The Friends of the Library (FOL) and all the friends of the Friends invite the community to the fifth annual picnic at the James Memorial Public Library on Saturday, September 28 at 5 p.m. Ticket sales are ongoing at the library, and may be purchased at the event. Adult prices are $10 and include dinner of ribs or hot dogs, potato salad, baked beans, cookies and bottled water. Children under 10 are free.
The City of St. James will take ownership of a grant-funded F550 dump truck this month, thanks to a matching grant through the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Another International Tandem tractor has also been purchased with grant funding and will be delivered by the beginning of next year, after it has been outfitted for use. Harold Selby, former city administrator and grant writer, said this will be the second and third of three trucks purchased through the grant, offering considerable savings to the city.
The St. James Police Department has concluded its investigation following the arrest of 84-year-old Eugene Bartle, who was injured in a confrontation with police and had to be taken to a local hospital for his injuries. Bartle later died from a pre-existing condition, according to police.
City Administrator Jim Fleming reported Monday night the first nuisance code enforcement actions have begun, and the city is seeing several property owners acting to fix their reported issues. The first code enforcement hearing was held last month, with property owners in violation meeting with the nuisance code officer to learn what they needed to fix to comply with city code.
After more than 40 years of service to the James Foundation, Mark Benton, Regional Manager of Maramec Spring Park is ready to float off into the sunset. Mark’s last official day at the helm will be December 31, 2019. Future plans in retirement include spending more time with family, fishing and floating Missouri’s rivers.