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A Look Back at 2011’s New Laws

Here are the new laws that took effect in Missouri this year.

As we leave 2011 in the past, Patch takes a look back at the laws that will stay with us into the new year and beyond. For a list of all the laws enacted in 2011, check out the Missouri State Senate’s list of 2011 bills. Bath Salts Despite its innocuous name, the substance known as “bath salts” has effects similar to serious drugs when smoked or sniffed. This year, the legislature passed Senate Bill 354 adding bath salts, or methylenedioxypyrovalerone, to the list of schedule 1 controlled substances. Adoptions Two new laws passed this year make it easier for adopted adults and their children to access birth records. Senate Bill 351 allows adopted adults to find information about their birth parents without notifying adopted parents and to …

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PatchCast: Eureka Garage Sale Nets Adoption Money

Plus, backyard chickens gaining popularity in Maplewood, and nesting geese launch attack on Shrewsbury police, customers.

Here's what's making news in the region. Garage Sale Equals Child Adoption:  The Eureka Chamber of Commerce annual garage sale was so much more than a chance to transfer 'stuff' for one family. VIDEO: Backyard Chickens Take Off in Maplewood:  After a 2009 ordinance passed, interest in the egg-laying pets grows. Police Get Goosed in Shrewsbury:  Protective geese defending their nest go on the attack. Cops and Cowboys Unite to Raise Funds for Special Olympics:  The St. Louis County Police took over Texas Roadhouse Tuesday night to help raise money for Special Olympics.

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Fans Surprised to Learn Beatle Adopted

Adoption is better.

When word spread Wednesday that one of the youngest cats, Beatle, was adopted at last, her biggest fans were surprised--and happy--to see her leave Crestwood's Animal Control shelter in White Cliff Park. Volunteers had grown fond of Beatle, barely a year old. She came to the shelter as a stray Jan. 19 (which coincidentally is the birthday of '60s rocker Janis Joplin.) Beatle waited for a permanent home for nearly two months. Previously, someone had been feeding her outdoors twice a day but when cold weather struck in January, that someone said enough, and got her into the shelter. Beatle seemed happy about it and was quite affectionate, officials said. Beatle had become a member of a tribe of cats at the shelter who seem to be sticking …

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