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Listening in Williamsburg
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1011th Highway
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Inge Festival
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In July 2009, Derek spent time in Williamsburg listening to ideas and concerns of local residents.
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The governor signed into law Derek's legislation to designate a portion of U.S. Highway 160 east of Independence as the 1011th Quartermaster Company Memorial Highway. Pictured here at the bill signing are: CSM Michael Giersch, Captain Victor McGee, Bill Wullenschneider, Governor Mark Parkinson, (seated) Sen. Derek Schmidt, Ray Shoaf and Rep. Jeff King.
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In 2009, Derek sponsored legislation designating the William Inge Theater Festival in Independence as the official theater festival of the State of Kansas. Pictured here as the governor signed the bill into law are: Rep. Jeff King, Lois Lessman, Governor Mark Parkinson, Dr. Rick Goheen, and Sen. Derek Schmidt.
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Jefferson Elementary
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Iola sesquicentennial
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Zion at the Statehouse
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Derek visited with kids from Jefferson Elementary School in Iola when they visited the Senate chamber.
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A delegation from Iola came to the Senate to be honored as part of the city's 150th anniversary celebration.
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A group of children from Zion Lutheran School in Independence visited with Derek at the Capitol.
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Thrashing wheat
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Honoring veterans
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And another thing...
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Derek pitched wheat straw into an antique thrashing machine at the Old Iron Days festival in Fredonia. He was on his way to an (indoor) meeting and hadn't really dressed for the occasion!
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Derek made remarks at the dedication of the Piqua veterans memorial on July 4, 2008.
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Derek makes a point during debate on the Senate floor.
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The Kincaid Fair
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Young citizens
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Lincoln Day
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Derek sponsored legislation in 2008 to honor the 100th anniversary of the Kincaid Fair. He poses here with Anderson County residents who traveled to Topeka when the Senate considered and passed the measure.
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Derek talked with a group of first graders from the Caney Valley school district when they visited the State Capitol in 2008.
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Kansas Republicans gathered at the 2008 Lincoln Day celebration in Independence heard Derek as their keynote speaker.
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GOP politics
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After the flood
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The Majority Leader
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Derek addressed the GOP faithful at the 2008 Montgomery County GOP caucus.
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Derek testified before the Senate Ways & Means Committee in support of legislation to provide new block grants to flood-damaged communities to help them jumpstart new housing construction. The bill passed in the 2008 legislative session and became law.
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Derek addressed members of the media during a press conference announcing the 2008 Senate Republican Legislative Agenda.
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"What's that, Bill?"
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Tractor parade
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"Oh, my aching back..."
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Independence resident Bill Falstad caught Derek's ear during his 2007 listening tour stop in Independence. This photo was taken in the recently restored lobby of the historic Booth Theater.
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Derek drove this John Deere D to lead the 2007 Old Iron Club parade in Fredonia.
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Caroline and Claire caught a ride from Daddy in the 2007 Farm City Days Parade in Iola. By the end, Derek was tired.
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The flood
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Rebuilding Greensburg - Busine…
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Rebuilding Greensburg - Educat…
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During the 2007 flood, Derek surveyed damage from the high waters, including this site at the Independence drinking water treatment plant. After the floods, Derek and other area legislators led the effort to bring state-level flood relief and recovery assistance to the damaged communities.
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Disaster Relief & Recovery Committee members are briefed on the early stages of the rebuilding process. The process will be long but the spirit of Greensburg remains strong.
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Greensburg superintendent of schools, Darin Headrick, updates the Disaster Relief & Recovery Committee on plans for rebuilding the schools in Greensburg. All educational buildings were destroyed by the May 4, 2007, tornado.
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Rebuilding Greensburg - Health…
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Sedan Festival
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Humboldt turns 150
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Disaster Relief & Recovery Committee members tour the temporary hospital facilities in Greensburg. The hospital is a Kansas National Guard Expeditionary Medical Support System (EMEDS) that is a fully functional, completely mobile hospital brought to the Greensburg area on twelve semi trucks.
