SEPTEMBER 5, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced a judicial appointment to the 35th Judicial Circuit.

Beth "LeAnn" Below, of Parma, was appointed as the Associate Circuit Judge for Stoddard County in the 35th Judicial Circuit.

Ms. Below is the first assistant prosecutor in the Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and previously served as an assistant prosecuting attorney and juvenile attorney for the Pemiscot County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. She received her Juris Doctor from the Mississippi College School of Law and holds a bachelor's degree in mass communications and public relations from Southeast Missouri State University. Ryan will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Joe Satterfield.

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SEPTEMBER 8, 2025

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Kehoe has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome to shine orange beginning at sunrise on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, until sunrise on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, in recognition of September as Hunger Action Month.

“This month, we are proud to promote Missouri’s six incredible food banks that are truly on the frontlines of fighting the food insecurity that impacts every region of our state,” Governor Kehoe said. “Claudia and I hope that you will join us in raising awareness on hunger in Missouri and supporting your local Missouri Food Bank by donating, volunteering, or spreading the word on ways to take action. Together, we can end hunger in our state.”

The lighting of the dome was done in coordination with Feeding Missouri, a coalition of the six Missouri Food Banks working to provide hunger relief to all of Missouri's 114 counties and the City of St. Louis. Orange is the national color of hunger awareness and hunger relief. It is used each September to unify actions across the country during Hunger Action Month, and as a visible reminder that hunger affects every community. More than one million individuals in Missouri rely on food provided by the Feeding Missouri members annually. For more information on Feeding Missouri and its ongoing efforts to end hunger, visit feedingmissouri.org.

“Lighting the dome orange is a powerful visual reminder that hunger is closer to home than many realize,”Leigh Anne Haun, Executive Director, Feeding Missouri, said. “We thank the Governor and Mrs. Kehoe not just for this symbolic gesture, but for their willingness to roll up their sleeves and stand with farmers, students, and volunteers to strengthen Missouri’s communities.”

Photos of the Capitol lighted orange will be available on Governor Kehoe's Flickr Page. 

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AUGUST 29, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced that he has issued a proclamation to convene the General Assembly for a special session to enact legislation establishing updated congressional districts for the State of Missouri and amending the state’s initiative petition process.

The One Hundred Third General Assembly will convene for the Second Extraordinary Session of the First Regular Session in Jefferson City on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 12:00 p.m.

“Today, I am calling on the General Assembly to take action on congressional redistricting and initiative petition reform to ensure our districts and Constitution truly put Missouri values first,” said Governor Kehoe. “This is about clarity for voters and ownership of our future, and I hope the legislature will work together to pass our Missouri First Map and critically needed IP reform.”

To establish updated congressional districts for the State of Missouri, Governor Kehoe unveiled the Missouri First Map, a more compact, contiguous proposed map that was drawn and created by his team in Missouri to be considered by the General Assembly.

Highlights of the Missouri First Map:

• Splits fewer counties and municipalities than the current map.
• Preserves 2 congressional districts as currently drawn.
• Retains every current member of Missouri’s congressional delegation in their current districts.

To view images of the map, click here.

“Missourians are more alike than we are different, and our Missouri values, across both sides of the aisle, are closer to each other than those of the extreme Left representation of New York, California, and Illinois,” said Governor Kehoe. “Missouri’s conservative, common-sense values should be truly represented at all levels of government, and the Missouri First Map delivers just that.”

Governor Kehoe’s call also includes enacting legislation to amend the state’s initiative petition process with legislation that does the following:

• Bans foreign nationals from contributing to committees for or against a statewide ballot measure.
• Establishes a criminal election offense for fraudulently signing or gathering signatures for a statewide ballot measure.
• Provides that a statewide ballot measure be passed only if a majority of voters statewide and a majority of voters in each congressional district vote to adopt the proposed measure.
• Requires that before a statewide ballot measure is certified for signatures to be gathered, there shall be an opportunity for public comment.
• Requires that the full text of a statewide ballot measure be printed and available to voters at all election sites and polling places.
   

“For far too long, Missouri’s Constitution has been the victim of out-of-state special interests who deceive voters to pass out-of-touch policies,” said Governor Kehoe. “It's time we give voters a chance to protect our Constitution.”

To view Governor Kehoe's video announcement on the special session, click here.

