Jefferson City

APRIL 9, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed Senate Bill (SB) 4 into law, taking a major step forward in strengthening Missouri's energy infrastructure and supporting long-term economic development.

"With this legislation, Missouri is well-positioned to attract new industry, support job growth, and maintain affordable, reliable energy for our citizens," said Governor Mike Kehoe. "This is about powering Missouri for Missourians and not relying on other states and countries to produce our power. This legislation strengthens our economic development opportunities, helps secure our energy independence, and provides consumer protections to build a resilient energy future for generations to come."

The legislation is designed to respond to skyrocketing energy demand and outdated energy policy, introducing vital reforms to ensure Missouri can meet its growing electricity needs and includes some of the strongest consumer protections in the nation. SB 4, sponsored by Senator Mike Cierpiot and Representative Josh Hurlbert, includes the following provisions:

• "Watt for Watt": Requires utilities to replace current capacity with dispatchable sources of energy prior to decommissioning an existing power plant, ensuring Missouri continues to have reliable power generation resources.
• Construction Work in Progress (CWIP) Accounting: Incentivizes new power generation facilities and reduces financing costs, saving Missourians money in the long run and expanding Missouri's electrical grid capacity.
• Plant in Service Accounting (PISA): Allows utilities to recover certain depreciation expenses from new natural gas power plants over a 20-year period, incentivizing the construction of new power generation facilities and helping to avoid rate shocks for consumers.
• Hot and Cold Weather Rule: Extends the disconnection grace period during extreme weather from 24 to 72 hours to protect vulnerable customers.
• Special Residential Customers Rates: Authorizes the Public Service Commission (PSC) to create tailored utility rates for seniors, low-income families, and other overly burdened customers.
• Advanced Meters and Time-of-Use Rates: Provides residential customers the option whether to participate in time-of-use rates or advanced meters programs.
• Lowering of the Revenue Requirement Impact Cap: Places stricter limits on recoverable deferred costs to help keep utility rates in check.

The bill's significance is further emphasized by the Missouri's recent selection by the National Governor's Association and the U.S. Department of Energy to convene an in-state nuclear summit, underscoring Missouri's commitment to develop new reliable energy.

For more information on SB 4, click here. To view photos from the bill signing, click this link.

###

APRIL 9, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced 15 Missouri counties, cities, and towns as the first to have earned Missouri Blue Shield designations. To achieve this designation, Missouri communities must demonstrate their commitment to enhancing public safety, strengthening support for law enforcement, and building sustainable public safety partnerships.

The Blue Shield Program, as outlined in Executive Order 25-03, is part of the Governor’s Safer Missouriinitiative announced on his first day in office. Achieving the Blue Shield designation allows communities to access state grants for law enforcement training and equipment as Governor Kehoe continues to work with the General Assembly to make $10 million in grant funding available for this program.

The first 15 communities include: Jefferson County, Arnold, Warrensburg, Carter County, Miller County, Sedalia, Kennett, Branson, Desloge, Johnson County, Cole County, Grandview, Vinita Park, Greenwood, and Town and Country.

"We are proud to see Missouri communities committed to supporting our administration's top priority – improving public safety and building strong partnerships between citizens and law enforcement," Governor Kehoe said. "We have a number of applications from additional communities that are still under review, and we encourage even more communities to apply."

The Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS) is administering the Blue Shield Program. Applications continue to be accepted and should be submitted by an official from the jurisdiction seeking the Blue Shield designation in coordination with the jurisdiction’s chief law enforcement officer. Applications and all supporting materials should be submitted online at this link.

DPS will review applications and make determinations and notifications for Blue Shield designations for counties, cities, and towns within two weeks of application submission. DPS encourages communities to apply early, because if grant funding is approved by the General Assembly, the department will begin accepting grant applications in July, when the fiscal year 2026 funding becomes available. Questions on the application process can be directed to Courtney Kawelaske, Courtney.Kawelaske@dps.mo.gov.

