APRIL 16, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will participate in joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) of public infrastructure in 25 counties following the deadly severe storms and flooding that began March 30 and that continues to affect much of the state.

“Our state and local public works crews have been doing an incredible job reopening roads and making initial repairs to bridges, low water crossings and other infrastructure, but it is clear that the extent of the damage across the state will require federal disaster assistance,” Governor Kehoe said. “Our State Emergency Management Agency, local and FEMA teams began assessing damage to homes and private property yesterday and will be working through the week. Next week, we will begin joint PDAs to document and tally the damage to public infrastructure and validate what we believe is a clear need for federal Public Assistance.”

Joint PDAs are being requested for the following counties Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Cooper, Douglas, Dunklin, Howell, Iron, Madison, Maries, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Pemiscot, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Texas, Vernon, Wayne, and Webster counties. Additional counties may be added as damage information is received from local officials.

Joint PDA teams are made up of representatives from FEMA, SEMA, and local emergency management officials. Beginning Tuesday, April 22, six teams will verify documented damage to determine if Public Assistance can be requested through FEMA. Public Assistance allows local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies to seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including repair and replacement of damaged roads, bridges and other public infrastructure.

These PDAs will be in addition to those that began yesterday for Individual Assistance, which allows eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles and other qualifying expenses.

To assist Missouri farmers, ranchers, and rural communities, Governor Kehoe sent a letter last week to United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins requesting the assistance of the Missouri Farm Service Agency in conducting agricultural damage assessments.

Earlier this week, Governor Kehoe also signed Executive Order 25-22, extending Executive Orders 25-19, 25-20, and 25-21 until May 14, 2025,  allowing resources of the State of Missouri to continue assisting affected communities.

SEMA is coordinating with local officials, other state agencies, and volunteer and faith-based partners as clean-up and recovery efforts continue across the state. If you have damage, contact your insurance company and file a claim as soon as possible.

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

Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, visit recovery.mo.gov.

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APRIL 14, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced four appointments to the State Board of Education. As his first appointments to the Board, these individuals reflect Governor Kehoe's vision and commitment to supporting education.

Michael Matousek, of Kansas City, was appointed to the State Board of Education.

Mr. Matousek currently serves as the director of the Government Freight Conference at the American Trucking Association. He has previous experience as the state legislative affairs director for the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and legislative director in the Office of Congressman Sam Graves. Mr. Matousek earned his bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Florida.

Kenneth "Brooks" Miller Jr., of Sunrise Beach, was appointed to the State Board of Education.

Mr. Miller previously served as the president and CEO of Jordan Valley Community Health Center. In addition to his professional career, he has served as the vice president of the Springfield Board of Public Utilities and was most recently on the Truman State University Board of Governors. Mr. Miller earned his master's degree in education administration and bachelor's degree in business administration from Northeast Missouri State University.

Jon Otto, of Kansas City, was appointed to the State Board of Education.

Mr. Otto serves as corporate counsel for Evergy, Inc. focusing on corporate governance, SEC compliance, corporate finance, and real estate transactions. Prior to joining Evergy, he was an attorney at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, LLP and Polsinelli, PC law firms. Mr. Otto has served as a board member for Académie Lafayette charter school, University Health KC, Missouri Charter Public School Association, Child Protection Center, Minddrive, and the UMKC Law Alumni Association. Mr. Otto earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Law and his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Clark Atlanta University.

Dr. Thomas Prater, of Springfield, was appointed to the State Board of Education.

Dr. Prater is a physician and partner at Mattax-Neu-Prater Eye Center in Springfield. From 2016 to 2020, he served as the Zone 2 Councilman on the Springfield City Council. He was also a member of the Springfield R-12 Board of Education from 1998 to 2014. Dr. Prater is an active member of the Missouri State Medical Society and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

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APRIL 11, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced the state has requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) participate in joint preliminary damage assessments (PDAs) in 20 counties following the severe storms and flooding that began impacting Missouri on March 30. This request begins the process of obtaining a federal disaster for the second time in less than a month.

“Missouri has again been battered by severe storms and significant flooding, causing widespread destruction and disrupting the lives of many families and businesses across the state,” Governor Kehoe said. “The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and local emergency management officials have been working tirelessly to assess impacts, and we believe the extent of the damage clearly meets the threshold for FEMA to again participate in joint damage assessments.”

Joint PDAs are being requested for the following counties: Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Cooper, Carter, Dunklin, Howell, Iron, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Vernon, Washington and Wayne. Additional counties may be added as more damage information is received from local officials.

