OCTOBER 23, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, in an effort to leave state government better than he found it, Governor Mike Parson has signed Executive Order 24-11, which rescinds 177 past executive orders that are no longer necessary or applicable. These orders date back to the 1980s with many being past state of emergency declarations or found to be in conflict with changes to state law and/or Missouri and U.S. Courts' opinions.

"Since the very beginning, we have always looked to cut red tape, streamline bureaucracy, and reduce the size of government where possible," Governor Parson said. "This action today helps untangle a web of unnecessary and contradicting executive orders that no longer serve their intended purposes, ensuring more efficient and effective operations across state government."

The vast majority of the 177 executive orders being rescinded are because the issue or crisis they were intended to address no longer exists. It is now common practice for executive orders to be issued with a specific date of rescission so that they do not linger in effect unnecessarily.

A list of the executive orders being rescinded, along with brief explanations, can be found in the attachment. To view Executive Order 24-11, click here.

Reasons for EO 24-11.pdf

OCTOBER 21, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson announced that the final Parson Family Fall Festival and Trick-or-Treating at the People’s House will be held at the Missouri Governor’s Mansion on Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. The outdoor event will feature several vendors, children's activities, and bluegrass musical entertainment.

“We look forward to hosting the final Parson Family Fall Festival at the Missouri Governor’s Mansion,” Governor and First Lady Parson said in a joint statement. “We have held this event every year since taking office and it has been a great honor to welcome Missourians of all ages to the People's House. Seeing so many young faces light up as they participate in the variety of activities offered will always be some of our most cherished memories."

In addition to more than a dozen vendors, activities will include a bounce house, face painting, trick-or-treating, hayrides and more. Jordan Thomas and Shakin Jake from the Kay Brothers will perform bluegrass music for everyone to enjoy.

Several vendors are slated to attend, including The Magic House - St. Louis, MO Hives, Missouri State Parks, Runge Nature Center,  Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, Missouri Department of Agriculture, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Puppies for Parole, Missouri Department of Revenue, Boys & Girls Club of Jefferson City, BACA World, Fun Fab Four, Flowers on Phoenix, and more.

Children 12 and under are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. The event is free and open to the public, and no registration is required.

OCTOBER 18, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson ordered the U.S. and Missouri flags to be flown at half-staff at government buildings in St. Charles County and at all emergency medical stations in Missouri on Saturday, October 19, 2024, to honor St. Charles County Ambulance District Paramedic Michael R. Clarke.  

“Paramedic Michael Clarke loved working as a paramedic, had compassion for the people he treated, and was honored earlier this year for saving the life of a patient in cardiac arrest,” Governor Parson said. “He committed his life to serving the people of St. Charles County, but sadly died in the line of duty after two years of honorable service with the St. Charles County Ambulance District. Teresa and I send up our prayers for Paramedic Clarke’s parents, siblings, and all who loved him.”

Clarke was licensed as a paramedic on September 30, 2022, and joined the St. Charles County Ambulance District on November 11, 2022.

Paramedic Clarke did not respond to a call early in the morning on October 11. His colleagues found him unresponsive in an ambulance district bedroom. They attempted to resuscitate him, and he was transported to a hospital but did not survive. He was just 27.    

The flags will be held at half-staff on the day of Paramedic Clarke’s interment. To view the proclamation, click here. 

OCTOBER 10, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, the State of Missouri was notified by the State of Florida that both Missouri National Guard (MONG) and Department of Public Safety (DPS) resources previously offered for Hurricane Milton response efforts are no longer required. Yesterday, Governor Mike Parson announced that the MONG and DPS were preparing to deploy resources to assist the State of Florida. In light of Hurricane Milton being less impactful than previously expected, the State of Florida has canceled its Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) request that Missouri was responding to.

"While Missouri was ready and willing to assist our fellow Americans in Florida, we are relieved that Hurricane Milton proved to be less destructive than previously expected and that the State of Florida already has the necessary resources to respond," Governor Parson said. "Teresa and I will continue to keep the people of North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida in our thoughts and prayers as recovery efforts continue."

In a communication to states that had answered Florida’s EMAC request, the Florida Division of Emergency Management said the willingness to help was appreciated but that the events over the last 24 hours were not as dire as had been expected and that the state believed it was able to meet its needs with resources already available within the state.

A Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) specialist in donations and volunteer management will be deploying to Florida in response to a seperate EMAC request.  

No MONG or DPS resources were in transit to Florida before notice of the EMAC cancellation was received. To date, the State of Missouri has no pending, direct EMAC requests for states affected by Hurricanes Helene or Milton but is prepared to consider any requests should they be received.

