Holt High School and Stages St. Louis Partner

The Holt High School Theater Department has partnered with Stages St. Louis to present a special performance by the school’s acting students and special needs students. The production, held at Holt on December 11^th, was a “musical revue” that included songs and scenes from a variety of musicals including Annie Get Your Gun and Footloose. The performance was under the direction of Stages Instructor Brent Hunsinger, and was the culmination of a semester-long program that included students from Rob Gleason’s acting class and Stephanie Aubuchon’s essential skills class. “The idea is to integrate every type of high school student with multiple backgrounds into one cohesive unit,” said Hunsinger following the performance. “So you have kids who have disabilities right alongside kids who don’t have disabilities. They work together as a team to create a wonderful performance that hopefully is not only educational for them but entertaining as well.”

Holt junior Aislinn Hartman appreciated the opportunity to participate in the program. “It really changes your perspective about a lot of things. You may not know the other students because most of them are really shy. But then they come to class and they are not as shy and start to talk to people, and we all realize that maybe we’re not so different and we have things in common.”

This is the third year for the program conceived by Holt drama teacher Rob Gleason and Stages Director of Education and Outreach Rob Grumich, who both thought it would be beneficial to pair high school theater students with special needs students for a joint program and performance. “It’s about bringing some kids together who honestly, during the regular school day probably wouldn’t be spending a lot of time together. So even in a small way just breaking down those barriers is ultimately the point of this,” said Grumich. “The importance of this is the shared time working together in collaboration, the getting to know each other and the human life skills that potentially come from a project like this. That’s what we’re really excited about.”  

From the Wentzville School District

Donate Blood In Honor of Anna Dennis

The Lake Saint Louis Police Department is sponsoring a blood drive in honor of Anna Dennis on Wednesday, December 19th from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Lake Saint Louis Civic Center Council Chambers, 200 Civic Center Drive.

Who is Anna Dennis?  On June 21, 2012, three days after her second birthday Anna Dennis was diagnosed with Leukemia.  Since her diagnosis Anna has received chemotherapy treatments along with numerous blood product transfusions to help her fight her battle.  Anna is just one more reason why we should all join together to donate blood and show our support in helping those in need.

While walk-ins are welcome, it is recommended that donors schedule an appointment.  To make an appointment or for eligibility questions call 1-800-RED CROSS, visit redcrossblood.org, or call the Lake Saint Louis Police Department at (636) 625-8018. 

From the Lake Saint Louis Police Department

WSD Receives Meritorious Budget Award

The Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) has awarded the Wentzville School District the Meritorious Budget Award (MBA) for excellence in budget presentation for the second consecutive year. The award is conferred only to districts that have met or exceeded the Meritorious Budget Award criteria, and last year Wentzville was one of only seven school districts in the state of Missouri to receive the award. “The MBA recognizes the District's efforts to inform the community about our financial operations,” said Chief Financial Officer Kari Monsees. “The budget document is more than just dollars and cents, it also explains how resources are generated and allocated for the benefit of our students.” To earn this award, the school district submitted its 2012-13 budget for a rigorous review based on stringent criteria.

Developed by ASBO for school districts, the MBA criteria guide school business officials toward a quality school budget presentation by enhancing the school business officials’ skills in developing, analyzing, and presenting a school system budget. “Our goal as business officials is to support the learning process through fiscal responsibility and strong financial practices based on transparency, accountability, and service,” said Director of Accounting Susan Dawson. “The budget supports this goal and is also a way for us to communicate our commitment to a quality education for our students.” 

The Association of School Business Officials International, founded in 1910, is a professional association of more than 5,000 members that provides programs and services to promote the highest standards of school business management practices, professional growth, and the effective use of educational resources. 

From the Wentzville School District

Thompson Commits to Culver-Stockton College

Timberland High School senior Crista Thompson has committed to play soccer for the Wildcats of Culver-Stockton College in Canton, MO. With her mother Donna and father Jim by her side, Thompson signed her National Letter of Intent today at Timberland High School. “When I went for my visit, it just felt like home,” said the center and midfielder. “It’s small, and I already know a lot of the girls on the team.”

