EMERSON OFFICE WILL HONOR AIDE WITH OPEN HOUSE

The Cape Girardeau office of U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson will hold an open house and reception today in honor of longtime staff member Greg Branum.

The open house and reception will be held from 8:30 to 10 a.m. in room 246 of the Federal Building at 339 Broadway.

Branum, who has worked for the congressional office for the past 20 years, is leaving to take a position as Missouri state director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's office of rural development.

"He is an incredibly talented individual whose experience in dealing with issues facing rural America will make him a tremendous asset to the entire state," Emerson said.