Among the Blue Shield designation eligibility criteria are:

• Passage of a resolution demonstrating a commitment to public safety, including to reduce violent crime within the jurisdiction;
• Extraordinary investments in public safety funding;
• Community policing initiatives or local partnerships to invest in and/or improve public safety;
• Law enforcement officer recruitment and retention program;
• Demonstrated effectiveness in reducing crime or innovative programs that attempt to reduce crime;
• Participates in regional anti-crime task forces, or a commitment to be a willing partner with these in the future; and
• Compliance with Missouri crime reporting and traffic stop data requirements and other related statutes.

Blue Shield counties, cities, and towns must maintain their commitments each year to retain the Blue Shield designation via annual reporting on their ongoing efforts to support public safety to DPS. Once local governments are approved for a Blue Shield designation, they will receive a public relations toolkit to showcase their community’s commitment to public safety.

• Governor Kehoe Announces First 15 Communities to Achieve Missouri Blue Shield Designations.png

###

APRIL 4, 2025

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Kehoe is urging Missourians to avoid traveling in areas that experience heavy rainfall and flash flooding this weekend, as the State of Missouri deploys resources and personnel to respond to dangerous flooding.

“The National Weather Service is forecasting very heavy rainfall – possibly exceeding 10 inches in some localized areas – and dangerous flooding, particularly in southeast Missouri over the next two days,” Governor Kehoe said. “While we have activated the Missouri National Guard and our state team is positioning swift water rescue teams and other response assets, we urge all Missourians to follow their local weather forecasts very closely and avoid driving into flooded areas and areas known to experience flash flooding. Let’s protect ourselves and allow first responders to get emergency help where it’s needed.”

On Wednesday, Governor Kehoe signed Executive Order 25-21 activating the Missouri National Guard to assist with response efforts. The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and state response agencies have been monitoring the approaching severe weather system and coordinating with the National Weather Service since last weekend. Governor Kehoe first declared a State of Emergency on March 14, 2025, through Executive Order 25-19, activating the State Emergency Operations Plan.

• The Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division has deployed five swift water rescue boat teams and the dive team to southeast Missouri. In addition to the Patrol resources, there are ten other boat teams deployed to southeast Missouri.
• The Missouri Division of Fire Safety is coordinating with local and regional fire service mutual aid coordinators to track the positioning and capabilities of local swift-water rescue teams.
• The Missouri National Guard has deployed personnel to Butler County, equipped with highwater vehicles and mission capabilities to include motorist assistance, levee reinforcement and monitoring, sandbagging assistance, commodities distribution, and other potential needs.
• The State Emergency Operations Center is currently activated to a Level 3 with SEMA operations, planning and emergency human services staff as well as emergency support partners from the Highway Patrol, MoDOT, Missouri National Guard, Missouri Division of Fire Safety, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Missouri Task Force 1 and the American Red Cross to assist with resource coordination and requests for assistance.
• SEMA has also activated a Type 3 Urban Search and Rescue Team from Missouri Task Force 1 to deploy to Poplar Bluff. This Type 3 Task Force is a 48-person specialized rescue team that includes a 35-person specialized search and rescue team with an embedded swift water rescue capability, a logistical support team and other specialized resources and personnel.
• The Missouri Department of Transportation is mobilizing additional resources to impacted areas of the state to assist with traffic control, signage and barricades for flooded and closed roadways.
• The Missouri Department of Natural Resources stands ready to assist communities that sustain storm damage with managing their debris and providing technical assistance to drinking water or wastewater facilities impacted by power failures or flooding. 

Missourians should remember these safety tips related to flash flooding and high water:

• Never drive on a flooded roadway, including low-water crossing and low bridges. More than half of people who die in flooding were in vehicles. A foot of water will float many vehicles. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles.
• Night-time flooding is the most dangerous, because low visibility means you can wind up in the water before you ever see it. Slow down!
• Never attempt to walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can knock you over.
• Follow the weather closely and follow safety instructions from local authorities. The NWS has said minor shifts in the weather system could cause rain totals to climb in.

For questions or immediate assistance, Missourians are encouraged to reach out to their city or county emergency management director.

For more information on road closures, visit the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Traveler Information Map. Real-time emergency information is also available by tuning to local radio and television stations across the state.

###

APRIL 4, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Kehoe announced a judicial appointment to the 21st Judicial Circuit.

