SEPTEMBER 12, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced two appointments to fill county vacancies.

Christopher Kendall, of Farley, was appointed as the Platte County Treasurer.

Mr. Kendall currently serves as the interim Platte County Treasurer and pastor at the Salem Christian Church. He previously served as a controller at International Charolais Associates and bank consultant for Paladin, LLC. An engaged member of his community, he substitute teaches at West Platte R-II. Kendall received his bachelor’s in accounting from the University of Missouri – Kansas City and a master’s in ministry from Colorado Theological Seminar.

Michael Wulff, of Bethany, was appointed as the Putnam County Prosecuting Attorney.

Mr. Wulff currently serves as the Harrison County Prosecuting Attorney and is the owner and primary attorney at the private law firm, Office of Michael Wulff. He previously served as the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Harrison County. Wulff received his bachelor's in political science from the University of Missouri and his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law.

Following the Senate's adjournment sine die of the Second Extraordinary Session of the First Regular Session of the 103rd General Assembly earlier this afternoon, Governor Kehoe will begin to reappoint previously withdrawn interim gubernatorial appointments that require Senate confirmation next week.

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SEPTEMBER 9, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced the release of the Executive Order 25-15 Implementation Report, a key step toward modernizing Missouri's child care licensing system by reducing outdated, duplicative, or burdensome rules—while ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality for children.

"Missouri families deserve safe, reliable child care, and providers deserve a licensing system that is clear, practical, and efficient," said Governor Kehoe. "This report is a strong first step, but we know there is much more work to be done, which we expect to be done at business speed. Improving licensing is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to addressing Missouri's child care crisis, and we will continue to push forward until families have the access and options they need."

Under the direction of Governor Kehoe's executive order announced during his first State of the State Address in January, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) reviewed more than 1,400 child care licensing rules and identified 177 requirements—over 10%—that are outdated, duplicative, or unnecessary. Once removed, this would reduce family child care home requirements by 11.6% and child care center requirements by 12.17%, exceeding the Governor's 10% reduction goal.

The review also found that more than half of all licensing rules are repeated across family homes, group homes, and centers. To address this, DESE plans to:

• Consolidate the rules into a single, unified book that clearly outlines general requirements for all providers and distinguishes those specific to each type of facility.
• Create a separate set of rules for school-age-only programs, which operate differently from early childhood care providers.

"This review is an opportunity to modernize child care licensing in Missouri, and I'd like to thank our stakeholders for their hard work in helping us identify areas for improvement," said Commissioner Karla Eslinger, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. "We've made important progress, but this is only the beginning. Families, providers, DESE, and legislators must continue working together to address the child care shortage and build a stronger system for the future."

The implementation of EO 25-15 demonstrates Missouri's commitment to reducing regulatory burdens on child care providers, supporting working families, and laying the groundwork for long-term solutions. Using this review, DESE will now work to revise the state's child care licensing rules through the formal rule rewriting process.

For more information on child care licensing and regulation, click here.

• EO 25-15 DESE Implementation Report.pdf

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SEPTEMBER 5, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced a judicial appointment to the 35th Judicial Circuit.

Beth "LeAnn" Below, of Parma, was appointed as the Associate Circuit Judge for Stoddard County in the 35th Judicial Circuit.

Ms. Below is the first assistant prosecutor in the Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and previously served as an assistant prosecuting attorney and juvenile attorney for the Pemiscot County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. She received her Juris Doctor from the Mississippi College School of Law and holds a bachelor's degree in mass communications and public relations from Southeast Missouri State University. Ryan will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Joe Satterfield.

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SEPTEMBER 8, 2025

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Kehoe has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome to shine orange beginning at sunrise on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, until sunrise on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, in recognition of September as Hunger Action Month.

“This month, we are proud to promote Missouri’s six incredible food banks that are truly on the frontlines of fighting the food insecurity that impacts every region of our state,” Governor Kehoe said. “Claudia and I hope that you will join us in raising awareness on hunger in Missouri and supporting your local Missouri Food Bank by donating, volunteering, or spreading the word on ways to take action. Together, we can end hunger in our state.”

