AUGUST 14, 2018

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Parson announced 10 appointments to various boards, commissions, and county office vacancies.

Tim Brinker, of Washington, was appointed as the Franklin County Presiding Commissioner.

Brinker is the owner of Brinker Promotions in Washington.  He previously served as Franklin County First District Commissioner and is a former member of the Washington City Council.  Brinker is involved with the Elks, the Knights of Columbus, and the County Commissioners Association of Missouri.

Jennifer Dixon, of St. Joseph, was appointed to the Missouri Western State University Board of Governors.

Dixon is the Branch Manager of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp.  She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Missouri Western State University.  Dixon serves on the Missouri Western State University Foundation Board of Directors, and she previously served on the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority.  She has also been involved with the Family Guidance Center, the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, and United Way of Greater St. Joseph.

Cindy Duckworth, of Bloomfield, was appointed as the Stoddard County Public Administrator.  

Duckworth previously served as the Deputy Public Administrator for Stoddard County.  She has worked in the Public Administrator’s office since 2010 and has more than 25 years of banking experience.

Lisa Elmore, of Fair Grove, was appointed to the Missouri Board of Examiners for Hearing Instrument Specialists.

Elmore is a board-certified hearing instrument specialist, licensed in the state of Missouri.  She is an adjunct faculty member of the Hearing Instrument Science program at Ozark Technical Community College.  Elmore received an associate’s degree in hearing instrument science from Ozarks Technical Community College.  She is a member of the International Hearing Society and the Missouri Hearing Society.

William Hopfinger, of Sunset Hills, was reappointed to the Advisory Commission for Physical Therapists.

Hopfinger has served on the Advisory Commission for Physical Therapists since 2006.  He is the owner/president of St. Louis Home Health, Inc.  Hopfinger holds a Bachelor of Science degree in physical therapy from St. Louis University.

Alyssa Mayer, of Kansas City, was appointed to the Kansas City Board of Election Commissioners.

Mayer is an associate attorney at Husch Blackwell LLP.  She holds a B.A. in political science from Truman State University and a J.D. from Washington University School of law.  She is a member of the Missouri Bar Association and the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association.

Cindy Robinson-Steen, of Glenwood, was appointed as the Schuyler County Circuit Clerk.

Robinson-Steen previously served as the Deputy Circuit Clerk for Schuyler County.  She received a paralegal certificate from Moberly Area Community College and is a graduate of Scotland County R-1 High School.  Robinson-Steen is involved with the Law Enforcement Restitution Fund, Lancaster Methodist Church, and the Schuyler County Community Center. 

Jim Ruse, of Gallatin, was appointed as the Daviess County Presiding Commissioner.

Ruse retired as the Assistant Superintendent of the Chillicothe R-2 School District.  He previously served as the Superintendent of the Gallatin R-V School District for 20 years.  Ruse holds an Education Specialist degree, a Master of Science degree, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Northwest Missouri State University.

Sharon Turner Buie, of Kansas City, was appointed to the Kansas City Board of Election Commissioners.

Turner Buie retired as the Director of the Kansas City Board of Election Commissioners in 2007.  She holds a master’s degree in management from Baker University and a bachelor’s degree in social psychology from Park University.  Turner Buie also received a Chancellor’s Certificate in public administration from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Melissa Vigen, of Kahoka, was appointed as the Clark County Public Administrator.

Vigen is a funeral director at Vigen Memorial Home.  She holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in funeral directing and embalming from Carl Sandburg Community College and an Associate of Arts degree from Southeastern Community College. Vigen is involved with the Missouri Funeral Directors Association and the Kahoka/Clark County Chamber of Commerce.

AUGUST 17, 2018

Jefferson City — Charles A. (Drew) Juden, current Director of Department of Public Safety, will depart the agency effective August 31, 2018. Governor Mike Parson has asked Colonel Sandra K. Karsten to serve as Acting-Director of Missouri’s Department of Public Safety during the transition. Colonel Karsten will also continue her role as superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

“Drew is a well accomplished public servant. We appreciate his time and service to the State of Missouri and wish him well in the future,” said Governor Parson. “Colonel Karsten has a long track record of being a top-notch professional and an exemplary public servant. We are confident in her leadership during this transition.”

“Governor Parson asked if I would be willing to assist during the Department’s transition, and I am more than happy to help. Ensuring the public’s safety has been a top priority in my 33-year career in law enforcement, and it always will be,” said Colonel Karsten.

