Child Harassment Plea: Not Harsh Enough One Mom Says

Christopher A. Frank, 42, pleaded guilty to harassment involving an adult harassing a child, a class D felony.

When it comes to offenses against children, many people feel the punishment shouldn't fit the crime—it should be harsher. That can be especially true when there is a plea agreement. On Tuesday, Patch reported that Christopher A. Frank, 42, of the 700 block of Cella Road in Ladue, pleaded guilty to harassment involving an adult harassing a child, a class D felony. (READ PREVIOUS STORY: Man Pleads Guilty to Harassing Child in Brentwood Home Depot Frank received a suspended imposition of sentence, given 120 days of electronic home monitoring and was placed on five years probation. Frank originally was charged with sexual misconduct involving a child under age 15, also a class D misdemeanor. He is owner and president of Cfx Inc., a marketing …

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Ray Potter Sets The Standard for OASIS Volunteer Readers in Ladue

The Ladue native is in his 13th year of reading with children, working at the Litzsinger Road Ecology Center.

Most folks around Ladue know the affable guy with the white beard and a constant smile as Ray Potter. Truth be told, his name is Horatio “Ray” Potter, and he's been a resident of Ladue longer than the city has been incorporated. Potter was born in 1933, four years before Ladue was incorporated, on winding Litzsinger Road. A constant community volunteer and watchdog, he served on Ladue City Council from 1971 to 1979. He had a lengthy career in mechanical engineering sales. Along the way he and his wife Regina "Jeannie" Potter and raised a family: two children and two grandchildren. They’ve lived at the same Midpark Lane address for 47 years. No stopping him At age 78, Potter shows no signs of slowing his community volunteerism. For the past…

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James Baer

9:19 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012

If you meet Ray Potter out in the community, please thank him for being such a wonderful volunteer for the children in our many schools. Way cool guy.   more ›

Moms Talk Q&A

Your kids get an unexpected start to the Christmas gift-giving season.

You and your spouse have painstakingly prepared the Christmas tree for the season long after your twin six-year-olds have gone to bed. You carefully wrap each present and place it under the tree. The electric train has been put out to light up the setting. Everything is perfect and in its place. Here's this week's question: Two days before Christmas, the twins alight from bed early in the morning and begin to unwrap and play with their new found gifts. What action do you take, if any, at the most joyous time of the year?

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Moms Talk Q&A

Moms Talk: What Are Your Summer Vacation Plans?

And how do the kids factor into the getaway equation?

Now that the sun is shining and the breezes blowing through St. Louis are carrying an inkling of summer, we at Patch are thinking (read: dreaming) about vacation. We suspect you are, too. But families with children often can't just pick up and travel to the far corners of the world. It takes time to plan a trip that involves everyone or to schedule a getaway during which the grandparents can watch the youngsters. So onto this week's question: Whether you're planning a summer vacation with your children or a romantic getaway that won't include them, what factors have you taken into consideration? What items should be on the to-do lists of others planning similar trips?

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Nate Birt

1:03 pm on Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Love, love, love Michigan. That sounds like a blast. I spent a summer at the Detroit Free Press and have visited the Upper Peninsula several times. That's always the trick with family vacations — keeping the kids entertained! Good luck, and have a great time.   more ›

Best of Business

Peek Portraits Continues to Grow in Ladue

Kevin Hammett is building a business based on children, families and charity.

Everybody’s got a good story to tell. Some better than others. You’ll love the one about 32-year-old Ladue business proprietor Kevin Hammett. He’s sole proprietor of Peek Portraits. In a not-so-funny way, Hammett’s lucky to be here, or anywhere at all. Several years ago, he was on his way to his old company's location in Winnetka, IL, outside of Chicago, for a photo shoot. “I was running to catch a train, so I wouldn’t be late for my appointment. I was at the Metra stop at Clybourn and Armitage in Lincoln Park,” he said. “I looked both ways. It seemed clear to cross the street. I was struck by a truck going 40 miles per hour. I was flipped up into the air and landed crashing on the street. Another car almost ran me over. I went into shock…

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Spring 2011 Fashion: Kids' Easter Outfits

Ladue-Frontenac Patch tracks down 10 great looks for boys and girls.

