The baton was passed -- figuratively and literally -- at the annual State of the County address, held Monday (Feb. 18) at Festus High School. The event, sponsored by the Jefferson County Growth Association, usually features a speech by the Jefferson County executive, but with a transition occurring earlier this year, Ken Waller, who held the post for eight years, talked about the past achievements while his successor, Dennis Gannon, set goals for the future. And a conductor's baton -- loaned by Festus High choir director Christopher Boemler -- was passed between the two. After the ceremony, Festus senior band director Chris Auchly supplied a baton that Gannon can keep to conduct the business of the county. Festus High students Kaitlynn Prater and Hannah Minx served as the emcees, JCGA board president Dan Govero and Festus R-6 Superintendent Link Luttrell also gave speeches, and entertainment was provided by the Festus High Jazz Band and by choir students.

Photos by Steve Taylor

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