SEPTEMBER 21, 2021

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson joined with Governor Laura Kelly to announce the launch of the National Security Crossroads, a multi-state initiative aimed at raising awareness of and facilitating collaboration and efficiencies within national security missions in the Heartland region.

“We are proud to be home to such robust military and defense industries, and this initiative will be a valuable asset in strengthening national security and our region as a whole,” said Governor Parson. “This partnership will leverage our region’s existing industry, dedicated personnel, and strategic location in the heart of the nation to support military missions and members, expand new technologies and industries, attract skilled workers, and drive economic growth through good-paying job creation for both Missouri and Kansas.”

The National Security Crossroads represents a regional branding effort to bring awareness at all levels of government, as well as around the country, to the expanding base of security-related operations in the area. As the “heartland” of the United States, with a convenient location to all areas of the country, the region offers a strategic advantage in security and mission critical operations.

Seven major military bases are housed within the Crossroads area, covering the Army, Navy, and Air Force branches. The region also includes 11 national security installations, focusing on geospatial-intelligence, net-centric solutions, non-nuclear component manufacturing, combined arms preparations, strategic attack deterrents, bio-threat prevention, along with other critical technology and infrastructure concentrations.

“Kansas is proud of our outstanding national security assets and personnel,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This partnership will be instrumental in showing the world the increasing strategic and economic potential of our region. By emphasizing this significant advantage, we’re demonstrating that Kansas and Missouri are integral to our national security strength and capacity.”

The Crossroads region stretches from Wichita and Manhattan, Kansas, to the bi-state St. Louis area. With the development of the National Security Crossroads collaboration, the region continues to represent a growing base of operations for a variety of installations, including military, cybersecurity, and public-private partnerships.

The program facilitates workforce and talent growth and resiliency, as well as collaboration between installations that enable Crossroads members to be agile and resilient. The effort also seeks to educate state and federal legislators and others in the region on the value of the Crossroads and its associated missions.

The National Security Crossroads was a concept developed at the Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC) to facilitate regional cooperation, collaboration, and other initiatives such as workforce development. The KCNSC is managed and operated by Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies (FM&T), LLC.

“The National Security Crossroads is a means for federal agencies to draw in potential partners and suppliers who can strengthen national security and velocity through an affiliated network,” said Eric Wollerman, Honeywell FM&T President. “The Crossroads enables a smart network of partners to leverage contacts and information effectively throughout the region.” 

The launch of National Security Crossroads includes the unveiling of the initiative's new website, designed to introduce the public to the partners involved and to communicate the ongoing efforts of the collaborative initiative. Visitors to www.nationalsecuritycrossroads.com will also be able to access information on upcoming events, including webinars regarding regional updates.

SEPTEMBER 17, 2021

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced three appointments to various boards and commissions and filled two county office vacancies.

Teresa Creek, of Memphis, was appointed as the Scotland County Recorder of Deeds. 

Ms. Creek has served as the Deputy Recorder for the Scotland County Recorder of Deeds Office since 2019. Prior to joining the Recorder’s Office, she worked as the Administrative Secretary to the Superintendent of Scotland County R-I School District. 

Andrew Evans, of Kansas City, was appointed to the Amusement Ride Safety Board. 

Mr. Evans is the owner and sole manager of Evans Midland Empire Show, Inc. where he manages a crew of 25 employees and oversees the safety, construction, and operation of 15 mobile carnival rides on a weekly basis. He is a member of the Outdoor Amusement Business Association, Seasonal Employers Alliance, and Showmen’s League of America. Mr. Evans earned a Bachelor of Arts in personal financial management from the University of Missouri-Columbia. 

Antoine Lee, of Kansas City, was appointed to the Missouri Charter Public School Commission.

Rev. Lee is the Senior Pastor of Central Christian Church located in the Kansas City metropolitan area. He has spent a significant portion of his professional career as a bi-vocational minister but has also worked in corporate enterprise serving as the President of LMB commercial, a commercial real-estate lending company. Rev. Lee has been recognized as a community champion by both the Koinonia Group of the Seven Oaks neighborhood and Boston Heights Neighborhood Association. He has also been a keynote speaker for the National Convention of the Christian Church. Rev. Lee earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Business Administration from Park University. He also earned a Master of Divinity from Central Baptist Theological Seminary. 

Joseph Nickell, of Rolla, was appointed to the Amusement Ride Safety Board. 

Mr. Nickell works as a Zipline Technician for Universal Zipline Technology where he helps design and construct course layouts that adhere to proper safety protocols. Mr. Nickell recently graduated from the Missouri University of Science and Technology with a Bachelor of Arts in civil engineering. While attending Missouri S&T, he completed a summer engineering and project management internship with Caron-Mitchell Inc. Engineering and Construction. 

