Sunday, November 25, 2012
The ripple effects of the collapse of Hostess Brands hit Patch towns around St. Louis as employees lost their jobs last week.
If your company said it must cut wages and benefits or it will go out of business, would you believe it? That is really at the crux of the drama that played out over the 10 days surrounding Hostess Brands, the makers of iconic bakery names such as Twinkies, Ho-Hos and Wonder Bread. That drama hit close to home in the days leading up to the Thanksgiving weekend when stores in Manchester and St. Charles that sell Hostess foods abruptly closed their doors, leaving employees wondering what would happen next. That came after news that the company could not come to terms with its bakers union. Without an agreement over 8 percent cuts in wages and 17 percent cuts in benefits, the company said, it would have to shutter its doors and liquidate the …
Saturday, November 24, 2012
"Shopping local does not mean walling yourself off from the outside world, but it does require you to pause and consider what you can purchase close to home before making big shopping trips to the mall or large centers," Julie Wood.
Julie Wood, Eureka's director of economic development, noticed Eureka has a lot of organizations that raise money for the hungry, veterans and various other causes. "Small business owners are amongst the first who receive requests for donations for various fundraising events held by these organizations and area schools. I am amazed by their generosity," she said. "Time after time, they donate gift cards or products and services to make these events a success." Wood recommends everyone consider what Eureka and surrounding communities have to offer when making holiday lists. She said it is easy to spread holiday cheer this season by purchasing even just a few of those ‘wish list’ items close to home. "Not only will you be helping local …
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Start holiday shopping at locally owned stores during Small Business Saturday. Old Town Eureka merchants lead the way.
Small Business Saturday is on Nov. 24 this year, two days after Thanksgiving. It is a day for everyone to support small businesses that help our community thrive. American Express founded the day in 2010 to help small businesses get exposure during the holiday season, when they might be otherwise overlooked. With retailers buzzing around the holidays, it is important to support local small businesses that rely on their neighbors to continue prospering and building the local economy in Eureka and Wildwood. "Eureka is filled with small business owners. I have seen a real movement of them banning together to strengthen their voice. Old Town Eureka is working on forming a business group to stay up-to-date on events and issues that they face," …
Monday, November 19, 2012
One of Wildwood's historic restaurants has a new owner who says she will restore the location to its former glory.
One historic restaurant—The Pond Inn—has sat vacant in Wildwood at 17250 Manchester Road and the intersection of Pond Road for several years now. But it will be vacant no more in the future, as noted at Wildwood's city council meeting on Monday. Signs of refurbishing there were noticed by several Wildwoodians lately. Activity at the location is a welcomed sight. The property once operated as an inn and restaurant, but closed some years ago due to a fire. Bethany Mehard and her husband, William, purchased a home in Wildwood this January. She also purchased the Pond Inn property, indicating she hopes to reopen it in early April as a restaurant bearing its former name, Pond Inn. Wildwood director of planning and parks Joe Vujnich said Monday …
Saturday, November 17, 2012
This is "Boot Sale Weekend" at Heels, and the staff offers a Thanksgiving celebration for which customers save 25 percent to 40 percent. Check out the store on Small Business Day Nov. 24.
Launched by Rosemary Barry in Wildwood Town Center on March 28, 2008, Heels Boutique evolved from a shoes boutique to what's now fondly referred to as a “department store boutique." "We opened our doors during the height of the recession," said Barry. "What a scary time it was to open a business! We rethought our product mix and price point, and charged ahead." Barry said they now sell a little bit of everything, all at very affordable prices. "We strive to fill our store with unique products—we don’t want our customers to see themselves coming and going in Wildwood! You can stop into Heels, grab a great pair of jeans, a cute top, of course a wonderful pair of shoes, or a gift and head out the door ready for the evening—all in one stop!" …
Thursday, November 15, 2012
VIDEO: St. Louis County Parks and Recreation managers seek new sources of revenue to help make county parks more self-sustaining. One favorite spot in Wildwood is targeted to get a high-ropes course. Meeting is Nov. 17.
