Jefferson City

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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MARCH 21, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced three appointments to the Missouri Sentencing Advisory Council and the appointment of a new Atchison County Treasurer.

Roye Cole, of Rogersville, was appointed to the Missouri Sentencing Advisory Commission.

Mr. Cole has served as Sheriff of Webster County since 2008 and has been a certified police officer since 2003. He previously worked as a deputy juvenile officer for the State of Missouri and as a security guard at Drury University. Cole holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Criminology and a Master of Business Administration from Drury University, with expertise in leadership, management, and economics.

Amanda Grellner, of Linn, was appointed to the Missouri Sentencing Advisory Commission.

Ms. Grellner has served as the prosecuting attorney for Osage County since 2002. In addition to her prosecutorial work, Grellner has held leadership roles in various organizations such as the Community Health Center of Central Missouri, Missouri Association of Treatment Court Professionals, Rape and Abuse Crisis Service, and the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys. She holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Missouri and earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law.

Kurt D. Marquart, of Lee's Summit, was appointed to the Missouri Sentencing Advisory Commission.

Mr. Marquart is a retired attorney, and has operated a private law practice since 1991. Before practicing law, he served as a Missouri State Highway Patrolman. Marquart is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, Missouri Bar Association, and the Knights of Columbus. He also serves as a director for the Missouri Association of State Troopers Emergency Relief Society (MASTERS). He earned his Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement from Southeast Missouri State University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law.

Tasha Zach, of Rock Port, was appointed as the Atchison County Treasurer.

Ms. Zach is currently filling the vacant county treasurer position, having been appointed by the county commission in December of 2024. She previously served as an accounts payable deputy and the election deputy in the Atchison County clerk's office for over nine years. Ms. Zach holds an Office Information Systems Technology certificate from Iowa Western Community College.

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MARCH 20, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed Executive Order 25-20 in response to the severe weather that has impacted communities across Missouri. This order grants the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) discretionary authority to temporarily waive or suspend specific environmental rules and regulations to facilitate storm debris removal and recovery efforts.

"The recent storms have left widespread damage that requires a swift and coordinated response," said Governor Kehoe. "By signing this order, we are ensuring that local jurisdictions have the flexibility to expedite cleanup efforts while maintaining public safety and health."

The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has reported significant storm damage across multiple regions resulting in excessive debris accumulation from high winds and tornadoes. The waivers authorized under Executive Order 25-20 will help streamline debris disposal and recovery operations, reducing administrative delays. DNR has issued waivers that immediately apply to Missouri communities affected by the storm, covering the following areas:

• Disposal of yard waste and major appliances in sanitary landfills
• Burning of woody vegetation
• Asbestos abatement and demolition
• Discharge of wastewater

These temporary waivers will allow local and state agencies to act quickly, ensuring cleanup efforts proceed efficiently and without unnecessary regulatory delays.

This order will remain in effect until April 14, 2025, unless extended or otherwise modified. To view the order, click here.

To view the Notice of Waiver, see attached.

• DNR Notice of Waiver.pdf

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MARCH 20, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will participate in joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) of public infrastructure in 25 counties following the deadly tornadoes and severe storms that devastated much of Missouri March 14-15.

“These devastating storms and tornadoes not only destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses, but also severely impacted roads, bridges, and other critical public infrastructure,” Governor Kehoe said. “The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has been on the ground for several days helping local officials document damage, collect cost estimates and substantiate the need for federal Public Assistance. Initial damage reports clearly warrant a formal review by FEMA as part of the disaster declaration process.”

Joint PDAs are being requested for the following counties: Benton, Bollinger, Butler, Callaway, Carter, Dent, Dunklin, Franklin, Gentry, Howell, Iron, Madison, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Perry, Phelps, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Louis, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Wayne and Wright. Additional counties may be added as damage information is received from local officials.

Joint PDA teams are made up of representatives from FEMA, SEMA, and local emergency management officials. Beginning Tuesday, March 25, six teams will verify documented damage to determine if Public Assistance can be requested through FEMA. Public Assistance allows 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.

These PDAs will be in addition to those that began today for Individual Assistance, which allows eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles and other qualifying expenses.

Clean-up and recovery efforts are ongoing across the state, and the State Emergency Operations Center remains activated. SEMA continues to coordinate with local officials, other state agencies, and volunteer and faith-based partners to identify needs and assist impacted families and individuals. If you have damage, you should contact your insurance company and file a claim as soon as possible. Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs), one-stop shops for recovery resources, will be scheduled in the coming days.

Missourians in need of debris removal services can call the Crisis Cleanup Hotline at (844) 965-1386 to be connected with volunteers from local relief organizations and community and faith-based groups who may be able to assist. All services are free, though assistance is not guaranteed due to the overwhelming need. This hotline will remain active through Friday, March 28, 2025.

Individuals interested in helping those in need are encouraged to direct donations to trusted disaster relief organizations such as those found at National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. Financial contributions are the fastest and most flexible method of donating as it allows these organizations to quickly address urgent or emerging needs. If you wish to donate supplies, first check to see what items have been identified as high need and where.

Volunteer reception centers have been established at the two following locations:

• Phelps County (Rolla): 1001 S. Bishop, Rolla, MO 65401 | 9am – 5pm
• Perry County (Perryville): 800 City Park Dr, Perryville, MO 63775 | 8am – 5pm

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, visit recovery.mo.gov.