The Department of Public Safety plays a critical role in our state, and the Governor will be working to appoint a new director in the near future. 

AUGUST 20, 2018

Today, in response to worsening drought conditions throughout the state, Governor Parson announced the availability of water for family farms at 28 Department of Conservation areas and five Department of Natural Resources state parks. Governor Parson also announced the creation of a lottery for farmers interested in haying, free of charge, on almost 900 acres of Missouri State Parks lands.

Up to 5,000 gallons of water may be pumped daily, per family farm. Water is available for livestock needs only and not for resale. Farmers will need to provide their own pumping and hauling equipment. To make arrangements to pump water, call 573-751-4115, ext. 3209. Additional information, along with maps showing locations for the pumping of water and for haying, are available at https://dnr.mo.gov/droughtresources.htm.

The lottery for haying at Missouri State Parks opens today and runs through Saturday, August 25. The Department of Natural Resources will announce lottery results on Monday, August 27. Additional details are available at https://mostateparks.com/.

Both programs are for Missouri landowners only.

On July 18, 2018, Governor Parson issued Executive Order 18-05, which declared a drought alert for 47 Missouri counties. As of August 14, every county in Missouri has been affected by dry to exceptionally dry conditions, and 86 counties are now considered to be in drought alert.

The Departments of Natural Resources, Conservation, and Agriculture and others are working together to provide information and resources to the agriculture community and towns affected by drought.

Visit the Department of Natural Resources drought website for information about drought conditions, agriculture and drinking water assistance, and resources athttps://dnr.mo.gov/drought.htm.

Citizens are encouraged to submit information about drought-related conditions and impacts in Missouri using the Missouri Extension Drought Impact Reporter online at https://bit.ly/2OdCcHd. Information will be used to inform drought maps provided by the U.S. Drought Monitor for Missouri (https://bit.ly/2NaHG4i).

AUGUST 30, 2018

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Parson announced today that the Missouri General Assembly will be called back in for a Special Session concurrent with Veto Session.  The Special Session will take place the week of September 10-14 and will focus on the passage of computer science course access and awareness of career opportunities through STEM education as well as expanding treatment courts in the State of Missouri. 

 “When I addressed the General Assembly nearly three months ago, I pledged that I would change the tone and work with the legislature,” said Gov. Parson. “This call is a step in delivering that promise.  These two issues were a part of the General Assembly’s historic session as they passed a number of their priorities.  By working together to come up with a more narrowly defined focus, we will have better served the people of Missouri.”

The new STEM education requires Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to establish an online program to educate students about STEM careers and allows for multiple companies to apply to provide the program.  By passing this during a special session, it will allow for DESE to start the process of implementing it for the 2019-2020 school year.  Senator Doug Libla sponsored one version of the original bill.  

“Computer science being offered in our K-12 schools is so important to the future of our Missouri students and to the many companies that desire and depend on these skills. Thousands of high-paying jobs are available right now all across Missouri,” said Sen. Libla, R-Poplar Bluff.  “I would like to thank Gov. Parson and the Missouri Legislature for their past support of this life-changing legislation.”

The new treatment court legislation will focus solely on reforms to treatment courts throughout the state.  Expansion of treatment courts will allow for more individuals to get treatment, rather than being incarcerated in our already overcrowded prison system. Representative Kevin Austin was the original sponsor of the treatment court bill.

“I applaud the Governor's action and comments.  I appreciate his recognition that Missouri treatment courts have been a great success at changing lives for the better, lowering criminal recidivism rates, saving tax-payer dollars by reducing incarceration, all the while making our communities safer and aiding our citizens in their quest to be more productive and improve their quality of life. I am excited to work with my colleagues and the governor to pass this crucial expansion of our treatment courts into law,” said Rep. Austin, R-Springfield.

Both leadership from the House and Senate have endorsed the Governor’s decision for a special session.  The timeliness of the call to have a special session concurrent with veto session will ensure that this special session is run efficiently, cutting down on any additional costs and saving taxpayer dollars.  

 “Since taking office in June, the governor has asked us for a fresh start and for us to begin working together for a better Missouri. We believe in his vision of moving Missouri forward by finding new solutions for workforce development and exploring innovation,” said President Pro Tem Ron Richard, R-Joplin. “We understand there are priorities the governor would like to accomplish before the end of the year. We respect those priorities, and as the Senate Leader, I will do what I can to push his agenda forward.”