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AUGUST 29, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, in honor of Missouri State Representative Kenneth "Ken" Waller, Governor Mike Kehoe ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at government buildings in the State of Missouri for one full day on Saturday, August 30, 2025, from sunrise to sunset.

"Representative Waller was a man of faith, family, and integrity, and his public service reflected those values," Governor Kehoe said. "Ken represented the citizens of Jefferson County well through both county positions and in his service in the State Capitol. Claudia and I join the family, friends, loved ones, and General Assembly colleagues of Representative Waller in remembering a great man and public servant."

On August 24, Representative Waller, 63, passed away in his residence after suffering a medical emergency.

The flags will be held at half-staff on the day Representative Waller is laid to rest. To view the Governor’s proclamation, click here.

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AUGUST 22, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced nine appointments to various boards and commissions.

LeAndra Beauford, of St. Joseph, was appointed to the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council.

Ms. Beauford is a family navigation manager for Progressive Community Services and a certified family support provider. She previously served as a substitute teacher in the St. Joseph School District. Beauford received a certificate in legal studies from Missouri Western State University.

Shawn Foster, of Lee's Summit, was reappointed to the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority.

Mr. Foster is a shareholder and attorney at Preuss | Foster Law and an adjunct professor at the University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC). He is also an active member of several boards and organizations, including the Missouri State Fair Foundation, the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, the Family and Community Trust, and the Lee’s Summit Soccer Association. Foster received his Juris Doctor from the UMKC School of Law.

Dr. Kelly Frisella, of Lake Ozark, was appointed to the State Board of Optometry.

Dr. Frisella is the owner and founder of The Solution Center in Osage Beach. She is an active member in her community, serving as a member of the American Optometric Association, Women of Vision, and the Columbia Chamber of Commerce. Frisella earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee.

Frank Kruse, of Smithville, was appointed to the Conservation Commission.

Mr. Kruse is the president of Martin Hill Advisors. He previously served as the vice-president of business development and marketing for Sekisui XenoTech LLC. Kruse is a member of several conservation organizations, including the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, and Johnny Morris Institute of Fisheries. He previously served as an international marketing representative for the Missouri Department of Agriculture.  Kruse holds a master’s degree in economics from North Carolina State University.

Justin McCarty, of Fair Grove, was appointed to the Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Rules.

Mr. McCarty currently works in business development at Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 178.  He previously served as a superintendent at Utility Systems Solutions and is an active member in his community, serving as the president of the Springfield Central Labor Council. McCarty holds advanced certifications in pipefitting and welding.

Nadiya Al-Noor, of Columbia, was appointed to the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council.

Ms. Al-Noor is a substitute paraprofessional working in special education and previously worked as an education coordinator at Services for Independent Living. She previously served as a member of the American College Personnel Association and Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. Al-Noor earned a Master of Science in Student Affairs Administration and a Master of Public Administration from Binghamton University.

Ashley Showalter, of Cape Girardeau, was appointed to the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council.

Ms. Showalter, is a clinical coordinator for Southeastern Missouri AHEC. She previously served as an executive assistant for Blue Sky Community Services. She previously served as a director and secretary of Autism Awareness of Southeast Missouri and is currently the secretary and volunteer coordinator for Autism society of Southern Illinois. Showalter attended Southern Illinois University – Carbondale.

Timothy “Scott” Steelman-Rhoden, of Springfield, was appointed to the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council.

Mr. Steelman-Rhoden is an inclusion educator for Abilities First and previously served as a teacher for Monarch Children’ Academy. He is an active member of his community, serving as a member and advisor for Good Life Group and Team Access. Mr. Rhoden earned a bachelor’s degree in general studies from Missouri State University.

Mark Sutherland, of Defiance, was appointed to the Tourism Commission.

Mr. Sutherland is the chief executive officer of Stone Ledge Spirits Company and previously served as the chief marketing officer of Missouri Partnership. He is an Honorable Consul of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland representing the British Government in Missouri. Sutherland holds a bachelors in global leadership from Washington University and a post-grad certificate marketing from King’s College London.

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AUGUST 19, 2025

This week, Governor Mike Kehoe will attend several meetings and events across the state.

Today, Tuesday, August 19, Governor Kehoe will travel to Moberly to tour the Orscheln Products' manufacturing facility.

