July's Top News Stories: Murder, Meth, Child Molestation, O'Day Park and More

Were you on vacation for part of July? Spending a lot of time in the garden or on the lake? Did you miss Patch?

Here's a list of our top news stories for July:

1. O'Fallon Men Charged in Murder of Zumwalt South Student
   Police say that the incident started out as a drug deal.
   
2. Woman Tried Driving Home in Damaged Car After Causing Collision, Deputy Says
   Occupants in other vehicles were taken by ambulance to the hospital after the June 30 accident on Highway 94.
   
3. Man Arrested in O'Fallon Assault Case
   The suspect pulled the victim's arm inside his car, forcing him to run alongside the vehicle.
   
4. O'Fallon Man Charged With Cooking Meth, Home Condemned, Police Say
   O'Fallon Police said an officer found several ingredients used to make meth during a traffic stop Wednesday.
   
5. Man Attacked Son During Birthday Party Over Missing Skateboard, Officials Say
   James J. Laurant, 35, was charged with assaulting his 17-year-old son during the teen's birthday party.
   
6. $6.8 Million Phase One of O'Day Park Plan Includes Lodge, Trails, Parking
   Plans for the lodge have increased from a capacity of 180 people to 260 people.
   
7. City Issues 8 New Business Licenses in June
   The eight new businesses include three restaurants.
   
8. Man Breaks Relative's Arm After Being Kicked Out Over Drug Use, Police Say
   O'Fallon Police reported Joshua Hartnett twisted a 54-year-old man's arm until it broke.
   
9. O'Fallon Man Sold Heroin to Undercover Officer, Police Say
   St. Charles County Drug Task Force detectives said Shumpert made the drug deals in Lake Saint Louis and O'Fallon.
   
10. O'Fallon Teen Indicted on Child Molestation, Sodomy Charges
    Police said Donald A. Knaust was out on bond when he sodomized a second 8-year-old boy in May.
    
11. Do You Live Near a Former Meth Lab?
    Use our interactive map to see if law enforcement officials found evidence of any meth labs or dump sites near your address.