Sometimes you just can't make this stuff up. A kid gets locked accidentally in a gun vault, and all anyone can talk about is whether the parents were negligent? Plus, the sound of lightning striking and a few opinions about a new automaker coming to the region. 

Got comments of your own? We hope you'll click a link and add your 2 cents.

That's one opinion, we suppose

The Debt Ceiling Deal and Who Holds the Cards

"If everyone you talk to agrees with Sarah Palin, you need to expand the size of your sample."

— Robert Usher, Fenton-High Ridge Patch

The kid was fine, by the way

Wentzville Firefighters Extricate Child from Gun Safe

"What a fine use of tax dollars. I believe next time a horribly irresponsible incident like this is reported, the parents' names need to be published along with it. Perhaps this will encourage parents to take better care of their children while in public."

— Shelly Maddox, Wentzville Patch

Just wait till they start staying up later than you

Take Time to Appreciate Parenting

"Savor the moments. I check my kids before bed each night, and my husband asks why....I say it is for me, my time to soak them in."

— Audra Myerberg, Chesterfield Patch

Isn't the key word here "peril"?

Stenger: Smoking Ban Changes Won't Come Immediately

"For goodness sake, of all the public places in St. Louis County, why is it necessary to take the smoking exemption away from the only 150 places left? Those who smoke do so at their own peril, and those who choose to be around them do so at their own peril."

— Jackie Johnson, Clayton-Richmond Heights Patch

Ready for the school bell?

Why I am a Public Educator

"I am very proud of my daughter. She's a special needs teacher in the Fox school district. I see and hear her passion for having the privilege to teach our children. Well wishes for a great year!"

— Mike Klund, Mehlville-Oakville Patch 

I'm not sure, but are they looking for work?

What's In An Emerald Automotive Hybrid Van?

"How do we contact company to become a service and sales location?"

— Brad sowers, Hazelwood Patch

"Who and how do I contact to become a supplier?"

— mark barnett, Hazelwood Patch

"How do I apply to become an employee?"

— Louis Maclin Jr., Hazelwood Patch

"How do you apply for manufacturing jobs?"

— rebecca lyons, Hazelwood Patch

"I will love to finish my career with a new auto plant. How to submit application?"

— Sheri Harvey, Hazelwood Patch

Not cool

Man Arrested for Leaving Dogs in Car

"I once put an oven thermometer in the back window of my closed car on a 104-degree day. It got hot enough inside to boil water—over 200 degrees...The man was literally cooking his dogs."

— Ellen, Town and Country-Manchester Patch

Yeah, yeah, yeah

What Era Would You Like to Live In?

"The late '60s. I had no responsibilities, and life was much easier. You loved your job and did not have to worry about the economy. You believed in the government and could live on what you earned. People were polite, and it was all about family."

— Bonnie Boulch, Affton-Shrewsbury Patch

Boom!

Lightning Strikes Two at County Fair

"We were in a vendor stand about 100 yards from that tree. It was the loudest noise I ever heard. The tree was smoking like it was on fire, but we never saw any flames. Everyone was really lucky that no one was seriously hurt."

— beth campbell, Lake Saint Louis Patch

Simple Priorities

New Eureka Recreation Coordinator Brings Life of Park Experience

"Great, let's make sure owners keep their dogs on leashes and keep disc golf course maintained at Kirchner."

— Margaret Poynter, Eureka-Wildwood Patch