We have exciting things happening in the 18th Senatorial District these days, and some great people whom we want to honor.

First, congratulations to the cities of Novinger, Salisbury, and Louisiana for receiving Missouri Community Betterment Awards. Also, Clay Stark Logan and Kelsey Henderson, both of Louisiana, were recipients of this year’s Youth Awards during the Missouri Community Betterment conference at Lake Ozark. The awards banquet highlighted the 50th annual conference, which assists communities to improve their quality of life. Nearly 325 volunteers, community leaders, and youth from across the state were in attendance.

Also, congratulations go out to the Shelby County R-IV School District, which is among 12 school districts in Missouri receiving grant funding to support math and science in the classroom as part of the America's Farmers Grow Rural Education effort.

Several communities in the 18th Senatorial District have received community development block grants from the Missouri Department of Economic Development to finish tearing down some old buildings. These towns are Downing, Novinger, Clarence, Palmyra, and Kirksville. I thank the state for awarding these grant dollars, which will help these communities make improvements that will benefit the people in these cities for years to come.

I also encourage the schools in our district to take part in the two awards my office offers each year. The Missouri State Senate Junior Justice Award and the Missouri Senate Academic Attendance Award are now in their third year. To receive the Missouri Senate Academic Attendance Award (to be distributed to all eligible K-12 students), students must reach or surpass the 97 percent attendance rate at their school. To receive the Missouri State Senate Junior Justice Award (to be distributed to two students — one male, one female), two students are chosen from the local school based on the following parameters:

• Currently enrolled in their junior year of high school; and
• Embody the spirit of civic competence and government awareness, whether by excelling in the area of social studies and history, participating in organizations that promote youth leadership, and/or preparing themselves for 21st century civic life.

We will announce winners toward the end of the school year.

I welcome Alyssa Bruemmer to my staff and am excited to have her on the team.  Heidi Geisbuhler has moved on to work in the President Pro Tem’s office and we are very happy that they are gaining the benefit of her impressive skills.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Thank you.