With increasing construction prices and interest rates, more people are opting to add on to their existing home rather than looking for a new home. This decision not only makes financial sense since they’re reinvesting equity directly into their property, they’re also ensuring they stay in their current neighborhood, school district, or current acreage.
Whether you choose to add a larger addition such as a new master suite or a smaller project like a four seasons room, it’s important to work with an experienced design professional that can help guide you through the process. Freelance Services is a growing Franklin County drafting and design business owned and operated by Brandon Bretz, a residential architectural draftsman with over 25 years of experience.
Brandon grew up in Arnold and attended South Tech High School, a tech school that gives its students real-world experience in hands-on career fields like welding, construction, graphic design, and more. It was at South Tech that he was introduced to drafting and reading architectural blueprints.
Under the school’s program, he learned how to draft blueprints by hand as well as through using the two-dimensional drafting software AutoCAD. After drafting at South Tech, Brandon knew he wanted a career in residential architecture and once he graduated high school, he pursued an associate degree in drafting and design, while also balancing a full-time career in the drafting field.
Freelance Services is a growing Franklin County drafting and design business owned and operated by Brandon Bretz, a residential architectural draftsman with over 25 years of experience. Photo credit: Alex Don Media Group
Over two decades of experience
In the early 2000s Brandon landed his first full-time job and quickly began gaining practical drafting experience. Over time he stacked his knowledge base through the various jobs he held as a production draftsman at decorative fence and metal railing companies, architecture firms, and design build firms. Although he’s worked on commercial projects like multifamily units, shopping centers, and commercial corridors, his passion has always centered on residential architecture.
After a decade of doing architectural drafting projects on the side of his full-time job, in 2023 Brandon began his entrepreneurial journey and went all in with Freelance Services. The transition from working a full-time job as a production draftsman at an architectural firm and working on projects for his own clients on the side was a big leap, but one that Brandon welcomed when he realized it was an opportunity to make a bigger impact.
“Since I’ve gone out on my own, I’ve done a lot of professional networking to get my name out there and find clients. The reputation I’ve built professionally and with my clients has allowed me to help more people.”
Services provided
Due to the experience he gained working at a variety of firms, Brandon is as comfortable working with an individual homeowner as he is working with contractors. He can assist contractors who are having issues pulling a permit, draw plans for firms that don’t have in-house drafting personnel, or help out firms that need drafting support from time to time.
“What I’ve noticed over the past three years is that more local municipalities are requiring permits and are adopting a more thorough review process for residential projects, even when they typically haven’t in the past,” Brandon explains.
“I have helped several clients recently work through what has been a six-to-eight-month ongoing permit process. Because of my experience working with permitting departments, I’ve been able to get contractors their permits so their teams can get back to building the project.”
His services include custom home plans that are tailored to the client’s lifestyle and budget, and he can adapt existing plans to fit a client’s needs or design something from scratch. And in circumstances when a client has outgrown their house due to a growing family, Brandon can help with renovations, additions, and remodels – everything from renovating a kitchen to adding a new room or completely remodeling a home to make it fit a client’s life.
A couple other ways Brandon can help a client maximize the space in their existing home is by providing finished basement plans and designing patios, decks, and other outdoor living spaces.
In this video, Brandon shares how his goal is to execute the customer’s vision on each project. Video credit: Alex Don Media Group.
Brandon’s process
“What sets me apart from others in my field is the individual relationships I form with my clients as well as my dedication to each one of my projects,” he says.
Finding the right person to help you through your project’s design process can feel like a daunting task. One way Brandon aims to eliminate the guesswork in this stage is by first meeting with a perspective client to get a clear picture of what the project entails, followed by putting together a design proposal based on the information he’s gathered in that initial client meeting.
“I begin the design process with a preliminary design proposal which allows clients to see how I work, and ensures we work well together,” he shares.
Another advantage of the preliminary design proposal is that it gives the client, Brandon, and any engineers involved a clear scope of work, which means more accurate bids for the work provided, so there’s no surprises when it’s time to move forward in the process.
