MARCH 15, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced judicial appointments to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District, and the 17th, 31st, 33rd, and 37th Judicial Circuits. 

The Honorable Matthew P. Hamner, of Osage Beach, was appointed to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District. 

Judge Hamner currently serves as a circuit judge for the 26th Judicial Circuit. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Columbia. He will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Ginger K. Gooch to the Missouri Supreme Court. 

Alyssa M. Mayer, of Raymore, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for Cass County in the 17th Judicial Circuit. 

Ms. Mayer is currently an assistant prosecuting attorney in Cass County. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Truman State University and a Juris Doctor from Washington University in St. Louis. She will fill the vacancy created by the passing of the Honorable Jeffrey L. Cox.

Philip M. Fuhrman, of Springfield, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for the 31st Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Fuhrman is currently an assistant prosecuting attorney in Greene County. He holds a Bachelor of Science in political science from William Jewell College and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. He will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Nathan R. Taylor as Circuit Judge.

The Honorable Robert Z. (Zac) Horack, of Benton, was appointed as Circuit Judge for the 33rd Judicial Circuit.

Judge Horack currently serves as an associate circuit judge for Scott County in the 33rd Judicial Circuit. He holds a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences and a Master of Public Health from the University of Missouri–Columbia and a Juris Doctor from St. Louis University. He will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable David A. Dolan.

Melissa L. Stewart, of West Plains, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for Howell County in the 37th Judicial Circuit. 

Ms. Stewart is currently owner of the Law Office of Melissa L. Stewart. She holds a Bachelor of Science in communication from Missouri State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Tulsa. She will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Donna K. Anthony.

MARCH 15, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson provided an update on Missouri personnel deployed to the Southern Border in Texas as part of Governor Greg Abbott's Operation Lone Star mission. Eleven Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) troopers have been supporting the Texas Department of Public Safety on the Southern Border since March 1, 2024. Missouri National Guard (MONG) members, totaling 48 soldiers, began supporting border security efforts this week on March 14 after receiving official orders on March 11. 

"Missourians understand there is a crisis at our Southern Border and that it's not just impacting the State of Texas. It seems like every week we are hearing of more and more fentanyl deaths and drug trafficking instances that are ripping Missouri families and communities apart. It stems from the chaos at our Southern Border, and it must stop," Governor Parson said. "While President Biden and the federal government fail to do anything, we're proud the State of Missouri is doing something. We extend our sincere thanks to our MSHP troopers and MONG service members for their efforts in addressing this crisis. Missouri stands with Texas, and we are taking action."

On February 20, 2024, Governor Parson issued Executive Order 24-03 activating up to 200 MONG members and 22 MSHP troopers to support Operation Lone Star on the Sothern Border. 

Recent polling by Saint Louis University and YouGov shows that 75 percent of Missourians believe there is a crisis at the United States-Mexico Border and that it should be addressed immediately. Governor Parson echoes Missourians' concerns and has taken action. Additionally, the Missouri House of Representatives has already approved, with a bipartisan vote, a supplemental budget request to support the deployment Governor Parson has ordered to the Southern Border. 

Below are updates from both MSHP and MONG deployments to the Southern Border. 

Missouri State Highway Patrol Border Deployment:

On March 1, 2024, 11 MSHP troopers traveled to southern Texas to assist the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in providing law enforcement services in the area of the U.S. border. The team briefed at the Texas DPS South Region Office (3) in Weslaco, Texas, on March 3 and reported to its first assigned shift on March 4. 

MSHP troopers assisting Texas DPS troopers in the area of the U.S. border provided assistance with the following incidents/encounters from March 3-10:

• Traffic Stops - 216
• Undocumented Migrant Encounters - 193
• Undocumented Migrant Turn-backs - 16
• Impaired Driver and Drug Arrests - 9
• Other Law Enforcement Assistance - 13 

In addition to the incidents above, on March 8, Missouri and Texas troopers assisted with a fatal National Guard helicopter crash that occurred within their area of operation. All five Missouri troopers working the night shift responded to the crash and assisted until released by military personnel. A Missouri trooper assisted with the scene security at the crash site the following day.

On March 14, Missouri troopers attended the funeral of Border Patrol Agent Chris Luna, 49, who was killed along with two members of the New York National Guard during the March 8 helicopter crash near Rio Grande City, Texas.  

Troopers from seven of the Patrol’s nine troops, the Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC), and the Field Operations Bureau (FOB) are serving in Texas.  

