Mid Rivers Newsmagazine Your online news source for St. Charles County, Missouri

Letter to the editor from the Oct. 9 issue.

There’s a lot of talk among business leaders and educators across the country regarding 21st century skills. Many are making lists. And, while the frameworks vary, most agree that four key skills are paramount: communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking.

St. Charles County residents will have opportunities to register to vote, update their voter records, and learn about paid election judge opportunities at several events in the community throughout October. The St. Charles County Election Authority is setting up mobile registration stations to reach more citizens and make these processes easier and more convenient.

As part of a troop project, seven Barnwell Middle School Girl Scouts organized a Little Free Library at Becky-David Elementary. The project helped them qualify for the Bronze Award.

The U.S. Department of Education has recognized Becky-David Elementary, Daniel Boone Elementary and Warren Elementary as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2019. The Francis Howell schools received the prestigious award based on their high academic performance. Only five other elementary schools in Missouri received the award this year.

Harvest Ridge Elementary has been selected to receive a $25,000 grant from America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education, sponsored by the Bayer Fund. The grant is intended to increase engagement, accessibility and achievement in science, technology, engineering and math [STEM] fields.

On Sept. 20, Lutheran High’s Sapphires Spirit Squad put on a fundraiser at the Future Cougar Night football game to raise money for the school’s upcoming state competition in Kansas City. They hope to put the funds toward new uniforms for the competition. The fundraiser offered the opportunity for future LHS students to dance with the Sapphires at the game and learn a fun halftime routine. Over 40 future Cougars attended, and the team was able to raise about $1,000.

The latest in senior health and wellness news.

St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann has asked the St. Charles County Council to consider asking voters to approve an amendment to the County Charter to guarantee consumers are aware of additional sales taxes assessed by Community Improvement Districts [CIDs].

According to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data, more people between the ages of 18 and 34 lived with their parents than with a spouse in 2016. Although there are a number of reasons for the marriage decline, part of the explanation is a growing scarcity of “economically attractive” men as potential marriage partners, say researchers at Cornell University.