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Derek, Caroline and Claire walked in Sedan's 2007 Yellow Brick Road parade. They pose here after the parade with Claire enjoying a balloon.
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The Kansas Senate, by unanimous vote, adopted a resolution declaring May 10 to be the sesquicentennial anniversary of Humboldt and celebrating the community’s rich history.
Making the trip to Topeka were Dorothy Hemphill, Linda Thompson, Eileen Robertson and Roland Thompson.
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Funeral Privacy Bill Signed
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Visiting with Eileen
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Greetings from Ghana
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Flanked by members of the Patriot Guard during the Statehouse ceremony, Governor Kathleen Sebelius binds into law legislation to protect the privacy of families at funerals. She is joined by Sen. Derek Schmidt chief sponsor of legislation; Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, adjutant general; and Rep. Raj Goyle, D-Wichita, lead House of Representatives sponsor.
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Derek visted with Eileen Robertson of Humboldt in the Senate chamber in the spring of 2007. Eileen traveled to Topeka to be in the Senate the day Derek presented a resolution honoring the work of volunteers who helped obtain a federal designation of the Freedom Frontier National Heritage Area in eastern Kansas. The heritage area honors the Civil War and freestate history of the region.
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The deputy commissioner of police for the country of Ghana, George Asiamah, took time from his schedule while visiting the Kansas Statehouse to speak with Derek and offer a unique gift.
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Gene Merry Honored by Senate
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Story Time
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Independence Library Dedicatio…
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Longtime Coffey County civic leader Gene Merry was honored by the Kansas Senate for his two decades of public service. Merry retired from public office in 2007 after his years of service on the Burlington City Council and, later, the Coffey County Commission.
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Derek reads children's stories to kids at the Independence Public Library.
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Derek made remarks at the grand opening of the renovated Independence Public Library in February 2007.
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Testifying
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Senate Honors Mentzer
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The Majority Leader
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Derek testified in 2007 before the Senate Federal & State Affairs Committee in support of legislation to create a zone of privacy around funerals, where mourners may gather without interference from picketers or others. The bill became law and is being tested in the courts.
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M. Burdette Mentzer was raised in Yates Center, one of ten children in his family. Nine of those children served their country during the Second World War. Mentzer was a sergeant in the Army Air Corps, and six of his brothers also served in the armed forces. His two sisters served in defense industrial plants in the United States. Pictured in the Kansas Senate (left to right) are: Senator Derek Schmidt, Asia Larson (great granddaughter of Burdette and granddaughter of Kay), Marie Mentzer, Ashtyn Mentzer, (great granddaughter of Burdette and daughter of Jonas and Dana) Burdette Mentzer, Kay Thummel, (daughter of Burdette) Jonas Mentzer (grandson of Burdette) and Dana Mentzer. (wife of Jonas)
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Derek led the Senate Republican caucus in announcing its legislative agenda for the 2007 legislative session. Here, Derek spoke on behalf of the caucus at a media announcement in the Senate chamber in January 2007.
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Landon Center
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On the Panel
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Hearing in Howard
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The project to restore Governor Alf Landon's former residence in Independence is underway. Derek stands next to the home and the sign describing the project.
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In September 2006, Derek served as a panelist at the Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas to discuss the role of courts and judges. Serving with him (from left) were Eric Rosen, justice of the Kansas Supreme Court; Steve McAllister, former dean of the KU School of Law; Deanell Tacha, chief judge of the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals; and Kris Kobach, law professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
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Derek listened to residents of Howard during a visit in September 2006.
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At Charlie Brown's Store
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Savonburg Session
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"Sometimes it's lonely..."
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In August 2006, Derek visited with local citizens at Charlie Brown's general store in Mildred.
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Area citizens and Derek had coffee at the Savonburg library.
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One afternoon during the 2006 session, Derek and other leaders stayed late to wrap up the Senate's business after others had left for home.
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On the Record
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Lincoln Day
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Chamber Rededication
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Members of the Statehouse press corps interview Derek on the Senate floor after debate.
