Spring brings new flowers, different weather and in the case of the Moniteau County R-1 School Board, a new member.
Jeremy Burger, a nearly lifelong resident of California, was officially sworn in to office April 10. He replaced Rhonda Meyer.
Just after graduating from the district, Burger moved away from home for about five years. One of those years was spent in Fort Hayes, Kansas, where he attended college on a football scholarship. After a year, he moved to Prairie Home where he "bought a little piece of ground."
"I got me a couple hundred acres," Burger said. "Now I'm a seed dealer on top of being a bridge foreman for Lehman Construction. I got a lot of experience in that, so now I run my own crew."
One of the most defining projects he helped build was the southbound Missouri River bridge in Jefferson City.
Having been heavily involved in athletics when he was a student in California, Burger wants to use his new position to help the current athletes and their coaches.
"I was involved in sports my whole life," Burger said. "I did the Pee Wee League, the youth football team for about 16-17 years. I really enjoy that kind of stuff."
Burger seemed to have passed on this love of sports to his son, Garrett. Burger and his wife, Alexa, enjoy watching Garrett play in his various sports.
"I got on the board and thought maybe I could do some good," Burger said. "I kind of like to get involved with the community and sponsor quite a bit of stuff and get my name out there.
"Everybody know me and all the things I've been involved in," he said. "So now it's my turn to do my part (with the school district.)"