[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 93 (Tuesday, June 4, 2019)]
[House]
[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.

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