Jeffery McPherson, of Webster Groves, was appointed as Circuit Judge in the 21st Judicial Circuit.

Mr. McPherson is a partner at Armstrong Teasdale LLP. He earned his Juris Doctor from St. Louis University School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Southern Illinois University. In addition to his practice, McPherson currently serves on the Appellate Missouri Bar Association. McPherson will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Judge Virginia W. Lay to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District.

###

APRIL 2, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe requested that President Donald J. Trump approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance in a total of 28 counties in response to the severe storms and tornadoes that devastated Missouri March 14-15, claiming 13 lives and causing significant damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure.

“The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and local partners have been working in close coordination with FEMA to document damage in the areas impacted by these storms,” Governor Kehoe said. “Today, we are requesting a federal disaster declaration to support the affected communities and their recovery efforts. We are confident federal assistance will be forthcoming and greatly appreciate the critical work already being done by local response agencies and many volunteer partners to help Missourians in need.”

Based on the documented damage, Governor Kehoe is requesting FEMA Individual Assistance for the following 25 counties: Bollinger, Butler, Camden, Carter, Dunklin, Franklin, Howell, Iron, Jefferson, Laclede, Madison, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Pemiscot, Perry, Phelps, Pulaski, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Louis, Stoddard, Wayne, Webster, and Wright.

Individual Assistance would allow eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses.  

Based on the documented damage and emergency response costs, Governor Kehoe is also requesting FEMA Public Assistance for the following 20 counties: Bollinger, Butler, Callaway, Carter, Dunklin, Franklin, Howell, Iron, Madison, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Perry, Phelps, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, and Wayne.

If approved, Public Assistance would allow local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies to seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including repair and replacement of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure.

Joint damage assessments conducted by FEMA, SEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and local officials estimate more than $26.9 million in emergency response costs and damage to public infrastructure.

Several Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs), one-stop shops for recovery resources, were hosted March 25 – April 1 in Rolla, Hartville, West Plains, Van Buren, Popular Bluff, Doniphan, Piedmont, Perryville, Florissant, and Arnold. These MARCs served over 2,873 impacted individuals from 1,171 households. Due to the potential for severe weather, the MARC previously scheduled to take place at Eagles Hall in Pacific (707 W. Congress St.) has been rescheduled to Wednesday, April 9 from 1-7 p.m.

Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, please visit recovery.mo.gov.

###

APRIL 2, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed Executive Order 25-21 activating the Missouri National Guard to assist with response efforts for ongoing and forecasted severe storm systems that have caused, or have the potential to cause, damage resulting from tornadoes, straight line winds, large hail, heavy rains, flooding and flash flooding, impacting communities throughout the State of Missouri.

"As we face the ongoing threat of severe weather, this executive order allows us to mobilize the necessary resources and personnel to support our communities, protect lives and property, and ensure a swift response to any emergencies that arise," Governor Kehoe said. "We ask that all Missourians be proactive, stay aware, and use extreme caution during these potentially dangerous weather events."

Governor Kehoe first declared a State of Emergency on March 14, 2025, through Executive Order 25-19 in preparation for severe weather.

Executive Order 25-21 will expire on April 14, 2025, unless otherwise terminated or extended. To view the Order, please click here.

###

MARCH 31, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced six appointments to various boards and commissions and the appointment of the Andrew County Circuit Clerk.

Tannah Buhman, of St. Joseph, was appointed as the Andrew County Circuit Clerk.

Ms. Buhman is currently serving as the interim circuit clerk for the Andrew County Circuit Court having been appointed by the Presiding Judge after a year as deputy court clerk. She previously worked as a patient care representative for Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, Missouri, and holds certifications as a Certified Nurse Assistant and Certified Medication Technician.

Paul Fitzwater, of Potosi, was appointed to the Missouri Sentencing Advisory Commission.

Mr. Fitzwater currently serves as a member of the Board of Probation and Parole and is a former state representative for Iron, Washington, Wayne, and Reynolds counties. Before entering public service, he owned and operated Fitzwater and Son Concrete Contracting. Fitzwater is also a retired teacher and coach with nearly 30 years of experience in education. He is an active member of several organizations including the National Rifle Association and the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Fitzwater earned his bachelor's degree in education from Tarkio College.

