Greetings, My Fellow Missourians
In the past two weeks damage has come into the district. Windstorms, rain and more rain have been the news. Hwy. 54 has taken the brunt of high winds that have caused lots of damage. Trees were uprooted and buildings blown apart. The small town of Wheatland was hit hard and has experienced a lot of damage. Lucas Oil Speedway also had severe damage. I am so proud of the community that has come together in this time of need. Volunteers and first responders have surpassed expectations in their non-stop efforts to aid people and properties that need help.
On Wednesday, May 23, a tornado went down Hwy. 54 and hit in Jefferson City. Speaker Elijah Haahr closed the House of Representatives for two days due to the destruction in the Capitol City. Multiple power lines were hit and I was not able to send out my Capitol Report last week. Some residents went without electricity for two days and many streets are still closed.
On Memorial Day, I attended the Cross Timbers Memorial Day Service and had the privilege of speaking. This annual community ceremony honors Veterans who gave their All in the line of duty serving our Nation’s Military. I read a poem called “The Dash” because I believe it’s our Civic Duty and Obligation to Preserve and Protect our Rights to Life, Liberty & the Right to own Property.
The Dash Poem
by Linda Ellis
I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend
He referred to the dates on the tombstone
From the beginning…to the end
He noted that first came the date of birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years
For that dash represents all the time
That they spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved them
Know what that little line is worth
For it matters not, how much we own,
The cars…the house…the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.
So, think about this long and hard.
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
That can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect
And more often wear a smile,
Remembering this special dash
Might only last a little while
So, when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash…
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent YOUR dash?
On Tuesday I joined Teresa Smith and Mel Gilbert in a TV interview for KY3 out of Springfield. They were promoting the Civil War Passport Program that was recently written about in The Carthage Press Newspaper. https://thecarthagepress.com/featured/carthage-gets-a-passport-for-2019/?fbclid=IwAR2m_893Pb8u4nkn0CE9R8RUbtcGBjzsuNpMlRMaFQWGRNJ0vDmrkwln0OE.
Last night I attended a public meeting held at the Truman Dam Visitor Center. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers addressed the concerns of flooding at the Truman Dam. There were about 225 people in attendance. The crowd was so large that the meeting had to be divided into two groups. The emotions of many were frustration, unhappiness, and some were even angry. The Corp did a good job of explaining how the Dams are regulated. Truman Lake is approaching historic levels at 31 feet over its normal level. Many campgrounds and marinas have shut down because they’re underwater. The flooding has devastated tourism for the summer. Unfortunately this is a state wide issue. Missouri tourism will be greatly affected this year, not to mention many farmers will not be able to plant a crop.
Interim hours: Now that Session is over for 2019, I will be back in the District full time. If you need any assistance my Legislative Assistant Amy Helton will continue to be in my Capitol office Tuesday-Thursday and will be happy to help you.
It is my honor to serve the constituents of District 125. If you ever have questions, concerns, or input, please feel free to contact me any time at (573) 751-4065.
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