👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

• 🇺🇸 A Moving 9/11 tribute in Manchester

• 🎢 Six Flags’ New Joker coaster opens this weekend

• 🎂 Schnucks' 85th anniversary deals

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

Top Stories

🇺🇸 Manchester's Moving 9/11 Tribute Night

A solemn 9/11 tribute unfolded at Stoecker Park in Manchester on Wednesday. The city’s Flags of Valor display provided a poignant backdrop as survivor Krista Salvatore recounted her narrow escape from the South Tower. Attendees also heard about firefighter Michael Weinberg's heroic response and sacrifice on that fateful day.

🃏 Joker-Themed Coaster Debuts in Eureka

Six Flags St. Louis is gearing up for Fright Fest with a new addition. Joker's Carnival of Chaos, launching today (September 13th), promises to be one of the park's speediest attractions. Early riders have noted the coaster's thrilling speed, strong G-forces, and exhilarating airtime, setting high expectations for its public debut.

🚨 Backstoppalooza Rocks $82K for Heroes

Chesterfield's annual Backstoppalooza hit a high note this year, raising an impressive $82,000 for The BackStoppers Inc. This local favorite, now in its 12th year, continues to support families of fallen first responders. Led by Lieutenant Chris Connelly and his team, the event showcased community spirit with volunteers and local restaurants pitching in.

📚 Library Celebrating Hispanic Heritage

This Sunday marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month at the St. Louis County Library. The celebration runs through October 15, featuring a variety of engaging programs. Patrons can look forward to scavenger hunts, food demonstrations, crafts, and film screenings, all designed to showcase Hispanic culture and traditions. Learn more here.

🏠 Former Cardinal's Mansion on Market

Venturing slightly outside our usual area, here's a noteworthy real estate listing you’re likely to find interesting… Jim Edmonds' former Frontenac residence has hit the market at $9 million. Spanning 17,000 square feet, this luxury estate offers seven bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, and an impressive list of features like an indoor gym, basketball half-court, and an outdoor putting green. Check it out on Zillow here.

Business

🎂 Schnucks Celebrating 85 Years With Deals

Schnucks is marking its 85th anniversary with a week of special offers for customers. Through September 17th, Schnucks is featuring daily deals through their Rewards App. The celebration kicked off with a mystery deal, with more unique offers to follow each day.

🌮 Mission Taco Joint Announces New Name

Mission Taco Joint is changing its name to Session Taco following a trademark lawsuit. The owners, Adam and Jason Tilford, are using this opportunity to enhance their restaurant's beach-inspired theme. New menu items, including Blue Crab Taquitos and Grilled Mahi-Mahi Tacos, will be introduced next week, bringing more coastal flavors to our area.

🎯 Ballwin Range Hosting Customer Day

The Range St. Louis West in Ballwin is hosting a Customer Appreciation Day tomorrow (September 14th). From 9am to 5pm, the gun range will feature educational presentations on topics including home firearm safety, emergency medical care, and current gun legislation.

🏢 New Coworking Space Opens in Creve Coeur

Creve Coeur is welcoming a new flexible workspace solution with the opening of Office Evolution. The 14,000-square-foot facility caters to a diverse range of professionals, including those in legal, financial, and medical fields. This expansion reflects the changing needs of businesses in the post-pandemic era, offering adaptable real estate options.

🏍️ MV Agusta Demo Event in Valley Park

Tomorrow (Saturday), motorcycle enthusiasts can participate in MV Agusta demo rides in Valley Park. MotoTire USA is organizing the event, which starts with a rider's meeting at 8:45am. Test rides will commence at 9am. Participants can experience riding MV Agusta motorcycles and examine their features up close.

City Highlights

Ballwin

🌳 Vlasis Park Renovation in Full Swing

Ballwin’s Vlasis Park's renovation is taking shape. Drone footage taken by the city shows substantial progress on the playground site. The new equipment, designed for inclusive play, is ready for installation after groundwork completion. From toddler zones to big kid areas, and a special swing set, the park promises fun for all. The project remains on target for a late November debut.

🏊 Ballwin Kids Triathlon Set for Sunday

Ballwin Parks and Recreation is hosting a Kids Triathlon this Sunday. The event is open to children aged 6-13, offering a chance to participate in swimming, cycling, and running activities. Registration is still open here for those interested in joining.

Chesterfield

🏙️ City Council Considering Downtown Tax Plan

The city of Chesterfield is considering a special business district to fund services in the proposed Downtown Chesterfield development. The 100.9-acre project includes plans for high-rise offices, hotels, and a central park. If approved, a tax levy of up to $0.85 per $100 assessed value could be implemented to support additional city services in the area.

Ellisville

🍽️ Ellisville Offering Family Nutrition Class

Starting September 25th, a new parenting class in Ellisville will focus on family nutrition and dealing with picky eaters. Offered by the Parks and Recreation Department, the course will help local families navigate conflicting nutrition advice. Participants will gain useful tips for encouraging healthier eating habits and reducing mealtime stress. Learn more / register here.

Manchester

🇻🇪 Venezuelan Festival Coming to Schroeder Park

Schroeder Park is set to host a celebration of Venezuelan culture tomorrow (Saturday). The free event, running from 11am to 4:30pm, will offer a variety of activities for all ages. Attendees can sample traditional Venezuelan dishes, watch live performances, and even join in dance classes. It will be a chance to experience South American traditions right in Manchester.

Town & Country

🎡 New Swings in Town: Longview's Makeover

Longview Park in Town & Country now boasts an updated playground. The city has invested in new play structures and equipment to enhance recreational opportunities for local families. This Sunday (September 15th), the city will host a ribbon cutting ceremony at the park complete with free Kona Ice.

Wildwood

🏘️ Wildwood Weighs 9-Home Development Plan

Wildwood is examining a residential development proposal for its Town Center area. Sree Saidutta Properties LLC has submitted plans for nine homes on 3 acres, prompting a community dialogue about growth and preservation. Concerns include potential impacts on historic homes and local hydrology. The developer has shown willingness to adapt, reducing density from initial plans. The Planning & Zoning Commission is now tasked with balancing various community interests.

🛍️ Wildwood Vendor Market Set to Expands at Celebrate Wildwood

Celebrate Wildwood's vendor market is growing this year. The market will feature a wide range of local talent, including artists, crafters, and authors. Visitors can expect to find unique items such as handmade jewelry, custom crafts, and books by local authors, all showcasing the creativity of the Wildwood community.

Valley Park

🇺🇸 Valley Park Schools Remember 9/11

Valley Park schools came together to commemorate the events of 9/11 on Wednesday. The ceremony featured recognition of local military personnel and a speech about the day's significance. Musical performances by the choir and a rendition of Taps added to the solemnity of the occasion.

Upcoming Events

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

📆 Next 7 Days

THANKS!

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