■ A federal judge’s decision to overturn Carman Deck’s death sentence for the 1996 murders of De Soto-area residents James and Zelma Long – the third time Deck’s death sentence has been overturned – is greatly disappointing to the Long family, the couple’s daughter-in-law said Tuesday. U.S. District Judge Catherine D. Perry vacated Deck’s death sentence on April 13, and in the ruling stated, “He must be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.” Perry pointed to delays in Deck’s appeals cases over the years in influencing her ruling, blaming the state’s attorneys rather than Deck’s for slowing the proceedings. See Kevin Carbery’s story.
■ Two women whose agencies are on the front lines of fighting drug abuse in Jefferson County told the County Council they believe a proposal calling for a long list of stipulations before the county could join a regional prescription drug-monitoring registry is the wrong approach and could cost lives. Sue Curfman, president and chief executive officer of Comtrea, likened the council’s inaction on the matter to how the United States reacted to the Holocaust in Hitler’s Germany in World War II. “I know it’s not the same, but we’re going to have the same results,” she told the council at its April 3 meeting. “Are we just going to look the other way while people are dying? It’s not enough to just be compassionate. You have to act.” See Steve Taylor’s Page 1 story.
■ Most families enjoy the occasional night out at their favorite restaurant, but dining out can be difficult for families with children who have autism. Those children may be sensitive to excessive noise or commotion and may become upset at the restaurant, which may leave the families feeling worried they’re disturbing other diners. That’s why Nancy Goeddel, 68, of Fenton has organized an Autism Eats dinner for Monday, April 24, at the Pasta House, 1606 Galemore St., in Festus. Autism Eats is a nationwide program, but the April 24 event in Festus will be the first one in the state of Missouri, Goeddel said. See Kim Robertson’s Page 1 story.
■ The Northwest R-1 School District will build a new gymnasium at High Ridge Elementary School that will double as a tornado shelter for the school, using a $1.2 million grant from the State Emergency Management Agency to cover about half the cost of the project. The Board of Education voted 6-0 on April 12 to accept a Tornado Safe Room Grant. It will go toward a 10,000-square-foot gymnasium. Currently, HighRidgeElementary School, 2901 High Ridge Blvd., has a combined cafeteria and gym space. See Tracey Bruce’s story.
■ If you live in the city of Arnold and want to raise chickens but aren’t allowed to because your property is too small, that rule might change soon. After discussing the issue for nearly a year, Arnold City Council members are scheduled May 4 to decide whether to loosen restrictions on backyard chickens so more residents can take up the hobby. See Kim Robertson’s story.
■ Editorial Page editor Patrick Martin wonders if state legislators are noticing the way their vehicles jump, shake and shudder on the way to and from the state Capitol. Might a solution be at least considered?
■ Leader Sports editor Russell Korando addresses the javelin in his column this week. It’s now an official event at Missouri high school track meets and local schools are adapting their facilities to accommodate practice and competition.
*** Don’t forget about the De Soto Senior Expo. It is set from 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday, April 19, at the De Soto Knights of Columbus Hall, 13225 Hwy. E, in De Soto.
*** Mow your grass!