Joint PDA teams are made up of representatives from FEMA, SEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and local emergency management officials. Beginning Tuesday, April 15, six teams will survey and verify documented damage to determine if Individual Assistance can be requested through FEMA. Individual Assistance allows eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses.

Damage assessments for roads, bridges and other public infrastructure are ongoing, likely resulting in a request for additional PDAs for Public Assistance next week.

SEMA continues to coordinate with volunteer and faith-based partners to identify needs and assist impacted families and individuals over the coming days. Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.

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

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APRIL 11, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, in honor of Beaufort-Leslie Fire Protection District Firefighter Chevy Gall, Governor Mike Kehoe ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at government buildings in Franklin County, the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City, and firehouses statewide on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from sunrise to sunset.

“Chevy Gall dreamed of one day becoming a firefighter, and in November 2024 at the young age of 16 he joined the Beaufort-Leslie Fire Protection District,” Governor Kehoe said. “Chevy went through training and embraced the fire service with enthusiasm, seriousness, and dedication. Claudia and I pray for Chevy’s loved ones, extended fire service family, and all who knew this young man who tragically lost his life in service to others.”

On April 4, Firefighter Gall, 16, was responding to the Beaufort-Leslie Fire Protection District’s main fire station to deploy with other firefighters in response to a water rescue call when he was fatally injured in a motor vehicle collision.

The flags will be held at half-staff on the day of Firefighter Gall’s memorial services. To view the Governor’s proclamation, click here.

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APRIL 10, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced four appointments to various boards and commissions and filled one county vacancy.

Joseph Barbaglia, of St. Louis, was reappointed to the St. Louis Board of Election Commissioners.

Mr. Barbaglia is the owner of Columbia Auto Parts and currently serves as secretary for the St. Louis Board of Election Commissioners. He has been a member of the board since 2017. He is a dedicated member and volunteer with several community associations and civic organizations, including the Second District Police Business Association, St. Ambrose Athletic Association, Toys for Tots, and the Soap Box Derby.

Cary Corley, of Lee's Summit, was appointed to the Committee of Professional Counselors.

Dr. Corley is the clinical director and owner of Corley Counseling, LLC. Licensed in both Missouri and Kansas, he has earned the National Certified Counselor credential, awarded by the National Board for Certified Counselors. In addition to his professional work, Corley is a member of the Election Committee for the Lakewood Homeowners Association and a ministry leader at Abundant Life Church in Lee's Summit. Dr. Corley earned his Doctor of Counseling from Midwestern College, a Master of Arts in Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Alabama.

Kelly Marriott, of Calhoun, was appointed as the Henry County Clerk.

Ms. Marriott currently serves as the deputy county clerk and elections coordinator for Henry County, a position she has held for almost two decades. She is an active member of her community and has been a member of the Calhoun Colt Show Committee since 2015. Ms. Marriott is a graduate of Calhoun R-8 High School.

Dudley McCarter, of St. Louis, was reappointed to the Coordinating Board for Higher Education.

Mr. McCarter is a principal of Behr, McCarter, Neely & Gabris, P.C., specializing in civil and construction litigation. McCarter was first appointed to the Coordinating Board for Higher Education in 2019. A former president of both The Missouri Bar and the St. Louis County Bar Association, he has received several prestigious awards for his quality of work, leadership, and integrity, including the Spurgeon Smithson Award, the Purcell Professionalism Award, and Missouri Lawyers Media's prestigious ICON award. McCarter served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1972 to 1980, earning the rank of captain before being honorably discharged. Mr. McCarter received his bachelor’s degree from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, and his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law.

Andrew Schwartz, of St. Louis, was reappointed to the St. Louis Board of Election Commissioners.

Mr. Schwartz is the president of AJ Adhesives, Inc, and Mid-America Packaging. Schwartz first served on the St. Louis City Board of Elections from 2011 to 2016 and again in 2024. He is an active member of his community, serving as a voting member of the Forest Park Advisory Board, a local soccer, basketball and baseball coach, and an officer for the Entrepreneurs' Organization. Mr. Schwartz earned his bachelor's degree in finance from Southeast Missouri State University.

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APRIL 9, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, in honor of Whitewater Fire Protection District Chief Garry Moore, Governor Mike Kehoe ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at government buildings in Cape Girardeau County, the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City, and firehouses statewide on Thursday, April 10, 2025, from sunrise to sunset.

“Garry Moore’s life was devoted to serving his community, state and nation,” Governor Mike Kehoe said. “He served 20 years in the U.S. Navy, during which he first joined the fire service. After retiring from the Navy, he joined the Whitewater Fire Protection District, was soon promoted to chief, and spent over three decades responding to fires and other emergencies. Selfless people like Chief Moore are the foundation upon which our strong Missouri communities are built. Claudia and I are keeping his family and community in our prayers during this difficult time.” 

