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EMS Softball Tourney Draws Teams from Around the Region

EMS, fire and police departments were invited to participate in the annual event.

DePaul EMS sponsored the 6th annual softball tournament at the Bridgeton Athletic Center Wednesday. Teams represented their districts for the coveted "traveling trophy" and bragging rights across the entire Metro area. Returning champions, the Florissant Fire Department, handed the trophy to tournament director Tracey Naughton and then the the games began. Monarch Fire Protection District came out on top and held on for a 4-2 victory against University City Fire Protection District after a long day that provided a family atmosphere for the 20 teams entered and their fans. In between games fans visited the kiddie booth, played washers, had their faces painted and enjoyed the music. 

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Five Important Phone Numbers in a Snow Emergency

Lake Saint Louis Patch has some important contact information as the winter storm moves through the area.

With snow and ice advancing on Metro St. Louis, Lake Saint Louis could find itself in the thick of it all. The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for Lake Saint Louis with an expected total accumulation of snow and ice between five and eight inches. Monday afternoon Gov. Jay Nixon called out 600 National Guard Troops in advance of the winter storm, which he said, "is predicted to cause treacherous road conditions and possibly widespread power outages.”  Here is a list of important contacts and places you can turn to in case of emergency: These organizations are working with government and community agencies to provide emergency help and support:

Successful Blood Drive at City Hall

Two hours into the event, drive was two-thirds of the way to its goal.

Two hours into the "Rock and Roll Up Your Sleeve" blood drive, a count of ten donors put the event two-thirds of the way to its goal of 15 donors. Organizers expected to meet that goal before the event closed at 7 p.m. The blood drive was sponsored by the Lake Saint Louis Police Department and the Lake Saint Louis Fire Department and was held in the council chambers at the civic center. Because of the number of blood drives being held, Red Cross staff from Columbia, Missouri were manning the event. "They were wonderful," said Lorri Grueber, city arborist, who attends the blood drive every year. Donors received an Elvis-inspired rock-n-roll t-shirt and were entered into a drawing for two expense-paid trips, one to Las Vegas and one to …

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Escorted by Fire Department, Santa Greets Children

Although most of the children came out to see Santa, a few of them were mesmerized by the fire trucks and flashing lights.

With a truck pulling a trailer with Santa's sleigh and reindeer, and fire engines in front and behind for traffic control, Santa and his firefighter escorts began their tour on Seine Drive. The route continued to Ampere, Bridlewood, Trailside and back to Seine, ending up in the Ridgepointe subdivision. Parents stood nearby or took pictures while the children visited with Santa. The three Cabalonski sisters each had a turn talking to the jolly old elf. The oldest, Kayla, asked for an iPod Nano. The youngest, Megan, wanted a bakery. But Mia, age 7, had a simple request: a bell from Santa's sleigh.

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Ten Things...For the Holidays.

Ten Ways to Give Back to the Community this Holiday Season

Volunteer opportunities abound, and what better time of year to get involved?

'Tis the season . . . to give. Although we often find ourselves rushed and stressed out this time of year, what better time to slow down and think about helping someone else? Even if you can't spare the hours right now, consider making the commitment to help in 2011. Here are some interesting ideas for giving back to the community: Keep in mind that many volunteer programs require an application process and/or background checks. Remember, you are needed!

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