Around here, the city of Ballwin isn't the only one doing a little summer construction.  At Patch, we're doing a little building of our own. Our team has been busy working on a new-look platform that we think is going to be a big improvement for users. If you want a sneak-peek of what it looks like, check out our east coast colleagues at Mineola Patch or New Hyde Park Patch for a frame of reference. But here's where I need your help. The new-look site will need a photo that will run at the top of every page. What image screams Ballwin or Ellisville to you? Is it a city government building? …

Up at the top of this page, in the lefthand corner, you've seen a name, a picture and an email address telling you who the editor of Ballwin-Ellisville Patch is. That information changed late last week, so I thought an introduction was in order.  Hi, I'm Gregg Palermo. I launched Creve Coeur Patch as the Local Editor there in 2010 and continue in that role today in addition to my new responsibilities. You may have seen my byline here on Ballwin-Ellisville Patch from time to time, primarily with Patch coverage of politics at the state and federal level. Before Patch, my journalism career took …

I don't know about you, but I'm glad Christmas is here. All great Christmas movies, holiday coffee specials, quirky decorations and gift exchanges aside, Christmas is a time I realize just where I am and how things have changed since the Christmas before. As a Christian, this holiday means a lot more to me than presents or even great food. As I've gotten older, I've thought increasingly more about how much I have to be thankful for and how I can express my gratitude. Giving comes in many different sizes and packages. It may mean finding that handy present for someone who really needs it, or …