Mold Remediation in St. Louis, MO

Average White Band has reached extraordinary heights. In its 53 years, the R&B and funk band has become one of the most sampled groups in hip-hop and toured the world many times over. The band's inclusion in film and television soundtracks ensures that most people know at least one song from its long discography.

Average White Band is playing its final show on Friday at Henry Givens Auditorium at Harris-Stowe State University. Saxophonist Fred Vigdor told St. Louis on the Air that serendipity brought everyone together for one last gig.

“Two, three months ago we got a call that there was a promoter in town that wanted to have the band, and it just so happened to be after what was supposed to be our final gig,” he said. “I lobbied very hard for it because, since I've moved here, whenever anybody finds out what I do, they all want to know when we're playing.”

Vigdor shared that he’s excited to have the opportunity to play one last time as the Average White Band. He joined the band 28 years ago, and around that time is when he first learned of St. Louis’ beloved music venue, Mississippi Nights.

“One of my roommates after college was a bass player named Al Caldwell who was from St. Louis. He used to always talk about this club that he had a steady gig at with the Ralph Butler band,” he said. “Then finally I got to play there in 1996.”

Vigdor moved to St. Louis with his wife — a St. Louis native — two years ago. He said that he’s felt the love for music more here than other cities he’s lived in before.

“St. Louis has really been a great change for myself and my wife. [We were] living in Atlanta for 20 years, and we never really had much of a community there. And since moving here, it's been amazing. The community supports the arts so much more than what I'm used to.”

This last show has even more at stake: The performance will be recorded for a documentary about Average White Band that’s slated to be released in 2025.

“We've done a lot of live recordings and stuff, but we can't redo this one because it's the last gig,” Vigdor said. “So, we have to get it right.”

For more with Fred Vigdor and Average White Band, including how Fred was brought in as lead saxophonist and his personal favorite of the rap music that samples AWB, listen to St. Louis on the Air on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or click the play button below.

Average White Band caps 5-decade funk and soul run with St. Louis show

Related Event

What: Average White Band Farewell TourWhen: Dec 13Where: Henry Givens Administration Building Auditorium at Harris-Stowe State University (3026 Laclede Ave., St. Louis, MO 63103)

“St. Louis on the Air” brings you the stories of St. Louis and the people who live, work and create in our region. The show is produced by Miya Norfleet, Emily Woodbury, Danny Wicentowski, Elaine Cha and Alex Heuer. Jada Jones is our production assistant. The audio engineer is Aaron Doerr.

Send questions and comments about this story to feedback@stlpublicradio.org.

The ECNL Girls are headed to the Midwest this weekend for ECNL St. Louis (December 12-15). The four day event will see 246 teams from the U15-U18/19 age groups in action.

The weekend will be highlighted by Friday night’s Continental Tire ECNL National Selection Game. The game will kickoff at 6:15 PM from Field #1 at World Wide Technology Soccer Park and can be live streamed here.

Check out all the information below to learn everything you need to know about this event.

Date: December 12-15, 2024

Location: Creve Coeur Park Soccer Complex | St. Louis, Missouri Lou Fusz Athletic Complex | St. Louis, Missouri Missouri Rush Soccer Park | O’Fallon, Missouri World Wide Technology Soccer Park (NSG Only) | Fenton, Missouri

Schedule: Every team is guaranteed three games in three days, playing competition of similar levels outside of their conference. Check out the ECNL app for the complete schedule or view the full schedule of games here.

Team List: View the full list of teams here

Streaming: Watch games from ECNL St. Louis as well as Friday night’s Continental Tire ECNL National Selection Game here

Three Things To Know

Continental Tire NSG Rosters: The Continental Tire ECNL National Selection Games are “all-star” matches that bring top players at each regular season ECNL National Event together for representative competition on the first day of the event. They are one component of the ECNL National Selection Program, which encompasses all player identification and development programs within the league.

Players were selected for the games by ECNL Player Identification staff through a combination of scouting and recommendations based on performances over the past several months. These athletes will not compete for their clubs on this day in order to properly rest and prepare for the National Selection Game.

