Crystal City

Amicus brief denied in Crystal City case

A motion to allow the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and the Missouri Press Association to file a brief as amicus curiae in a case involving the Sunshine Law was denied by the appellate court.

Audit finds trouble in Crystal City

The Missouri State Auditor found numerous deficiencies with Crystal City's finances mainly due to a lack of documentation and policy. Although the audit was presented to the city in July, it was not released to the public until last week. State Auditor Susan Montee (pictured) said her office wanted to give the city enough time to respond to findings in the audit.

The audit found that the c[...]

EPA sues owner of smelter

A mysterious trench and a federal lawsuit against the company set to build an iron ore smelter in Crystal City has raised more concerns among anti-smelter citizens. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is suing Upland Wings Inc. for violating the Clean Water Act at its Pea Ridge mining facility near Sullivan. According to the […]

Cities consider bike trail

Undertaking joint efforts to build a “Twin Cities” bike trail and sharing services were the main topics discussed at Crystal City and Festus’s first-ever joint council meeting. Crystal City Administrator Andy Hixson said completing a walkable/bikeable trail in and around the Twin Cities would benefit both cities and that grants are available for projects like […]

Crystal City police chief Ruess resigns

After nearly a decade of serving as Crystal City’s police chief, Doug Ruess has resigned to pursue a career in higher education. Ruess’ resignation is effective Friday, July 31. “We will miss him dearly,” said City Administrator Andy Hixson. “He was a great department head.” Ruess, who gave his official letter of resignation to Hixson […]

Prosecutors look at filing charges over stolen signs

The Flintstone-themed 30th anniversary gala for the Mastodon Fair was not such a yabba dabba doo time after several signs leading to the event were stolen. The fundraiser was held to raise money for the largest art and science fair in the United States. On June 20, 14 signs leading from Bailey Road in Crystal […]

Crystal City works to improve infrastructure

Crystal City’s Water Superintendent has a number of projects up his sleeve aimed at not only improving the city’s water and sewer infrastructure, but strengthening the community spirit. Tim Whaley, who has been with the city for more than two decades, said he is preparing the city’s infrastructure for future generations. This involves a full […]

Crystal City murder trial begins

Two friends who were supposedly roughhousing with each other ended with one of them getting beaten to death with a baseball bat, according to testimony at a trial that began on Monday in the Jefferson County Circuit Court. Christopher “Ralph” Roberts, 37, is charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of […]

Concert approval taken on a slow ride

Time is running out for the Citizens for Airport Economic Expansion (CAEE) to obtain the blessing from two city governments to put on a large-scale rock concert at the Festus Memorial Airport. The concert, headlined by 1970s rock band Foghat, is scheduled to be held Saturday, June 27. The rock and roll show will also […]

Hixson brings ‘fresh’ ideas to Crystal City

It’s a bright Monday morning in Crystal City’s historic downtown, and Andy Hixson talks to a couple of men in front of the barbershop and then waves at a passing car in true small-town style. With just one month as city administrator under his belt, Hixson seems to feel right at home. “This is a […]

Downs wins Crystal City revote

Six votes have decided the contest for Crystal City’s Ward 1 City Council seat in favor of Eric Downs, the candidate who lost by a narrow margin in April. According to the unofficial results of Tuesday’s special election, Downs received 127 votes and Kim Friedmeyer received 121 votes. In April’s election, Friedmeyer narrowly won the […]

Judge orders June 2 re-vote in Ward 1

By this time next week, Crystal City could have a new Ward 1 City Council member. A special election will be held Tuesday, June 2, for Ward 1 voters. The re-election was ordered May 21 by Jefferson County Circuit Judge Robert G. Wilkins. The judge ruled in favor of the county election authority Wes Wagner, […]