that recognizes and builds on the impact of family farmers and agri-businesses as key contributors to our economy and the quality of life in our communities.