SEPTEMBER 21, 2022

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Parson today announced nearly $3 million in grant funding has been approved for 11 Missouri colleges and universities to help enhance nursing education programs and develop solutions to help alleviate staffing shortages felt nationwide.

“My administration has prioritized workforce development, especially for our high demand fields such as nursing,” Governor Parson said. “It is vitally important that we continue to invest in Missouri’s health care workforce. These grant funds will assist with expanding clinical partnerships and nursing resources to better provide students with a valuable education as well as increase enrollment capacity in the future.”

These 11 competitive grants, totaling $2,997,690, were part of a special appropriation to the Missouri State Board of Nursing that was recommended and approved by Governor Parson. The approved grants include:

• $298,016 to Avila University in Kansas City
• $296,000 to Bolivar Technical College
• $269,793 to Cox College in Springfield
• $300,000 to Goldfarb School of Nursing in St. Louis
• $275,900 to Jefferson College in Hillsboro
• $230,044 to Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph
• $300,000 to South Central Career Center in West Plains
• $298,137 to St. Louis University
• $300,000 to University of Missouri – Kansas City
• $300,000 to University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg
• $129,800 to William Jewell College in Liberty

The nursing programs that were awarded funds have proposed innovative solutions to assist in alleviating the nursing shortage by increasing nursing faculty, developing career ladder programs that start in high school, leveraging virtual simulation and distance learning, and expanding earn while you learn models where students earn a wage while obtaining clinical education.

“We are proud of our Missouri nursing programs that proposed solutions which showcase their ability to lead in change and transform nursing education,” said Lori Scheidt, Executive Director of the Missouri State Board of Nursing. “I look forward to seeing these grant funds put into action to strengthen Missouri’s nursing pipeline.”

In addition to these funds, the Missouri State Board of Nursing has awarded more than $8 million through the Nursing Education Incentive Program(NEIP). That is an investment of more than $11 million to improve infrastructure for Missouri nursing programs and promote innovation in nursing education. NEIP is an annual grant program designed to increase the physical and educational capacity of professional nursing programs throughout the state.

The Missouri State Board of Nursing’s most recent workforce analysis report in 2021 indicated nursing shortages in certain geographic areas of the state. This report is conducted annually and provides valuable information on how to target solutions driven by data.

The Missouri State Board of Nursing is a division of the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance and worked in coordination with the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development to select these grant recipients. More information on NEIP grants may be obtained from the Missouri State Board of Nursing’s website.

SEPTEMBER 12, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson participated in the ground breaking ceremony for American Foods Group, LLC's (AFG) new state-of-the-art beef processing facility in Warren County. The company broke ground at its site near Wright City, marking the beginning of a project expected to generate $1 billion in annual economic impact in the state of Missouri. 

“As a third-generation farmer and cattleman myself, I am proud to welcome AFG to Missouri. This is a major development that will benefit Missouri’s agricultural producers and consumers for years to come,” Governor Parson said. “With $94 billion contributed to our economy annually, we appreciate that agriculture is our number one industry. AFG’s investment in Missouri further signals to the nation and world what we’ve known all along, that Missouri is the best place for companies to grow and expand. We couldn’t be more excited for AFG’s expansion in Missouri.”

“Today marks the start of our future in Warren County, Missouri, the addition of industry-needed hook space and fulfilling the needs of our customers, partners, and consumers for beef demand,” said Steve Van Lannen, President and COO of American Foods Group.

AFG is investing $800 million in the new 775,000 sq. ft. facility. The company plans to create more than 1,300 new jobs in the region with an annual payroll of approximately $80 million.

“Warren County has a strong heritage in agriculture, and today we get to celebrate the opportunity to build on that heritage with American Foods Group,” said Steve Etcher of the Greater Warren County Economic Development Council. “I am impressed with the Rosen family and company leadership and how they embrace their employees as family, invest in their communities, and strive to be a valued corporate partner. This is exactly the type of company the EDC envisioned when they launched their mission 10 years ago to attract new businesses to Warren County that will provide good paying jobs for the residents of our community.”

“As highlighted in the STL 2030 Jobs Plan, our region’s agricultural assets have long served as an economic engine. American Foods Group’s facility will bolster the economy for local farmers and agriculture businesses,” said Jason Hall, CEO of Greater St. Louis, Inc. “The family-owned company complements our already thriving agricultural and agtech strengths and their investment in good-paying jobs in Warren County will benefit our metro for years to come. This win – following a multi-state and metro search – also underscores that St. Louis can go head-to-head with any other region on the merits.”

AFG is family-owned and employs more than 4,500 individuals across the United States. The company evaluated multiple locations for its newest facility where they plan to process 2,400 cattle per day.

“When AFG first approached our team about this project via the Harvest Group, we knew it would be extremely competitive. However, we were confident Missouri’s history in food processing, strengths in agriculture, and our central location would help us win AFG for our state,” said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership. “AFG is a leading beef processing company with an impeccable reputation. I’m looking forward to watching them grow here in Missouri.”

Missouri Partnership worked with the following partners to attract AFG to Warren County: Greater Warren County Economic Development Council (GWCEDC), Greater St. Louis, Inc., Warren County, Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri Development Finance Board, Missouri Department of Agriculture, Missouri Department of Transportation, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri One Start, Missouri Department of Corrections, St. Charles Community College, St. Charles Water District #2, Norfolk Southern, Ameren, Cuivre River Electric, Cochran Engineering, Missouri Farmers Care, Missouri Farm Bureau, and Missouri Cattlemen’s Association.