“I appreciate the governor’s willingness to work closely with us to resolve these pressing issues that will have a positive impact on thousands of Missourians all across our state,” said House Speaker Todd Richardson, R-Poplar Bluff. “My colleagues and I are ready to have an efficient session that will improve our system of education to better prepare our young people for the jobs of the future, and give Missourians battling substance abuse access to treatment that will allow them to become healthy, productive citizens.”

In addition to legislators, Missouri leaders have spoken up in favor of the upcoming special session. 

“Businesses across the state are struggling right now to find workers who have the skills they need. This problem severely impacts companies that are hiring for jobs that require computer science skills. I applaud Gov. Mike Parson and the Missouri General Assembly for focusing on STEM workforce readiness during the upcoming special session,” said Daniel P. Mehan, President and CEO, Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “Passing this legislation is an important first step toward improving computer science education in our state and giving students essential skills needed in today’s economy. This effort aligns with our Missouri 2030 plan and the business community anticipates important progress being made when lawmakers return to Jefferson City.”

"With tens of thousands of unfilled tech jobs in Missouri, it is more important than ever to make STEM career pathways visible to young people. As an organization that provides free, accessible tech training to Missourians, LaunchCode is proud to support legislation that will open doors to new generations of learners and better prepare them for accelerated, job-focused training programs like ours," said Jeff Mazur, Executive Director, LaunchCode. "We are grateful to Gov. Parson and legislative leaders for making STEM career awareness an urgent policy priority."

“Preparing tomorrow’s workforce for careers in STEM is an important priority for Cerner and we work to provide students with learning programs that offer the professional skills and technical knowledge to set them up for future success,” said Julie Wilson, Chief People Officer, Cerner. “We appreciate the continued focus by Gov. Parson on growing STEM education, which will further make Missouri a place to attract and recruit top talent for the jobs of today and the future.”

“Treatment courts are the most successful intervention in our nation’s history for holding accountable people living with substance use and mental health disorders, and leading them out of the justice system into lives of recovery and stability,” said Judge Alan Blankenship, 39^th Circuit Court and President of Missouri Association of Treatment Court Professionals.

Though vetoed during the regular session due to problematic language that had been added, both received strong bipartisan support, and Gov. Parson reiterated that this special session is about agreement not division.

AUGUST 31, 2018

Jefferson City — Governor Parson appointed Jessica Kruse as the Associate Circuit Judge for Christian County.  Kruse won the August primary election for the position and is running unopposed in the November general election.  She will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Larry Luna.

Kruse, of Nixa, has practiced law since 2006.  She earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Tulsa College of Law and her Bachelor of Science degree from Southwest Missouri State University.  During law school, Kruse was editor-in-chief of the Tulsa Journal of Comparative & International Law and served as secretary of Phi Delta Phi Honors Ethics Fraternity.

Kruse is actively involved in the Christian County community as a member of the Ozark Rotary Club, Ozark Care to Learn, and the Ozark Chamber Board.  Her professional service includes serving as the chair of the Elder Law Committee for the Missouri Bar, and she is the past president of the Missouri Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.  Kruse is also active in the Christian County Bar Association.

A 2013 member of the Springfield Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, Kruse received the 2018 Ozark Woman of the Year Award from the Ozark Chamber of Commerce.

AUGUST 31, 2018

Jefferson City — Governor Parson announced the appointment of Associate Circuit Judge John N. Borbonus III, as circuit judge for the 21^st Judicial Circuit in St. Louis County, to take effect September 21, 2018.  He will fill the vacancy upon the September 20, 2018, retirement of Judge Douglas R. Beach.  Judge Borbonus was one of three nominees submitted to the Governor by the 21^st Circuit Judicial Commission on August 10, 2018.

Judge Borbonus has served as an associate circuit judge in St. Louis County since 2011, when he was appointed by Governor Nixon.  He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in government and politics from George Mason University in 1988 and his law degree from Saint Louis University School of Law in 1994. 

After graduating from law school, Judge Borbonus served as an assistant attorney general in the Missouri Attorney General’s Office from 1994-1997.  Prior to being appointed as associate circuit judge, he was in private legal practice in St. Louis for 14 years.

