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. 

AUGUST 4, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson requested that the President issue a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance in the City of St. Louis as well as St. Louis, St. Charles, and Montgomery counties in response to record flash flooding in the region.

"Our state and local teams have been working around the clock to assist Missourians in the St. Louis region and provide resources," Governor Parson said. "Today, we are requesting a federal major disaster declaration in order to provide further aid to support the region's recovery. We appreciate our SEMA team, first responders, and community partners who continue helping the St. Louis region move forward from this disaster."

Of 1,338 homes assessed, more than 750 had sustained major damage. The assessments, which were conducted by eight joint Preliminary Damage Assessment teams, including representatives from the State Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Small Business Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and local officials, also showed 131 of 206 businesses that were examined had sustained major damage.

Based on the joint assessments, Governor Parson has requested Individual Assistance for 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. 

Joint assessments also determined more than $35 million in damage to uninsured infrastructure and emergency response costs were incurred in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis, St. Charles, and Montgomery counties. If approved, Public Assistance would allow local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies to seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including repair and replacement costs for damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure.

Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) were hosted in Wentzville on August 2, and Florissant on August 3, to assist disaster survivors with unmet needs. These MARCs have served more than 800 impacted individuals. Due to severe weather Wednesday and the building reaching capacity, the Florissant MARC closed early to ensure public safety. SEMA’s Emergency Human Services team is working with volunteer and faith-based partners to determine if additional MARCs are needed next week. Two more MARCs are taking place this week in University City and the City of St. Louis.

Scheduled Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs)

Thursday, August 4

Centennial Commons

7210 Olive Blvd. | University City, MO 63130

3 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Friday, August 5, and Saturday, August 6

Friendly Temple Church

5515 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive | St. Louis, MO 63111

3 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday

The American Red Cross has a shelter open for displaced survivors at the St. Vincent Community Center, 7335 St. Charles Rock Rd, St. Louis, MO 63133. Since July 26, the shelter has provided more than 160 overnight stays.

Since last week, FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has already paid more than $785,000 in claims for flooding losses in Missouri.

Individuals with unmet needs and those who would like to help should contact United Way 211. Call 2-1-1 for assistance or visit http://211helps.org.

Visit recovery.mo.gov for additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri. Businesses are encouraged to visit the “Get Back in Business” button for a listing of opportunities and programs.

JULY 31, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will participate in joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis, St. Charles, and Montgomery counties in response to record flash flooding in the region.

“Our SEMA team members have been on the ground assisting local officials through the weekend to document damage, collect initial cost estimates, and substantiate the need for FEMA disaster assistance,” Governor Parson said. “We cannot thank our SEMA and local teams enough for their efforts in assisting the St. Louis region, and we are confident FEMA’s participation in joint damage assessments will confirm the need for a federal Major Disaster Declaration. We expect FEMA personnel to be on the ground Monday working alongside state and local personnel.”

Joint PDA teams are made up of representatives from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, State Emergency Management Agency, and local emergency management officials. To expedite the federal disaster process, SEMA experts in damage assessments from across the state have been assisting local teams in the region since July 27.

Eight teams will jointly verify documented damage in order to determine which federal programs can be requested to help support recovery. Those who have experienced flood- and storm-related damage should report it to their local emergency management agency if they haven’t already. Additional joint damage assessments can be conducted in more Missouri counties if additional information is documented locally.

On Tuesday, July, 26, Missouri issued Executive Order 22-05 in response to the severe flooding. The Order declared a State of Emergency in Missouri and activated the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan, which allows state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions in order to provide assistance.

To assist families impacted by flooding and severe storms, several Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs) have been organized in the St. Louis region by SEMA’s Emergency Human Services team, the Missouri Governor’s Faith-Based and Community Service Partnership (The Partnership), Missouri Voluntary Agencies Active in Disaster (MOVOAD), the St. Louis Area and St. Charles Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD), local volunteer and faith-based organizations, and other state/local agencies. MARCs are one-stop shops that pull together recovery resources in communities impacted by disasters.

