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Almost Yesterday is a glimpse into the rich history of our region. Dr. Frank Nickell takes listeners on a journey to specific moments in time, such as the first radio broadcast on KFVS, the history of Farmington’s Carleton College, and the short-lived safari on a Mississippi River island. A gifted storyteller and local historian, Dr. Nickell’s wit and love for the past are combined with sounds and music that augment his narrative.On Saturday, June 7, 2008, Almost Yesterday received First Place in the "Special Programs" category at the Missouri Broadcasters Association Awards Banquet in Kansas City, Missouri.Almost Yesterday airs every Wednesday at 5:42 and 7:42 a.m. and 5:18 p.m.

Almost Yesterday: Warren Hearnes Becomes Missouri Governor

Warren Hearnes was the first Missouri governor elected to two consecutive terms. He brought significant changes to civil rights, education, mental health, the environment, and highway programs
Southeast Missouri State University
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KRCU
Warren Hearnes was the first Missouri governor elected to two consecutive terms. He brought significant changes to civil rights, education, mental health, the environment, and highway programs

It seems like Almost Yesterday that Warren Eastman Hearnes became governor of Missouri. Born in Moline, Illinois, on July 24, 1923, Hearnes grew up in Charleston, Missouri, the county seat of Mississippi County, a place he called home for the remainder of his life.

While in high school he determined that he wanted to attend West Point in pursuit of a military career. The desired appointment was received and he graduated from the academy in the class of 1946. In 1947, Hearnes married his high school sweetheart, Betty Cooper, a minister’s daughter.

While in the military he broke his ankle in a softball game, and on the last day of 1949 retired from the military.  On that occasion, he said, there was no doubt that he was going to obtain a law degree - and enter politics. In typical Hearnes fashion, he became a member of the House of Representatives, and then received his law degree.  He was energetic - and ambitious.

He was soon majority floor leader, Secretary of State, and in 1964 candidate for the governorship of his state. To be successful he had to overcome the Kansas City political power brokers, upsetting their candidate in the primary and with the help of Lyndon Johnson, won the governorship.

In 1965 the state Constitution was amended to permit the governors to succeed themselves, and in 1968 Hearnes became the first governor in the history of Missouri to serve two successive four year terms in office.

His eight years as governor saw significant changes in the state’s educational, mental health, environmental, and highway programs.

After his governorship, he was appointed a circuit court judge, becoming the first person to serve in all three branches of Missouri’s state government.

Frank Nickell is a retired history professor at Southeast Missouri State University.
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