Rep. Dean Dohrman, a Republican, represents Johnson, Pettis, and Saline counties (District 51). He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2012. In addition to his legislative duties, Rep. Dohrman is an online professor. Rep. Dohrman is a member of Warrensburg and Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce, and Sedalia Lions Club. He attends Wesley United Methodist Church. A graduate of LaMonte High, Rep. Dohrman earned his PhD from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2004. Born in Warrensburg, Rep. Dohrman currently lives in LaMonte.

Capitol Report: Oct. 31, 2013

Posted Thursday, October 31, 2013, at 5:39 PM

I would like to continue with some of the highlights of the counties of the 51st District.

This week we move to Saline County. District 51 in Saline County has several municipalities: Emma, Blackburn, Grand Pass, Mt. Leonard, Sweet Springs, Malta Bend, and Marshall. Marshall is largest city of Saline County and the county seat.

Saline County was formed in 1820. Founded in 1857, Marshall was named after the influential Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall. It is home to numerous businesses, a private college, and a memorial for a famous canine.

Missouri Valley College was founded in 1889 as a school affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). Baity Hall, the original structure, still stands and is listed on the National Historic Register. The college concentrates on bachelor degrees, but also offers graduate studies. Athletics are an important part of life at Missouri Valley. The football team has been a national champion in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and has several conference titles as well as post-season wins. Along with football, the college has several excellent athletic programs. It has expanded its academic mission during the last few years with new satellite locations and online offerings. Since 2005, Dr. Bonnie L. Humphrey has led the college as president. Now let's move from college to canines.

Jim the Wonder Dog at first appeared to be just a dog, but things changed over time. After a bit of time with owner Sam VanArsdale, Jim's talents began to emerge. He turned out to be an excellent bird dog. Later, VanArsdale discovered that Jim seemed to understand what he said. He began having Jim pick out types of trees, cars, and other objects. Before all was said and done, Jim reportedly could predict Kentucky Derby winners, World Series Champions, and could perform a host of other exploits. He gave performances to the Missouri legislature and at the Missouri State Fair. His talents defied explanation. The memorial dedicated to Jim is off the northwest corner of the courthouse square in Marshall where he lived with VanArsdale in the Hotel Ruff.

NOTES: I had close encounters with the Missouri court system this week, all in a positive way! On Monday, Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Russell visited the Sedalia Rotary Club. She presented an interesting talk about Missouri courts and gave the part of the program she has become famous for, "You be the Judge," where the audience interprets statutes into law.

I also had the privilege to attend the Missouri Western Court of Appeals at the University of Central Missouri. This is an annual event when the Court hears real cases in front of students who are allowed to ask questions of the judges: all in all, a great learning experience provided by the court system.

Happy Halloween and be safe!