Patch hopes everyone had a safe and fun Fourth of July holiday! Between the fireworks shows and barbecues, users still had time to share new blog posts on a variety of topics and keep up with discussions on some thought-provoking stories. Catch up and join the discussion with the rundown of what Sunset Hills-Crestwood Patch users have shared this week:

In Local Voices...

Navy Tales: Life and Food Aboard an Aircraft Carrier, Part 3 Our Navy veteran blogger walks through a three-part posting looking back at memories from the life as a sailor.

College Loan Rates to Remain the Same Worried that college loans will shoot through the roof? This blog states the facts about new legislation that will keep rates the same...for at least another year.

Like Higher State Spending? Thank GOP Lawmakers This post has sparked a lot of debate. Check in and share what you think. 

Other blog posts shared this week...

• Flip Flops or Sandals: The New Great Debate
• The EPA and Science Win in Court
• BBB Alert: Consumers Say Collectors Badgered Them For Bogus Video Late Fees
• Pool Safety Tips Shared by Pediatrician
• Follow-Up to Thunderstorm and July 4th Dog Noise Phobia Post
• Tips For Keeping Your Home Cooler During the Summer Months

In Photos...

A $50 gift card to Schiller's Camera and Video is up for grabs! Upload your best Independence Day fireworks photos to Patch by 11:59 p.m. CDT July 10 to enter to win.

Have any quirky Fourth traditions? Hit up the pool or the park this week? Share your summer in action in our Pics & Clips gallery.

In Announcements...

• Mixer
• Jilly’s Cupcake Bar and St. Louis Surge Basketball Introduce Exclusive Cupcake
• United Way seeks new partnerships by opening admissions
• Student’s Digital Portrait Paintings to be Displayed at UMSL
• Bank of America's Museums on Us July 7-8
• Vantage Credit Union Collects Tools For Learning
• Esse Health Welcomes Nurse Practitioner Deichmann

Got news? An interesting story or special event coming up? You always have the freedom to share with Patch. Sign up for a newsletter to get updates straight to your mailbox and see what's happening in Sunset Hills and Crestwood.

If you're a candidate in this year's upcoming campaigns, submit your information to Patch to make sure we have everything covered. We're looking for local voices with a political edge as we move forward into the campaign season.

Don't forget to make your last nominations in this year's Readers' Choice contest! Picks will be accepted through July 9 and then the voting begins!

Happy Patch-ing!