■ A proposed Amtrak stop could be the start of bigger things in De Soto. That’s the message from a group called Fast Track De Soto, which envisions a new rail platform in De Soto to accommodate twice-daily stops for Amtrak, the national passenger train network. Native De Sotoan and local entrepreneur Jim Thomas, president of the group, has steadily gathered support for the passenger platform from local business and governmental leaders as well as from Union Pacific, whose large train-car maintenance facility on the east side of downtown could provide the necessary rail lines for passenger-train service. See Gordon Bess’ story.
■ While lots of recent high school graduates are taking it easy this summer before heading off to college, Ryan Mayberry, 17, of Hillsboro is busier than ever. He’s planning a brand-new music festival to showcase local students’ musical talents. JefJam, a nonprofit music festival, will be held from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 10349 Business 21, in Hillsboro. Gates will open at 11:30 a.m. Mayberry, who just graduated from Hillsboro High, said he came up with the idea for JefJam and began putting his idea into action in January. See Mckenzie Knapp’s story.
■ Two years from now, High Ridge Boulevard will have a new look. The Jefferson County Council voted unanimously July 8 to accept a .27-acre piece of property from the Missouri Department of Transportation that is the final piece of a puzzle that includes new curbs and gutters, decorative streetlights and a walking trail along the length of the commercial avenue that runs between Hwy. 30 and Hwy. PP. County Public Works Director Jason Jonas said MoDOT officials agreed to turn over a gravel parking lot near the Northwest Branch of the Jefferson County Library and the La Casona restaurant, both in the 5600 block of Hwy. PP. See Steve Taylor’s story.
■ The city of Arnold has scrapped plans to return the Farmers Market to its home at Arnold City Park while officials continue to assess damage from the Meramec River, which flooded parts of the city at the start of May. The market was slated to return to the front of the park, off Jeffco Boulevard near the Meramec River, on Saturday, July 20. However, city officials decided to keep operating the market on parking lots at the Arnold Recreation Center, 1695 Missouri State Road, through the end of July. See Tony Krausz’s story.
■ The Jefferson County Council has delayed a vote on whether to place a countywide parks sales tax on the April 2020 ballot so a study can be completed. The council voted 4-3 July 8 to table an ordinance that would place Proposition P on the ballot, delaying the vote for 90 days. Prop P, a proposed 3/8th-cent sales tax, would finance parks improvements and would be shared with cities for their parks projects. See Steve Taylor’s story.
■ By Labor Day this summer, motorists who fill up their vehicles at gas stations in unincorporated Jefferson County will have to pay in advance with cash or a credit or debit card.
The Jefferson County Council voted 6-1 on July 8 to approve an ordinance that will require prepayment for any gasoline purchase. County officials said the requirement will take effect sometime in late August. See Steve Taylor’s story.
■ Get ready to reminisce about Apollo 11 and the historic moon landing. That’s editor Peggy Bess’ column topic this week, and there’s an extra helping of letters to the editor.
■ Michael Brewer is a member of the Texas Rangers. The 2019 Hillsboro graduate signed with the Rangers on July 10 and is playing in a Rookie Ball league in Surprise, Ariz. See Sports editor Russell Korando’s column on Brewer, as well as updates on summer ball.
*** Swelter is finally here. Now, go away.