Costumed revelers make their Halloween horrible By United Press International ST. LOUIS - The ghost of Halloween parties past is hovering over the Central West End - an area of big homes, trendy nightclubs and fashionable stores. Residents and business owners fear they have failed in their attempt to scare away costumed revelers - numbering as many as 30,000 - who fill the area's narrow streets on Halloween night. At first, the businesses encouraged the annual street party, which was originated years ago by the city's gay community. But the size of the crowds in recent years overwhelmed the neighborhood, residents said. The plan by the Central West End Business Association for this year was to move the party off the streets and into the nearby ChasePark Plaza Hotel. Tickets for the "gala costume party" were $12. But the party was canceled Monday because only a few tickets had been sold. As a result, the association will not sponsor any Halloween event this year. Nevertheless, area residents are bracing for another huge, if unofficial, street party Wednesday night. The Central West End Association, which represents the residents, has hired 21 off-duty police officers to provide security. "It seems. that Halloween has changed,' said Mary Bartley, -president of the residents group. $140 percent on the street." "This neighborhood is just not big enough to handle that number of people." 'put to sleep' said zoo spokesman Bill Stewart. "But we were still unable to pin down the nature of her illness. Zoo veterinarian Bonnie Raphael made the decision Monday to end Mbili's misery. The elephant's swollen feet and abdomen would not let her lie down in comfort even though it was clear that she wanted to lie down, Stewart said. POLAR DOME ICE ARENA Inside Santa's Village •Rt. 25 & 72• Dundee•312-426-6751 ICE SKATING LESSONS Beginning Monday, November 5 Tots to adults • Beginner to advanced *REGISTRATION * Daily thru Friday, November 2•9 am to 6 pm "It used to be that the parents stayed home while the children dressed up. Now it's the parents who are the ones in costume and Ailing elephant By United Press International DALLAS A 6-year-old elephant suffering from a mysterious disease that caused her blood count to drop has been put to sleep at the Dallas Zoo. "We did scores of tests, all very expensive and very sophisticated, and had the help of an awful lot of labs and experts and hospitals,"