👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

• 👀 ZEISS's $24M Chesterfield Expansion

• 🏘️ A New Woods Mill Center Proposal in T&C

• 🥞 Uncle Bill's Closes its 2nd Location to Focus on its Manchester Location

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

Top Stories

👁️ ZEISS Invests $24M in Chesterfield Expansion

ZEISS, a technology company specializing in optical and optoelectronic products, has opened new facilities in Chesterfield. The $24 million investment expands their local presence to 64,500 square feet and adds 40 new jobs. The project includes a high-tech clean room and advanced research facilities, reinforcing Missouri's position in medical innovation. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Governor Mike Parson, who praised ZEISS's commitment to the state.

🏘️ Woods Mill Center Gets New Proposal

Town & Country's Planning & Zoning Commission has approved a new proposal for Woods Mill Center. The plan includes 14 condo buildings and a commercial space, with a focus on integrating green areas. This latest attempt to develop the site addresses previous concerns about density and aims to create a transition between commercial and residential zones.

🏚️ County Plots Comeback for Vacant Homes

St. Louis County officials are developing a land bank program to address abandoned properties. This initiative would allow the county to acquire vacant homes, clear their debts, and prepare them for new ownership. County leaders are carefully designing the program to avoid issues encountered by a similar effort in St. Louis city.

🌉 MoDOT Plans I-44 Bridge Maintenance

MoDOT St. Louis has announced two public meetings to discuss maintenance plans for bridges along the I-44 corridor. The meetings will cover plans for bridges from Nebraska St in St. Louis City to Fox Creek in Eureka, west of Six Flags. Residents can attend sessions at the STLCC Meramec Campus or Missouri Foundation for Health in mid-October to learn more.

Business

🥞 Uncle Bill's Closes Kingshighway Location

St. Louis is losing a beloved breakfast institution. Uncle Bill's Pancake & Dinner House on South Kingshighway will close its doors on October 8th after serving the community for decades. Owner Bill Choi hopes to find a buyer to continue the restaurant's legacy, while the Manchester location remains open.

🏥 Mercy vs. Anthem: Healthcare Showdown

A healthcare tug-of-war is unfolding in St. Louis County. Mercy and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield are at odds over reimbursement rates, potentially affecting 500,000 Missourians. Patients may soon face tough choices: higher costs or new doctors.

🍜 Slurp Up Savings: $5 Bowls at Noodles & Co

Local Noodles & Company locations are celebrating National Noodle Day with a weekend promotion. This weekend (October 5th and 6th), customers can purchase any noodle bowl for $5. The offer is available to Noodles Rewards members only, but interested customers can join the rewards program through the company's mobile app or website to access the deal.

🌅 Dawn of a New Brew Era in St. Louis

Nonalcoholic beer options are growing in our area with the arrival of Best Day Brewing. This California-based company brews full-strength beer before carefully removing the alcohol, preserving the authentic craft flavor. Their range includes popular styles like Hazy IPA and Mexican Lager, offering a new experience for local beer enthusiasts seeking alcohol-free alternatives.

School District Highlights

🏫 Rockwood Seeking Community Input

Rockwood is initiating a series of community meetings to develop their 2025-2030 strategic plan. The first session, focused on Nurturing Learning is scheduled for next Tuesday (Oct. 8th) at 6pm at Rockwood Summit High. This will be an opportunity for community members to contribute ideas for the district's future direction.

City Highlights

Creve Coeur

🏆 Creve Coeur Seeking Citizen of the Year Nominations

Creve Coeur is accepting nominations for its Citizen of the Year 2024 award. This recognition honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the community. Eligible nominees include residents, local business owners or employees, and those who have positively impacted the city and its residents. Learn more here.

Ellisville

🌶️ Chili Thrills Returning to Ellisville

Ellisville's popular Hot Dog It's Chili event is back for its 12th year on October 25th at Bluebird Park. Local vendors like Charlotte's Rib and Firehouse Chilifire will offer their signature dishes. The family-friendly festival includes activities for children, such as trick-or-treating at vendor booths and balloon art. Live music by the Woo Daddies will entertain attendees throughout the evening.

Eureka

👮 Eureka PD Receives $6K Donation

This week Eureka's police department received a significant financial contribution. Integrate Construction Partners, along with other local businesses, donated $6,000 to the Eureka Police Officers Support Fund. The check presentation took place at the ongoing $11.5 million government center project site, which is scheduled for completion in December.

Manchester

🚶 Students Hoof It on Walk to School Day

This week Hanna Woods Elementary students kicked off National Walk to School Day with enthusiasm. The journey from Schroeder Park saw kids walking, biking, and skating their way to class.

🔪 Carve Your Way to Glory This October

Manchester Parks and Recreation is organizing a pumpkin carving contest for the entire month of October. All residents and businesses in the area are invited to participate by submitting photos of their carved pumpkins. The contest offers a fun way to celebrate the season and showcase creativity, with winners to be announced in early November.

Wildwood

🎃 Kids' Pumpkin Fun at Wildwood Park Next Week

Young children in Wildwood will have a chance to enjoy autumn activities at an upcoming Community Park event next week. The program, designed for ages 2-5, will feature pumpkin decorating and other fall-themed crafts and games. Pre-registration is required. Learn more / pre-register here.

Valley Park

🍂 Valley Park Fall Festival Tomorrow

Valley Park's annual autumn celebration is set for tomorrow (Saturday). From 3pm to 10pm, Leonard Park will host a range of family-friendly activities. Attendees can look forward to a Bubble Bus, music performances, and a fireworks display. The event also features Trunk-or-Treat and traditional hayrides, promising a full day of seasonal fun.

🚗 VPSD Hosting Vehicle Showcase

Valley Park School District is inviting families to a special event tomorrow (Saturday). From 10am to noon, the main parking lot will feature a variety of vehicles for exploration. This community-oriented gathering offers a unique opportunity for children and adults alike to learn about different modes of transportation in a fun, interactive setting.

Upcoming Events

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

📆 Next 7 Days

THANKS!

Thanks for reading this edition of the ⚡️ West County Pulse newsletter. If you found something useful, please share it with a friend!

Did I miss something? Let me know at [email protected]

Interested in advertising your business in the West County Pulse? Let’s talk