Disc Golf Continues to Expand Local Popularity

A look at the local background and history of the rapidly growing phenomenon of disc golf around St. Louis.

A man with a friend and a Frisbee will play catch. A man with just a Frisbee, however, plays disc golf. With roots that trace back to any number of America’s backyards or church parking lots—with the first person who thought it might be challenging to throw something at a tree or a stop sign—disc golf found its origins sometime shortly after the advent of the familiar plastic disc and has never looked back. A quiet spread, with most noise kept to the occasional sound of plastic hitting one of the chain basket “holes,” the once-steady growth of disc golf has seen a continuing rise of players in the past decade. The sport is now exceptionally strong across the nation and is stretching out to a worldwide community. Since its first recognized …

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Affton-Based Novel Explores Civil War Murder Tale

The author will be signing copies at the Jefferson Barracks Civil War event on April 30 and May 1.

First-time author Tish Cook will be signing copies of her novel When You Speak My Name at the 150th anniversary Civil War commemoration event at Jefferson Barracks on April 30 and May 1. The novel details the semiautobiographical investigations of an Affton resident into the life of her great grandmother and the murder of her great-great-grandfather. Cook herself is from Springfield, IL, and now lives in the area of Dawson, IL. Her ancestor Obediah Leavitt was a civilian in Oregon County, MO, during the Civil War, but was murdered in a gunfight by three men. One of them, Thomas Thorpe, was executed in 1865 despite the general amnesty that came after the war. Cook discovered the story while researching her own genealogy. She used both it …

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PatchCast: School Districts Seek Legislative Help on Implications of Supreme Court Ruling

Also, singer hopefuls line up for casting call to audition for Simon Cowell's new "X-Factor" talent show, and hundreds gather to celebrate WWII Weekend at Jefferson Barracks.

Here's a look at what's topping news in the region. School Districts to Legislature: Save Us from a Flood of Students: School officials contend a recent Missouri Supreme Court ruling could send a stream of students from unaccredited districts to their classrooms; bills in the legislature may address the issue. VIDEO: Early Birds Catch Chance to Audition for "X Factor":  Hundreds of hopeful singers waited for hours on a cold, rainy morning for the chance to win a trip to Chicago to sing for the producers of Simon Cowell's new reality program, 'X Factor.' WWII Weekend: The Battle:  Faux gunfire broke out at Jefferson Barracks as the 2nd Ranger Infantry Battalion hosted the 32nd annual World War II Weekend. Euclid Records Rocks for Record …

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PatchCast: Local Charity Receives National Recognition

Plus, little playwrights in Webster Groves gear up to stage big productions, and a Fenton youth group goes barefoot to bring attention to the needs of underprivileged children.

Here's a look at what's happening around the region. Chesterfieldian Starts Charity for Wounded Soldiers:  Matt Cutler started the Joshua Chamberlain Society to aid severely wounded service personnel and the families of killed-in-action members of the military. Festival Helps Little Playwrights Stage Big Productions:  Professional staff will help bring fifth-grade plays to life at the 15th Annual WiseWrite Young Playwrights Festival Friday. The Y.E.A.H. Kids Go Barefoot in the Park:  Fenton youth group participates in a "Day Without Shoes" to bring attention to the needs of underprivileged children. Viewfinder: Adults Go Egg-Hunting:  The annual adult egg hunt at Jefferson Barracks drew almost 700 people.        

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PatchCast: Voters Hit the Polls to Decide on a Variety of Issues

Also, air control missions will be returning to Jefferson Barracks, and Rockwood schools surprise winners of district awards.

Here's a roundup of news from the region. Voters hit the polls to decide on a new county assessor and several other ballot issues including city, school, fire and ambulance board races. We'll provide you with the results as they come in, so check back often for the latest on patch.com. Air Control Missions Returning to Jefferson Barracks:  The addition of a new radar tower and installation of a new air control unit breathes new life into the historic military post. Rockwood to Honor Bouquet of ROSE Award Winners:  A banquet is planned May 1 to recognize those in the Rockwood School District who have made a difference in the lives of children. Singer Songwriter Creates Music Beyond Years:  With her family behind her, Webster Groves …

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Get Out

Wine, Symphony, Poker and Egg Hunt Events This Weekend

Plan your weekend with our Get Out calendar!

This week, we've got a symphony (with goblins!), an Easter egg hunt (for adults!), a wine tasting (with pretzels!), a poker tournament (for charity!) and a fish fry (with fish!). Symphony Performance of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring When/Where: 7 p.m. on Friday, 7 p.m. on Sunday and 2 p.m. on Sunday at 718 N Grand Blvd. Why Go: Hear the magical score of the epic fantasy masterpiece performed in its full glory by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony Chorus and St. Louis Children's Choirs. It’s your chance to soothe both your love of high culture and your inner nerd. Cost: $30-$85, with limited view and standing room seating available while it lasts Adult Egg Hunt When/Where: 9 to 11 p.m. Friday and …

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Grant's Home to Join 4-Year Civil War Commemoration

Planners reveal www.freedomsgateway.com, a site listing St. Louis events remembering the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.

Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, on Grant Road, is set to play a key role in commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War over the next four years. White Haven, the Grant and Dent family home, serves one of the local anchor points for the story of the Union cause. Local upcoming events highlighting the Civil War should both entertain and give people pause, Bob Archibald, president of the Missouri History Museum, said Monday.  "I think there's a big tension in how we understand this war," Archibald said. Class divisions remain in the U.S. in part because people haven't come to grips with the war. By the late 1870s, Americans had tired of the slavery issue and Jim Crow laws kept freedmen in circumstances that were not much …

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