[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 15] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 22980] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]RECOGNITION FOR RETIRING ASSOCIATE CIRCUIT JUDGE MICHAEL L. MIDYETT, CHARITON COUNTY, MISSOURI _____ HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER of missouri in the house of representatives Friday, December 17, 2010 Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, I rise on behalf of Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, to take this opportunity to recognize the Honorable Michael L. Midyett, Associate Judge, Chariton County, Missouri. I would like to thank him for his service to his community and to congratulate him upon his upcoming retirement from the bench. I am so pleased Judge Midyett's community is honoring him by recognizing his many years of service on the bench, but especially for his dedication to and caring about the citizens of his community. Only a special person would provide the years of judicial and legal service Judge Midyett has provided through his 21 years of service as the second longest serving Associate Circuit Judge of Chariton county; for over 29 years as an elected official serving the State of Missouri in the Judicial System first as a Prosecuting attorney then as a Judge. Including his years as a practicing attorney, Judge Midyett has served the citizens of Missouri for 39 years in the Judicial system. It is my understanding that Judge Midyett is best known for his penchant for jury trials and for being hard but fair on criminals. During his tenure as a Chariton County Prosecuting Attorney, Judge Midyett had at least one jury trial each month. For a rural county with a small population, that is a fair amount which proves justice is being served. He believes that all citizens should uphold the law and that no one is above the law. The citizens of Chariton County have known him to be extremely fair and honest. He has upheld the law through his knowledge of the law and his years of experience. Through Judge Midyett's example, others are reminded that Chariton County can only thrive within a strong and just community. Judge Midyett is a well respected judge in his community. Judge Midyett upholds the traditions and honors of the Judicial Branch of Missouri government. His accomplishments include: Appointments by the Missouri Supreme Court for the Civil Rules Committee; the Judicial Weighted Workload Steering Committee 2006-2008; Board of Directors of the Missouri associate Probate Associate Circuit Judges 2005-2009; former President of the 9th Circuit Bar; past member of Missouri Prosecuting Attorney Associations; past member of National District Attorneys' Association; Associate of Trial Lawyers of America; Association of Lawyers for Pilots Association; City Attorney for Keytesville 1974-1985. Service to the Keytesville community is a hallmark of Judge Midyett's character. His friends and colleagues honoring him are but a few of the organizations that have grown from his leadership. The Judge has been extremely active in local and civic activities including: Board of Directors of Keytesville Lions Club; former President of Keytesville Lions Club; former President of Keytesville Chamber of Commerce; member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Salisbury; philosophically and in real terms, Judge Midyett is a proud member of the Chariton County Democratic party. Foremost among the Judge's many accomplishments has been his recent work obtaining pictures of former Chariton County judges for the Courthouse. Judge Midyett has searched extensively for pictures of the past judges and done an amazing amount of research on the lives of these judges and the times they lived in. What a wonderful legacy to leave your community. Your personal commitment to the legal and judicial system in Keytesville and Chariton County serves as a model for what it means to give back to our communities. Madam Speaker, once again, I want to share my sincerest congratulations to Judge Midyett as he receives our well deserved recognition. I wish the Judge the best in the years to come. ____________________