Rosters

East

Caroline Birkel (SLSG Navy)

Jayla Blue (FC Alliance)

Alessia Cerulo (Match Fit Academy)

Isabelle Dalke (SLSG Navy)

Madeline DiMaria (SLSG Navy)

Maya Engel (VDA)

Lilah Helwig (FC DELCO)

Makenna Holub (Eastside FC)

Audrey McKeen (VDA)

Samantha Ogden (Kansas City Athletics)

Bryn Overbaugh (NVA)

Sadie Peterson (Charlotte SA)

Elizabeth Powell (Ohio Premier)

Frances Reuland (Portland Thorns)

Eloise Rubinstein (SUSA FC)

Abigail Salgado (Internationals SC)

Vivian Wheeler (San Juan SC)

Emma Workman (CESA Liberty)

West

Maci Barlow (Seattle United)

Vanessa Cabrera (Pateadores)

Tyra Chu (Nationals SC)

Anya DeBoer (Washington Premier FC)

Lileah Devereaux (Charlotte SA)

Madison Dockery (Fairfax VA Union)

Madie Donovan (Sporting Iowa)

Clara Dowdle (Sting Royal)

Summer Fishel (FC Pride Elite)

Chloe Guenther (Kansas City Athletics)

Sophia Hall (Penn Fusion SA)

Gianna Hanf (Match Fit Academy)

Kylie Maxwell (Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals)

Paige Miller (Gretna Elite Academy)

Trista Morris (Racing Louisville Academy)

Michaela Panella (WNY Flash)

Jordan Rowan (Internationals SC)

Reagan Thompson (United Futbol Academy)

To view a full list of the rosters for the National Selection Game, click here.

More Information: To view the address for the complex and more ECNL St. Louis, click here.

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About the ECNL:

The ECNL is the nation’s leading youth soccer development platform. The ECNL respects and celebrates the unique individuality of every youth soccer player and club, supporting and enabling them to unleash their unfettered passion and fierce tenacity in striving to achieve their potential.

The ECNL mission to Raise the Game is a total commitment to create the best possible environment for players, coaches, referees and administrators, with a determination to constantly question convention and challenge the status quo in youth sports.

The ECNL Commitment:

We will lead, set our eyes on new horizons, and pursue them relentlessly. Born out of the belief in a better way. Continued in the ever-evolving pursuit of excellence.

www.TheECNL.com

Girls FB: /ECNLGirls | Girls IG: @ECNLGirls | Girls TW: @ECNLGirls

SCHOOL REPORT

UPDATED 4:45 PM CT Dec. 10, 2024 PUBLISHED 7:57 AM CT Dec. 10, 2024

ST. LOUIS — A report looking into the Saint Louis Public Schools shows the former superintendent spent thousands of dollars on questionable credit card charges that appear to violate policy.

The audit comes after the previous superintendent, Dr. Keisha Scarlett, had her contract terminated by the Board of Education over questions about her hiring and spending practices.

The report found $26,500 in questionable charges on cards issued to Scarlett for items like charcuterie boards, Edible Arrangements, Massage Envy, church gala, donation to the Missouri Botanical Garden, among others.

Scarlett also was incurring automobile charges on her district card while receiving an $800 monthly vehicle allowance, according to the report.

The audit also looked at hiring practices. It points out $146,000 was spent on temporary contracts for newly hired chiefs and cabinet members for work prior to their “official” start dates.

Also, she authorized retroactive payments to eight chiefs and deputies totaling $94,801, according to the report.

The report by Armanino LLP was made available online Tuesday.

"Several of the issues noted during our assessment were due to the limited level of oversight related to the Superintendent's position," the audit states. "Due to the level of authority inherent in the Superintendent’s position, policy violations can occur, but not be brought to the Board’s attention due to the fear of possible retaliation."

In response to the findings, a statement from Scarlett’s legal team says the investigation was conducted “secretly, blatantly violating proper standards for independence and reliability.”

It claims the report is biased and lacks credibility because she was not informed of the investigation or of the allegations against her, was not asked any questions or interviewed and was not given the chance to provide documentation.

“The Board of Education used this sham investigation to unlawfully terminate Dr. Scarlett, while intentionally excluding her from the process,” the statement reads.