On April 2, Chief Moore, 68, responded to the Delta, Missouri area after an EF-2 tornado caused widespread destruction. He was fatally injured while responding to a stranded vehicle.

The flags will be held at half-staff on the day of Chief Moore’s memorial services. To view the Governor’s proclamation, click here.

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APRIL 9, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed Senate Bill (SB) 4 into law, taking a major step forward in strengthening Missouri's energy infrastructure and supporting long-term economic development.

"With this legislation, Missouri is well-positioned to attract new industry, support job growth, and maintain affordable, reliable energy for our citizens," said Governor Mike Kehoe. "This is about powering Missouri for Missourians and not relying on other states and countries to produce our power. This legislation strengthens our economic development opportunities, helps secure our energy independence, and provides consumer protections to build a resilient energy future for generations to come."

The legislation is designed to respond to skyrocketing energy demand and outdated energy policy, introducing vital reforms to ensure Missouri can meet its growing electricity needs and includes some of the strongest consumer protections in the nation. SB 4, sponsored by Senator Mike Cierpiot and Representative Josh Hurlbert, includes the following provisions:

• "Watt for Watt": Requires utilities to replace current capacity with dispatchable sources of energy prior to decommissioning an existing power plant, ensuring Missouri continues to have reliable power generation resources.
• Construction Work in Progress (CWIP) Accounting: Incentivizes new power generation facilities and reduces financing costs, saving Missourians money in the long run and expanding Missouri's electrical grid capacity.
• Plant in Service Accounting (PISA): Allows utilities to recover certain depreciation expenses from new natural gas power plants over a 20-year period, incentivizing the construction of new power generation facilities and helping to avoid rate shocks for consumers.
• Hot and Cold Weather Rule: Extends the disconnection grace period during extreme weather from 24 to 72 hours to protect vulnerable customers.
• Special Residential Customers Rates: Authorizes the Public Service Commission (PSC) to create tailored utility rates for seniors, low-income families, and other overly burdened customers.
• Advanced Meters and Time-of-Use Rates: Provides residential customers the option whether to participate in time-of-use rates or advanced meters programs.
• Lowering of the Revenue Requirement Impact Cap: Places stricter limits on recoverable deferred costs to help keep utility rates in check.

The bill's significance is further emphasized by the Missouri's recent selection by the National Governor's Association and the U.S. Department of Energy to convene an in-state nuclear summit, underscoring Missouri's commitment to develop new reliable energy.

For more information on SB 4, click here. To view photos from the bill signing, click this link.

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APRIL 9, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced 15 Missouri counties, cities, and towns as the first to have earned Missouri Blue Shield designations. To achieve this designation, Missouri communities must demonstrate their commitment to enhancing public safety, strengthening support for law enforcement, and building sustainable public safety partnerships.

The Blue Shield Program, as outlined in Executive Order 25-03, is part of the Governor’s Safer Missouriinitiative announced on his first day in office. Achieving the Blue Shield designation allows communities to access state grants for law enforcement training and equipment as Governor Kehoe continues to work with the General Assembly to make $10 million in grant funding available for this program.

The first 15 communities include: Jefferson County, Arnold, Warrensburg, Carter County, Miller County, Sedalia, Kennett, Branson, Desloge, Johnson County, Cole County, Grandview, Vinita Park, Greenwood, and Town and Country.

"We are proud to see Missouri communities committed to supporting our administration's top priority – improving public safety and building strong partnerships between citizens and law enforcement," Governor Kehoe said. "We have a number of applications from additional communities that are still under review, and we encourage even more communities to apply."

The Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS) is administering the Blue Shield Program. Applications continue to be accepted and should be submitted by an official from the jurisdiction seeking the Blue Shield designation in coordination with the jurisdiction’s chief law enforcement officer. Applications and all supporting materials should be submitted online at this link.

DPS will review applications and make determinations and notifications for Blue Shield designations for counties, cities, and towns within two weeks of application submission. DPS encourages communities to apply early, because if grant funding is approved by the General Assembly, the department will begin accepting grant applications in July, when the fiscal year 2026 funding becomes available. Questions on the application process can be directed to Courtney Kawelaske, Courtney.Kawelaske@dps.mo.gov.

