the Mehlville Board of Education unanimously approved changing the grading system utilized at the district’s middle schools from standards-based grading to traditional grading at its April 24 meeting Standards-based grading measures students against specific standards and skills breaks down large subjects into smaller learning objectives and promotes equity This system typically grades students on a one to four scale – advanced basic and below basic – though as it is not standardized like the traditional grading system Standards-based grading has been in pilot or full implementation in the district’s four middle schools – Bernard Oakville and Washington – since the 2017-18 school year showed concern about this method of grading the “Middle School Standards-based Task Force” was created The task force – made up of the district’s middle school administrators as well as a current sixth grade parent one encore teacher and one teacher of principal choice from each middle school in the district – met three times a vote was conducted to see who was in favor of traditional grading versus standards-based grading the group voted in support of a traditional grading system The new grading system will be adopted by the district next school year Teacher Betsy Leeker’s fifth grade students spread out among a thick clutch of tall plants at Wohlwend Elementary School in Oakville They’re engaged in an activity called “pocket world.” “They might find a small bug or a leaf to overturn and they're just going to record all the information in their nature journal,” Leeker said The students are roaming around a newly established feature at their school: a grassland prairie After years of planting and restoration work humming with the sound of insects and laughter from the class the community had a name for this area — “Lake Wohlwend.” “This was a couple acres of turf grass so it would flood constantly every time it would rain,” said Mehlville School District's head groundskeeper Gerry Spitznagel Seeing an opportunity for something better Spitznagel applied for community conservation grants from the Missouri Department of Conservation and received two totaling $35,000 The school is located about a half-mile from the Mississippi River which Spitznagel said was a selling point for the grant application “We are on a migration path for insects and for birds,” he said “This was going to be a great way to bring all of that down to the students so that they could observe it.” The process of converting the land was extensive the department recommended herbicide to kill the plants that were there the field hosts about 80 different types of plants Spitznagel said neighbors were confused by what looked like a weedy “I kept trying to put out in the ethers there that it was going to be a three-year process before anybody was going to say ‘That looks really nice,'” Spitznagel said “So it's been a little bit of a process with the community we've heard nothing but positive feedback from everybody.” Spitznagel said the flooding has also subdued thanks to the long roots of the prairie plants but it goes away a lot faster than it used to,” he added A focus on nature has grown alongside the prairie at this elementary school Leeker is a co-sponsor of the school’s conservation club “We have so many more animals and things to see now that we have these native grasses,” Leeker said “It's just a really great way for kids to get out and see the nature that's native to where we live.” The conservation club works to eradicate invasive plants from the grounds and helps put up nests for bluebirds so we have to make sure that whatever the Earth does we're going to have to make sure our plants and wildlife stays healthy no matter what happens next,” said fifth grade student and club member Sam Franzi Franzi flipped over a brick and found the top of an ant’s nest student Vanessa Wilson found something else “It feels like one of those spiky things you get at an arcade,” Wilson speculated “I think it's like a mutated dandelion or something.” It seems she was right; the flower she found looked like a coneflower a native plant that is in the same family as dandelions Leeker hopes her students will learn to identify even more of the biodiversity in their backyards Due to the dilapidated nature of the current transportation trailer the Mehlville Board of Education approved the purchase of a new transportation trailer for the district at its April 10 meeting “The current transportation trailer has been used since the late ‘80s/early ‘90s It currently houses seven full-time employees and has been also utilized daily by every bus driver and monitor The current trailer has served its purpose for over 35 years There’s a lack of bathrooms and water,” Dan Gilman electric and IT connectivity sitting at approximately $150,000 The total cost of the project will be approximately $515,000 The transportation facility was defined in the original Proposition S facility planning though unfortunately when prices escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic it was one of the projects that the board had to strike obviously,” Mehlville Board of Education president Peggy Hassler said “We can’t expect our employees to work in those conditions The project is expected to be completed this July has accomplished what few – approximately 620 Scouts to be exact – have done: earned every single available merit badge it was just the desire to collect them all it really does tell a story of all the cool things I’ve done,” Parai said “I actually started by only wanting to get a hundred I got a hundred in four years; relatively quickly Parai earned his first merit badge in February 2018 and wrapped up number 139 this past January traveling anywhere from New Mexico and West Virginia to Tennessee and South Dakota Parai and his family even drove through a Michigan snowstorm one winter on the way to Traverse City to earn the snow sports merit badge Though some of Parai’s badges – particularly the mandatory Eagle Scout badges – were earned with the rest of his troop “There’s a lot of merit badges out there that are three-monthers You can’t just sit down one day and get it done You have to make a conscious effort for a very long time dedicated hours spent on earning each merit badge Some of his favorite badges earned include canoeing the most difficult badge to earn –  was scuba diving “You have to get scuba certified through PADI or NOWI or some other renowned scuba organization,” Parai explained “There’s a lot of bookwork involved.You don’t even get in the water (at first) You read and read and read and you answer questions After completing tests and practicing five times in a pool Parai was finally able to dive in open water “We went down to Mermet Springs in Southern Illinois it’s this big flooded quarry with planes and trucks and buses and bowling balls and anything you can think of Then we just got to have fun and see some of the sites firsthand,” Parai said Though not every water-related merit badge could be done as hands-on as scuba diving “To show the merit badge counselor over Zoom that I knew how to cast a line (for the fishing merit badge) I had to go out to my driveway with my fishing rod,” Parai said “I cast the line with a bit too much enthusiasm Parai will attend Mizzou in August to major in biomedical engineering “Scouting is a program that millions of people have joined over its 115 years now and I am proud to be one of the crème de la crème It’s been an amazing experience …  I’m hoping I can give back and hopefully lead other scouts to similar goals.” approved the hiring of Julie Durham as the Assistant Superintendent of Mehlville School District Elementary Schools and Jason Landherr as the Assistant Superintendent of Mehlville School District Secondary Schools for the 2025-2026 school year has worked across the district over the past twenty years She began her career in the Mehlville School District as a teacher at Wohlwend Elementary School in 2005 she was named the District Teacher of the Year for the 2016-2017 school year Durham served as the assistant principal of both Trautwein Elementary School and Wohlwend Elementary School before being hired to lead Hagemann in 2019 where she has served as principal for the past six years “It is a privilege to support our dedicated educators students and families as we continue to build on the academic growth our district has achieved,” Durham stated in a press release “I look forward to partnering with our principals teachers and staff to further enhance our elementary schools and ensure every student reaches their full potential.” has also been with the Mehlville School District for quite some time He spent the first five years of his career in the Mehlville School District as a social studies teacher at MHS before becoming an assistant principal there in 2012 He served in that role for seven years before being named principal in 2019 “I am very excited for this new role and the opportunity to support all secondary students staff and families,” Landherr stated in a press release “I have loved my 18 years at Mehlville High School and am committed to the continued success of the Mehlville School District I look forward to learning more about each of our secondary school communities in the coming months.” Both Durham and Landherr will begin in their new roles on July 1 Durham replaces Chad Dickemper who will serve as Associate Superintendent for the 2025-2026 school year who is retiring after the 2024-2025 school year Landherr are respected and proven leaders in Mehlville School District,” Jeff Haug superintendent of the Mehlville School District “These leaders are committed to student success and achievement long-standing relationships within our community I can’t wait to see them apply their leadership to the entirety of Mehlville School District.” The League of Women Voters of Metro St. Louis and Call Newspapers again partnered this year to host a forum for residents to hear from the candidates running for the two open seats on the Mehlville School District Board of Education in the upcoming municipal election on April 8 The moderated candidate forum was held at 6:30 p.m Approximately 40 community members attended – the four candidates running to fill the Mehlville Board of Education’s two open seats – were all in attendance at the forum The two seats opening in April are currently held by Scott Huegerich and Grace Wright Read more about the Mehlville Board of Education candidate forum in future print editions of The Call  It’s been a tough season for the Mehlville High School girls basketball squad Chris Cook’s team is heading into district play on a 13-game losing streak The Panthers last celebrated a victory on Jan one of the lone bright spots for Mehlville has been the play of junior Jessica Castaldi Castaldi is averaging just over 10 points per game for the Panthers Her best game of the season came against Northwest Cedar Hill Castaldi has scored in the double digits 14 times which bodes well for her return to the court next season as a senior Cook said his team had hoped for better results against the likes of Fox and Seckman going into district play The Panthers dropped two games to Fox this season and lost by 17 points against Seckman on Feb “We stressed the importance of winning our games against Fox and Seckman before heading into district play,” Cook said The Mehlville girls basketball team will face Jackson on March 6 at 6:30 p.m the boys squad is currently 8-16 on the season In the first round of district play on March 5 Mehlville senior Brady Sights led all scorers in that game with 16 points and 11 rebounds Sights has been consistent for Mehlville this season averaging just over 16 points and slightly over seven rebounds per contest Sights’ best game of the season was on Valentine’s Day against Oakville when he scored 28 points Senior Marcus Jacobs has also had a nice season for the Panthers Jacobs has scored in the double digits in five of his last eight games Despite winning just three of the last 10 games is still stressing to his players that they control their fate late in the season “It is still in our control to continue to improve and get better each day,” Braun said we’ll enter the district tournament playing some pretty good basketball.” The Oakville High School girls soccer team delivered a commanding 4-1 win over Mehlville on April 15 boosting their record to 5-3-1 as