Governor appoints Welker Cape Co. prosecutor

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has appointed Mark Welker as Cape Girardeau prosecuting attorney, filling the vacancy created by the departure of Chris Limbaugh, who resigned to take a position as general counsel to the governor.

Welker, a Cape Girardeau lawyer, defeated attorney William Bryant of Jackson in the Aug. 7 Republican primary. Welker is unopposed in the November general election.

Parson announced the appointment in a news release Wednesday.

Welker has practiced law in Cape Girardeau County since 2013, according to the news release. He holds a law degree from Southern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southeast Missouri State University.

The Southeast Missourian reached out for comment from Welker, but repeated messages left on Welker's phone were not returned as of late Wednesday afternoon.

It is unclear when Welker will begin his duties as prosecutor.