Thompson is a true student-athlete, and is a member of the National Honor Society while maintaining a 4.1 GPA. She has also been named to the All-Conference Academic Team for three consecutive years. Thompson plans on majoring in psychology with an emphasis on occupational therapy while at Culver-Stockton College.

From the Wentzville School District

New semester to begin at Rec-Plex

If you resolve to get fit in 2013, the St. Peters Rec-Plex offers a wide range of group fitness classes that can help you reach your goals. We also have plenty of programs for kids as well as adult leagues this upcoming semester that goes from January through May. Class registration is underway now.

Rec-Plex group fitness classes give you plenty of options to get moving. Work the entire body with Kettlebell. Go easy on your body’s joints with Aqua Aerobics. Boot-scoot yourself to a better you with a new Country Line Dancing class. Burn off the calories with Rec-Plex Xtreme (RPX) Cycling. Get stronger with weight training classes. Center yourself and build from your core with Yoga or Pilates. Take your workout to another level at Real Fitness Bootcamp classes. Choose from a wide variety of Group Aerobics classes that are FREE to St. Peters Rec-Plex members.

Rec-Plex group fitness classes are available for kids as young as 18 months through Family Fitness Classes. And, seniors can find a number of options suited for them. Our 50+ Fitness classes range from weight training to a new Arthritis Foundation Walk with Ease Program for people with or without arthritis.

Other programs open to registration at the Rec-Plex include ice skating, hockey skating, swimming, scuba diving, indoor triathlons, instructional baseball, softball pitching, classical fencing, and adult leagues for volleyball, flag football and softball.

Sign up for Rec-Plex classes by phone at 636.939.2386, ext. 1400, or in person at the St. Peters Rec-Plex, 5200 Mexico Road, any time Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The registration desk is closed on Sundays and City holidays. Online registration is available for most programs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by using the Rec-Connect service at www.stpetersmo.net/rec-plex.

For more information about St. Peters recreation, parks or arts programs, the Leisure Line program guide is available at the Rec-Plex and St. Peters City Hall, as well as online at www.stpetersmo.net.

From the City of St. Peters, MO

 

O'Fallon Police Department Crime Log

Following is the O’Fallon Police Department Crime Log of reported incidents for the period of November 29, 2012 through December 5, 2012:

11/29/12:

An 18-year-old Warrenton male was arrested for shoplifting alcohol in the 1300 block of Highway K.

11/30/12

A gun was stolen from a residence in the 600 block of Hawk Run Drive.

A gift card was stolen in the 1000 block of Golden Orchard Drive.

A money order was taken when the victim dropped it and another subject picked it up in the 1300 block of Highway K.

Medication was stolen in the 200 block of North Main Street.

A Christmas wreath was stolen from a front door in the 200 block of Fox Haven Drive.

A wallet was stolen from a residence on Chastain Court.

A mailbox was damaged in the 1100 block of Bellow Falls Drive.

12/1/12

Headphones were shoplifted in the 1300 block of Highway K.

A 17-year-old St. Charles female was issued a summons for shoplifting a ring in the 2200 block of Highway K.

A gas drive-off occurred in the 1700 block of O'Fallon Road.

12/2/12

A tablet was stolen in the 100 block of McDonald Lane.

A speaker system was shoplifted in the 2300 block of Highway K.

A gas drive-off occurred in the 8600 block of Veterans Memorial Parkway.

12/3/12

A burglary occurred in the 2800 block of Royallview Way. There was damage to gain entry, but no items were stolen.

A trailer was stolen in the 1200 block of West Terra Lane.

A 36-year-old Wentzville man was arrested for shoplifting a vacuum cleaner and food in the 1300 block of Highway K.

A flag pole and flag were stolen in the 6900 block of Brassel Drive.