The company plans to be fully operational by the end of 2024.

For photos from today's ground breaking, visit Governor Parson's Flickr page. 

SEPTEMBER 9, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced five judicial appointments to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District and the 4th, 7th, 23rd, and 31st Judicial Circuits.

The Honorable Becky Borthwick, of Springfield, was appointed to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District.

Judge Borthwick currently serves as Circuit Judge for the 31st Judicial Circuit. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Missouri–Columbia and a Juris Doctor from the University of Oklahoma. She will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Gary Lynch.

Mr. Brian Tubbs, of Mound City, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for the 4th Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Tubbs is currently principal of the Law Office of Brian Tubbs LLC. He holds a Bachelor of Science in agricultural economics and agribusiness and a Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable William Richards.

Mr. Daniel White, of Kansas City, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for the 7th Judicial Circuit.  

Mr. White currently serves as the Clay County Prosecuting Attorney. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and history from the University of Missouri–Columbia and a Juris Doctor from the University of Tulsa. He will fill the Associate Circuit Judge vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Timothy Flook as Circuit Judge.

Ms. Julianne Hand, of DeSoto, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for the 23rd Judicial Circuit.

Ms. Hand is currently a senior partner at Kramer, Hand, Buchholz & Partney and serves as Jefferson County Municipal Judge. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Oklahoma State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Tulsa. She will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Edward Page as Circuit Judge.

The Honorable Jerry A. Harmison Jr., of Springfield, was appointed as Circuit Judge for the 31st Judicial Circuit.  

Judge Harmison currently serves as Associate Circuit Judge for the 31st Judicial Circuit. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Central Missouri State University and a Juris Doctor from Drake University. He will fill the Circuit Judge vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Calvin R. Holden.

SEPTEMBER 7, 2022

Jefferson City — This morning, Governor Mike Parson awarded Missouri Public Safety Medals to a total of 23 first responders and four civilians for heroic and life-saving actions during 2021. The awards are Missouri’s highest recognition for first responders acting during critical incidents. This year, for the first time, the ceremony included the presentation of Missouri’s new Red, White, and Blue Heart Award, which is awarded to individuals seriously injured or killed in the line of duty. Three of the five Red, White, and Blue Hearts were conferred posthumously.   

“Missouri’s first responders deserve our respect and appreciation for the work they do to protect their fellow citizens, and the heroic acts performed by those honored today make absolutely clear the dangers these courageous individuals are willing to face on our behalf,” Governor Mike Parson said. “Their actions saved lives and ended threats to their communities. We especially will never forget the tremendous sacrifices of those whose courage left them permanently scarred or even cost them their lives – all to keep others safe.”  

Four civilians were also honored with the Public Safety Civilian Partnership Award for their brave acts to save the lives of others or provide vital assistance to first responders while risking their own safety.

Family members and colleagues were on hand for the awards presentation during the Jefferson City ceremony. The award recipients and the acts for which they were honored are as follows:

Medal of Valor: Missouri's highest award recognizing public safety officers who exhibit exceptional courage, extraordinary decisiveness and presence of mind, and unusual swiftness of action, regardless of his or her personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect human life.

Jeffrey D. Collins and John G. Lehman, Jefferson City Police Department – On January 3, 2021, Officers Collins (now retired) and Lehman responded to a report of a man armed with a large knife threatening customers at a shopping center. After Officer Collins arrived at the scene, followed by Officer Lehman, the two officers initiated contact with the suspect, a 59-year-old man who was extremely agitated. Officer Collins attempted to calm the man, telling him the officers were there to help him. The man was slapping his thigh with the large knife and refused to drop it. Officer Collins worked to engage the man in conversation as he drew his duty handgun and as Officer Lehman moved into a tactical position where he could observe the knife in the man’s right hand. Both officers continued their calls for him to drop the knife. He refused and his agitation grew. He then suddenly raised the knife above his head with the blade pointed at Officer Collins and rushed toward Collins. Fearing for his life, Collins discharged his duty weapon. Fearing for the safety of Officer Collins, Officer Lehman also discharged his duty weapon. The officers secured the knife, which was still in the subject’s hand, and initiated lifesaving measures but the subject died. Officers Collins and Lehman responded to a volatile situation in which a number of people were endangered. They attempted to end the situation nonviolently but were forced to act when Officer Collins' life was at risk.  

Timothy L. Shipp, Eureka Police Department – At about 3:15 a.m. on January 26, 2021, while working secondary employment, Officer Shipp heard radio traffic about a house fire. He immediately drove to the location, arriving before the Eureka Fire Department. The front of the house was fully engulfed in flames. He found a neighbor at the back of the house, Justin M. Flynn, who told him a disabled woman was still inside. Mr. Flynn had made two attempts to locate the woman but had been thwarted by the smoke and darkness. Officer Shipp and Mr. Flynn entered the house using the rear entrance. Without breathing apparatus, the dense smoke made it impossible to see and very difficult to breathe. With Officer Shipp in the lead, the men crawled along the floor, with Officer Shipp calling out to the woman. Finally, the woman responded and Officer Shipp followed her voice to find her on the floor of a distant room. Officer Shipp then began dragging the victim along the floor; Mr. Flynn then assisted, and they were able to move her to safety outside. Officer Shipp acted without regard for his own safety in order to save the woman trapped inside her burning home.

