Lois Hays of Benton City was recognized by the Missouri House of Representatives for her years of service to her community.

State Representative Kent Haden presented Hays with a proclamation from the House at an Audrain County municipalities meeting on Monday, July 17, that was held at the Benton City Community Center. Hays was also presented a certificate of appreciation from Benton City. The certificate was presented at the same meeting by Audrain Associate Commissioner Leslie Meyer.

Hays has represented Benton City as mayor and on the board of trustees. The proclamation commends Hays for serving her community in many ways including as a volunteer at the city’s annual fried chicken dinner and she led the town’s post office for many years.

The proclamation states that during Hays’ “impressive tenure” on the board of trustees and as mayor she was instrumental in cementing strong relationships with other elected leaders locally and throughout the state. It says Hays implemented a major sewer project for the town and worked closely with Haden in “warding off the impact of an inaccurate survey from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.