Jefferson City

OCTOBER 23, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe provided an update on the serious implications of the Democrat-led federal government shutdown on Missouri state agencies and federal programs, which will soon impact even more Missouri families.

“Senate Democrats are holding the federal government hostage, and even more Missouri families may soon be paying the price for their political grandstanding,” said Governor Kehoe. “We appreciate our Republican congressional delegation for doing their part to put the livelihoods of Americans first, and we urge Democrat Senators to do what's right and reopen the federal government.”

Missouri Department of Social Services Unable to Issue November SNAP Benefits Due to Federal Shutdown

Earlier this week, the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) announced that, due to the federal government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS) has informed state agencies that November 2025 SNAP benefits cannot be issued.

SNAP benefits are 100 percent federally funded, with each recipient receiving benefits from the federal government via their Electronic Benefit Transfer card. There is no mechanism for state appropriations to be transferred to cover this funding.

“There is still time for Democrats to come to the table, so Missouri's most vulnerable families will have food on their tables next month,” said Governor Kehoe. “More than 667,000 Missourians are at risk of losing SNAP benefits because Democrats in Washington would rather fight President Trump than reopen the federal government. The State of Missouri has no avenue to covering these funds for the over 326,000 households who may be affected. Our Department of Social Services team stands ready to issue November funds as soon as possible once the federal government is reopened.”

DSS encourages Missourians who may be affected to:

• Look at the potential of using their October balance to stretch into November if possible given this situation.
• Review available local food resources, such as food banks and pantries.

In addition to the impact on SNAP benefits, Governor Kehoe and his team continue to monitor impacts to Missouri WIC, which is also federally funded through USDA and administered through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. There are approximately 98,000 WIC recipients in Missouri who rely on the program for nutritional support for themselves and their children.

Additional Impacts on Missouri

The federal government shutdown has impacted Missouri families, small businesses, veterans, and workers across the state—leaving federal workers and servicemembers unpaid and key services unfunded.

• In Missouri, there are approximately 56,000 federal workers who may not receive a paycheck this Friday.
• Small Business Administration loan distributions are frozen during the federal government shutdown. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, over $15 million in loan assistance is blocked per week to small businesses in Missouri.
• Missouri's Gross State Product is estimated to decline by approximately $232 million each week the shutdown extends, which could lead to an increase in unemployment of about 800 workers in Missouri under a one-month shutdown.

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OCTOBER 22, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced a judicial appointment to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District.

Bryan Nickell, of Sikeston, was appointed as Judge to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District.

Mr. Nickell is an attorney and partner at the Law Offices of Blanton, Nickell, Collins, Douglas, Hanschen, and Peters LLC, specializing in the areas of litigation, including medical malpractice defense, commercial litigation, banking law, and education law. He previously served as a law clerk to the late Honorable Stanley A. Grimm, Judge of the Missouri Court of Appeals for the Eastern District. An active member of his community, Nickell serves as the attorney and secretary of the Sikeston R-6 School Board and is an active member of the Sikeston Jaycees. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Southeast Missouri State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law. Nickell will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Mary Sheffield.

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OCTOBER 22, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced appointments to fill one county office vacancy and five appointments to various boards and commissions.

Brandon Boulware, of Kansas City, was appointed to the Missouri Ethics Commission.

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OCTOBER 20, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced one appointment to fill a county office vacancy and three appointments to various boards and commissions.

Leisha Barry, of Holt, was appointed to the Northwest Missouri State University Board of Regents.

Ms. Barry is a retired client services vice president for Cerner Corporation and remains active in her community through service on the Northwest Missouri State University Foundation Board and the Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City through the University of Missouri Extension. She previously served as trustee, secretary, and president of the Liberty Hospital Foundation. Barry earned her bachelor's degree in medical technology from Northwest Missouri State University and a Master of Business Administration in Management from Rockhurst University.

Kamera Meaney, of Blue Springs, was appointed to the MO HealthNet Oversight Committee.

Ms. Meaney is the chief of health policy and government relations officer for University Health in Kansas City. She serves her community as board president of Nurture KC and is a member of the University of Missouri–Kansas City Alumni Board. She previously served as commissioner for the City of Blue Springs Art Commission. Meaney earned her bachelor's degree in history from the University of Missouri–Kansas City, a Master of Business Administration from MidAmerica Nazarene University, and a Master of Arts in History from Marquette University.

