JEFFERSON REVIEW
MONDAY EDITION
From the Editor’s Desk
This Monday’s edition begins with a powerful Jefferson County story of perseverance, family, and accountability. Bentley and Mason’s Law was celebrated during a signing ceremony in Byrnes Mill after a five-year effort to give Missouri courts a new way to support children who lose a parent or guardian to an impaired driver. We also visit downtown Festus for Tanglefoot Dance Hall’s packed grand opening weekend and bring you the latest discussion from Crystal City concerning e-bike safety and a patriotic drone show planned for September.
Election Day is Tuesday, August 4, and we encourage every eligible voter to take time to learn about the candidates and issues before heading to the polls. This edition also includes the week’s weather forecast, local government meetings, community events, and Coraline, a gentle tuxedo cat searching for another chance at a loving forever home.
Family members, first responders, law enforcement officers, and elected officials gathered to recognize a law created from unimaginable loss and a five-year fight for Missouri children.
More than 200 guests filled the new downtown Festus venue on its busiest night for dancing, food, competitions, prizes, and live entertainment.
City leaders are exploring practical e-bike safety measures while preparing for a patriotic September 11 celebration featuring a drone show.
Missouri’s primary election is August 4. Take time to review the candidates and issues, consult the Jefferson Review’s 2026 Voters Guide, and make your voice heard.
Find the latest weather forecast, government meeting schedule, community events, and meet Coraline, this week’s featured adoptable pet.
County Dispatch
![[COUNTY DISPATCH STORY 3 ALT TEXT]](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect/uploads/asset/file/93261ac1-6b79-4c3a-8767-2c029b0ea30a/IMG_8680.jpeg.jpg)
A law born from unimaginable loss is now giving Missouri courts a new way to hold impaired drivers accountable. Family members, first responders, law enforcement officers, and elected officials gathered in Byrnes Mill to celebrate the passage of Bentley and Mason’s Law and the five-year fight that carried it across the finish line.
![[COUNTY DISPATCH STORY 3 ALT TEXT]](https://media.beehiiv.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect/uploads/asset/file/3c5b1b95-9426-4547-b31f-1326c7f78300/761215913_122119738202916698_7375075352805852668_n.jpg)
Tanglefoot Dance Hall packed downtown Festus for its official grand opening weekend, drawing more than 200 guests on its busiest night. From line dancing and swing competitions to food, prizes, and visitors from across Missouri, see how Festus’ newest entertainment venue kicked off its next chapter.
Crystal City is working toward clearer e-bike rules after a resident urged city leaders to focus on safety, education, and practical solutions. The council also approved plans for a patriotic drone show during the city’s September 11 celebration.
Weather
Forecast current as of Sunday morning, August 2, 2026. Weather conditions can change, so check for updates before making outdoor plans.
Government Meetings
Adoptable Pet of the Week
Coraline is a beautiful 7½-year-old tuxedo girl with a heart full of love and a story that deserves a happy ending. She was originally found as a stray and, thankfully, had a microchip. Unfortunately, despite every effort, her family could never be located.
She was then adopted by a wonderful couple and finally had the loving home she deserved. Sadly, life took an unexpected turn when her adopter passed away and family could not care for her, making the heartbreaking decision to return Coraline to our care.
Now this sweet, gentle girl is searching once again for a forever home—a quiet place where she can curl up in a warm lap, enjoy peaceful days, and be cherished for the rest of her life. Coraline has so much love left to give and would make a wonderful companion for someone looking for a loyal, affectionate friend.
Her adoption fee is $50 and includes her vaccinations, deworming, and flea/tick treatment. She is already spayed and microchipped, so she's ready to go home with her new family.