If you’re thinking about making an addition, updating your outdoor living space, or are ready to build your dream home, view Brandon’s portfolio of work on his website. You can also connect with him on Facebook or call/text him at 314-799-9272.
When a child gets diagnosed with childhood cancer, the diagnosis affects the entire family. While no family wants to imagine the unthinkable happening, the reality is that children get diagnosed with cancer every day and it puts families in a spot where their entire world shifts, yet life still continues. There are bills to pay, jobs to work, school to attend, and everyday obligations, in addition to the well-being of the sick child and the rest of the family, as well as financial considerations, and the list goes on.
HIS KIDS Cancer Support Group was founded in 1984 and it is a nonprofit that helps ease the financial burden of treatment by providing food, holiday gifts, and other needs to families.HIS KIDS founders Jim and Connie Miles lost their daughter Marcia to childhood cancer in 1982 and for over four decades the nonprofit has helped families navigating childhood cancer.
Another part of the organization’s mission is to bring hope and joy to all family members at all stages of their childhood cancer battle- from diagnosis, throughout treatment, and beyond through uplifting events and therapeutic programs, including its annual Camp HIS KIDS summer camp.
Camp HIS KIDS is a week long summer camp experience for children with cancer, as well as their siblings. This year the camp will be held in Franklin County and the organization is currently seeking camp volunteers. Photo via HIS KIDS on Facebook.
The camp provides a unique experience by giving both children with cancer as well as their siblings an opportunity to meet other kids that are going through the same circumstances. The camp is therapeutically designed to meet the emotional and social needs of campers as well as the physical ones, with activities planned by an art therapist, counselor, recreation specialist, and an early childhood education specialist.
Camp HIS KIDS was located at a campground in Illinois for several years, but in 2026 it will be held at a campsite right here in Franklin County. Camp HIS KIDS relies on around 50 volunteers to make the week long event a success for children, and the nonprofit is currently seeking volunteers for the July 19-24 event.
There are numerous ways to make an impact as a volunteer, and the organization is seeking day volunteers to help out in various roles. Volunteers may help with things like activity setup to more specialized roles for photographers, lifeguards, and camp nurses (must be an RN). If you’re unable to physically volunteer, you may support the camp with a monetary donation. The organization has an Amazon wish list filled with supplies needed for camp. View the wish list here.
Anyone interested in volunteering for Camp HIS KIDS should apply online.
More about Camp HIS KIDS
Camp HIS KIDS has been twiceawarded the Stellar Performance Award for Best Special Needs Camp in the St. Louis area, and is a member of the Children’s Oncology Camping Association (COCA) which strengthens children’s cancer camps through networking, education, and advocacy. In 2017, the organization was awarded Gold Ribbon Camp Status for exceptional oncology camping and was re-certified in 2022.
Find out more about HIS KIDS by visiting its website, or follow the organization on Facebook.
When it comes to buying or selling a home, it’s important to work with an agent that has your best financial interests and lifestyle needs in mind. Both buying and selling situations can be exciting as well as stressful since there’s a lot of things out of your control, like market conditions, interest rates, and available home inventories. Having a skilled real estate agent on your side means someone will be there to share their knowledge of the local market, help you negotiate the best deal, find your dream home, or the best buyer for the home you’re selling.
One such area realtor is Eureka-based residential real estate agent Julia Weitzel. Julia has been in the industry for five years and during that time she has built a reputation of being a helpful and knowledgeable agent that stays ahead of market trends and current pricing strategies through expanding her experience helping clients in the St. Louis, Jefferson, Franklin, St. Charles, and Lincoln County markets.
She’s had a thriving career so far, and has helped dozens of clients purchase their first homes, their forever homes, and their dream properties. Although she’s found success in the field, real estate is a career she came upon purely by happenstance.
Real estate agent Julia Weitzel has a reputation for being a helpful and knowledgeable agent that stays ahead of market trends and current pricing strategies. Photo via Julia Weitzel on Facebook.
Before real estate she volunteered at a children’s hospital and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social work. Her original career trajectory was to become a child life specialist working with children and families in hospitals. After she earned her bachelor’s degree she got a job working in a title company in order to earn some money and take a little time off before going back to school to earn her master’s degree in social work.