On Wednesday, August 20, Governor Kehoe will speak at a naturalization ceremony at the Rush Hudson Limbaugh Sr. U.S. Courthouse in Cape Girardeau. He will also attend a Lincoln University Cooperative Extension building naming ceremony for the Sheryl L. Branch-Maxwell Center in Charleston.

On Thursday, August 21, Governor Kehoe will participate in the St. Louis Business Journal's Advance STL event at the St. Louis Zoo. He will then attend a ribbon cutting ceremony at Varro Holdings, Inc. to celebrate the company's expansion in St. Louis. Governor Kehoe will later travel to Bloomfield to recognize the National DARE Officer of the Year before speaking at the 7th Annual Difference Makers Banquet in Poplar Bluff.

On Friday, August 22, Governor Kehoe will attend the American Simmental Association's Fall Focus in Columbia.

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Governor Kehoe to speak at naturalization ceremony

When: 10:30 a.m.

Where: Rush Hudson Limbaugh Sr., US Courthouse - Atrium, 555 Independence Street, Cape Girardeau 63703

Media: Open

Governor Kehoe to attend Sheryl L. Branch-Maxwell Center naming ceremony

When: 1:00 p.m.

Where: Lincoln University – Charleston, 305 Cooper Street, Charleston, Missouri 63834

Media: Open

Thursday, August 21, 2025

Governor Kehoe to participate in Varro Holdings, Inc. ribbon cutting

When: 9:30 a.m.

Where: 20 South Sarah Street, CIC St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63108

Media: Open

Governor Kehoe to speak at 7th Annual Difference Makers Banquet

When: 6:30 p.m.

Where: Black River Coliseum, 302 South 5^th Street, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901

Media: Open

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AUGUST 19, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, during a press conference at the Missouri State Capitol, Governor Mike Kehoe announced his appointment of Catherine L. Hanaway as the next Attorney General for the State of Missouri. Hanaway’s appointment will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Attorney General Andrew Bailey as the Co-Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

“The role of Attorney General is incredibly significant for state government, serving as the chief legal officer of the state, and there is not a more qualified person to serve Missourians as our next Attorney General than Catherine Hanaway,” said Governor Kehoe. “A former U.S. Attorney, Catherine is a talented, trusted prosecutor who has a passion for enforcing the rule of law. Congratulations to Catherine Hanaway, Missouri’s 45th Attorney General.”

The first woman to hold the position in state history and the first major statewide office appointee of the Kehoe Administration, Hanaway will assume the role of Missouri Attorney General on September 8, 2025, when Attorney General Bailey is sworn in as Co-Deputy Director of the FBI.

“Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s appointment as the Co-Deputy Director of the FBI is another testament to President Trump’s commitment to enforcing law and order, as Andrew has been a fighter for our state and nation throughout his entire career,” said Governor Kehoe. “Although Missourians will miss Andrew’s strong leadership in the Attorney General’s Office, we know that he will serve Americans well at the FBI. Congratulations to Andrew and his family on this appointment.”

Hanaway currently serves as Partner at Husch Blackwell in St. Louis, where she has successfully handled complex legal issues in both state and federal court. Before leading the firm as the first woman Chair, she served as Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives, the only woman to ever hold this role.

Hanaway previously served as the chief federal law enforcement officer for the Eastern District of Missouri, U.S. Attorney, where she supervised more than 4,000 criminal, affirmative and defensive civil cases and personally tried cases to jury verdicts. She also supervised and assisted in the development of cutting-edge theories of criminal prosecution.

“I want to thank Governor Kehoe for this opportunity. It is a humbling honor to be selected for this role, and a duty I do not take lightly,” Hanaway said. “Attorney General Bailey has done an incredible job fighting for Missourians, and I am eager to get to work on behalf of Missourians to uphold the rule of law, protect the Constitution, and ensure a strong future for our state.”

Hanaway earned her Juris Doctor from The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Creighton University. Hanaway resides in St. Louis with her husband and is highly involved in community organizations including the Regional Business Council and the St. Louis Regional Crime Commission Board.

Photos from the press conference will be available on Governor Kehoe's Flickr page.

• Catherine Hanaway.jpg

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AUGUST 18, 2025

Tomorrow, Tuesday, August 19, at 10:00 a.m., Governor Mike Kehoe will hold a press conference at the Missouri State Capitol to announce his appointment to replace Andrew Bailey as Attorney General of the State of Missouri, following his appointment as the Co-Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Governor Kehoe to hold press conference to announce next Missouri Attorney General

When: 10:00 a.m.

