MAY 21, 2025

On Thursday, May 22, Governor Kehoe will speak at the Annual Peace Officers' Memorial Service in Springfield. Governor Kehoe will travel to St. Louis to attend the celebration of life service for former U.S. Senator and Governor Christopher S. “Kit” Bond at Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church.

While in St. Louis, Governor Kehoe will visit with local and state officials, first responders, and nonprofit agencies working in affected areas from the May 16 severe storms and tornadoes. Media may email Communications@governor.mo.gov for details if interested in covering the Governor's visit.

On Monday, May 26, Governor Kehoe will speak at the Sikeston Memorial Day Service at the Sikeston Veterans Park. Governor Kehoe will also visit affected areas in Scott County from the May 16 severe storms and tornadoes. Media may email Communications@governor.mo.gov for details if interested in covering the Governor's visit.

Thursday, May 22, 2025

Governor Kehoe to speak at Annual Springfield Peace Officers' Memorial Service

When: 10:30 a.m.

Where: Life360 Chesterfield Church, 2220 W. Chesterfield Street, Springfield, MO 65807

Media: Open

Celebration of Life Service Honoring Former U.S. Senator and Governor Christopher S. “Kit” Bond

When: 1:00 p.m.

Where: Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church, 9450 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63124

Media: Closed

Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church will livestream the service at this link

Monday, May 26, 2025

Governor Kehoe to keynote Sikeston Memorial Day Service

When: 10:30 a.m.

Where: Sikeston Veterans Park, intersection of Linn Street and Campanella Drive, Sikeston, MO 63801

In the event of rain, service will be held at the First Christian Church, 1006 North Main Street, Sikeston, MO 63801

Media: Open

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MARCH 26, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, during a bill signing ceremony at the Missouri State Capitol, Governor Mike Kehoe signed House Bill (HB) 495 into law. Governor Kehoe was joined by the sponsors of the bill, Representative Brad Christ, and Senators Nick Schroer and Travis Fitzwater.

Also in attendance for the signing was Attorney General Andrew Bailey, Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Mark James, Missouri State Highway Patrol Colonel Michael Turner, and leaders from statewide law enforcement associations, including the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police, Missouri State Troopers Association, Missouri Police Chiefs Association, the Missouri Sheriffs Association, and the Ethical Society of Police.

"We thank the Missouri General Assembly and the bill sponsors for prioritizing public safety and getting this legislation to my desk so quickly this session," said Governor Mike Kehoe. "In addition to establishing a citizen board to oversee the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, HB 495 benefits law enforcement across our state with tools they need to crack down on crime and illegal immigration."

Developed in close collaboration with law enforcement partners and representatives across all levels of law enforcement in the state, Governor Kehoe's Safer Missouri initiative includes HB 495, budget priorities, and the executive orders signed on day one of the Kehoe Administration.

Governor Kehoe will hold a ceremonial bill signing of HB 495 tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. at the Saint Louis Police Officers Association, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 68 (3710 Hampton Ave., Saint Louis, MO 63109.)

For more information on HB 495, click here.

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MAY 20, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed Executive Order 25-24 to further assist affected individuals whose prescriptions were lost or destroyed, whose records are not available, or whose original prescribing physician is unavailable, to be able to continue to receive prescribed medications.

"To ensure the health and safety of those impacted by these recent devastating storms, we must ensure that Missourians are able to continue receiving prescribed medications in a timely manner," Governor Kehoe said. "This executive order grants the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the State Board of Pharmacy discretionary authority to temporarily waive or suspend rules and regulations which will allow medical professionals to better assist those affected by storms. We thank the medical professionals across our state who are playing a critical role in helping Missouri communities recover."

Governor Kehoe first declared a State of Emergency on March 14, 2025, through Executive Order 25-19 in preparation for severe weather. The State of Emergency declaration in Executive Order 25-19 was subsequently extended by Executive Order 25-22 and Executive Order 25-23.

Executive Order 25-24 will expire on June 30, 2025, unless otherwise terminated or extended. To view the Order, please click here.

Additional May 16 Severe Storm Response Updates:

Yesterday, Governor Mike Kehoe also requested President Trump issue a federal Emergency Declaration to expedite FEMA assistance and requested that FEMA participate in joint Preliminary Damage Assessmentsfor City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, and 6 Southeast Missouri Counties.

