St. Charles County’s tenth park opened to the public on Friday, May 11. Towne Park, located at 100 Towne Park Dr., at the Farris Rd. exit off Highway 61, near Wentzville, was dedicated during a ribbon cutting ceremony. Rich in St. Charles County history, the 109-acre park features a reconstructed 1800s historical homestead, formerly known as the “Pink Plantation”; the only Certified Nature Explore Classroom in St. Charles County; paved and natural surface trails; a large fishing pond; picnic areas, a forest-themed playground and a series of interlinked scenic rain gardens for the public to …

Sundays for many area residents means a trip to the flea market at Wentzville's Community Club. You never know what you'll find there and every trip there is a little adventure. The flea market is open every Sunday, March through December. Check the Community Club website for information on vendor booths.

Gray skies, winds and temperatures in the low 20s didn't stop disc golfers from throughout the region from getting in 18 holes Saturday. After all, they were playing in a tournament called the Ice Bowl, and 50 players slogged through several inches of snow in last year's inaugural event. The event is hosted by the St. Charles County Disc Golf Club. The tournament winners were: First place: Mike Eckler with a 44 Second place: Bryan Johnson with a 45 Third place (tie): Jerry Barklage and Jim Misuraca, both with a 46 The event also raised $505 and 267 pounds of food for OASIS Food Pantry and …

One of the more anticipated new businesses of 2012 is the Chick-fil-A under construction on Wentzville Parkway. The new restaurant is slated to open in February. Wentzville Patch takes a look back over the construction of the buildings.

Project Parks, the city of Wentzville's plan to add three new parks in coming years, is moving right along. The public was invited to a presentation on the plans for the park where planners explained their vision for Heartland Park, Peruque Valley Park and Splash Station. Project Parks is funded by a 1/2 cent sales tax. It will add three new parks, including an aquatic center, in Wentzville. Updates are available regularly on the Project Parks Facebook page.

Cardinals' playoff hero David Freese was in University City Wednesday lending a helping hand to Operation Food Search. Freese helped load frozen turkeys into vans and onto the backs of trucks that will be distributed by different charitable organizations during the holiday season. Operation Food Search also has a large operation in St. Charles County. “I’ve done this before with (Cards trainer) Barry Weinberg, and I had a blast doing it,” Freese said, after spending nearly an hour loading the more than 700 frozen turkeys into nearly a dozen delivery vehicles. “And to see the people’s faces …

The night was cool and the air crisp, but that didn't stop hundreds of people who walked through Rotary Park on Monday night. It was a chance to enjoy the Holiday Night Lights light display at a liesurely pace and many families took advantage of the "walkers only" night. Individual displays included Santa on a motorcycle, Santa Claus in a fire truck and Santa head first down the chimney. The "12 Days of Christmas" displays had young and old singing as they walked from day one through day 12. Judging by the smiles and the sticky fingers that held free candy canes, everyone had a great time. …

They came from Washington, MO, from Maryland Heights, from St. Louis City. For many it is a cherished family tradition, for some it's a chance to try something new. But for everyone, it's a mission: Search the 70 acres of wooded hillsides to find the perfect Christmas tree. The parking lots at Sunbrite Christmas Tree Farm, a few minutes north of Lake Saint Louis on Guthrie Road, were packed Saturday morning as people took advantage of the sunshine and mild temperatures. The farm is open daily until Christmas from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on clear days and from 9 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. on cloudy days.  The…

The Wentzville R-IV School District recently held an open house to allow the public to view plans for the district's planned third high school. The event was held at Discovery Ridge Elementary School.  Parents and residents came to review the plans for the school, which is slated for opening in fall 2013. "We've had people who are really interested in the project come out," said Chuck Dale-Derks. "They are interested in the best approach for the school." Robin Brown, a local resident and parent of a child who will go to the new school, came out to check out the plans. "I live on adjacent …