they approach the heart of the season the Tigers are starting to hit their stride—both in performance and health—after a string of early-season injuries Sophomore Ashley Forbes made her much-anticipated season debut after a preseason injury wasting no time getting on the scoresheet with an assist Leading the offensive charge was Kylee Pikul who tallied two goals and five total points in the match Alivia Schnur and Reagan Kemp also found the back of the net Head coach Sarah Guenther was optimistic about the win noting that her team is beginning to turn the corner after a slew of injuries early on “We’ve been plagued with a lot of injuries,” Guenther said “We have done well and are learning a lot about this team by having to deal with the injuries.” A consistent presence throughout that challenging stretch has been junior Avery Nixon who leads the team with six goals and 15 points on the season “Avery’s really been a huge part of our success,” Guenther said “We decided to bring her up into the midfield this season and she’s played well for us.” Guenther emphasized that the team is using every game to prepare for an extremely competitive Class 4 District lineup The Tigers will likely face powerhouse programs including Jackson—whom they haven’t beaten in three years—alongside reigning Class 3 state champion Cor Jesu and Class 4 champion Nerinx Hall “This is where we find everything out,” Guenther said and dealing with the injuries has truly helped prepare us for what lies ahead.” Oakville will get a regular season crack at Jackson on April 23 a matchup Guenther says could significantly influence district seeding They will next travel to Jackson on April 23 then return home to host Notre Dame on April 24 — both games occuring after The Call’s press time With momentum building and key players returning Oakville is aiming to peak at just the right time “I want us to be who we are,” Guenther said “This team will have a whole new mindset going into the postseason.”  The Mehlville High School and Oakville High School baseball teams faced off on April 7 The tight game ended in a 3-2 win for the Tigers A Missouri Lottery player recently won $2 million from a “Diamonds & Gold” ticket purchased at the Mehlville Dierbergs and I thought it was $50,000 at first,” the recent winner stated in a press release “I showed it to my wife and she said that I needed to take it up to get it checked.” Upon taking the ticket up to the cashier for checking instead winning one of the game’s top prizes of $2 million Since its release on Dec. 30, “Diamonds & Gold” players have won over $5 million in prizes playing the $20 game There are currently over $45.8 million in unclaimed prizes including another top prize of $2 million and four $100,000 prizes The Mehlville School District saw a rise in both Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) test and Annual Performance Report scores this year more students than typical scored advanced or proficient on the MAP test across almost all grade levels and subjects The district showed the most improvement in middle school math high school government and seventh-grade English language arts English language arts scores grew by 3.77% – with 51.07% of students testing advanced or proficient math scores grew by 6.87% – with 44.57% of students testing advanced or proficient social studies scores grew by 10.14% – with 53.14% of students testing advanced or proficient and science scores grew by 0.33 percentage points – with 42.93% of students testing advanced or proficient “I’m proud of our teachers and instructional leaders for their hard work in helping our students achieve at high levels,” Jeff Haug superintendent of the Mehlville School District stated in a press release “We’ve been focusing on professional learning communities to help ensure that all students receive the best instruction Our shared priority is on increasing student engagement and academic rigor.” MAP tests are required in Missouri public schools measuring how well students learn the skills and knowledge outlined in the Missouri Learning Standards Students’ test scores place them in one of four performance levels: advanced MAP scores are just one of the ways the Mehlville School District measures the success of its students The Mehlville School District also saw its Annual Performance Report score jump to 93.2 percent this year placing Mehlville among the top 5% of school districts in the state The district had APR scores of 79.4% and 77.9% in 2022 and 2023 Mehlville School District continues to be on the rise,” Haug stated “I am proud of the work our teachers and staff do every day to empower and support our students.” Published by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Annual Performance Reports provide data on the individual performance of local education agencies Scores are based on the standards and indicators in the Missouri School Improvement Program and are used by the Missouri State Board of Education to determine accreditation status The Mehlville School District is fully accredited With the high school golf season recently underway the team is gearing up for what promises to be a competitive and exciting year Led by a group of dedicated seniors and bolstered by new additions teamwork and achieving success on the course Head coach Stephen Kress will have three experienced golfers returning for the season The varsity team welcomes seniors Cole Dailey is expected to be a key contributor this season he has the potential to make a strong run at districts,” Kress said of Dailey “Ladd and Lopez have also shown dedication they too could perform well in crucial tournaments.” Kress will also have a couple new faces on the team: senior Henry Auer and junior Josh Wachsnicht “Henry will play at the varsity level despite being a bit raw in experience,” Kress said Another new addition for the Panthers this season will be assistant coach Andy Guethle “Andy brings fresh ideas and additional guidance to the team,” Kress said “His presence will be a valuable asset in player development.” Despite golf being largely an individual competition Kress emphasized the importance of camaraderie on the course “The players support each other both on and off the course,” Kress said “This helps in making practices and matches more enjoyable.” As far as goals for the Panthers linksters Kress is wanting to see better course management and better decision-making skills He also stressed the importance of staying in the present “It’s important that we take each shot one at a time and maintain a strong mindset,” Kress said “Success at districts will require shooting around 80 to 82 which is a realistic target for the top three players if they play to their potential.” Kress added that experience could still be an issue for the team as many of his golfers are still working on their skills “Many of their competitors have been playing for years at private courses whereas most of the team members are still developing their skills,” Kress said “I just encourage them to embrace the learning process and not be too hard on themselves as they progress.” That can make the game of golf even more difficult for young players “Weather can be a major factor during the season and the team is learning to adjust to different playing conditions including high winds and precipitation,” Kress said “Most of the players have gained experience playing year-round making them better prepared for the elements.” Kress said his players are looking good early in practice a positive attitude and a commitment to improvement,” Kress said the players are eager to compete and make the most of their opportunities on the course.” Mehlville School District’s assistant superintendent of student services was recently honored with the Distinguished Leadership Award from the Special School District (SSD) of St The Distinguished Leadership Award recognizes administrators “who have demonstrated an extraordinary level of commitment to SSD students families and the community.” It is presented to three administrators each year: an SSD administrator working in SSD schools or buildings an SSD administrator working in a partner district and a non-SSD administrator working in a partner district Special School District – and Carmen Harris – special education director at Rockwood School District Special School District – were recipients of this year’s award Smith is a dedicated leader who has significantly improved the district’s effectiveness and efficiency by enhancing data accessibility and strengthening collaboration between general and special education teams His leadership in implementing a data management system has streamlined access to critical student information benefiting both educators and students,” Smith’s anonymous nominator for the award stated in a press release “He fosters engagement and trust by advocating for inclusive opportunities such as ensuring students with disabilities can participate in school-sponsored trips and providing tools that enhance collaboration and decision-making,” Smith’s nominator continued “He builds strong partnerships within the community working closely with local leaders to advance special education initiatives the Mehlville Board of Education unanimously approved changing the grading system utilized at the district’s middle schools from standards-based grading to traditional grading..  The Mehlville Board of Education approved and accepted the election of Ann Zimpfer and Serene Wilkinson each to a three-year term on the Mehlville School District Board of Education After receiving requests from members of the community the Mehlville Board of Education unanimously approved renaming Beasley Elementary School’s playground and field “The Mr the Mehlville Panthers boys basketball team still has work to do to play the way head coach Daniel Braun feels his squad is capable of “I think we’ve seen some glimpses of what this team is capable of but haven’t come close to our potential yet,” Braun said “We’ve had some stretches of playing great defense and other stretches of playing offense at a high level we also had some big time slumps and droughts throughout the games as well.” with glimpses of the potential that could be for his squad Braun said his team will use their time at practice over winter break to focus on the positives “Our job over this 10 day break is to maximize the high stretches and minimize the low stretches,” he said Mehlville has defeated Hancock 69-17 and Affton 68-46 while falling to Oakville 72-49 and Waterloo 61-41 “Our consistency is going to be key,” Braun said “Can we string together more stretches of success and avoid the slump I think each of our losses so far contained a four to five-minute stretch that we struggled That stretch was enough to put us in a big enough deficit that we couldn’t come back from.” One of the bright spots for the Panthers this season has been the play of Brady Sights Sights is averaging just over 20 points per game to go along with 8.5 rebounds per game His best game of the season was a 33-point and 13-rebound effort in Mehlville’s win over Affton Sights has scored over 14 points in each game this season and has a double-double in two of the Panthers four games “He has scored at an efficient level so far highlighted by that 33-point game against Affton,” Braun said Braun credited Hannam-Lewis and Jacobs for their play in Mehlville’s loss to Waterloo “Those two possibly had their most efficient games of their careers against Waterloo,” he said “We have other players capable of putting the ball in the basket as well That just opens up the floor for every player.” the Panthers will have time to work on all parts of the game which is important so they don’t lose that competitive edge which can happen during extended time away from game competition “This is the first time in my coaching career that I’ve had this long of a gap between two games and there’s some good and bad that goes with it,” Braun said “It has given us some time to get back to the basics and stress fundamentals in practice but also we have some competitors in the gym that want to go out and battle.” 20 with a home contest against Rockwood Summit engineer and paramedic at Mehlville Fire Protection District – died of cancer on Jan Tina’s legacy and what Tina meant to us in one word and that would be “service,’” Mehlville Fire Chief Brian Hendricks said And also service to her brother and sister firefighters She will leave a hole that will be very difficult to fill.”  