MAY 13, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced the passing of former U.S. Senator and Missouri Governor, Christopher S. “Kit” Bond. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, whose life’s work was dedicated to serving Missouri, Kit Bond died on May 13, 2025, in St. Louis at 86 years old.

Governor Kehoe released the following statement:

“Kit Bond was a skilled statesman, public servant, and a man who truly loved Missouri. I am blessed to have known Kit and honored to call him a friend and a mentor.

“Kit, always with his trademark smile and sense of humor, was a fierce advocate for Missouri throughout his accomplished 40-year career of public service. Kit kept Missouri’s interests at heart, both in office and out, making our state a better place to live, work, and raise a family. Whenever he was thanked for his service, Kit's response was always, 'Serving the people of Missouri was the honor of my life.'

“His legacy as a ‘favorite son’ to his beloved State of Missouri lives on through all he achieved for his home state. Kit touched the lives of so many men and women throughout his career, and today I join them in grieving the loss of a good man. Just as they will miss their friend and mentor, so will I. On behalf of all Missourians, Claudia and I share our deepest condolences and offer our prayers for his wife Linda, his son Sam, and the entire Bond family.”

Governor Kehoe will order U.S. and Missouri flags to be flown at half-staff at government buildings and grounds statewide beginning today through the day Governor Bond is laid to rest.

Additional details on services to honor Governor Bond will be announced later today.

Photo Credits: Charles L. Barnes

• Kit Bond_BW.jpg
• Governor Bond Press Conference.jpg

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MAY 12, 2025

Jefferson City — Building on the education priorities outlined in his inaugural State of the State Address in January, Governor Mike Kehoe announced today the full slate of members appointed to the Missouri School Funding Modernization Task Force. The Task Force, established by Executive Order 25-14, is charged with reviewing and recommending changes to Missouri’s K-12 school funding model and providing a final report to the Governor by December 1, 2026.

“To secure a better future for Missouri students and schools, we must rethink how we fund Missouri's foundation formula,” said Governor Kehoe. “We need a modernized funding model that rewards outcomes, encourages innovation, and ensures fairness for all Missouri students. These Task Force members bring the experience, perspective, and commitment needed to make responsible changes at business-speed. We look forward to reviewing their recommendations.”

The 16-member body represents a broad range of voices—urban and rural, traditional and nontraditional, academia and industry—who will help build a model that delivers results for every Missouri student. The Task Force will operate under core guiding principles that promote equal access for students, local flexibility, performance accountability, and long-term funding sustainability.

Governor Kehoe’s appointments include the following individuals:

• Matt Davis, of Eldon, is a dedicated educational leader with more than 25 years of experience in the Missouri school system, including 17 years as superintendent of Eldon School District. Prior to serving as superintendent, he led career and technical education programs and prioritized securing grants and funding to enhance program offerings and facilities at Eldon Career Center. Davis will serve as the representative for superintendents from small rural school districts in Missouri.
• Noah Devine, of Kansas City, is the executive director of the Missouri Charter Public School Association. He previously served as the deputy director of the Kansas City Action Fund and led the implementation of the sixth iteration of the Missouri School Improvement Plan (MSIP) standards for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as the MSIP 6 support facilitator. Devine will serve as the representative for charter schools in Missouri.
• Emily LeRoy, of Hermann, is a senior advisor at Missouri Farm Bureau, serving on a leadership team that advocates for the diverse interests of farmers. She began her career at the Missouri Department of Agriculture as a legislative assistant and youth program coordinator before rising to the position of legislative and budget director. LeRoy will serve as an additional member as appointed by the Governor.
• James "Jim" Meats, of Springfield, is the vice president of sales and marketing at Loren Cook Company and a licensed professional engineer. He previously worked as a technical consultant to manufacturers and municipalities in southwest Missouri, where he supported the development of formal plan reviews, permitting procedures, and construction inspection processes. Meats will serve as the representative for the business community.
• Mike Podgursky, of Columbia, is a school finance expert with more than 40 years of experience, currently serving as the Chancelor’s Professor of Economics at the University of Missouri–Columbia and an affiliated scholar at Sinquefield Center for Applied Economic Research. He is also the author of several peer-reviewed articles and the book, Teacher Pay and Teacher Quality. Podgursky will serve as an additional member as appointed by the Governor.
• Donald “Don” Thalhuber, of Columbia, is the policy director for the Senate Minority Caucus. Prior to serving in his current position, Thalhuber worked as a senior research analyst crafting education, pension, financial, tax, and veterans’ affairs legislation. He also drafted Missouri’s most recent public school funding formula in 2005. Thalhuber will serve as an additional member as appointed by the Governor.
• Michael “Jeremy” Tucker, of Liberty, is the superintendent for Liberty Public Schools, managing the district's $279 million budget and providing oversight and strategic guidance to executive leadership and their respective departments. Prior to serving as superintendent, he worked as an adjunct professor for Evangel University and Southwest Baptist University as well as a social studies teacher at Logan-Rogersville High School. Tucker will serve as the representative for superintendents from large urban school districts in Missouri.
• Chris Vas, of Kansas City, is a senior director for the Herzog Foundation, working to implement school choice initiatives and trainings across the nation while overseeing an $8 million annual budget. He previously served as the executive director of Liberty Alliance USA, a regional, conservative grassroots network and watchdog organization. Vas will serve as the representative for non-profit organizations that work on expanding school choice in Missouri.
• Casey Wasser, of California, is the deputy executive director and chief operating officer for the Missouri Soybean Association, a grassroots organization dedicated to advocating on behalf of soybean producers and crafting state and federal policy initiatives that support farmers’ freedom to operate and improved profitability. He has an extensive background in public policy, previously serving as the legislative director for the Missouri Department of Revenue. Wasser will serve as the representative for the agriculture industry.
• David Wood, of Versailles, most recently served as a policy analyst and liaison for the Missouri State Tax Commission before retiring in June 2023. He previously served in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2013 to 2020 and worked as an upper-level math and computer science teacher for Morgan County R-II Schools. Wood will serve as the representative for teachers from schools in Missouri.