Instead, through her job at the title company, Julia found her way into real estate when she met her now husband, Michael, who was working in real estate at the time. Today, Julia works closely with her husband, now a mortgage lender, and the couple often help people through the buying process with Julia handling the real estate portion and Michael walking buyers through the lending and loan approval process.
She grew up in nearby Cedar Hill, located in Jefferson County, and looking back at her childhood, Julia points to attending home showings with her mom as a situation that stands out.
“My mom did real estate part-time when I was a kid and I went with her to show houses sometimes. I thought it was so cool,” she recalls.
Helping local heroes save money
Giving back to the community is important to both Julia and Michael, and the Weitzels participate in Homes for Heroes, a nation-wide program which helps active duty military members and veterans, teachers, healthcare providers, law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS receive significant savings when buying or selling a home, or when refinancing a mortgage. The program partners with local real estate agents who give back a portion of their commission to the hero at closing, and participating mortgage lenders provide a credit toward the buyers’ finances for the loan, which also comes out of the lender’s commission.
However, giving back to the community doesn’t stop at the Homes for Heroes program. The Weitzels, who have two young children, are thinking about future ways they can help provide much needed resources for area youth.
A vision for area kids and families
Although she loves her career in real estate and helping people find a home that fits their lifestyle, Julia says the desire to do something for children is still something that’s on her heart.
“My motive for continued success in real estate is to save funds to put toward a nonprofit organization for youth. Although, I do not plan on leaving the real estate industry, I have a desire to organize something special for the youth in the community and I am hoping that finding success in my business in real estate will provide me with the ability to do this down the road,” she shares.
“This desire is inspired by someone very special to me. I believe that many children find a positive outlet in life through sports, music, and other arts. I would love for the organization to be centered around providing these outlets for free to all children along with mentors and coaches that would provide valuable leadership and sportsmanship guidance that will be helpful to children succeeding in life. The goal would be to provide a healthy outlet for children while also building valuable skills at no cost in an easily accessible place.”
The idea is still in the developing stages and there’s still a lot that has to happen until her dream comes to fruition. Right now Julia and Micheal are in the beginning stages of saving funds to go towards startup costs of the organization. She knows that the organization will serve kids in the more rural counties, and could see it being needed in Jefferson or Franklin County, or possibly in a location that’s accessible to families in either county.
If you’d like to learn more about her or you’re looking for a realtor to work with, connect with Julia on Facebook, Instagram, or on her website.
We’re heading into July and that means fireworks and other outdoor events, along with some scorching summer days. Over the next two weeks, celebrate America’s 250th birthday with firework displays around Franklin County and nearby communities, test your knowledge of our nation’s history at the 250 Years of American Trivia event at the Union library, and more.
After the holiday, the fun keeps on going with an 80s fantasy film festival, plenty of free live music events, a stargazing event, and community markets.
As a reminder, always double check with event venues before heading out just in case an event gets canceled, rescheduled, or experiences weather delays.
Did I miss an event? Tag me on Facebook or Instagram and I can share the event in my stories.
Various dates and times Cinema 1 Plus in Washington is having a few special movie events throughout the summer. There are kid films series that are $2 a viewing, as well as a flashback cinema series, which offer a second chance to catch a classic flick on the big screen. Find out more on Facebook.
Various dates and times Great 8 Cinema in Union and Sullivan 6 Cinema are also featuring a special kids summer film series that kicks off mid-May and runs through late August. Additionally, the admission is $2, and there are $5 value combos available. Get details on Facebook.
Multiple days The USDA Summer Food Service is partnering with the Washington Public Library to help area families to provide food service beginning Monday, June 29 and continuing on every Mondays until public school starts. The food service includes 7 days of breakfast and lunch, with fresh fruit, vegetable, and dairy. This service is for families with children ages 1-18. Pickup is at the Washington Public Library on Mondays between 4-6 p.m. Get more info.
