■ The Jefferson Foundation has reached well beyond its home base to bring in a new leader. Juan A. Figueroa, a native of Puerto Rico, took over as the foundation’s president and chief executive officer Sept. 18, succeeding Jeffrey Buck, the original foundation president, who retired earlier this year after leading the organization from its inception in 2013. See Gordon Bess’ Page 1 feature story.
■ De Soto businessman and civic leader Dennis Gannon has announced he will seek the Republican Party’s nomination for Jefferson County executive in next year’s election. Incumbent Ken Waller has said he will not seek a third four-year term. To date, two former state representatives also have announced their intentions to run for the county’s top elected office – John McCaherty, 52, of Fenton has said he will file as a Republican and Jeff Roorda, 52, of Barnhart said he will run as a Democrat. See Steve Taylor’s story.
■ A group that is planning events to celebrate Jefferson County’s bicentennial in 2018 now has county government’s stamp of approval. County Executive Ken Waller on Nov. 1 issued an executive order recognizing the Jefferson County Bicentennial Committee as the official group designated to plan events surrounding the 200th anniversary of the county’s founding. Ideas to mark the occasion include an expo, a coloring book, a medallion and perhaps art and essay contests for students. See Steve Taylor’s story.
■ Northwest R-1 Board of Education members plan Nov. 20 to discuss the possibility of placing a bond issue on a future ballot to fund facilities improvements across the district. The discussion is scheduled for a work session beginning at 6 p.m. that night, at the Northwest Administrative Center, 4300 Gravois Road, in House Springs, according to school board documents. Northwest school officials also have two public meetings scheduled to get feedback from local residents about what they think the district should include in its long-term plans for facilities. See Tracey Bruce’s story.
■ The field has been set for the Feb. 6 special election to fill the 97th District state representative seat that’s been vacant since Sept. 15, when Republican John McCaherty resigned to concentrate on his campaign for Jefferson County executive. Gov. Eric Greitens called for the election to choose a replacement who will serve through the end of 2018. In such cases, each party’s district committee is asked to nominate a candidate to run. The Republicans chose attorney David Linton and the Democrats have tabbed Mike Revis, a purchasing manager for Anheuser-Busch. Both live in the Jefferson County portion of Fenton. See Steve Taylor’s story.
■ Crystal City Councilman Tony Becker is looking into the feasibility of bottling municipal water and selling it to the public as a means of making additional money for the city, as well as better utilizing the new water plant that opened in 2016. Becker, a Ward 2 councilman, brought up the idea at an Oct. 23 work session. He said he had completed some preliminary research, but wanted other council members to tell him what they thought. Council members did not take a vote but told Becker they did not object to him continuing his research. See Kevin Carbery’s story.
■ Leader editor Peggy Bess says what she thinks about guns in this week’s Editorial section column. Take a look to see if you agree.
■ Sports editor Russell Korando writes about Hillsboro senior track athlete Isaiah Martin committing to compete for Purdue University next year. Plus, get the scoop on JCAA boys basketball teams, which open their seasons next week.
*** Almost turkey time. The next Leader comes a day early, on Wednesday, Nov. 22.