JEFFERSON REVIEW
SUNDAY EDITION
From the Editor’s Desk
There are weeks where local news feels routine, and then there are weeks like this one.
Across Jefferson County, we saw moments that remind us exactly why local voices matter. From a powerful flag ceremony that brought a community together, to veterans speaking out at city hall about policies that could impact their survival, to a major property tax proposal heading to the ballot that could reshape how our schools and communities are funded.
These are not distant issues. They are happening right here, and they affect the people, places, and future of our county.
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A Symbol Raised, A Community Remembering
A powerful ceremony marks more than a rebuilding. It is a moment of reflection you will not forget -
VFW Raises Concerns at Arnold City Council
Veterans share why gaming revenue matters and encourage a broader conversation about how policy decisions could impact local nonprofits -
A Property Tax Proposal Heads to the Ballot
It sounds simple, but critics say the long term impact could be anything but -
Opinion: Why Transparency Still Matters
A longtime local leader reflects on trust, accountability, and informed citizens -
Business Spotlight: The Braided Bakery
Built on faith, family, and a community that showed up when it mattered most -
Adoptable Pet of the Week: Meet Crookie
Two years waiting, and still full of love -
Local Events, Government Meetings, and Weather
Everything you need to plan your week in Jefferson County
County Dispatch
A new flag now stands where destruction once hit, but this ceremony was about more than just raising colors. Veterans, local leaders, and residents gathered for a moment that carried deep meaning, reflection, and a few powerful words you won’t want to miss.
to Protect Nonprofits in Gaming Debate
What happens when a key source of funding for local nonprofits is suddenly on the table? At a recent Arnold City Council meeting, veterans made a direct and emotional appeal that could shape the future of gaming policy and the survival of organizations like the VFW.
A major property tax proposal is heading to the ballot in Jefferson County and it sounds simple: stop taxes from rising after reassessments. But critics warn the long-term consequences could reshape school funding, shift power to the state, and even raise other taxes. Read this article written by David Stokes from the Show-Me Institute, courtesy of the Saint Louis Business Journal .
Opinions
of Trust in Government
There is a reason our nation’s founders placed such a strong emphasis on accountability and openness in government. Trust, they understood, is not automatic; it must be earned. In this opinion piece, a longtime Jefferson County leader reflects on why transparency remains essential to building trust, strengthening institutions, and ensuring that citizens remain informed and engaged in the decisions that shape their community.
Business Spotlight
Local Businesses • Local Stories • Jefferson County
The Braided Bakery: Built by Faith, Family, and a Community That Showed Up
James and Abbie Barton, Owners of The Braided Bakery
What began as a simple Friday tradition at home has become one of Festus Main Street’s most beloved gathering places. The Bartons didn’t just build a bakery—they built it with faith, sacrifice, and a community that refused to let them fail. This is the kind of local story that reminds you what Jefferson County is all about.
Weather
forecast for Jefferson County Missouri
Sunday
High 89 / Low 42
Partly sunny and very warm with breezy conditions in the afternoon.
Monday
High 57 / Low 38
Cooler with partial sunshine.
Tuesday
High 59 / Low 46
Mostly cloudy skies.
Wednesday
High 72 / Low 53
Pleasant with more sun than clouds.
Thursday
High 68 / Low 39
Variable cloudiness with a couple of thunderstorms possible in the afternoon.
Forecast subject to change. Readers should check a trusted local source for the latest updates before making outdoor plans.
Government Meetings
Administration Center Assembly Room,729 Maple Street, Hillsboro, MO 63050
6:30 PM
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130 Mississippi Ave, Crystal City, MO 63019
6:00 PM
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1409 Herculaneum Industrial Drive, Herculaneum, MO 63048
1:30 PM
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401 Main Street Pevely, MO 63070
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
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Administration Center, 729 Maple Street, Hillsboro 63050
6:30 PM
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Community Events
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: LaChance Vineyards, 12237 Peter Moore Ln, De Soto, MO 63020
Cost: Not listed
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Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Northwest Story Time Room, Jefferson County Library Northwest Branch, 5680 State Road PP, High Ridge, MO 63049
Cost: Free
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Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: Arnold Inspiration Space, Jefferson County Library Arnold Branch, 1701 Missouri State Rd, Arnold, MO 63010
Cost: Free
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Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Cedar Hill Children's Room, Jefferson County Library Cedar Hill Satellite, 6780 Mall Drive, Cedar Hill, MO 63016
Cost: Free
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Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Northwest Story Time Room, Jefferson County Library Northwest Branch, 5680 State Road PP, High Ridge, MO 63049
Cost: Free
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Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: 630 Jeffco Boulevard, Arnold, MO 63010
Cost: Not listed
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Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Northwest Community Room, Jefferson County Library Northwest Branch, 5680 State Road PP, High Ridge, MO 63049
Cost: Free
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Time: Doors open at 6:00 PM | Trivia starts at 7:00 PM
Location: Hillsboro Community Civic Center, 10349 MO-21 Bus, Hillsboro, MO 63050
Cost: $25 per person or $200 per table of 8
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Time: Flight 1 8:30 AM & Flight 2 10:00 AM
Location: Top Gun Sportsman’s Club, 4273 Highway 47, Lonedell, MO 63060
Cost: $100–$125 per shooter
Learn More
Adoptable Pet of the Week
Meet Crookie
Animal ID: 771813
Meet our beloved friend with the crookedest tail.
“Crooked Tail,” lovingly called Crookie, has been a resident of the shelter since May 12, 2024. She’s an 8-year-old Pitbull mix with a huge heart and a personality that’s impossible not to love once you know her.
Crookie has spent many holidays and milestones at the shelter. During that time, staff have come to adore all of her little quirks that make her so special. She’s an independent girl who enjoys her space, but every now and then she’ll burst into the happiest random zoomies before trotting over to her favorite humans for some love and attention.
She walks beautifully on a leash and absolutely loves taking long strolls along the nature trail, where she can take in all the sights and smells.
One of Crookie’s funniest quirks is her taste in other dogs. The weirder they are, the more she likes them. If they’re perfectly normal, they just might not be her type. Cats probably aren’t her cup of tea either, but Crookie knows exactly what she likes and isn’t shy about it.
When Crookie first meets new people, she can come off a little intimidating. The truth is, she just hasn’t had many chances to meet them. In the past two years, she’s only had one or two meet-and-greets.
For more than two years, Crookie has watched countless other dogs pack their bags and head home with their new families. She’s wagged her crooked tail as she watched them leave, but she’s still there, patiently waiting and wondering when it will finally be her turn.
The good news is that someone who believes in Crookie has covered her adoption fee, hoping it will help her finally find the loving home she deserves.
She is fully vaccinated, spayed, microchipped, dewormed, and up to date on flea and tick prevention.
All she needs now is you.
Please stop by and meet this one-of-a-kind girl with the crooked tail. She’s been waiting a very long time for someone to see just how special she truly is.