“The Board had already decided to terminate Dr. Scarlett and then after-the-fact conducted a sham investigation to justify their decision. She was never informed of its results and never provided with a copy of the report. Dr. Scarlett learned that the investigation had concluded through the media.”

As of Tuesday, Scarlett has not reviewed the report, according to her legal team.

Below are some of the finding in the 50-page report regarding the hiring practices and policy violations from July 2023 to August 2024.

During her transition period, Scarlett incurred travel expenses totaling $4,820, however, no evidence was found that reimbursement was approved by the Board. Her employment contract required approval by the Board prior to the reimbursement.

The report states that Scarlett appears to have implemented a new salary structure without Board approval, which included additional salary increases for cabinet members “in excess of the amounts set forth in the compensation study.”

Before Scarlett began her role as superintendent for SLPS, the existing, approved salary range for chiefs were between $84,254.61-$185,961, with an average chief salary of $166,469. After she started, the newly hired chief of schools and chief of staff were paid $185,961, “significantly” more than existing chiefs.

Chief salary increases were entered into the system in January 2024, with an effective date of Dec. 16, 2023, according to the report. Salaries of ten chiefs were increased to $194,000 at the time, with the goal of increasing them to $200,000 in July 2024, which followed the implementation of 3% district-wide raises. The salaries for four deputy chiefs were increased to $175,000–$182,000. Two newly hired chiefs and two promoted deputies also received the higher salaries

Five out of eight sole source/emergency agreements more than $50,000, which were approved by the Board during open or closed sessions. However, the contract with Impact Educational that totaled $234,000 was not approved by the Board.

The report states that the contract was a walk-on to the November 2023 agenda, but it was removed by the Board and was not resubmitted to the Board by district leadership.

However, Scarlett signed the agreement and the full amount of the contract was invoiced and paid.

Sponsored Visa submissions by SLPS were completed for two employees without Board approval, according to the report. The district made efforts to assist the two employees in obtaining work Visas, and in doing so, the district promoted them to positions that would potentially help them to qualify for the Visas.

The report states that Scarlett charged vehicle expenses on her superintendent card and superintendent department card while also receiving a monthly vehicle allowance of $800 or when a district car was issued to her. There are questionable charges on those credit cards, totaling approximately $1,700.

There were questionable charges across all four cards that totaled approximately $34,000 with about $26,500 associated with the individual card issued to Scarlett, said the report. Some of the “unusual credit card transactions” that appear to be violations include flowers and Edible Arrangement gifts for Board of Ed members and district employees, furniture from Ikea and Wayfair and 22 meal purchases totaling $14,901 during retreats and with consultants.

The report explains card policy states it can not be used to purchase meals, conference registrations and gifts. It also points out that it should never be used for personal purposes even if the cardholder plans on reimbursing the district.

The report states that Scarlett used three company credit cards for prohibited traveling expenses, totaling $12,600, with about $11,500 of that amount associated with the individual card issued to her. She also exceeded lodging expense limits by $423. Scarlett also charged meals to a company credit card while receiving a meal per diem of $50 per day while traveling.

There are questionable transactions on two company credit cards of prohibited or restricted non-reimbursable travel expenses, totaling approximately $19,500, with about $17,000 of that amount associated with the individual card issued to Scarlett. The policy prohibits or restricts certain charges such as expenses incurred by non-employees, internet access fees, tips/gratuities, travel to meetings, unapproved purchases, etc.

Policy notes that approval from the superintendent is required for traveling to conferences held outside the U.S. The report states there was an international delegation to Japan purchase in May 2024, totaling about $10,000 on a company credit card. Scarlett signed the travel form, however, there is no date on the form to confirm if it was approved before the trip.

The Board of Education with Interim Superintendent Dr. Borishade is working to implement corrective action and policy changes as recommended in the report.

Some of those changes include:

Business groups have challenged a Missouri constitutional amendment that increases the state’s minimum wage and gives more workers access to paid sick leave.

Voters passed Proposition A with 57% approval in November. It raises the minimum wage in the state to $15 an hour, tying future increases to inflation, and gives more workers paid sick leave.