Steve Poniewaz, of Ballwin, was appointed to the Credit Union Commission.

Mr. Poniewaz is the president and chief executive officer of First Missouri Credit Union in St. Louis. In addition to his professional career, he is an active member of the Affton-Lemay Chamber of Commerce. Poniewaz earned his Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Maryville University.

Beth Wulff, of Vienna, was appointed as the Maries County Collector.

Ms. Wulff currently serves as deputy county collector for Maries County. She is active in her community as a member of her local parochial schools, where she serves as SCRIP coordinator. Wulff earned her associate's degree in business and computer specialization from Metro Business College.

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OCTOBER 13, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced that clemency will not be granted to Mr. Lance Shockley.
 

On March 20, 2005, Shockley ambushed and murdered Sergeant Carl DeWayne Graham, Jr., of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. At the time, Sergeant Graham was investigating the manslaughter of Jeffrey Bayless, a passenger killed while riding in a car with Shockley, who was suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol. Shockley went to Sergeant Graham's home, where he first shot the Trooper from behind with a rifle, severing his spinal cord and paralyzing him. Shockley then delivered fatal shotgun blasts to Graham's face and shoulder. Sergeant Graham's murder left his family and the law enforcement community shocked and grieving.

“The murder of Missouri State Highway Patrol Sergeant Carl DeWayne Graham, Jr., who was investigating Lance Shockley's criminal actions at the time, was an attack not only on a dedicated law enforcement officer, but on the rule of law itself,” said Governor Kehoe. “Violence against those who risk their lives every day to protect our communities will never be tolerated. Missouri stands firmly with our men and women in uniform.”
 

“Mr. Shockley has received every legal protection afforded to him under the Missouri and United States Constitutions, and his conviction and sentence will remain for his brutal and deliberate crime. The State of Missouri has—and will continue to—pursue justice to the fullest extent of the law. Carrying out Lance Shockley's sentence is evidence of our commitment to the pursuit of justice,” continued the Governor.

Shockley was unanimously convicted of first-degree murder along with three aggravating factors. His case was reviewed and upheld by the Missouri Supreme Court, the federal district court, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.

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OCTOBER 10, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced a judicial appointment to the First Judicial Circuit.

Lindsay G. Gravett, of Lancaster, was appointed as Circuit Judge in the First Judicial Circuit.

Ms. Gravett serves as principal of The Gravett Law Firm, LLC. She is also the prosecuting attorney for Schuyler and Clark counties. Gravett is an active member of her community, serving as the president of Schuyler County Rotary. She received her bachelor’s degree in political science from Missouri Valley College and a Juris Doctor from Cooley Law School. Gravett will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Rick Roberts.

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OCTOBER 10, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, in honor of Sikeston Department of Public Safety Officer Henry J.R. Franklin, Governor Mike Kehoe ordered the U.S. and Missouri flags to be flown at half-staff at government buildings in Scott, New Madrid, and Mississippi counties, all police stations, sheriffs’ offices, and Missouri State Highway Patrol general and troop headquarters across Missouri on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from sunrise to sunset.

“Officer Franklin devoted his life to courageously serving and protecting others, including nearly 20 years in the military, with two tours in Iraq, and over 12 years of service to the City of Sikeston as a member of Sikeston DPS,” Governor Kehoe said. “Officer Franklin died as he and other officers attempted to bring a murder suspect to justice. He will be remembered for bravely confronting violence and making the ultimate sacrifice so his fellow Missourians could live safer and more secure lives. Claudia and I are keeping his family, members of the Sikeston DPS, and all who loved him in our prayers.”

On October 6, Officer Franklin deployed as a member of the Sikeston Department of Public Safety Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team to assist the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office in the apprehension of a suspect in a homicide investigation. Officer Franklin was shot and killed by the suspect, who was concealed inside a residence, during the service of an arrest warrant.

Officer Franklin bravely served in the United States Army from March 2002 to February 2013 and the Missouri Army National Guard from November 2013 to August 2022, serving in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism, and rising to the rank of sergeant. He earned his Missouri Peace Officer License after graduating from the Southeast Missouri State Law Enforcement Training Academy on May 31, 2013, and was commissioned as an officer by the Sikeston Department of Public Safety on June 2, 2013. He served with distinction, including as a K9 Handler and as a member of the department’s SWAT team. 
 

