■ Bob Boyer, sworn in Sept. 1, hit the ground running in his new job as Jefferson County assessor. “The first week has been very good,” said Boyer, 35, of Arnold. “I’ve got a lot to learn, of course, and there’s been a lot of information to digest, but for the most part, everybody’s been very welcoming and helpful. It’s a good staff. In some respects, part of my job will be making sure they have what they need and then just staying out of their way.” The Assessor’s Office staff includes 26 full-time employees and a part-time worker. Boyer, a Republican, was elected in November 2016 to replace Terry Roesch, a Democrat who chose not to run for another four-year term. Roesch had been assessor for seven years. See Steve Taylor’s Page 1 story.
■ Former Fox C-6 School District administrator Jamie Critchlow recently was sentenced to seven years in prison for felony DWI. However, the sentence was suspended, and after Critchlow serves 60 days in jail, he will be released on five years’ probation, court records show. He was sentenced Sept. 1 following his fourth DWI, according to court papers. Critchlow, 43, of Arnold pleaded guilty to one count of DWI – aggravated offender, a felony, and one count of leaving the scene of an accident, a misdemeanor, stemming from a May, 30, 2016, incident in Arnold. See Tony Krausz’s story.
■ Food service directors at school districts across the county say it’s difficult to meet federal nutritional guidelines for school breakfasts and lunches and serve meals students will eat. A recent trend to cook from scratch and use fresh ingredients, however, is helping schools accomplish those goals. See Tracey Bruce’s story.
■ The construction of six villas soon will get underway in Byrnes Mill. It will be the city’s first villas, said Ann Walters, chairperson for the Byrnes Mill Planning and Zoning Commission. See Tracey Bruce’s story.
■ Rockport Heights Elementary School in Arnold is celebrating five decades of learning, friendship and achievement this month. As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the school will be the grand marshal in the Arnold Days Parade on Sunday. Then, at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, RockportHeights, 3871 Jeffco Blvd., will an open house, and everyone who shares a piece of the school’s history is invited to attend. Retired teachers began planning the event last spring. See Tracey Bruce’s story.
■ Peggy Bess’ column tackles the Pevely conundrum. How is the city going to get its hands on $120,000 in tourism funds when it can’t find people to serve on a tourism commission?
■ The Sept. 14 Sports section includes previews of county cross country teams, coverage of some exciting football games and Russell Korando’s column on the possibility of the state cross country championship moving to a new location after being held since 1976 at Oak Hills Golf Course in Jefferson City.
*** Now it’s fall fest time in De Soto and Arnold. Get out there and have some fun, folks!