■ After an emotionally charged hearing on Monday that often brought people in the courtroom to tears, Taylor Fast, 23, of Festus was sentenced to 27 years in prison in connection with the death of her baby daughter and injuries to her young son in 2015. Jefferson County Div. 5 Circuit Judge Victor Melenbrink handed out the sentence after about six hours of arguments and testimony at the Jefferson County Courthouse.
■ Former state Rep. Jeff Roorda, 52, of Barnhart has announced he will run for Jefferson County executive in 2018. Roorda, the business manager and chief spokesman for the St. Louis Police Officers Association, will run as a Democrat, vying to replace Ken Waller, who earlier this year said he will not run for a third four-year term as the county’s top elected officer. Another former state representative, John McCaherty, 52, of Fenton has also announced for the job. See Steve Taylor’s Page 1 story.
■ Barbara Dake of Imperial is looking for volunteers from around the county to help put together child-sized denim quilts for local foster children. Dake, 64, has been making quilts for foster children for several years with a St. Louis County-based group, but recently formed the Jefferson County Denim Quilt group to focus on serving this area. See Laura Marlow’s Page 1 story.
■ This week’s paper includes Grand Times, Leader Publications’ quarterly magazine for senior citizens. The winner of the Way Back When photo contest is announced and submissions to the contest are included. Additionally, the magazine provides information about the upcoming Arnold Senior Expo on Oct. 11. You’re invited!
■ Editor Peggy Bess took a va-cay from column writing this week, turning over her space to Shameon Ewe, a Jefferson County bicentenarian who takes a dim view of recent shenanigans on the part of county elected officials.
■ St. Pius X returned to the win column with emphasis in both volleyball and boys soccer. Sports editor Russell Korando writes about both teams in this week’s Sports section.
*** It’s candy apple season – finally!