The lighting of the dome was done in coordination with Feeding Missouri, a coalition of the six Missouri Food Banks working to provide hunger relief to all of Missouri's 114 counties and the City of St. Louis. Orange is the national color of hunger awareness and hunger relief. It is used each September to unify actions across the country during Hunger Action Month, and as a visible reminder that hunger affects every community. More than one million individuals in Missouri rely on food provided by the Feeding Missouri members annually. For more information on Feeding Missouri and its ongoing efforts to end hunger, visit feedingmissouri.org.

“Lighting the dome orange is a powerful visual reminder that hunger is closer to home than many realize,”Leigh Anne Haun, Executive Director, Feeding Missouri, said. “We thank the Governor and Mrs. Kehoe not just for this symbolic gesture, but for their willingness to roll up their sleeves and stand with farmers, students, and volunteers to strengthen Missouri’s communities.”

Photos of the Capitol lighted orange will be available on Governor Kehoe's Flickr Page. 

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AUGUST 29, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced that he has issued a proclamation to convene the General Assembly for a special session to enact legislation establishing updated congressional districts for the State of Missouri and amending the state’s initiative petition process.

The One Hundred Third General Assembly will convene for the Second Extraordinary Session of the First Regular Session in Jefferson City on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 12:00 p.m.

“Today, I am calling on the General Assembly to take action on congressional redistricting and initiative petition reform to ensure our districts and Constitution truly put Missouri values first,” said Governor Kehoe. “This is about clarity for voters and ownership of our future, and I hope the legislature will work together to pass our Missouri First Map and critically needed IP reform.”

To establish updated congressional districts for the State of Missouri, Governor Kehoe unveiled the Missouri First Map, a more compact, contiguous proposed map that was drawn and created by his team in Missouri to be considered by the General Assembly.

Highlights of the Missouri First Map:

• Splits fewer counties and municipalities than the current map.
• Preserves 2 congressional districts as currently drawn.
• Retains every current member of Missouri’s congressional delegation in their current districts.

To view images of the map, click here.

“Missourians are more alike than we are different, and our Missouri values, across both sides of the aisle, are closer to each other than those of the extreme Left representation of New York, California, and Illinois,” said Governor Kehoe. “Missouri’s conservative, common-sense values should be truly represented at all levels of government, and the Missouri First Map delivers just that.”

Governor Kehoe’s call also includes enacting legislation to amend the state’s initiative petition process with legislation that does the following:

• Bans foreign nationals from contributing to committees for or against a statewide ballot measure.
• Establishes a criminal election offense for fraudulently signing or gathering signatures for a statewide ballot measure.
• Provides that a statewide ballot measure be passed only if a majority of voters statewide and a majority of voters in each congressional district vote to adopt the proposed measure.
• Requires that before a statewide ballot measure is certified for signatures to be gathered, there shall be an opportunity for public comment.
• Requires that the full text of a statewide ballot measure be printed and available to voters at all election sites and polling places.
   

“For far too long, Missouri’s Constitution has been the victim of out-of-state special interests who deceive voters to pass out-of-touch policies,” said Governor Kehoe. “It's time we give voters a chance to protect our Constitution.”

To view Governor Kehoe's video announcement on the special session, click here.

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AUGUST 29, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, in honor of Missouri State Representative Kenneth "Ken" Waller, 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, August 30, 2025, from sunrise to sunset.

"Representative Waller was a man of faith, family, and integrity, and his public service reflected those values," Governor Kehoe said. "Ken represented the citizens of Jefferson County well through both county positions and in his service in the State Capitol. Claudia and I join the family, friends, loved ones, and General Assembly colleagues of Representative Waller in remembering a great man and public servant."

On August 24, Representative Waller, 63, passed away in his residence after suffering a medical emergency.

The flags will be held at half-staff on the day Representative Waller is laid to rest. To view the Governor’s proclamation, click here.

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AUGUST 22, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced nine appointments to various boards and commissions.

LeAndra Beauford, of St. Joseph, was appointed to the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council.

Ms. Beauford is a family navigation manager for Progressive Community Services and a certified family support provider. She previously served as a substitute teacher in the St. Joseph School District. Beauford received a certificate in legal studies from Missouri Western State University.

Shawn Foster, of Lee's Summit, was reappointed to the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority.

Mr. Foster is a shareholder and attorney at Preuss | Foster Law and an adjunct professor at the University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC). He is also an active member of several boards and organizations, including the Missouri State Fair Foundation, the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, the Family and Community Trust, and the Lee’s Summit Soccer Association. Foster received his Juris Doctor from the UMKC School of Law.