Zim Schwartze, Missouri Capitol Police – On February 10, 2021, while off duty, Missouri Capitol Police Chief Schwartze traveled to Fayette, Missouri, for an appointment. While driving home, she came upon a house fire on Route W in Howard County. Chief Schwartze pulled into the driveway, where a man in his 60s had already stopped. He said he heard dogs barking inside the house and was going to call 911. Chief Schwartze ran to the back of the house, observing the attached garage was also on fire. She ran into the burning house and encountered many dogs. She called out to see if anyone was in the house. There was no response. Smoke was rolling across the first floor ceiling as she went room-to-room, calling out to anyone in the house. In the kitchen a man appeared; he said he had been sleeping in the basement and heard Schwartze’s calls. The chief guided the man outside and placed five dogs in a vehicle so they would be out of the way when firefighters arrived. As she returned to the front of the residence, she saw that the man she had originally encountered outside had collapsed and was face down in the driveway. He was not breathing. She immediately called 911 and began chest compressions. Howard County sheriff’s deputies and firefighters began arriving. They took over the effort to revive the man, who had suffered a heart attack. Chief Schwartze now observed debris from the house falling on vehicles, one of which was on fire. She moved the dogs from one of these vehicles into her personal car. Unfortunately, the man who suffered the heart attack did not survive. While off duty and far from her Missouri Capitol Police jurisdiction, Chief Schwartze immediately sprang into action when she observed a fire, acting heroically to protect people, pets and property.

William J. Knittel Jr. and Michael E. Werges, Eureka Police Department – On February 18, 2021, Sgt. Knittel and Lt. Werges were dispatched to a residence after a caller reported a man flourishing a handgun at a woman inside the residence. Upon arrival, Sgt. Knittel made contact with a woman at the front door. She told him the man was holding the handgun to his head and there were children inside. As Lt. Werges arrived, a gunshot was then heard inside the house. The two officers immediately entered the home to search for the children. Lt. Werges made verbal contact with the armed man, who was in another room, as Sgt. Knittel searched for, located, and carried the children out of the home. A second shot was now heard from the room the gunman was occupying, and the woman ran out of the room. The gunman then barricaded himself in the room. After several hours of negotiations, the gunman surrendered. Without regard for their own wellbeing, Lt. Werges and Sgt. Knittel rushed into a residence occupied by a violent gunman, rescued two children, and helped secure the safe release of a woman.

Jeffrey A. Hilke, Cole County Sheriff’s Office – On April 21, 2021, Reserve Deputy Sheriff Hilke was working in his civilian position as a funeral director at an Eldon mortuary, where a family was preparing for a memorial service. The ex-husband of one of the immediate family members entered the mortuary and confronted his ex-wife. After arguing, the man attempted to pull the woman into another room. When she resisted, he pulled a handgun from his coat. Deputy Hilke heard the woman scream, and he and another man rushed the gunman to attempt to take control of the gun. As they fought the gunman, the gun’s magazine was ejected, but as the struggle continued the bullet in the chamber discharged and narrowly missed striking one of the people in the mortuary. Deputy Hilke continued to fight the gunman who was now attempting to pull a second magazine from a coat pocket. Once Eldon Police arrived on the scene, they assisted by taking control of the gunman and securing his weapon. While working his civilian job, Reserve Deputy Hilke leapt into action, sacrificing his own safety to prevent what could have been a deadly domestic violence attack.

Dawson M. Payne and John G. Lehman, Jefferson City Police Department – On June 7, 2021, Police Officer Trainee Payne was patrolling along Truman Boulevard with Field Training Officer Lehman. Officers Payne and Lehman observed a vehicle with an expired registration and initiated a traffic stop. The driver stopped in the middle of a heavily traveled six lane street and because of the traffic pattern, Officer Payne approached the vehicle from the passenger side, with Officer Lehman following a few steps behind. As Payne got close to the front passenger door, he observed the driver leaning across the passenger seat with one hand on the trigger guard and the other on the barrel of a .22 caliber rifle. The driver next raised the rifle and pushed its muzzle toward the officer’s face. Officer Payne ducked down and moved away from the vehicle, yelling, “Gun, gun, gun.” He circled around to the driver side of the vehicle as Officer Lehman maintained focus on the passenger side. Each officer drew his service weapon and gave multiple commands to the gunman to place his hands out the window. Officer Lehman observed the driver raise the rifle and extend the barrel out of the passenger window. Fearing for his life and the life of Officer Payne, Officer Lehman began firing his duty weapon through the rear windshield. Officer Payne also observed the driver raising the gun and also fired his duty weapon. Once the driver stopped moving the officers approached the vehicle to ensure there were no passengers and determine whether the driver was still alive. He was pronounced dead at the scene. It was later determined that he had discharged the rifle during the confrontation. Working in coordination, Field Training Officer Lehman and Officer Payne ended an armed threat to themselves and the community.