Individuals interested in helping hurricane victims are encouraged to direct donations to trusted disaster relief organizations such as the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. Financial contributions are the fastest and most flexible method of donating as it allows these organizations to quickly address urgent or emerging needs. If you wish to donate supplies, first check to see what items have been identified as high need and where.  

OCTOBER 10, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson ordered the U.S. and Missouri flags to be flown at half-staff at government buildings in the City of St. Louis and all sheriffs’ offices in Missouri on Friday, October 11, 2024, to honor St. Louis City Sheriff’s Office Deputy Dennis Boyd.

“Deputy Sheriff Boyd was a 20-year veteran of the St. Louis City Sheriff’s Office, known for his dependability and for almost never missing a day of work,” Governor Parson said. “Reliable, dedicated public servants like Deputy Boyd keep our justice system operating and are the reason Missourians can have confidence in justice being served. Teresa and I extend our condolences to Deputy Boyd’s wife, Nicole, and his loved ones.”

Before joining the St. Louis City Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Boyd had served for two years with the St. Louis City Division of Corrections. On the morning of September 25, Deputy Boyd suffered a medical emergency as he returned to the Sheriff’s Office after beginning work before dawn.

Boyd was 50 years old. In May 2022, he was one of more than 20 St. Louis City Sheriff’s Office deputies who received Missouri peace officer licenses after completing training from Lincoln University’s Law Enforcement Training Academy. The unique training program was conducted at Harris-Stowe State University in St. Louis.

The flags will be held at half-staff on the day of Deputy Sheriff Boyd’s interment. To view the proclamation, click here. 

OCTOBER 9, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, in response to an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) request from the State of Florida, Governor Mike Parson has ordered 100 Missouri National Guard (MONG) members, 21 Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) troopers and civilian support staff, and five Missouri Disaster Medical Assistance Team (MO DMAT-1) members to Florida to aid Hurricane Milton response efforts. 

"Missouri always stands ready to assist our fellow states in need, and as Governor Ron DeSantis and the people of Florida brace for one of the strongest and potentially most destructive hurricanes in recent memory, Missouri will be there to help them respond and recover," Governor Parson said. "We will continue to assess how best Missouri can assist Florida in response to this hurricane and other states recently impacted by Hurricane Helene. In the meantime, Teresa and I are praying for Americans who have been displaced by Helene and the safety of the people of Florida as Milton approaches landfall."

Preparations are being made for Missouri personnel to arrive in Florida once the immediate threats of Hurricane Milton have passed. They will assist in Florida for five to 20 days, depending on response and recovery needs. Potential extensions and additional deployments may be assessed in coordination with Florida's emergency response agencies.

The cost of the combined deployment is estimated at $1.6 million and will be covered primarily by the Governor's Office's discretionary emergency response fund. The State could potentially be reimbursed by the federal government.

MONG assistance to Florida consists of transportation and logistics support. Vehicles from MONG's transportation Company are capable of traveling off road and over adverse terrain to deliver needed food, water, and other supplies and capabilities to the point of need. These assets were identified to fill critical capability gaps and meet anticipated needs on ground. Ongoing coordination with state and federal partners will define the full mission.

MSHP is rostering a team of 15 troopers and six civilians with the technical expertise, equipment, and supplies to support operations for a sustained period of time. MSHP is determined to assist Florida authorities and residents during this emergency without compromising the level of service it provides every day in Missouri. MO DMAT-1 team members will support any medical or logistical needs of the MSHP.

To date, the State of Missouri has not received any direct EMAC requests for states affected by Hurricane Helene but is prepared to consider any requests should they be received.

Individuals interested in helping are encouraged to direct donations to trusted disaster relief organizations such as the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. Financial contributions are the fastest and most flexible method of donating as it allows these organizations to quickly address urgent or emerging needs. If you wish to donate supplies, first check to see what items have been identified as high need and where.  

OCTOBER 4, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson ordered the U.S. and Missouri flags to be flown at half-staff at government buildings in the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, and at all police stations across Missouri on Saturday, October 5, to honor St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Officer David Lee III.

"Officer Lee was selflessly assisting a motorist on Interstate 70 when he was tragically struck by an impaired driver who had no business being on our roads," Governor Parson said. "Officer Lee dedicated 18 years of his life to honorably serving the people of St. Louis, earning the Department Award of Excellence on three occasions as well as a Chief's Letter of Commendation. We will always remember his unwavering service to the people of our state. Teresa and I extend our thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones during this difficult time."

On September 22, Officer Lee III was assisting a driver involved in a single-vehicle crash on eastbound Interstate 70 when he was struck by another motor vehicle operated by an intoxicated driver.

