OCTOBER 20, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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OCTOBER 13, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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OCTOBER 10, 2025

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

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

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

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OCTOBER 10, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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OCTOBER 8, 2025

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

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

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

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

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OCTOBER 3, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

The working group's review also includes recommendations to:

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

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

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

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

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OCTOBER 3, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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OCTOBER 3, 2025

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

Paul Boyd, of Columbia, was appointed as the Montgomery County Prosecuting Attorney.

Mr. Boyd currently serves as the violent crimes team lead for the Boone County Prosecutor's Office and previously served as a counterdrug coordinator and military judge for the Missouri National Guard before retiring after more than 20 years of service. He is a current member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars service organization, the National Guard Association of the United States, and the Missouri Bar Association. Boyd earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from Southwest Missouri State University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law.

Rebbeca Minks, of Warsaw, was appointed as the Benton County Treasurer.

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OCTOBER 3, 2025

Jefferson City — In honor of Missouri's fallen firefighters, Governor Mike Kehoe has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome to shine red, beginning at sunset on Saturday, October 4, 2025, until sunrise on Sunday, October 5, 2025, the days during which annual ceremonies will be held honoring Missouri firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice for their service.

“We will always honor and remember the brave, selfless firefighters who gave their lives to protect their fellow Missourians as well as their family members who carry on with steadfast resolve,” Governor Kehoe said. “We light the Capitol Dome red in continuing appreciation of the more than 400 firefighters who made their ultimate sacrifice for their dedication to protecting others.”

On Saturday, October 4, at 7:00 p.m., the Fire Fighters Memorial Foundation of Missouri will hold a candlelight vigil at the Fire Fighters Memorial in Kingdom City honoring all deceased firefighters. The Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri is located at 5550 Dunn Drive, Kingdom City, MO 65262 (one block northwest of the I-70 & U.S. Highway 54 intersection).

On Sunday, October 5, at 10:30 a.m., the foundation will hold a memorial service at the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in honor of Missouri firefighters recently recognized by the memorial foundation board as having died in the line of duty.

Governor Kehoe has proclaimed October 5 as Fire Service Memorial Day in Missouri.

“Missouri’s fire service is a family based on tradition, dedication, and commitment to our communities and each other,” State Fire Marshal Tim Bean said. “The Capitol Dome shining red serves as a beacon, reminding the fire service community that their fallen brothers and sisters are remembered and appreciated and informs the public of the importance of service to others and commitment to our communities.”

Photos of the Capitol lighted red will be available on Governor Kehoe’s Flickr page.

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OCTOBER 2, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe, in collaboration with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (DHEWD), announced the release of the Executive Order (EO) 25-16: Governor's Workforce of the Future Challenge Report, which lays out a path to modernize Missouri's career and technical education (CTE) system and strengthen the state's workforce pipeline.

“Missouri's future depends on preparing the next generation to take on the jobs that drive our economy,” said Governor Kehoe. “This report confirms that career and technical education is an essential part of Missouri's long-term economic strength. We must ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed and every business has the skilled workforce it needs to thrive.”

EO 25-16, which was announced during Governor Kehoe's inaugural State of the State Address, charged DESE, with DHEWD as a principal partner, to lead a a statewide review of CTE delivery. Over four months, the departments convened a statewide working group made up of educators, business leaders, and workforce experts and surveyed more than 5,600 Missourians—including parents, educators, students, and employers.

The working group and survey findings highlighted broad public support for CTE and an urgent need to expand access, improve advising, and deepen business-education partnerships. Highlights of the surveys include:

• 92.3% of Missourians view CTE positively, and 90.8% see it as a pathway to higher education.
• The top benefits identified were leadership skills (82.4%) and life skills (85.4%).
• Business leaders stressed the need for stronger partnerships with schools to expand internships and apprenticeships.
• Parents and educators called for clearer information on credentials and college credit transfers.

To capitalize on these findings, three recommended priority areas were identified:

• Strengthen Work-Based Learning, Employer Engagement, and Workforce Development – Create a statewide work-based learning innovation grant, expand registered apprenticeships, develop a work-based learning toolkit, enhance work-based learning opportunities for non-traditional students, and conduct a comprehensive review of WorkKeys.
• Expand Early Career Exploration, School Counseling, and Advising Systems – Launch career counseling earlier in schools, hire more full-time advisors, provide resources for K-12 students and counselors, and carry out a full assessment of Missouri Connections.
• Strategic Communication and Marketing to Promote CTE – Launch a statewide CTE awareness campaign, highlight student success stories, market high-needs sectors through region-focused social media campaigns, and increase awareness of Missouri’s CTE Certificate.

“This report shows that families, educators, and employers are united in support of strong career and technical education,” said Dr. Karla Eslinger, Commissioner of Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. “Our job now is to turn that support into action by expanding work-based learning, improving career advising, and creating clear pathways to high-demand careers.”

“By strengthening partnerships between schools, colleges, and employers, we can prepare Missourians for long-term success,” said Dr. Bennett Boggs, Commissioner of Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. “Missouri’s economy is strongest when education and workforce go hand in hand.”

The Governor's Office will review these recommendations to guide continued efforts to expand CTE access, strengthen business-education partnerships, and ensure Missouri students are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in the economy of tomorrow.

For more information on career and technical education, click here.

• WorkforceChallenge_Report.pdf

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