■ The battle between state Sen. Paul Wieland and Jefferson County 911 Dispatch has made it to the desk of Missouri Gov. Mike Parson. Senate Bill 291 – which includes an amendment from Wieland requiring 911 to cut its 1/2-cent sales tax in half – has passed both the state House and Senate and now needs only a signature from Parson to become law. Jefferson County voters said overwhelmingly on April 2 that 911 could keep charging its 1/2-cent sales tax. But Wieland’s 2019 amendment – tucked into a bill that “cleans up” 2018 legislation aimed at expanding 911 coverage into underserved parts of the state – says otherwise. See Kevin Carbery’s Page 1 story.
■ Facilities to grow and sell medical marijuana are coming to Jefferson County, members of the County Council were told at their May 6 work session. It’s up to council members to make sure that they have local guidelines in place before the state starts issuing permits, County Services Director Eric Larson said. “Some of you may agree with this, and some may not, but that’s not what we’re here to decide,” Larson said. “This is coming. What we need to do now is figure out where these places need to be.” Larson said he developed a proposed ordinance that sets down zoning regulations for facilities dealing with medical marijuana production and sales. See Steve Taylor’s story.
■ He left on the upbeat. Retiring music teacher Gary Agre led his final concert for Guffey Elementary School when he presided over the school’s Mish Mash IX concert in March at Rickman Auditorium, which featured first- and second-grade students singing and dancing to a collection of lively songs. The annual spring concert drew about 800 people. In addition, the concert brought in 500 to 600 canned goods for the Arnold Food Pantry. “I figured I’ve had about 10,000 students in my lifetime,” Agre said. “We have always done canned good food drives for my major concerts throughout the 30 years. We figured it adds up to about 40,000 canned goods over the 30 years.” See Tony Krausz’s story.
■ Shane and Erin Mercer are on a mission to revitalize downtown Festus. The two have purchased and six buildings on Main Street in their hometown and have renovated them or are in the process of renovating them. The couple also co-owns the Ball Barn – a new business that was built one street over on South Second Street. See Kevin Carbery’s story.
■ Dave Scott, chief for the Hillsboro Fire Protection District, is retiring, and the district’s assistant chief, Brian Gaudet, will be taking the helm. Scott, 50, of Hillsboro plans to retire May 31 after 32 years as a firefighter. He has been the district’s chief since January 2011. See Kevin Carbery’s story.
■ Those who live near the Seckman Schools campus in Imperial as well as the parents of students who attend the three schools there are invited to attend a public forum on possible improvements to Seckman Road. Drawings that incorporate public suggestions from a hearing last year will be displayed. The Jefferson County Public Works Department will hold the open house meeting from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 12, at Seckman High School, 2800 Seckman Road. Public Works Director Jason Jonas said the meeting is part of the planning process for the project, which aims to improve conditions for both traffic and pedestrians near the schools. See Steve Taylor’s story.
■ Patrick Martin writes the editorial column for May 30. Retirees have to be careful when sifting through their new internet “friends,” he notes.
■ Tornados have been causing devastation throughout Missouri, including in the sports world, Sports editor Russell Korando notes in his May 30 column. After a tornado struck Jefferson City, the state track championships had to be moved to three separate venues.
*** Make sure your basement is stocked with flashlights, snacks, sleeping gear. It’s storm season.