JEFFERSON REVIEW
THURSDAY EDITION
From the Editor’s Desk
Big things are happening across Jefferson County, and this edition of The Jefferson Review brings it all together in one place.
City leaders in Herculaneum debated a dispute over fire department response areas, discussed major sewer repairs, and considered bringing community fireworks back to town. In Byrnes Mill, a police chief is taking action after multiple teen overdose deaths by organizing a powerful seminar to help parents recognize the warning signs of drug use. And in Festus, early negotiations have begun over a proposed data center that could reshape the local economy, but questions remain about what the community should receive in return.
You’ll also find the weekend weather outlook, a packed list of community events across Jefferson County, and this week’s Adoptable Pet of the Week.
If you want to stay informed about the decisions, developments, and stories shaping Jefferson County, this edition is worth the read.
In This Edition
- Herculaneum leaders debate fire department response boundaries and sewer repairs
- Police chief launches community seminar after teen overdose deaths
- Festus begins negotiations over proposed data center agreement
- Weekend weather forecast for Jefferson County
- Local community events happening across the county
- This week’s Adoptable Pet of the Week
— The Jefferson Review Team
County Dispatch
Herculaneum Board Addresses Fire Department Dispute, Sewer Repairs, and Fireworks Proposal
During its latest meeting, the Herculaneum Board of Aldermen tackled several major issues affecting the city, including a serious discussion about fire department response boundaries and how emergency calls are handled. City leaders also addressed sewer infrastructure improvements and a proposal to bring fireworks back to the community. Here is what residents should know about the decisions and discussions that took place.
Byrnes Mill Police Chief Hosting Teen Drug Awareness Seminar for Parents
After responding to multiple teen overdose deaths, Byrnes Mill Police Chief Frank Selvaggio decided something had to change. Now he’s bringing parents, teens, and prevention experts together for a powerful community seminar designed to help families recognize the warning signs of drug use before tragedy strikes. Here is what parents need to know.
Festus Begins Talks on Community Agreement for Proposed Data Center
Festus has officially begun negotiations over a proposed data center, and city leaders are now discussing what the community should ask for in return. Workforce training, infrastructure upgrades, broadband expansion, and public safety investments were all floated during the first roundtable discussion. The potential tax impact could be massive, but many key questions still remain. Read the full breakdown of what was discussed and what may come next.
Weather
Forecast for Jefferson County Missouri
Thursday
Cloudy and warm with scattered showers and possible thunderstorms.
High: 71°F | Low: 55°F
Friday
Very warm for early March with a mix of sun and clouds and a slight chance of storms.
High: 80°F | Low: 47°F
Saturday
Morning clouds with a chance of a brief shower before clearing skies. Breezy and cooler.
High: 63°F | Low: 41°F
Sunday
Partly sunny and pleasant with comfortable spring temperatures.
High: 67°F | Low: 45°F
Forecast subject to change. Always check local weather sources for the latest updates.
Community Events
March 2026
Thursday, March 5
Teen Anime Club
Time: 6:15 PM – 7:45 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Arnold Meeting Room, Jefferson County Library — Arnold Branch, 1701 Missouri State Rd, Arnold, MO 63010
Saturday, March 7
De Soto Rotary All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast
Time: 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Cost: $8 Adults • Children 12 and under eat free
Location: De Soto Senior High School Cafeteria, 815 Amvets Dr, De Soto, MO 63020
Details: All you can eat pancakes, sausage, biscuits and gravy. Carry out is available.
Arnold Rotary Pancakes and Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast
Time: 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Cost: $5.00 per adult
Location: Davidson Family Life Center, First Baptist Church of Arnold, 2012 Missouri State Road, Arnold, MO 63010
Hillsboro Police Department Trivia Night
Doors Open: 6:00 PM
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Cost: 8 person table $200; round sponsor $100; event sponsor $1000
Location: Hillsboro Community Civic Center, 10349 MO 21 Bus, Hillsboro, MO 63050
Details: General trivia, silent auction, 50 50, mulligans, prizes, and best table decorations themed “Decades.” Cash bar available. No outside alcohol permitted.
Contact: Tammy Miller (636) 797 5229
Scottie Kemp Live Music
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: LaChance Vineyards, 12237 Peter Moore Ln, De Soto, MO 63020
BackStoppers of Jefferson County Fundraiser
Doors Open: 6:00 PM
Details: Dinner | Drinks | Raffles | Guest Speakers
Cost: $400 per table (8 guests) or $50 individual ticket
Location: Crystal City Elks Hall, 4 Elks Club Dr, Festus, MO 63028
Tickets and Tables Contact: Angela | 636 797 5028 | [email protected]
Sunday, March 8
Jefferson College Music Department Inaugural Concert
Time: 3:00 PM
Cost: Free admission (open to everyone)
Location: Fine Arts Theater, Jefferson College, 1000 Viking Dr, Hillsboro, MO 63050
Details: Lobby entertainment before the performance and refreshments following the concert featuring choirs, jazz combos, and the wind ensemble.
Contact: 636 481 3369 • [email protected]
Growing Herbs
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Kress Farm Garden Preserve, 5137 Glade Chapel Road, Hillsboro, MO 63050
Speaker: Jamie Kohler — Master Gardener
Josh Driskill Live Music
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: LaChance Vineyards, 12237 Peter Moore Ln, De Soto, MO 63020
Monday, March 9
Teenage Drug and Alcohol Abuse Seminar
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Northwest High School Cafeteria (Park by Ballfields), 6005 Cedar Hill Rd, Cedar Hill, MO 63016
Hosted By: Chief Frank T. Selvaggio and Pastor Dave Stain
Contact: Chief Frank T. Selvaggio [email protected] • 636 677 7727 ext. 228
Adoptable Pet of the Week
Squeak
Turn the volume up for this tiny little voice because it belongs to someone pretty special. Meet our adorable, squeaky sweetheart.
This gorgeous 2-year-old Domestic Short Hair torbie beauty has been brightening the shelter since November 2025, and now she’s ready to bring that same glow into a forever home.
Affectionately nicknamed “Squeak” for her tiny, heart melting meow, she may be a little shy when meeting new people. But give her patience and a gentle approach and she’ll reward you with the sweetest ear scratch sessions and soft, devoted companionship.
Squeak isn’t just adorable. She’s brave. You’ll often find her in the playroom encouraging other timid kitties to step out of their shells. She’s curious, kind, and quietly confident in her own gentle way.
She’s looking for a home that understands the best bonds take a little time. A calm space where she can settle in at her own pace, explore when she’s ready, and slowly let her loving personality shine. Once you’re “her person,” she’s all in.
Already spayed and ready to go home today, her $50 adoption fee includes vaccinations, deworming, flea and tick treatment, a microchip, and a wellness exam with the shelter’s veterinarian.
If you’re looking to add a soft set of whiskers, a curious heart, and the cutest little squeak you’ve ever heard to your family, she may be the perfect companion.
Squeak