■ Krystle and Rodney Wideman of Crystal City have a lot to be thankful for this year. After a series of disappointments and failed adoptions, they get to share the Thanksgiving holiday with their 7-month-old daughter. The Widemans, who have an 8 year-old son, Clayton, had been trying for years to have a second child, and nothing seemed to work out. In April, though, Krystle got the most important phone call of her life, and just hours later she was holding her new baby girl in her arms. See Laura Marlow’s heartwarming Page 1 feature story.
■ The Jefferson Foundation, which makes two rounds of grants each year to nonprofit agencies, released its 2018 second-round list of recipients Nov. 16. It includes 61 organizations receiving $2,367,103.56. They represent just under 57 percent of the 113 grant requests the foundation received after its first round of 2018 grants was distributed in June. Checks for the second round will go in the mail Dec. 3. See Gordon Bess’ Page 1 story and a complete list of the grants in this round.
■ Jefferson County residents have apparently gotten the message. Don’t mess with the flu. Less than two months into the 2018-2019 influenza season, the county Health Department has already immunized more people than in the entire 2017-2018 season. Through Nov. 9, the Health Department had immunized 1,636 people. At this time last year, the department had done only 714 immunizations, and only 956 by the end of eight-month season in May. In comparison, this year’s numbers have taken a dramatic uptick. See Peggy Bess’ Page 1 story.
■ A Smoothie King is planned for the small tract of land at the northwest corner of Lee Avenue and Veterans Boulevard (Hwy. A) in Festus. Developer Chris Zoellner of Balke Brown Transwestern said Nov. 16 that construction could begin in the next few weeks and be compte by May. The 0.28 of an acre tract sits next to an existing Fazoli’s restaurant. The location formerly was proposed for a Starbucks and then a Dunkin’ Donuts, but those plans fell through. See Kevin Carbery’s story.
■ Dylan Clubb said he opened Hot Wax Beer & Records to fill what he sees as a need in his hometown of Festus. The business opened Monday at 208 E. Main St. The shop sells the two items mentioned in its name – beer and records. “Those are the two things I found I had to drive to get myself,” Clubb, 27, said. “The stuff I’ll be selling is not available unless you drive 30 minutes north.” He said his shop will sell the particular brews and vinyl records he likes. See Kevin Carbery’s story.
■ Arnold businesses report a dramatic drop in “shrinkage” (shoplifting) since the Arnold Police Department started a Business Resource Officer program about two years ago. James Bequette, a representative from the Arnold Kohl’s store, attended an October meeting of the Arnold City Council meeting to praise the BRO program and present letters of appreciation to Mayor Ron Counts, Police Chief Bob Shockey, Detective Douglas Bequette, and police officers Dan Dougherty, John Palme, Jason O’Barr and Missy Herold. See Tracey Bruce’s story.
■ The new owners of the historic Stone House in Pevely intend to reopen it as a bed and breakfast once significant renovations are completed. Lois and Norman Harrison of Barnhart bought the two-story limestone building at 495 Landmark Parkway from Chuck Banks, former Pevely mayor and county presiding commissioner, and hope to open this summer. See Kevin Carbery’s story.
■ The Nov. 21 Editorial section encourages readers to send in unusual reasons why they are thankful. We’ll print as many as we can before the end of the year.
■ In the Sports section, read about a new grant-funded wellness center planned for St. Pius X High School in Crystal City, and girls basketball team previews.
■ Each of our four Leader papers includes a holiday recipe section and a preview of the Nov 30 Leader Holiday Dinner.
*** Thanksgiving in a couple of days. Let’s pace ourselves.