As Mecey’s cancer was presumed to have been caused by her work in the fire service her death was considered a line-of-duty death per the state allowing her to receive full funeral honors that means she (got) the full firefighter funeral,” Matt Copin Missouri Fire Funeral Team public information officer “Everybody here understands that this looks and sounds different than a traditional house fire or whatnot But the cancer part of the fire service is really important and it’s changed even in the last 10 years,” “All firefighters and paramedics put their lives on the line every day And everybody thinks that it’s going to be the house fire or it’s going to be a blast on the highway that turns tragic And what has been proven is that firefighters are significantly at a higher risk for cancer,” Hendricks added “We do anything and everything we can to keep our firefighters safe and it’s very difficult when you don’t know what more you could have done So there’s no difference for me between a line of duty death caused by cancer or someone giving the ultimate sacrifice at a house fire Mecey leaves behind her husband Todd Mecey; her children Jurkevicius and Karrington Mecey; her father Ritchie (Laura) Page; and special canine companion In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Parkland Chapel Israel Mission or Backstoppers in remembrance of Tina. Visit cozeanfuneralhome.com for more information and to share condolences “I think it’s just understanding a little more about what your first responders encounter every day It’s more than what you see on the highway It’s more than what you see when they’re at that house fire The sacrifice that Tina made and the sacrifice that so many other firefighters have made we should never forget that as a community.”  “She’ll be missed,” Assistant Mehlville Fire Chief Dan LaFata added I think she’d want us all to learn from it and to look for more ways to prevent it for future firefighters.” The Mehlville School District has another opportunity to elect new members to the school board Ann Zimpfer would be a most passionate and effective member beloved educator in this district for over 30 years Ann understands what’s necessary to create a solid working relationship between the community She has taken on leadership roles by joining district and community organizations and participating in and chairing curriculum committees all while advocating for Mehlville students and families I have seen first hand her work ethic and her ability to work well with others while bringing her sense of humor The Mehlville School District would be fortunate to have her as a member I would strongly recommend voting for Ann Zimpfer I’ve been fortunate to count Serene Wilkinson as a professional colleague I’m also proud to have her as a fellow parent here in South County because Serene has stepped up to run for a seat on the Mehlville Board of Education Serene has dedicated her career to helping families in crisis build the connections they need to keep their children free from abuse and neglect Serene has proven herself effective in leading her team Her expertise in child wellbeing combined with her leadership skills uniquely qualifies her for — and positions her to succeed as — a member of the Mehlville Board of Education She genuinely cares about our kids and wants to see our schools give them every possible opportunity to learn She has already proven her dedication and commitment to the district through her involvement in the PTOs at her children’s schools and by her attendance at recent school board meetings She is taking the time to learn about the issues and others in the district to understand the challenges and concerns our community faces you will choose two individuals for the Mehlville School Board I wholeheartedly encourage you to make Serene Wilkinson one of them The Oakville and Mehlville boys basketball teams faced off in the opening round of the Southside Classic on Dec This season will be about breaking habits for the Mehlville Panthers football squad Kurt Heinemann’s squad finished 0-10 in 2023 and will be looking to right the ship and prevent a repeat this fall “We have to be cognizant of sliding back into old habits,” Heinemann said “The kids are eager to move on from last year’s disappointments and to play more as a team.” If the Panthers are going to get back into the win column this season several returning players will have to play a role Joran Hannam-Lewis returns for his junior season Hannam-Lewis led the team with five touchdowns Colin Clark returns as quarterback for the Panthers The senior will look to improve upon his four passing touchdowns and 15 interceptions last season Hannam-Lewis was on the receiving end of 262 of those yards The Panthers running back accounted for 191 rushing and 133 receiving yards last season Marquise Jackson also returns for Mehlville The junior was the Panther’s leading tackler last season Jeremiah Shelton will return as a running back as well The senior led the rushing attack last season accounting for 416 yards and a pair of touchdowns Also returning this season for Mehlville are senior Trip  Coons there is reason to be optimistic about the upcoming season for Mehlville Heinemann said his team must improve on both sides of the ball “We have to be much more productive offensively and protect the ball,” he said “We also need to be more consistent on defense.” the Panthers will participate in two games that raise money for good causes The teams will raise money for H.E.R.O.E.S During the week two contest with Northwest the teams will raise money for Backstoppers the organization that raises money for the families of fallen police officers one key to Mehlville’s success this season will be the team’s speed The Panthers coach also said he wants his squad to remember the struggles of last season and get better this season “We plan on looking forward but be mindful of our past,” he said Mehlville opens the season Friday at home against Fox at 7 p.m The Panthers will face off against rivals Oakville in week seven and Lindbergh in week nine Getting better is what the 2024 season is all about for Mehlville volleyball “Our aim is to get to a .500 record and hope to be better during Districts,” Mehlville head coach Tom O’Toole said With four seniors and a pair of experienced juniors returning those goals could be attainable for a program that finished 6-19 a year ago Abby Stewart (senior RS/MB) will all return for Mehlville Bailey led the team last season with 134 kills and 44 aces while Sherman was not far behind with 110 kills and 23 aces The Panthers senior also accounted for 20 blocks Lilton led the team with 30 blocks last season Freshman Maggie Bailey (OH/RS) will also be looked to as a contributor at the varsity level this season O’Toole said his squad has gotten to know the coaching staff early on during practice and in turn has gained a better understanding of the staff’s coaching philosophy The girls’ have shown the coaching staff their willingness to compete “We have a better understanding of the players and they have a better understanding of what we are trying to accomplish,” he said the coaching staff has already learned that two of the team’s strengths will be leadership and ball control Mehlville’s schedule does not do them any favors The team was set to open up at home against Parkway North on Aug and then faces seven straight road contests against Oakville O’Toole knows his team will have to stay focused on the goals laid out for them during early season practices “We will take small steps to strengthen the program,” he said “We improved last year versus our 2022 record We need to continue to get better every day and peak at the end of the season.” The Mehlville Board of Education unanimously approved a universal free breakfast program at Beasley Bierbaum and Forder Elementary Schools for the 2024-2025 school year at the board’s June 27 meeting A universal free breakfast program is a complete breakfast available at no cost to all students with meals claimed for federal reimbursement according to income category – free Reimbursement rates to the district per meal in 2023-2024 were $2.73 for free $2.43 for reduced and 38 cents for full pay said School Food and Nutrition Services Director Katie Gegg The 2024-2025 rates have not been released Mehlville launched a universal free breakfast program at Beasley in 2017 and voted to extend it through the remainder of the 2017-2018 school year and the entirety of the following school year along with expanding the program to Forder in 2019 There are two different ways a district qualifies for the program where a certain percentage of students in a district must directly qualify through the state as being a part of households receiving benefits such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program it can implement the program as long as the school has a free and reduced rate of around 45% or higher Beasley, Bierbaum and Forder are historically the schools in the district with the highest rates of qualifying students for free and reduced lunch we need to have about 45% or more of the students at the school qualify for free and reduced-priced meals,” Gegg said Data from the 2023-2024 school year shows breakfast participation was 50% at Beasley Other Mehlville schools are close to qualifying for the program Data from Trautwein Elementary shows that between 40% to 42% of students last year were on free/reduced meals while Buerkle Middle’s free/reduced meal percentage was 47% to 49% SFNS staff plans to observe breakfast services at the two schools to see if their food service could handle universal free breakfast A cost analysis will be used to determine if universal free breakfast is feasible at the schools even with the potential of having to hire more labor there’s a lot of things that the district does that I’m very proud of To think that we can provide free breakfast to communities and students with a high percentage of free and reduced lunch population is just wonderful,” Director Scott Huegerich said “Not only do I think that we want to care for communities like that but I would have to imagine from an academic standpoint those students perform better if they’re nourished in the morning So I just think this is a great win and I thank everybody for so diligently making it happen.” The Mehlville High School girls golf team faces a season of rebuilding after graduating several key seniors “We have a very small team,” Mehlville head coach Steve Kress said “Mehlville is not producing a lot of golfers right now so we’re going to concentrate on what we do have after graduating a few seniors from last year.” Brown took second overall at the Missouri Class 3 state championships Brown also took runners-up honors at the state tournament “Eva saw some challenging courses this summer and she continues to grow as a player,” Kress said “I believe her short game will be better this year Teaming up with Brown is junior Natalie Dowling “Natalie comes back with some varsity experience,” Kress said “She’s such a hard worker and I’m hoping for some good things from her this year.” The Panthers open up the 2024 season at the Webster Scramble Friday at Quail Creek golf course the Mehlville High School Panthers soccer squad has some lofty goals for the 2024 season “Our team goal is to be in the District Final for a chance to play until one team is left standing,” Mehlville Head Coach Todd Lauer said “My outlook is to have this young team remain confident and work through the challenges One of the returning players from last season’s 7-14-1 squad is senior Anel Alihodzic as goalkeeper Alihodzic was in goal for all of Mehlville’s wins last season Also returning is junior defender Connor Puers and three midfielders: junior Aydin Bajric and sophomores Eldar Cavcic and Eman Cavcic The Panthers have just three senior starters returning The Panthers will look to freshman midfielder Armel Omerovic and sophomore defender Christian Gardner to help out this season Though the group is relatively young and inexperienced Lauer said he has seen a number of positive signs “Team cohesiveness and hard work in training,” he said The coach has also been pleased with the team’s speed and the way the players have been passing the ball around to one another The Panthers will open the season on Tuesday with a contest at Ladue