Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Platte County Fair for celebrating 150 years of providing entertainment and excitement to its attendees.

The very first Platte County Fair was held in 1858. However, the fair did not become an annual event until 1863. The first fair in 1858 was planned on Oct. 6 and took place only a short time later from Oct. 21- 23, with 400 people in attendance.

The fair was a great success and continued until 1860, when the Civil War prevented the fair from taking place during the years of 1861 and 1862. The fair was praised as ``an honor to the soil and people'' and ``a glorious reunion of a prosperous and happy people.''

On December 16, 1861, Platte City was ravaged by a Civil War raid. However, not even the devastation of Platte City was enough to keep its resilient citizens down. Just 22 months later, proud Platte Countians filled the fairgrounds for the First Annual Platte County Fair, which was held October 21-23, 1863.

The fair has been held annually since 1863, establishing itself as the oldest continuously running county fair west of the Mississippi River. The entire event is privately held and sponsored by a not-for- profit organization run by volunteers. The fair now spans four days, featuring many great events such as the demolition derby, a truck and tractor pull, the Queen contest, and more. The Platte County Fair is also home to many great sources of entertainment including a floral hall, a carnival, a fiddle contest, and the Dirty Shame Saloon, to name a few.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in applauding the Platte County Fair for celebrating

their 150th anniversary and providing a great source of pride and excitement to Platte County. I wish them 150 more years of greatness to come.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating North Kansas City Schools for celebrating 100 years of providing exceptional education to our youth.

The North Kansas City School District 74 was founded on March 14, 1913. During the district's inaugural year, it employed a principal, an assistant, and taught 32 students in grades one through nine. By 1917, the school district was home to grades 1-12. As enrollment increased, the district voted to build a high school building that was dedicated on January 24, 1926.

After World War II, the district passed bond issues for long-range building programs. The enrollment swelled to 17,273 in 1963 due to the arrival of the baby boomers. Currently, the North Kansas City School District is home to 21 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 4 high schools. The newest of these is Staley High School, which was added in 2008.

North Kansas City Schools is a state and nationally accredited school district, and they are known for innovation and excellence. For example, they were the first local school district to provide laptops to their students and offer Apple technology-powered classrooms. They offer outstanding educational programs that no other area school district provides, including the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in applauding North Kansas City Schools for celebrating their 100th anniversary of providing extraordinary educational experiences to students in Clay County, Missouri. North Kansas City Schools is a true community partner, and I wish them 100 more years of greatness to come.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Andrew Gotzon. Andrew is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1260, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Andrew has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Andrew has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Andrew contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Andrew cleaned and renovated 13 playgrounds, sanding off the old paint, applying a fresh coat of paint and cleaning up the playground area.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Andrew Gotzon for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Mikala Johoku John Jefferson Zuber. Mikala is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 374, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Mikala has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Mikala has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Mikala has earned the rank of Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and the Four Star Religious Award. Mikala has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Mikala constructed book shelves for Gracemor Elementary School in Kansas City, Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Mikala Johoku John Jefferson Zuber for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize James Douglas Hooten. James is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 374, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

James has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years James has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, James has earned the rank of Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and the Four Star Religious Award. James has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. James designed and planted landscaping for an outdoor classroom at Davidson Elementary School in Kansas City, Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending James Douglas Hooten for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Tyler Tilton-Lagermann. Tyler is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 393, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Tyler has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Tyler has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Tyler contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Tyler Tilton-Lagermann for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize William W. McClannahan. William is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 393, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

William has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years William has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, William contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending William W. McClannahan for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jacob Shipley. Jacob is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 320, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Jacob has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jacob has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Jacob contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Jacob researched and led a restoration of destroyed quail habitat on federal wetlands in northern Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jacob Shipley for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Hagen R. Kimsey. Hagen is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 10, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Hagen has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Hagen has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned 41 merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Hagen contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Hagen painted the physical therapy room at the United Cerebral Palsy of Northwest Missouri facility in St. Joseph, Missouri. Hagen's work allowed the facility to maintain its license and provide children with developmental disabilities an opportunity for physical activity.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Hagen R. Kimsey for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize a special member of my staff. After more than six years of service, Angela Kreps will be leaving her post in my Kansas City District Office.

Angela began working in my campaign office, then joined the District staff in 2005. She has filled many roles in the office including caseworker, staff assistant, and field representative.

Most recently serving as a caseworker, Angela is known for her patience and kindness in dealing with constituents. Whether it is listening to a veteran's retelling of war stories, helping a bride-to- be get her passport renewed, or assisting a single-mother in dealing with the IRS, Angela's experience and listening ear can put constituents at ease.

I have received many letters of thanks for the outstanding constituent service Angela has provided. Her professionalism and dedication to serving my constituents was a great example of how government should work. While I am losing a valuable member of my team, I am excited for Angela to begin the next chapter of her career.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in thanking Angela Kreps for her many years of service to the people of the Sixth Congressional District. I know Angela's colleagues, family and friends join with me in thanking her for her commitment to others and wishing her best of luck in all her endeavors and many years of success to come.

Mr. Speaker, on Monday, May 6 I missed three rollcall votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on No. 129, No. 130, and No. 131.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Charles Roberts. Charles is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 376, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Charles has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Charles has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Charles has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Charles Roberts for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Christopher Seward. Christopher is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 376, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Christopher has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Christopher has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Christopher has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Christopher Seward for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Kevin Joseph Noyes. Kevin is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 81, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Kevin has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Kevin has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Kevin has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Kevin built, painted and installed crosses at a local cemetery for the ``Day of Remembrance'' event remembering Civil War participants in Macon, Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Kevin Joseph Noyes for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jacob R.

Beauchamp. Jacob is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 81, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Jacob has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jacob has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Jacob has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Jacob built, painted and installed shelving and cubbies at Ray of Hope Pregnancy Care Ministries in Macon, Missouri.

Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jacob R. Beauchamp for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.