■ Ten Jefferson County deaths have now been linked to influenza in the 2017-2018 flu season, which started in October and will last through May, the Jefferson County Health Department reports. Last flu season, seven flu-associated deaths were reported. While the number of deaths is not dramatically higher than last year, so far, this flu season is Jefferson County’s most severe since 2004, when county health officials first started keeping track of confirmed flu cases. Previously, the 2014-2015 season was the worst on record, with 2,003 confirmed cases. Through Feb. 17, this season’s total was 3,511 cases, 75 percent higher. Last season, 2016-2017, there were 1,702 cases; this season already shows a 106 percent increase. See Peggy Bess’ story.
■ Read a Page 1 story by Leader staff to find out what your school district is doing to protect students. It’s probably more than you realize.
■ The Beatles wrote, “I get by with a little help from my friends.” The U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron, the famous Blue Angels, know all about that. It takes a swarm of enlisted men and women working behind the scenes to keep the team of crack aerobatic pilots in the air. Jefferson County native Travis “TJ” Bradley is among them. Bradley, 27, was awarded his official Blue Angels “crest” in a ceremony in early February. See Laura Marlow’s Page 1 feature story.
■ About 275 people attended the 2018 Black History Month luncheon, held Saturday at the Quality Inn in Festus. That was about 75 more people than attended the previous year. “It went real well,” organizer Earl Cook said. “We had very enthusiastic people. We had very good music from MOBB (Missouri Big Band).” It was the 23rd year for the luncheon. See Kevin Carbery’s story.
■ Embattled Hillsboro Mayor Dennis Bradley resigned from his post Monday night at the start of what was to be his impeachment hearing by the city’s Board of Alderpersons. A crowd of about 25 – large by Hillsboro meeting standards – barely had time to sit down after reciting the Pledge of Allegiance when Bradley told the board he wished to read a letter of resignation. See Kevin Carbery’s story.
■ A new gadget housed in an office at the Disability Resource Association’s headquarters in Festus may look like an elaborate video game, but it’s actually an important instructional tool for those learning to drive, executive director Nancy Pope says. In addition, it can be used to determine if a person should pursue getting a driver’s license, she said. The DRA recently purchased the Virtual Driver Interaction driving simulation system, and officials there intend to start using it this month, she said. See Kevin Carbery’s story.
■ Peggy Bess’ column suggests a bipartisan congressional task force to find ways to combat school massacres, recommending that all ideas go on the table. Readers sent letters with strong opinions on the subject, too.
■ Sports editor Russell Korando says in his column that a realignment that will set up competition between teams in the St. Louis Suburban Association by ability will be good for kids and fans, creating more evenly matched contests. Plus, get the scoop on Ronda Hubbard’s decision to resign as Grandview R-2’s athletic director and girls basketball coach after two very successful years.
*** Lion, it may be March, but please stay away!