These ten appointments will be joined on the Task Force by two members of the State Board of Education.

• Kerry Casey, of Chesterfield, recently retired from her position as vice president of Exegy, a global leader in financial market data, trading platforms, and predictive signals, where she was responsible for Global Sales Operations and Enablement. Casey was a founding board member of the KIPP Charter School in St. Louis and served on the board of directors until her appointment to the State Board in 2023.
• Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge, of Pasadena Hills, is a former vice president of the Normandy Schools Collaborative Joint Executive Governing Board and recently retired general partner from Edward Jones, where she co-led the Internal Audit Division. She previously worked for Express Scripts, Anheuser-Busch and Bank of America in senior governance, risk and compliance roles and held certifications in financial, operational, and information systems auditing.

Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin and Missouri House Speaker Jonathan Patterson have also appointed Senators Rusty Black and Travis Fitzwater as well as Representatives Ed Lewis and Marlene Terry to serve on the Task Force.

Senator Black, a former educator, will chair the task force.

“As a former educator, I know firsthand the challenges our teachers face and the importance of ensuring that every dollar we invest in education has a meaningful impact,” said Senator Black. “I’m honored to help lead this important work as we build a funding model that supports student success in every corner of Missouri.”

For more information on the Missouri School Funding Modernization Task Force, click here.

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MAY 9, 2025

Jefferson City — In its first four weeks of operations across Missouri, Operation Relentless Pursuit (ORP) has arrested or assisted in the arrest of 148 fugitives wanted for outstanding felony warrants. One-hundred twelve of the arrests were made by ORP officers, and ORP officers assisted other law enforcement agencies in the arrest of 36 other wanted fugitives. The 148 arrests resulted in clearing 251 outstanding arrest warrants.  

Original arrest charges have included rape, kidnapping, voluntary manslaughter, sex trafficking of a child under 18, sexual misconduct involving a child, possession of child pornography, drug trafficking, domestic assault, assault, burglary, felony stealing, unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a controlled substance, and probation violation.

ORP is a component of Governor Kehoe’s Safer Missouri public safety initiative announced on his first day in office, January 13, 2025. As outlined in Executive Order 25-02, it is a regional anti-crime effort that emphasizes intelligence-led policing and cross-jurisdiction collaboration to apprehend the most dangerous fugitive felons.

Data analysis showed there were over 17,600 active felony arrest warrants across Missouri in January, which poses a significant threat to public safety since studies show that individuals evading felony warrants are likely to engage in additional criminal activities, further endangering Missourians.      