Flags will be flown at half-staff on the day of Officer Franklin’s memorial service. To view the Governor’s proclamation, click here.

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OCTOBER 8, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, in honor of United States Army Chief Warrant Officer Three Andrew "Drew" Gunnison Cully, Governor Mike Kehoe ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at government buildings in the State of Missouri for one full day on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from sunrise to sunset.

“Missourians join Americans from across our nation in mourning four United States Army soldiers who lost their lives in a tragic training accident, including Ozark, Missouri, native Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Cully,” said Governor Kehoe. “We will lower the flags across our state on Saturday as a solemn reminder that Andrew's service and sacrifice to our nation will never be forgotten. Claudia and I join the family, friends, loved ones, and military brothers and sisters of Chief Warrant Officer Cully in remembering a dedicated and humble American hero.”

On September 17, Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Cully tragically died in the line of duty alongside three other courageous Night Stalkers from the 4th Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), while conducting an aviation training exercise near Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

Flags will be flown at half-staff on the day Chief Warrant Officer Cully is laid to rest. To view the Governor’s proclamation, click here.

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OCTOBER 3, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced the release of recommended rule updates for Missouri's parole process, following a comprehensive review of existing rules by a working group of stakeholders.

Under the direction of Governor Kehoe's Executive Order 25-07, signed during the Safer Missouri launch on day one of his administration, the Missouri Department of Corrections and the Missouri Parole Board assembled a working group to develop proposed rule changes. The working group consisted of representatives of law enforcement, corrections, the judiciary, and the public.

“Parole plays a crucial role in the Missouri criminal justice system, balancing offender rehabilitation with public safety,” said Governor Kehoe. “We will now review these recommendations to see how Missouri can continue to refine its approach to offender management and increase accountability, with the goal of safeguarding public safety while also promoting successful reintegration and reducing recidivism.”

The executive order directed the working group to provide the Missouri Parole Board with recommendations for amendments to the existing rules and any proposed new rulemakings with the goal of providing clarity, transparency, and accountability for the parole process.

The review found that several updates were needed to comply with state statute, including updating minimum parole eligibility requirements to reflect the current “blue book.”

The working group's review also includes recommendations to:

• Remove unnecessary and outdated regulations.
• Update the hearing process to allow for up to two delegates, who may provide additional information on rehabilitation efforts or barriers to release.
• Clarify that, under the updated rule, alleged violators have the right to attorney representation and to mitigation witnesses chosen by the individual.
• Introduce a new grid procedure, allowing release without a parole hearing for certain non-violent Class C, D, and E offenses, as well as drug offenses with sentences of up to 20 years. Decisions will be based on validated risk and needs assessments, while cases involving weapons, resisting arrest, parole violations, and similar offenses will continue to require a hearing.

“It is critical to establish uniform policy in parole decision-making, while also allowing for individual case considerations," said Director Trevor Foley, Missouri Department of Corrections. “Our department looks forward to working with the Governor's Office in updating parole rules and bringing greater transparency to parole hearing and revocation processes."

For more information on the parole board licensing and regulation findings, click.
 

• Executive Order 25-07 Updates for Missouri's Parole Process Report.pdf

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OCTOBER 3, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced judicial appointments to the 24^th and 32^nd judicial circuits.

Julia Koester, of Cape Girardeau, was appointed as Circuit Judge in the 32^nd Judicial Circuit.

Ms. Koester currently serves as an Associate Circuit Judge in the 32^nd Judicial Circuit. She previously worked for 13 years as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Cape Girardeau County. She earned her Juris Doctor from St. Louis University School of Law and holds a bachelor's degree in finance from Creighton University. She currently serves on the board of directors for Mercy Hospital Southeast and the Cape West Rotary Club. Koester will fill the vacancy created by RSMO 478.710, established under Senate Bill 218.

Joseph Murray III, of Farmington, was appointed as Circuit Judge in the 24^th Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Murray is an Associate Circuit Judge in the 24^th Judicial Circuit. He was previously the principal and owner of Murray Law, LLC. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Law and holds bachelor's degrees in history and finance and banking from the University of Missouri. He is an active member of his community, currently serving on the Farmington Regional Chamber of Commerce and Farmington Elks Lodge. Murray will fill the vacancy created by RSMO 478.690, established under Senate Bill 218.

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