Local police to target aggressive driving

The O’Fallon Police Department kicked off a new driving safety program designed to address aggressive driving around the City. Focusing on major intersections along Highway K, Officers will be increasing their presence in order to decrease the number of accidents and deaths caused by aggressive driving.

By focusing efforts in concentrated waves, the Department hopes to achieve maximum citizen awareness while highlighting enforcement efforts to combat aggressive behaviors behind the wheel. Countermeasures include education, signage, increased numbers of officers assigned to traffic control, more frequent ticketing of traffic violations and higher fines.

“This is not about catching people as much as it is about raising awareness of the problem,” said Captain Jeffrey Gray. “We all know the drivers who just fly by you in traffic, don't use blinkers, change lanes abruptly, tailgate or run through a red light. We want to make people aware of these dangers.”

Red light and speeding details will consist of enforcement teams of marked and unmarked police vehicles targeting aggressive and unsafe drivers. Aggressive driving behaviors include exceeding the posted speed limit, following other motorists too closely, unsafe lane changes, improper signaling while changing lanes, and failure to obey traffic signals such as stop signs, yield signs and traffic lights.

An educational campaign also will be put into place, and high school programs will be created to inform students of the importance of safe driving habits.

Targeted intersections include Route K and Route N, Route K at Veteran’s Memorial, Route K at Technology Drive, Route K at Mexico Road, Route K and O’Fallon Road, and Route K at Waterford Crossing.

From the O'Fallon, MO Police Department.

O'Fallon Safety Town to be held at Emge Elementary

Beginning at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3, residents will be able to enroll children in O’Fallon Safety Town online or in person at the Renaud Spirit Center, 2650 Tri Sports Circle, O’Fallon, Missouri 63368.

O’Fallon Safety Town is a nationally-accredited accident prevention program designed to instill safety awareness and safe procedures in children ages 4 ½ through 6 ½.  Under the guidance of police officers, a certified teacher, paramedics, firefighters, railroad police and trained volunteer staff, children experience “real life” situations, learn to decide if a situation is safe or unsafe, and how to respond safely. The program uses a simulated city layout, a classroom facility and an off-campus field trip to teach children how to stay safe.

Three sessions will be offered, with each session lasting two weeks, Monday through Friday. The dates are: June 3-14, June 17-28, and July 8-19. Choose morning classes, 9-11:30 a.m., or afternoon classes, 12:30-3 p.m. Children must be at least 4 ½ but not older than 6 ½ on the start date of the program. Safety Town sessions will be held at Emge Elementary School, 250 Fallon Parkway, O’Fallon, Missouri 63368. O’Fallon Safety Town is sponsored by the O’Fallon Police Department and VFW Post 5077 and the Ladies’ Auxiliary. www.ofallon.mo.us/PD/SafetyTown

The cost for the program is $60 per child and $40 for each additional child from the same family. Fees must be paid in full when children are enrolled. Space is limited, so early enrollment is encouraged. Only parents or legal guardians may enroll their children.

To register in person, come to the Renaud Spirit Center and pay by cash, check or a credit card. To register online, visit www.renaudspiritcenter.com and select “Register Online.” No phone registration will be available.

From the O'Fallon, MO Police Department 

O'Fallon Theatre Works to present Faith County

Tickets are available for the O’FallonTheatreWorks’ production of the southern-fried comedy, Faith County, which will be performed on April 19-21 and 26-28 in the auditorium at O’Fallon’s Municipal Centre (City Hall), 100 North Main Street, O’Fallon, Missouri 63366. The curtain will go up at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. on Sundays.

Faith County is set in a small southern town where the beehive hairdo is still the rage and Saturday nights are reserved for the tractor pull. The story unfolds at the Faith County Fairgrounds where a colorful collection of town and country folk swap gossip about one another and show off their handiwork.

Tickets can be ordered in advance by calling 636-474-2732 or by coming to the Renaud Spirit Center, 2650 Tri Sports Circle, O’Fallon MO 63368. The cost is $10 for general admission (ages 18-54), $8 for students (ages 6-17) and seniors (age 55 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.

“Faith County offers a relaxing evening of fast-paced dialogue and humorous characters in a rural setting,” said Darren Granaas, O’Fallon’s Cultural Arts Coordinator.

Volunteers are needed for this event! Please contact Volunteer Services at 636-379-5507, or volunteer@ofallon.mo.us. Or, visit www.ofallon.mo.us/volunteer.

From the City of O'Fallon, MO

Free disaster preparedness training

Get prepared for emergencies and disasters in a weekend! Anyone who lives or works in or near O’Fallon is invited to sign up to learn basic disaster response skills by attending the O’Fallon Police Department’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training March 1-3, in the Public Works Building at 1089 Public Service Drive, O’Fallon, Missouri 63366. The free, 20-hour course is taught by the O’Fallon Police Department and emergency professionals.

 

The course, which includes training materials, will cover:

• Basic medical assessment and treatment for injuries, burns, etc.
• Preparing for emergencies at home and in the community
• Working as a team, conducting triage, light search and rescue, extinguishing small fires
• Communicating effectively with public safety organizations during a disaster

The schedule for the CERT session is 6-10 p.m. Friday (March 1), 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday (March 2), and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday (March 3). Graduates are invited to learn more and keep skills fresh with free monthly training and exercises.