Missouri troopers assigned to the detail work 12-hour shifts, with each working shifts alongside a Texas DPS trooper. This allows for officer safety and operational efficiency. Routine calls for service include general law enforcement calls, traffic stops, response to alarms and camera activations, and assisting with warrant arrests. Officers routinely intercept undocumented migrants on foot and in vehicles and observe them until U.S. Customs & Border Protection officers respond to take custody. At times, officers encounter undocumented migrants who turn and cross back over the border before interception.

Marine operations-certified Missouri troopers have also joined the Texas DPS Tactical Marine Unit to familiarize themselves with DPS responsibilities on the Rio Grande River near Anzalduas Park.

Missouri National Guard:

The first group of MONG service members deployed on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, and began active support on Thursday, March 14. 

Forty-eight MONG service members deployed from across the State of Missouri, most of them based at armories in Lamar and Clinton. The majority of the troops volunteered to stay for the entire duration of the mission. Seventeen members of the group will rotate out in the latter part of April after being replaced by additional MONG service members.

The initial 48 Soldiers arrived in Texas on Tuesday and rested overnight at a Texas National Guard armory. On Wednesday, they completed travel and arrived at the assigned area of operations for orientation and a mission brief. 

On Thursday, MONG service members began working alongside Texas National Guard and law enforcement partners. MONG service members are assisting in the construction of physical barriers, manning observation posts, and supporting security patrols, as needed.

Photos from both the MONG and MSHP deployments can be found below. 

• MONG 1.jpg
• MSHP Toopers 3.jpg
• MSHP Troopers at Funeral.jpg
• MONG 2.jpg
• MONG 3.jpg
• MSHP Troopers 2.jpg
• MSHP Toopers 1.jpg

MARCH 15, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson ordered all U.S. and Missouri flags to be flown at half-staff at government buildings in Jackson County and all police stations in Missouri on Saturday, March 16, 2024, in honor of Drexel Mack, 16th Judicial Circuit Court Process Server II. 

“Drexel Mack was a devoted public servant who honorably served the 16^th Judicial Circuit Court in Jackson County for 12 years,” Governor Parson said. “His excellence in the performance of his duties led his colleagues and judges of the circuit to recognize him as both Judicial Circuit Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year. Drexel was dutifully carrying out a writ of possession when he was senselessly killed. Our hearts go out to his family as we remember his model public service.”    

The flags will be flown at half-staff on the day Drexel Mack is laid to rest. To view the proclamation click here.

MARCH 7, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson ordered all U.S. and Missouri flags to be flown at half-staff at government buildings in both Jackson and Johnson counties and all police stations in Missouri on Friday, March 8, 2024, in honor of Independence Police Officer Cody R. Allen. Officer Allen served in Jackson County and lived in Johnson County. 

“For Officer Cody Allen, law enforcement wasn’t just a career, but a calling, so much so that after a brief period away from the Independence Police Department he rejoined the department less than a year ago to continue to serve and protect the public,” Governor Parson said. “That commitment to public service is why Officer Allen was able to answer the call when County Process Server Drexel Mack was shot as he carried out a court order. We are forever indebted to Officer Allen for his courage in the face of danger and for making the ultimate sacrifice to protect others. He brought honor to everything that his badge represents.”

On February 29, Officer Allen was on duty with the Independence Police Department when 16^th Judicial Circuit Court Process Server II Drexel Mack was shot as he carried out a writ of possession at a house in the City of Independence. Officer Allen responded to the scene and was shot and killed as he attempted to rescue Mr. Mack, who was also killed.

Officer Allen, 35, began his public service career as a detention officer with the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office in December 2007. He received his Missouri Class A Peace Officer License in December 2009 and served as a Lafayette County Deputy Sheriff and Grandview Police Officer before being commissioned by the Independence Police Department in January 2017. He served as an Independence officer until January 2022 and rejoined the department in April 2023.

The flags will be flown at half-staff on the day Officer Allen is laid to rest. To view the proclamation click here.

Funeral arrangements for Drexel Mack, 41, have not been finalized. Once they are, Governor Parson will order flags to half-staff for one day in Jackson County and all police stations in Missouri in accordance with the family's wishes. 

“Drexel Mack was a devoted public servant who honorably served the 16^th Judicial Circuit Court in Jackson County for 12 years,” Governor Parson said. “His excellence in the performance of his duties led his colleagues and judges of the circuit to recognize him as both Judicial Circuit Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year. Drexel was dutifully carrying out a writ of possession when he was senselessly killed. Our hearts go out to his family as we remember his model public service.”    

MARCH 1, 2024

Jefferson City — For the month of February 2024, Governor Mike Parson granted 36 pardons and approved three commutations pursuant to Article IV, Section 7 of the Constitution of the State of Missouri. Official documents have been filed with the appropriate government agencies and have been sent to the individuals. 

