More than 70 hardy souls braved the snowstorm to attend the annual Moniteau County Lincoln Day Dinner Saturday, Feb. 28, held at the California United Church of Christ facility.
One of those in attendance was Anita Groepper, who was recognized as 2015 Moniteau County Republican of the Year. She recently retired from the position of Moniteau County Clerk. In total, she served 43 years in the courthouse.
The event began with a welcome by Republican Club President Larry Rohrbach, who spoke about the problems of being in charge of the organization. He was pleasantly surprised to have so many turn out on what was definitely an unpleasant night.
"I think the future of the country is very important and I think you do too, because you are here," he said.
The group was led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by a Vietnam veteran, and led in the singing of "God Bless America" by Christy Heimericks. A recitation by Matt Oerly of the Johnny Cash favorite "Ragged Old Flag" was followed by a prayer for the meeting, meal and travel home, given by Kenny Kunze, Presiding County Commissioner.
Those present then dined on a meal of beef and chicken, with green beans, salad, potatoes, roll, and dessert of peach pie, or cake with strawberries.
The scheduled speaker, State Senator Will Kraus, was unable to attend due to the recent death of State Auditor Thomas Schweich. Representatives Caleb Jones, 50th District, David Wood, 58th District and Dave Muntzel, 48th District, spoke. Muntzel's district includes part of six counties, some of which were formerly part of the district represented by Caleb Jones.
The subjects covered by the speakers included the importance of serving well at the local level, with Groepper's 43 years given as an example, beliefs many Republicans have in common, such as being pro-life, belief in a Creator, belief in the self-evident truths stated in the U.S. Constitution, "that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
Rep. Wood spoke of returning control of governing to the local level. While some believe the government needs to be large and controlling to be able to take care of everyone, he said the system needs to be changed so that everyone can take care of themselves.
Rep. Muntzel said the main reason he is a Republican is "Because I don't believe in socialism." He then had the crowd laughing with some anagrams, an example of which was "astronomer" which, when the letters are rearranged, spells "moonstarer".
Rep. Jones first asked for a moment of silence and then gave a prayer for the family of Thomas Schweich. He then gave some past voting results and talked about how much harder it is for the Republicans in a presidential election year then an off-election year, because of a big push that takes place when presidential candidates are on the ballot.
The three representatives presented a copy of a Missouri House Resolution honoring Larry Rohrbach for his many roles over the years, as state senator, state representative, lobbyist, farmer, insurance company board member and more.
Steve Walsh, Press Secretary for U.S. Representative Vicky Hartzler, spoke briefly about the representative's plan to attend the public listening session Monday to speak against the proposed cutting of 5,400 jobs at Fort Leonard Wood in response to projected budget cuts in Washington D.C.
Before the auction, Oerly recited "Old Rivers" originally done by Walter Brennen. Auctioneer Don Fahrni was assisted by Rep. Jones and Prosecutor Shayne Haelea in auctioning off items ranging from Republican Convention memorabilia, a fishing rod, rifle, gift certificates, and, of course, two pies made by Gracie Flippin.
There were many door prizes given out, with the George and Barbara Bush house slippers, going home with Steve and Sara Walsh. For many years, the house shoes have been given out to be returned the next year to be given out again.