A window was damaged to gain entry into a vehicle and a radar detector was stolen in the 900 block of Highway K.

A burglary occurred in the 2500 block of Amber Willow Court. Electronics and clothing were stolen. There was no damage to gain entry.

12/4/2

A gas drive-off occurred in the 2100 block of West Terra Lane.

Construction equipment was stolen in the 2300 block of Wild Oak Drive.

A 23-year-old O'Fallon male was arrested for shoplifting alcohol in the 1300 block of Highway K.

12/5/12

A gas drive-off occurred in the 8600 block of Veterans Memorial Parkway.

Vehicle mirrors were damaged in the 2900 block of Middlesburg Drive.

A gas drive-off occurred in the 4500 block of Highway K.

A seat was damaged and a portable music player was stolen from an unlocked vehicle on West Park Drive.

A motor vehicle was stolen in the 1400 block of East Terra Lane.

A gas drive-off occurred in the 8600 block of Veterans Memorial Parkway.

A projector was shoplifted in the 1300 block of Highway K.

A license tab was stolen in the 1300 block of Highway K.

A Robbery 1st Degree occurred in the 1000 block of Southernside Lane.  

From the O'Fallon, MO Police Department

Armed Robbery in O'Fallon

On 12/07/12, at approximately midnight, the O’Fallon Police Department received a call of an Armed Robbery at the Conoco gas station, located at 1060 Bryan Rd.
 
The suspect went to the business, displayed a handgun and demanded money. The suspect fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash. No one was injured. An extensive search of the area failed to locate the suspect.
 
The suspect was described as a tall, very thin white male, 6’ to 6’ 2”, 150-170 lbs wearing a flannel plaid jacket with a gray hood, blue jeans, glasses, and black and white tennis shoes.
 
This is an active ongoing investigation. The O’Fallon Police Department is requesting assistance. Anyone with information on this robbery is urged to contact Detective Jodi Weber, at (636) 379-5633.

From the O'Fallon Police Department

Monsees Named Ray-Pec Superintendent

The Wentzville School District would like to congratulate CFO Dr. Kari Monsees on his selection as the new Superintendent of the Raymore-Peculiar School District near Kansas City, MO.  Dr. Monsees has submitted his resignation to the Wentzville Board of Education effective June 30, 2013, which will allow him to assist in the transition process once a new CFO is hired. 

“This decision was really bittersweet for me and did not come easily. I work with great people and have really enjoyed working for Wentzville R-IV, but this new leadership opportunity is one that I could not pass up. Ray-Pec is a progressive district with many similarities to Wentzville. I’ll also be closer to my family farm and my new grandson. I thank everyone for their support during my time in Wentzville.”

Dr. Monsees is in his fifth year with the District, and has produced an impressive list of accomplishments during his tenure. He was instrumental in the passage of both Proposition A and Proposition 3, which raised over $100 million for new construction in the fastest growing school district in Missouri. He has supervised the construction of Lakeview and Discovery Ridge elementary schools, as well as the addition of 75 new classrooms around the District. He has led the planning and construction of the new high school, all while managing an annual budget in excess of $150 million. 

During his time in the District operating balances have gone from 19% to 33%, and for the first time ever the WSD has been awarded the Meritorious Budget Award (MBA) by the Association of School Business Officials International. 

“Our loss is Ray-Pec’s gain,” said Superintendent Dr. Terry Adams. “Kari has accomplished great things while he was here, and we hate to see him go, but it’s a great opportunity for him. He’s one of the best school finance officers in the whole state, and I have no doubt that he’ll be one of the best superintendents as well.”

From the Wentzville School District

Canvases and cocktails

St. Charles, MO

December 5, 2012

The Foundry Art Centre has artful evenings of fun that are great for a date night, girl’s night, or just a friends night out! Canvases & Cocktails is a guided art-making experience. 