Greensfelder Park in Wildwood is slated to have a new outdoor adventure course by this coming spring, if current plans for a high-ropes treetop park get approved by St. Louis County Council members. Mistakenly first deemed "a zip line" business, some residents are expressing concern about the new endeavor's impact on trees, Greensfelder's current trails and equestrian offerings, as well as the overall natural ambiance of the 1,736-acre park. A second, informational meeting is being hosted by county representatives at the park this Saturday so anyone interested can see the plans firsthand. Saturday's meeting will be held from 8:30 a.m.–10:15 a.m. at Greensfelder's Learning Center at the corner of Henken and Allenton Roads, 4515 Hencken Rd. …
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
A Llywelyn's Pub under way in Wildwood Town Center gained approval to serve liquor Tuesday evening. Now the opening is expected in early February.
A public hearing was conducted at Tuesday night's Wildwood city council meeting regarding granting permission to the owners of Llywelyn's Pub to serve liquor by the drink. Click here to sign up for the free Eureka-Wildwood Patch newsletter to keep up with developments of this new restaurant. Wildwood city clerk Lynne Greene-Beldner presented all the necessary documentation, indicating the pub's license application had approval from both the city's Planning and Zoning Commissioners and the St. Louis County Police Department-Wildwood (6th) Precinct representatives. The liquor license was approved by council members. Council member Jim Kranz, Ward 7, asked about the expected space of the new location, which will be 2490 Taylor Road. Llywelyn'…
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
A guide to election-themed goods and specials on Nov. 6 (some of them are free!). Looking for a nearby watch party? Patch has those, too.
Are you participating in the democratic process on Tuesday? Don't forget to take a moment and reward yourself for your patriotism. Several St. Louis organizations and businesses--as well as national chains--are offering up presidential food, discounts, or a place for you to watch the results roll in. Are we missing an offer or watch party? Shoot a note to karlie@patch.com and we'll get the new information added to this article as soon as possible! (You can also add it to the comments below.) Food and drink fun Other cool stuff Watch parties and related activities RFT’s Gut Check blog has listed a handful of other watch parties in Florissant and St. Louis city.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Our panel of experts are waiting in the comments to answer questions about healthy teeth and dental hygiene in the latest installment of Ask the Patch Pro.
It's time for another edition of Ask the Patch Pro, where each week we tackle a different topic and open up the comments section for questions. Our team of experts stop in to help you out and answer your questions. This week, since Trick-or-Treaters just finished filled their bags full of sugary treats, we're talking all about healthy teeth. Patch wants to help you get your questions answered, but we needed some help. We've compiled a team of experts to help us out. Meet the experts: If you have a question for the dentists, ask below in our comment section and one of our experts will answer! If you consider yourself a local expert and would like to be added to the list, let us know! jordan.lanham@patch.com
Monday, October 29, 2012
Patch is looking for experts who can talk teeth and offer their expertise this week.
This week on Halloween, kids across the nation will go from house-to-house with one goal: Fill their bags with as much candy as possible. Since an abundance of sugary treats will most likely invade our homes the next few days, we want to discuss healthy teeth and dental hygiene. We want to find the answers to all your dental questions this week, but we need a little help. In the latest edition of "Ask the Patch Pro" we need local experts who can answer readers' questions and offer advice. If you are a local dentist or consider yourself an expert and can answer these questions and more, let us know two ways. One: You can leave a comment on this post. Two: You can send an email to jordan.lanham@patch.com. We need experts to answer …
MIKE K
10:50 am on Monday, December 3, 2012
The problem with Unions is that they tie the companies hand with crazy work rules. Hostess is a prime example since they drivers could only deliver certain kinds of products. I think in the old days they referred to that as featherbedding. Another problem with Unions is that they defend poor performing workers. The teacher unions are the worse where practically senile old teachers hang on past … more ›