2023 Howell County Lincoln Day to be held March 31

The 2023 Howell County Lincoln Day will be held on Friday, March 31st at the Historic Post Office located on East Main Street in West Plains. According to members of the Howell County Republican Committee, this year’s event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres and registration, followed by dinner and program at 6:00 p.m.

The keynote speaker will be Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick. Scott was sworn in as Missouri’s 39th State Auditor on January 9th, 2023.  Before being elected as the Missouri State Auditor, Scott served as the 47th Missouri State Treasurer from 2019 until 2023.

Scott’s record as Treasurer reflects his commitment to fiscally conservative values as well as his support for small business and Missouri families.  In his first two years in office, he doubled the size of MO ABLE, Missouri’s savings and investment program for individuals with disabilities and their families. Scott also worked to make MOST, Missouri’s 529 Education Plan, more cost effective for account owners by negotiating lower fees.  The plan is now one of the highest rated in the county.

Scott was first elected State Representative in 2012, at the age of 25, to represent Barry and portions of Stone and Lawrence counties. Serving as Chairman of the House Budget Committee in 2017 and 2018, he was responsible for the drafting and passage of Missouri’s $28 billion annual budget. Under Scott’s conservative leadership, the State’s budget surplus nearly tripled to almost $500 million, while Missouri schools were fully funded for the first time in nearly a decade.

Scott understand the needs of Missouri business-owners. When he was 17 years old, Scott started his own company, MariCorp U.S., a Shell Knob-based marine manufacturing and construction company that does business coast-to-coast. His experience growing his own company inspired him to run for office to fight unnecessary red tape and burdensome regulations.

He is a member of the Cassville and Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce and has been recognized in Springfield Business Journal’s “40 under 40” and was a 2020 Man of the Year.

A lifelong Missourian, Scott graduated from Cassville High School and the University of Missouri. He and his wife Mallory have three sons, Luke, Carson and Noah.

In addition to Scott, other State and local officials are expected to attend.

Ticket prices for the event are $30 each and may be purchased in the West Plains area from John Williams, Jim and Lisa Brassfield and Judy Von Allmen; in the Willow Springs area from Dennis and Yvonne Asher; in the Willow Springs/Pomona area from Rick and Tracy Brasier; and in the Mountain View area from Nick and Nancy Heavrin. Tickets can also be purchased from any Howell County officeholder or at the door. Seating is limited so everyone is encouraged to get their tickets early.