Not sure of your artistic talent? New to art? No problem! Our instructor will guide you step by step through the evening's project. Just show up ready to laugh, talk, and have fun!  

Bring your favorite bottle of wine or drink; water & soda will be available for purchase. 

The cost per workshop is $35 and includes personal instruction and all supplies, such as paint and canvas. Workshops are once a month January 17, February 12, March 14, and April 16; each class is from 6pm – 8pm. 

To register or for more information, call the Foundry Art Centre at 636-255-0270 or visit www.foundryartcentre.org.

The Foundry Art Centre is a fine arts gallery overlooking the Missouri River at 520 North Main Center, in the Frenchtown district of Historic St. Charles.  The Foundry features a Smithsonian-caliber art gallery hosting national juried exhibitions plus 20 working art studios where visitors can watch the creative process and buy art directly from the artists. The not-for-profit art centre also provides community meeting rooms, event space and a children’s art gallery. Hours are Tuesday - Thursday from 10-8pm, Friday and Saturday from 10-5pm, and Sunday 12-4.  Admission is free, and donations are welcome. For more information, call (636) 255-0270 or visit www.foundryartcentre.org.

From the Foundry Art Centre

Woman attacked in her O'Fallon home

O'Fallon, MO

December 5, 2012

On 12/05/12, at approximately 12:41 am, the O’Fallon Police Department received a call from a subject requesting to check the well being of his girlfriend. Officers responded to the 1000 block of Southernside Ln to check her status.

The victim was found in her residence, where she had been bound, gagged and sexually assaulted. Upon the arrival of the officers they interrupted the assault and the suspect then fled through the sliding glass door and jumped from the second floor balcony. An intensive search of the area revealed the suspect where he was taken into custody.

The St Charles County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on James M Helderle, a 21 year old St Charles male, for Robbery 1st Degree, Burglary 1st Degree, Forcible Sodomy-Deviate Sexual Intercourse by Forcible Compulsion, Felonious Restraint, and Armed Criminal Action, with a $500,000 dollar bond. 

From the O'Fallon, MO Police Department

Senator Rupp visits Heritage Elementary

Missouri State Senator Scott Rupp spoke to students at Heritage Intermediate on Nov. 30 about the important functions of state government. 

The Senator divided the 172 fourth graders into two groups, one representing the Missouri Senate and the other the Missouri House of Representatives. Senator Rupp asked the students for ideas that they thought would make a good law. Students responded with items that included a law mandating ice cream at school, not having to make up snow days and one that would make the school day shorter. Additionally, a suggestion was made that a mandatory six-hour recess would make a great law, and quite a few students agreed. 

One of those in agreement was 10-year old Abi Jessen, who, when recognized by the President of the Senate, said “Mr. President, we should have six hours of recess because it would give us more energy to learn.” 

Another student and member of the Senate, Olivia Harmann, argued against the bill saying “I think it’s a bad idea to have a six-hour recess because we wouldn’t be spending that time learning.” 

The bill ultimately passed a voice vote in both the House and Senate, but Governor (and fourth grade teacher) Brandis Genebacher quickly vetoed the legislation. “We have too much important learning to do.” The veto was overridden in the Senate, but lost by one vote in the House, so there would be no change in recess on this day. 

“This is a fun exercise that shows students what we actually do in the Capitol,” said Senator Rupp. “They learn how we make laws, why we make them, and how difficult the process can be sometimes. But in the end they have a much better idea of how government works on a daily basis. This is one of the most fun things I get to do as a Senator.” 

From the Wentzville School District

Lake Saint Louis Police Department Crime Log

Following is the Lake Saint Louis Police Department Crime Log of reported incidents for the period of November 21, 2012 through November 27, 2012:

 

 11/21/12

 

A one-vehicle accident occurred on I-64 east of Prospect. There were no injuries.

 

A 58-year-old female was arrested for shoplifting at Walmart.

 

A two-vehicle accident occurred on I-64 near Peruque Creek Bridge. There were no injuries.