Kurt A. Schmutzler and Bradley E. Maudlin, Missouri State Highway Patrol – Late on the night of June 24, 2021, Sgt. Schmutzler was notified heavy rain had led to flash flooding in Amazonia, Mo., and the need for multiple rescues and evacuations. Sgt. Schmutzler immediately requested assistance from Cpl. Maudlin, a Patrol road officer with swift water rescue training. Cpl. Maudlin was off duty but quickly responded. Sgt. Schmutzler, a Marine Operations officer, deployed with an inflatable rescue boat. The pair first responded to a house with two men inside. It was surrounded by three to four feet of swift-moving floodwater. The officers decided the safest approach was to use pike poles to find a path through 80 yards of water to the residence and then carefully walked the two men out to safety. They next went to a house with five people trapped inside; two were elderly, and there was a young child. Because of the swirling waters and numerous obstacles in the water, they again opted not to utilize the boat. Carrying additional life-jackets, they made their way to the residence on foot, which quickly made clear it was too hazardous to attempt to walk out the trapped family. Sgt. Schmutzler and Cpl. Maudlin decided to utilize a 12-foot flat bottom boat they noticed near the house. They first put life jackets on a mother and her young child, loaded them into the boat and carefully walked the boat to safety through swift water that was up to four feet deep. The water had become deeper and more dangerous by the time they returned and attempted to move an elderly woman and a man in his 20s, neither of whom could swim. The swift current was sweeping the officers off their feet; waves rocked the boat, almost ejecting the two people inside. Cpl. Maudlin, controlling the back of the boat, quickly repositioned himself and pushed up on the left side of the boat, preventing it from capsizing. Sgt. Schmutzler, who is a swift water rescue instructor in the Patrol’s Marine Operations Division, said if not for Cpl. Maudlin’s quick reaction, the boat would have capsized and tossed both passengers into the water. Over the course of more than eight hours, Sgt. Schmutler and Cpl. Maudlin rescued or evacuated a total of 27 people in Andrew and DeKalb counties.

Colton J. Beck, Missouri State Highway Patrol – On the night of December 10, 2021, Trooper Beck attempted to conduct a traffic stop after observing a vehicle run a red light in Springfield. The driver failed to stop and Trooper Beck began a pursuit. At a dead end, the driver drove off the road and down an embankment, where his vehicle became disabled. At the dead end, Trooper Beck exited his vehicle and approached the driver side of the disabled vehicle on foot. The suspect continued to push the accelerator in an attempt to flee. The driver was obscured because of the low light conditions and dark window tinting. Trooper Beck gave clear commands for the suspect to exit the vehicle; as he approached the driver door, the suspect fired a single shot from a shotgun through the window. Trooper Beck was struck in the face, neck, and upper torso. Although seriously wounded, Trooper Beck returned fire. He then moved to a tactical position and continued to exchange fire with the suspect. The gunman then fled on foot. When additional officers arrived, Trooper Beck, despite his injuries, remained calm and provided a description of the gunman, his direction of flight, and conveyed the continuing threat posed by the gunman, information that assisted in the capture of the suspect early the next morning.  

Governor’s Medal: Awarded to a group of public safety officers in recognition of acts above and beyond the call of normal duty during a critical incident in which the collective performance of the group was essential to the successful resolution of the incident.

Justin W. Bryant, Michael W. Deck, Kyle R. Embrey, Kristin N. Engle, Dawn M. Neuman, John F. O’Neill IV, Shanna M. Ostendorf, and Robert J. Tosie, St. Louis County Police Department – On the evening of July 15, 2021, the St. Louis County Police Department’s Highway Safety Unit was in a restaurant on Bagnell Dam Boulevard in Lake Ozark. The officers were in Lake Ozark to attend the annual Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Advisory Council. The officers were off duty, in civilian attire, and eating dinner when they heard gunfire coming from across the street. With their badges displayed and guns drawn, the officers ran toward the gunfire. Shouting that they were members of law enforcement, the officers took up strategic positions using parked vehicles as cover. Shots were being fired in several directions as rival outlaw motorcycle gangs engaged in a shootout. The officers were unable to discharge their weapons because of the number of gang members in the vicinity and several shooting victims lying on the ground. The officers instructed one shooting victim to crawl between vehicles to a position where they could provide aid until EMS responded to the scene. Once local officers arrived and the gunfire ended, the St. Louis County officers assisted in securing the scene, at the request of the local law enforcement. This included detaining possible suspects, gang members, and witnesses. Before the officers left the scene, it was determined that five outlaw motorcycle gang members had been shot, one of them fatally. No bystanders were injured during the shooting. While off duty, in civilian attire, and with no ballistic protection, Sgt. Shanna M. Ostendorf, Sgt. Kristin N. Engle, Sgt. Kyle R. Embrey, and Officers Justin W. Bryant, Michael W. Deck, Dawn M. Neuman, John F. O’Neill IV, and Robert J. Tosie had courageously run toward chaotic gunfire from multiple directions and acted to protect civilian lives in a busy entertainment area. Shanna M. Ostendorf has since been promoted to lieutenant.   

Public Safety Civilian Partnership Award: Awarded to a civilian who has provided valuable or courageous assistance to members of a Missouri public safety agency in an emergency situation.

