Week In Review: O'Fallon Talks Plans for New Civic Park, Man Pleads Guilty to Filing False Insurance Claims and More

Too busy last week to stay up to date on all the news happening in O'Fallon? Not to worry. Patch has your back.

In case you missed them, here were some of the top headlines from the St. Peters Patch from the last few days.

St. Louis Man Pleads Guilty to Filing False Insurance Claims While Working for O'Fallon Company

• A St. Louis man who worked in O'Fallon has pleaded guilty to filing false insurance claims to divert more than $400,00 for his personal expenses. Brian Behl, 33, worked for Allianz as a claims adjuster in the O’Fallon office. On Friday Behl pleaded guilty to one felony count of mail fraud before United States District Judge Carol E. Jackson. Mail fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and/or fines up to $1 million. Behl's sentencing has been set for May 16, 2013. 

• A bond issue to fund three city facility projects may come before O’Fallon voters as early as the November 2013 election. O'Fallon City staff and council members discussed the possibility during Thursday’s workshop, along with updates on the projects which include, a new Civic Hall, justice center and developments in O'Day Park.

O'Fallon Woman's New Group Bakes Cookies for Soldiers

• A few weeks ago, O'Fallon Patch asked readers to help out an O'Fallon woman who was looking for help baking homemade treats to send to our nation's service men and women oversees. Mary Powers' group of baker volunteers has now become affiliated with an organization called A Soldier's Wish List (ASWL). Powers has named her group ASWL - Cookies from the Heart. Members of the group are from both St. Charles County and around the St. Louis area.

C*Harvey's in O'Fallon Offers Event Planning Services for All Occasions

• Raised in New Orleans by a family that loved planning themed celebrations, Chermeka Harvey has plenty of inspiration and experience to run her home-based O'Fallon event-planning business, C*Harvey's. On her company website, Harvey says that she can "create an experience to celebrate the moments that make life unique and special—whether it be a surprise candlelit dinner for two or a barbecue blowout with the family."

VanBuskirk Chocolate Bar Offers Year-Round Treats

• Wander into VanBuskirk Artisanal Chocolate Bar in Cottleville, and most patrons will find something they are in the mood for.  From chocolates and coffee to beer and wine to ice cream and soda, Conor VanBuskirk has created a venue that caters to each of his interests. VanBuskirk owns three  shops in Florissant and St. Charles County. After years of selling chocolate dipped strawberries and turtles to suburban masses, VanBuskirk wanted to do something more creative.