In addition to granting 36 pardons and three commutations, Governor Parson denied 63 clemency applications in February.

February 2024 Pardons and Commutations.pdf

FEBRUARY 23, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced 12 appointments to various boards and commissions and filled two county office vacancies. 

Ed Adams, of Kansas City, was appointed to the State Fair Commission. 

Mr. Adams currently serves as CEO of Better Horses LLC. He previously served as vice president of global sales for L3Harris Technologies, Inc's CapRock Communications energy division for the Americas region. He co-founded Optimal Solutions Inc., and previously served as chair and CEO. Mr. Adams holds a Bachelor of Science in broadcast journalism from the University of Central Oklahoma.

Rebecca Allen, of Waynesville, was appointed Pulaski County Public Administrator. 

Ms. Allen currently serves as interim public administrator and previously served as deputy public administrator of Pulaski County. She previously served as a supervisor for the customer service department of Detroit Tool Metal Products.

Chris Cole, of Cape Girardeau, was appointed to the Missouri Real Estate Commission.

Mr. Cole currently serves as designated broker/owner of Lorimont Commercial Real Estate and a managing broker of Edge Realty. Mr. Cole holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri – Kansas City, School of Law, and a Bachelor of Science in business administration with an emphasis in finance, banking and real estate from the University of Missouri – Columbia. Mr. Cole also holds the Certified Commercial Investment Member designation.

Travis Elliott, of Fair Grove, was appointed to the State Fair Commission. 

Mr. Elliott currently owns and operates a cow-calf operation in Dallas County with his wife and four children. He also serves as a shareholder and attorney with Ellis, Ellis, Hammons & Johnson, P.C. He is a member of the Missouri Bar Association and the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association. Mr. Elliott holds Bachelor of Arts in both political science and philosophy from the University of Missouri – Columbia and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri – Columbia, School of Law. 

William (Buddy) Hardin IV, of St. Charles, was appointed to the Board of Probation and Parole. 

Mr. Hardin served as president and founder of Mid Missouri Court Services Inc., from 1993-2022 before retiring as managing partner. He served as a fee office agent with the Department of Revenue under former Governor Matt Blunt and later helped reopen the Troy License Office in 2022. Mr. Hardin holds a Bachelor of Arts in American studies from Brigham Young University.  

Timothy Harper, of Kahoka, was appointed Clark County Eastern Commissioner. 

Mr. Harper currently works on his family farm in Clark County. He previously served as an officer with the University of Illinois Police Department from 1992-2016. Mr. Harper holds a Bachelor of Arts in public communications and human relations from Western Illinois University. 

Todd Hays, of Monroe City, was appointed to the State Fair Commission. 

Mr. Hays currently serves as vice president of Missouri Farm Bureau and as chair of Missouri Farm Bureau’s Resolutions Committee. He is a fifth-generation farmer operating a farrow-to-finish hog operation and row crop farm. He previously served on the Missouri Farm Bureau’s Board of Directors as the district two representative, and served as a member of the Monroe City Board of Education for 15 years. Mr. Hays holds an Associate of Arts in business marketing from Moberly Area Community College.

Tony Helfrecht, of Columbia, was appointed to the Board of Probation and Parole. 

Mr. Helfrecht has served as a member of the Missouri State Highway Patrol since 2000 and has achieved the rank of Sergeant. Mr. Helfrecht holds a Bachelor of Science in communications from Drury University. 

Jamie Johansen, of Lebanon, was appointed to the State Fair Commission. 

Ms. Johansen is the marketing officer for Heritage Bank of the Ozarks and owns both The Hive by Honey Creek and Honey Creek Media, LLC. She has served as a member of the State Fair Commission since 2021 and grew up at the fair exhibiting livestock. Previously, she was the editor for ZimmComm New Media, LLC and served as a per-course instructor for Missouri State University. She farms with her family, helping run their Hereford operation in Lawrence and Laclede Counties. Ms. Johansen received the National Cattleman’s Beef Association’s Best of Beef Excellence in Agriculture Journalism Award in 2017 and has served on the Missouri State Fair Youth in Agriculture Committee. She also served as chair of the 2019 Missouri Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers. Ms. Johansen holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Applied Sciences in agricultural communications. 

Chelsea Landgraf, of Ozark, was appointed to the Drug Utilization Review Board. 