Justin M. Flynn, nominated by Eureka Police Department – At about 3 a.m. on January 26, 2021, Mr. Flynn awoke to a series of loud explosions. He checked outside and saw a house about one-half mile from his was on fire and quickly drove to his neighbors’ residence, arriving before firefighters. Two of the residents had made it out of the house but an elderly disabled woman was trapped inside. Because the front of the house was engulfed in flames, Mr. Flynn breached the rear door and made two attempts to reach the trapped victim, using the flashlight on his phone as he shouted out to the woman. But there was no response and the smoke made it impossible to see or breathe for any length of time inside the house. While exiting the second time, Mr. Flynn saw Eureka Police Officer Timothy L. Shipp, who had just arrived on scene. Mr. Flynn advised him that the remaining occupant was disabled and that he had not been able to find her. Officer Shipp and Mr. Flynn now entered the house together through the back door, the smoke choking them and making it impossible to see. Crawling on their hands and knees, Officer Shipp shouted for the woman, and this time she responded. Shipp told her to keep calling out so he could find her through the smoke. Crawling through the noxious smoke, Officer Shipp reached the woman on the floor of a room Mr. Flynn had not been able to reach previously. Officer Shipp dragged the woman toward the back door. Working together, Officer Shipp and Mr. Flynn got the woman out of the house to safety. Throughout the difficult ordeal, Mr. Flynn performed bravely, without concern for his own safety, and helped save a woman’s life. 

Joshua James-Troutt and Travis Terry, nominated by Callaway County Sheriff’s Office – On the morning of October 17, 2021, Callaway County Sheriff’s Deputy John Nielsen responded to a call for a rollover crash in the area of U.S. Highway 54 and State Highway J. As he approached the intersection, Deputy Nielsen was waved over by two stopped motorists. They pointed to the crash scene and then to a man 200 yards away who was walking directly into traffic on westbound Highway 54. Deputy Nielsen watched as the man was almost hit by a tractor trailer. Deputy Nielsen drove to the man’s location with his emergency lights activated, stopped, and instructed him to place his hands on his patrol vehicle’s bumper. The man, who was about 6-foot-5 and weighed over 200 pounds, called for the deputy to shoot him, refused to comply, and walked back into traffic. Deputy Nielsen attempted to restrain the man, but he resisted and eventually wound up on top of the deputy’s chest by the side of the highway. With the deputy pinned to the ground and the wind knocked out of him, the suicidal man tried to get the deputy’s gun from his holster. At this point, two other motorists arrived on the scene. Joshua James-Troutt was driving westbound Highway 54 and pulled over when he saw the suspect resisting the deputy. Travis Terry had been driving on eastbound Highway 54 when he stopped and crossed the eastbound and westbound traffic lanes to assist. James-Troutt stated he heard Terry say, “He’s going for his gun.” At that point both men grabbed hold of the suspect and together, with great effort, managed to pull him off Deputy Nielsen. This allowed Deputy Nielsen to get to his knees long enough to get his Taser and stun the suspect, who then, finally, placed his hands behind his back and was handcuffed. With a suicidal man struggling to get a deputy sheriff’s gun along a busy highway, Joshua James-Troutt and Travis Terry bravely put their own safety at risk to assist Sheriff's Deputy Nielsen in taking the man into custody.  

Bryan Yarbrough, nominated by Bolivar City Fire Department – On the night of November 19, 2021, Bryan Yarbrough was driving back to a hospital, where his fiancé had just delivered a baby hours earlier, when he noticed the roof of a house was on fire. Because of the late hour and because there were cars in the driveway, he stopped and knocked on the door. There was no response, but he could hear animals inside so he opened the unlocked door. While looking for the animals, he found two adults who were asleep in bed. He woke them and then helped get them and their pets out of the house and called 911. After everyone was out of the residence the fire grew considerably and firefighters battling the blaze had to exit the structure because of concern that the roof would collapse. Uninterested in any recognition, Mr. Yarbrough left the scene to return to the hospital. He was later recognized by the City of Bolivar with a “Bryan Yarbrough Day” proclamation from the mayor.

Red, White and Blue Heart Award: This is the first year the Red, White, and Blue Heart Award is being awarded. The annual award may be presented to any first responder who under honorable circumstances is critically, seriously, or fatally injured while performing official duties in the line of duty. The injury must require long-term treatment by a medical professional and considerable loss of time from duty.

Blaize A. Madrid-Evans, Independence Police Department – On the morning of September 15, 2021, Officer Madrid-Evans was one of four Independence Police officers who responded to a residence to check for a man wanted on an outstanding aggravated assault warrant. Officer Madrid-Evans had graduated from the police academy two months earlier and was still undergoing field training. As officers encountered the suspect in an open garage area, he quickly removed a handgun from his waistband as he spun around and fired at the closest officer, mortally wounding Officer Madrid-Evans. Another officer returned fire, killing the gunman. Officer Madrid-Evans was just 22 years old, but had proven himself to be a selfless individual, who was committed to helping others and carrying out the highest ideals that are embraced by law enforcement officers. He was an organ donor, and his donation helped sustain the lives of 75 people, including Springfield, Missouri, Police Officer Mark Priebe, who had been paralyzed in the line of duty in 2020, and received a life-saving kidney transplant. 

Antonio A. Valentine, St. Louis County Police Department – On December 1, 2021, as part of a narcotics investigation, St. Louis County Police detectives attempted to stop a stolen vehicle in north St. Louis County. The driver fled at a high rate of speed. Officers were not in pursuit because of the speed at which the vehicle was traveling. Detective Valentine and his partner were responding to the area to assist fellow narcotics unit officers when their police vehicle was struck head-on by the fleeing vehicle as the suspect crossed the centerline into the wrong lane at a high rate of speed. The collision killed Detective Valentine, who had honorably served the department since 2007. Detective Valentine had devoted his entire adult life to public service. During more than two decades in the military, he had deployed to combat missions in Iraq and Kyrgyzstan. He had honorably served the St. Louis County Police Department for 14 years.  

