JEFFERSON REVIEW
MONDAY EDITION
From the Editor’s Desk
Good morning, Jefferson County. This Monday Edition of The Jefferson Review looks at the local decisions that shape everyday life close to home — from building codes and school budgets to land use rules, public service, and what our representatives are doing in Washington.
Inside this edition, we take a closer look at Councilman Brad Cary’s push to modernize Arnold’s building rules, Hillsboro R-3’s early budget discussions, Jefferson County’s ongoing UDO debate, Larry Hostetler’s work with The Salvation Army in Arnold, and Congressman Jason Smith’s latest Capitol Report.
Arnold’s building codes may be headed for a serious rethink as Councilman Brad Cary questions whether city rules on roof permits, carports, gravel parking pads, and siding requirements still make sense for local homeowners.
Hillsboro R-3 leaders are looking ahead at a budget year that includes school safety, buses, playground updates, staffing, aging buildings, and possible future community investment.
Jefferson County’s rewrite of its land use rules is raising big questions about property rights, rural character, short-term rentals, ADUs, parking, and how much permission residents should need to use their own land.
Larry Hostetler explains how The Salvation Army in Arnold serves Jefferson County through food assistance, utility help, disaster response, recovery support, and steady care for neighbors in difficult seasons.
Congressman Jason Smith represents Missouri’s 8th Congressional District, which includes part of Jefferson County. In this section, readers can follow his latest update from Washington, D.C.
County Dispatch
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Arnold’s building codes may be headed for a serious rethink. From roof permits and carports to gravel parking pads and costly siding rules, Councilman Brad Cary is asking whether City Hall’s rules still make sense for the people living under them.
Hillsboro R-3 leaders are looking ahead at a budget year filled with big questions: school safety, buses, playground updates, staffing, aging buildings, and whether the community may eventually be asked to help fund future improvements. With no final vote taken yet, the board used its preliminary budget meeting to walk through the numbers and discuss what kind of district Hillsboro wants to be.
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Jefferson County is rewriting the rules for what people can build, where businesses can open, and how much permission landowners will need before using their own property. A recent UDO work session started as a technical planning meeting — but quickly turned into a bigger debate over property rights, rural character, short-term rentals, ADUs, parking, and whether county government should make the rules simpler or more restrictive.
Those Who Serve
For many people, The Salvation Army brings to mind red kettles and bell ringers at Christmas. But in Jefferson County, Larry Hostetler says the mission reaches much deeper, helping neighbors through food assistance, utility help, disaster response, recovery support, and moments of crisis when families need someone to walk beside them.
Congressman’s Corner
Jason Smith represents Missouri’s 8th Congressional District, which covers part of Jefferson County. What he does in Washington, D.C. affects your life here in Jefferson County.
Here is his latest Capitol Report.
Weather
Forecasts can change. Readers should check local weather alerts and official updates before making outdoor plans, especially during periods of possible severe weather.
Government Meetings
Adoptable Pet of the Week
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This handsome 3-year-old gray and white DSH boy(ID#835177), is the definition of sweet and gentle. He can be a little shy and quiet at first, but once he feels safe and you start petting him, he’ll happily lean in for more love and attention. With his calm personality and affectionate heart, he’s looking for a patient home where he can truly blossom. His adoption fee is $135 and includes his neuter, vaccinations, deworming, flea/tick treatment, FeLV/FIV test, and microchip.