Walter Alan Winders, of Laddonia, was appointed as the Audrain County Presiding Commissioner. 

Mr. Winders has served as the Audrain County Eastern District Commissioner since 2017. Prior to being elected Commissioner, he was the City Administrator for the City of Vandalia for 14 years. He is an active member of the Missouri Farm Bureau and Missouri Association of Counties. Mr. Winders was a member of the Missouri National Guard until his honorable discharge in 1985, and he earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Northeast Missouri State University.

SEPTEMBER 15, 2021

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson ordered that the United States and Missouri flags at all government buildings statewide be flown at half-staff on Thursday, September 16, 2021, in honor of United States Marine Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz, of Wentzville, Missouri. 

On Thursday, August 26, 2021, Lance Corporal Schmitz was killed in-the-line-of-duty while courageously assisting with evacuation efforts in Kabul, Afghanistan. 

“We owe a debt of gratitude to Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz that can never be repaid, but we will always remember and honor his service and sacrifice on behalf of our nation in the defense of freedom," Governor Parson said. “He put his life on the line protecting our service members and allies, and he made the ultimate sacrifice for his bravery. Our hearts go out to Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz’s family and friends.”

U.S. and Missouri flags will be held at half-staff on the day Lance Corporal Schmitz is laid to rest. To view the proclamation, click here.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2021

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Parson has arranged for multiple championship trophies from Missouri's professional sports teams to be on display at the State Capitol Rotunda during the Bicentennial Inaugural Parade and Ball. Championship trophies will be on display and available for photo opportunities for the general public on Saturday, September 18, 2021, from 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

The championship trophies to be viewed and available for photos for the general public include:

• Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl IV & LIV Trophies
• St. Louis Rams Super Bowl XXXIV Trophy
• Kansas City Royals World Series Trophies - 2015, 1985
• St. Louis Cardinals World Series Trophies (4 of 11 Titles) - 1967, 1982, 2006, 2011
• St. Louis Blues 2019 Stanley Cup Replica Trophy

"We are proud of all our professional sports teams, past and present, who have won these championships for Missouri fans," Governor Parson said. "Never before have these trophies all been in one location at the same time, and it is not likely that they will be again. So, we hope Missourians from all across the state will join us in Jefferson City this coming Saturday for the Bicentennial Inaugural Parade and Ball to take advantage of this historic opportunity."

This weekend on Saturday, September 18 at 10 a.m. in Jefferson City Governor Parson and First Lady Parson are hosting the Bicentennial Inaugural Parade. Also, on Saturday, September 18 at  5:00 p.m. in Jefferson City they will host the Bicentennial Inaugural Ball. The Governor and First Lady personally invite all Missourians to join them in celebrating the swearing-in of Missouri’s statewide elected officials and, more importantly, the history and significance of the state of Missouri.

For those planning to attend the Bicentennial Inaugural Ball, please RSVP using this link.

The Missouri State Capitol will also feature the Missouri Bicentennial Quilt, Missouri State Parks Quilt, and Missouri Bicentennial Mural on display from 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 18.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2021

Jefferson City — Today, on the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Governor Mike Parson released the following statement remembering those who were lost on that fateful day:

"Today, on the 20th anniversary of one of the darkest days in our nation’s history, we remember the heroes lost during the 9/11 attacks. On this day that brings such strong emotions and painful memories, our hearts go out to their families, friends, and loved ones."

"We honor and remember our firefighters, law enforcement officers, first responders, and Americans - from all walks of life - who risked their own lives and made the ultimate sacrifice, without hesitation, to help their fellow Americans. These brave men and women did more than what was asked and could have ever been expected of them, not because of any one person but out of love for one nation: our nation."

"On one of our worst days, we saw the best qualities of our nation and the purest expression of American patriotism. Americans from every corner of the nation donated, volunteered, and grieved because even though it may have occurred in another state, county, or city, it was a loss we shared."

"The courage, resiliency, and bravery demonstrated on that day reminds us to stand tall in the face of terrorism and always rise to confront the challenges we face. In the United States, we are strong and remain a beacon for hope and freedom because we refuse to unlearn the lesson these American heroes taught us: Our freedom may be shared but so is our obligation to defend it."

"On September 11, 2001, we suffered a great loss, but fear did not overcome us and tragedy did not break us, and we will never forget."

SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced that his administration will reject the Biden Administration's attempt to enforce an unconstitutional, federal vaccine mandate for Missourians and private businesses. The Office of the Governor has been in communication with leadership from the Missouri General Assembly and the Attorney General's Office to align resources for a pending legal fight. 

