Formatting necessary for an accurate reading of this text may be shown by tags (e.g., <DELETED> or <BOLD>) or may be missing from this TXT display. For complete and accurate display of this text, see the PDF.
[Page H4224]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CONGRATULATING A GREAT PUBLIC SERVANT
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
Minnesota (Mr. Emmer) for 5 minutes.
Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Royce Nelligan for
his 41 years of public service.
Earlier this month, Royce retired from his position as Minnesota's
Small Business Administration district counsel after a 37-year career.
Prior to Minnesota's SBA, he served in the U.S. Air Force and the
National Park Service.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Royce for all of his years of service. I thank
him for the work he did to help small businesses grow and prosper all
across Minnesota. For all the opportunities he helped create and
promote, he left our State and our communities better than when he
started. I congratulate him on a job well done, and I wish him luck on
his next chapter.
Congratulating Andover Fire Department
Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Andover Fire
Department for being awarded the 2019 Fire Department of the Year by
the Minnesota State Fire Department Association.
This award recognizes the department's efforts to provide outreach to
seniors in the community, to recruit women, and for maximizing the use
of available resources.
The department's Remember When fire safety program brings
firefighters into Andover's senior communities to replace smoke alarms
and mitigate any tripping hazards that exist.
The department has made significant strides to recruit women
firefighters. In fact, Andover is one of the few departments to have a
waiting list.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the women and men of the Andover Fire Department
for keeping our community safe. Special congratulations to Chief Jerry
Streich, Deputy Chief Mark Winczewski, and Battalion Chief John Wallace
on earning this important recognition.
Congratulating Elk River Municipal Utilities
Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Elk River Municipal
Utilities for being a finalist for the 2019 Source Water Protection
Award.
We often hear when government fails to protect our water, but today,
I want to recognize a local utility for going above and beyond to
protect our community's water quality.
Every year, the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota
Rural Water Association award community facilities for their work to
protect community drinking water. This year, Elk River Municipal
Utilities, also known as ERMU, of Sherburne County, Minnesota, was
chosen as a finalist because of their diligence in prioritizing water
quality.
ERMU sealed an abandoned well that could have posed a danger to the
community's water supply. They consistently examine stormwater ponds
and their effects on the treatment of drinking water. They issue
rebates for more efficient fixtures.
We are proud that this Sixth District utility is an example for our
entire State.
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Elk River Municipal Utilities for
their selection, and I thank them for protecting the health and welfare
of their residents and our drinking water.
{time} 1030
Thank You for Your Leadership, Michael Hemesath
Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Michael Hemesath,
President of St. John's University in St. Cloud, Minnesota, for his
commitment to education and his service to the St. John's community.
Recently, President Hemesath announced he intends to retire at the
end of the academic year. Including his time as a student, President
Hemesath has belonged to the St. John's family for 42 years.
As President, Michael Hemesath continued and built upon the College
of St. John's reputation for developing great talent and strong faith
that is reflected in the alumni and Johnnie tradition.
In addition, President Hemesath leaves his alma mater with a balanced
budget, a renovated Alcuin Library, and new buildings, like the
Dietrich Reinhart Learning Commons and the St. John's Bible Gallery.
Mr. Speaker, I thank President Hemesath for all he has done for the
College of St. John's. While he is moving on to the next chapter of his
professional life, he will always be part of the Johnnie family.
____________________