Cold weather and a threat of rain Sunday didn't dampen the spirits of those that gathered to watch the ninth annual Wentville Christmas parade and tree lighting. The parade started around 6 p.m., beginning at Budget Towing on Luetkenhaus Boulevard and ending terminating at the Wentzville firehouse on Pearce Blvd. At the firehouse, kids and adults alike gathered for cookies, candy canes, hot chocolate, and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The theme of this year's parade was Spirit of the Season. Sponsors of the parade include the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce, Wentzville Downtown Business …

It was a beautiful afternoon to spend in the park. The city of Wentzville celebrated the official reopening of Memorial Park Tuesday with a ribbon cutting. Mayor Paul Lambi honored Henry Staley, calling him instrumental in aiding the city's efforts to get grand funding for the new equipment. The event was attended by Kevin McHugh, Missouri Department of Natural Resources; Chris Buckland, MoDOT; Alderman Rick Stokes; Parks and Recreation Director Mary Jo Dessieux and several city employees. Members of the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce also attended the ribbon cutting. Memorial Park was …

Each week, Wentzville Patch uses our Viewfinder column to take a look through our lens at what is going on around town — be it a goodbye celebration for Police Chief Robert Noonan or a washers tournament put on by the Wentzville Chamber of Commerce. This week, were turning it over to you. We're sharing a few submitted photos from events we couldn't get to and we want you to do the same. Have some great Halloween pics? Share them on Patch. Did you take a picture of something interesting going on around town? Share it on Patch. Click on the submit your photos and videos button at the bottom of …

The St. Charles Convention Center went to the dogs. Well, for one day, anyway. Airdales and Aussie Shepherds, Chihuahuas and Mastiffs, Great Danes and Dachshunds moved in for the St. Louis Pet Expo on Oct. 29, along with some ferrets, rabbits, a parrot or two and a several cages of sleepy kitties. The show featured 150 booths with pet products and services, demonstrations, discounted vaccinations, and lots and lots of pet rescue organizations with adoptable pets just begging to be taken home and loved. Next year's Pet Expo will be held on Sept. 29, 2012.

Patch asked readers to share Halloween photos of their children in our Little Pumpkin Costume Challenge. We got some great pictures from around St. Charles and St. Louis Counties. Unfortunately, no one from Wentzville entered the competition. Now that the contest is closed, celebrity judge Heidi Klum is working to judge the entries. She’ll choose nine finalists and the grand prize winner; they will each win $1,031 for their favorite charities. In addition to the charity donation, the grand prize winner goes to New York or Los Angeles for a three-day, two-night trip for two that includes a …

The Meadows' annual Halloween event attracted families from all over St. Charles County on Saturday to enjoy activities that included trick-or-treating, hayrides, pumpkin and face painting, balloon sculpture artists and live music.

The city of Wentzville honored outgoing Police Chief Robert J. Noonan with a gala bash at Progress Park. The event was held Oct. 20. After 14 years in Wentzville and 42 years in law enforcement, Chief Noonan is retiring. Noonan’s retirement takes effect Nov. 1. Residents were invited to the Open House to personally thank Chief Noonan and wish him well. Residents and officers alike came out to honor Noonan. Several Wentzville law enforcement employees wore nametags reading 'Kiddo.' The Suburban Journals noted Noonan's habit of calling all his officers 'kiddo.' “I have come to realize over my …

The city of Wentzville held a Transportation Open House at Progress Park Tuesday. City officials and staff members were there to talk to residents about road projects and maintenance and to answer questions. In addition, residents were able to view maps and displays about transportation projects currently underway, projects in the planning stage and projects that have just been recently completed. Area residents also had the opportunity let city officials know how they would prioritize the transportation projects the city has proposed, and make suggestions on transportation projects they …

The Wentzville Chamber of Commerce young professionals group held its first washers tournament Thursday, Oct. 6. Attendees were treated to dinner, drinks and prizes. The event was held at Quail Ridge Park. The young professionals group meets once a month and aims to get younger members of the business community involved in the Chamber of Commerce.

A beautiful sunny day brought lots of owners and dogs to enjoy some fun in Broemmelsiek Park Saturday, Sept. 24. The event, which ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. was a free off-leash dog festival packed with contests, prizes, sponsor giveaways and K-9 and obedience skills demonstrations.