A federal Emergency Declaration provides federal resources to support state response operations to protect lives, safeguard public health and provide for public safety. It does not delay or affect the process of pursuing a federal Major Disaster Declaration, which would provide Individual Assistance to help homeowners and renters, and Public Assistance, which would reimburse local governments for emergency response costs, debris removal, and repair and replacement of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure. Individual Assistance and Public Assistance require joint preliminary damage assessments by teams made up of representatives from FEMA, SEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and local emergency management officials, extensive documentation, and a federal review process that can take weeks to complete.

Beginning Wednesday, May 21, six teams will survey and verify documented damage in Cape Girardeau, Iron, New Madrid, St. Louis, Scott, Stoddard, and Wayne counties and the City of St. Louis to determine if Individual Assistance can be requested through FEMA. Individual Assistance allows eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses. Initial damage assessments for roads, bridges and other public infrastructure are ongoing, potentially resulting in a request for PDAs for Public Assistance in the future.

Yesterday, Governor Kehoe also directed the Missouri National Guard provide a Liaison Officer (LNO) to assist the City of St. Louis with evaluating and advising local officials on potential appropriate missions for the Guard. This LNO reported to the St. Louis Emergency Operations Center this morning.

The State of Missouri will continue to provide resources and personnel to St. Louis based on resource requests from the city and identified missions to meet the city’s needs. The Missouri National Guard maintains coordination with the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to respond if critical capability gaps occur in the local agencies’ response efforts.

State assistance so far has included the Missouri State Highway Patrol assisting with law enforcement, search and rescue efforts and traffic control; an 84-person Type 1 Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) team from Missouri Task Force 1 assisting with highly technical search and rescue efforts; SEMA sending regional coordinators and specialized personnel to assist with mass care, feeding and housing, donations management, and volunteer management. SEMA has also sent tarps and other supplies to assist with immediate needs.

SEMA continues to coordinate with local officials and volunteer and faith-based partners to identify needs and assist impacted families and individuals. Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or www.211helps.org or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.

For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, visit recovery.mo.gov.

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MAY 19, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe requested that President Donald Trump approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance to six counties that sustained major damage as a result of a cluster of severe storms that swept through the area and produced eight tornadoes on April 29. The counties are Barry, Greene, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton and Washington.

“This season’s weather pattern has brought one destructive severe storm after another to Missouri, and the April 29 storms led to widespread damage in six counties – damage that is simply beyond their capabilities and those of the state to sustain without federal assistance,” Governor Kehoe said. “Missourians are rallying to rebuild and support one another and will continue to do so as we now respond to the latest deadly and highly destructive storms that swept across the state on Friday, May 16.”

Governor Kehoe is requesting Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance based on documented damage and emergency response costs that exceed $16.5 million in Barry, Greene, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton and Washington counties alone. Those cost estimates were gathered during joint damage assessments conducted by FEMA, the State Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and local officials and include damage to a public elementary school, a Missouri Department of Transportation facility, essential utility distribution lines, roads and other public infrastructure as well as debris removal.

If approved, Public Assistance would allow local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies to seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including repair and replacement of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure.

Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, please visit recovery.mo.gov.

As of May 19, there have now been four major storms in the state of Missouri. The following outlines the current status of Governor Kehoe's federal assistance requests:

March 14-15 Storms

Status: Awaiting Federal Disaster Declaration approval

Details: On April 2, Governor Kehoe requested that President Donald J. Trump approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance in a total of 28 counties in response to the severe storms and tornadoes that devastated Missouri March 14-15, claiming 13 lives and causing significant damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure.

March 30 – April 8 Storms

Status: Awaiting Federal Disaster Declaration approval

Details: On May 1, Governor Kehoe requested that President Donald Trump approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance in a total of 26 counties in response to the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that caused widespread destruction across the state, resulting in six confirmed deaths.

April 29 Storms

Status: Awaiting Federal Disaster Declaration approval

Details: On May 19, Governor Kehoe requested that President Donald Trump approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance to six counties that sustained major damage as a result of a cluster of severe storms that swept through the area and produced eight tornadoes on April 29.