Easter Sunday may not be until April 24, but plenty of parents are searching for the perfect outfits for their kids. Ladue-Frontenac Patch, with the help of models Olivia, Carter, Ella and Amelia Campbell, found 10 great looks for the occasion at Jillybean Children's Boutique (located inside Essential Elements) and Roberts Fine Apparel. As is the case with women, the colors blue and white, along with floral patterns, are definitely popular this season for girls. At Jillybean, Amelia (18 months old) modeled an absolutely adorable white sleeveless, flowing dress ($85). For a touch of spring, a cute flower clip ($12) can be pinned in the hair. Olivia (10 years old) modeled a simple, cap-sleeved navy blue dress ($93-99) that looked very cute …

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Erin Nelson

10:46 am on Sunday, April 3, 2011

Such cute kids! Love the outfits!   more ›

Moms Talk Q&A

How Do You Handle Kids Who Won't Take 'No' for an Answer?

We're seeking your advice for the benefit of St. Louis parents.

Here's a scenario to which some St. Louis parents might relate: Your children ask you whether it's all right if they do Thing X. You say no. Your children, in turn, petition your spouse to see whether he or she can reverse your decision about Thing X. Sound familiar? If so, this week's Moms Talk Q&A topic is for you. We want to hear your advice and wisdom about handling children who have a hard time saying no. We've called in our Moms Council to start the conversation, and we hope you'll weigh in by posting comments below. So onto this week's question: How do you handle children who won't take "no" for an answer?

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Joe Scott

12:40 am on Thursday, March 31, 2011

Our kids are a bit older and can argue a point to death. We've learned - from some very good advice - not to argue with them, and not to give them fuel to keep arguing. That does not mean giving in. We remain firm on our decision and calmly respond to arguments with "Well, I'll have to think about that," or "I don't know what else to do." Continuing the conversation when the result is an argument…   more ›

PatchCast

Daily PatchCast: Wentzville Council Approves Preliminary Tax Levy, Clayton Aldermen Approve Using Funds for Wydown Work and More

A roundup of St. Louis news headlines for Thursday.

Here are the top stories from Patch sites in your area:  

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Moms Talk Q&A

Moms Talk: At What Age Can Kids Take a Spring Break Free of Family?

And what kind of supervision should St. Louis moms and dads plan for those children?

It's that time of year again. Sure, March Madness has come to University of Missouri basketball fans living in St. Louis. But we're talking about spring break. For parents, it can be an especially difficult time. What if your children ask permission to take off for the remote shores of Mexico, or out of state, for that matter? The prospect raises dozens of questions. Who will be driving? What safety precautions are being taken? Who's paying for gas? Where will the kids be staying? None are easy to answer, and that's why we've called in our Moms Council to start the conversation. We hope you'll weigh in with your ideas by posting comments below, too. So onto this week's question: At what age should you allow your child to go on spring break…

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Holiday Gift Guide: Kids' Outfits

We track down 10 holiday outfits sold at Ladue-Frontenac area stores that are sure to keep your kids looking cute.

Most parents love dressing their younger kids in the most adorable outfits they can find for holiday parties, church services and other events. Several stores in the Ladue-Frontenac area offer options that will make the little girls and boys in your life the center of attention wherever they go. MACS Designs has several cute items for kids. The first look suggested to me by sales associate Robin Jonas was a cute black ruffled dress for girls ($152). For younger girls, the store also carries an adorable green corduroy jumper ($50) that is sure to help bring in the Christmas spirit. For little boys, MACS carries white hooded sweaters ($33) that can be paired with their red corduroy pants ($23) for the holidays. MACS also includes …

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