"We are extremely impressed with the outstanding work of our joint crime-fighting teams of Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers and sheriffs’ deputies across the state," Governor Kehoe said. "It has been incredible to see the enthusiasm that law enforcement agencies have for Operation Relentless Pursuit and how many more agencies are joining, or planning to join, these efforts. Taking felons off the streets is dangerous work, but officers are, once again, running toward danger to keep others safe."

“These numbers are even more impressive when you consider the amount of intelligence gathering and surveillance work that goes into making these arrests. These are felons who have been avoiding arrest, sometimes for years,” Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Mark James said. “What is making ORP a success is the incredible buy-in we are receiving from law enforcement leadership and the tremendous collaboration, team-effort, and hard work of the officers assigned to this vitally important mission.”

The 148 ORP arrests and ORP-assisted arrests occurred in 37 counties across the state. Six of the arrests required SWAT team activations because the suspects barricaded themselves to avoid arrest. Six firearms have been seized during the arrests.  

The initial 37 counties with ORP arrests include:

There are nine regional ORP teams composed of Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control officer and a local deputy sheriff in each of the nine Patrol troops. These leaders act as liaisons with local law enforcement in the regions. Through May 4, ORP has made arrests or assisted in making arrests with participation from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, at least 24 sheriffs’ offices, at least 11 police departments, and the U.S. Marshals Service.

Highlights of ORP arrests include:

• One of the very first fugitives arrested in Pulaski County, as ORP operations began on April 7, was wanted for five counts of possession of methamphetamine. While taking the  suspect into custody, three other fugitives with possession of methamphetamine warrants were located hiding in the residence and also taken into custody. One of the suspects at the residence was in possession of methamphetamine at the time of his arrest and faces that additional charge.
• One of the oldest cases cleared was a parole absconder wanted for over 12 years, who was captured in Howell County.
• On April 28, the Platte County Prosecutor’s Office requested that ORP assist in apprehending a suspect wanted for domestic assault who was allegedly continuing to stalk, harass and threaten the victim. ORP, working with the U.S. Marshal for Western Missouri Task Force, located and surveilled the suspect. When officers attempted to arrest him at a residence, he attempted to escape through a bedroom window and was taken into custody after a foot pursuit. He faces the additional charge of resisting arrest by flight.    

“Sheriffs and deputies across Missouri see the importance of this effort to rid our state of wanted felons who continue to pose a threat to our communities,” Sheriff Brad Cole, Christian County Sheriff and Operation Relentless Pursuit Co-Coordinator said. “Hunting down and taking the felons into custody takes considerable effort, but our ORP team members and partnering agencies are committed to this program. We are seeing more  sheriffs’ offices participating in ORP and I expect that to continue based on the success of the program.”

“Partnerships across the state enable us to do what we do best, and we're just getting started” said Missouri State Highway Patrol Colonel Michael A. Turner. “We are proud to work with many outstanding sheriffs’ offices for our shared mission of working together to make a safer Missouri. The combined resources of troopers and deputies working together during these operations is truly a force multiplier."

Last week, DPS Director James, Highway Patrol Col. Michael Turner, Sheriff Cole, U.S. Marshal John Jordan of the Eastern District of Missouri, Acting U.S. Marshal Josh Hillard of the Western District, and other ORP leaders of Missouri met to review early operations and plans for potential expansion due to ORP’s strong start.

State funds have been requested in Governor Kehoe’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget to pay the cost of the deputy sheriff liaison within each region and overtime costs of participating local law enforcement agencies. Each of the regional liaisons received training from the U.S. Marshals Service.

Members of the public with information that could lead to the capture of a Missouri fugitive can share it with the ORP team at this link.

Future data and updates on ORP will be provided by the Missouri Department of Public Safety.

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MAY 8, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced one appointment to the Missouri Sentencing Advisory Commission and filled two county vacancies.

Jessica Cole, of Noel, was appointed as the McDonald County Clerk.

Ms. Cole currently serves as the human resources director for the McDonald County Clerk's Office. She is an active member of the McDonald County Republican Club, Pineville Schools Parent Teacher Organization, and Elk River Baptist Church. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Iowa.

David Martin, of Vienna, was appointed as the Maries County Coroner.

Mr. Martin is the owner of KLM Funeral Homes in Vienna, Dixon, and Crocker, Missouri. He holds licenses from both the Missouri Funeral Directors and the Missouri Embalmers association. Martin earned his associate degree in mortuary science from the Kentucky School of Mortuary Science in Louisville, Kentucky.

