Festus City Council votes down recall petitions

The Festus City Council voted to reject citizen-led recall petitions targeting Mayor Sam Richards and Councilmen Michael Cook, David Boyer, and Kevin Dennis. Although Jefferson County Clerk Jeannie Goff had previously certified the petitions, officials voted against the ouster on June 8, 2026. During the City Hall meeting, residents denounced the officials for approving a proposed data center. Protesters and citizens expressed anger, accusing the council members of ignoring the people who elected them.