Multiple days Scenic Regional Library and Foundations for Strengthening Families are partnering to help area families with summer food service beginning Monday, June 29 through Monday, August 17. The service will provide one week’s worth of breakfast and lunch items for kids, available while supplies last. Food pickup will be in each library branch’s parking lot and pickup times and days vary by each branch. Find pickup days and times.
Thursday, July 2 The Scenic Regional Library Union Branch will host 250 Years of American Trivia at 6 p.m. Teams of four will test their knowledge of people, events, pop culture, and milestones that shaped the nation. Registration required.
Friday, July 3 The City of Union will have its fireworks display at Veterans Memorial Park at approximately 9:30 p.m. Bring lawn chairs, coolers, blankets and yard games to make an evening of it at the park. There will be concessions available for purchase as well as a beer garden. Sky Candle Band will be performing at 6:30 p.m. and there will be a free face painter for the children along with balloon sculpting and barrel rides. Find out more.
Friday, July 3 The American Legion in New Haven will continue its summer music series called America 250 with a live performance by Shock Treatment beginning at 6 p.m. Get more info on Facebook.
Saturday, July 4 The Star Spangled 4th Fireworks celebration is happening from 6-10 p.m. at the Washington Fairgrounds. Find food vendors, live music, kids activities, craft vendors, and a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. Get more info.
Saturday, July 4 Celebrate America’s 250th birthday along with the Route 66 Centennial at Pacific’s 4th of July Parade. There will be classic cars, a float celebrating veterans, a live bald eagle, plus first responders, and more. Learn more.
Saturday, July 4 Looking for something to do during the day on 4th of July? Beat the heat inside The Alley in Washington and enjoy half-priced games from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Find more details.
Advertisement – Thinking about adding a new outdoor kitchen, deck, or other upgrade to your home? Contact Brandon with Freelance Services, to help you with the design and permit drawings.
Thursday, July 9 Enjoy the free live music event Music at the Market, at the Washington Farmers Market from 5-8 p.m. Hear music from Extremely Unplugged, purchase food from Big Boys Subs & Wings and wine from Adam Puchta Winery. Learn more.
Friday, July 10 Sullivan Pointe and Dunsford Court invite you to Light Up the Night, Brighten the Fight to support the Alzheimer’s Association. Celebrate America’s 250th birthday from 5-9 p.m. and enjoy food trucks, a silent auction, family fun, and fireworks by Ryan Jackson of Hale Fireworks. Get more info.
Friday, July 10 The Alley in Washington is hosting a comedy show. The evening will be hosted by Manny Garza, and will feature Jennie Weaver and headlined by Jason Jenkins. Tickets are $27 per person. Find out more on Facebook.
Friday, July 10 & Saturday, July 11 *Canceled July 9 due to low registration; another class may be scheduled in Aug.* American Street Edge Self-Defense Systems in St. Clair is having a two-day Self-Defense & Safety Awareness seminar for women. This high-level, immersive women’s street safety and self-defense experience designed to make you safer, sharper, and more confident. Cost is $75 to attend, and only 12 spots are available so register early to make sure you’re able to attend. Reserve your spot and read more about the seminar.
Friday, July 10 & Saturday, July 11 With a focus on live stock shows, tractor pulls, and kids activities like pony rides, a petting zoo, bounce houses, and more, the New Haven Community Youth Fair is two days of rural fun in July. View the schedule of events.
Friday, July 10 – Sunday, July 12 Celebrate Eight Nine Eight Cigar Lounge & Bar’s first anniversary with sales and events all weekend long, plus a live DJ on Friday, and live music by Tom Norton on Saturday, and Steve Leslie on Sunday. Find live music times, specials info, and more details.
Friday, July 10 The free live music event Sunset on the Rails continues in Pacific this month with a performance by the band The Machines. The event begins at 5 p.m. at Pacific Station Plaza, in downtown Pacific. Find out more.
Friday, July 10 Market off Main, Union’s community market features items from local vendors, makers, and farmers. The event begins at 4 p.m. and continues until 7 p.m. Enjoy live music, plus food and drinks available for purchase. Get more details.