Katie Sinquefield, of Columbia, was appointed to the Missouri Sentencing Advisory Commission.

Ms. Sinquefield is an active community volunteer and advocate for criminal-justice reform, serving on the boards of The Weldon Project, Show-Me Defenders, and the Private Enterprise Advisory Council of the American Legislative Exchange Council. She also currently serves on the Missouri State Public Defender Commission. Sinquefield holds a master's degree in public administration and a bachelor's degree in art, sociology, and business from the University of Missouri–Columbia.

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MAY 8, 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 six counties following the severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes that heavily damaged areas of southwest and southeast Missouri from April 28 to 29.  

“Last week, intense severe storms once again brought destruction to areas of Missouri, further burdening families, businesses, and communities already dealing with the aftermath of previous damaging severe weather,” Governor Kehoe said. “The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has been on the ground for days, helping local officials document damage. Our local partners and SEMA believe the emergency response costs and damage to roads, bridges, and other important public infrastructure warrant a formal review by FEMA and meet the levels required for a federal disaster declaration for Public Assistance.”

Joint PDAs are being requested for the following counties: Barry, Greene, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton and Washington. 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, May 13, five 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.

SEMA continues to coordinate with local officials, other state agencies, and volunteer and faith-based partners to identify needs and assist impacted families and individuals. If you have damage, you should contact your insurance company and file a claim as soon as possible.

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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MAY 6, 2025

Jefferson City — Governor Mike Kehoe has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome to shine green beginning at sunrise on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, until sunrise on Thursday, May 8, 2025, in recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month and May 4 - 10, 2025, as Children’s Mental Health Week.

“It’s important to talk about mental health and the resources that are available for Missourians who need help and support,” Governor Kehoe said. “You are not alone if you struggle with mental health challenges. Our administration, in collaboration with the Missouri Department of Mental Health, is focused on sharing resources and improving access to treatment.”

This week, Governor Kehoe will proclaim May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Missouri, and May 4 - 10, 2025, as Children’s Mental Health Week. Approximately one in six children and youth have a diagnosable mental illness, and around 50 percent of individuals with lifetime mental health challenges first experience symptoms by age 14.

“May is a great time to shine a light on the importance of mental health,” said Missouri Department of Mental Health Director, Valerie Huhn. “We're proud to see the Capitol dome lighted green this year for mental health awareness as we continue to share resources and support for Missourians.”

If you are thinking about suicide, are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, or are worried about a friend or loved one, call, text, or chat with the Missouri 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

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

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MAY 1, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe requested that President Donald Trump approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance in a total of 26 Missouri counties in response to the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that caused widespread destruction across the state from March 30 to April 8. Six deaths were confirmed due to severe storms during the period.   

“Missouri has repeatedly been hit hard by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding this year and the result has been widespread damage and destruction of homes, private property, and public infrastructure,” Governor Kehoe said. “While Missourians and faith-based and volunteer organizations have been supporting their neighbors and local and state government are working hard at recovery, the cost of these efforts – often because of repeated damage in the same counties – is beyond the capacity of local communities and the state to bear in full.”

Eighteen of the 26 counties included in this request for a federal disaster declaration were also included in a federal disaster request made by Governor Kehoe on April 2, 2025.

Based on the documented damage, Governor Kehoe is requesting FEMA Individual Assistance for the following 20 counties: Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Cooper, Dunklin, Howell, Iron, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Vernon, Washington, and Wayne.

Individual Assistance would allow eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses.  

Based on the documented damage and emergency response costs, Governor Kehoe is also requesting FEMA Public Assistance for the following 25 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.

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 of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure.

Joint damage assessments conducted by FEMA, SEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and local officials estimate more than $25.5 million in emergency response costs and damage to public infrastructure.

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, please visit recovery.mo.gov.

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MAY 1, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, in honor of Kansas City Fire Department Firefighter/Paramedic Graham Hoffman, Governor Mike Kehoe ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at government buildings in Cass, Clay, Jackson, and Platte counties, the Fire Fighters Memorial of Missouri in Kingdom City, and firehouses statewide on Friday, May 2, 2025, from sunrise to sunset.

