[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 95 (Wednesday, July 19, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1464]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO KATHIE SIMPKINS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JO ANN EMERSON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 19, 2006

  Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
contributions of Kathie Simpkins from East Prairie, Missouri, who 
passed away on July 16, 2006. Kathie was a standout individual, a 
dedicated public servant, and a true friend. As the City Administrator 
for East Prairie, Kathie brought innovative ideas and unbridled 
enthusiasm to her job.
  Kathie's sense of community is strong and deep-rooted, which has made 
her a successful individual in East Prairie. She was even recognized as 
East Prairie Woman of the Year in 2005. Kathie demonstrated the kind of 
pragmatic, problem-solving ability that is rare anywhere in the Nation 
and a real blessing to us in Southern Missouri. As City Administrator, 
Kathie was responsible for securing and administering more than $12 
million in state and federal grants.
  Spending her life living in her hometown, Kathie was Southern 
Missouri through-and-through. She was a 1973 graduate of East Prairie 
High School and a 1978 graduate of Southeast Missouri State University 
in Cape Girardeau, where she majored in business administration and 
marketing management. Kathie was a fixture at professional and other 
local organizations' meetings. She was always in search of another way 
to serve her neighbor.
  Kathie Simpkins' family and friends have lost a dear part of their 
life, but the entire region has lost a tremendous advocate for Southern 
Missouri. It will take the hard work of many individuals to fill the 
void Kathie has left in our community. We are fortunate to have known 
Kathie and been inspired by her. She leaves a legacy of good management 
and great investment in the people of East Prairie.
  I feel very fortunate to have known Kathie, and I want to ensure that 
she is remembered for her wealth of good works. She is a true model of 
civic pride and community service. Kathie Simpkins has made an 
immeasurable contribution to our district, our state, and our Nation. 
Thank you, Kathie, and God bless you.

                          ____________________