A Bellemeade HOA board member in St Peters, Sophia Sullivan-Eufinger resigned after discovering the association spent over $31,000 in legal fees fighting two lawsuits over fence violations—up from just $485 spent on legal fees in 2020. The HOA is suing two homeowners for fencing in their side yards, despite similar violations going unenforced elsewhere. A judge has already ruled against the HOA in one case, citing inconsistent enforcement, but the board is appealing. Meanwhile, concerns are growing over financial mismanagement, insurance coverage, and rising legal costs, prompting residents to push for a board recall and a public meeting if enough homeowners sign a petition.
Following up on a story we brought you last week, David Spears is no longer employed by the Missouri State Public Defender’s office after lawmakers pressured the agency to fire him before considering its budget proposal. Spears, hired in 2016, had previously served prison time for his role in the 2007 murder of his 9-year-old stepdaughter, Rowan Ford. While he pleaded guilty to lesser charges, officials argue he misled authorities during the investigation. Despite the public defender’s office initially defending his employment, Director Mary Fox confirmed his termination to lawmakers on Wednesday. The controversy has led to stricter hiring policies within the agency, ensuring more oversight for applicants with felony convictions.
In O’Fallon, police responded to 975 incidents last week, booking 35 individuals and handling 33 traffic crashes. Notable cases included a stolen vehicle after suspects took an unattended key fob, officers assisting Wentzville PD in stopping a fleeing driver with spike strips, and an ongoing investigation into copper wire theft from AT&T property. Additionally, a driver was arrested for DWI, and an intoxicated couple’s altercation led to injuries and property damage, prompting warrant applications.
A new documentary, Queen of the Base, will begin filming next week in Maryland Heights and surrounding areas, telling the powerful story of Zamzama “ZZ” Safi, an Afghan refugee from St. Charles. Safi risked her life aiding U.S. and coalition forces before escaping to the U.S. after Kabul fell in 2021. The project is backed by St. Louis-area filmmakers who built their careers in Los Angeles and are utilizing Missouri’s film tax credit to boost the state’s film industry. The production will also feature the work of ten-time Emmy Award-winning cinematographer Thom McCallum.