■ Take a few steps inside the former ranch home that now serves as Comtrea’s A Safe Place domestic violence shelter, and you’re quickly made aware of the operative word: Safe. On one wall of the lobby – which used to be a living room – there’s a large TV screen monitoring the activity recorded by video cameras stationed around the perimeter. “There’s nothing that goes on outside that we don’t know about,” said Barb Tenholder, director of the shelter. “And we’ve got more cameras on the way. If we see you on the camera and don’t know who you are, we’re calling 911. The police know who and where we are and they’re here in minutes.” See Steve Taylor’s Page 1 feature story.
■ Hillsboro activities director Ed Moreno has been placed on paid leave, said Jon Schuessler, a member of the R-3 Board of Education, on Monday. Schuessler added that the school board has not taken any action on Moreno, but it might have something to vote on at its meeting on Feb. 27. Hillsboro Superintendent Jon Isaacson would not comment on why Moreno was on paid leave, saying the school district does not comment on personnel matters. See Russell Korando’s story.
■ The Jefferson County Family YMCA in Festus has kicked off a campaign to raise $2.5 million to fund several improvement projects, like adding more parking, renovating locker rooms, expanding the fitness center and building a second gym. Debbie Siebert, executive director for the Jefferson County YMCA, said the improvements are needed because of increased membership at the facility, 1303 YMCA Drive. Siebert said the number of members climbed from 4,700 in 2016 to 5,130 in 2019. See Kevin Carbery’s story.
■ Dunklin Fire Protection District will ask voters to approve two tax measures on the April 7 ballot – one to help the district deal with a constrained budget and the other to boost funding for firefighter pensions. Proposition S asks for a 25-cent property tax increase for the district’s general revenue fund and Proposition P asks for a 5-cent property tax increase to support the district’s pension program. Both measures require a simple majority to pass.
■ The time is not right to extend Fox C-6 School District Superintendent Nisha Patel’s contract, at least that’s what some Board of Education members say. Typically, the Fox school board reviews the superintendent’s performance in January or February and votes on whether to extend his or her contract by a year. In a Feb. 4 closed meeting, the Fox board voted 4-3 against extending Patel’s contract for another year, and instead will reconsider the extension in October. See Tony Krausz’s story.
■ John Stewart is ready to start working in the county where he grew up and lives. The 51-year-old Hillsboro resident has been named the next chief financial officer for the Fox C-6 School District. Fox Board of Education members voted unanimously in a Feb. 4 closed meeting to hire Stewart, who is currently the CFO for the Brentwood School District. He will replace Fox’s current CFO, John Brazeal, who is retiring on March 31. See Tony Krausz’s story.
■ Big River Ambulance District voters will be asked April 7 to approve a 35-cent property tax increase, more than doubling the district’s tax levy. Revenue from the tax increase would be used to increase staff, improve buildings and update equipment, Chief Gary Prasuhn said. Currently, the district’s tax levy is 31 cents per $100 assessed valuation. With the increase, the tax levy would be 66 cents per $100 assessed valuation, Prasuhn said. See Katelyn Mary Skaggs’ story.
■ Editor Peggy Bess writes in the Editorial Section about new Jefferson County Council chairman Phil Hendrickson and his desire to bring council factions together. Lots of letters again this week. Keep ’em coming.
■ Sports editor Russell Korando writes in his column about Fox High School 2002 graduate Rob Rickermann, who aims to set a Guinness record for most free throws in a 24-hour period. Also see wrestling and basketball prep coverage.
*** Have a sweet Valentine’s Day with your sweetie.