"This assault on individual liberty and free enterprise is a poorly executed attempt by the Biden Administration to reset after its disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan," Governor Parson said. "With our southern border in crisis and as we are experiencing out-of-control inflation, President Biden is desperate to divert attention from his failures. However, Missouri will not be a pawn in this publicity stunt that seeks to force Missourians to disclose private health care decisions and dictate private business operations."

Yesterday, during a speech at the White House, President Biden announced plans to use the Occupational Safety and Health Admisntration (OSHA) to issue an unconstitutional vaccine mandate for private employers. This action would infringe on Missouri's constitutional authority and exceeds the scope of the authority granted to either President Biden or OSHA. The President cannot legislate with the flick of his pen from the Oval Office and OSHA cannot dictate personal health care decisions for Missourians. Missouri is not under an OSHA state plan, and Governor Parson will not allow state employees to be used to enforce this unconstitutional action.

The United States Constitution does not give unelected and unaccountable federal bureaucrats authority over the personal health care decisions of Missourians. The Biden Administration is trying to use a federal agency to interfere with private businesses and personal decisions. This unconstitutional behavior is clearly meant as a distraction from the real problems the Biden administration has fostered since coming into office.

"When President Biden should be focused on protecting our troops and securing our borders, he has instead decided to inject himself into the private lives and business dealings of hard-working Missourians," said Speaker Rob Vescovo. "This is an obvious attempt by the President to shift attention away from his failures in Afghanistan where his disastrous withdrawal left American citizens behind. We in the Missouri House of Representatives will not stand for it, and we will do everything in our power to protect the personal liberties of Missourians."

The United States Supreme Court has said that states, not the federal government, are charged with the responsibility to protect public health within states under the 10th Amendment to the United States Constitution. Governor Parson believes the regulation of public health is a state issue and that the General Assembly has a say in the process.

"As a small business owner who would be subjugated to President Biden's unconstitutional mandate, I, nor the Missouri Senate, will stand idly by and allow this inexcusable power grab to harm Missourians," said President Pro-Tem Dave Schatz. "What the Biden Administration is attempting to do will only worsen the workforce shortages businesses across the country are facing and is an absolute affront to our American freedoms."

Missouri stands ready to meet this unconstitutional encroachment of power with strong legal action. 

SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

Jefferson City — On Wednesday, September 15, Governor Parson will meet with alumni and current class members of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Missouri program. 

On Thursday, September 16, Governor Parson will speak at the Morgan County Farm Bureau Annual Dinner in Stover.

On Friday, September 17, Governor Parson will join First Lady Parson in celebrating 150 years of the Missouri Governor's Mansion. 

On Saturday, September 18, Governor Parson and First Lady Parson will host the Bicentennial Inaugural Parade and Ball at the State Capitol in Jefferson City. The nearly 100 piece parade will be livestreamed on Governor Parson's  Facebook Page with two emcees announcing each piece of the parade.

Following the parade, the Governor and First Lady will host an Ice Cream Social event outside the Governor's Mansion following the parade with 1,000 free scoops of ice cream, courtesy of Ice Cream Factory.

Additionally, the Missouri State Capitol will feature a collection of Championship trophies and Bicentennial highlights on display and available for photos. 

The public is invited to attend all events. Those planning to attend the Bicentennial Inaugural Ball are asked to please RSVP using this link.

*NOTE: A more detailed and complete media advisory regarding the Bicentennial Inaugural Parade and Ball will be sent early next week.

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Governor Parson to meet with Leadership Missouri alumni and 2021 class members 

          When:     5:30 - 6:00 p.m.

          Where:    Governor's Mansion

          Media:     Closed

Thursday, September 16, 2021

Governor Parson to speak at the Morgan County Farm Bureau Annual Dinner 

          When:     6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

          Where:    Stover Community Center 

                           600 Legion Drive, Stover, MO 65078

          Media:    Closed 

Friday, September 17, 2021

Governor Parson to host Missouri Governor's Mansion 150th Celebration 

          When:     5:30 - 8:00 p.m.

          Where:    Governor's Mansion 

          Media:     Closed 

Saturday, September 18, 2021

A Celebration of Missouri’s Highlights: A collection of Championship trophies and Bicentennial highlights celebrating the greatness of Missouri, including:

• Missouri professional sports championship trophies

• Two Super Bowl Trophies - Kansas City Chiefs
• Super Bowl Trophy - St. Louis Rams 
• Two World Series Trophies - Kansas City Royals
• Four World Series Trophies - St. Louis Cardinals
• Stanley Cup Replica - St. Louis Blues
• Missouri Bicentennial Quilt
• Missouri State Parks Quilt
• Missouri Bicentennial Mural

When:             8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Where:           Missouri State Capitol Building (1^st Floor Rotunda)

Media:            Open

Governor and First Lady Parson to host Bicentennial Inaugural Parade

          When:     10:00 a.m.