May 16 Storms

Status: FEMA to participate in joint Preliminary Damage Assessments

    Sent request for federal Emergency Declaration to authorize Direct Federal Assistance and up to $5 million in immediate       funding to the state

Details: On May 19, Governor Kehoe took two actions to expedite federal assistance to Missouri following the severe storms and tornadoes that struck the state on May 16, causing seven deaths and widespread damage in the St. Louis region and areas of southeast Missouri

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MAY 19, 2025

This week, memorial services honoring former U.S. Senator and Governor Christopher S. “Kit” Bond will take place in Jefferson City and St. Louis. Important media and attendee information can be found below. 

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, whose life’s work was dedicated to serving Missouri, Kit Bond died on May 13, 2025, in St. Louis at 86 years old. To view Governor Kehoe's statement, click here. An official obituary for Governor Bond may be found here. Last week, Governor Kehoe signed a proclamation ordering U.S. and Missouri flags to be flown at half-staff at all government buildings statewide through sunset on May 22, 2025.

On Tuesday, May 20, the Missouri State Highway Patrol will provide the escort and procession from St. Louis to the Missouri State Capitol, departing St. Louis at 9:00 a.m. A State Memorial Service honoring the life and legacy of Governor Kit Bond will be held in the Rotunda of the Missouri State Capitol at noon. The service will include music from the 135th Army Band, remarks from Governor Kehoe, and tributes from current and former elected officials and staff.

The service is open to the public, but will be standing-room only. Please plan to arrive early to find parking and go through Capitol security. Photos from the State Memorial Service will be available on the Office of Governor Mike Kehoe Flickr Page. The service will be livestreamed on Governor Kehoe's Facebook Page and the State of Missouri website.

Governor Bond will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda for a 24-hour period immediately following the State Memorial Service, allowing members of the public to pay their respects.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol will provide the escort and procession returning to St. Louis, departing Jefferson City at noon on Wednesday, May 21.

On Thursday, May 22, a celebration of life service will be held at Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church. All who knew and loved Kit are welcome to attend.

Funeral honors will be provided by the Missouri National Guard and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. 

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

State Memorial Service

When: 11:15 a.m.: 135th Army Band prelude music begins

            12:00 p.m.: Service begins

            1:00 p.m.: Service concludes; viewing line begins

Where: Missouri State Capitol Rotunda

Media: Open - Second Floor Rotunda. Media please RSVP to Communications@Governor.mo.gov.

A mult box will be provided at the designated media area on the South side of the Second Floor Rotunda. Due to limited space, and out of respect for family members and attendees, all media are asked to stay clear of the First Floor Rotunda.

The service will be livestreamed on Governor Kehoe's Facebook Page and the State of Missouri website.

PARKING INFORMATION: In preparation for the upcoming memorial service, the North and South Circle Drive (W. Capitol Ave.) of the Missouri State Capitol will be closed starting at 5:00 p.m., Monday, May 19, and will reopen at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 21. Parking in areas surrounding the Capitol is limited.

Media may drop off equipment in the media lot off High St. on south side of the Capitol. Aside from existing Capitol Press Corps assigned spots, there is no reserved media parking.

ADA parking will be available on the North Circle Drive for visitors with applicable placards. Permitted vehicles must enter from the east side of the drive at the intersection of W. Capitol and Jefferson St.

Thursday, May 22, 2025

Celebration of Life Service

When: 1:00 p.m.

Where: Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church, 9450 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63124

Media: Closed

Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church will livestream the service at this link

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MAY 19, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe provided an update on the recovery efforts following the devastating severe storms and tornadoes that struck on May 16, leaving widespread destruction in St. Louis and the southeast Missouri region. Governor Kehoe and state officials spent Saturday with local officials in St. Louis surveying some of the hardest-hit areas. All levels of government are fully engaged, and recovery efforts continue across the region.

Ahead of the storm, Governor Kehoe extended the Missouri State of Emergency declaration, which has allowed first responders, road crews, and emergency management officials to move quickly. The Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan remains in effect.