Bryant E. Gladney, Boone County Fire Protection District – Before dawn on December 22, 2021, Assistant Chief Gladney was overseeing the Boone County Fire Protection District’s response to a traffic crash on westbound Interstate 70. Because a box truck was on its side blocking the right lane and shoulder of the highway, Chief Gladney had activated his emergency warning equipment and had taken a blocking/warning position to the east of the crash scene. Before Chief Gladney could exit his vehicle, a tractor trailer traveling at a high rate of speed in the driving lane failed to slow down and struck Chief Gladney’s vehicle, causing catastrophic damage to the vehicle and killing Chief Gladney. Chief Gladney had spent a total of more than 36 years with the fire protection district and emergency medical services. He ran the district’s EMS bureau and training bureau, where he mentored the next generation of firefighters. He had responded to Ground Zero following the September 11 attacks as a member of Missouri Task Force 1, the state’s federal urban search and rescue team.

Robert C. Bridges, Springfield-Greene County Park Board – At about 10 p.m. on November 11, 2021, Park Ranger Bridges was on patrol and heard radio traffic indicating that Springfield Police officers were searching for an armed person who had caused a disturbance at a business. They had established a perimeter near Glenstone Ave. and Battlefield Road. Bridges, who as a park ranger, has jurisdiction across Greene County, went to the scene and was assigned to take a position on the perimeter. Ranger Bridges soon observed movement in the darkness near a retail business. As he drove toward the movement and illuminated the area with his spotlight, he observed a man who had his back to Ranger Bridges. The man quickly turned and fired ten shots through the front windshield of Ranger Bridges’ vehicle. One shot entered Ranger Bridges’ left wrist and exited through his elbow. Two shots went through his right forearm, breaking the ulna. Bridges exited his vehicle and rolled to the ground, attempting to take cover, but the gunman approached and shot him once through the right leg and twice in his left rib cage. His ballistic vest stopped the shots to his rib cage. The gunman then attempted to disarm Ranger Bridges, who, despite two broken arms and having been shot six times, rolled away to protect his gun and fought him off. Two Springfield police officers arrived on scene and were able to end the threat to Ranger Bridges. Since the attack, he has had multiple surgeries and will undergo additional surgeries in the future.

Colton J. Beck, Missouri State Highway Patrol – On the night of December 10, 2021, Trooper Beck attempted to conduct a traffic stop in Springfield, but the motorist fled and his vehicle became disabled. As Trooper Beck approached the driver’s door, the suspect fired a single shot from a shotgun through the driver door window. Although seriously wounded, Trooper Beck courageously returned fire. Trooper Beck was struck in the face, head, neck, and right shoulder, some of the pellets could never be removed. He was transported to a hospital for treatment, where he underwent emergency eye surgery. It was determined a shotgun pellet had penetrated his right eyeball, permanently blinding him in that eye. He later had to undergo surgery to remove the damaged right eye. Trooper Beck recuperated and returned to service with the Missouri State Highway Patrol.         

Nominations are now open for heroic acts performed during 2022 and must be received by Feb. 28, 2023. The nominating form is available on the Missouri Department of Public Safety website at https://dps.mo.gov/medal/.

Photos form today's ceremony can be found on Governor Parson's Flickr page. 

AUGUST 31, 2022

Jefferson City — For the month of August 2022, Governor Mike Parson granted 25 pardons 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. Families have been or are in the process of being notified. 

To review the names of the individuals granted clemency, please click the link below. Governor Parson has instructed his legal team to continue reviewing clemency files and working to reduce the backlog inherited by his administration. 

• 8-31-2022 Pardons.pdf

AUGUST 22, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, during a press conference at the State Capitol, Governor Mike Parson announced that he has issued the official call for a special session to make historic income tax cuts and extend key agriculture tax credit programs for a minimum of six years. The General Assembly will meet in Jefferson City on September 6, 2022, at 12 p.m. to begin consideration of Governor Parson's proposed legislation.

"My team and I have been working with our colleagues in the General Assembly and agriculture partners to formulate a plan to adequately extend our critical agriculture tax credit programs and pass the largest income tax cut in state history," Governor Parson said. "Today, we believe we have that plan and are ready to call legislators back to Jefferson City to get to work on behalf of our farmers, ranchers, and business owners and provide lasting tax relief to every taxpaying Missourian."

Tenets of Governor Parson's proposed tax plan include reducing the individual income tax rate, increasing the standard deduction, and further simplifying the tax code. Governor Parson's proposed plan includes:

• Reducing the top individual income tax rate from 5.3 to 4.8 percent, a nearly 10 percent cut;
• Increasing the standard deduction for individuals by $2,000 and by $4,000 for married joint filers; and
• Eliminating the bottom income tax bracket.

Governor Parson's tax relief plan means significant savings for Missourians each year. Below are a few scenarios that estimate state income tax savings for Missourians of different backgrounds, based on the State's tax structure:

• Senior making $20,000 per year - 100 percent decrease in tax liability;
• Single adult making $25,000 per year - 32 percent decrease in tax liability;
• Single mom with two kids making $35,000 per year - 21 percent decrease in tax liability; and
• Married couple making $125,000 per year - 11 percent decrease in tax liability. 