The Board of State Canvassers certified the results of the election on Thursday. The groups, including the state’s chamber of commerce, the Missouri Grocers Association and the National Federation of Independent Businesses, filed suit the next day.

“While Proposition A is bad policy and will have extreme and detrimental effects on Missouri’s businesses, that is not the basis of this action; instead the election irregularities and the constitutional violations are so significant that the election results must be overturned and Proposition A must be declared invalid,” the groups’ attorney, Marc Ellinger, wrote in the suit.

The lawsuit claims there are a number of constitutional problems with the language of the amendment. The groups said the language that voters saw on the ballot summarizing the measure was misleading because it implied that all workers would get paid sick leave, while some are exempt. The suit says the fiscal note outlining costs is also unfair because it did not specify that local governments could see more tax revenue because of higher wages.

Backers of Proposition A denounced the suit.

“It’s sickening to me that corporations are trying to steal our victory away and quiet the will of the voters who made this win possible,” said Terrence Wise, a longtime advocate for higher wages with Stand Up KC. “It hurts our families and our communities and simply put, it’s un-American.”

The first minimum wage increase, to $13.75, will start Jan. 1 unless the Missouri Supreme Court agrees with the challenge. Under state law, the judges have to hear the case.

Send questions and comments about this story to feedback@stlpublicradio.org.

The City of St. Louis Community Development Administration (CDA) is proud to support the transformative work of theJubilee Community Development Corporation in the Fairgrounds neighborhood.

On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 1:15 PM, CDA will present a ceremonial check for $4,787,030 to Jubilee CDC at the historic Eliot School Building, located at 4247 N. Florissant Ave. The funding will help rehabilitate the 51,380-square-foot Eliot School, built in 1898 and vacant since 2004, into the Jubilee Wellness Center—a state-of-the-art addiction treatment and recovery facility.

The $4.8 million in funding from the Community Development Administration (CDA) will support the transformative work of Jubilee Community Development Corporation in the Fairgrounds neighborhood. This funding is directed toward the rehabilitation of the historic Eliot School into the Jubilee Wellness Center. Built in 1898 and vacant since 2004, the 51,380-square-foot school building will be transformed into a state-of-the-art facility addressing critical issues like addiction, homelessness, and mental health.

Jubilee Wellness Center is made possible by CDA Neighborhood Transformation Grants funded by Affordable Housing Production ($2.5M), HOME-ARP ($429K), ARPA ($500K), and Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) ($1,358,000). CDA’s investment is leveraging additional private philanthropic support, as well as state and federal historic tax credits, making Jubilee Wellness Center one of the largest private developments north of the Delmar Divide in 75 years. The total project cost of $24 million is a collaborative effort to revitalize the neighborhood, honor the building’s historic architecture, and critically address the shortage of detox and recovery beds in St. Louis.

In addition, CDA is funding the Jubilee CDC’s conversion of the vacant Economy Inn Motel at 4206 N Grand Blvd. into a supportive housing center called Gethsemane Home with a grant of $1.157 million (HOME-ARP).

The Jubilee Wellness Center will provide 75-100 beds for addiction recovery and transitional housing, a medically assisted treatment clinic, fellowship spaces, training rooms, and supportive services. In partnership with the Assisted Recovery Centers of America (ARCA), the center will expand on Jubilee’s track record of providing holistic recovery programs that address not only physical and mental health but also economic stability and community reintegration.

Over the years, Jubilee has developed innovative programs, including addiction recovery homes, job training, and employment opportunities, while managing hundreds of apartments in north St. Louis. The organization’s success stories highlight their ability to create lasting change and empower individuals to rebuild their lives and become community leaders.

The Jubilee Wellness Center is a testament to the power of partnership and community-driven development, offering hope and opportunity to individuals and families facing some of the region’s most pressing challenges.

About the Community Development Administration (CDA): The CDA serves as the City of St. Louis' hub for federal, state, and local funds, implementing the Mayor's economic justice agenda. By funding public and nonprofit entities, the CDA supports a wide range of initiatives, including public services, affordable housing development, blight eradication, and other community development activities. www.stlouis-mo.gov/cda/