From the Editor’s Desk

Happy Mother’s Day from The Jefferson Review.

Today is a good day to slow down, say thank you, make the phone call, bring the flowers, share the meal, and remember the women who have shaped our families, our homes, our churches, our schools, and our communities. Jefferson County is filled with mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, foster mothers, adoptive mothers, and mother figures who quietly hold things together every single day. This edition is sent with gratitude for all of them.

Inside this Sunday edition, we have a little bit of everything that makes local news matter. A new family-friendly splash pad is getting ready to open in Festus, the Sheriff’s Office had a busy week of investigations, State Rep. Phil Amato is talking about what should come next after the Arnold TDD audit, and Camp Circle Star is giving campers with disabilities a place to belong, explore, and grow.

County Dispatch

Turtle Cove Is Almost Ready To Make A Splash In Festus

A new splash pad, an all-inclusive playground, food truck nights and a fenced-in space built with families in mind are coming together at Larry G. Crites Memorial Park. Turtle Cove is shaping up to be one of Festus’ most exciting summer spots, and city leaders say it was built for kids, parents and the whole community to enjoy close to home.

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Sheriff’s Office Announces Two Arrests After Busy Week of Jefferson County Investigations

Two separate arrests, two serious investigations, and one busy week for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. From multiple burglary and stealing charges in Pacific to a domestic assault case in Hillsboro that left a woman shot, Sheriff Dave Marshak says investigators worked to get both suspects into custody.

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Amato Says Arnold TDD Audit Should Lead to Clearer State Law, Stronger Local Safeguards

State Rep. Phil Amato says the Arnold TDD audit should not be the end of the conversation. It should be the beginning of clearer laws, stronger safeguards, and a serious look at how public money, closed-door meetings, and development districts are handled in Missouri. From possible legal gray areas to a proposed “firewall” between city government and the TDD, Amato says the next step is turning frustration into reform.

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Business Spotlight

A camper-led program with Jefferson County ties is helping families find something that can be difficult to locate: safe, meaningful recreation for children and adults with disabilities. From summer day camps and weekend overnight programs to one-on-one volunteer support, Camp Circle Star is creating a place where campers can explore, grow, and belong.

Weather

Forecasts are subject to change. Readers should check local weather alerts and official updates before making outdoor plans.

Government Meetings

Meeting dates, times, locations and agendas are subject to change. Residents are encouraged to check with the city, county or public body for the most up-to-date information before attending.

Community Events

Adoptable Pet of the Week

They say good things come in small packages, and if that’s true, this little guy is something special.

Gunner stands just over two feet tall and weighs around 50 pounds. He has the short legs of a Basset Hound paired with the head of a much bigger dog, giving him a look that is hard not to love.

He loves chasing after a tennis ball and is always up for a game of fetch. When it comes to meeting other dogs, Gunner seems easygoing and relaxed, taking everything in stride.

His adoption fee is $50 and includes his neuter, vaccinations, deworming, flea/tick treatment, heartworm test, and microchip.