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MARCH 18, 2025

Jefferson City — JEFFERSON CITY – Today, Governor Mike Kehoe expanded his request to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for joint preliminary damage assessments (PDAs) for Individual Assistance to include Dunklin and Madison counties. Yesterday, the Governor requested that FEMA participate in joint PDAs in 23 counties following the March 14-15 severe storms that brought destruction to many parts of the state. The requests begin the process of obtaining federal disaster assistance.

“As local teams survey, confirm and tally the damage, the scale of the destruction to homes and communities is growing,” Governor Kehoe said. “Damage totals and emergency response costs received and reviewed late yesterday and today have led me to add Dunklin and Madison counties to the request to FEMA for joint preliminary damage assessments. I appreciate the emergency managers, officials and responders who are laboring 24/7 to meet people’s immediate needs while at the same time working to expedite the recovery of their communities.”    

Joint PDAs have now been requested 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.

Joint PDA teams are made up of representatives from FEMA, SEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and local emergency management officials. Beginning Thursday, March 20, six teams will survey and verify documented damage to determine if Individual Assistance can be requested through FEMA. Individual Assistance allows eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses.

Initial damage assessments now estimate approximately 369 houses were destroyed, 366 sustained major damage and over 1,000 have minor damage. Damage assessments for roads, bridges and other public infrastructure are ongoing, likely resulting in a request for additional PDAs for Public Assistance later this week. Requests for additional PDAs could be made if local officials become aware of significantly more damage.

Outages continue to decrease as power is restored. As of 11 a.m., fewer than 8,000 customers remained without power. The State Emergency Operations Center remains activated to assist in Missouri’s response and recovery.  

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, visit recovery.mo.gov.

MARCH 17, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced the state has requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) participate in joint preliminary damage assessments (PDAs) for Individual Assistance in 23 counties following the severe storms and deadly tornadoes that devastated Missouri March 14-15. This request begins the process of obtaining federal disaster assistance.

"As I observed during my visit to impacted areas this weekend, these storms and tornadoes caused widespread, devastating destruction and disrupted the lives of families and business across the Missouri," said Governor Kehoe. "The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has been working closely with local emergency management officials, and we are confident the damage meets the threshold for FEMA to participate in joint damage assessments."

Joint PDAs are being requested for the following counties: Bollinger, Butler, Camden, Carter, Franklin, Howell, Iron, Jefferson, Laclede, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Pemiscot, Perry, Phelps, Pulaski, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Louis, Stoddard, Wayne, Webster, and Wright.

Joint PDA teams are made up of representatives from FEMA, SEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and local emergency management officials. Beginning Thursday, March 20, six teams will survey and verify documented damage to determine if Individual Assistance can be requested through FEMA. Individual Assistance allows eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses.

Initial damage assessments estimate approximately 368 houses were destroyed, 356 with major damageand 1,058 with minor damage. Damage assessments for roads, bridges and other public infrastructure are ongoing, likely resulting in a request for additional PDAs for Public Assistance later this week.

The National Weather Service (NWS) continues to survey damage and debris patterns to determine the total number and strength of tornadoes. NWS has preliminarily confirmed the following 12 tornadoes as of March 16:

EF1: Franklin County (Elmont to Union)

EF1: Jefferson County (Klondike Rd)

EF1: Webster County (near Seymour)

EF1: Oregon County (near Rover)

EF2: Franklin/St. Louis counties (Villa Ridge to Fox Creek)

EF2: Jefferson County (Hillsboro to Arnold)

EF2: St. Louis County (Bridgeton)

EF2: Phelps County (Doolittle to Rolla)

EF2: Dunklin/Pemiscot counties

EF3: Iron County (Des Arc)

EF3: Butler County (Poplar Bluff)

EF3: Ozark County (Bakersfield)

Outages continue to decrease as power is restored. As of 6:00 p.m., fewer than 13,000 customers remained without power – down from 47,000 at 2 p.m. Sunday. The State Emergency Operations Center remains activated to assist in the recovery process, assess ongoing needs and coordinate resources as requested by local partners and emergency management.

Volunteer and faith-based organizations also continue to support response efforts and provide support services to those in need. The Red Cross of Missouri continues to provide meals and emergency supplies and operate shelters. Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief is assisting individuals and families with debris removal. Convoy of Hope is providing water and other emergency supplies, and the Salvation Army also continues to provide meals to those in impacted counties.

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, visit recovery.mo.gov.

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MARCH 17, 2025

Jefferson City — Following the devastating storms that struck Missouri on March 14, 2025, Governor Mike Kehoe and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) took immediate action to support impacted school districts and ensure students can safely return to the classroom as soon as possible.

Early assessments show the storm impacted nearly two dozen school districts, with many sustaining damage to buildings, including:

• Significant power loss
• Major structural damage
• Temporary or potential long-term displacement of students and educators

“While I am disheartened to see the damage that a number of Missouri schools faced from Friday night’s storm, I am incredibly grateful that these storms did not hit while school was in session,” said Governor Kehoe. “Now that the storms have passed and we are turning our attention to recovery, we must prioritize ensuring our children can safely return to school to continue their education and prevent any academic delays.”

As part of this response, DESE is working closely with impacted school districts as they identify alternative education sites and work to secure transportation for students. The department is also working to ensure impacted districts are not financially penalized under the state education foundation formula for days they are unable to operate.

“We began working on this issue early Saturday morning and have been in close contact with Governor Kehoe since the very beginning,” said Commissioner Karla Eslinger. “Our top priority is ensuring students and educators can safely return to learning environments. I am speaking directly to impacted school leaders to ensure we’re making rapid progress to help schools recover. We appreciate Governor Kehoe’s leadership and support during these challenges.”

School districts are encouraged to contact their DESE Area Supervisor of Instruction to report needs or request assistance.

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