“Graham Hoffman was a young man who was full of compassion, a desire to help others, and a dedication to saving lives,” Governor Kehoe said. “This past weekend, as he worked an overtime shift, Firefighter/Paramedic Hoffman’s life was tragically cut short by senseless violence as he treated a patient. We pray for Graham’s loved ones and the entire Kansas City Fire Department family as we mourn the loss of this young first responder."

Early on the morning of April 27, Firefighter/Paramedic Hoffman, 29, was stabbed and mortally wounded by a patient as she was being transported to a local hospital.

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

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APRIL 30, 2025

Jefferson City — In honor of Missouri’s fallen law enforcement officers, Governor Mike Kehoe ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome and Missouri Law Enforcement Memorial to shine blue beginning at sunset on Friday, May 2, 2025, until sunrise on Sunday, May 4, 2025.

“The Missouri Capitol dome will shine blue this weekend as we honor and remember the law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Governor Kehoe said. “It takes great courage, strength, and commitment for law enforcement officers to put on their uniform each day knowing that their duty requires them to run toward the dangers that others flee. We have a responsibility to honor the fallen and ensure they are never forgotten.”

The annual ceremonies honoring fallen Missouri law enforcement officers will be held at the Missouri Law Enforcement Memorial on the north side of the State Capitol. The 2025 Candlelight Vigil will be held on Friday, May 2, and the Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, May 3.

The names of four law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty during 2024 have been added to the memorial’s Wall of Honor in advance of this year’s ceremonies, as well as two  historical officer deaths for which the line of duty circumstances have recently been confirmed through research. The Wall of Honor now includes 752 fallen officers.

Line-of-Duty Deaths

• Cody R. Allen – On Feb. 29, 2024, Independence Police Department Officer Cody Allen was shot and killed while responding to the shooting of Jackson County Civil Process Server Drexel Mack, who had been serving an eviction notice.
• Stephen A. Singer – Early on the morning of April 8, 2024, Lake Lafayette Police Department Chief Steven Singer died in his home as a result of a heart attack. The evening before, he had pursued several suspects who were trespassing with utility task vehicles (UTV) near the dam at Lake Lafayette.
• Phylicia Carson – On Aug. 31, 2024, Osage Beach Police Department Officer Phylicia Carson was killed in a vehicle crash while responding to assist another officer involved in a vehicle pursuit.
• David Lee III – On Sept. 22, 2024, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Officer David Lee III was struck by a vehicle and killed while assisting at the scene of a motor vehicle crash on eastbound I-70. Officer Lee was setting out flares when a speeding drunk driver lost control of his vehicle and struck him.
• Noah Bowles – On Feb. 8, 1904, Lewistown Marshal Noah Bowles was attempting to arrest a man for public intoxication on a railway platform in Lewistown. The suspect, who had allegedly been harassing passengers on a recently arrived train, fatally shot Marshal Bowles with a revolver.
• George D. Hooper – On March 17, 1918, Webb City Police Department Chief George Hooper was shot and killed in an exchange of gunfire. He had approached a gunman who had been firing a handgun and pursuing a woman on foot near railroad tracks. The gunman shot Chief Hooper, who returned fire. A deputy sheriff shot and killed the gunman.

The families of the fallen and representatives of law enforcement agencies from across Missouri will participate in the ceremonies.

Friday May 2, 2025

Candlelight vigil honoring Missouri law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty

When: 8:00 p.m.

Where: Law Enforcement Memorial at the Missouri State Capitol, located on North Capitol Drive

Media: Open

Saturday, May 3, 2025

Governor Kehoe and Attorney General Bailey to deliver remarks at memorial service honoring Missouri law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty

When: 10:00 a.m.

Where: Law Enforcement Memorial at the Missouri State Capitol, located on North Capitol Drive

Media: Open (Saturday’s service will be livestreamed on the Missouri Department of Public Safety Facebook page)

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

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APRIL 29, 2025

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

Kelly Snyder, of St. Louis, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for Saint Louis County in the 21^st Judicial Circuit.

Ms. Snyder currently serves as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Missouri. She earned her Juris Doctor from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis and holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Notre Dame. Snyder is a member of the Women Lawyers' Association of Greater St. Louis, the St. Louis County Bar Association, and the Missouri Bar Association. She also serves as the vice president of the executive board for the Police Athletic League of St. Louis County and is a guest lecturer for the University of Missouri–St. Louis child advocacy studies course. Snyder will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Judge Ellen W. Dunne to the circuit bench.

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