JEFFERSON REVIEW
THURSDAY EDITION
From the Editor’s Desk
From student free speech at Fox High to a heated debate in Festus over the proposed data center, this Thursday’s Jefferson Review is packed with the local stories people will be talking about. We also cover key updates from the Jefferson County Council, shine a spotlight on a local dog trainer with advice every pet owner should know, and round it all out with weather, meetings, events, and our Adoptable Pet of the Week. It is a fast, local read designed to keep you informed on what matters most in Jefferson County.
In This Edition:
• Fox C-6 student demonstration
• Festus data center debate
• Jefferson County Council updates
• Business Spotlight featuring Novko K9
• Weather, meetings, community events, and Adoptable Pet of the Week
County Dispatch
A closer look at the stories shaping Jefferson County
Fox C-6 Students Hold Peaceful Demonstration, Offering Real-World Lesson in Civic Engagement
When Fox High School students began discussing a possible walkout over ICE enforcement, district leaders didn’t ignore the situation; they engaged it. Through conversations between administrators and students, the plan shifted into a peaceful before-school demonstration where students with both pro-ICE and anti-ICE views gathered at the flagpole, held signs, and expressed their opinions. What happened next surprised even school officials.
Tension Fills Festus Council Meeting as Data Center Debate Intensifies
Tempers flared, voices rose, and the divide over Festus’ proposed data center was on full display at a packed city council meeting. From passionate objections to calm economic arguments and a moment where the mayor defended his Marine Corps service, the night captured just how personal the issue has become for many residents.
Jefferson County Council Advances Board Appointments, Budget Transfer, and Local Infrastructure Measures
Pedestrian safety projects, board appointments, election questions, and an upcoming District 5 decision all surfaced during this week’s Jefferson County Council meeting. The discussion offered a look at several issues that could shape the county in the months ahead.
Business Spotlight
Local businesses and entrepreneurs shaping Jefferson County
What Most Dog Owners Miss Before a Dog Bites
What most dog owners miss before a dog bites may surprise you. Local trainer Chloe Parsons of Novko K9 says dogs are constantly communicating through small signals that people often overlook, and learning to read those signals can prevent problems before they start.
Weather
Forecast for Jefferson County Missouri
Thursday
High: 57° | Low: 46°
Sunny and mild for March with light winds and clear skies.
Friday
High: 62° | Low: 35°
Breezy with intervals of clouds and sunshine through the day.
Saturday
High: 61° | Low: 51°
Sunny to partly cloudy and comfortable with springlike temperatures.
Sunday
High: 66° | Low: 25°
Cloudy and windy with a couple of scattered showers possible later in the day.
Forecast subject to change. Always check local conditions before travel or outdoor plans.
Government Meetings
Local government meetings happening across Jefferson County this week.
Thursday, March 12
Economic Development Objectives Committee
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Jefferson County Administration Center Assembly Room, 729 Maple Street, Hillsboro, MO
More Information
Jefferson County Board of Zoning Adjustment
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Jefferson County Administration Center Assembly Room, 729 Maple Street, Hillsboro, MO
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Jefferson County Planning & Zoning Commission
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Jefferson County Administration Center Assembly Room, 729 Maple Street, Hillsboro, MO
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Community Events
Community gatherings, live music, family activities, and local fundraisers across Jefferson County.
Thursday, March 12
Spotlight Community Theatre Finding Nemo Jr.
Date: March 12–15, 2026
Time: March 12 & 13 at 7:00 PM | March 14 at 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM | March 15 at 2:00 PM
Cost: $15 tickets
Location: Contrarian Concert Hall & Theater, 125 E Main St, Festus, MO 63028
Phone: (636) 428-3331
More Information
Romantasy Book Club
Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Cedar Hill Children's Room, Jefferson County Library — Cedar Hill Satellite, 6780 Mall Drive, Cedar Hill, MO 63016
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Teen Paint Night!
Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Northwest Story Time Room, Jefferson County Library — Northwest Branch, 5680 State Road PP, High Ridge, MO 63049
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EMO Night at Central Tap
Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM – Close
Cost: Not listed
Location: Central Tap, 10 E Main St, Festus, MO 63028
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Friday, March 13
Riley Holtz Live Music
Date: Friday, March 13
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: LaChance Vineyards, 12237 Peter Moore Ln, De Soto, MO 63020
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Saturday, March 14
Winter Market (Arnold Farmers Market)
Date: March 14, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Cost: Free admission
Location: Arnold Recreation Center, 1695 Missouri State Rd., Arnold, MO
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Kimmswick Poker Run: Shopping Edition
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cost: $5 minimum purchase to receive a card
Location: 314 Market St, Kimmswick, MO 63053
Details: Best 5-card poker hand: $225 cash prize
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Splash of Paint
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Windsor Meeting Room, Jefferson County Library — Windsor Branch, 7479 Metropolitan Boulevard, Barnhart, MO 63012
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Sunday, March 15
Clint & Co Live Music
Date: Sunday, March 15
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: LaChance Vineyards, 12237 Peter Moore Ln, De Soto, MO 63020
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Monday, March 16
Babysitting Safety Class
Date: Monday, March 16, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Rock Community Fire Protection District Headquarters, 3749 Telegraph Rd, Arnold, MO
Details: Child and babysitting safety training program includes hands-on babysitting skills, safety skills, babysitting business skills, and first aid & emergency skills. Minimum of 5 students required to run the session.
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Adoptable Pet of the Week
Coraline
Meet Coraline, a lovely 7 year old spayed female who has truly mastered the art of companionship. Dressed in her classic black and white tuxedo, she is as elegant as she is affectionate.
This sweet girl absolutely adores being held and petted, and she will happily soak up all the love you are willing to give. Coraline gets along wonderfully with other cats and brings a calm and friendly presence to any home.
Past the kitten shenanigans and comfortably settled into life, she is the perfect match for someone looking for a gentle and loving companion who simply wants to be close to her people and enjoy the quiet joys of home.
Her adoption fee is $50 and includes vaccinations, deworming, flea and tick treatment, an FIV and FeLV test, and a microchip.
If you are looking for a calm and affectionate cat who will happily keep you company, Coraline may be the perfect addition to your home.
Coraline