👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

🏛️ A New County Flag
🌪️ A Friday Storm Warning
🗓️ 314 Day Returns Tomorrow (3/14)

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

General News

🏛️ County Unveils New Official County Flag

County Executive Sam Page revealed St. Louis County's new flag on Tuesday morning. Created by Kranzberg Arts Foundation artists José Garza and Hayveyah McGowan, the design features a contemporary take on the traditional fleur-de-lis. The redesign process included community workshops where residents expressed their desire for a symbol representing unity, nature, and forward-thinking values.

🌪️ Major Storm System Approaching Friday

Weather forecasters are predicting the first major storm system of 2025 will hit our area Friday. Expected to reach our area around 4pm, with highest intensity between 7-8pm, the storm may bring winds up to 70 mph and possible tornadoes.

🏕️ Library Offers New Youth Summer Camps

The St. Louis County Library is introducing six free week-long explorer camps this summer for teens ages 12-17. Applications close March 23rd, with participants selected by lottery. The camps at the Clark Family Branch will include makerspace exploration, entrepreneurship training, and history detective work, with free lunch and shuttle services from multiple branch locations.

🗳️ Council Allocates Rams Money for Election

St. Louis County residents will see Proposition B on their April ballots after the County Council approved $520,000 from the Rams settlement fund to put the measure on the upcoming ballot. The measure would give the council power to dismiss department heads with approval from five of seven council members.

🚓 Behind the Badge: Police Academy Returns

The Valley Park police station is opening its doors to curious citizens this spring. Starting April 1st, the West County Precinct Citizen's Police Academy will offer weekly Tuesday sessions where participants can learn about police operations and tour department facilities. The 10-week program creates a valuable exchange between officers and community members without the high-intensity training of official police work.

🚁 Kids' Cop Camp Returns to Chesterfield

The Chesterfield Police Department is also offering programs for children of different age groups this upcoming summer. The Youth Police Academy for ages 7-11 includes learning about traffic enforcement, drone operations, and meeting K9 officers. The Safety Town program provides 4-6 year olds with important safety lessons through a child-sized town setup. Both programs feature morning and afternoon sessions. Learn more / register here.

Business

🗓️ 314 Day Returns This Thursday

St. Louis celebrates its area code this Thursday. The regional holiday, started in 2006, now includes activities all over the St. Louis area. The Eureka Hills Library will host special events, while restaurants like Lion's Choice will offer three sandwiches for $14. Families can enjoy $3.14 rides at Union Station's St. Louis Wheel and Carousel or participate in 3.14-mile walks on the Great Rivers Greenway. Read St. Louis Mag’s full list of events and deals here.

🍀 Panera Offering Green Bread Bowls

St. Louis Bread Co. has introduced a special menu item for St. Patrick's Day. The company is offering green-colored sourdough bread bowls filled with their Mac & Cheese, calling it their "Pot of Gold." This limited-time offering will be available on March 16th and 17th at all St. Louis locations.

👶 Kids' Business Market This Sunday

The Hub STL in Chesterfield is hosting a special event for young entrepreneurs this weekend. The Kidtrepreneur Market will take place on March 16th from 2-4pm, where children will be selling their handmade crafts, accessories, and treats. Visitors will be able to support these young business owners while enjoying a family-friendly atmosphere.

School District Highlights

🏈 Local Coach Enters Hall of Fame

Lafayette High football coach Boyd Manne will be inducted into the Missouri Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame this December. During his 24-year career at Parkway West and Lafayette, Manne compiled a 170-102 record while earning six district championships and making two state semifinal appearances.

🛒 Shoplifting Claims Lead to Resignation

A Rockwood School District Board member has stepped down amid theft accusations. Izzy Imig resigned on March 11th this week after facing allegations of stealing from Target locations in Chesterfield and Ballwin. The board announced they won't appoint a replacement before the upcoming April 8 election, where two seats remain open.

Ballwin

🌿 Little Explorers Program Returns to Ballwin

Ballwin Parks & Recreation is bringing back their Little Explorers program this spring. Sessions will run on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays from 9-10:30am, April through October. Designed for children ages 2-5, each session includes crafts, snacks, and activities that encourage exploration of Ballwin's parks. Learn more / register here.

🚗 Speeding Ends in Vlasis Park Sign Damage

Manchester Road was the scene of a significant incident Tuesday night. After refusing to pull over for St. Louis County Police, a driver left the roadway near Seven Trails Drive and collided with several fixed objects, including city signage. The driver was taken into custody after a brief foot escape attempt and later charged with driving while intoxicated.

Creve Coeur

🚧 Conway Road Closure at I-270 This Weekend

Be aware that MoDOT will close Conway Road at I-270 between March 14th and 16th this weekend for construction.

Ellisville

🏓 Pickleball Lessons Begin This Spring

Pickleball lessons start soon at Bluebird Park. Classes will run Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-9pm. Learn more / register here.

Manchester

🔌 Spring Clean Your Tech at Saturday Event

Manchester's electronics latest recycling event happens this Saturday at Schroeder Park. From 8-11am on March 15th, residents can drop off electronic waste and metal items, including up to two TVs per household at no cost. Food donations for Circle of Concern Food Pantry will also being collected.

Town & Country

🎾 Youth Tennis Lessons Begin March 29 in T&C

Registration is open for Town and Country's youth tennis program. Starting March 29th at Longview Farm Park’s Tennis Court, the Saturday sessions are designed for children ages 7-14.

Upcoming Events

THANKS!

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