👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

🐣 Backyard Chickens
🛒 Egg Limits
👶 Valentine Babies

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

Top Stories

🐣 Backyard Chickens Gain Popularity

The rising cost of eggs has prompted many local residents to consider raising chickens at home. Local poultry suppliers report interest has reached an all-time high this year. Though experts note that chicken keeping isn't the most economical solution when considering startup and maintenance costs, locals appreciate knowing exactly where their eggs come from.

🛒 Local Grocers Restrict Egg Purchases

Local grocery stores have implemented egg purchase restrictions due to the nationwide bird flu outbreak. Schnucks is limiting customers to three cartons daily, while Trader Joe's in Chesterfield and Creve Coeur allows just one carton per customer. Dierbergs hasn't implemented limits yet but reports increasing demand. Costco in Manchester and Whole Foods in Town & Country have capped purchases at three cartons per customer.

💰 STL Named Top 5 Most Affordable City

The cost of comfortable living in St. Louis has been calculated. According to GoBankingRates, singles need $58,829 annually to live comfortably in St. Louis, placing our region among America's five most affordable major cities. This estimate follows the 50/30/20 budget principle, though a SmartAsset study last year suggested nearly $90K. Both studies confirm St. Louis remains one of America's more affordable metropolitan areas.

🌨️ MoDOT Delays Road Treatment Until Snowfall

MoDOT has announced a different approach for this week's winter weather. Due to extreme cold temperatures, crews won't pre-treat roads before the snowfall, as chemicals could freeze and create hazardous conditions. With 2-5 inches expected through Wednesday morning, officials recommend staying home if possible. If you must travel, keep emergency supplies in your vehicle.

Business

👶 Valentine Bundles of Joy at St. Luke's

St. Luke's Hospital in Chesterfield welcomed several newborns on Valentine's Day, continuing their tradition of wrapping babies in themed buntings. The hospital has provided these special wraps for newborns on holidays since 1997.

🌙 Schnucks After Dark: Midnight Delivery Here

A new grocery fulfillment warehouse has opened in Ellisville. The Schnucks-Instacart partnership extends delivery hours until midnight, offering produce, alcohol, and home goods. Located near Clayton and Clarkson roads, the facility isn't open to the public but serves as a hub for orders placed through the Schnucks Rewards app, website, or Instacart, with drivers delivering throughout St. Louis County.

🍞 Local Bread Co. Founder Dies at 81

Ken Rosenthal, the founder of St. Louis Bread Co., has died at age 81. Rosenthal opened the first location in Kirkwood in 1987 after being inspired by bakery-cafes he visited in San Francisco. His business concept grew from a single local store to more than 2,200 locations across the country, now known nationwide as Panera Bread.

🔥 Hardee's Fundraiser Breaks $1M Record

Last week the 25th annual Hardee's Rise and Shine fundraiser collected over $1 million for Heat Up St. Louis. With more than 800 volunteers stationed at local restaurants and customer receipt round-ups continuing through Monday, this year's effort surpassed goals by 200%, helping thousands of residents with utility bills.

Ballwin

🏕️ Ballwin Summer Camp Sign-Ups Begin

The Ballwin Parks and Recreation Department’s latest Nerf Wars event is scheduled for February 28th at the Pointe. The 5-7pm event features team challenges, capture the flag, and last person standing competitions for kids aged 8-12. Registration costs $15 for residents and $18 for non-residents, including refreshments. Only standard non-automatic Nerf guns permitted. Learn more / register here.

Chesterfield

🏹 Archery Classes Begin in Chesterfield

The Chesterfield Parks Department is offering archery instruction this spring for both youth and adults at the Valley Athletic Complex. Beginning March 24th, participants will learn proper form, safety practices, and get hands-on experience with supervised target shooting. Learn more / register here.

Manchester

⚾ Manchester T-Ball Registration Opens

The Manchester Parks and Recreation Department is accepting registrations for their youth T-Ball program. Running May 22-June 26, these Thursday evening sessions will help introduce young children to baseball fundamentals. The program features two age divisions with developmentally appropriate instruction. Parks staff lead the sessions, which progress from basic skills to team activities for older participants.

Wildwood

🗳️ Wildwood to Host Council Candidate Forum

Next month 2Wildwood residents will have an opportunity to meet City Council candidates at an upcoming forum. The event will take place on March 31st from 6-8pm at City Hall and will be moderated by the League of Women Voters. Eight wards are up for election, with one council member from each ward to be chosen on April 8. Those unable to attend can watch via YouTube livestream and submit questions in advance through an online form

Valley Park

🌨️ City Suspends Trash Collection

Valley Park has canceled all sanitation services through Wednesday. Regular trash collection is scheduled to resume on Thursday. Residents can find updates on the city website and social media platforms.

Upcoming Events

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