JEFFERSON REVIEW
THURSDAY EDITION
From the Editor’s Desk
Good morning, Jefferson County. This Thursday edition brings together several stories that show the full range of local life in our county — city meetings, county government, community service, school district business, weather, events, and even one very adoptable puppy still waiting for his forever home.
Inside today’s edition, we look at continued public debate in Festus over the proposed data center and recall frustration, a leadership transition at The Salvation Army Jefferson County Service Center, a Jefferson County Council meeting that included a rare tie-breaking vote, and a reminder that our 2026 Voters Guide is now live for readers who missed the special edition.
Residents returned to Festus City Hall with concerns over the proposed data center, recall petitions, the vacant Ward Two seat, and public transparency before the council moved through regular city business.
Larry Hostetler was honored as he steps into retirement, while Danette Davidson begins her new role leading the local service center into its next chapter.
A zoning vote required County Executive Dennis Gannon to break a tie, while the council also heard concerns about housing, cannabis tax refunds, and county assessments.
The Jefferson Review’s 2026 Voters Guide is now available, giving readers a chance to compare candidate responses before heading to the polls.
Hillsboro R-III School District is requesting bids for food service equipment, including conveyor ovens, heated holding cabinets, milk coolers, and refrigerated display cases.
County Dispatch
The Festus City Council meeting once again brought residents forward with concerns over the proposed data center, recall petitions, the vacant Ward Two seat, and public transparency. After public comment, the council moved through city business including a rezoning request, fireworks licenses, liquor license renewals, and an expansion of the Festus Farmers Market.
The Salvation Army Jefferson County Service Center marked a meaningful leadership transition as Larry Hostetler steps into retirement and Danette Davidson takes over as the new director. Volunteers, staff, friends, and community leaders gathered to honor Hostetler’s service, celebrate the work he helped build, and welcome the next chapter of local service.
![[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/f5fb7472-468d-40c6-a2cf-a32ef01716ac/7838459142640367.png)
A rare tie-breaking vote, a proposed RV park, rising housing concerns, cannabis tax refunds, and new questions over county assessments all came before the Jefferson County Council Monday night. The meeting started routine, but one zoning vote forced County Executive Dennis Gannon to step in and decide the outcome.
In case you missed our special edition, The Jefferson Review’s 2026 Voters Guide is now available. The guide brings together candidate responses from races across Jefferson County and the state legislative districts that serve our area, giving readers a chance to compare answers, learn more about the candidates, and prepare before heading to the polls. Only those candidates who submitted a response are included.
Advertisement for Bids
Hillsboro R-3 School District Food Service Equipment Procurement
Hillsboro R-III School District, located in Hillsboro, Missouri, is seeking bids for the purchase, delivery, and installation of food service equipment for the District Food Services Department.
Equipment includes conveyor ovens, heated holding cabinets, milk coolers, refrigerated display cases, and related delivery and installation services.
Bid Timeline
Return Date and Time: Before the close of business on Monday, July 6, 2026
Tentative Bid Award Date: Following review of submitted bids and Board approval
For project descriptions, specifications, and bid documents, please visit the Hillsboro R-3 School District website.
Bid Submission
Bids should be submitted electronically to:
Dr. Clay LaRue
[email protected]
Subject Line: Hillsboro R-3 School District 2026 Foodservice Equipment RFQ
Weather
Forecasts are subject to change. Readers should check the latest local weather updates before making outdoor plans.
Government Meetings
Adoptable Pet of the Week
![[PET ALT TEXT]](http://jeffcomo.animalshelternet.com/pics/833791-1.jpg)
Hello… hi… excuse me… yes, you! Why am I still here? I mean, have you seen me? I’m a cute, happy, healthy 6-month-old boy puppy with top-tier zoomies and professional-level snuggling skills. I just need someone to run with me, play with me, and then collapse in a happy pile so I can curl up next to you like a little warm potato.
I’m mostly housebroken—like, I really try! I only have a few accidents because, you know, I’m still a baby and sometimes my brain says “go outside” but my legs say “too late!” I’m working on it though, promise. My favorite thing in the whole world (besides toys and your shoelaces, probably) would be a forever home.
I love the people here—they’re super nice and give great scratches—but my brother got adopted, and now it’s just me. It’s a little lonely without my built-in playmate. I keep thinking maybe my person just hasn’t found me yet… is it you? Will you take me home and play with me? I have so many games to show you.
Also, fun fact: my adoption fee is $135, and it includes my neuter (ouch), vaccinations (double ouch), deworming (seriously, why does it taste like that?), flea/tick preventative (okay that one’s not so bad), and a microchip so if I ever get lost, I can find my way right back to you—because that’s where I really want to be.