[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17164]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  CONGRATULATIONS TO MR. STEVE BARTELS

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                          HON. JOHN A. BOEHNER

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 8, 2009

  Mr. BOEHNER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate, thank, and 
recognize my constituent Mr. Steve Bartels. Steve is a testament to the 
hard-working nature of the agricultural community and he has been a 
staple of the Butler County, Ohio community for more than three 
decades.
  As the agricultural educator for the Ohio State University Extension 
Butler County Office, Steve has spread the necessary knowledge that 
aids the success that the agriculture industry has had on the economy 
of not only Butler County, but the entire state of Ohio. His hands-on 
approach has assisted thousands of individuals in improving their farms 
or gardens. Steve is most widely-known for his exceptional involvement 
in the Farm-City Tours, which began in 1976. Farm-City Tours allow 
individuals to get a free up-close-and-personal tour of a family farm 
in Butler County. Whether it be cattle or Christmas tree farms, Steve 
has an extraordinary wealth of knowledge that he has been able to share 
with the citizens of Butler County for many years. His hard work on 
obtaining a grant that enabled the extension office to hire a fourth 
agent has allowed many more Butler County children to be educated on 
this vital industry.
  Steve's contributions to the Ohio State University Extension Butler 
County Office will be felt for many years to come. While I and the 
Extension Office are sad to see him go, I would like to congratulate 
him on his accomplishments and wish him a long, happy, and healthy 
retirement.

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