Governor Kehoe Orders Capitol Dome Lighted Red, White, and Blue in Honor of the U.S. Marine Corps' 250th Birthday
NOVEMBER 7, 2025
Jefferson City — In celebration of the U.S. Marine Corps' 250th birthday, Governor Mike Kehoe has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome to shine red, white, and blue, beginning at sunrise on Monday, November 10, 2025, until sunrise on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. The lighting pays tribute to generations of Marines who have served our nation with courage, honor, and unwavering commitment to the United States of America.
"For 250 years, the United States Marine Corps has stood as a symbol of unmatched courage, discipline, and devotion to our nation," said Governor Kehoe. "Lighting the Capitol dome red, white, and blue is a promise that Missouri will never forget the valor of this elite force whose courage and character have shaped the very course of our nation's history."
Events commemorating the Marine Corps' 250th birthday will take place statewide, including gatherings hosted by veterans' organization and community partners. Missourians are encouraged to participate in these celebrations to honor past, present, and future Marines.
Photos of the Capitol lighted red, white, and blue will be available on Governor Kehoe’s Flickr page.
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Governor Kehoe Announces Three Gubernatorial Appointments
NOVEMBER 7, 2025
Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced three gubernatorial appointments to various boards and commissions.
Stephanie Dooley, of St. Louis, was appointed to the Missouri Ethics Commission.
Ms. Dooley has served as the director of admission and placement at City Academy Elementary School for over a decade. In addition to her professional career, she is also a member of the regional disciplinary committee for the Supreme Court of Missouri. Dooley earned her bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and a Master of Business Administration from Webster University.
Melinda Robertson, of Bolivar, was appointed to the Missouri Ethics Commission.
Ms. Robertson is a seasoned government professional with nearly 30 years of experience serving as county clerk and south associate commissioner for Polk County. After retiring in 2024, she now works as a part-time tax and bookkeeping clerk at Winfield Tax Service. Robertson previously served on the Missouri Judicial Finance Commission.
Erwin "Erv" Switzer, of St. Louis, was reappointed to the Missouri Technology Corporation.
Mr. Switzer is a partner and assistant general counsel at UB Greensfelder. He previously served on the advisory board for former Attorney General Josh Hawley's Military Legal Assistant Team. He is a member of several organizations, including the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, the American Bar Association, and FOCUS St. Louis. Switzer earned his bachelor's degree in political science and his law degree from St. Louis University.
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Governor Kehoe Announces Judicial Appointment
NOVEMBER 7, 2025
Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced a judicial appointment to the 25thJudicial Circuit.
Zachary Armfield, of Rolla, was appointed as a Circuit Judge in the 25th Judicial Circuit.
Mr. Armfield currently serves as the assistant prosecuting attorney for Pulaski County, handling assault, domestic assault, and other kinds of violent crime cases. He previously worked as a senior public defender for the State of Missouri in Rolla. In addition to his professional career, he is an active member of the Rolla Lions’ Club. He earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Duke University and his law degree from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis. Armfield will fill a new position created by the General Assembly.
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Governor Kehoe Announces Submission of Missouri's Rural Health Transformation Plan
NOVEMBER 5, 2025
Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe and the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) announced the State of Missouri has submitted its Rural Health Transformation (RHT) plan to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Missouri's bold, transformative plan for rural healthcare, completed in coordination with the Governor's Office, state agencies, and key healthcare stakeholders, is designed to increase access, improve quality, enhance care coordination, and incentivize long-term sustainability to create a healthcare ecosystem that will support Missouri's rural communities for generations to come.
“We appreciate the Trump Administration's focus on strengthening rural communities and creating this historic funding opportunity through the One Big Beautiful Bill,” said Governor Kehoe. “Missouri's Rural Health Transformation plan is a collaborative effort that will be embedded into every facet of our healthcare system, creating a lasting impact for future generations of rural Missourians.”
Key elements of Missouri's RHT plan include:
- Improving healthcare access for rural Missourians by connecting providers, pharmacies, public health agencies, at-home resources, and digital health tools through a unified, regional network.
- Expanding access to primary care, behavioral health, and maternity services in rural communities while strengthening specialty and complex care through telehealth and patient-focused technology.
- Enhancing rural provider sustainability by increasing collaboration among local partners to advance technology, operations, and care delivery, and incentivizing better health outcomes through shared savings of avoidable healthcare costs.
DSS, through its MO HealthNet Division, is leading the state's application effort in close collaboration with the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and the Department of Mental Health (DMH).
