BELLE — The opening ceremonies of the 78th Annual Belle Fair included special recognition from the Missouri House of Representatives as State Rep. Bennie Cook presented resolutions honoring both …
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BELLE — The opening ceremonies of the 78th Annual Belle Fair included special recognition from the Missouri House of Representatives as State Rep. Bennie Cook presented resolutions honoring both the Veterans of Foreign Wars O.W.L. Post No. 3410 and Belle High School graduate Aubrey Rehmert.
Cook, R-Houston, who represents Missouri House District 143, addressed the crowd during the ceremony and presented the resolutions on behalf of the Missouri House of Representatives. State Rep. Bruce Sassmann, R-Bland, who represents Missouri House District 61, was also in attendance.
One resolution recognized VFW O.W.L. Post No. 3410 as the organization celebrates its 50th anniversary. The resolution notes the post was chartered Feb. 12, 1976, and has spent five decades supporting veterans and their families through advocacy, assistance with disability claims and community service. Lawmakers also highlighted the post’s participation in the Belle Fair Parade, scholarship programs, Patriot’s Pen, Voice of Democracy and the distribution of Buddy Poppies to support disabled and hospitalized veterans.
The House resolution recognized the post’s current leadership, including Commander Terry Connors, Senior Vice Commander Mitch Smedberg, Junior Vice Commander Garrett Langston, Quartermaster/Adjutant Diane James, Chaplain Leon Abbett and member Ed Weida.
A second resolution honored Aubrey Rehmert of Belle for her efforts to improve local infrastructure. According to the resolution, Rehmert joined fellow Maries County R-II students during Missouri Capitol activities in Jefferson City and became an advocate for critical water and sewer infrastructure improvements for the City of Belle.
The resolution credits Rehmert and other local advocates with helping secure state funding for infrastructure improvements, including approximately $1 million in support for projects intended to strengthen Belle’s long-term growth and economic development.
Lawmakers also recognized Rehmert’s accomplishments as a 2026 Belle High School graduate and back-to-back state track champion. Rehmert plans to continue her athletic career by playing softball at Lincoln University. She is the daughter of Sarah and Loren Rehmert.
