News Nearby: Historic Guns Stolen from Jefferson Barracks Civil War Exhibit

Four historic pistols displayed at the Jefferson Barracks Historic Site were stolen from the Civil War in the West exhibit.

While packing up a museum exhibit at Jefferson Barracks Historic Site, museum administrators noticed four pistols were missing. The missing pistols include: The pistols were part of the Civil War in the West exhibit at Jefferson Barracks. The historic site posted photos of the stolen guns on Facebook, including close-ups of the serial numbers. "Let's bring these sacred artifacts back where they belong...Our JB Historical Site," wrote Greg Freivogel on the site's Facebook page. Call the St. Louis County Police Department at 314-892-1510 with any information about the guns.

• Photos (3)

Pictured on Patch

Pictures Capture Fenton Author, Oakville Football and Deer

Did you miss any of our stories this week? Catch up by viewing Pictured on Patch, a gallery of the best photos from the week.

• Photos (8)

Boy Scouts Honor America's Fallen

St. Louis Boy Scouts placed flags on the graves at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

For 63 years, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers have honored the fallen soldiers of America's wars.  Sunday, the tradition continued as more than 4,000 scouts and their families braved the heat to place flags on each of the 189,000 graves at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. See more photos on our Facebook page. 

•  3 Comments
• Photos (41)

82-Year-Old Man Jumps to Commemorate 100-year-old Feat

The event commemorated the first parachute jump, done at Jefferson Barracks 100 years ago.

When Capt. Albert Berry successfully parachuted out of an airplane for the first time in 1912, both the base commander and the man who designed the airplane just missed the feat. One hundred years later, when more than 600 people gathered at Jefferson Barracks Thursday to re-create history, history was re-created a little too much when most of the crowd missed the landing. Before the jump, the crowd gathered for a ceremony that told the history of the event. At the old military base, Berry jumped out of a plane piloted by Anthony Jannus and designed by Thomas Benoist. “You had real innovators and you had real pioneers and by bringing the three of these together, you brought together what it took as a team to have the first successful jump…

• Photos (5)
• Videos (1)

Public Invited to Celebrate First Parachute Jump Anniversary

The ceremony and jump is at 1 p.m. on Thursday at Jefferson Barracks.

One hundred years ago, on March 1, a man jumped out of an airplane with a parachute for the first time—and landed successfully at Jefferson Barracks. That man was Capt. Albert Berry and he jumped out of a 1912 Benoist Type 12 “pusher” biplane designed by Thomas Benoist, of Missouri. “Nobody thought you could parachute from a plane without having the plane crash,” said Art Schuermann in a National Guard release. Schuermann is from the Jefferson Barracks Historic Preservation Office. “People thought the plane would go out of whack when the jump was made. So this proved the concept – that you can parachute from an airplane and that the plane and the jumper will be fine.” The jump would change the country’s military tactics and lead to …

• Photos (1)

PatchCast: School Districts Seek Legislative Help on Implications of Supreme Court Ruling

Also, singer hopefuls line up for casting call to audition for Simon Cowell's new "X-Factor" talent show, and hundreds gather to celebrate WWII Weekend at Jefferson Barracks.

Here's a look at what's topping news in the region. School Districts to Legislature: Save Us from a Flood of Students: School officials contend a recent Missouri Supreme Court ruling could send a stream of students from unaccredited districts to their classrooms; bills in the legislature may address the issue. VIDEO: Early Birds Catch Chance to Audition for "X Factor":  Hundreds of hopeful singers waited for hours on a cold, rainy morning for the chance to win a trip to Chicago to sing for the producers of Simon Cowell's new reality program, 'X Factor.' WWII Weekend: The Battle:  Faux gunfire broke out at Jefferson Barracks as the 2nd Ranger Infantry Battalion hosted the 32nd annual World War II Weekend. Euclid Records Rocks for Record …

• Videos (1)

PatchCast: Local Charity Receives National Recognition

Plus, little playwrights in Webster Groves gear up to stage big productions, and a Fenton youth group goes barefoot to bring attention to the needs of underprivileged children.

Here's a look at what's happening around the region. Chesterfieldian Starts Charity for Wounded Soldiers:  Matt Cutler started the Joshua Chamberlain Society to aid severely wounded service personnel and the families of killed-in-action members of the military. Festival Helps Little Playwrights Stage Big Productions:  Professional staff will help bring fifth-grade plays to life at the 15th Annual WiseWrite Young Playwrights Festival Friday. The Y.E.A.H. Kids Go Barefoot in the Park:  Fenton youth group participates in a "Day Without Shoes" to bring attention to the needs of underprivileged children. Viewfinder: Adults Go Egg-Hunting:  The annual adult egg hunt at Jefferson Barracks drew almost 700 people.        

• Videos (1)

PatchCast: Voters Hit the Polls to Decide on a Variety of Issues

Also, air control missions will be returning to Jefferson Barracks, and Rockwood schools surprise winners of district awards.

Here's a roundup of news from the region. Voters hit the polls to decide on a new county assessor and several other ballot issues including city, school, fire and ambulance board races. We'll provide you with the results as they come in, so check back often for the latest on patch.com. Air Control Missions Returning to Jefferson Barracks:  The addition of a new radar tower and installation of a new air control unit breathes new life into the historic military post. Rockwood to Honor Bouquet of ROSE Award Winners:  A banquet is planned May 1 to recognize those in the Rockwood School District who have made a difference in the lives of children. Singer Songwriter Creates Music Beyond Years:  With her family behind her, Webster Groves …

• Videos (1)

PatchCast: Incoming MRH School Board Member Dies

Plus, Jefferson Barracks will kick off the first Civil War anniversary event, and gardeners shouldn't worry about the impact of yesterday's surprise snow.

Incoming MRH Board Member Alex Hogue Dies:  The Richmond Heights resident was well known among the people associated with district's middle and high school communities. Jefferson Barracks Joins St. Louis in Gearing Up For Civil War Anniversary:  An announcement Monday noted the anniversary will entertain, but should spark thoughts of history. Snow Won't Phase Most Area Gardens:  Despite a snowfall Monday that's caught many off guard, gardeners around Ballwin and Ellisville should have little to worry about. Affton Community Band Serenades Locals Every Summer:  Volunteer musicians team up when the weather gets warm and share their passion for song with the community.    

• Videos (1)