Where: Missouri State Capitol - Governor's Office (Room 216)

Media: Open

*A mult box will be provided

*The press conference will be livestreamed on Governor Kehoe's Facebook  and X pages

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AUGUST 8, 2025

Next week, Governor Mike Kehoe will attend several meetings and events across the state.

On Sunday, August 10, Governor and Mrs. Kehoe will travel to Sedalia to participate in events for the Missouri State Fair's Military Appreciation Day.

On Monday, August 11, Governor and Mrs. Kehoe will spend the day at the Missouri State Fair for Missouri Farm Bureau Farm Family Day.

On Tuesday, August 12, Governor and Mrs. Kehoe, along with members of the Governor's Cabinet, will participate in the Missouri Farmers Care Drive to Feed Kids event with Missouri FFA.

On Wednesday, August 13, Governor Kehoe will speak at the Sustainable Ozarks Partnership's Annual Meeting in Waynesville. He will then travel to Sedalia attend events at the Missouri State Fair.

On Thursday, August 14, Governor Kehoe will host the 2025 Governor’s Ham Breakfast at the Missouri State Fair and make several stops on the fairgrounds, including participating in a press conference with Missouri Farm Bureau and members of Missouri's congressional delegation and attending the Missouri Fair Foundation's No Limits P.I.G. Show.

On Friday, August 15, Governor Kehoe will attend the Monnig Industries 65th Anniversary Celebration in Glasgow.

Sunday, August 10, 2025

Governor Kehoe to speak at Missouri National Guard 135th Army Band Presentation

When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: Missouri State Fairgrounds - Mathewson Exhibition Center

Media: Open

Governor Kehoe to participate in Military Flag Retreat Ceremony

When: 5:30 p.m.

Where: Missouri State Fairgrounds - Historic Administration Building

Media: Open

Monday, August 11, 2025

Governor Kehoe to participate in Military Flag Retreat Ceremony

When: 5:30 p.m.

Where: Missouri State Fairgrounds - Historic Administration Building

Media: Open

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Governor Kehoe to participate in Military Flag Retreat Ceremony

When: 5:30 p.m.

Where: Missouri State Fairgrounds - Historic Administration Building

Media: Open

Tuesday, August 14, 2025

Governor Kehoe to speak at 2025 Governor's Ham Breakfast

When: 8:00 a.m.

Where: Missouri State Fairgrounds - NUCOR Director’s Pavilion

Media: Open

*A media availability with Governor Kehoe and Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Chinn will take place at the conclusion of the breakfast.

Governor Kehoe to participate in Missouri Farm Bureau press conference

When: 11:00 a.m.

Where: Missouri State Fairgrounds - Missouri Farm Bureau Building

Media: Open

Governor Kehoe to attend No Limits P.I.G Show

When: 2:00 p.m.

Where: Missouri State Fairgrounds - Swine Barn

Media: Open

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AUGUST 8, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced four appointments to the Child Abuse Neglect and Review Board.

Nicole Barrett, of Stockton, was appointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

Ms. Barrett is the chief juvenile officer for the 28th Judicial Circuit and owner of Barrett Law, LLC. Prior to opening her law firm, she worked as the managing attorney at Springfield Law Group, LLC. Barrett earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law and holds a certificate in dispute resolution.

Bridget Foster, of St. Louis, was appointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

Ms. Foster is a therapeutic foster parent providing trauma-informed support for the children in her care. She previously worked as a customer service senior for United Healthcare. She is an active member of the St. Louis Foster Care and Adoption and Vashon Alumni committees and previously served on the System of Care - St. Louis Board.

Stefanie Kaiser, of St. Peters, was appointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

Ms. Kaiser is a retired Saint Charles Police Department detective and previously served as the commercial sexual exploitation coordinator for the Child Advocacy Center of Northeast Missouri. She is a member of the Missouri Coalition to End Trafficking and Exploitation, the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, and the Missouri Polygraph Association. Kaiser holds Missouri Peace Officer Standards and Training certification.

Monica Walker, of Stewartsville, was reappointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board.

Ms. Walker is a lead employee relations specialist at American Family Insurance. An involved member of her community, she currently sits on the finance committee for Second Harvest and previously served as chair and treasurer for the board. Walker was president of the Stewartsville C-11 school board for eight years and has volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).