Lauer said his players are also looking forward to games with rivals Oakville and Lindbergh I am excited to prepare my team for every game,” he said play for one another and show good sportsmanship to all of our opponents.” the Mehlville boys cross country team is determined to improve on last year’s 14th-place finish at the Missouri Class 5 “We had some great base runs where the guys are all getting into that competitive practice mode,” Mehlville head coach Mark McNamara said “We’re challenging ourselves during our runs and I think we’re building a good foundation for the season.” Senior Dominic Ramos returns as one of the top threats on the course this season Ramos placed 75th overall at last year’s district championships “Dominic is driven right now with a lot of motivation,” McNamara said “He has the desire to hit some big personal records and I think he has the right attitude for it.” The biggest surprise last season and someone to watch is sophomore Nikolaus Meyer Meyer was Mehlville’s top district finisher with an impressive 64th place he was the seventh-fastest freshman runner at the district meet “Nikolaus is learning to be efficient as a runner this season,” McNamara said “I think he’s going to be right up there with Dominic and be able to learn from Dominic’s experiences.” Junior Angel Chavez is another Panther poised to make an impact this year “Angel is a really strong and consistent runner,” McNamara said “He’s the kind of guy that can lock into a quick pace and maintain it throughout the run.” and sophomore Luke Miller are viewed as important to the Panthers’ success in 2024 “Each of those guys can be critical members of our team,” McNamara said “If they come in and have the right approach and mental focus they can totally change the dynamic of our team.” Parents Defending Education submitted a public records request to the Mehlville School District seeking any guidance from the district regarding transgender issues The district provided PDE with a document labeled as “Transgender Student Preferred Name Guidance” that was dated October 11 This document was meant for “building administration” and “school counselors.” This guidance is explicit in telling staff to not tell parents about the gender identity of their children “without the consent of the student.” The document states: school staff should carefully evaluate a student’s request and should generally avoid advising parents of such gender issues without the consent of the student unless there are circumstances where the welfare or safety of the student makes such disclosure appropriate The document further builds on this point: “If a student’s preference is not known to parent(s) or legal guardian(s) school staff (counselor|principal) should encourage the student to talk to their family about their wishes.” The document then states: “If student is hesitant to talk with parent(s) or legal guardian(s) then the school counselor|principal may facilitate a conversation between the student and family if the student wishes to pursue a preferred name request.” Defending Education is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and charitable contributions are tax-deductible Our federal tax identification number is 86-1596460 [email protected] [email protected] © Defending Education 2025 | Privacy Policy The Mehlville Fire Protection District presented Dave Mungenast St Louis Honda a community partnership plaque at its Oct 9 meeting for donating multiple vehicles over the years to the district’s Mobile Integrated Health program business development manager at Dave Mungenast St “You impact the lives of the citizens of the Mehlville Fire District more than you know,” Fire Chief Brian Hendricks said That vehicle has done more for the citizens of the Mehlville Fire District than you realize And so we just wanted to say thank you (for) your outstanding efforts and contributions to the Mehlville Fire Protection District and Louis Honda) has helped improve the lives of our citizens who need at-home care,” Bernadette Aniceto MFPD admin and director of special projects “They selflessly assist us when we are in need of guidance and they consistently deliver on their promises.” the Mehlville girls softball team is focused on a winning season and a run through the district playoffs so we return our core this season,” Mehlville head coach Tim Ode said and we have a shot to win just about any game that we’re playing This group of girls has won more games than pretty much any other Mehlville class in the last 20-plus years.” Senior Lilly Douglas returns to the pitching circle for the 2024 campaign and will be one of the critical pieces to the Panther’s success Douglas went 6-13 overall with a 3.12 earned run average One impressive stat that Douglas had last year was that she racked up 201 strikeouts over 19 games we believe that we have a shot to win,” Ode said ‘She comes into the season well rested and with a full tank of gas I’m looking for her to dominate in the circle this season.” Another senior to watch is shortstop Rylie Harper Harper batted .340 with 13 runs batted in (RBI) “Rylie just came off a national championship with her club team this past summer,” Ode said and we plan on having her hit in the heart of our order.” Senior Morgan Ulrich will command center field and could be another offensive threat in Mehlville’s lineup Ulrich batted .313 with six RBI and three stolen bases “Morgan will probably split time between center field and behind the plate,” Ode said “She always finds a way to get on base and I feel pretty comfortable with her in center field this season.” Sophomore Kaylee Rodis will see a lot of time behind the plate after batting .255 with 11 RBI in 2023 “Kaylee probably has more energy than our entire team combined,” Ode said “She’s also a track athlete that will see a lot of time at the top of our batting order She threw out three runners last year behind the plate which makes us pretty solid up the middle.” Ode also sees freshmen Abbigail and Izzy Dollens in the starting lineup “They can play pretty much everywhere on the diamond,” Ode said “They’re going to be our go-to in case we need to move players around in the lineup.” Bosnian refugee Elvira Ahmetspahic always wanted to be a chef she’s now cooking up a “Taste of Bosnia” for her new home at her Mehlville restaurant and I knew I wanted to be a chef,” Ahmetspahic said Ahmetspahic left her home in Bosnia when the Bosnian war started in 1992 “They were saying we have to flee the country but we were thinking we will be back in a few months I was still not realizing that we’re not going to be back so soon Ahmetspahic first fled to Germany as a refugee It was in a refugee camp where she met her future husband Louis after hearing about the significant Bosnian population in the area St. Louis has the United States’ largest Bosnian population with an estimated 50,000 to 70,000 in the metropolitan population, according to a 2022 BBC article Ahmetspahic’s family embraced its new home that I will be cooking all day long,” she said Elvira started catering and growing her business Eventually she opened up the physical location It’s at her restaurant that she’s able to share some of her home country with her St Taste of Bosnia’s most popular item with customers are pitas stuffed with various fillings including ground beef “I feel like I’m bringing them piece of Bosnia what we grew up on so they can basically taste how we were growing up,” she said Ahmetspahic sees people of many backgrounds coming through her door “It makes me happy to see everybody coming and trying our food.” After more than a quarter of a century in St home for Elvira is not about a physical place “as long as you have family and your immediate family — your kids The race for the 6th District County Council seat is between Oakville attorney Mike Archer and former Mehlville School District Board of Education president Kevin Schartner He defeated 6th District Councilman Ernie Trakas of Oakville in the Republican primary in August Archer is married to Robin Lynne Archer and together they have two adult children Archer earned his undergraduate degree at St Louis University and master’s and law degrees from Western Michigan University I am running for office because I believe in the potential of St Louis County to be a place where families can live I am dedicated to building a brighter future for all residents of St is married to Beth and together they have two adult children Schartner served as a Mehlville school board director from 2016 to 2022 and was president of the school board from April 2019 to April 2022 He has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Marquette University and a master’s degree in engineering management from Syracuse University “I am running for the County Council to improve public safety and economic growth in South County I will work to ensure we have safe and prosperous communities in which to live and raise our families.” The candidates gave the following answers to The Call’s questionnaire: What issue do you consider the single most important issue in this race Archer: “My primary focus is on fostering vibrant regional development by removing unnecessary governmental barriers Our community has witnessed the detrimental effects of bureaucratic hurdles hindering economic growth and opportunity … We are committed to streamlining regulations and creating a more business-friendly environment that attracts investment … Furthermore we recognize the importance of supporting our senior citizens and ensuring their financial security … Additionally we prioritize fostering an accountable and ethical leadership culture within the County Council integrity and accountability are fundamental principles that guide our approach to governance.” Schartner: “Public safety is the highest priority of local government and is a fundamental requirement to build strong communities In addition to supporting our fire departments and fixing dangerous intersections I strongly support law enforcement and am endorsed by the St Louis County Fraternal Order of Police.” (Editor’s note: Schartner was endorsed by the FOP in the August primary The FOP did not make any endorsement in the 6th District race for the general election.)  Louis County police keep its current levels of funding or be defunded and our law enforcement officers play a critical role in safeguarding our communities Defunding the police would undermine their ability to effectively protect and serve residents jeopardizing the safety and well-being of our neighborhoods The funding also goes for training in the latest procedures and techniques This gives the citizens a police officer that is well-trained and well-equipped.” Schartner: “A well-funded and well-trained police force is crucial to ensuring public safety and maintaining order in our communities While there is a strong argument for increased investment in social services mental health resources and community-based programs to address the root causes of crime it is essential that we maintain adequate funding for our law enforcement agencies.” Are you satisfied with the current state of the county’s assessment process Archer: “I am concerned about the current state of the county’s assessment process Many residents have seen their property taxes rise significantly which can place a substantial burden on homeowners Property assessments should accurately reflect fair market value ensuring that taxpayers are not being overburdened or unfairly taxed out of their homes It’s essential that the assessment process is transparent consistent and fair to all property owners.” Schartner: “I am not satisfied with the county’s current assessment process and see two main issues that need to be addressed were assessed as appreciating in value due to COVID-related supply chain shortages sharp increases in property values have caused significant jumps in property taxes Both of these issues should be resolved at the state level and I will work with state officials to promote legislation that prevents depreciable assets from increasing taxes and stops steep property tax increases.” What is your opinion of the leadership of County Executive Sam Page Archer: “Sam Page’s leadership has been marred by ethical concerns demonstrating a prioritization of personal power over the needs of our community with ongoing investigations into his conduct Louis County has faced significant financial