After getting a best offer of $15,000 for both of the older Mack pumper trucks his fire district no longer used regularly, Rock Community Fire Chief Matt Mayer decided it would be better to donate the trucks where they were really needed.

Last year, the Rock Fire Protection District gave a 1987 Mack pumper to Jefferson College's fire science technology students. That truck now helps students learn driving techniques, hose rolling, ladder carrying and other firefighting lessons.

And on Wednesday, the Rock district donated its second old Mack pumper — this one dating to 1984 — to the small rural Cherokee Pass Volunteer Fire Department in southeast Missouri.

Read the full story  

Angela Bequette, who was burned in a methamphetamine lab explosion at her De Soto home, told police she had been out of the hospital just days before they busted her at another meth lab.

Bequette suffered burns April 14 when a meth lab along Wilson Hollow Road blew up, said Jefferson County sheriff's Cpl. Scott Poe.

Read the full story 

Tim Koller points to the thrill of the moment as what makes rodeos so popular with the public.

"You get to see everything happen live in front of you," he said. "People just enjoy it. It's fast paced. It gets your adrenaline going, even though you're just watching.

Koller, as chairman of the 37th Annual Jefferson County IPRA (International Professional Rodeo Association) Rodeo, should know. He said people will be able to witness all the bronco busting, bull riding and horsemanship skills they want when his event takes place Friday and Saturday at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, Hillsboro.

Read the full story

CHESTERFIELD — Gov. Matt Blunt signed legislation Tuesday that will require stores to electronically track purchases of pseudoephedrine products and called it a big step in the fight against methamphetamine.

Local police and prosecutors aren't sure whether it will be enough.

In 2007, Missouri led the nation in meth labs busted with 1,185.

Read the full story