ROLLA, MO – On June 1, 2017, Congressman Jason Smith met with Mark and D’ettra Kearse, owners of Fugitive Beach in Rolla, Missouri to learn how they started their business and discuss opportunities in the Missouri Tourism industry. “Fugitive Beach is an awesome example of entrepreneurship stemming from the tourism industry in Missouri,” said Congressman Smith. D’ettra shared how the business started with Congressman Smith. “As a couple, Mark and I were active in Spartan Races, so we created an i... READ MORE
Time at the lake or on the river, barbeques and kicking off summer with family and friends – Memorial Day is a time where we celebrate our freedom, but we must stop to remember the cost. It is a day for us to remember those who died fighting for our country and protecting our way of life. Before you set off to enjoy summer, I ask that you pause to remember and honor Memorial Day with me. I visited the local VFW in Cape Girardeau recently which is named for three Missouri heroes. Lloyd Dale Clipp... READ MORE
STE. GENEVIEVE, MO – Congressman Jason Smith hosted service academy appointees and their families during a sendoff celebration in Ste. Genevieve on Sunday. The service academy appointees honored included, Reagan Miller and Caleb Steele, attending the U.S. Naval Academy; Brendan Reese, attending the U.S. Air Force Academy; and Lucas Manion, attending the U.S. Military Academy. “It is one of my greatest honors to nominate these outstanding young men and women to serve in our country’s finest acade... READ MORE
PARK HILLS, MO – Congressman Jason Smith congratulated Congressional Art Competition finalists and announced the winner during a reception at Mineral Area College on Saturday. Makayla Cahill from Salem R-80 High School won the 8th Congressional District Competition with a mosaic of a young girl from Salem entitled “Reflections of Youth.” “Makayla’s piece had so much detail and truly captured the life and joy in the young girl’s eyes,” said Congressman Smith. Cahill said she chose to do a mosaic ... READ MORE
PARK HILLS, MO – Congressman Jason Smith delivered the commencement address to Central Methodist University Graduates on Saturday where he shared his personal experiences from his time in college to becoming a Member of Congress. “I was honored to be invited to address this outstanding group of graduates,” said Congressman Smith. “I know how hard it is to work your way through school and I applaud the graduates who were able to do that. Every one of them has a lot to be proud of.” In his speech,... READ MORE
On Saturday, April 29, waters began rising in southeast and south central Missouri. As quickly as the waters rose, first responders and volunteers sprang into action. Ozark County was in one of the hardest hit areas. Their Emergency Management Director told me they realized how bad it was getting Saturday night around midnight. About this time, the James Bridge over the White River disappeared. With the bridge washed out, the Tecumseh Volunteer Fire Department had to split their territory in hal... READ MORE
SALEM, MO – Congressman Jason Smith met with Dent County Commissioners Darrell Skiles and Dennis Purcell and Montauk State Park Superintendent Doug Rusk on Friday to inspect damage from recent floods. The Dent County Commissioners shared their work to ensure county roads are safe for residents to travel and their work to rebuild its infrastructure to be ready for tourist season. Rusk showed Smith damage sustained to cabins at the park and what they are doing to get ready for campers. “I am grate... READ MORE
LICKING, MO – Congressman Jason Smith was in Texas County on Friday to meet with small business owners Joaqin Torrans and Jennifer Bernard, and Texas County Emergency Management Director Keith Follin. Torrans and Bernard own the Boiling Springs Resort where many cabins were lost to flooding. “Joaqin and Jennifer’s perseverance through this disaster is incredible,” said Congressman Smith. “They told me about their plans to reopen for Memorial Day weekend and shared their gratitude for the volunte... READ MORE
25,800 of our neighbors in southeast and south central Missouri are in danger of losing healthcare coverage through no fault of their own. The individual healthcare exchanges set up in Missouri under President Obama’s signature healthcare law are on the verge of collapse. In 26 of the 30 counties in our Congressional District, there is only one healthcare provider still participating in the Obamacare exchanges and even the New York Times is reporting that the one provider may soon decide to leav... READ MORE
EMINENCE, MO – Congressman Jason Smith was in Eminence on Monday to meet with Mayor Jim Anderson, and Presiding Commissioner Jeff Cowen to learn more about the flooding and recovery efforts in the area. U.S. Rep. Smith, Mayor Anderson, and Presiding Commissioner Cowen met at Eminence City Hall to discuss areas that were damaged in Eminence and Shannon County and talk about the town’s plans for rebuilding. Following the meeting, Mayor Anderson took Smith to see damage in the community. “Everyone ... READ MORE