challenges his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic recovery has been criticized for a lack of transparency and responsiveness to community input … Effective leadership requires accountability transparency and a genuine commitment to serving the best interests of all constituents.” Schartner: “I believe it is important to focus on the results achieved rather than personal opinions While I will have different opinions and experiences than other leaders my primary goal is to serve the best interests of my constituents I am committed to fostering a collaborative environment where we can work together I will strive to build strong partnerships with all stakeholders to ensure that our county continues to thrive.” Should the County Council have its own attorney besides the county counselor the County Council should have its own independent attorney separate from the county counselor This ensures that the council can receive impartial legal advice and representation that reflects the interests of the entire community rather than a perspective that may be influenced by the county executive Having independent legal counsel strengthens transparency accountability and ensures that decisions made by the council are guided by legal expertise that prioritizes the will and best interests of our residents.” as the legislative branch of county government the County Council should have its own attorney.” Are you satisfied with the direction the county is headed under the current County Council I am not satisfied with the direction the county is headed under the current County Council the County is facing a roughly $45 million budget deficit and has over $2 billion in incomplete projects This is a clear indication of mismanagement and inefficiency within the Council Fiscal responsibility and effective governance are crucial for the well-being of our community We need a County Council that can balance the budget prioritize essential projects and ensure that taxpayer money is used wisely It’s time for new leadership that will address these issues head-on and steer St Louis County in a more responsible and prosperous direction.” I am not satisfied with the direction of the county under the current County Council unincorporated South County is hit hardest including restoring Port Authority funding to Lemay providing more support to our County Police and Prosecuting Attorney to ensure criminals are caught and fully prosecuted prioritizing local road repairs and cutting red tape that costs our local businesses valuable time and money.” will you introduce to attract new businesses and support the growth of existing businesses Archer: “To attract new businesses and support the growth of existing ones in the 6th District I will partner with local educational institutions and trade schools to develop workforce training programs tailored to the needs of our local businesses This will ensure that our workforce has the skills necessary to meet the demands of employers and attract high-quality jobs to the area I will prioritize investment in critical infrastructure to support business operations and logistics Improved infrastructure will enhance the district’s appeal to new businesses and support the growth of existing ones I will actively market the 6th District and St Louis County as a prime location for businesses by highlighting our community’s strengths These initiatives will attract new businesses and drive economic growth in our area.” Schartner: “I have spoken with local business owners and many are frustrated by lengthy processes and high costs which have led some to abandon new construction and expansion plans that would have benefited our community I will work to review and streamline our policies ensuring we maintain quality standards while reducing the costs and delays for new and expanding businesses.” 6th District council members have been involved in corruption schemes in St What will you do to prove to 6th District residents that you are not violating the public trust as some of their other public officials have Louis County prosecutor and current advocate for those who have been injured and abused my commitment to ethics and integrity is unwavering I understand the importance of public trust and the responsibility that comes with holding public office My career has been dedicated to upholding justice and serving the community with honesty and transparency I have prosecuted cases with diligence and fairness ensuring that the law is applied equitably to protect our residents I advocate for individuals who have suffered injustices emphasizing compassion and accountability in every case To earn the trust of 6th District residents I will prioritize ethical leadership and maintain the highest standards of integrity Schartner: “When I ran for the Mehlville School Board in 2016 I promised to ensure Prop R funds were spent as intended to improve education we upheld this commitment through independent audits conducted by finance professionals from our community I will bring the same commitment to transparency and accountability to the County Council acting ethically and being open to audits and other investigations to prove we are trustworthy and transparent.” Editor’s note: The following questions and answers are as they were submitted to The Call by the candidates in their entirety other than to ensure appropriate language and no direct attacks on opponents or other candidates Archer: “I am running for office because I am deeply committed to ensuring that St Louis County remains a place where families can thrive Central to my candidacy is the belief that every resident deserves to live in a safe and vibrant community where they can raise their families with confidence and opportunity I believe that by fostering regional development we can create more job opportunities and economic stability for families in St I am dedicated to working collaboratively with law enforcement agencies and residents to ensure that our neighborhoods are safe and secure By investing in effective crime prevention strategies we can enhance public safety and promote a sense of security for all residents “In addition to economic prosperity and public safety I am committed to building a vibrant community where residents feel connected and engaged This includes supporting local initiatives and fostering a sense of belonging for all residents we can create a vibrant and inclusive community where families can thrive Schartner: “I am running for the County Council to improve public safety and economic growth in South County What issue do you consider the single most important issue in this race and why our primary focus is on fostering vibrant regional development by removing unnecessary governmental barriers Our community has witnessed the detrimental effects of bureaucratic hurdles hindering economic growth and opportunity The prior 6th District  Councilman’s  approach stifled business expansion and investment resulting in numerous vacant lots and missed opportunities for job creation and community enhancement We are committed to streamlining regulations and creating a more business-friendly environment that attracts investment we recognize the importance of supporting our senior citizens and ensuring their financial security recognizing their invaluable contributions to our community and the need to alleviate financial burdens during their retirement years It is essential to protect our seniors’ ability to remain in their homes and maintain their quality of life without undue financial strain and accountability are fundamental principles that guide our approach to governance “We pledge to operate with the highest ethical standards ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and efficiently By promoting transparency and accountability we aim to restore trust in local government and ensure that the needs and interests of our constituents are always prioritized.” Schartner: “Public safety is the highest priority of local government and is a fundamental requirement to build strong communities Louis County Fraternal Order of Police.” (Editor’s note: Schartner was endorsed by the FOP in the August primary Other issues you perceive in your race and your position on each: Archer: “There are  a  whole  host  of  issues  that  need  to  be  addressed  but  the  one  issue  that  permeates all other  issues  is  the  budget We cannot sustain  a  deficit  roughly  of  forty five million  dollars  ($45,000,000) we  need  to  stimulate  small  business  opportunities  by  cutting  red  tape  through  the  permitting process Hard decisions  need  to  be  made  regarding  the  budget Schartner: “In addition to public safety other issues I believe are high priorities are to fix worn out roads and aging infrastructure support economic development through responsible residential and business growth help seniors to stay in their homes through tax relief and fixing our county budget deficit to live within our means.” Louis County Planning Commission is responsive to county residents How long should appointees serve on the Planning Commission Is there anything about the zoning process that should change Archer: “The responsiveness of the St Louis County Planning Commission to county residents is a crucial concern While there have been efforts to engage the community I believe there is room for improvement to ensure that residents’ voices are truly heard and acted upon “Appointees to the Planning Commission should serve terms that balance continuity with fresh perspectives to ensure accountability and responsiveness to the changing needs of our community “The zoning process itself should be more transparent and streamlined We need to cut red tape and reduce bureaucratic delays that hinder development and economic growth it’s essential to protect property rights and ensure that zoning decisions reflect the will of the residents I believe there is opportunity to improve community engagement with the St especially on zoning issues that directly affect residents streamlining the process to reduce red tape and delays would be beneficial as these often cost South County businesses valuable time and money when opening a new location or starting up I’ve spoken with several South County business owners who have expressed frustration over the significant time and expenses they face while waiting for decisions to be made Schartner: “I believe appointees should serve two terms I believe participation in meetings should allow for remote participation and that meetings with District 6 specific petitions should be held in South County.” Louis County is filled with numerous municipalities in our region are a testament to the rich diversity and unique culture that reflect the interests and values of the people These incorporated areas foster a strong sense of pride and community identity which is vital for maintaining our local heritage and traditions “As long as these municipal governments remain responsive to the residents they serve they should be allowed to continue to thrive Incorporation empowers communities to have greater control over their own affairs leading to more effective and efficient governance that aligns with the specific needs and desires of their residents.” Schartner: “Incorporation should be a decision of the residents While most in South County likely prefer staying unincorporated if the county can’t provide essential services like public safety incorporation should remain an option for the citizens to decide on.” Do you plan to accept campaign contributions from developers with projects before the council Should council members vote on rezoning and development projects submitted by campaign contributors Archer: “My primary commitment as a candidate for St Louis County Council is to serve the best interests of my future constituents It is essential that council members make decisions that benefit the community regardless of the sources of campaign contributions “Electing ethical leaders who consistently put the citizens they represent first is exceptionally important and I am dedicated to maintaining that standard.” campaign contributions should never be accepted from developers with projects before the council If a council member accepts campaign contributions from a developer and that developer brings a project before the council in the future during the member’s tenure the member must abstain from voting on any