Do you want to enhance your presence online this year and reach new customers for your local business? Well, Patch is here to help—and we can offer you a few perks for taking the time to connect with your community online. Every local business has a space on Patch. We've already done the legwork to create it for you. If you haven't seen it, we'd be happy to show it to you. If you claim it, you have more control over how your business is presented online. Do you have a Facebook page, a Twitter account? If not, we can show you how to create them. If you do, we can link to them through your …

We have reason to celebrate! Webster Groves Patch hit its one-year anniversary on Aug. 10. Woo-hoo! Party hats on and confetti flying! Patch actually launched in the Webster Groves area in December 2010 as Kirkwood-Webster Groves Patch. But last summer, we realized that Webster Groves and Kirkwood are both dynamic, different communities so we decided to split Kirkwood-Webster Groves Patch to better reflect the people, places and issues that give these cities their unique identities. That's when I took over as editor of Webster Groves Patch. First and foremost, I want to thank each and every …

Be sure to stop by the Webster Groves/Shrewsbury/Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce booth today while you're shopping for goodies at the Webster Groves Farmers Market! The chamber, which represents 300 businesses in the community, will have a spot at the market the second Thursday of each month. It's celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. In addition to learning about the chamber, visitors to the booth will be able to meet some of the chamber's members, who represent local businesses you may frequent on a daily basis.  This year, I am honored to be a part of the chamber's first-ever Community…

We recently reported that an armed robbery occurred at the McDonald's at 3635 S. Big Bend Blvd. Webster Groves police responded to the call. Many readers thought the restaurant was located in Maplewood. We did, too. It is listed as being in Maplewood in the Maplewood-Brentwood Patch business directory. Meanwhile, the restaurant is listed as being in Webster Groves on the McDonald's website and on explorewebstergroves.com. Well as it turns out, the restaurant is in Webster AND Maplewood. Capt. Stephen Spear, of the Webster Groves Police Department, told Patch that the lobby, the parking lot …

At Webster Groves Patch, we're proud to acknowledge our neighbors in the business community. That's why we're giving a big shout out to five businesses that claimed their listings on Webster Groves Patch within the last few days. Our newest claimed listings are from: Linek Plumbing Company; Walgreens in Rock Hill; Walgreens in Webster Groves; Weekends Only; Massage Envy. Claiming your listing on Patch shows readers you're watching the reviews posted about them, and that you're ready to update the listing information with more information of your own. By claiming a listing, you can: Upload …

At Webster Groves Patch, we're proud to acknowledge our neighbors in the business community. That's why we're giving a big shout out to five businesses that claimed their listings on Webster Groves Patch within the last week. Our newest claimed listings are from: Webster Groves Parks and Recreation Department (16 parks); Rock Hill Parks Department (seven parks); Hacienda Mexican Restaurant; The Grove Deli; Gracepoint of Webster. All new business claims from now until April 8 also will help local charities. See our contest: Support Local Charities, Businesses in 'Click to Claim' Contest. …

I stopped at the QuikTrip at Laclede Station and Heege roads on my way home from work Wednesday night, and lo and behold what did I see? Gas prices at $3.99 a gallon. That's close enough to the $4-gallon mark for me. That was what all the chatter was about between customers and clerks in the convenience store. Everyone seemed shocked. I had heard gas prices were going to hit $4 a gallon around Memorial Day. And even though prices in the Webster Groves-Rock Hill area were ranging between $3.87 and $3.89 a gallon, I still wasn't expecting to see that $3.99 mark so soon. Typically when gas …

Earlier this month, we asked readers: "Is Enough Being Done to Address Bullying at Hixson Middle School." Just over 100 people took part in the "Patch" Poll, and 73 percent answered no. If you were one of those people who voted no, we want to know what you think should be done on behalf of the district to curtail the problem, if indeed, there still is a problem. Please help us understand by leaving your suggestions in our comments section. The question came about after the a family of a Webster Groves teen who was bullied for months at Hixson Middle School sat down with Patch. Chris and …

