👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

• 💎 A Jewelry heist in Ballwin

• 🚒 Firefighter training at the now-empty Chesterfield Mall

• 🍨 Main Street Creamery's business transition

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

Top Stories

💍 Jewelry Store Heist on Manchester Road

The Ballwin Police Department is investigating a brazen daytime robbery at a local jewelry store in Winchester. Four suspects wearing masks entered Dahab Jewelry on Manchester Road, stealing gold pieces worth about half a million dollars. No injuries were reported, but the incident has raised questions about security in the usually peaceful shopping center.

🚒 Firefighters Train at Chesterfield Mall Before Demolition

The Chesterfield Mall is serving a new purpose in its final days. Local fire and rescue teams are using the empty building for extensive training exercises. The Staenberg Group, which owns the property, has allowed first responders to use the site for two weeks. This unique opportunity enables crews to practice complex rescue operations in a realistic setting.

🔔 Historic Creve Coeur School May Get Second Chance

Creve Coeur's Lake School House, previously set for demolition, may have a new future. The city council is reconsidering its decision after Laura Dierberg Ayers, Tappmeyer House program director, spoke in favor of preserving the building. Parkway School District's superintendent has expressed interest in potentially using the school for educational purposes.

🏢 County Considers Outsourcing Maintenance

The St. Louis County government is facing a dilemma in maintaining its facilities. With a shrinking maintenance staff, officials are proposing a $6.1 million contract with DCM Management to provide 17 workers for building upkeep. The plan would cost about $153,000 per worker annually, more than double some current employee salaries. County officials cite difficulty in attracting and retaining staff due to non-competitive pay.

Business

🍨 Main Street Creamery Announces Business Transition

Main Street Creamery is merging with Silver Spoon Ice Cream. Nick Kiser, owner of Main Street Creamery, announced the decision, citing personal commitments. Silver Spoon, based in Eureka and known for its premium ice cream, will take over operations. The new owners plan to maintain the community focus and keep familiar staff members.

🏥 New Nursing School Opens in Creve Coeur

Grand Canyon University is bringing its Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to St. Louis. The new learning site will host a grand opening on Tuesday, Sept. 24. Visitors can learn about the hybrid learning model, nursing skills labs, and simulation experiences. The event begins at 8:3 am, with the program starting at 9am.

🥨 Pretzels & Polka in Downtown Eureka

Eureka's Old Town is embracing the spirit of Gemütlichkeit this October. Local business owners are orchestrating an Oktoberfest celebration on the 13th, featuring a smorgasbord of food, drinks, and entertainment. With Central Avenue closed to traffic, the event aims to showcase the best of Eureka and neighboring Pacific, supporting local businesses in true community style. Learn more here.

🏥 Mercy May End Anthem BCBS Contract

Mercy Healthcare and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield are at odds over contract terms. Mercy claims Anthem's system creates barriers to patient care, while Anthem argues Mercy's demands would lead to significant price increases. This dispute could impact various insurance plans, potentially affecting healthcare access for many in our area.

School District Highlights

🏆 25 Parkway + 22 Rockwood Students Named Merit Semifinalists

Twenty-five Parkway and twenty-two Rockwood high school seniors have earned recognition as National Merit Semifinalists. This accomplishment comes after a rigorous selection process that began with over 1.3 million students nationwide. The semifinalists will now compete for a share of nearly $26 million in scholarships, highlighting the academic strengths of our local schools.

City Highlights

Ballwin

🚔 Ballwin Officer Honored for Saving Life

Ballwin Police Officer Jeffry Southward recently received recognition for his lifesaving actions. In June, Southward responded to a call involving a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His quick medical intervention, including wound packing and pressure application, proved crucial in saving the victim's life.

Creve Coeur

🌳 Creve Coeur Launches Tree Planting Program

Creve Coeur's Public Works Department is accepting applications for its annual Street Tree Planting Program. Residents and subdivisions can apply until October 11th to have a tree planted in their public right of way. The city is covering half the cost, making it more affordable for locals to enhance their streetscapes. Learn more / apply here.

Ellisville

🌃 Ellisville to Join National Night Out Festivities

Ellisville's stepping up its community game this October. The city's joining the nationwide National Night Out event on the 1st, from 6-9pm. It's not just another Tuesday - it's a chance for residents to rub elbows with the officers who keep their streets safe.

Eureka

🎡 Eureka Days Festival Returning This Month With New Theme

Eureka's community festival, Eureka Days, is set to take place from September 27-29 and will feature a baseball theme. The event at Legion and Lions Parks will include carnival rides, food vendors, and music acts. Attendees can participate in various activities, including a kickball tournament, cornhole competition, and chicken wing eating contest. The festival will conclude with a Home Run Derby featuring local youth on Sunday afternoon.

🚂 Eureka's 1858 Land Sale: A Look Back

Over the weekend the Eureka Historical Society shared a glimpse into the Eureka's beginnings. In 1858, Strodt & Shands of St. Louis began developing 60,000 feet of land along the Missouri Pacific Railroad. On April 22, a special train brought potential buyers from St. Louis to purchase lots in the newly established Eureka Village, marking the official start of the town's growth.

Manchester

🏆 Manchester Officer Wins Lifetime Award

Sgt. Evan Waters, a dedicated School Resource Officer for 13 years, recently received the Missouri SRO Association's Lifetime Achievement Award. His remarkable service in the Parkway School District has positively impacted both Manchester and Parkway communities, earning him recognition from city officials and residents alike.

🖍️ Play Bingo from Your Car at PINGO This Thursday

Manchester Parks and Recreation is organizing a PINGO (Parking Lot Bingo) event this Thursday (September 19th). The event will allow participants to play bingo from their cars. Parking opens at 5:15pm, with games starting at 6pm. Attendees should bring their own supplies, including daubers, chairs, and refreshments. Pre-registration is required due to limited space. Learn more / register here.

Valley Park

🍂 Valley Park's Fall Festival Returning Soon

Valley Park's Fall Festival is set for October 5th at Leonard Park. The event, lasting from mid-afternoon until 10pm, promises a full day of autumn-themed fun. Activities include Trunk-or-Treat, a Bubble Bus, and hayrides. As evening falls, the festival will light up the sky with fireworks. Food options will be available from on-site trucks and Kona Ice.

Upcoming Events

Visit our full community calendar here for a comprehensive list of events.

📆 Next 7 Days

THANKS!

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