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Derek was the emcee for the 2006 Lincoln Day celebration in Independence.
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The historic Senate chamber has been restored, and Derek made remarks at its rededication in 2006.
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Welcome Home 891st!
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Guard Signing Ceremony
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Baby Claire!
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During the ceremony in Iola to welcome home from Iraq the headquarters company of the 891st, Derek thanked the troops for their service to our country.
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As members and families of the of the 891st look on, Derek remarks on the signing of the Kansas National Guard Life Insurance bill. The bill provides $250,000 in life insurance coverage for members of the guard called to federal active duty in a combat zone. Gov. Sebelius came to Iola for a signing ceremony at the headquarters of the 891st Engineering Battalion which is currently deployed in Iraq.
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Claire Cunningham Schmidt, the second child for Derek and Jennifer, was born June 26, 2005.
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Family Photo
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"Once upon a time..."
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Neosho Falls Welcome
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Jennifer, Derek, Caroline and Claire Schmidt during the Summer of 2005.
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Jennifer reads to Caroline and Claire. Reading is a frequent pastime at the Schmidt household - especially for the girls.
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During the Listening Tour stop in Neosho Falls, the local residents made sure the word got out.
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Smokehouse Chatter
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Listening in Humboldt
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Listening Tour Stops in Howard
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Derek visits with Le Roy residents at Luther's during the Listening Tour stop there.
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Derek explains the questions facing the Legislature this past year during the Listening Tour stop in Humboldt at the Senior Center.
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Derek takes questions from citizens at the stop in Howard on his annual Listening Tour in June 2005.
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Listening Tour Stops in Sedan
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Mayfest 2005
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In Daddy's Arms
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Folks from Sedan turned out to hear Derek during the Listening Tour stop in Sedan at the Ranch Restaurant.
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While stopping by Mayfest in Caney this year, Derek had the pleasure of meeting NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver David Starr as well as Nancy Moore, the President of Caney's Lions club. The Lions club organized the event in 2005.
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Caroline was able to have a good time at Mayfest in Caney as well.
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Iola Memorial Service
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My Dad on TV
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Landon House on the Move
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Derek delivered the Memorial Day address at the Iola cemetery in May 2005.
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Caroline watches Daddy on a public affairs television show.
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Derek helped with the local initiative in Independence to relocate, restore and preserve the home of former Kansas Governor Alf Landon. Landon was the 1936 Republican nominee for president. His home is being transformed into a museum and center for education in Kansas and political history. Before the relocation effort, the home was scheduled for demolition to make way for a new retail store.
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CCC Graduation Speaker
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Caroline Visits Topeka
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LCHS FFA
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Derek delivered the 2005 graduation address at Coffeyville Community College.
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While on a visit to Topeka, Caroline took a particular interest in a patch of carpet in the Senate chamber.
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During a visit to the Capitol, the Labette County High School FFA group asked Derek a few questions about the session.
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Candidate Forum
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Campaigning door-to-door
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Sedan Grand Marshal
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Derek participated in a candidate forum at the Allen County courthouse in Iola during July 2004.
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Derek campaigned door-to-door during his 2004 re-election campaign -- even though he was unopposed! In this photo, nobody was home so he left a hanger on the door. This was July 2004 -- and it was HOT outside!
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Derek was Grand Marshal for the 2004 Chautauqua County Fair Parade in Sedan. But Caroline was the hit of the parade.
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Anderson County Fair
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The American Legion
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Honoring Opothle Yahola
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Derek and Caroline were at the GOP booth at the 2004 Anderson County fair.
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Even this horse, ridden in the 2004 Toronto Days parade by a local Legionnaire, used one of Derek's hand fans to keep cool!
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Derek attended the dedication of the new Opothle Yahola memorial in LeRoy in June 2004. Yahola was a prominent Creek Indian leader who is part of the Civil War-era history of eastern Kansas.
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Toronto Days
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Woodson County
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Home from Iraq
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Derek visit with Gerry Elling of Toronto after the Toronto Days parade the weekend of July 4, 2004.