• Damage Assessments and Local Support: State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) regional coordinators continue working swiftly with local emergency managers to make initial damage assessments in preparation for a federal major disaster declaration request. SEMA staff are coordinating resource requests from local emergency managers for needed supplies, materials, and support services with sheltering, debris clearance, damage assessments, and other needs. For more information on the federal disaster declaration process, visit this link.
• White House Coordination and Federal Support: Governor Kehoe has been in direct contact with President Donald Trump, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Acting Administrator David Richardson, and Missouri's Congressional delegation on the situation and discussed state efforts and federal assistance.

Today, Governor Mike Kehoe also took two actions to expedite federal assistance to Missouri following the severe storms and tornadoes that struck the state on May 16, causing seven deaths and widespread damage in the St. Louis region and areas of southeast Missouri:

• Governor Kehoe requested that President Donald Trump issue a federal Emergency Declaration for the State of Missouri in response to the May 16 tornadoes and severe storms, which, if approved, would authorize Direct Federal Assistance (DFA) and up to $5 million in immediate funding to the state to support emergency protective measures and debris removal.
• The Governor also requested that FEMA participate in joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDA) of damage to homes and personal property in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County along with Cape Girardeau, Iron, New Madrid, Scott, Stoddard, and Wayne counties in southeast Missouri, in preparation for a request by the Governor for a federal Major Disaster Declaration for these areas.

“Friday’s severe storms and tornadoes caused devastation in the St. Louis region and areas of southeast Missouri, took the lives of seven people, resulted in thousands of homes, businesses, and public infrastructure being damaged or destroyed, and left tens of thousands without power,” Governor Kehoe said. “Local first responders, officials, businesses, and volunteer groups are working around the clock to recover, but the task before us is tremendously large and recovery will not be easy. A federal Emergency Declaration will provide an immediate infusion of needed funds while the joint preliminary damage assessments will allow the normal federal Major Disaster Declaration process to move forward. We appreciate President Trump, Secretary Noem, FEMA Acting Administrator Richardson, and Trump Administration officials for their quick communication and responsiveness to the situation."

A federal Emergency Declaration provides federal resources to support state response operations to protect lives, safeguard public health and provide for public safety. It does not delay or affect the process of pursuing a federal Major Disaster Declaration, which would provide Individual Assistance to help homeowners and renters, and Public Assistance, which would reimburse local governments for emergency response costs, debris removal, and repair and replacement of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure. Individual Assistance and Public Assistance require joint preliminary damage assessments by teams made up of representatives from FEMA, SEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and local emergency management officials, extensive documentation, and a federal review process that can take weeks to complete.

Beginning Wednesday, May 21, six teams will survey and verify documented damage in Cape Girardeau, Iron, New Madrid, St. Louis, Scott, Stoddard, and Wayne counties and the City of St. Louis to determine if Individual Assistance can be requested through FEMA. Individual Assistance allows eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses. Initial damage assessments for roads, bridges and other public infrastructure are ongoing, potentially resulting in a request for PDAs for Public Assistance in the future.

SEMA continues to coordinate with local officials and volunteer and faith-based partners to identify needs and assist impacted families and individuals. Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or www.211helps.org or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.

For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, visit recovery.mo.gov.

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MAY 16, 2025

Tomorrow, Governor Mike Kehoe will travel to St. Louis to hold a press conference with Mayor Cara Spencer.

Governor Kehoe issued the following statement earlier this evening, thanking first responders for their assistance and urging residents to avoid affected areas to allow assistance from emergency personnel:

"Claudia and I are deeply saddened to learn of the deaths and injuries caused by the tornadoes and severe storms that have affected much of the state today. Our prayers are with all those impacted.

"Thank you to the local first responders working to assist communities in St. Louis, Scott County, and across the state. The Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to assist this afternoon and our state agencies will continue to work with local partners to support the response and recovery throughout the night and for as long as it takes.

"The Missouri Task Force One Urban Search and Rescue team is deploying to the City of St. Louis to assist with search efforts.

"Please avoid damage areas so that first responders can help people in need of assistance and so that public works crews can clear debris.

"As we continue to monitor storm systems moving across the state tonight, please follow your local forecast closely, have several ways to receive weather warnings, and follow the advice of local officials."

Saturday,  May 17, 2025

When: 10:30 a.m.