“Our department was proud to collaborate across state agencies and with key stakeholders to craft this bold plan,” said Director Jess Bax, Missouri DSS. “We look forward to continuing our work to support Missourians with this historic funding opportunity that will change the landscape of healthcare access and outcomes for rural Missourians.”
CMS will review each state's proposal and notify awardees by December 31, 2025. The funding will be distributed in the form of a cooperative agreement over the next five years.
Governor Kehoe's letter to CMS Administrator Dr. Oz in support of Missouri's plan can be read at this link. For more information on Missouri's RHT plan, please visit DSS's website.
For more information on CMS' Rural Health Transformation Program, visit this link.
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Governor Kehoe Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Former U.S. Vice President Richard "Dick" Cheney
NOVEMBER 4, 2025
Jefferson City — Today, in honor of former U.S. Vice President Richard "Dick" Cheney and in accordance with 4 U.S. Code §7, Governor Mike Kehoe ordered that U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at all government buildings in the State of Missouri, beginning today and continuing through the day of the former vice president's interment, which has yet to be announced.
"Vice President Cheney devoted his life to serving our nation with honor and distinction," Governor Kehoe said. "Throughout his decades of public service, he exemplified unwavering commitment to the United States' security and prosperity. In recognition of his long and distinguished career, we honor his life of service by lowering the flags across Missouri."
Cheney’s career in public service spanned more than four decades. He served as White House Chief of Staff under President Gerald Ford, represented Wyoming in the U.S. House of Representatives, and later served as Secretary of Defense under President George H.W. Bush. From 2001 to 2009, he was Vice President of the United States under President George W. Bush.
On November 3, former Vice President Cheney, 84, passed away due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease.
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Governor Kehoe Announces Expedited Appropriations for Food Assistance as Democrat-led Federal Government Shutdown Continues
OCTOBER 29, 2025
Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced additional steps his administration is taking to expedite food assistance for at-risk Missourians, given the impending loss of November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the Democrat-led federal government shutdown.
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. The Missouri Department of Social Services stands ready to issue November SNAP benefits as soon as possible once the federal government is reopened.
“Democrats in Washington continue to hold the federal government hostage for political leverage, leaving Missouri's most vulnerable uncertain if they will have food on the table next month,” said Governor Kehoe. “While the State of Missouri cannot fully replace federal SNAP benefits for those who rely on them, we are working to expedite additional funding sources to assist Missouri's senior population and food banks.”
Governor Kehoe has directed a full $10.6 million fund transfer from the Senior Services Growth and Development Fund to Missouri Area Agencies on Aging. This funding will be critical in supporting Missouri’s Area Agencies on Aging in providing meals to seniors.
Additionally, Governor Kehoe has ordered a $5 million distribution to Missouri food banks using Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funding. This action takes the place of a regular appropriation typically issued later in the year but is being issued now given an increase in need due the loss of SNAP benefits.
Missourians in need of food assistance or looking to volunteer or donate are directed to Feeding Missouri – a coalition of six Missouri Food Banks working to provide hunger relief to every county in the state.
WIC Program Update
WIC benefits will be available for redemption in Missouri into November. WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, administered in Missouri by the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and federally funded by the USDA, Food and Nutrition Service. WIC provides quality nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support, nutritious foods, and referrals to health services to qualifying individuals.
WIC families are encouraged to continue to attend appointments and redeem benefits using their WIC cards until further notice.
Missouri WIC will continue to monitor funding availability each day as the federal government shutdown continues. Retailers and participants will be notified should a pause in benefit redemption become necessary in the latter half of the month. Visit wic.mo.gov for updates.
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Governor Kehoe Announces Six Gubernatorial Appointments
OCTOBER 29, 2025
Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced appointments to fill one county office vacancy and five appointments to various boards and commissions.
Jami Adams, of Springfield, was appointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.
Ms. Adams is a former school counseling professional with extensive experience in student advocacy and child development. She currently works as a manager at Evolution Fitness in Ozark and previously worked for Monett Public Schools. She was also the director of school counseling for the Greenfield School District. Adams earned her bachelor's degree in business administration and her Master of Science in School Counseling from Evangel University in Springfield.
Dr. Dawn Heizman, of Kansas City, was appointed to the Missouri Board of Registration for the Healing Arts.
Dr. Heizman is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and department chair at NKC Health. She is a member of several organizations and committees, including NKC Health's Executive OB Simulation and Advanced Practice Professional committees, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Heizman attended a six-year program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, where she earned dual bachelor's and medical degrees.
Dr. Rolfe McCoy, of Chillicothe, was appointed to the Missouri Dental Board.
