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Sept. 20, 2018MARYVILLE, Mo. |  By: John Coffey

Lt. Gov. Kehoe impressed by impact of Lettuce Dream

Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe talks with Charlie Clodfelter, the director of Lettuce Dream in Maryville.

Missouri Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe toured Maryville's Lettuce Dream facility Thursday morning as one of several scheduled stops in northwest Missouri.

Lettuce Dream is a hydroponic farming operation that grows lettuce greens for a number of area restaurants and the Maryville Hy-Vee, and also provides meaningful employment and training opportunities for persons with cognitive or developmental disabilities.

Kehoe, a former Republican State Senator from Jefferson City, who was recently appointed Lieutenant Governor by Governor Mike Parson, says he's impressed with the Lettuce Dream operation.

"I was blown away. This is a fantastic model. You've heard me say time and time again, I hope we can find ways to replicate it throughout our state. They're doing great things for great people here. I'm sure the community and Maryville is proud of what they have going on."

Kehoe says he plans to seek further opportunities for Lettuce Dream to market their product.

"I think we can talk to other state agencies. The university is already involved here. I talked to (Northwest President Dr. John Jasinski) this morning specifically, and not only are they purchasing through the food service, but they have kids volunteering here. But other state institutions could benefit from purchasing the product. Certainly it helps all cycles of the chain. I'll be interested in having some of those conversations with some of our directors."

Kehoe has been touring the region promoting Proposition D on the November ballot. Proposition D is a motor fuel tax increase with funds earmarked to improve Missouri's roads and bridges.