Officer Lee III served as an officer with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department for 18 years and was recognized with the Department Award of Excellence on three occasions, the prestigious "Officer of the Month" award, and a Chief's Letter of Commendation. Officer Lee III is survived by his wife and two children.

Officer Lee III served in St. Louis City and lived in St. Louis County. Flags will be held at half-staff on the day Officer Lee III is laid to rest. To view the proclamation, click here. 

OCTOBER 4, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced judicial appointments to the 11th, 25th, and 29th Judicial Circuits.

William M. Byrnes, of Wentzville, will be appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for the 11th Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Byrnes owns Byrnes Law Firm. He holds a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from Southeast Missouri State University and a Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He will fill the vacancy created by the election of the Honorable Matt Thornhill as Circuit Judge who is unopposed in the 2024 general election.

Denise L. Childress, of St. Charles, will be appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for the 11th Judicial Circuit.

Ms. Childress owns Childress Legal, LLC. She holds a Bachelor of Science in justice systems from Truman State University and a Juris Doctor from St. Louis University. She will fill the vacancy created by the election of the Honorable Dwayne Johnson as Circuit Judge who is unopposed in the 2024 general election.

Peter A. Lassiter, of New Melle, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for the 11th Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Lassiter owns St. Thomas Legal, LLC. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from St. Louis University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Columbia. He will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Erin S. Burlison as Circuit Judge.

Brendon Fox, of Rolla, will be appointed as Circuit Judge for the 25th Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Fox is the Phelps County Prosecuting Attorney. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and art history from Stanford University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri­–Columbia. He will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable John D. Beger.

Nicole M. Carlton, of Carthage, will be appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for the 29th Judicial Circuit.

Ms. Carlton owns Carlton Law Firm, LLC. She holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration and a Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas­–Fayetteville. She will fill the vacancy created by the election of the Honorable Joseph L. Hensley as Circuit Judge who is unopposed in the 2024 general election.

OCTOBER 3, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome lighted red from sunset on Saturday, October 5, until sunrise on Sunday, October 6, 2024, in honor of Missouri’s fallen firefighters.

The lighting coincides with Missouri’s annual memorial services for firefighters at the Fire Fighters Memorial in Kingdom City. Governor Parson has proclaimed October 6 as Fire Service Memorial Day in Missouri. The Fire Fighters Memorial Foundation of Missouri will hold a candlelight vigil at the memorial for all deceased firefighters on Saturday, October 5, beginning at 7 p.m. On Sunday, October 6, beginning at 10:30 a.m., a memorial service will be held at the memorial in honor of Missouri firefighters recently recognized by the memorial foundation board as having died in the line of duty.

“Since the early 1800s, more than 400 Missourians across our state have paid the ultimate price for their commitment to serve as firefighters,” Governor Parson said. “These courageous firefighters came from many backgrounds and served across different eras, but they shared an unflinching determination to protect lives and property, even when it meant putting their own lives on the line. It is our honor to light the State Capitol dome red in grateful remembrance of these heroes’ service to Missouri.”

“We hope that when people see the Capitol Dome lighted red on Saturday night, they think of the members of Missouri’s fire service who died in the line of duty to save lives and protect property,” State Fire Marshal Tim Bean said. “Our fallen brothers and sisters, no matter when they served, represent the highest ideals of the fire service – courage under fire, selfless service, and unfailing commitment to others – and they will never be forgotten.”

Pictures of the Capitol lighted red will be available on Governor Parson’s Flickr page.

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). 

SEPTEMBER 24, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at government buildings in Platte and Jackson counties, the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City, and firehouses statewide on Wednesday, September 25, from sunrise to sunset in honor of Kansas City Fire Department Firefighter/Paramedic Kyle Brinker.  

“Kyle Brinker was drawn to public service at an early age, first becoming a junior firefighter in Pennsylvania, and he never lost his passion and enthusiasm for making a positive difference in people’s lives,” Governor Parson said. “He earned a degree in emergency medicine and devoted himself to being the best firefighter/paramedic he could be as he served in Station 35, one of the KCFD’s busiest stations. He will be remembered as a mentor and role model fully committed to the people he served. Teresa and I will be keeping his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers.”       

On September 17, 2024, while performing duties as a rescue technician during a Kansas City Fire Department training exercise, Firefighter/Paramedic Brinker experienced a medical emergency and died in the line of duty.

Brinker, 33, had been a member of the Kansas City Fire Department for 11 years. Previously, he had served as a firefighter, emergency medical technician (EMT), and paramedic in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The flags will be held at half-staff on the day Firefighter/Paramedic Brinker is laid to rest. To view the proclamation, click here.