New proof that Southeast Missouri is home to the most intelligent, graceful and beautiful women in the state was provided recently when Amber Seyer of Oran was crowned Miss Missouri USA.

Seyer, a junior at Lindenwood College in St. Louis, represented Scott County at the pageant in Springfield.

In her stage interview, Seyer told the judges that North Korea's nuclear program poses a bigger threat to the United States than terrorists in Iraq and Iran. She also won the Miss Congeniality award.

Seyer had more than one reason to be happy as she was crowned. Her mother, Sherry, had previously agreed to quit smoking if her daughter won the pageant.

During her year as Miss Missouri USA Seyer plans to spend her holidays visiting sick children in hospitals. She will compete in the Miss USA pageant in the spring.

Congratulations, Amber. We're proud of you.