According to Time, some 4 million Americans expected to propose or be proposed to on Valentine’s Day.  Were you one of them? If so, announce it to the world on Patch! Patch announcements are free and easy to post. And on top of the great news you're about to share, you can also post photos, videos and relevant links to augment your news. To post an announcement, follow these easy steps (or watch the how to video attached to this article): Log in to Patch with your user name and password Under the "News" tab, click on "Announcements" Once on the announcement page, locate the "Add An …

Since our stories on bullying ran yesterday, another Webster Groves parent has contacted Patch saying that bullying has been an ongoing problem at Hixson Middle School for years.  (See stories: Parents of Bullied Webster Groves Teen Speak Out, We Take Bullying Very Seriously, Webster School Officials Say) She applauded the Wilhelms for having the courage to publicly share their experience. She said other parents are afraid to speak up about the issue in fear of retribution to their children and asked that we not use her name for that very reason._____________ Is enough being done to address …

We're Patch, and we just want to say, "good morning!" That's what the daily Patch email newsletter is all about. Every morning, as you're rising to start your day, we send you the latest local headlines, events, blogs, photos and community tidbits — right to your inbox, free of charge. All you have to do is sign up. You won't believe how easy it is. Here's why we think you'll like it. 1) It's quick. Hey, we know you get a lot of email. That's why we made it easy to read. 2) We're all about your community. With a quick scan, you'll find stories about your schools, the local police, new …

One year ago, Patch landed in Webster Groves as Kirkwood-Webster Groves Patch. Owen Skoler launched the new online community news site on Dec. 9. On Aug. 10, we decided to split Kirkwood-Webster Groves Patch to better reflect the people, places and issues that give these cities their unique identities. That's when I took over as editor of the new Webster Groves Patch. First and foremost, I want to thank you for welcoming me to your community. The support I've received from readers, city leaders and school officials has been overwhelming. You are what has made Webster Groves Patch a success! …

As you know, Kirkwood-Webster Groves Patch split to form Kirkwood Patch and Webster Groves Patch earlier this year in our effort to deliver these newsmakers and their surrounding communities with the local coverage they deserve. And as you may or may not know, this news can be delivered to your inbox through our daily newsletters. It's the best way to stay up-to-date on happenings in your community. If you signed up for the Kirkwood-Webster Groves Patch newsletter before the site split in August, you automatically became signed up for ONLY the Kirkwood Patch newsletter. For residents looking …

Are you organizing a neighborhood yard sale? Maybe you want to share info about an upcoming book club that's open to the public? Or perhaps your child’s PTO would like to promote a fundraiser?Community members are invited to post events to the Webster Groves Patch calendar, free of charge. When you post your event, you not only have creative liberty, but you can also access your event in the future if you need to make any additions or changes.[Note: The Webster Groves Patch calendar is free for personal and non-commercial purposes. It’s not to be used for advertising. If you would like to …

Every day, the national media is full of stories about how American families, businesses and neighbors are adjusting to these trying times. There are so many changes happening so fast that it's dizzying: national debates about unemployment, foreclosures, debt, government and private enterprise all touch on fundamental ways in which we see ourselves and our communities. At Patch, we want to explore that conversation on a daily basis so we can better understand how our neighbors are adjusting to the challenges and opportunities that surround us. We don't think there's one American Dream, but a …

Exciting news! Beginning today, Webster Groves has its very own Patch—your online source for news, announcements and events specific to your community. You spoke, and we listened! Since launching Kirkwood-Webster Groves Patch in December, we've hit the streets and reached out to residents, business owners and community leaders. In the process, we've recognized that Webster Groves and Kirkwood are both dynamic communities. They have their own school districts, police and fire departments, recreation centers, nationally recognized universities and thriving business districts.  With that …