Dr. Kelly Frisella, of Lake Ozark, was appointed to the State Board of Optometry.

Dr. Frisella is the owner and founder of The Solution Center in Osage Beach. She is an active member in her community, serving as a member of the American Optometric Association, Women of Vision, and the Columbia Chamber of Commerce. Frisella earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee.

Frank Kruse, of Smithville, was appointed to the Conservation Commission.

Mr. Kruse is the president of Martin Hill Advisors. He previously served as the vice-president of business development and marketing for Sekisui XenoTech LLC. Kruse is a member of several conservation organizations, including the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, and Johnny Morris Institute of Fisheries. He previously served as an international marketing representative for the Missouri Department of Agriculture.  Kruse holds a master’s degree in economics from North Carolina State University.

Justin McCarty, of Fair Grove, was appointed to the Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Rules.

Mr. McCarty currently works in business development at Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 178.  He previously served as a superintendent at Utility Systems Solutions and is an active member in his community, serving as the president of the Springfield Central Labor Council. McCarty holds advanced certifications in pipefitting and welding.

Nadiya Al-Noor, of Columbia, was appointed to the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council.

Ms. Al-Noor is a substitute paraprofessional working in special education and previously worked as an education coordinator at Services for Independent Living. She previously served as a member of the American College Personnel Association and Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. Al-Noor earned a Master of Science in Student Affairs Administration and a Master of Public Administration from Binghamton University.

Ashley Showalter, of Cape Girardeau, was appointed to the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council.

Ms. Showalter, is a clinical coordinator for Southeastern Missouri AHEC. She previously served as an executive assistant for Blue Sky Community Services. She previously served as a director and secretary of Autism Awareness of Southeast Missouri and is currently the secretary and volunteer coordinator for Autism society of Southern Illinois. Showalter attended Southern Illinois University – Carbondale.

Timothy “Scott” Steelman-Rhoden, of Springfield, was appointed to the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council.

Mr. Steelman-Rhoden is an inclusion educator for Abilities First and previously served as a teacher for Monarch Children’ Academy. He is an active member of his community, serving as a member and advisor for Good Life Group and Team Access. Mr. Rhoden earned a bachelor’s degree in general studies from Missouri State University.

Mark Sutherland, of Defiance, was appointed to the Tourism Commission.

Mr. Sutherland is the chief executive officer of Stone Ledge Spirits Company and previously served as the chief marketing officer of Missouri Partnership. He is an Honorable Consul of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland representing the British Government in Missouri. Sutherland holds a bachelors in global leadership from Washington University and a post-grad certificate marketing from King’s College London.

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AUGUST 19, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, during a press conference at the Missouri State Capitol, Governor Mike Kehoe announced his appointment of Catherine L. Hanaway as the next Attorney General for the State of Missouri. Hanaway’s appointment will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Attorney General Andrew Bailey as the Co-Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

“The role of Attorney General is incredibly significant for state government, serving as the chief legal officer of the state, and there is not a more qualified person to serve Missourians as our next Attorney General than Catherine Hanaway,” said Governor Kehoe. “A former U.S. Attorney, Catherine is a talented, trusted prosecutor who has a passion for enforcing the rule of law. Congratulations to Catherine Hanaway, Missouri’s 45th Attorney General.”

The first woman to hold the position in state history and the first major statewide office appointee of the Kehoe Administration, Hanaway will assume the role of Missouri Attorney General on September 8, 2025, when Attorney General Bailey is sworn in as Co-Deputy Director of the FBI.

“Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s appointment as the Co-Deputy Director of the FBI is another testament to President Trump’s commitment to enforcing law and order, as Andrew has been a fighter for our state and nation throughout his entire career,” said Governor Kehoe. “Although Missourians will miss Andrew’s strong leadership in the Attorney General’s Office, we know that he will serve Americans well at the FBI. Congratulations to Andrew and his family on this appointment.”

Hanaway currently serves as Partner at Husch Blackwell in St. Louis, where she has successfully handled complex legal issues in both state and federal court. Before leading the firm as the first woman Chair, she served as Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives, the only woman to ever hold this role.

Hanaway previously served as the chief federal law enforcement officer for the Eastern District of Missouri, U.S. Attorney, where she supervised more than 4,000 criminal, affirmative and defensive civil cases and personally tried cases to jury verdicts. She also supervised and assisted in the development of cutting-edge theories of criminal prosecution.