Four MARCs will take place this week, in Wentzville, Florissant, University City, and the City of St. Louis:

Tuesday, August 2

Element Church

100 Mall Pkwy, Unit 500 | Wentzville, MO 63385

3 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Wednesday, August 3

John F. Kennedy Community Center

315 Howdershell Road | Florissant, MO 63031

3 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Thursday, August 4

Centennial Commons

7210 Olive Blvd. | University City, MO 63130

3 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Friday, August 5

St. Louis City location TBD

An American Red Cross shelter is open for displaced survivors at the St. Vincent Community Center, 7335 St. Charles Rock Rd, St. Louis, MO 63133. Since Tuesday, more than 100 individuals have stayed in a Red Cross shelter overnight.

Individuals with unmet needs and those who would like to help should contact United Way 211. Call 2-1-1 for assistance or visit http://211helps.org.

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

JULY 29, 2022

Jefferson City — As the state continues working to document damage levels necessary for a federal disaster declaration in response to the record flooding in the St. Louis region, Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) damage assessment experts are in the field working alongside local emergency managers to assess storm damage and estimate repair costs.

Due to the extent of the flooding damage in the densely populated metropolitan region, SEMA took the unprecedented step of deploying eight emergency coordinators to work alongside local officials to speed the process by which Governor Mike Parson can request a federal major disaster declaration and federal assistance.

“Because of the devastating impact of the record rainfall and flooding, we’ve deployed multiple SEMA team members from across the state to take part in what is normally a process handled by local assessment teams,” Governor Parson said. “The combined state-local teams are making steady progress, despite Thursday’s additional flooding, which means we will be able to expedite our request for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) teams to conduct Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments, and ultimately a federal Major Disaster Declaration."

"We know this federal process can be frustrating for affected communities. However, we are working to meet federal requirements as quickly as possible and will continue to deploy every state resource necessary and available to support the St. Louis region," Governor Parson continued.

Residents affected by flooding are reminded to document all damage, including with photographs, before starting any repairs; to retain all receipts; and to contact their local emergency manager to report damage.

Multi-Agency Resource Centers to Offer One-Stop Assistance 

The first of several one-stop shops to provide disaster assistance for flood survivors with unmet needs will be held in Wentzville on Tuesday, August 2. SEMA has been working with volunteer and faith-based organizations to organize these events that are known as a Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs). A MARC is a central location for flood survivors to receive recovery resources and assistance information.

Resources that will be available include emergency clean-up supplies, emergency food boxes, food stamp replacement services, emergency financial assistance, insurance information, legal services, and other disaster-related services.

The Wentzville MARC will be hosted at the Element Church, 100 Mall Pkwy, Unit 500, Wentzville, MO 63385 on Tuesday, August 2 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Anyone impacted by the recent flooding is encouraged to attend. Childcare is available at the MARC. Please bring proof of address. 

A second MARC will be hosted at the John F. Kennedy Community Center, 315 Howdershell Road, Florissant, MO 63031 on Wednesday, August 3 from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. Plans for two additional MARCs are being finalized.

Flood survivors with unmet recovery needs can reach out to United Way Missouri by calling 2-1-1 or online at 211.

Individuals and business owners should notify their insurance companies of damage and not wait for damage assessments. The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance has an online post-disaster claims guide that can be viewed here. The department’s Insurance Consumer Hotline is 800-726-7390.

Missouri’s disaster recovery website has many additional resources and information about disaster recovery, including mold and general clean-up information, food safety, and vital records replacement: recovery.mo.gov.

“Our first responders have responded quickly to this unprecedented flooding, and we’re extremely grateful for the selfless work of good Samaritans who’ve gone out of their way to assist others,” Governor Parson said. “Lives have been saved because of swift action. We and our local partners are determined to move quickly at every step in this process so that the St. Louis region can rebuild, recover, and move forward.”

JULY 26, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, acting on behalf of Governor Mike Parson, Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe signed Executive Order 22-05 in response to severe flooding occurring in the St. Louis region. The Order declares a State of Emergency exists in Missouri and activates the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan, which allows state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions in order to provide assistance. 

"With record rainfall impacting the St. Louis region and the potential for additional rain and isolated thunderstorms, we want to ensure that our communities have every resource available to respond and protect Missourians," Governor Parson said. "Our state government team will work to assist affected Missourians and provide ongoing relief and support during this emergency. We urge Missourians to follow the direction of local authorities and emergency managers, never drive in floodwaters, and always use common sense to prevent injury." 