matters related to that contributor.” Archer: “I am concerned about the current state of the county’s assessment process “Property assessments should accurately reflect fair market value It’s essential that the assessment process is transparent Schartner: “I am not satisfied with the county’s current assessment process and see two main issues that need to be addressed and I will work with state officials to promote legislation that prevents depreciable assets from increasing taxes and stops steep property tax increases.” “Fiscal responsibility and effective governance are crucial for the well-being of our community and ensure that taxpayer money is used wisely It’s time for new leadership that will address these issues head-on and steer St Louis County in a more responsible and prosperous direction.” and cutting red tape that costs our local businesses valuable time and money.” Archer: “To attract new businesses and support the growth of existing ones in the 6th District Improved infrastructure will enhance the district’s appeal to new businesses and support the growth of existing ones Louis County as a prime location for businesses by highlighting our community’s strengths These initiatives will attract new businesses and drive economic growth in our area.” Schartner: “I have spoken with local business owners and many are frustrated by lengthy processes and high costs ensuring we maintain quality standards while reducing the costs and delays for new and expanding businesses.” Given budget cuts that have led to reduced services and delayed initiatives like the senior tax cut what specific strategies will you employ to balance the budget while ensuring that services are not compromised Archer: “The government has grown too big and drifted from its core functions resulting in inefficient spending and unnecessary burdens on taxpayers I will advocate for fundamental changes to our budgeting process where every expenditure must be justified from the ground up This approach ensures that taxpayer dollars are allocated wisely and efficiently prioritizing essential services without unnecessary bloat we must focus on reducing government waste and eliminating redundant programs that do not deliver measurable benefits to our community By streamlining operations and promoting fiscal responsibility we can balance the budget while safeguarding vital services It’s time to restore accountability in government spending and prioritize the needs of taxpayers above all else.” Schartner: “To balance the budget without compromising services the county must focus on increasing efficiency This means reviewing county services to identify cost-saving opportunities and utilizing technology to reduce expenses while improving overall effectiveness.” and ensures that decisions made by the council are guided by legal expertise that prioritizes the will and best interests of our residents.” the County Council should have its own attorney.” Archer: “Making zoning decisions requires a balanced approach that considers both resident feedback and broader community needs Resident input is essential and should be at the forefront of all zoning considerations It’s crucial to listen to the concerns and preferences of our community members as they are directly impacted by these decisions it’s important to consider the overall needs of the community Balancing resident feedback with strategic planning and thoughtful consideration of community development goals ensures that zoning decisions promote both quality of life and economic vitality.” Schartner: “I will make zoning decisions by considering resident feedback and evaluating the value each change brings to our South County community The focus will always be on what benefits the residents most.” Archer: “Sam Page’s leadership has been marred by ethical concerns his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic recovery has been criticized for a lack of transparency and responsiveness to community input “During a critical time when businesses needed clear direction and support to recover post-pandemic Page’s failure to swiftly reopen our community had severe repercussions Many local businesses struggled to stay afloat further exacerbated by prolonged shutdowns and unclear guidelines This damaging approach has underscored a disconnect between leadership decisions and the real-world impacts on residents and businesses alike “Effective leadership requires accountability and a genuine commitment to serving the best interests of all constituents we deserve leaders who prioritize ethical governance and actively engage with the community to make informed impactful decisions that foster growth and prosperity It is essential that we hold our elected officials to the highest standards of integrity and responsiveness to ensure a thriving and resilient St Schartner: “I believe it is important to focus on the results achieved rather than personal opinions I will strive to build strong partnerships with all stakeholders to ensure that our county continues to thrive.” and current advocate for those who have been injured and abused “My career has been dedicated to upholding justice and serving the community with honesty and transparency “To earn the trust of 6th District residents I will prioritize ethical leadership and maintain the highest standards of integrity.” Schartner: “When I ran for the Mehlville School Board in 2016 acting ethically and being open to audits and other investigations to prove we are trustworthy and transparent.” Would you support a city-county merger with St I  do  not support  a  city-county  merger Louis County should not be responsible for bailing out the failed St We cannot afford to take on additional financial burdens that could strain resources meant for our own communities merging with a city government that has faced significant challenges in governance raises concerns about the potential impact on our local decision-making processes It’s important to maintain our autonomy and ensure that decisions affecting our lives are made locally A merger could risk diluting our ability to address the unique needs and priorities of St I do not support a city-county merger with St Louis County and dilute the representation and resources for St Each should maintain its own local control to better serve its community’s special needs.” Louis City entering the county as a municipality What effect would that have on the 6th District It would shift resources and focus away from the 6th District potentially reducing local services and representation Our district’s needs are better served without such a merger.” What aspects of county government would you improve Archer: “As a candidate for county government I am committed to making significant improvements in two critical areas: budget management and community safety I will work diligently to ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency in our budgeting processes This includes implementing rigorous oversight and accountability measures to eliminate waste and prioritize essential services without burdening taxpayers unnecessarily I will advocate for increased investment in law enforcement resources and initiatives that support crime prevention and community policing efforts Strengthening partnerships between law enforcement agencies and local communities is essential for fostering trust and enhancing public safety outcomes across St Schartner: “I will focus on improving public safety and fostering smart residential and business development I will work to increase government transparency and enhance community services to improve the overall quality of life for our residents.” what are your plans to enhance community safety How will you collaborate with local law enforcement to ensure effective crime prevention and response Archer: “With rising concerns about crime rates enhancing community safety is a top priority for me I am honored to have been endorsed by the St which underscores my steadfast dedication to supporting law enforcement I understand the critical role that effective law enforcement plays in keeping our communities safe “My plan to enhance community safety involves proactive measures to strengthen partnerships between law enforcement agencies and local communities This includes increasing resources for crime prevention programs and ensuring that law enforcement has the tools and training necessary to respond swiftly and effectively to incidents.” Schartner: “I’ve had the opportunity to participate in two police ride-alongs where I saw firsthand the challenges our officers face and the need for additional resources and targeted policy changes I also engaged with local law enforcement through the South County Police Business Association meetings I will maintain regular communication with police leadership and officers to ensure we are addressing their needs from improved equipment to better training My goal is to enhance crime prevention efforts and ensure criminals are swiftly removed from our streets making our neighborhoods safer for everyone.” Should  council  members be  responsible  for their  own  attorney’s  fees  in  quo warranto  cases Archer: “Council  members  should  not  be  responsible for their  attorney’s  fees  in quo warranto actions when the allegations  involve  acts  that  they  made  in  their  official  capacity.” Schartner: “I believe council members should be responsible for their own attorney fees if they lose a quo warranto case if a council member successfully defends themselves in such a case This approach ensures accountability while also protecting council members from unjust financial burdens when they are in the right.” What  steps  will  you  take  to  ensure  active  communication  with  constituents  and  ensure  their  voices  are  heard  in  the  decision-making process Archer: “Transparency and active engagement with residents are foundational to effective governance I am committed to ensuring that every major decision affecting our community is made openly and with public input This means not only conducting public hearings and forums on significant issues but also ensuring that the deliberations and decision-making processes are accessible to all “I will prioritize holding town hall meetings and community discussions where residents can voice their concerns It is crucial that important discussions around policies allowing residents to understand the rationale behind decisions and participate in shaping our community’s future.” Schartner: “To ensure open communication with constituents and that their voices are heard in decision-making Along with promptly responding to emails and phone calls I will hold quarterly town hall meetings in each of the four main quadrants of District 6 These meetings will serve as a platform for residents to share their concerns and stay informed about county initiatives I began holding these forums during my campaign and will continue this practice throughout my term to maintain transparency and active engagement with our community.” Archer: “I firmly believe that the St Louis County police should be funded and supported at their greater levels   The  funding  also  goes  for  training  in  the  latest  procedures  and  techniques This  gives  the  citizens  a  police  officer  that  is well  trained  and  well  equipped “I  know  this  first hand  since  I am  qualified  to   teach  police  officers  under  their  certification   Police  Officer  and  Standards  Training  (P.O.S.T.).” Schartner: “A well-funded and well-trained police force is crucial to ensuring public safety and maintaining order in our communities and community-based programs to address the root causes of crime it is essential that we maintain adequate funding for our law enforcement agencies.” Louis County police are heroes who courageously put their lives on the line every day to protect our community I have deep respect and admiration for the men and women  who serve with integrity and dedication It is crucial to support and honor all ethical police officers who uphold the highest standards of professionalism and serve as pillars of safety and security in our neighborhoods.” Schartner: “I have always held our police officers in high regard recognizing the vital role they play in safeguarding our neighborhoods I have witnessed firsthand their dedication and commitment to serving our community from apprehending criminals to providing emergency