■ For the first time in its history, Jefferson County’s 23rd judicial circuit will have a Republican majority, after four new judges elected on Nov. 8 take their seats in January. However, Circuit Judge Circuit Judge Darrell Missey, named the circuit’s presiding judge earlier this year, said party affiliation will make no difference in how justice is handed down. See Steve Taylor’s Page 1 story.
■ Jeff Cramer, Fox C-6 School District’s director of facilities, is retiring after nearly three decades with the district, working his way up from an evening custodian to supervising 73 custodians and 14 maintenance employees. See Kim Robertson’s feature story.
■ The owners of the Magic Carpet Lounge/Magre Liquors in Festus have announced they are selling the property, 627 Truman Blvd., to a developer who plans to tear the complex down and construct a dental building. See Kevin Carbery’s story.
■ The Jefferson County Council heard divergent views on a request for the county to join a regional prescription drug-monitoring program at the council’s Nov. 14 work session, then decided it needed more information. Council chairwoman Renee Reuter (District 2, Imperial) asked Don Bickowski (District 1, Eureka), a computer network engineer, to research the proposal and report back to the council. The aim of the monitoring program is to stem misuse and overdoses of opioids, typically medications prescribed for pain. See Steve Taylor’s story.
■ The city of Arnold will offer nearly $500,000 to buy four houses and one duplex on either Melody Lane or Key West Drive so the city can improve the stormwater system in the area, which has long been plagued with flash flooding. All five owners must agree to the buyout or the project won’t take place. See Kim Robertson’s story.
■ Patrick Martin writes this week about Arnold Ward 3 Councilman Phil Amato’s proposal to limit Arnold mayors to two terms, based on Amato’s belief that older people lack the energy for the job. Not so fast, Martin says.
■ Sports editor Russell Korando makes a case in his column for better protection of young football players, the most vulnerable of those who practice the sport.
*** Two fun Leader events are planned this weekend and you’re invited. The Leader Holiday Dinner is set for Friday night and the Leader Christmas Preview will be held Sunday. This week’s paper provides the details. See you there?