"Our tax cut proposal means that every taxpaying Missourian, no matter their background, income, or job description, will see a reduction in their tax liability," Governor Parson said. "Every Missourian will earn their first $16,000 tax free and married joint filers will earn their first $32,000 tax free, resulting in significant savings for millions of Missourians. Our plan puts more of Missourians' hard-earned dollars back in their pockets and aims to make it a little easier for families to put food on the table and gas in the car."

Governor Parson's special session call also includes the extension and creation of several agriculture tax credit programs intended to help develop key areas of Missouri's agricultural industry, the state's top economic driver. The sunset for each program will be for a minimum of six years. The call includes:

• Extending the expiration of the meat processing facility investment tax credit;
• Creating a tax credit program for retail dealers of higher ethanol blend fuels;
• Creating a tax credit program for retail dealers of biodiesel;
• Creating a tax credit program for Missouri biodiesel producers;
• Creating a tax credit program for establishing or improving urban farming operations;
• Extending the expiration of the Rolling Stock Tax Credit program;
• Extending the expiration of the Agricultural Product Utilization Contributor Tax Credit;
• Extending the expiration of the New Generation Cooperative Incentive Tax Credit;
• Exempting utility vehicles for agriculture use from state and local sales and use taxes;
• Creating the Specialty Agricultural Crops Act; and
• Amending the Family Farms Act to modify the definition of small farmer.

For more information and to see the specific call language, click here. 

AUGUST 12, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced two appointments to the State Highways and Transportation Commission.

Warren K. Erdman, of Kansas City, was appointed to the State Highways and Transportation Commission.

Mr. Erdman currently serves as the Executive Vice-President of Administration and Corporate Affairs for Kansas City Southern (KCS). Prior to joining KCS in 1997, he served as Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Christopher S. Bond of Missouri. Mr. Erdman serves on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Kansas City, Missouri Downtown Council, amongst other community organizations. He is currently a member of the University of Missouri Kansas City Foundation board and serves as the vice chairman. Mr. Erdman was recognized this year as one of City Year Kansas City's Idealist of the Year and a Top 10 Most Influential People in the railroad industry by Railway Age Magazine.  

Brian Treece, of Columbia, was appointed to the State Highways and Transportation Commission.

Mr. Treece recently served two terms as the Mayor of Columbia from 2016-2022. Additionally, he was just named Vice President of Strategy and Development of EquipmentShare. Mr. Treece has also been a partner of TreecePhillips, LLC since 2002. He has served as a member of various Boards and Commissions, including Regional Economic Development Inc., the Missouri Innovation Center, the Missouri Supreme Court's Drug Steering Committee, the I-70 Citizens Advisory Group, as Chair of the Columbia Historic Preservation Commission, and as Chair of Columbia Downtown Leadership Council. Mr. Treece earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

AUGUST 12, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced four appointments to various boards and commissions.

Gloria Clark Reno, of University City, was appointed to the Public Defender Commission.

Judge Reno has served as the Presiding Judge, Circuit Judge, and Associate Circuit Judge for the 21st Judicial Circuit in St. Louis County. Prior to her judgeships in the 21st Judicial Circuit, she served as a Municipal Judge in Northwoods. Additionally, Judge Reno was previously an Assistant Public Defender and Trail Team Leader for the Missouri State Public Defenders System's City of St. Louis Office. Judge Reno earned her Juris Doctor from the St. Louis University School of Law. 

Roy Richter, of Ozark, was appointed to the Public Defender Commission.

Judge Richter has served as Prosecuting Attorney of Montgomery County and as Associate Circuit Judge of Montgomery County from 1979 until his appointment to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District in 2006. His judicial career spans more than 40 years. Judge Richter earned his Bachelors of Arts in business, economics, and psychology from Drury University and earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri–Columbia School of Law. 

Robin Wheeler Sanders, of Kansas City, was appointed to the Missouri Ethics Commission. 

Ms. Sanders has served with Swope Health for the past 12 years, currently holding the position of Chief People Officer. Prior to her promotion, she was the Vice President of Human Resources for Swope Health Services. Ms. Sanders has also served as a Human Resource Manager at KMG Consulting, LLC and Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Missouri–Kansas City and a Master of Business Administration from Rockhurst University. Ms. Sanders is a board member of SAFE, the surviving spouse and family endowment that provides funds for the families of fallen first responders, and a board member of TotalMan Community Development Corporation.

Kathy Swan, of Cape Girardeau, was appointed to the Labor and Industrial Relations Commission.

Ms. Swan has been the President of Johnson Communications Services Inc. (JCS) Wireless for the past 36 years. In addition to her tenure at JCS Wireless, she was elected in 2012 to serve the 147th District in the Missouri House of Representatives and served for eight years. Ms. Swan has held several elected positions throughout her career, including Cape Girardeau City Council and Cape Girardeau Board of Education. 

AUGUST 8, 2022

Jefferson City — This afternoon, President Joe Biden approved Governor Mike Parson’s request for a major disaster declaration for Missouri in response to the severe flooding that impacted the St. Louis region from July 25 to July 28. The disaster declaration makes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Individual Assistance program available to eligible residents in the City of St. Louis, and St. Louis and St. Charles counties. Individual Assistance allows eligible residents to seek federal assistance with temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses as a result of the flooding and storms. 

