■ First-responders in Jefferson County are gearing up for another busy weekend after a hectic 36 hours last weekend. Rain and then new snow are predicted to come through the area late Friday throughout Saturday, followed by sinking temperatures, according to the National Weather Service website. If the wintry weather comes through again, it could bring a repeat of what fire and police departments dealt with on Jan. 11-12 when 8 1/2 to 12 inches of snow fell in the county. See Tony Krausz’s story.
■ The De Soto City Council is hoping their fellow city residents will put their money where their mouth is on April 2 and approve a 1-cent increase in the city’s sales tax, ticketed for public safety. Proposition Public Safety will appear on the April 2 election ballot as follows: “Shall the City of De Soto, Missouri, impose a sales tax of one percent (1%) for the purpose of improving public safety of the City of De Soto by providing revenue solely for the operation of the Police and Fire departments?” The measure, approved 4-0 by the council in a special meeting Monday night, with councilman Larry Sanders absent, will require a simple majority to pass. See Gordon Bess’ story.
■ The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating Hillsboro Police Department leaders over theft allegations, authorities announced Jan. 11. Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Marshak said Monday (Jan. 14) that he planned to attend a special meeting of the city’s Board of Alderpersons on Tuesday, after the Leader deadline, to discuss the case with city officials. See Kevin Carbery's story.
■ R.P. Lumber, 1198 Shapiro Drive, in Festus will expand its operation, taking in 1.88 acres in the planned unit development under construction next to the Lowe’s store. The lumber company doesn’t plan to enlarge its building, but instead will use the extra property to house sheds, said Jennifer Frazier, R.P. Lumber marketing manager. “The sheds will house some products like lumber and shingles,” she said. “I think (the first shed) will be built relatively shortly.” Larry Goodwin of Crystal City is the developer for the 50-acre complex on the southern end of Shapiro Drive, which abuts R.P. Lumber. See Kevin Carbery’s story.
■ Nathan Steinkamp is counting down the shifts he has left as a full-time firefighter with the Antonia Fire Protection District, which plans to let go several firefighters this winter because of a lack of funding. “That countdown is kind of like a ticking time bomb,” said Steinkamp, 23, of Barnhart. “At the first of the year, it is like, ‘Wow, I only have eight shifts left.’” Steinkamp is among seven full-time firefighters the district will lose when a SAFER grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) ends March 1. See Tony Krausz’s story.
■ Mary Lou LaFloure can't remember when she wasn't creating art, and says she'll never give it up. "I always drew, even as a child," she said. "My dad used to get 'Sports Illustrated' and they would have these reproductions of animal paintings and I would copy those." She soon moved on to original works in a variety of media, and has enjoyed a long career as an artist and art instructor. LaFloure, 82, of Crystal City will have about 30 of her pieces featured in a retrospective show at Cobblestone Frame and Art Gallery in Festus beginning Jan. 18. The paintings, both watercolors and pastels, depict landscapes all around Jefferson County as well as some abstract works. All will be for sale, most in the $150 to $300 range. The exhibit, which will last about a month, will open with a reception from 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, at the gallery, 109 E. Main St. Admission is free. See Laura Marlow’s story.
■ Peggy Bess contributes the Editorial Section column this week, questioning the Jefferson County Council’s decision to pay legal bills for council members who are accused of breaking the Sunshine Law. Are we still talking about climate change? Yes, as reflected in letters on both sides of the issue.
■ Sports editor Russell Korando tracks the history of collecting and reporting sports statistics in the St. Louis area – and emphasizes that he wants yours!
*** Winter is a thing again, apparently.