By AP/KWMU
Los Angeles, CA – A woman from St. Louis County was crowned Miss USA Monday night in Los Angeles.
Shandi Finnessey, of Florissant, is also a graduate of Lindenwood University in St. Charles and has written a children's book called "The Furrtails."
She went to the pageant as Miss Missouri, but will represent the entire U.S. in the Miss Universe competition in Ecuador in June.
The winner's prize package includes a New York City apartment for a year, extensive travel opportunities, and a yearlong salary.