Where: Mobile Command Center, Delmar Blvd & Kingshighway Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108

Media: Open

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MAY 16, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, during a ceremony at the Missouri State Capitol, Missouri National Guard Adjutant General Charles D. Hausman was promoted to the rank of Major General. 

"This promotion is a testament to Major General Hausman's remarkable leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our state and nation," said Governor Kehoe. "In the months since General Hausman assumed command, he has led Missouri’s soldiers and airmen at home and abroad through both day-to-day trainings and missions to their vital assistance with multiple rounds of winter storms and flooding across the state. On behalf of all Missourians, congratulations to General Hausman and the Hausman family on this well-deserved promotion."

Governor Kehoe selected Major General Hausman as the next Adjutant General of the Missouri National Guard on January 8, 2025, and he took command on February 1. With over 36 years of service in the Missouri National Guard, the General has an extensive military career with a high level of expertise in operational leadership, military strategy, and interagency coordination.

"It is an honor and privilege to be entrusted with this responsibility," General Hausman said. "Leading the exceptional soldiers and airmen of the Missouri National Guard as we carry out our mission of serving the people of Missouri and this great nation is the honor of a lifetime."

General Hausman enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1988, joined the Missouri National Guard in 1989, and transferred to Aviation in 1993. He has commanded at every level from company to brigade and held key staff positions such as Executive Officer of the 35th Combat Aviation Brigade, Deputy Director of Manpower and Personnel of Joint Force Headquarters, Deputy Commander of 70th Troop Command, and Director of Aviation and Safety of Joint Force Headquarters.

In addition to his assignments within the United States and Missouri, General Hausman has had several assignments abroad including in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan.

A seasoned aviation officer and combat veteran, he has earned multiple military awards including the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with bronze oak leaf cluster, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with Numeral Two, and the Master Army Aviator Badge. He is qualified in the TH-67, UH-1 Huey, AH-1 Cobra, AH-64D Apache, and is qualified as an instructor pilot in the OH-58A/C and AH-64A Apache.

The General received a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Technology from the University of Central Missouri in 1991 and a Master of Science degree in Aviation Safety from the University of Central Missouri in 1993. He completed a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies through the United States Naval War College in 2015.

General Hausman is a native of Saint Joseph, Missouri, and currently resides in Jefferson City with his wife, Julie, and has two adult children, Alex and Libby.

Pictures of the promotion ceremony will be available on Governor Kehoe's Flickr page.

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MAY 15, 2025

Tomorrow, Friday, May 16,  Governor Kehoe will hold a press conference on the conclusion of the legislative session. 

Friday, May 16, 2025

When: 9:00 a.m.

Where: Missouri State Capitol - Governor's Office (Room 216)

Media: Open

*Press conference will be open to credentialed media

*A mult box will be provided

*The press conferencewill be livestreamed on Governor Kehoe's Facebook Page

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MAY 13, 2025

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Kehoe announced today the memorial services honoring former U.S. Senator and Governor Christopher S. “Kit” Bond.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, whose life’s work was dedicated to serving Missouri, Kit Bond died on May 13, 2025, in St. Louis at 86 years old. To view Governor Kehoe's statement, click here. An official obituary for Governor Bond is attached.

Governor Kehoe also signed a proclamation ordering U.S. and Missouri flags to be flown at half-staff at all government buildings statewide beginning today until sunset on May 22, 2025. To view the Governor’s proclamation, click here.

On Tuesday, May 20, a State Memorial Service honoring the life and legacy of Governor Kit Bond will be held in the Rotunda of the Missouri State Capitol at noon. The public is invited to attend.

Governor Bond will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda for a 24-hour period immediately following the State Memorial Service, allowing members of the public to pay their respects.

On Thursday, May 22, a celebration of Kit’s life will be held at Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church. All who knew and loved Kit are welcome to attend.

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

State Memorial Service

When: 12:00 p.m.

Where: Missouri State Capitol Rotunda

Media: Open (designated media area available)

*A mult box will be provided

*The service will be livestreamed on Governor Kehoe's Facebook Page

Thursday, May 22, 2025

Celebration of Life

When: 1:00 p.m.

Where: Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church, 9450 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63124

Media: Closed

• Kit Bond Obituary (2).pdf

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