News briefs
Deposition revives scrutiny of Gardner administration
Former St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner was deposed by state legal ethics investigators as part of a disciplinary inquiry into allegations she misused public funds, according to transcripts recently unsealed by St. Louis Magazine.
The March deposition focused on accusations that Gardner improperly used taxpayer money from her office’s contingent fund to reimburse herself for fines and court costs tied to a Missouri Supreme Court reprimand over her office’s troubled 2018 prosecution of former Gov. Eric Greitens.
Under oath, the city’s first Black circuit attorney defended her turbulent tenure, arguing that severe staffing shortages and relentless political opposition — rather than personal financial misconduct — contributed to her 2023 resignation.
North County pool among closures tied to budget cuts
A North St. Louis County public pool that serves the Normandy area near the University of Missouri-St. Louis will remain closed this summer as the county scales back operations following budget cuts.
The pool at St. Vincent Community Center in North County, and another at Kennedy Recreation Center in South County, did not open with the start of swim season because of aging infrastructure, recurring leaks and mounting repair costs, county officials said.
Officials said the St. Vincent closure alone is expected to save more than $200,000 this summer. County Executive Sam Page previously warned that a county budget approved nearly $50 million below his request would force service reductions.
Ferguson-Florissant to pay former student $1.75 million
The Ferguson-Florissant School District agreed to a $1.75 million settlement with a former student who accused ex-school employee Cedric Gerald of sexual abuse and harassment, according to court records and a settlement agreement signed in April.
The federal lawsuit alleged the district failed to protect the student and violated civil rights laws. The agreement says the district denies wrongdoing and describes the settlement as “an economic decision.”
Gerald, a former McCluer High School principal, faces separate criminal charges involving students in the Riverview Gardens School District and remains jailed in St. Louis County.
ARCHS awards $412,000 for free summer camps
Area Resources for Community and Human Services, known as ARCHS, has awarded $412,000 to 14 agencies to provide free summer camp programs for more than 1,040 low-income children and teens across 17 St. Louis-area sites this summer.
The camps, scheduled for June and July, will serve youth ages 6 to 17 and include academic enrichment, recreation, life-skills programming and meals. ARCHS officials said the programs also help families facing child care and food-access challenges during the summer months.
Grant recipients include Annie Malone Children & Family Services, Better Family Life, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, Communities First, Gene Slay Girls and Boys Club, Jennings School District, Lifewise STL, Mentors In Motion, New Avenue, Northside Youth and Senior Services, Salvation Army, Sprog Inc./Horizons, The Sophia Project and Wesley House Association.
Hazelwood group launches free summer camp
Cornerstone Resource & Community Center will offer a free eight-week summer camp for children ages 5-12 beginning June 1 in Hazelwood and surrounding communities.
The weekday program runs through Aug. 1 and will include academic enrichment, mentoring, conflict resolution training, coding activities, arts and crafts, leadership development and meal service, according to the organization.
The camp is designed to provide structured activities and support for children during the summer months, when some families lose access to school-based meals and programs.
The program will operate from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at the organization’s North Lindbergh Boulevard location. For information, call 314-986-6000.
Lawmakers approve criminal record expungement bill
Missouri lawmakers approved legislation that would automatically clear certain nonviolent criminal records, including some drug possession convictions. The measure now awaits a decision from Gov. Mike Kehoe.
The proposal, backed by state Sen. Brian Williams, passed May 15 during the final hours of the General Assembly’s legislative session.
Under the measure, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and state courts would review eligible records on a rolling basis and automatically expunge qualifying convictions beginning in 2028.
Kehoe has until July 15 to sign or veto the legislation.
Dred Scott foundation plans Juneteenth event
The Dred Scott Heritage Foundation will mark its 20th anniversary June 16 with a fundraising event at Busch Stadium during the St. Louis Cardinals game against the San Diego Padres.
The celebration, held during Juneteenth week, will honor Dred Scott and Oscar Charleston, the Negro Leagues star and Hall of Famer. Organizers said the event will include a designated seating section, a private suite and anniversary activities during the game.
Tickets for stadium seating are $25 and are available through the foundation’s website, www.dredscottlives.org.