assistance often working under demanding conditions to protect and serve our residents.” Archer: “The biggest issues facing St Louis County today are public safety and economic development As a former prosecutor and advocate for community safety I understand the urgency of addressing crime and ensuring the safety of our neighborhoods I will prioritize funding for law enforcement and enhancing partnerships between law enforcement agencies and local communities to reduce crime and improve public safety I am dedicated to fostering economic growth and job creation in our county This includes revitalizing commercial spaces such as malls and office buildings to prevent vacancies and attract new businesses I will advocate for policies that incentivize business investment streamline regulations to support small businesses and promote workforce development programs to ensure residents have the skills needed for available jobs.” Schartner: “The biggest issue facing St Public safety is fundamental to building strong residential communities and attracting successful businesses What are your thoughts on how the current County Council is operating I believe the current County Council has fallen short in its responsibilities A government tasked with securing our community they have failed to prioritize public safety the decision-making that has led to businesses leaving town is concerning and detrimental to our local economy The presence of a $45 million deficit despite record revenue is a clear sign of fiscal mismanagement It’s crucial that our leaders prioritize effective governance and responsible fiscal policies to truly serve the best interests of our residents.” Schartner: “I believe the current County Council has struggled to implement timely solutions on high impact issues which has negatively impacted people in my home district Examples include the delay to implement funding for the senior property tax freeze and delays in distributing ARPA funds to local organizations My focus will be to build strong collaborative relationships across the council representatives and find common ground to address the needs of our community.” will you accept campaign contributions from developers with projects pending or recently approved in the 6th District Archer: “Duplicate question: Please see the answer above.” What solutions do you propose to address the traffic and safety concerns in the 6th District Louis County requires a comprehensive approach that prioritizes completing major infrastructure projects and maintaining our roads and intersections the county faces over $2 billion in unfinished projects which contributes to congestion and delays for residents and businesses alike I will advocate for the timely completion of critical infrastructure projects that alleviate traffic bottlenecks and improve connectivity throughout the county This includes investing in road expansions and intersection upgrades to enhance traffic flow and safety.” an English language arts teacher at Mehlville High School was named a Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year “It’s an honor and a privilege to be named a regional teacher of the year,” Harper stated in a press release from the district has dedicated his entire 25-year teaching career to Mehlville also serving as English department co-chair and coaching boys soccer and girls basketball Harper will be recognized with other Missouri Regional Teachers of the Year next month and he is now eligible to apply for Missouri State Teacher of the Year E-edition PLUS unlimited articles & videos Personalized news alerts with our mobile app *Refers to the latest 2 years of stltoday.com stories Please subscribe to continue reading… Mehlville coach Kent Heinemann talks with his team during football practice on September 30 2024 at Mehlville High School in Mehlville Mehlville junior Jordan Hannam-Lewis during football practice on September 30 MEHLVILLE — Jordan Hannam-Lewis can finally lay claim to bragging rights The Mehlville High junior running back and defensive back found a perfect way to celebrate Friday when the Panthers snapped a 15-game losing streak with a 28-23 win at Webster Groves Hannam-Lewis took plenty of ribbing about the losing skein from his twin brother Jacob on a daily basis ‘When are you going to finally win a game?’ “ Jordan said The Panthers (1-4) lifted the heavy burden with a strong all-around road effort Seniors Jeremiah Shelton and Jo’van Randle scored touchdowns 27 seconds apart early in the final period to give their team the lead for good shutting the door on the Statesmen (2-3) down the stretch everyone was jumping up and down,” Shelton said “It was a great feeling that we’ve been waiting a long time for.” Mehlville’s last win prior to Friday was a 13-10 triumph over Northwest Cedar Hill on Oct The joy that came with ending the drought was euphoric “You kind of forget what a win feels like,” Heinemann said and saw nothing but smiles on the faces of their teammates.” The Panthers celebrated on the field with hugs and high-fives The players then remained in the locker room for almost a half hour before finally filing out and jumping on the team bus for the ride home we wanted to enjoy it a little bit longer,” Hannam-Lewis said “A win might not be such a big deal to other schools Mehlville suffered through a 0-10 campaign last season It was outscored 351-64 and lost by an average of 29 points per game The string of losses was not only tough on the players and coaches but others around the program also felt the pain “It was hard to see them give 100 percent effort and then they’d lose and look so down,” junior team manager Izzie Castillo said Yet the desire to play never waned for Hannam-Lewis and his returning teammates who simply picked their heads up and came into this season with renewed enthusiasm “We just kept reminding them that they just needed to work harder play together and have a few guys step up in leadership roles,” Heinemann said The Panthers lost their first four games this year but recorded near-misses against Northwest Cedar Hill (12-7) and Hazelwood West (38-25) That gave the team a sense of belief that the end of the losing run was near Heinemann felt the turning point came during the week of practice leading up to the Webster Groves contest “I felt like something was a little different,” Heinemann said Junior quarterback Cameron Trautman tossed a pair of scoring strikes including a 61-yard toss to Lawrence Jones late in the first half The Panthers are in position to win back-to-back games for the first time since 2022 when they host McCluer North (1-4) at 7 p.m Now that this group has experienced winning it wants to enjoy the thrill a few more times this season “It’s like we believe we can do it now when maybe before we didn’t,” Shelton said The players were treated like rock stars during school Monday They exchanged hugs and hand-slaps with fellow students in the hallways For the first time in 23 months and 4 days everyone wanted to know the details of the Friday night affair “I didn’t mind talking about the game,” Shelton said “It’s been a long time since I could say that.” Borgia coach Dale Gildehaus became just the ninth coach in Missouri football history to reach the 300-win mark for his career with a 53-6 victory over Roosevelt in a non-league game at Gateway STEM on Saturday afternoon Dale Gildehaus became just the ninth coach in Missouri football history to reach the 300-win mark for his career with a 53-6 victory over Roosevelt in a non-league game at Gateway STEM on Saturday afternoon has announced he will retire at the end of the season who is in his 38th season at the Washington-based private school “I’ve had great groups to work with and it’s made me feel very fortunate.” His old-school methods seem to still work with the modern day student-athlete “There isn’t a player on this team that wouldn’t do anything for him,” Borgia senior running back Hayden Wolfe said earlier this season after a win over St Gildehaus guided the 1993 team to the Class 3A state title with a 24-21 win over Chillicothe He still considers that his most memorable triumph Yet he feels the relationship he has struck with his players means more than any state title “It’s about making the difference in an athlete’s life,” Gildehaus said “My kids know I’m with them 24 hours a day They can call me at any time for anything.” Gildehaus is not afraid to hand out life advice to his current and former players Gildehaus was elected into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2018 He still keeps up his long-standing traditions which include speaking to the players and fans via microphone after each contest He also likes to do a dance following victories His moves to the Isley Brothers classic “Shout” are legendary The 1969 Borgia grad plans on enjoying retirement with his wife Beth who has been with him though all the ups and downs of a long coaching life Gildehaus will take Beth to Martha’s Vineyard next fall He also has a desire to go on a trip to Alaska another vacation on the family agenda although he won’t stray far from the sport that has been a huge part of his life “If I’m up there on a Friday night,” he said of the potential journey to Alaska “I’ll probably find a football game to watch somewhere.” Waterloo running back Derez Sayles (left) cuts around Mount Vernon defensive back Malik Grissom in a season-opening football game Aug Waterloo snapped an 11-game losing streak by beating Highland 28-14 on Friday in eastern Waterloo Highland had won eight of those Mississippi Valley Conference games by 22 points or more “We feel like we’ve turned the corner with this win,” Waterloo coach Dan Rose said we can maintain this the rest of the season.” 1-1) used a pair of TD runs by junior Derez Sayles in a span of 2 minutes and 20 seconds early in the fourth quarter to break open a one-point game Sayles rushed for 169 yards and also scored on a 72-yard jaunt just 36 seconds into contest on Waterloo’s first play from scrimmage “That play kind of set the tone for the rest of the night,” said Rose Waterloo’s last win over Highland prior to Friday was a 21-13 victory on Sept “This is one of our more talented teams,” Rose said “But we’ve still got four games to prove it.” 1-1) has won 19 of 26 games between the teams since 1999 Email notifications are only sent once a day 2-0 GAC South) plays host to Francis Howell (2-3 It's Week 6 of the 2024 high school football season Here are some of this weekend's top matchups in his first season as the starter under center helped CBC clinch the Metro Catholic Conference title last week "I'm far from being done as a head coach," Boyd Manne said "I plan on being at Borgia for a long time We're really looking forward to our ne… Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device Home/EMS Operations Four people were injured, including two EMS providers, after a crash involving an ambulance Sunday in south St. Louis County, firstalert4.com reported an ambulance attempting to turn east with its emergency lights and sirens was struck by a passenger vehicle traveling west The civilian driving the ambulance and passenger were all transported to an area hospital for treatment There was no patient on-board of the ambulance Mehlville Fire Protection District ambulance, 1717, was involved in the accident over the weekend, the department said in a Facebook post Monday “A civilian driver cut through the intersection and struck the ambulance causing it to overturn,” the department said.” “Thankfully our critical care paramedics and the other driver only suffered minor injuries “This incident serves as a crucial reminder for everyone to be extra watchful on the roads Always be mindful of emergency vehicles with lights and sirens activated Your cooperation can prevent accidents and save lives!” The rivals faced off Saturday for a place in the Class 4 state quarterfinals Lindbergh teammates swarm over Lindbergh defender Grant Evans (back to camera) as they congratulate him on his goal Lindbergh defeated Mehlville 2-0 in the Class 4 District 1championship game at Oakville High School in Oakville on Saturday November 9 Lindbergh midfielder John Eckrich carries the ball downfield under pressure from Mehlville players Lindbergh midfielder Brody Busby (left) and Mehlville defender Dante Fogelbach leap for a header Lindbergh head coach Jacob Pitroff signals to players in the waning moments of the game