Saturday, July 11 The Scenic Regional Library St. Clair Branch is offering a STEAM Ahead Science program for kids on Saturday, July 11 and Saturday, July 25. Kiddos will be getting hands on with science involving themes of paleontology and microbiology! Attendees need to register for this program to reserve their spot. Register and learn more.
Saturday, July 11 The Sullivan Community Market is happening from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Muddy Banks Brewing in Sullivan. Find locally made crafts, produce, and more. Get more details.
Saturday, July 11 Frisco Farmhouse is having another community market from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Shop from a variety of vendors, including two plant vendors: Papillion Perinnials and For the Love of Plants. Learn more.
Saturday, July 11 The 6th Annual car show is happening at the Union Moose Lodge from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Find out more.
Saturday, July 11 Enjoy some free stargazing at ECC’s lower parking lot. Arrive at dusk, and bring your own stargazing equipment such as binoculars and lawn chairs. Learn more.
Saturday, July 11 Spend Saturday delving into some of the best fantasy films of the 80s at The Scenic Regional Library Pacific Branch. The following weekend the library is hosting an 80s Fantasy Film Trivia, so get a jump start on your trivia knowledge while enjoying a few flicks! Movies will start at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m. and these showings will include free popcorn. Bring your favorite soft drink and prepare to have a great Saturday at the library. Drop in for one film, or stay for all three. Registration required to attend. Register here.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Multiple dates from June – August Brookdale Farms in Eureka is having Camp Brookdale, a summer camp event for kids. This screen-free day camp event will give kids an outdoor, adventure themed experience all summer long. Learn more.
Wednesday, July 1 – Saturday, July 4 Rolla’s annual Lion’s Club Carnival is happening from July 1-4. The festivities will include a drone show the evening of Thursday, July 2, as well as a parade and fireworks display on July 4th. Get more details.
Friday, July 3 The Marthasville Ballpark is the place to be for free, family fun. Enjoy live music by Twisted Fiction, find food at the concession stand which will be open from 6-10 p.m., there will also be a bounce house, the Honor Guard will make an appearance at 9:15 p.m., and a firework display at dark. Bring the whole family out for some fun and celebration! Get more details.
Friday, July 3 Head to Hood Park in Cuba for a fireworks display that will begin at dusk. Find out more.
Saturday, July 4 The town of Salem will have an Independence Day celebration that includes food vendors, fireworks, and more. Find out more.
Saturday, July 4 Six Flags will host Star Spangled Nights, with patriotic celebrations happening throughout the day at the park including eight all-new shows, patriotic music, and a fireworks display to cap off the special day. Get tickets.
Saturday, July 4 Celebrate America’s 250th birthday in Rosebud. Hear live music performed by Big Daddy Rooster from 6-8:30 p.m., concessions, a kids candy cannon, and a fireworks display. Check out the details.
Saturday, July 4 Freedom Fest in Steelville will feature live music performed by Bob Kraus, The Lone Pine Band, and Borderline, as well as a car cruise-in, food and craft booths, and fireworks. Learn more.
Saturday, July 4 Head to Central Avenue Spur in Eureka at 6 p.m. for the 250 Years Independence Day Celebration that will include music by Steven Woolley & The Groove. Find out more.
Saturday, July 11 Brookdale Farms in Eureka is having a Bobbers and BBQ event that will feature fishing, BBQ, live music, lakeside lounging, campfires, root beer floats, and memory-making activities built for dads and fun for everyone. Get tickets.
Saturday, July 11 St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Eureka is hosting a Touch a Truck event. Kids will be able to explore the many different types of trucks at this free, all ages event. A free toy car will given to the first 200 kids. There will also be items for purchase from the Dynasty Manna food truck and Cool Times ice cream truck. Learn more.
Saturday, July 11 Noboleis Vineyards in Augusta is continuing its summer outdoor movie series called Films in the Vines with a showing of “A League of Their Own.” The show begins at 8:15 p.m. and beverages, movie theater popcorn, candy and select grab n’ go items will be available throughout the evening. Find out more.
Have a public event coming up? Submit your event details like time, location, and cost to attend. Be sure to include your website and social media details so I can help spread the word about your event!
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