Dr. Landgraf currently serves as assistant director of pharmacy over clinical services for CoxHealth in Springfield. She further serves on CoxHealth's System Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, Sepsis Committee, Heart Failure Committee, Pharmacy Steering Committee, and several other committees within CoxHealth. Dr. Landgraf holds a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Iowa – College of Pharmacy. 

Byron Roach, of Cameron, was appointed to the State Fair Commission.  

Mr. Roach is the vice president of Public Relations and Special Projects for N.W. Electric Power Cooperative, Inc., a position he has held since 2011. He also served as the organization's communications and government relations manager. Mr. Roach has served on the State Fair Commission since 2021 and as a member of the Missouri State Fair Foundation since 2011. Mr. Roach earned a Bachelor of Science in industrial management from Southwest Missouri State University.

Madeline Romious, of Kansas City, was appointed to the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners. 

Ms. Romious currently serves as regional vice president of external affairs for AT&T and as a member and past chair of the Police Foundation of Kansas City. Ms. Romious further serves as chair of the Metropolitan Arts Council (now Arts KC), secretary treasurer of the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City and board member of  PREP-KC. Ms. Romious holds a Master of Business Administration from Rockhurst University and a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Northwestern University. 

Andrew Schwartz, of St. Louis, was appointed to the St. Louis City Board of Election Commissioners. 

Mr. Schwartz currently serves as president of AJ Adhesives Inc. He further serves on the Forest Park Advisory Board. He previously served on the St. Louis City Board of Election Commissioners from 2010-2016. Mr. Schwartz holds a Bachelor of Science in business from Southeast Missouri State University.

Becky Whithaus, of Morrison, was appointed to the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority. 

Ms. Whithaus currently serves as registrar for State Technical College of Missouri. She previously served as director of financial aid for State Technical College of Missouri and as president, vice president, secretary, and member of the Gasconade County R-1 School District School Board. Ms. Whithaus holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of Missouri – Columbia. 

FEBRUARY 23, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced judicial appointments to the 11th and 12th Judicial Circuits. 

Lawrence J. Chrum, of St. Charles, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for the 11th Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Chrum is currently an assistant prosecuting attorney in St. Charles County. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in corporate communications and public relations from Lindenwood University and a Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Mr. Chrum will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Brittney R. Smith as Circuit Judge.

Melissa Buckman Young, of Mexico, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for Audrain County in the 12th Judicial Circuit. 

Ms. Young is currently owner of Melissa Buckman Young, Attorney at Law, LLC. She holds a Bachelor of Science in agricultural education and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Columbia. Ms. Young will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Linda R. Hamlett.

FEBRUARY 23, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced that No Turnin' Back, a commemorative biography about his life, has been published and is now available. More information about the book can be found at mikeparson.com. 

Additionally, Governor Parson announced that he will be holding a series of book signing events across the state in the coming days and weeks. The initial book signing events can be found below:

Monday, February 26, 2024

No Turnin' Back Kick-off event with Walsworth/Donning Company

            When:        4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

            Where:       Walsworth Community Center

                                124 E. Ritchie Ave., Marceline, MO 64658

            Media:        Open

                                      *Governor and First Lady Parson will be available to sign books. 

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Open to the public: No Turnin' Back book signing at the Governor's Mansion 

            When:        4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

            Where:       Missouri Governor's Mansion 

            Media:        Open

                                *Visitors will need to enter through the Madison St. (East side) gate. 

                               **Governor and First Lady Parson will be available to sign books. 

**More events will be announced in the Governor's weekly schedule as they are confirmed. 

NOTE: At each event, copies of No Turnin' Back will be available for purchase. Governor Parson will then be available to sign the books, as time allows. Governor's Office employees in their official capacities will not be handling book sales. All book purchases will be conducted through representatives of the nonprofit Moving Missouri Forward Foundation. 

"The First Lady and I are excited to announce that No Turnin' Back is now available," Governor Parson said. "Like so many Missouri families, Teresa and I have truly lived our American Dream, one of faith, family, and patriotic service. Life has pulled us in many different directions, but readers will find that everything led us here, to the opportunity of a lifetime to serve as the Governor and First Lady of the State of Missouri." 

No Turnin' Back Available for Purchase and Pickup in Jefferson City

Over the next few weeks, copies of No Turnin' Back will be available for purchase and pickup each Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and again from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Missouri Governor's Mansion. Availability will begin on Monday, March 4 and end on Thursday, March 14, unless otherwise announced. 

About No Turnin' Back

No Turnin' Back, authored by Dr. Jim Jones, focuses on the story of Michael L. Parson and his journey from meager beginnings in small town Wheatland, Missouri, to the highest political office in the State of Missouri. The 6"x9" hardcover book contains over 300 pages of text and photos – all color. 