Mehlville defender Connor Puers (left) and Lindbergh midfielder Carter Heavey get tangled up as they vie for the ball Lindbergh midfielder John Eckrich celebrates after scoring against Mehlville goalkeeper Anel Alihodzic Lindbergh midfielder Noel Valazquez (left) and Mehlville defender Dante Fogelbach vie for the ball Lindbergh midfielder John Eckrich celebrates after scoring Lindbergh defender Grant Evans shoots and scores the second goal of the game Mehlville midfielder Eldar Cavcic (left) and Lindbergh midfielder Adam Becker collide as they vie for the ball Mehlville defender Amil Dizdarevic (left) was given a yellow card after fouling Lindbergh midfielder John Eckrich Lindbergh defender Grant Evans (right) and teammate Josh Bocklage run to the corner after Evans scored the second goal for Lindbergh Lindbergh goalkeeper Carter Gruen rolls the ball out to a teammate Lindbergh midfielder Adis Keranovic leaps for this header Lindbergh midfielder John Eckrich (left) leaps into the arms of teammates as he celebrates after scoring Lindbergh goalkeeper Carter Gruen leaps and tries to get a hand on the ball as it flies past the mouth of the goal on this Mehlville corner kick Lindbergh midfielder Carter Heavey (left) winds up to shoot on goal but Mehlville defender Amil Dizdarevic blocked it Mehlville goalkeeper Anel Alihodzic drops and tries to block as Lindbergh midfielder John Eckrich shoots and scores the first goal of the game Lindbergh midfielder John Eckrich (2) celebrates after scoring Mehlville goalkeeper Anel Alihodzic dives to block a Lindbergh shot on goal as Mehlville defender Dante Fogelbch moves in to help Lindbergh midfielder Josh Bocklage reacts after missing a shot on goal Mehlville goalkeeper Anel Alihodzic drops to the turf as he stops this Lindbergh shot on goal Lindbergh defender Aiden Vojka (right) wins the header from Mehlville midfielder Amar Ahmetovic Mehlville goalkeeper Anel Alihodzic sends the ball downfield Mehlville forward Kenan Softic (left) and Lindbergh defender Grant Evans vie for the ball Lindbergh midfielder Brody Busby takes a throw in Lindbergh midfielder Brody Busby (left) wins the header from Mehlville midfielder Eldar Cavcic Lindbergh players Arnes Dakic (left) and Grant Evans (right) double-team Mehlville midfielder Ismail Smriko Lindbergh defender Grant Evans (center) uses his body to shield the ball from Mehlville forward Kenan Softic (right) so Lindbergh goalkeeper Carter Gruen can grab the ball Mehlville midfielder Eddie Muheljic (left) kicks the ball past Lindbergh defender Arnes Dakic Mehlville defender Dante Fogelbach (left) kicks the ball past Lindbergh forward Nick Tallevast Lindbergh midfielder Josh Bocklage (3) leaps and tries to head the ball into the Mehlville goal past goalkeeper Anel Alihodzic (left) The Flyers scored one goal in each half and advanced to the final eight in Class 4 The Mehlville School District Board of Education approved a bid last month to move forward with phase one of the school district’s new Central Office 21 to approve a $4.96 million bid from Watcher Construction Service for phase one of the new Central Office project The district has worked with Watcher in the past on the pool restroom and pool deck flooring upgrade the school district purchased 5.5 acres of land at 2900 Lemay Ferry Road The property included a 49,660-square-foot 2-story office building built in 1983 that once housed medical offices the land purchased also includes an undeveloped 1.58-acre grass lot between the high school and the medical building The existing office building will be renovated to serve as the future location of the district’s Central Office and will be paid through the Facility Department’s capital budget Central Office is currently located on the MHS campus will be demolished once the new offices are completed The first phase of the project is not expected to wrap-up until October 2024 phase one move-in would include the IT department Human Resources department and business office The Call first reported in 2017 that previous Superintendent Chris Gaines had suggested that the Central Office and Witzel Learning Center buildings eventually be demolished for green space and their offices moved The aging buildings that are being replaced are not worth the millions of dollars in repairs that would have to be funded in the next few years to keep them operational Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More — With proposed changes to Mehlville School District’s personalized learning program approximately 100 parents from MOSAIC Elementary gathered at Mehlville High School Tuesday night to share their concerns with the superintendent and administration The school district has proposed to only offer the Middle School Academy program at sixth grade level at all four of the middle schools and at seventh- and eighth-grade levels at Buerkle and Washington middle schools that would be open to anyone who wanted to attend The new plan comes after trouble with finding certified teachers for the program and low student enrollment numbers.  The proposed changes have sparked concerns from parents especially from those whose children attend MOSAIC because the school is centered around personalized learning The Middle School Academy offers students project-based learning, personalized learning, inquiry-learning and guided teacher expertise within all middle schools, according to the district’s website Students learn curriculum standards by doing projects that combine two subjects at once such as English language arts (ELA) and social studies or math and science in a double block period Teachers in grades kindergarten through sixth are certified to teach any subject Seventh- and eighth-grades have content specific courses that require teachers to have specialized certification by state law Pupillo said the issue is finding middle school teachers who can teach the double block classes she said there is a lot of competition for students in seventh- and eighth-grade to take electives such as band choir and fine arts with limited places in schedules to offer them “We’ve seen at some schools enrollment in the academy program go down,” Pupillo said who has a daughter in first-grade at MOSAIC and a son in sixth-grade at Buerkle Middle School who attends the academy program said Tuesday night’s meeting answered some of her questions One question Hrbacek still has is about MOSAIC’s enrollment numbers If the academy program were to stop for seventh and eighth-grade students at Oakville Middle School Hrbacek said she plans to get the answer addressed “What’s the point in sending your child to MOSAIC if their entire pathway for learning is changing?” she told Spectrum News Hrbacek talked about the benefits of the academy program “I like the sense of community that we have,” she said She mentioned her son having done a Model T project he may not otherwise have had the opportunity to do in traditional style learning Superintendent Jeff Haug discussed some options going forward and a vision to increase personalized learning opportunities and elective opportunities at the middle school level MOSAIC parents gathered at tables to discuss and provide feedback on different prompts about improvements to middle school course offerings and schedules Parents compiled their answers onto large sheets of paper and Haug called on parents to share their answers and thoughts One concern expressed by parents was having their children to decide the right learning pathway for them Either to continue personalized learning for seventh- and eighth-grade or transition to traditional learning after sixth-grade Another parent mentioned having assistant principals at each building dedicated to the academy One parent wants the district to focus on the core curriculum rather than elective courses “I want the district to care more about my child’s core education and less about what electives they’re taking,” one parent said “I don’t care if my kid learns how to play strings or is in band or knows what to type on a computer but I do care how my child learns how to read and write and does math and social studies.” It was mentioned teachers getting the support that they need and for them to be held accountable about enforcing the essential things too The large sheets of paper with the feedback were collected at the end of the meeting.  The same meeting will be held for all four middle schools with Washington Middle School on Wednesday night The district will continue collecting feedback this spring and summer from staff parents and students about middle school schedules The feedback plan will be announced later this week Mehlville High School and Oakville High School held their 2024 graduation ceremonies Sunday More than 700 students received their diplomas Highlights from this year’s graduating class include 39 students who earned the Seal of Biliteracy while academic excellence was highlighted with 94 students graduating Summa Cum Laude The graduates’ diverse educational interests were evident Louis Centers for Advanced Professional Studies and seven in the Access Point program students completed 398 dual enrollment courses and 505 AP courses A baby girl who was several hours old became the first child to be surrendered in the Safe Haven Baby Box at the Mehlville Fire Protection District Station 2 in south St The baby box at the fire station in Mehlville opened in August 2023 and is the first of its kind in Missouri Fire Chief Brian Hendricks shared a message with the anonymous person who surrendered the baby on Feb “Six months ago I made a pledge to any woman who had the courage to go through what I can only imagine would be just a horrible thing,” Hendricks said at a press conference at the station on Monday “I made a pledge that we wouldn’t let her down “And to that mother I would like to say that we loved that baby and cared for that baby the minute we laid eyes on her and the minute we opened up that door.” and the person in crisis has 30 seconds to put the child inside a small bassinet located just inside the baby box door This allows time to leave before anyone is notified another signal is sent that alerts dispatch crews from the fire station The box automatically locks when the door is closed shut “It’s an honor to be here for this mother in her time of need.” After she was placed in the box last week the child was taken to a hospital and is under state care for adoption babies surrendered through the boxes will be adopted in 30 to 45 days Safe Haven Baby Boxes can only be installed at hospitals Missouri has had a Safe Haven Law since 2002 “That this mother was so courageous to put herself aside and do what was best for her child,” Murphy said Every hospital in this state should have a baby box Every fire district should dedicate themselves to putting one of these in There are currently 202 Safe Haven Baby Boxes across the country Wisconsin and Kansas recently amended their safe haven laws to include the Baby Box programs Plans are in the works for a new baby box just four miles up the road from the Mehlville fire station Babies are sometimes discarded into trash cans and dumpsters and the baby box helps alleviate that issue “What we’re doing with the boxes is keeping babies out of dumpsters and trash cans which is what was happening prior to baby boxes,” Kelsey said “A lot of the babies we get have placentas still attached some of the [umbilical] cords are cut but not clamped.” who learned as an adult that she was abandoned as an infant encouraged the person who surrendered the child at Mehlville to call The organization helps provide free health insurance and counseling services for mothers who desire it but let me just tell you how many people love you how many people have been praying for you,” Kelsey added “And it would be an honor to allow us to walk alongside you Thank you for trusting your child with us.” The Safe Haven National Hotline can be reached at 1-866-99BABY1 confidential counseling with expertise in each state’s Safe Haven Law Families seeking to adopt a Safe Haven baby should reach out to their local Department of Family Services to register for foster care with intention to adopt Congratulations Mehlville High School seniors on a fantastic achievement To see this year’s Grad Salute and greetings from the South County business community celebrate with the May 25 print edition of Call Newspapers and the 33rd annual Grad Salute for Oakville