Gov.-elect Greitens plans ball, tour before inauguration

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri's Republican Gov.-elect Eric Greitens will hold a traditional ball in the Capitol and a statewide fly-around before his inauguration.

Greitens' senior adviser Austin Chambers told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Friday the incoming governor will be sworn into office Jan. 9. Greitens will succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon.

Chambers said the fly-around scheduled for the days leading up to Greitens' inauguration will include visits with law enforcement, teachers and others.

The theme of the inaugural is "The Heart of Missouri" and will include a "salute to service."

A privately-funded committee is overseeing and fundraising for Greitens' inauguration.

It's separate from a $100,000 taxpayer-funded transition office in Jefferson City tasked with helping Greitens navigate the budget and staff his administration.