[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 165 (Thursday, November 17, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1503]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE UNTERRIFIED DEMOCRAT ON ITS 150TH YEAR OF CIRCULATION

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                        HON. BLAINE LUETKEMEYER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 17, 2016

  Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a small-town 
newspaper in my district, the Unterrified Democrat, on their 150th 
Anniversary. The Unterrified Democrat began publication in Osage 
County, Missouri on July 3, 1866.
   The Unterrified Democrat was founded by southern Democrat Colonel 
Lebbeus Zevely. His inspiration to publish the newspaper was to 
showcase his opposition of the political ideology of his day. While 
Colonel Zevely may have been a southern Democrat that did not mean that 
he was a Confederate supporter. Colonel Zevely firmly believed in 
preserving the Union. The Colonel was known to be a stubborn man and 
therefore was given the nickname, Unterrified Democrat. From this 
nickname, came the name of the newspaper.
   The Unterrified Democrat was passed down through multiple 
generations of the Zevely family. In 1969, the Zevely family sold the 
newspaper to Norman and Jane Troesser. Then in 1979, the Unterrified 
Democrat was purchased by Bradley H. Lockenvitz. In 1980, Ralph and 
Jerry Voss purchased the Unterrified Democrat. Ralph and Jerry Voss had 
bought the Osage County Observer in 1969 and with the purchase of the 
Unterrified Democrat merged the two newspapers together.
   When the Voss family purchased the Unterrified Democrat there was 
some consideration to changing the name as there were occasional 
discussions about if the newspaper had political leanings. Ultimately, 
the decision was made to continue on with the Unterrified Democrat name 
as the Osage County residents were familiar with that name. According 
to Jerry Voss, the name Unterrified Democrat has pizazz that creates 
interest and recognition.
   In 1978, Ralph Voss decided to become a public servant and run for 
the local judge. For twenty-three years, he served on the bench. In 
2003, Ralph returned to working at the newspaper. During his time as 
judge, Jerry ran the Unterrified Democrat. To this day, the Voss family 
works together to stuff the newspaper with advertising inserts. Ralph 
and Jerry's grandchildren help with the delivery of papers to the local 
businesses.
   As a successful small business and a staple of the Osage County 
community I ask you to join me in recognizing the Unterrified Democrat 
as they celebrate their 150th year of circulation.

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