“I want to thank Governor Kehoe for this opportunity. It is a humbling honor to be selected for this role, and a duty I do not take lightly,” Hanaway said. “Attorney General Bailey has done an incredible job fighting for Missourians, and I am eager to get to work on behalf of Missourians to uphold the rule of law, protect the Constitution, and ensure a strong future for our state.”

Hanaway earned her Juris Doctor from The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Creighton University. Hanaway resides in St. Louis with her husband and is highly involved in community organizations including the Regional Business Council and the St. Louis Regional Crime Commission Board.

Photos from the press conference will be available on Governor Kehoe's Flickr page.

• Catherine Hanaway.jpg

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AUGUST 8, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced four appointments to the Child Abuse Neglect and Review Board.

Nicole Barrett, of Stockton, was appointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

Ms. Barrett is the chief juvenile officer for the 28th Judicial Circuit and owner of Barrett Law, LLC. Prior to opening her law firm, she worked as the managing attorney at Springfield Law Group, LLC. Barrett earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law and holds a certificate in dispute resolution.

Bridget Foster, of St. Louis, was appointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

Ms. Foster is a therapeutic foster parent providing trauma-informed support for the children in her care. She previously worked as a customer service senior for United Healthcare. She is an active member of the St. Louis Foster Care and Adoption and Vashon Alumni committees and previously served on the System of Care - St. Louis Board.

Stefanie Kaiser, of St. Peters, was appointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

Ms. Kaiser is a retired Saint Charles Police Department detective and previously served as the commercial sexual exploitation coordinator for the Child Advocacy Center of Northeast Missouri. She is a member of the Missouri Coalition to End Trafficking and Exploitation, the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, and the Missouri Polygraph Association. Kaiser holds Missouri Peace Officer Standards and Training certification.

Monica Walker, of Stewartsville, was reappointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

Ms. Walker is a lead employee relations specialist at American Family Insurance. An involved member of her community, she currently sits on the finance committee for Second Harvest and previously served as chair and treasurer for the board. Walker was president of the Stewartsville C-11 school board for eight years and has volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). 

AUGUST 7, 2025

Jefferson City — As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250^th birthday, today, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe proudly launched Show-Me America 250, a statewide initiative honoring the people, stories, and spirit that define our nation.

"The State of Missouri shares a critical piece in the story of America, from the Louisiana Purchase to our pivotal role in westward expansion," said Governor Kehoe. "As we approach this monumental 250^th anniversary, it is a perfect opportunity for us to reflect on our past, celebrate our present, and look forward to the future of our state and nation. We are excited to invite all Missourians to join us in this historic celebration."

Governor Kehoe officially launched the Show-Me America 250 during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Missouri State Fair, where he issued a proclamation declaring the fair a “Great American Fair” and kicked off the state’s role in President Donald Trump's national America 250 campaign. To view Governor Kehoe’s proclamation, click here.

Visitors of the Missouri State Fair can begin the celebration by taking in the drone show featuring the Show-Me America 250 logo or interact with the custom photo cutouts displayed across the fairgrounds for a chance to step into history.

The celebration will culminate on July 4, 2026, with the America 250 Missouri Commission overseeing programming and public engagement. Organized under three core pillars, the initiative aims to:

• Educate – Support civic education and patriotic learning in schools, with contests, curriculum tie-ins, and partnerships that prioritize activities related to the Charters of Freedom such as the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
• Engage – Encourage community involvement through patriotic events and activities such as veteran storytelling, flag programs, and community service challenges.
• Celebrate – Host public events to commemorate major milestones in our nation’s history including the 4^th of July, the Battle of Fort San Carlos, and the American Revolution.

The newly launched website, showme250.mo.gov, will serve as the central hub for information regarding the State of Missouri’s America 250 activities including upcoming events, relevant resources, and ways to get involved locally.  

About the America 250 Missouri Commission: The principal purpose of the America 250 Missouri Commission shall be to plan, promote, and implement where appropriate public celebrations and commemorations of the 250^th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026, and the 250^th anniversary of the United States of America

To contact the commission, email ShowMeAmerica250@oa.mo.gov.

• Eagle 250 coloring sheet color3.jpg
• Show-Me-America-250.png

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