[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1396]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING JUDGE ALAN BLANKENSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILLY LONG

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 11, 2014

  Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Judge Alan 
Blankenship for being awarded the Agency for Science, Technology, and 
Research (ASTAR) fellowship distinction by the Missouri Supreme Court.
  Judge Alan Blankenship has served as Associate Circuit Judge in Stone 
County since 2002. Aside from presiding over civil and criminal general 
jurisdiction cases, Judge Blankenship presides over the successful 
Stone County Drug and DWI court programs and serves on the Missouri 
Trial Judge Education Committee and Missouri Association of Drug Court 
Professionals Board of Directors.
  ASTAR is the lead agency responsible for conducting a program whereby 
judges from around the country undergo advanced training in science and 
technology to better equip the courts to handle issues dealing with 
science and technology. ASTAR judges may be assigned to handle cases or 
consult with judges with complex scientific matters and help develop 
training programs for trial judges.
  On August 27, 2014, Missouri Supreme Court Judge Zel Fischer 
presented Judge Blankenship with his ASTAR fellowship award. The ASTAR 
fellowship award was given to him after completing over 120 hours of 
court-related science and technology training given by experts in 
fields such as computer forensics and cybercrime.
  I am honored to recognize Judge Alan Blankenship for his service and 
leadership to the Stone County community.

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