Additional information can be found at mikeparson.com.

Net earnings from the sale of No Turnin' Back will go to the Moving Missouri Forward Foundation, a nonprofit that supports Jobs for America's Graduates–Missouri, children with special needs, and other programs focused on children across Missouri. 

Neither Governor Parson nor First Lady Teresa Parson will receive any personal financial benefit from the sales of No Turnin' Back.

###

• Book Tour Flyer.pdf

FEBRUARY 20, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, during a press conference at the State Capitol, Governor Mike Parson announced that the State of Missouri will be providing up to 200 Missouri National Guard (MONG) members and 22 Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) troopers to support Texas Governor Greg Abbott's Operation Lone Star mission at the Southern Border. 

"About two weeks ago, I visited the Southern Border, and let me not mince words when I say it is a crisis," Governor Parson said. "The crisis at the Southern Border is fueling the fentanyl crisis here in our state. Missourians are dying; families are being ripped apart; communities are being destroyed, and Missouri children are falling victim. It all stems from the Biden Administration's reckless, irresponsible, and failing open-border policies. With our Southern Border wide open, every state is now a border state." 

"President Biden and the federal government must step up to stop illegal entry into our nation, to stop the free flow of fentanyl into our communities, and combat the rise of human trafficking, but we've waited long enough. Missouri will act by deploying our own resources to secure our nation's border," Governor Parson continued. 

Governor Parson has issued Executive Order 24-03 to activate the MONG and the Governor's Office's discretionary emergency response fund. Governor Parson's plan to support border security along the Texas-Mexico border includes the following:

• The deployment of up to 200 MONG members 
  • Guard members will be deployed on a rotating basis of approximately 30 days.
• The deployment of up to 22 MSHP troopers 
  • Standard law enforcement equipment will accompany the troopers.
  • All MSHP troopers being deployed to the Southern Border have volunteered for the mission.
• A $2.3 million supplemental budget request to the Missouri General Assembly to support border security efforts and backfill the Governor's Office's emergency response fund

MSHP troopers will begin active support by March 1, and MONG personnel will begin their mission on March 10. Advance and logistical planning for both deployments is currently underway in coordination with the State of Texas. 

MONG and MSHP personnel will be working to help secure the border, prevent illegal immigration, and stop illicit drug and human trafficking. 

MONG members will mainly assist in the construction of physical barriers and with security patrols as needed. MSHP troopers will work to support traffic enforcement, crime prevention, criminal interdiction, and other law enforcement agencies as needed. 

Statistics Related to Missouri and the Southern Border Crisis:

• Nearly 10 million individuals have entered the U.S. illegally since 2021, including known gotaways at the Southern Border. 
  • That's larger than the population of 40 U.S. States, including Missouri.
• Operation Lone Star alone has seized over 460 million lethal doses of fentanyl at the Southern Border.
  • That's enough fentanyl to kill every American citizen with more than 100 million doses left over. 
• The Missouri State Highway Patrol seized nearly 12,500 grams of fentanyl in 2023 alone. 
  • That's enough to kill Missouri's entire population twice over. 
• Since 2017, fentanyl overdoses have increased in Missouri by nearly 135 percent - with 75 percent of that increase occurring since 2020. 
• At the last statewide report in 2022, 43 Missouri children died from fentanyl exposure. 

To view Executive Order 24-03, click here. 

FEBRUARY 14, 2024

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Parson issued the below statement following today's shooting at the conclusion of the Super Bowl rally in Kansas City near Union Station: 

"I want to start with a thank you to Kansas City Police along with other state and local first responders who were able to quickly take two individuals into custody and provide critical care to victims following today's shooting. 

This was a tragic conclusion to a celebration we had all looked forward to – none more than Teresa and me. The First Lady and I were present when shots broke out. Thanks to the professionalism of our security officers and first responders, Teresa and I and our staff are safe and secure. 

At this time, KCPD is asking everyone to clear the area as they respond to those in need of immediate medical assistance. We commend local first responders and our state Missouri Disaster Medical Assistance Team for their quick actions to stop the threat and treat those in need. State and local law enforcement were prepared, they had a plan, and they ran towards danger when presented, undoubtedly saving lives. 

Investigations are ongoing and the state will continue supporting our local law enforcement officials throughout the process. Teresa and I want to remind our Kansas City community and anyone impacted by this incident that help is available through the 9-8-8 Crisis Hotline. 

As we wait to learn more, our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of this senseless violence."

NOTE: The Kansas City Missouri Police Department (KCPD) is leading the investigations. Official inquires should be directed to KCPD.