 

Summonses were issued to a 17-year-old male and a 20-year-old male for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia after a traffic stop on Veterans Memorial Parkway.

 

 11/22/12

A 24-year-old female driver was arrested for driving while intoxicated on Highway N near Glen Brook Manor Drive. The driver's blood alcohol content was later measured at .217%.

A 44-year-old female was arrested for DWI on Chase Court at Lake Saint Louis Boulevard.

A 30-year-old female was arrested for driving while intoxicated (prior offender) at Hawk Ridge Trail.

 

A 30-year-old male was arrested for DWI on Robert Raymond Drive.

 

Police responded to Bent Twig Drive regarding a dumpster fire on Cedar Circle Drive. Not suspicious in nature.

 

Police responded to an accident/leaving the scene which occurred in front of the 200 bock of Woodlake Court.

 

A 38-year-old female was arrested for DWI on Woodlake Court.

 

An officer was dispatched to the 1400 block of Little Piney Drive regarding a stealing report.

 

An unoccupied vehicle was parked partially in the street on Lake Saint Louis Boulevard. The vehicle was towed due to being a traffic hazard.

 

11/23/12

 

An officer responded to Briarwood Court for a report of an attempted theft and property damage. It was reported that unknown person(s)  attempted to cut down and steal an eight foot tall Alberta spruce tree valued at $400.

A 26-year-old male was arrested as a fugitive on westbound I-64 west of Prospect Road.

After transporting an 18-year-old white male to the Lake Saint Louis Police Department for questioning, an officer discovered contraband inside his right pants pocket. The subject was released on summons.

11/24/12

A mailbox was damaged on Huntwood Terrace.

A 35-year-old female driver was cited for leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash involving two vehicles on Sommers Road at Highway N.

A 21-year-old male was arrested for shoplifting and for active arrest warrants for a drug offense and a 24-year-old female was also charged with shoplifting on Ronald Reagan Drive.

A 21-year-old female was arrested for active warrants at Hawk Ridge Trail.

 

11/25/12

 

An abandoned vehicle was towed from eastbound Interstate 70 east of Highway A.

 

An officer investigated a motor vehicle crash on westbound I-64 near Lake Saint Louis Boulevard involving two vehicles. There were no reports of injury and both vehicles were driven from the scene.

 

An officer responded to a parking lot on Fountain Grass Drive for a report of a motor vehicle crash where a vehicle had left the scene. The damaged vehicle was driven from the scene.

 

An officer investigated a motor vehicle crash involving two vehicles on South Henke Road at the intersection of Technology Drive. There were no reports of injury and both vehicles were driven from the scene.

 

11/27/12

 

A four vehicle accident occurred on I-64 where the first vehicle struck the second vehicle and caused a chain reaction where two other vehicles were struck. No injuries to any party. 

 

A 37-year-old female was arrested for active warrants on Civic Center Drive.

 

A credit card was reported stolen from a residence on Marquette Drive.

 

A two-vehicle accident occurred on Hawk Ridge Trail near Ronald Reagan Drive. There were no injuries.

 

A 23-year-old male was arrested on an active warrant. Chesterfield PD.

 

A two-vehicle accident occurred at Lake Saint Louis Boulevard and Technology Drive. There were no injuries.

 

An auto accident with injuries occurred at Lake Saint Louis Boulevard and Bent Oak Drive. One subject was transported to the hospital.

 

An officer responded to Nantua Court for a report of an animal bite.

 

A set of keys was found in the 3400 block of Technology Drive.

 

From the Lake Saint Louis Police Department

Old-fashioned holiday stroll

Join the festivities and see millions of lights, fireworks over the lake (7:25 p.m.) and delightful holiday scenes on this one-night walking tour of the Celebration of Lights in Fort Zumwalt Park. 

The “Old-Fashioned Holiday Stroll” will be held from 6 – 9 p.m. on Tuesday, December 11. The cost is $2 for ages 3 and older, and free for younger children. 