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Derek visited with Bill Linde, longtime Woodson County commissioner, during the 2004 Toronto Days festival.
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After more than a year deployed in Iraq, the 1011th Quartermaster Company returned home to Independence in June 2004. Derek attended this welcome-home ceremony at Riverside Park in Independence.
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Protecting Children
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"I'm a Fan of Derek..."
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The Yates Center Town Square
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Derek worked for two years to create a new felony crime in Kansas - Aggravated Endangering a Child. The crime occurs when a person endangers a child and causes actual harm to the child. Derek worked on the measure at the request of a family in Coffeyville whose son was killed when another adult recklessly left a loaded firearm in a room where small children were playing unattended. In this May 2004 photo, Governor Sebelius signs into law House Bill 2777, which contains provisions creating the new crime.
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During hot summer festivals, Derek gives away hand fans that bear the campaign slogan, "I'm a Fan of Re-electing Derek Schmidt, Kansas State Senator." As this photo from the 2004 Sedan Yellow Brick Road festival proves, one never knows where these fans will end up!
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Derek, Jennifer and Caroline pose in front of an information booth operated by the Woodson County Republican Women during the 2004 Yates Center Days celebration. The booth was on the courthouse square.
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Visiting Caney's Mayfest
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"Thank you, Mr. Chairman..."
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High-speed Internet Access
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Derek visited with a deputy who was distributing information about the anti-drug program known as D.A.R.E. during Caney's 2004 Mayfest celebration. The D.A.R.E. program encourages children to resist offers to use illegal drugs.
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From time to time, Derek presides over the Senate during debate on legislation.
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Derek took part in the March 2004 ribbon cutting for SBC's new high-speed DSL Internet service to Neodesha. As the result of legislative prodding, an agreement was reached between the Kansas Corporation Commission and SBC that led to the company providing high-speed Internet service to dozens of small Kansas communities, including several in the 15th Senate District.
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Honoring Harry Whistler
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The Senate is in Session
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Constituent Services
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Derek introduced legislation to honor Harry Whistler of Independence who, at age 97, was the oldest known living World War II veteran in Kansas during 2004. Derek is pictured here in the Senate chamber with Harry, center, and Harry's family and friends who traveled to Topeka for the recognition ceremony.
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Derek takes part in debate on the floor of the Kansas Senate during the 2004 legislative session.
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Derek visits with Ann Jaynes at the Rankin Memorial Library in Neodesha. While Derek is working, Caroline is hamming it up for the camera!
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Private Prison Hearing
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Neodesha Parade
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Fredonia Veterans Memorial
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Derek served as chairman for a December 2003 hearing in Yates Center of the Attorney General's Task Force on Crime and Sentencing. The hearing studied whether the State of Kansas should contract with a private company to build and operate a new prison in Kansas.
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Derek walked in the 2003 Neodesha Veterans Parade.
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Derek and Caroline attended the 2003 dedication of the new Fredonia Veterans' Memorial on the courthouse square.
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Cherryvale's Highway Sign
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Caroline's A Big Help
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An Independence Christmas
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For years, Cherryvale citizens were frustrated that no signs alerted motorists on U.S. Highway 400 that Cherryvale existed only four miles south. In 2003, Derek convinced the Kansas Department of Transportation to install signs at the U.S. 400/U.S. 169 junction so motorists know Cherryvale is the nearest town.
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Caroline helped ... sort of ... with Mommy's and Daddy's Christmas cards this year!
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Derek walked in the 2003 Independence Christmas Parade. Jennifer drove. Caroline slept in her car seat.
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Caroline's Kansas Halloween
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Baby Caroline!
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Good Chili!
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At age 12 days, Caroline dressed up as a Kansas sunflower for her first Halloween. She went trick-or-treating at Gramma's -- but wasn't sure what to do with her candy!
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Derek and Jennifer's first child, Caroline Gaynel Schmidt, was born October 20, 2003. Everybody is healthy and happy!
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Derek announced the winners of the Chili Cookoff during the 2003 Sedan Fall Festival.