Dr. McCoy is a partner and dentist at McCoy Samples Mattingly Dental Clinic. In addition to his practice, he serves as the chairman and a trainer of the Missouri Dental Association's Expanded Function Dental Assistant program and teaches for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) Office of Dental Health pilot program in long-term care facilities. He is an active member of his community, serving on the Chillicothe Arts Council, the Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce, the Chillicothe Board of Public Works, and is a member of the Chillicothe Rotary Club. McCoy earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Washington University in St. Louis.
James Morris, of Jasper, was appointed as the Jasper County Easter District Commissioner.
Mr. Morris is the bookkeeper for Jim Morris Roofing and Remodeling and the owner of Light of Faith Resources. He previously worked as an independent contractor for Classical Conversations – Joplin South. In addition to his professional career, he currently serves on the Jasper County Republican Central Committee, volunteers as an athletic director and coach for Carthage Area Christian Athletes, and leads a youth group at Prairie Flower Bible Church. Morris earned his diploma in crisis response from the International ALERT Academy.
Jason Pounds, of Houston, was appointed to the Holocaust Education and Awareness Commission.
Mr. Pounds is an english teacher for the Houston R-1 School District and has taught subjects including American history, American government, World War II, the Holocaust, early American history, and modern American history. He holds a social science career teaching certificate and an English 9-12 career teaching certificate. Pounds earned his bachelor's degree in history from Columbia College, a master's degree in history from the University of Nebraska-Kearney, and a master's degree in holocaust and genocide studies from Gratz College in Pennsylvania.
Reuben Shelton, of Chesterfield, was appointed to the Harris-Stowe State University Board of Regents.
Mr. Shelton served as the lead litigation counsel for the Monsanto Company before his retirement in 2016. He previously served as special chief counsel for the Missouri Attorney General's Office. He is an active member of the United Way of Greater St. Louis and previously served as a member of the Children's Hospital Development Board, the Lincoln University Board of Curators, and president of the Missouri Bar Association. Shelton holds a Master of Business Administration from Washington University and received his Juris Doctor from St. Louis University School of Law.
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Governor Kehoe Provides Update on Federal Government Shutdown Impact on Missourians
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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Governor Kehoe Announces Judicial Appointment
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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Governor Kehoe Announces Six Gubernatorial Appointments
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.
Mr. Boulware is the managing partner of Boulware Law LLC. With more than 20 years of legal experience, he has held several previous positions, including serving as a clerk for the Missouri Supreme Court and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri. An engaged member of his community, he currently serves on the Committee for County Progress in Jackson County and previously sat on the boards of St. Paul's Episcopal Day School, the Midwest Housing Advisory Board, and the Missouri Gaming Commission. Boulware earned his law degree from American University Washington College of Law.
Shannon Covington, of Lake St. Louis, was appointed to the Missouri Dental Board.
Ms. Covington is the director of dental training and development at Compass Health Network in Wentzville. Prior to her current role, she worked as a dental hygienist for several employers, including Compass Health, the Lincoln County Health Department, Deer Creek Dental, and L.J. Ortman Dental. Covington is a board-certified dental hygienist with an associate's degree in dental hygiene and a diploma in dental assisting from Missouri College.
Julie Leicht, of Webster Groves, was appointed to the Missouri Ethics Commission.
Ms. Leicht previously served as the democrat deputy director for the St. Louis County Board of Elections. She has been an active member in state and local government, serving as a member of the Missouri Association of County Clerks and Election Authorities, executive director of the Children's Service Fund, and director of Citizens for Missouri's Children. Leicht earned a master's degree in public administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Dr. Calvin Mott, of Rolla, was appointed to the Missouri Dental Board.
Dr. Mott is a general dentist at Mott Family Dental in Rolla. In addition to his professional career, he is a fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and a member of the American Dental Association, the Missouri Dental Association, the Central Dental Society, and the St. Louis Dental Society. Mott earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Arkansas and his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in Louisville, Kentucky.
Christy Techau-Dover, of Laclede, was appointed as the Linn County Assessor.
Ms. Techau-Dover currently serves as the Linn County Interim Assessor and previously served as the chief deputy assessor for the county. Techau-Dover earned her associate's degree in human services from Columbia College.
Dr. Jennifer Tinnel, of Kansas City, was reappointed to the Missouri Dental Board.
Dr. Tinnel is an associate dentist at Platte Valley Dental Care. She continues to serve her community as the president of the Missouri Dental Board and is an active member of several organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Greater Kansas City Dental Society. Tinnel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Policy from the University of Kansas and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
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