Even Abe Lincoln attended the Lincoln Day Dinner

Moniteau County Republican Club President Bryan Wolford presents Darrel L. King with the Lincoln Day Republican of the Year award for 2012. King has served as the county assessor for a number of years and will retire in a few months.
Moniteau County Republican Club President Bryan Wolford presents Darrel L. King with the Lincoln Day Republican of the Year award for 2012. King has served as the county assessor for a number of years and will retire in a few months.

It may have seemed as if almost everyone of any importance in the Republican Party attended the Moniteau County Republican Club's Lincoln Day Dinner, Saturday, Feb. 2.

First of all, the Keynote Speaker was Speaker of the House Timothy (Tim) Jones, Missouri State Representative, 89th District.

Second, the special entertainment was Abraham Lincoln! Actually, it was Lincoln as portrayed by Mark Rehagen, a member of the Association of Lincoln Presenters.

The meeting began with a welcome by local club President Bryan Wolford, the Pledge of Allegiance and the Invocation was followed by the catered evening meal.

Sen. Mike Kehoe, Rep. Caleb Jones and Rep. David Wood all made an appearance at the event. Rep. Caleb Jones introduced the keynote speaker, Speaker of the House Rep. Tim Jones.

Other state and county officials, special guests and state employees were recognized. Thanks were given to all current and military veterans.

The live auction was called by Auctioneer Ben Dugan. Winner of the drawing of the traveling George and Barbara Bush House slippers was Sue Reynolds, Jamestown.

The Republican of the Year Darrel L. King was presented by Republican Club President Bryan Wolford.

The 2012-13 Republican Club officers are: Bryan Wolford, president; Judy Wittenberger, vice president; Sarah Jones, secretary; and Cher Caudel, treasurer.