“During an extreme weather emergency or an earthquake, for instance, it’s going to be important to know what do to help yourself, your household and your neighbors until professional help arrives,” said Police Officer Andy Stowers, director of O’Fallon CERT. “That’s why this exciting, hands-on training is important to neighborhood organizations, parents, older teens, businesses, civic groups and churches as well as individuals.”

For more information or to register for the training, visit the City’s website at www.ofallon.mo.us and select “Police” on the homepage, or go directly to www.ofallon.mo.us/PD/CERT. 

For questions, contact Officer Stowers at 636-379-5686, or astowers@ofallon.mo.us.

From the City of O'Fallon, MO

Human dogsled race

With O’Fallon’s winter festival, Cabin Fever Daze, fast approaching, more information has been posted on O’Fallon’s website. 

The family-friendly event will be held snow or shine, January 25 – 27, in O’Fallon Sports Park, 3589 Highway K, O Fallon, MO 63368. Festival hours will be 4 - 8 p.m. on Friday, noon - 8 p.m. on Saturday, and 1- 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission and parking are free, and food, beverages and winter-festival merchandise will available for purchase. 

Activities include:

• Ice skating all three days on O’Fallon’s first outdoor rink for $5 for a 45-minute session; bring your own skates or rent skates for $1.
• The deadline to enter the Human Dogsled Race has been extended to January 22. The race begins at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 26, with prizes for winners and best costume. Rules and applications are posted on the City’s website, www.ofallon.mo.us.
• Strap on a pair of snowshoes and trek over the Snowshoe Obstacle Course, free. Weave through a thicket of trees, climb a makeshift mountain, hop a hula hoop hurdle, dribble a soccer ball, duck under a rope and dash for the finish line. Snowshoes and ski poles will be provided, free, by Cabela’s.
• Field Broomball will be available for playing, free. First-come-first-play sign-ups will be available on Saturday, with open play on Sunday. Playing equipment will be provided, free, for this non-traditional version of the game.
• The Kids’ Area will be open 1-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, free, for snowflake-making and other winter-themed crafts. The “Snowflake Lady,” Marion Nichols, will demonstrate the art and fun of snipping intricate paper snowflakes on both days.
• More free fun: watch a fire performer from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday, and see ice carving demonstrations on Saturday beginning at 2 p.m.
• Don’t miss Fruit Cake Chuckin.’ Bring your own fruit cake or pay a $1 per shot, load the catapult and fire away!
  

Volunteers are needed in many areas at Cabin Fever Daze! To check out the details and fill out an application, visit the Volunteer Services webpage at www.ofallon.mo.us/Volunteer. Or contact Volunteer Services at 636-379-5507, or volunteer@ofallon.mo.us.

From the City of O'Fallon, MO 

Malone to visit Heald Home for book signing

Meet author, traveler, retired teacher and historian Ross Malone on Sunday, January 20, at the historic Heald Home, located in Fort Zumwalt Park at 1000 Jessup Drive, O’Fallon, Missouri 63366. 

Malone will sign and sell copies of his latest book, Too Good to Pass By: A Look at Some Missouri Places. Copies of his Tales from Missouri and the Heartland also will be available. The book was selected for the Missouri Life Magazine Book List and placed in the Missouri Association of Librarians “Author’s Alley.” 

 

Admission is $2 per person at the door and includes a tour of the house. For more information, call 636-379-5605, or email jhoisington@ofallon.mo.us.

From the City of O'Fallon, Missouri. 

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

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

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 

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).

O'Fallon Police Department Crime Log

Following is the O’Fallon Police Department Crime Log of reported incidents for the period of November 15, 2012 through November 28, 2012:

11/15/2012

Medicine and a vacuum were shoplifted in the 1300 block of Highway K. A 29-year-old O’Fallon male was issued a summons.

Clothing, perfume, makeup and a charger were shoplifted in the 1300 block of Highway K. Two 17-year-old Foley females were arrested.

11/16/2012

Clothing and jewelry were shoplifted in the 1300 block of Highway K. A 47-year-old Winfield female was arrested.

Sunglasses and gum were stolen from an unlocked vehicle on St. Dymphna Court.

A vehicle window was damaged in the 300 block of Wood Street.

11/17/2012

Tires were damaged in the 800 block of Summersong Drive.

Cash was stolen from an unattended wallet in the 2600 block of Tri Sports Drive.

A vehicle mirror was damaged in the 1400 block of Great Warrior Drive.

Food was stolen from the 8600 block of Veterans Memorial Parkway. A 55-year-old O’Fallon female was issued a summons.

Windows were damaged to gain entry and two stereos were stolen in the 100 block of Waterford Crossing Drive.

11/18/2012

A burglary occurred in the 400 block of St. Matthew Avenue.

Dog food and dishes were shoplifted in the 200 block of O’Fallon Plaza.

11/19/2012

A wallet was stolen from an unlocked vehicle in the 200 block of Birmingham Drive.