Matthew Haase, of Kansas City, was appointed to the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority.

Mr. Haase is currently the director of strategic relations for Kansas City University, having previously served as the senior director of external relations at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Haas dedicated 18 years to public service under the leadership of former U.S. Senator Roy Blunt as a senior legislative assistant in his congressional office and later as a state director in his Senate office. He was appointed to the 16th Circuit Judicial Commission by Governor Parson and currently serves on the Local Investment Commission. Mr. Haase earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics from Missouri State University in Springfield.

Steven Oslica, of St. Louis, was appointed to the Missouri Community Service Commission.

Mr. Oslica is a business consultant based in St. Louis. He previously served as executive director of the Hawthorn Foundation for Missouri, which helps to fund the sitting governor's economic development priorities and assists in improving state operation efficiencies. His career includes over 30 years in oil and gas construction materials as a global marketing director for Pittsburgh Corning Corporation and the director of international business for H.B. Fuller. Osclica currently serves on the Board of Trustees for Culver-Stockton College and Board of Advisors for Love the Lou. Mr. Oslica earned his bachelor's degree in history and political science from Culver-Stockton College.  

Victor Pasley, of Columbia, was reappointed to the Lincoln University Board of Curators.

Mr. Pasley retired from Xerox Corporation in 2010 after a 32-year career as a member of its executive team. Prior to his corporate career, he worked as an instructor and assistant principal in Elgin Public Schools and served as a Captain in the United States Army, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. He has served on the Lincoln University Board of Curators since 2019. Mr. Pasley earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Lincoln University, a Master of Science in Education from Northern Illinois University, and completed the Professional Management Development Program at Harvard Business School.

Richard Popp, of Tebbetts, was reappointed to the Lincoln University Board of Curators.

Mr. Popp is a retired Executive Vice President of Central Bank, where he was employed for 37 years. He is a member of the Missouri Bar Association and Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Popp has served as a member of the Lincoln University Board of Curators for six years. He holds two degrees from the University of Missouri: accounting and plant science. He also earned his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School in 1977.

John M. Raines, of Senath, was appointed to the University of Missouri Board of Curators.

Mr. Raines' leadership in agriculture and food spans nearly four decades, most recently retiring as president of TELUS Ag & Consumer Goods. Prior to TELUS, Raines served as the chief commercial officer at The Climate Corporation, now part of Bayer, a leading global provider of agricultural products. Raines serves on the board of directors for several companies including FMC Corporation, Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners, and TPNB Bank, as well as the advisory board for the University of Missouri Fisher Delta Research, Extension and Education Center. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Missouri in Columbia.

###

MARCH 28, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Kehoe appointed a new Associate Circuit Judge to the 32^ndJudicial Circuit.

Amy Trueblood, of Cape Girardeau, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for Cape Girardeau County in the 32^nd Judicial Circuit.

Mrs. Trueblood earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Arts in environmental science and public policy and economics from Harvard University. She is licensed to practice law in Virginia, Illinois, and Missouri. Mrs. Trueblood currently serves as a judicial law clerk to Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh for the United States District Court in Cape Girardeau. In addition to her legal career, she is an active member of the Federalist Society, Harvard Club of St. Louis, and the Cape Girardeau County Bar Association. Mrs. Trueblood also served on the Cape Girardeau Public Library Board of Trustees, including terms as President and Vice President.

###

MARCH 26, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, during a bill signing ceremony at the Missouri State Capitol, Governor Mike Kehoe signed House Bill (HB) 495 into law. Governor Kehoe was joined by the sponsors of the bill, Representative Brad Christ, and Senators Nick Schroer and Travis Fitzwater.

Also in attendance for the signing was Attorney General Andrew Bailey, Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Mark James, Missouri State Highway Patrol Colonel Michael Turner, and leaders from statewide law enforcement associations, including the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police, Missouri State Troopers Association, Missouri Police Chiefs Association, the Missouri Sheriffs Association, and the Ethical Society of Police.

"We thank the Missouri General Assembly and the bill sponsors for prioritizing public safety and getting this legislation to my desk so quickly this session," said Governor Mike Kehoe. "In addition to establishing a citizen board to oversee the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, HB 495 benefits law enforcement across our state with tools they need to crack down on crime and illegal immigration."