• Visit Santa, and let the kids make a holiday craft; remember to bring your camera!
• Enjoy the sweet sound of holiday caroling and purchase festival food and beverages in the park.
• No vehicles, pets, bikes or skateboards will be allowed in the park on this special night.
• Step into the St. Charles Model Railroad Club to see the elaborate display of working model trains and miniature city and country landscapes. www.stcharlesrailroadclub.com
• Warm up in the historic Heald Home, where vendors will sell holiday crafts, décor, and unique gifts.

Watch for signs to free parking and shuttle service from the First Baptist Church, 8570 Veterans Memorial Parkway (63366) and O’Fallon Christian Church, 9380 Veterans Memorial Parkway (63366).

For more information, contact the Office of Tourism and Festivals at 636-379-5614. Or, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/COL.

From the City of O'Fallon, Missouri 

Liquor store robbed, employee injured

St. Peters, Missouri

December 3, 2012

The St. Peters Police Department is searching for a black female suspect who robbed HR Liquor Mini Market, located on the 2900 block of North St. Peters Parkway, on Saturday December 1^st at approximately 8:55 PM.

The female suspect was described as:

 

Black Female

5’5” – 5’7”

Medium Build

 

The unknown female suspect entered the store at approximately 8:55 PM wearing a black jacket with a hood (possibly a Carhartt type jacket), blue jeans and black ski mask.  The female was also carrying a black semi-automatic gun.  The unknown female suspect walked behind the main counter and demanded money.  The store employee did not immediately cooperate with the suspect, possibly due to some language barriers and was then struck in the face with the gun.  

After the suspect was unsuccessful in getting money from the cash register, she then attempted to take the store employee's purse, at which time the victim grabbed the purse back.  The store employee then used her cell phone and called 9-1-1.  The suspect fled the scene in an unknown direction. During the robbery, there was an unidentified black male standing outside the door of the business and is believed to also be involved.  

The store employee did not sustain any life threatening injuries.

See the above surveillance photo of the female suspect.  If anyone has any information on the identity of the female suspect or any possible accomplices, they are asked to contact Detective Paul Barish at 636-278-2244 ext. 3531 or 636-278-2222.

From the St. Peters Police Department

Steel Magnolias on stage in O’Fallon

Don’t miss the O’FallonTheatreWorks’ (OTW) production of the comedy-drama, Steel Magnolias, on the stage at O’Fallon’s Municipal Centre (City Hall), 100 North Main Street, O’Fallon Missouri 63366. Performances will be held November 30 – December 2, and December 7-9. The curtain goes up at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. on Sundays.

Written by Robert Harling, the action takes place in a home beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done by Truvy, who dispenses down-home observations along with shampoos and permanents to her clients (“When it comes to pain and suffering, she’s right up there with Elizabeth Taylor;”): Ouiser, the town’s rich curmudgeon (“The only reason people are nice to me is I have more money than God;”); Miss Clairee (“If you don’t have anything nice to say about anybody, come sit by me;”) and M’Lynn, a social leader whose daughter, Shelby, the prettiest girl in town, is getting married. Steel Magnolias is laced with repartee delivered by women whose inner strength, deep bond for one another, and willingness to poke fun makes them marvelous company in good times and bad.

Discounted tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 636-474-2732 or by coming to the Renaud Spirit Center, 2650 Tri Sports Circle, O’Fallon (63368). Tickets are $10 for general admission (ages 18-64), $8 for students (ages 6-17) and seniors (age 65 and up), and free for ages 5 and under. For an additional $2 each, tickets can be purchased at the box office, which opens one hour before the start of each show.

Directions to the performance: On I-70 in O’Fallon, MO., take Exit 217 at Highways K/M (Main Street). Drive north on Main Street about one-half mile, cross the railroad tracks and make an immediate right into the Municipal Centre parking lot. Come to the east entrance (police lobby).