A lock was damaged to gain entry into a vehicle and jewelry, tools and electronics were stolen in the 200 block of Countryshire Court.

Gas drive offs occurred in the 1300 block of North Main Street and in the 700 block of Highway K.

Hair dye was shoplifted in the 1300 block of Highway K. An 18-year-old St. Peters female was arrested.

11/20/2012

A computer and money were stolen from an unlocked vehicle in Montauk Court.

Food was shoplifted in the 2000 block of Highway K.

A subwoofer was stolen from an unlocked vehicle in the 400 block of St. Marys Place.

A wiring kit and amplifier were shoplifted in the 1300 block of Highway K. A 26-year-old St. Charles man was arrested.

A gas drive off occurred in the 800 block of Bryan Road.

11/21/2012

A wallet, GPS, iPods, flashlight, cash and camera were stolen from five unlocked vehicles on Roxbury Drive.

A tire and rim were stolen from a vehicle in the 2300 block of Oaktimber Drive.

Change, CDs, cigarettes, lighter and a purse were stolen from two vehicles in the 1100 block of Pinewood Place Drive.

Cigarettes, GPS, coins and a music storage device were stolen from an unlocked vehicle in the 100 block of Abington Drive.

A gas drive off occurred in the 800 block of Bryan Road.

A plow and some metal were stolen off of farm equipment from a pole barn in the 100 block of Firma Road.

CDs were stolen from an unlocked vehicle in the 800 block of Whispering Windsong Drive.

A burglary occurred in the 8100 block of O’Fallon Lakes Drive. Entry was made through an unlocked door. An iPod was stolen.

11/22/2012

A burglary occurred in the 400 block of Bellingham Court. Electronics were stolen.

A sidewalk was damaged in the 700 block of Falcon Hill Trail.

11/23/2012

A Play Station controller was shoplifted from the 1300 block of Highway K.

Wallets and a laptop were stolen from three unlocked vehicles in the 1200 block of Rivercity Crossing.

A Wii game system and games were shoplifted in the 300 block of Winding Woods Drive.

A burglary occurred in the 1600 block of Foggy Meadow Drive. A purse and camera were stolen from an unlocked vehicle in an open garage.

An air compressor and gas can were stolen from an open unattached garage in the 500 block of Woodlawn Avenue.

11/24/2012

A vehicle was damaged in the 1300 block of Shallow Lake Drive. A 17-year-old O’Fallon male was arrested.

A license plate was stolen in the 2200 block of Bursting Bouquet Drive.

A burglary occurred in the 2500 block of Highway K (non-residence). A door was damaged to gain entry. Cash and a DVD player were stolen.

A burglary occurred in the 4600 block of Highway K (non-residence). A door was damaged to gain entry. Cash and a computer were stolen.

A wallet, curling iron, shoes, and a cell phone were stolen from an unlocked vehicle in the 200 block of Jacobs Way.

A driveway was damaged in the 200 block of Fox Haven court.

A CD player was stolen in the 200 block of North Main Street.

11/25/2012

Mailboxes were damaged in the 300 block of St. Gemma Drive.

A female struck another female with a bottle in the 300 block of San Jose Drive. The victim was transported with non life threatening injuries. An arrest was made but there were no charges made.

A door was damaged to gain entry into a vehicle and a cell phone was stolen in the 8500 block of Veterans Memorial Parkway.

11/26/2012

An iPad, cash and a sander were stolen on Lonestar Court.

A mailbox was damaged on Pieper Glen Court.

Credit cards were stolen from an unattended purse in the 7000 block of South Outer Road (364). An arrest was made.

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

11/27/2012

A ring was left on a counter in a bathroom at a business in the 1600 block of Mexico Loop Road West. The ring was gone on the victim’s return.

A ring was stolen from a residence in the 300 block of Copper Tree Court.

Food was stolen in the 8600 block of Veterans Memorial Parkway.

Food and SD card were shoplifted in the 1300 block of Highway K.

A gas drive off occurred in the 700 block of Highway K.

11/28/2012

A purse was stolen which was left unattended in the 200 block of Knaust Road.

Jingle Bell Lunch

Celebrate the season with friends old and new at a traditional sit-down meal of slow-roasted turkey with all the trimmings served to the tune of a light-hearted holiday show. Jingle Bell Lunch will be held from noon–2 p.m. on Monday, December 10, at the Renaud Spirit Center (RSC), 2650 Tri Sports Circle, O’Fallon, Missouri 63368. The cost is $15 for O’Fallon residents and $18 for non-residents. The registration deadline is Wednesday, December 5.

To register:

1.      Call 636-474-2732

2.      Come to the Renaud Spirit Center (RSC), or the O’Fallon Parks and Recreation Administration Offices, 400 Civic Park Drive (63366)

3.      Visit www.ofallon.mo.us/ParksandRec; select “Special Events” and look for the program, “Jingle Bell Lunch.”

For more information, contact Recreation Specialist Stacey Ostmann, 636-474-8105, sostmann@ofallon.mo.us. 

From the City of O'Fallon, Missouri