Developed in close collaboration with law enforcement partners and representatives across all levels of law enforcement in the state, Governor Kehoe's Safer Missouri initiative includes HB 495, budget priorities, and the executive orders signed on day one of the Kehoe Administration.

Governor Kehoe will hold a ceremonial bill signing of HB 495 tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. at the Saint Louis Police Officers Association, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 68 (3710 Hampton Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63109.)

For more information on HB 495, click here.

###

MARCH 24, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced seven appointments to various boards.

Mason Bell, of Williamsville, was appointed to the Missouri Veterinary Medical Board.

Dr. Bell currently serves as the chief financial officer and veterinarian at Bell Veterinary Services, LLC DBA Hillcrest Animal Hospital. He is a member of several professional organizations including the American Veterinary Medical Association, Missouri Veterinary Medical Association, American Association of Beef Cattle Practitioners, American Association of Equine Practitioners, and the Society for Theriogenology. Dr. Bell earned his Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Oklahoma State University and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri-Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine.

Mark Ellebracht, of Excelsior Springs, was appointed to the Missouri Board of Probation and Parole.

Mr. Ellebracht is a principal partner at The Injury Council, a personal injury law firm in Clayton, Missouri. Ellebracht formerly served in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2017 to 2023 for District 17 and later worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney for Clay County. He also served as a squad leader for the United States Army. Mr. Ellebracht earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from William Jewell College and his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law in Columbia.

Marcy Hammerle, of Troy, was appointed to the Missouri Veterinary Medical Board.

Dr. Hammerle is an associate veterinarian at Elm Point Animal Hospital. She previously served as board chair and president of the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association and is an active member of the Missouri Veterinary Medical Foundation, Therapeutic Horsemanship Board, and the Greater St. Louis Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Hammerle earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri-Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine.

Jeremy Manley, of Springfield, was appointed to the State Board of Mediation.

Mr. Manley is the president and business representative of Teamsters Local 245. From 2017 to 2019, Manley served as a Democrat, Republican, Independent Voter Education (DRIVE) representative for International Brotherhood of Teamsters in Washington, D.C. Prior to working with Teamsters, Manley worked as a delivery driver for the United Parcel Service.

Michael Pfander, of Clever, was reappointed to the Missouri Veterinary Medical Board.

Dr. Pfander is a small animal veterinarian at Cottage Veterinary Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. He has served on the Missouri Veterinary Medical Board since 2012. Outside of veterinary medicine, Dr. Pfander also worked as an adjunct professor at Drury University from 1996 to 2012. He is a member of several professional organizations including the American Veterinary Medical Association, Missouri Veterinary Medical Association, Southwest Missouri Veterinary Medical Association, and the University of Missouri-Columbia Veterinary Medicine Alumni Association. Dr. Pfander earned his bachelor's degree in agriculture and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Christopher Rohlfing, of Fayette, was reappointed to the Missouri Veterinary Medical Board.

Mr. Rohlfing is the owner and operator of Production Agriculture. He has been a public member of the Missouri Veterinary Medical Board since 2014. Prior to starting his own business, Rohlfing worked as the member services manager at Boone Electric Cooperative before retiring after 33 years. He's also worked as an independent crop insurance agent since 1983. Mr. Rohlfing is as a member of the Deans Strategic Advisory Committee for the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Veterinary Medicine and is the president of the Howard County Farm Bureau. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Education from the University of Missouri-Columbia and his Master of Business Administration from William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri.

Rodney Schad, of Versailles, was appointed to the State Environmental Improvement and Energy Resources Authority.

Mr. Schad is the owner and operator of Schad Farm where he raises cattle, corn, soybeans, and wheat. He formerly represented the 115th District in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2005 to 2012 and later as the Morgan County Commissioner from 2012 to 2020. Schad is an active member of the First Christian Church of Versailles and the Missouri Farm Bureau. He also serves as a board member for several organizations, including Quality Industries, Show Me Christian Youth Home, Highland Mutual Insurance Company, and the Missouri Public Defender Commission.

###