Former Sacred Heart School Site Advances Toward New Purpose
Festus, MO · September 5, 2026
Labor Day weekend is officially in motion, and the morning market crowd on South Third is already hunting down the season's last sweet corn. Take it slow out there today, and keep your hydrators close at hand.
The Lead
Plans to convert the vacant Sacred Heart Catholic School building into Caritas House took a substantial step forward this week as organizers cleared key pre-construction benchmarks. Backed by more than $2.3 million in secured funding, the initiative will transform the historic school campus into a dedicated transitional housing facility for Jefferson County.
Rather than functioning as an emergency walk-in shelter, the center will provide temporary residences and intensive case management for 15 to 20 individuals working toward permanent housing and career stability. Organizers emphasize that linking safe housing with mental health navigation, addiction recovery services, and vocational training addresses root causes across the local community. Contractors expect to break ground on interior renovations and site updates before late October.
Local Pulse
District Launches Citizens Academy for Community Registration remains open today for residents seeking an eight-month, behind-the-scenes look into local public school governance.
Circuit Judge Dismisses City Recall Petition A visiting judge finalized the dismissal of a resident lawsuit seeking a mandatory special recall election.
Today's Outlook
- High 104°F · Low 78°F — Overcast
- Stay in the shade and hydrate often during this sweltering overcast holiday Saturday.
What's On Around Town
Festus Fall Market Behring & South 3rd Street, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM Stock up on sweet corn, home-baked loaves, and handcrafted goods.
Beginner Stained Glass Studio 509 Brothers Ave, 11:00 AM Cut, foil, and solder your own glass suncatcher to take home.
Live Music: Kevin Gruen Main & Mill Brewing Company (240 E. Main St), 5:00–8:00 PM Unwind with acoustic favorites, craft drafts, and dinner on Main Street.
Hillsboro: 2 Pedros Live LaChance Vineyards, 7:00 PM Catch easy-listening acoustic hits alongside hillside vineyard breezes a short drive away.
Spotlight & Story
- Vinyard Funeral Home
- Founded in 1907 when Thomas Byrd bought a storefront at 116 Main Street, the family business once assembled telegraph-ordered caskets delivered by train. Before modern emergency districts formed, they also operated the community's primary 24-hour motorized ambulance service until 1975.
Festus Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
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