Members of the Missouri House paused from business this morning to remember those who lost their lives in the devastating storms that hit southwest Missouri this past weekend.
Two members from Newton County updated the House on the tragedy. Rep. Marilyn Ruestman (R-Joplin) said Newton County suffered the lost of 14 people when a single tornado ripped through her district. She said many others suffered injury. Rep. Kevin Wilson (R-Neosho) told of the heroics of 21-year-old volunteer firefighter Tyler Casey of Seneca who died of injuries suffered in the storm. Wilson said Casey saved the lives of three county residents, then sustained fatal injuries when the tornado picked up his truck and threw it at least a quarter of a mile.
Governor Blunt has ordered the state to lower flags to half-staff until dusk on the evening of the funeral services for Casey.
Download/listen Rep. Ruestman and Rep. Wilson address House (1:45 MP3)