Judge Borbonus is a member of the Missouri Association of Probate and Associate Circuit Judges, the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, and the St. Louis County Bar Association.  He has previously served on the Senate Apportionment Commission, the Missouri Humanities Council, and the Planning & Zoning Commission for the City of Des Peres, Missouri.

AUGUST 27, 2018

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced Colonel Sandra Karsten as Director of the Department of Public Safety. Prior to her appointment, Karsten served 33 years at the Missouri Highway Patrol.

“Colonel Karsten is an exemplary public servant, and throughout her 33-year law enforcement career, she’s demonstrated the professionalism and integrity for which the Missouri State Highway Patrol is known. She’s a strong, focused leader who has never shied away from tough decisions, and understands the importance of teamwork. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is better, thanks to her service," said Governor Parson. “We are excited and have great confidence in her to lead the Department of Public Safety.”

Karsten was appointed the twenty-third Superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol on February 1, 2017. The Missouri Senate confirmed her appointment Thursday, March 9, 2017. As a result of her confirmation, she was elevated to the rank of Colonel and sworn in on March 14, 2017.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Truman State University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Missouri. Karsten is also a graduate of the Northwestern University Traffic Institute's School of Police Staff and Command. Colonel Karsten and her husband, Tim have two sons, John and Paul.

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) includes eight different agencies (including two commissions) and six separate programs, all dedicated to ensuring the safety of the citizens of Missouri. Additionally, the Office of the Director administers the Homeland Security Program and state and federal funds in grants for juvenile justice, victims’ assistance, law enforcement, and narcotics control.

Other programs in the Director’s Office provide support services and resources to assist local law enforcement agencies, as well as training criteria and licensing for law enforcement officers.

Colonel Karsten will assume the role of DPS Director effective September 1, 2018, and await Missouri Senate confirmation.

AUGUST 22, 2018

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced the launch of The Missouri Way management training program. Throughout the program, leaders from the State of Missouri’s 16 executive departments will develop their management skills to better lead change and improve service for the citizens of Missouri. The State of Missouri has never before had such a statewide cross-department leadership development program.

“The citizens of Missouri expect their government to perform well for them every day. They expect us to deliver results on the most important issues facing our state, like workforce development and infrastructure,” said Gov. Parson. “We know we need to get better. That means making sure our state leaders have the skills they need to best serve our citizens. I am proud that we are starting The Missouri Way program to do just that.”

Gov. Parson welcomed participants of the first The Missouri Way training at its kick-off this morning. The first training will continue Wednesday and conclude Thursday evening. 

“Our back-to-basics management agenda is all about improving our government for our citizens. No organization can improve without strong, skilled leaders,” said Drew Erdmann, Chief Operating Officer of the State of Missouri and leader of The Missouri Way program. “The Missouri Way program is designed to help equip our leaders with the management skills they need to drive deep, sustained change. The State has never before had such a cross-department program. It’s time.” 

The Missouri Way is an intensive three-day training program designed to introduce senior leaders, managers, supervisor, and other emerging leaders the tools and approaches of solving basic management challenges and improving their teams’ performance.

The Missouri Way’s approach is practical and based upon proven principles from high-performing businesses and other government organizations. The curriculum will provide common approaches, tools, and vocabulary in areas ranging from how to manage change within an organization and redesigning business processes to customer experience and project management. The sessions involve a mix of classroom instruction with individual and group exercises.

“We are transforming the Department of Corrections,” said Anne Precythe, Director of the Department of Corrections. “The Missouri Way program will help my leadership team expand their skills and tools and take these changes to the next level."

“Our citizens expect us to be as responsive and reliable as any other organization they deal with,” said Carol Comer, Director of the Department of Natural Resources. “Our leadership team is doing the program together to help us accelerate improvements in the Department of Natural Resources.”

The Missouri Way program is an important component of the state’s management transformation. The State of Missouri will hold the program approximately every 90 days, and it will be a regular part of leadership development in state government. Participants are identified by department leaders. The program’s first classes will include each department’s top leadership ranks. The State’s goal is to train 1,000 managers in The Missouri Way by the end of 2019.

Approximately 130 supervisors, managers, and leaders from across the 16 executive departments participated in The Missouri Way training program this week. Future training sessions are expected to bring together about 150 participants each.

“The Missouri Way program is yet another tangible example of how we are investing in our people as never before,” said Sarah Steelman, Commissioner of the Office of Administration.

Find more information about The Missouri Way program on its website: https://missouriway.mo.gov.

