Greetings, My Fellow Missourians

Last Thursday, Marla and I attended a fundraiser at the Appleton City Train Depot with a potato bar luncheon.  While we were there we watched a coal train come through on its way to the Kansas City Power and Light power plant in Montrose.  Sadly, this may be one of the last trains to come through, because the Montrose power plant is scheduled to close in late 2018.  Appleton City has a rich heritage with the railroad.  The city dates its birth to a short time before the arrival of the Iron Horse or what was known as the Tebo and Neosho Railroad, which then merged with the Katy or Missouri-Kansas & Texas division of the Missouri Pacific Railroad.   The late Justin Stephan was instrumental in working with Union Pacific to have Appleton City designated as a “Train Town USA.”  Justin was Mayor of the city and worked to get the city added to a national list of recognition of those railroad towns that made it possible to open up a grand frontier to the west.  Currently, there are only 132 cities in the nation with this designation celebrating railroad heritage.

We then drove to El Dorado Springs and stopped by Heritage State Bank to have Todd Leonard sign documents designating him as the new Treasurer of “Discover More on Route 54.”  We appreciate his willingness to serve on the committee.  We are always seeking new supporters for the website to promote tourism and awareness on Highway 54, and the website is a great way to advertise local businesses for only $25.

I paid a ‘better late than never’ visit to the Dawson and Dawson Law Office to present a resolution to the former Judge Michael Dawson.   He served St. Clair County for 3 terms as Judge, Prosecutor, and Associate Circuit Judge over a 12 year period.   Upon stepping down, he resumed his law practice in El Dorado Springs in 2015 and is now proud to have his son, Jake, at his side.  Jake graduated from Osceola High School; it’s wonderful to have our local students return to live and work in the community they grew up in.  I congratulate them both!

Last Saturday, I attended the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Fall 2017 business meeting held at the Capitol in Jefferson City.  This organization is dedicated to preserving the history of those who served in the Civil War by educating others about the legacy of the war and documenting and preserving graves, monuments, and memorials honoring Union veterans.  I am a proud member of the Sons of Union Veterans and the Sons of Confederate Veterans honoring my ancestors who fought on both sides.

I left the meeting at the Capitol and headed back to District 125 for the Fristoe Community Fish Fry Fundraiser held at the Antweiler Park Community Center on Route CC to benefit the addition of handicapped accessibility at the community center.  Afterward, I still had time to go to the 7th Annual Osceola Optimist Club Fall Festival at Wisner Farms.  The beautiful weather allowed for great gatherings at the events.

During this time for Fall festivals, it is so good to see the unity of communities in support of good causes.  I hope each of you have the opportunity to spend some time outdoors and attend a nearby function to spend time with family, friends, and neighbors.

Some upcoming activities include:

Oct. 21-22, Annual Warsaw Pioneer Heritage Days at the Truman Visitors Center/Drake Harbor area showcasing arts/crafts, demonstrations, exhibits, live entertainment, and food.

Oct. 21, Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Monster Truck Nationals Eve of Destruction.  Wear your Halloween costume and Trick or Treat with the drivers during the Pit Party from 5-6:30 p.m.

Oct. 28-29, Pomme de Terre Rendezvous at the Outlet Park below the Dam, 3 miles south of Hermitage highlighting pre-1840 camping and attire with seminars, music, food, and contests.

Oct. 31, Halloween in the Park at Appleton City Forest Park beginning at 5 p.m.

Oct. 31, Lowry City’s 5th Annual Trunk-or-Treat on Main Street from 6-8 p.m.

Nov. 18, “Season of Giving” Annual Weaubleau Parade, 11 a.m. to 12 noon.

Nov. 18, “Thankful for the Holidays” El Dorado Springs Christmas Parade and Lighting Festivities with the parade beginning at 3 p.m. and lighting celebration activities in Spring Park beginning upon conclusion of the parade all in conjunction with the 4th Annual Home-Based/Small Business Holiday Expo in the Spring Park Community Building before and after the parade.