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Yellowjackets!
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"And another thing..."
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Republican Leaders
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Derek walked in the 2003 Fredonia Homecoming parade
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Derek listens while Mandy Specht (left) and Marjorie Ensminger, both of Allen County, share their thoughts.
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Derek posed with other area and state Republican leaders during the 2003 2nd District Republican barbecue in Coffey County.
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Leroy Homecoming
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Listening in Longton
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Thornburgh's Comments
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Derek walked in the 2003 LeRoy Homecoming parade. The weather was perfect!
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Derek visited with Elk County Commissioner Lawrence Jontra after the Longton Free Fair parade.
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Kansas Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh was Derek's special guest during the 15th Senate District Barbecue in 2003.
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At the Barbecue
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Anderson County Fair
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Yellow Brick Road
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Derek visited with supporters gathered at the Independence Historical Museum for his 3rd Annual 15th Senate District Barbecue in 2003.
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Derek announced a doorprize winner during Merchants' Night at the 2003 Anderson County Fair
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Derek listens to Nita Jones of Sedan describe the latest tourism efforts at the Sugar Creek Mining Company
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Visiting with Constituents
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Civil War Days
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Food Safety Leader
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Derek answers questions for Jim Bruner during the Chautauqua County fair in Sedan
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Derek and Jennifer attended the 2003 Civil War Days festival in Humboldt. Derek poses here with Ellery Robertson.
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Derek addressed a food safety conference at Kansas State University in July 2003. As chairman of the Senate Agriculture committee, Derek has pushed to overhaul and strengthen Kansas laws governing food safety.
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Elk County Fair
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Coffey County Fair Parade
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Honoring Veterans
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Derek and Jennifer watched as this dandy vehicle wrapped up the 2003 Elk County fair parade in Howard. Derek walked in the parade.
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Derek waited for the starting gun at the 2003 Coffey County fair parade in Burlington.
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Derek delivered the keynote address in Independence dedicating the new Purple Heart stamp from the U.S. Postal Service
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We Like Ike
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School Days
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Helping Constituents ... One a…
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Derek and Jennifer were in Washington, D.C., when the new statue of President Dwight Eisenhower was dedicated in the rotunda of the Capitol building.
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Derek joined students from Burlington Elementary School in a reading exercise. Derek's assignment was to read a Hank the Cowdog book.
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When Dave and Ginger Alexander of Independence told Derek how a large-scale landlord in Lawrence took advantage of a loophole in the Kansas Landlord-Tenant Act to deceive their son. Derek proposed successful legislation to plug the loophole. Dave and Ginger joined Derek in Topeka when the governor signed the bill into law.
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A Leader for Corporate Account…
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Helping in Time of Need
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Listening Carefully
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During the 2003 legislative session, Derek served as chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee that helped craft legislation overhauling and strengthening Kansas securities laws. Derek joined the Kansas Securities Commissioner and staff from his office when the governor signed Senate Bill 110 into law.
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The day after a tornado struck Woodson County in May 2003, Derek visited the damage near Yates Center. Derek also visited damage near Kincaid in Anderson County, which also was struck. The area was declared a state disaster area the day of Derek's visit.
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Derek stopped to listen to constituents during the 2003 Altoona Days festival in Wilson County.
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A Leader for Agriculture
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Senator Dole
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Justice Clarence Thomas
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As chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Derek has shepherded through the legislature several bills promoting the use of ethanol and the construction of ethanol plants in rural Kansas. Here, Derek joined representatives of several agriculture organizations in 2003 as the governor signed pro-ethanol legislation into law.
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Senator Bob Dole was one of Derek's political role models
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Justice Clarence Thomas joined Derek and Jennifer when they traveled to Washington, D.C., to be admitted to practice law before the United States Supreme Court.
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Senator Kassebaum
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Grandpa's Pickup
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Senator Nancy Kassebaum was one of Derek's political mentors and one of his first employers.
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Derek campaigns for the Senate in the 1954 Ford truck his grandpa used for many years at Schmidt Sheet Metal Shop
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