AUGUST 24, 2018

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Parson on Friday continued his commitment to finding solutions to ease the impact of the drought by announcing that more than $77,000 in state funding will be awarded to assist the drought-stricken City of Cameron and Caldwell County Public Water Supply Number 2.

As of August 20, the City of Cameron reservoirs were 38.4 percent full and only 167 days of water supply remained. The city serves a population of 9,933 and also sells water to Clinton County Public Water Supply District No. 3, which serves a population of 3,410.

“Any shortage of drinking water is a serious issue. In response, these grants will be a step in the right direction as we work to develop short and long term solutions for clean and dependable water sources,” said Governor Parson. “We are committed to ensuring all state, local, and federal agencies work together to ease the drought’s burden.  We will continue to be proactive in addressing local infrastructure needs to deliver much needed water to communities in need.”

The Department of Natural Resources will be awarding emergency drought assistance grants for $50,000 to the City of Cameron and $27,380 to Caldwell County Public Water Supply District Number 2. The emergency funding will assist the community and the water district in their efforts to maintain adequate drinking water for local citizens.

The funding will assist in allowing the City of Cameron in constructing approximately three miles of temporary, above-ground emergency piping to pump water from Pony Express Lake with special permission from the Missouri Department of Conservation. This temporary connnection is anticipated to provide more than 1 million gallons of water per day, which will be pumped to Grindstone Reservoir, the city’s largest drinking water source.

“Our water levels have reached critical levels.  These state grants will be helpful in assisting the transfer of water from Pony Express Lake,” said City Councilman Dennis Clark. “I want to thank Governor Parson, the Dept. of Natural Resources, and Dept. of Conservation for stepping in and helping us at such a crucial time.” 

The City of Cameron’s total project cost is $484,526. The city, located in Clinton, DeKalb and Caldwell counties, will finance the remainder of the project with available city funds. The project, currently under construction, is expected to be complete and operational by Sept. 1.

Caldwell County Public Water Supply District Number 2 is located in Caldwell County, currently designated as a county experiencing exceptional drought conditions. The water district serves a population of 875. 

The Caldwell County project will construct a temporary emergency connection with Daviess Public Water Supply District Number 2. This temporary connnection is anticipated to provide more than 30,000 gallons per day until a permanent connection can be constructed. This temporary connection will ease the demand experienced by the City of Hamilton city reservoir, which is currently the only water provider to Caldwell Public Water Supply District Number 2. The City of Hamilton’s reservoir level is down 6 feet, and city officials are concerned about maintaining water services.

In response to Governor Parson’s Executive Order No 18-05, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources made this emergency funding available to assist in construction projects intended to ensure that drought-impacted small communities are able to maintain an adequate supply of drinking water for their citizens.

“I applaud the Governor for his leadership on this issue,” said Senator Dan Hegeman, R-Cosby.  “The drought has been severe in northwest Missouri and our community is hurting right now.  These water infrastructure grants will have a positive and lasting impact on these communities.”

Governor Parson and the Department of Natural Resources continue to work closely with funding partners, such as the Missouri Department of Economic Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Rural Development, to assist Missouri public water systems with critical drought impacts in drought alert areas.

AUGUST 20, 2018

Jefferson City — On Monday, Governor Mike Parson joined President Trump in speaking out in support of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including two rotations of Missouri National Guard Soldiers, who first responded to the mission shortly after the President's call in April.

Currently, four Missouri National Guard soldiers are serving on the southwest border, providing aerial surveillance from their UH-72 Lakota helicopter. Since arriving in Arizona earlier this summer, the crew has executed approximately 400 flight hours in support of the federal border security mission.

“Patrolling our borders has never been an easy role, with many difficult decisions to make; but I am proud of the service of these men and women,” said Governor Parson. “By patrolling our borders, we can take a proactive stand against human trafficking, violence, terrorism, and illegal immigration from spiraling out of control. Our National Guard soldiers have done a great service to their country in their critical support role and have represented Missouri very well.”

Though Governor Parson was adamant in the enforcement and control of our borders, he spoke proudly of the importance of immigrants and the impact they have had on our society. Governor Parson said, “This will always be a nation of immigrants. It is the one common trait we all share. Immigrants have and will continue to have an important role in Missouri and the United States. However, we must work together to help control the amount of illegal activity that passes through this country while giving legal immigrants a chance to succeed in this country. The American dream will never be lost.”