“State agencies are prepared and ready to provide assistance to Missourians in flood-impacted areas,” Lieutenant Governor Kehoe said. “Enacting the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan enables us to work more efficiently and effectively with local partners and ensures affected communities in the St. Louis region will have access to necessary resources and services.”

Beginning late Monday night and overnight, parts of the St. Louis region experienced record rainfall that led to severe and widespread flash flooding. By 7 a.m., more than 8.06 inches of rainfall had been observed at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, breaking the all-time daily rainfall total of 6.85 inches set in 1915. St. Peters has received over 12 inches of rainfall and O’Fallon more than 10 inches, according to the National Weather Service. 

The flooding led to hundreds of rescues from flooded vehicles and homes. The Missouri State Highway Patrol alone responded to more than 100 calls for assistance this morning. The State Emergency Operations Center has been activated since early this morning to monitor conditions and coordinate state response.  

“Today there was tremendous work by local first responders, emergency managers, and citizen rescuers rushing to help during these extremely dangerous conditions,” SEMA Director Jim Remillard said. “Please continue to avoid the impacted areas, and if anyone has unmet needs, we encourage you to call United Way 2-1-1.”

Missourians are reminded to always be careful around flooded areas and understand the risks floodwater poses.

• Avoid walking through floodwater and keep children from playing in it.
  • Standing water can carry infectious diseases and hide hazards, including road damage, glass, and sewage.
  • Storm drains can create an extremely dangerous situation for anyone caught in the current.
• Never attempt to drive over flooded roads.

Executive Order 22-05 also serves as the first step required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in order for Missouri to seek a federal Major Disaster Declaration if damage meets federal thresholds.

To view Executive Order 22-05, click here. 

JULY 26, 2022

Jefferson City — Today, acting on behalf of Governor Mike Parson, Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe ordered the U.S. and Missouri flags to be flown at half-staff at government buildings in Clay and Jackson counties on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, to honor North Kansas City Police Department Officer Daniel F. Vasquez.

“Officer Vasquez pursued his dream of becoming a police officer with enthusiasm and determination,” Governor Mike Parson said. “It takes a special type of individual to devote his or her life to public service and accept the risks and sacrifices that come with protecting the public. Daniel Vasquez was willing to do that and more. It is tragic that senseless violence has taken the life of a young officer with such a bright future. Our prayers are with his family and the law enforcement community.”

“Officer Daniel Vasquez bravely and proudly served his community, fulfilling his lifelong dream of working in law enforcement,” Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe said. “Claudia and I continue to pray for Daniel’s family and the entire law enforcement community during this difficult time. This tragic act of violence is a solemn reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face each day to keep their communities safe, and of the debt we owe these heroes for their courageous service.”

On July 19, Officer Vasquez was on duty when he initiated a vehicle stop of a motorist for an expired temporary vehicle registration. He was ambushed and mortally wounded as he approached the stopped vehicle on foot. He was posthumously awarded the North Kansas City Police Department Medal of Valor.

Officer Vasquez, 32, began his career with the North Kansas City Police Department when he entered the Kansas City Regional Police Academy on January 4, 2021. He graduated on July 8, 2021, and received his Missouri Peace Officer license and was commissioned by the department the same day. Prior to joining the police department, Vasquez had served as a civilian detention officer with the Kansas City Police Department and as a security officer for the Independence Avenue Community Improvement District.

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

JULY 26, 2022

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Parson has issued the following statement in response to substantial rainfall and flooding occurring in the St. Louis area:

"I have been briefed on the extreme flooding in the St. Louis area. We appreciate the rapid and professional response of local first responders and emergency managers involved in flood rescues and other protective measures. We also thank our Missouri State Highway Patrol and MoDOT crews for working alongside local teams."

"The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency and Department of Public Safety are coordinating with local response agencies to provide additional assistance as needed to protect Missourians. Lt. Governor Kehoe has also been briefed on the situation and is ready to act on my behalf, if needed, while I am on our international trade mission."

"We urge Missourians to continue to follow the safety messaging of local authorities and avoid travel in flooded areas until floodwaters recede. Never attempt to drive in floodwater."

For the latest updates on flooding conditions and helpful tips, follow @MoPublicSafety, @MoSEMA_, and @MoDOT on Twitter. Missourians can also view updates on road conditions using the MoDOT Traveler Information Map.