■ Bleachers at Fox High School’s football field have been sold to the Jefferson R-7 School District for $30,000. Fox High’s new bleachers will cost $272,218, and R-7 expects to save even more than that by buying the used bleachers. A section of the old bleachers partially collapsed a couple of years ago, but the bleachers will be safe for R-7 if worn-out materials are replaced, Fox assistant superintendent Tim Crutchley says. (Arnold-Imperial Leader, Jefferson County Leader).
■ Editorial Page editor Patrick Martin has the scoop on how much money is expected to come pouring into the Jefferson Memorial Community Foundation when Jefferson Regional Medical Center closes its deal with Mercy, and he also has the lowdown on a long list of other financial commitments from Mercy. All in all, it’s a great deal for the county’s only hospital and the community, Martin opines. (Jefferson County Leader, Arnold-Imperial Leader).
■ Also in the editorial section, the Leader and letter writers criticize the Fox School District for poor judgment in hiring a school board member’s relative as director of food services. (Arnold-Imperial Leader, Jefferson County Leader).
■ Sports editor Gordon Bess recaps the thrilling championship game of the 57th annual Gene Steighorst Tournament, won by the Hillsboro Hawks in double overtime over the Seckman Jaguars. (Jefferson County Leader, Arnold-Imperial Leader).
■ The Crystal City Council on Monday gave preliminary approval to extend the lease for the former PPG Industries site, where construction of an iron ore processing facility is proposed. A vote on final approval is planned for Dec. 17. (Jefferson County Leader).
Both papers have a round-up of Christmas activities in your community in the weeks ahead. Get your calendar out!
Gordon Bess photo: Workers dismantle the Fox High football field bleachers that are now the property of the Jefferson R-7 School District.
