■ A respite care program called “rEcess” at Our Lady Catholic Church in Festus provides some time off for Jefferson County parents who have children with disabilities. One Friday evening each month from September through December and again from February to May, families are welcome to drop off their child with special needs to enjoy planned activities and spontaneous play under the supervision of trained staff and volunteers. The program is free and open to all Jefferson County families. See Laura Marlow’s Page 1 feature story.
■ Rick Draper has resigned as De Soto chief of police and City Manager David Dews has been fired. Gordon Bess tracks the story.
■ Jefferson County Collector Beth Mahn, a Democrat, has announced she will run for a ninth term in 2018. Also, the only Democrat on the Jefferson County Council, Jim Kasten, announced Monday night he will step down at the end of the year, with one year left in his four-year term.
Mahn, a Democrat in a county government that is now dominated by Republicans, said she knows re-election is far from a certainty next year. “Given the political climate, I don’t know what to expect next year,” she said. “I don’t think anyone does. The way things are going, it’s hard to tell.” See Steve Taylor’s story.
■ Seckman High School American Government teacher Jordan McGaughey was surprised to find out in an all school assembly Oct. 17 that he is a recipient of the prestigious Milken Educator Award with a prize of $25,000. This is the second time in less than two years he has walked into the gymnasium to find out there was a special honor waiting for him. In May 2016, McGaughey was named the Fox C-6 School District Teacher of the Year and then went on to become the St. Louis Regional Teacher of the Year. See Tracey Bruce’s story.
■ A 132-home subdivision may be coming to the northern High Ridge area. The Jefferson County Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously Oct. 12 to recommend approval of a rezoning request and development plan for Whispering Pines, proposed for a 46.15-acre parcel on Hillsboro Valley Park Road near Brennan Road south of the St. Louis County line. See Steve Taylor’s story.
■ What’s in a name? Editor Peggy Bess discusses her moniker in her column this week.
■ This week’s Leader has a story on St. Pius X advancing to Cape Girardeau for the Class 2 state volleyball tournament after defeating Bloomfield on Saturday in the quarterfinals. Also, Sports editor Russell Korando breaks down a tough Friday night for county football teams in his column. One team survived to move on in district play – Hillsboro.
*** Jacket time. Finally.