Fairways Ready for Thursday’s 39th Viking Classic
Festus, MO · September 23, 2026
A blanket of cool gray clouds greeted the early morning walk, kicking off a calm Wednesday across town. Keep a warm mug within reach while you navigate the midweek run.
The Lead
Golf carts are lining up along the rolling terrain of Crystal Highlands Golf Course as Jefferson College prepares to host its 39th Annual Viking Classic this Thursday and Friday. The four-person scramble powers Viking Athletics each fall, directly underwriting scholarships, training gear, and travel expenses for student-athletes across twelve collegiate sports programs.
This year’s edition expands in scope, inaugurating a formal alumni weekend designed to bring former competitors, coaches, and local program sponsors back together on the greens along Highway 61. High community interest pushed Friday’s round to sold-out capacity earlier this month, though organizers have left remaining team slots for Thursday’s noon shotgun start open for last-minute entries at the clubhouse.
Local Pulse
City Reminds Homeowners to Clear Storm Drains City Hall Raking leaves away from gutters prevents neighborhood street flooding and stops lawn debris from polluting the Joachim Creek watershed.
Adult Education Program Clinches Top Statewide Ranking Schools The local program achieved Missouri’s highest measurable skill gains score, expanding free literacy and equivalency courses for regional adults.
Registration Opens for Inaugural Youth Maker Fair Business Young artisans and craft vendors can reserve outdoor booth spaces downtown ahead of next month’s youth entrepreneur marketplace.
Today's Outlook
- High 71°F · Low 56°F — Overcast
- A light jacket is all you will need beneath today's quiet gray canopy.
What's On Around Town
Today
Pickleball Open Play Arnold Recreation Center (1695 Missouri State Rd), Arnold, Noon–2:00 PM · Paid Drop-in games on indoor courts welcoming all casual skill levels.
Hillsboro Farmers Market Bridle Ridge Acres (201 Fawn Ridge Ln), Hillsboro, 3:30–6:30 PM · Free Fresh autumn produce, artisan baked goods, and handmade county crafts.
Maddie, the Therapy Dog Festus Public Library (400 W Main St), 4:30–5:30 PM · Free Practice reading skills alongside a calm, friendly canine listener.
Tomorrow
- Preschool Storytime Festus Public Library (400 W Main St), 9:30–10:00 AM · Free
- 39th Annual Viking Classic Golf Tournament Crystal Highlands Golf Course (3058 US-61), Noon · Paid
Friday
- Pickleball Open Play Arnold Recreation Center (1695 Missouri State Rd), Arnold, 7:00–9:00 AM · Paid
- 39th Annual Viking Classic Golf Tournament Crystal Highlands Golf Course (3058 US-61), 8:00 AM · Paid
Spotlight & Story
- Karen Biehle
- A 1967 Festus High graduate, Biehle gave four decades to district hallways as physical education teacher, athletic director, and high school principal. Along the way, she coached the volleyball program to 642 career victories, earning a 2018 state Hall of Fame induction.
Festus Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
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