■ It’s probably been a long time since you thought about your pancreas. In the complex orchestration of the human anatomy, it’s like the piccolo player over in a far corner. But take it from Audrey McKinney – you wouldn’t like having to live with a bad one. Thanks to advances in medical technology, though, Audrey, 17, a junior at Festus High School, is living proof that you can live pretty close to a normal life with Type 1 diabetes caused by a damaged pancreas. She is thriving with the help of a device that is essentially an artificial pancreas. See Gordon Bess’ Page 1 feature story.
■ Jefferson County officials have filed a request for an order of protection that, if granted, would prevent three members of the County Council from speaking with their administrative assistant, Pat Schlette. The request stemmed from a March 22 incident that involved Schlette, County Councilman Jim Terry (District 7, Cedar Hill), county counselor Tony Dorsett and an attorney, Robert Schultz of Chesterfield. See Steve Taylor’s Page 1 story.
■ The Fox C-6 School District is replacing and adding security cameras to all its schools and buildings. Already, the district has installed 89 new cameras at Fox High School and 63 cameras at Seckman High School, said Luke Heitert, the district’s director of technology and information.
In addition, new cameras have been installed and other upgrades completed at four other district schools, Heitert said. “Our coverage is better than we’ve ever had,” he said. See Tracey Bruce’s story.
■ Festus R-6 Superintendent Link Luttrell warned school board members March 21 to be prepared for loud noises while construction crews fight their way through rock as part of major renovation projects to be completed at the high school and elementary school. Construction began “in earnest” the week of March 26, when the district’s Activity Stadium was torn down, Luttrell said. The stadium renovations are expected to be completed late this summer, before the start of the fall 2018 sports season, he said. An addition will be built at the high school to house a new band room, and the high school choir room will be renovated. A computer lab will be expanded at the elementary school. See Kevin Carbery’s story.
■ Those who attended the grand opening for Jefferson College’s Hillsboro campus library on Monday were wowed, school officials said. Approximately 250 people attended the event, which included a dedication ceremony, tours of the renovated library, interactive demonstrations, historical and construction document displays, information about the Jefferson County Bicentennial Celebration, music, refreshments and giveaways. See Kevin Carbery’s story.
■ For the first time in 35 years, Bill Haggard is not the chief of the Herculaneum Fire Department. He has retired as the chief of the department his father, Casey, helped found in 1951. “I just figured it was time (to retire),” said Haggard, 66, who is also mayor of Herculaneum. His retirement was effective Jan. 1, and Chris Baker, the assistant chief, is serving as the interim chief. See Steve Taylor’s story.
■ Sports editor Russell Korando’s column discusses the plight of small high schools trying to field a competitive football team. Several Jefferson County schools are facing tough times. Also, see previews of the county’s golf squads.
■ No one is as young as they used to be. That’s loosely the topic of Peggy Bess’s Editorial Page column this week.
*** Baby, it’s cold outside.