“This was historic, devastating flash flooding that has impacted thousands of people in the St. Louis region,” Governor Parson said. “As we’ve seen at the assistance center events last week, there is tremendous need to support the families that have been so severely impacted by the record flash flooding. I appreciate the President acting swiftly to get Missourians the assistance they need. We will continue to work closely with our federal and local partners, along with the voluntary organizations that are already working hard to help.”

The federal disaster declaration also makes FEMA’s Public Assistance program available to the City of St. Louis and St. Louis, St. Charles, and Montgomery counties. The Public Assistance program allow local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies to seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including repair and replacement costs for damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure.

Individuals who sustained damage or losses due to the flooding between July 25 and July 28, 2022 in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis and St. Charles counties may now apply for FEMA disaster assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling FEMA’s toll-free application line at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time, seven days a week. Those affected by the flooding are encouraged to document losses, including photographing damage and retaining receipts. The faster Missourians register with FEMA, the faster they may be able to receive assistance.

The deadline for most individual assistance programs is 60 days following the President’s major disaster declaration. Disaster assistance to eligible individuals generally falls into the following categories:

• Housing Assistance may be available for up to 18 months for displaced persons whose residences were heavily damaged or destroyed. Funding also can be provided for housing repairs and replacement of damaged items to make homes habitable.
• Disaster Grants, which are available to help meet other serious disaster related needs and necessary expenses not covered by insurance and other aid programs. These may include replacement of personal property, and transportation, medical, dental, and funeral expenses.
• Low-Interest Disaster Loans are available after a disaster for homeowners and renters from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to cover uninsured property losses. Loans may be available for repair or replacement of homes, automobiles, clothing, or other damaged personal property. SBA loans are also available to businesses for property loss and economic injury. Businesses can visit sba.gov or call 1-800-569-2955.
• Other Disaster Aid Programs include crisis counseling, disaster-related unemployment assistance, legal aid and assistance with income tax, Social Security, and veterans’ benefits.

Individuals with unmet needs and those who would like to help should contact United Way 211. Visit http://211helps.org or call 2-1-1 for assistance. Recovery.mo.gov also has additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri.

The flooding resulted in major damage to more than 750 homes, over 130 businesses and led to at least $35 million in damage to uninsured infrastructure and emergency response costs. The Governor made the disaster declaration request to the President on Thursday following joint Preliminary Damage Assessments conducted by the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, and local emergency managers.

A state of emergency was declared in Missouri on July 26 as record flash flooding impacted the St. Louis region. The Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan also was activated, allowing state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions to provide emergency services.

AUGUST 8, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, during an event at the Governor's Mansion, Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson unveiled the First Lady's official portrait that will join 28 other portraits of Missouri First Ladies displayed on the first floor of the Governor's Mansion. 

"This portrait isn't just about me, but rather about our story, our family, and our love for the State of Missouri. My hope is that all Missourians that have the opportunity to visit the People’s House will feel welcome as they enter this remarkable home," First Lady Teresa Parson said. "It's a privilege to have my portrait join so many wonderful women and past First Ladies who served the people of Missouri with unwavering pride and dignified grace. It is an honor to serve as the First Lady of our great state."

"I couldn't be prouder of the First Lady for her service to the people of Missouri. Being the spouse of an elected official isn't easy, but Teresa wakes up every day with a full heart, patriotic spirit, and passion to serve," Governor Parson said. "I thank God each day for allowing me to do life with her. It means so much that Missourians will be able to look at this portrait and be reminded of what an exceptional wife, mother, grandmother, businesswoman, and advocate they have serving as their First Lady. My family and I are beyond blessed to have Teresa in our lives, and we're so happy to be able to share her extraordinary character and compassion with the people of Missouri."

The portrait was painted by Lisa Ober of St. Louis, Missouri. The artist consulted with the First Lady to make certain the composition of the painting and the elements included represent what the First Lady wishes to convey about her tenure and service. The resulting portrait is an original hand-painted oil painting on canvas which measures 46" X 36", unframed. 

The portrait depicts the First Lady opening the door to the Governor’s Mansion, which she has coined “The People’s House," and welcoming visitors inside. There are also other hidden objects of significance within the piece:

• "150" on the door lock for 150 years of the Governor's Mansion;
• "200" in the fence for 200 years of Missouri statehood;
• The royal blue dress representing Bolivar school's colors, the Governor and First Lady's hometown;  
• "1985" on the door handle for when the Governor and First Lady were married;
• SCH & KLP initials of the Governor and First Lady's children reflected off the front door;
• "6" in the fence for the six grandchildren the Governor and First Lady share;
• 40 pearls on her necklace representing her 40 years in the banking industry; and
• "57" in the tree branch as Governor Parson is Missouri’s 57^th Governor.

First Lady Parson brings to her role the experience of being a mother, grandmother, businesswoman, volunteer, and advocate.  After working 40 years in the banking industry, the First Lady retired and continued serving her community. She has a special place in her heart for children and supports initiatives focused on them. 

The portrait was presented to the First Lady by Sue Heckart of Sedalia, Missouri. The portrait was framed by the Gary R. Lucy Gallery in Washington, Missouri. 

Photos from today's portrait unveiling will be available on Governor Parson's Flickr page.