          Where:    Parade begins on High St. in front of Harry S. Truman building (see parade route attachment)

                           Jefferson City, MO

          Media:     Open

Governor and First Lady Parson to host Bicentennial Inaugural Ball

          When:     5:00 p.m. (check-in opens)

          Where:    State Capitol Building (North Lawn - Riverside) 

          Media:     Open (Please RSVP)

*NOTE: A more detailed and complete media advisory regarding Governor Parson's Bicentennial Inaugural Parade and Ball will be sent early next week.

• Parade Route Map.pdf

SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced the appointment of Jerri J. Zhang as Circuit Judge for Division 3 of the 16th Judicial Circuit. She will fill the Circuit Judge vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable David M. Byrn. 

Ms. Zhang, of Kansas City, currently serves as a Probate Commissioner in the 16^th Judicial Circuit. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

Today, Governor Mike Parson has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome to shine red and blue beginning on Saturday, September 11, 2021, in remembrance of the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. 

"On the 20th anniversary of one of the darkest days in our nation’s history, we remember the heroes lost during the 9/11 attacks," Governor Parson said. "This Saturday, we will light the Capitol red and blue in honor of all the firefighters, law enforcement officers, first responders, and all Americans who risked their own lives and made the ultimate sacrifice, without hesitation, to help their fellow Americans."

The dome will light up at sunset on Saturday and remain lit until sunrise Sunday in honor of the victims of the September 11 attacks and in remembrance of the heroes who gave everything. Pictures will be available on Governor Parson’s Flickr page. 

SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson announced three appointments to the Coroner Standards and Training Commission and filled three county office vacancies. 

Sidney Conklin, of Huntsville, was appointed to the Coroner Standards and Training Commission. 

Mr. Conklin was elected Coroner of Randolph County in 2020. Immediately prior to his election as Coroner, he served as the Chief Investigator for the Missouri Board of Healing Arts. Mr. Conklin also has 32 years of experience with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the majority being with the Division of Drug and Crime Control. He is a certified instructor by the Missouri Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission with a background in criminal and narcotics investigation. Mr. Conklin was a member of the U.S. Army until his honorable discharge in 1979. He attended Truman State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice.

Brendon Fox, of Rolla, was appointed to the Coroner Standards and Training Commission. 

Mr. Fox was elected to serve as the Phelps County Prosecuting Attorney and has served in that capacity since 2015. He first joined the Phelps County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office as an Assistant Prosecutor in 2011. Prior to working in the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, he was a civil and criminal defense attorney with Beger & Bushie, LLC. Mr. Fox earned a Bachelor of Arts in both sociology and art history from Stanford University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law. 

William Harlow, of Marshall, was appointed to the Coroner Standards and Training Commission. 

Mr. Harlow has been the General Manager for Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. since 1995 and has served as the Coroner of Saline County since 2005. He has served as a member of the board of directors for the Missouri Coroners and Medical Examiners Association since 2015 as well as the legislative liaison for the Association. Mr. Harlow earned an Associate in Applied Science in mortuary science from Kansas City Kansas Community College. 

Daniel Heavin, of Troy, was appointed as the Lincoln County Coroner. 

Mr. Heavin is a paramedic for the Lincoln County Ambulance District and is also a firefighter and paramedic for Boeing Fire Department. Previously, he served as a Death Investigator for the St. Louis Medical Examiner's Office. Mr. Heavin is certified by the state of Missouri as a fire service officer, investigator, inspector, and instructor. He has served as a Fire Crew Chief and Assistant Chief of Operations in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Mr. Heavin has instructed personnel on general fire service curriculum, hazardous materials, and emergency medicine. He is a certified medicolegal death investigator. 

Colton Marti, of Curryville, was appointed as the Pike County Coroner. 

Mr. Marti is currently serving as the Interim Pike County Coroner. He has more than 10 years of experience serving in law enforcement and has worked for both the Ralls County Sheriff’s Office as well as the Bowling Green Police Department. Mr. Marti is the Fire Chief for the Curryville Fire Protection District and is a veteran of the Missouri Air National Guard. He received an Associate of Science in law enforcement from Mineral Area College and attended Southeast Missouri State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice. 

Randy Nace, of Webb City, was appointed as the Jasper County Coroner. 

Mr. Nace currently serves as the Chief Deputy and Interim Coroner for Jasper County as well as the Office Manger for Simpson Funeral Home, a position he has held since 2011. Previously, he was the Manager of Joplin Mortuary Service. Mr. Nace holds an Associate of Applied Science in mortuary service.