👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

💊 Opioid Fund Delay
🐈 County Shelter Takeover
🎸 Gateway Studios Opening in May

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

Top Stories

🏥 County Has $16M in Unused Opioid Funds

St. Louis County has received $16 million in opioid settlement funds since 2022, but none has been spent to address the overdose crisis. County Executive Sam Page attributes the delay to staffing shortages and budget cuts. Local organizations serving residents are waiting for information on how to apply for funding that could expand their prevention and recovery programs.

🐾 County Takes Back Reins at Animal Shelter

St. Louis County resumed operations of its Olivette animal shelter on Friday (February 21st) as the Animal Protective Association ended its two-year contract. During APA's management, they facilitated 5,300 adoptions and cared for 11,600 animals. County Health Director Dr. Kanika Cunningham now oversees the shelter, with a new volunteer program accepting applications through February 25th to support continued animal care.

📝 County Property Tax Forms Due March 1

Don’t forget that March 1st is the deadline for St. Louis County personal property tax declarations. If you haven't received your form in the mail, you can complete the process online through the county website here.

👮 Citizens Police Academy Begins Soon

The West County Citizens Police Academy begins March 5th, marking its 22nd year. This collaborative program between eight local police departments runs for nine weeks on Wednesday evenings. Register now if you’d like to participate.

Business

🎸 Entertainment Complex Opens in May

Gateway Studios in Chesterfield has announced May opening dates. The 32-acre campus features a 300,000-square-foot rehearsal facility at Chesterfield Airport Road and Spirit of St. Louis Boulevard. Designed for touring professionals, the complex offers integrated audio, video, and lighting solutions alongside amenities like private dressing rooms and in-house catering.

🧮 Accounting Firm Relocating in West County

SFW is relocating from Corporate Hill in Des Peres to Creve Coeur Center later this year. The accounting firm, which serves small and medium-sized businesses throughout the area, has expanded to 74 employees and required additional space.

🥑 Schnucks Expands Delivery Hours

Schnucks has extended their service hours at their Ellisville facility. While physical stores close at 10pm, customers can now receive deliveries until midnight through Instacart and the Schnucks Rewards App. This new pilot program provides access to essential items during late hours, part of a growing demand for evening deliveries that increased 44% nationwide last year.

School District Highlights

🏆 Four Local Schools Earn Character Award

Four Rockwood schools have received important recognition. Babler Elementary, Crestview Middle, Ridge Meadows Elementary, and Selvidge Middle were named 2025 State Schools of Character by Character.org. They're among 98 schools nationwide to receive this honor and are now under consideration for the national designation, which will be announced this spring.

Ballwin

🌱 Native Plant Event at The Pointe Tomorrow (Sunday)

Ballwin Parks and Recreation is presenting an educational opportunity this weekend. The inaugural Native Plant GardenPalooza will take place at The Pointe on Sunday from 2-5pm. Attendees can hear expert speakers from 2:00-3:15pm and meet with Missouri native plant organizations offering literature and resources on incorporating native plants that support local wildlife.

Creve Coeur

❤️ Nominate Local Biz Heroes By March 7

Nominations are now open for the Creve Coeur Business Awards program. The city is looking for businesses and organizations that have demonstrated commitment to the community through positive impact in Creve Coeur or the St. Louis region. Submissions will be accepted until March 7th, with winners to be recognized at the Creve Coeur-Olivette Chamber of Commerce Luncheon this spring.

Des Peres

🏊 Des Peres Summer Registration Now Open

The Lodge has opened summer program registration to everyone, including non-residents. Their 2025 Activity Guide showcases a variety of recreational opportunities for children throughout West County.

Eureka

🏛️ State Funds May Rescue Eureka Bridge Plan

The cost estimates for replacing the nearly 100-year-old Allenton Bridge have more than doubled. Initial projections of $8 million have ballooned to $18-20 million, far exceeding the $3 million allocated from Prop E funds. Mayor Flower confirmed Eureka has requested additional state funding, with news expected within three months.

Manchester

💰 Get Sewer Help for Just $400 in Manchester

Manchester residents have access to financial relief for sewer problems. The city's Sewer Lateral Replacement Program provides up to $10,000 in repairs for defective lines with a $400 application fee. This practical solution is available to homeowners with six or fewer dwelling units, including individual condominium units. Learn more information here.

👕 Support Special Olympics with MPD Tees

The Manchester Police Department has launched their annual Law Enforcement Torch Run shirt sale. These olive-green tees directly support Special Olympics Missouri athletes through training and competition programs. The shirts are available at the Manchester Justice Center or at the May 22nd "Clean up for Special Olympics" event at Tucker's Place West, with prices range from $15-20.

Town & Country

🏢 T&C Reviews Facility Improvement Bills

Town & Country's Board of Aldermen is addressing aging infrastructure issues. They recently reviewed two bills: one for a $77,296 project to repair 27 rusted carport posts at the police department, and another authorizing $58,223 in professional service agreements with Navigate Building Solutions for renovations to the public works building, municipal center, and firehouse.

🍷 Town & Country to Host Art & Wine Event

Town & Country's annual Art & Wine event is scheduled for February 28th next week. Taking place from 5-7pm at Longview Farm House, the $25 admission includes appetizers, wine tasting, a bottle pull, and a commemorative gift. Tickets are available here.

Wildwood

🏠 1913 Wildwood Landmark Gets Demo Approval

Time has run out for a piece of Wildwood history. The J.P. Connell House, built in 1913 with distinctive stucco exterior and red-tile roof, has been approved for demolition despite efforts to save it. The home of a clay mining pioneer features the same architectural style as Old Pond School and sits at St. Albans and Manchester roads. The Historic Preservation Commission opposed the demolition, but the City Council ultimately approved the permit.

Upcoming Events

THANKS!

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