Today, Governor Mike Parson ordered U.S. and Missouri flags to be flown at half-staff at all government buildings in Missouri from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, May 4, 2024, as a mark of respect for Sergeant Colin Arslanbas.
Sergeant Arslanbas was a United States Marine assigned to the 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, Alpha Company. He was tragically killed in the line of duty while conducting a training exercise off the coast of North Carolina.
Today, Governor Mike Parson signed Executive Order 24-06 activating the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan in response to severe weather and flooding. Parts of Missouri have already sustained storm and flood damage with additional storms and rain forecast over the next several days.
Today, in honor of Missouri’s fallen law enforcement officers, Governor Mike Parson ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome and Missouri Law Enforcement Memorial to be lit blue from sunset on Friday, May 3, 2024, until sunrise on Saturday, May 4, 2024.
Today, Governor Mike Parson signed Executive Order 24-05, extending Missouri’s drought alert to September 1, 2024. The action directs continued coordination of resources and combined response efforts across state government until conditions improve in drought-impacted areas.
Governor Parson is a veteran who served six years in the U.S. Army. He served more than 22 years in law enforcement as the sheriff of Polk County. He also served in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2005-2011, in the Missouri Senate from 2011-2017, and as Lieutenant Governor in 2017-2018.
Governor Parson and First Lady Teresa live in Bolivar. Together they have two grown children and six grandchildren. He was raised on a farm in Hickory County and graduated from Wheatland High School in Wheatland, Missouri. He is a small business owner and a third generation farmer who currently owns and operates a cow and calf operation near their hometown of Bolivar. Governor Parson has a passion for sports, agriculture, Christ, and people.