Transitional Housing Center Prepares for Fall Groundbreaking
Festus, MO · September 16, 2026
Grabbing a basket of local tomatoes along Second Street is the best excuse to duck out before today's heat peaks. Make time for the shade this afternoon.
The Lead
Catholic Charities and the Southern Vicariate are preparing to break ground on Caritas House as early as late October, marking a significant step forward for regional social services. Backed by more than $2.3 million in secured funding—including regional affordable housing grants and private contributions—the planned 11-unit transitional facility will occupy the former Sacred Heart School campus along Bailey Road. Designed to support 15 to 20 individuals and families transitioning from homelessness to permanent stability, the project pairs independent housing with intensive case management, healthcare coordination, and job training through local partners. With municipal zoning approvals finalized and site permits cleared, crews are slated to begin structural abatement on the former school building in coming weeks to clear the footprint for construction.
Local Pulse
Southbound I-55 Lane Shifts Demand Caution Roads MoDOT highway upgrades near the Highway A interchange continue shifting lanes, prompting law enforcement to urge extra driver vigilance.
Economic Development Review Window Remains Open Community Residents have through late next week to review and comment on county environmental assessments for upcoming grant funds.
Today's Outlook
- High 99°F · Low 76°F — Overcast (25% chance of precipitation)
- Drink plenty of water and plan indoor breaks as intense late-summer heat lingers today.
What's On Around Town
Today
Festus Farmers Market South Second & Behring Street, 3:30–6:30 PM · Free Fresh regional produce, baked items, and honey from local vendors.
Magic: The Gathering Casual Play Festus Public Library (400 W Main St), 5:00–7:00 PM · Free Open tabletop card gaming and deck trading for all ages.
Tomorrow
- Preschool Storytime Festus Public Library (400 W Main St), 9:30–10:00 AM · Free
- Art Masters Class: Edvard Munch Jefferson County Library Arnold Branch (1701 Missouri State Rd), Arnold, 4:30–5:15 PM · Free
Friday
- Arnold Days Festival Arnold City Park (2400 Bradley Beach Rd), Arnold, 5:00–10:30 PM · Free
- Kimmswick Food Truck Friday Historic Kimmswick, Kimmswick, 5:00–9:00 PM · Free
- Arvell & Co. Duo Live LaChance Winery & Restaurant (6035 2nd St), Kimmswick, 6:00–9:00 PM · Free
Spotlight & Story
- The Miller Theater Building
- Opened in 1936 with After the Thin Man, this Main Street marquee drew 8,000 patrons in a single week for 1939’s Jesse James. After decades as the La Jade Cinema, the auditorium now echoes with live touring acts as The Contrarian.
Festus Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
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