Among the Blue Shield designation eligibility criteria are:

• Passage of a resolution demonstrating a commitment to public safety, including to reduce violent crime within the jurisdiction;
• Extraordinary investments in public safety funding;
• Community policing initiatives or local partnerships to invest in and/or improve public safety;
• Law enforcement officer recruitment and retention program;
• Demonstrated effectiveness in reducing crime or innovative programs that attempt to reduce crime;
• Participates in regional anti-crime task forces, or a commitment to be a willing partner with these in the future; and
• Compliance with Missouri crime reporting and traffic stop data requirements and other related statutes.

Blue Shield counties, cities, and towns must maintain their commitments each year to retain the Blue Shield designation via annual reporting on their ongoing efforts to support public safety to DPS. Once local governments are approved for a Blue Shield designation, they will receive a public relations toolkit to showcase their community’s commitment to public safety.

• Governor Kehoe Announces First 15 Communities to Achieve Missouri Blue Shield Designations.png

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APRIL 4, 2025

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Kehoe is urging Missourians to avoid traveling in areas that experience heavy rainfall and flash flooding this weekend, as the State of Missouri deploys resources and personnel to respond to dangerous flooding.

“The National Weather Service is forecasting very heavy rainfall – possibly exceeding 10 inches in some localized areas – and dangerous flooding, particularly in southeast Missouri over the next two days,” Governor Kehoe said. “While we have activated the Missouri National Guard and our state team is positioning swift water rescue teams and other response assets, we urge all Missourians to follow their local weather forecasts very closely and avoid driving into flooded areas and areas known to experience flash flooding. Let’s protect ourselves and allow first responders to get emergency help where it’s needed.”

On Wednesday, Governor Kehoe signed Executive Order 25-21 activating the Missouri National Guard to assist with response efforts. The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and state response agencies have been monitoring the approaching severe weather system and coordinating with the National Weather Service since last weekend. Governor Kehoe first declared a State of Emergency on March 14, 2025, through Executive Order 25-19, activating the State Emergency Operations Plan.

• The Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division has deployed five swift water rescue boat teams and the dive team to southeast Missouri. In addition to the Patrol resources, there are ten other boat teams deployed to southeast Missouri.
• The Missouri Division of Fire Safety is coordinating with local and regional fire service mutual aid coordinators to track the positioning and capabilities of local swift-water rescue teams.
• The Missouri National Guard has deployed personnel to Butler County, equipped with highwater vehicles and mission capabilities to include motorist assistance, levee reinforcement and monitoring, sandbagging assistance, commodities distribution, and other potential needs.
• The State Emergency Operations Center is currently activated to a Level 3 with SEMA operations, planning and emergency human services staff as well as emergency support partners from the Highway Patrol, MoDOT, Missouri National Guard, Missouri Division of Fire Safety, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Missouri Task Force 1 and the American Red Cross to assist with resource coordination and requests for assistance.
• SEMA has also activated a Type 3 Urban Search and Rescue Team from Missouri Task Force 1 to deploy to Poplar Bluff. This Type 3 Task Force is a 48-person specialized rescue team that includes a 35-person specialized search and rescue team with an embedded swift water rescue capability, a logistical support team and other specialized resources and personnel.
• The Missouri Department of Transportation is mobilizing additional resources to impacted areas of the state to assist with traffic control, signage and barricades for flooded and closed roadways.
• The Missouri Department of Natural Resources stands ready to assist communities that sustain storm damage with managing their debris and providing technical assistance to drinking water or wastewater facilities impacted by power failures or flooding. 

Missourians should remember these safety tips related to flash flooding and high water:

• Never drive on a flooded roadway, including low-water crossing and low bridges. More than half of people who die in flooding were in vehicles. A foot of water will float many vehicles. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles.
• Night-time flooding is the most dangerous, because low visibility means you can wind up in the water before you ever see it. Slow down!
• Never attempt to walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can knock you over.
• Follow the weather closely and follow safety instructions from local authorities. The NWS has said minor shifts in the weather system could cause rain totals to climb in.

For questions or immediate assistance, Missourians are encouraged to reach out to their city or county emergency management director.

For more information on road closures, visit the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Traveler Information Map. Real-time emergency information is also available by tuning to local radio and television stations across the state.

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APRIL 4, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Kehoe announced a judicial appointment to the 21st Judicial Circuit.

Jeffery McPherson, of Webster Groves, was appointed as Circuit Judge in the 21st Judicial Circuit.

Mr. McPherson is a partner at Armstrong Teasdale LLP. He earned his Juris Doctor from St. Louis University School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Southern Illinois University. In addition to his practice, McPherson currently serves on the Appellate Missouri Bar Association. McPherson will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Judge Virginia W. Lay to the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District.

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