👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

🏠 A Wildwood Nat. Guard Soldier Returns Home
🔥 A Eureka Family Escapes a House Fire
🦃 Turkey Price Drop

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

Top Stories

🏠 National Guard Member Returns to Wildwood

The Wildwood community came together Friday night to welcome home one of their own. National Guard Staff Sergeant Mike Toro completed a 13-month deployment at the southern border, marking a significant milestone for the local serviceman and his family. The reunion comes just in time for Thanksgiving celebrations.

🔥 Late Night Fire Strikes Eureka Home

A house fire on Grandview Court in Eureka destroyed a local family's home late Thursday night. The Biderman family managed to escape after their dog's unusual behavior and a strange smell alerted them to danger. Fire crews arrived to find the house fully engulfed in flames. While the family lost most possessions and one cat, no human injuries were reported.

📺 KMOV Releases Holiday Lights List

KMOV recently shared a list of holiday light displays in the St. Louis area. Their 2024 list features key information about seven local attractions. For West County residents, nearby options include the displays at Santa's Magical Kingdom, running through January 5, and Tilles Park's Winter Wonderland, opening November 27.

🏛️ County Council Case Withdrawn

St. Louis County officials have withdrawn their case against Councilman Dennis Hancock regarding a nepotism complaint. The investigation focused on the August appointment of Hancock's stepdaughter as his administrative assistant. While the case has concluded, prosecutor Wesley Bell's office continues to gather information about the appointment.

Business

🦃 Schnucks Sets New Low Turkey Prices

Schnucks has reduced their frozen turkey prices to 58 cents per pound for the 2024 holiday season, making it their lowest price in 14 years. The grocery chain is also offering complete Thanksgiving meal packages designed to feed 10 people, with each portion costing less than $4.

🎁 West County Y Locations Cut Join Fees

The Wildwood and Chesterfield YMCA locations have announced a November membership promotion. Between November 27th and 30th, new members can join without paying enrollment fees and receive 20% off their first three months. Members get access to 24 locations across Missouri and Illinois, plus nationwide visiting privileges.

🏥 Mercy Named Top Healthcare Provider

A recent healthcare study placed Mercy among national leaders. The hospital system achieved the fourth-highest Medicare savings nationwide while serving as the country's ninth-largest provider. Their success stems from focusing on preventative care and streamlined treatment approaches for patients.

City Highlights

Ballwin

🎅 Santa's Mail Service Starts in Ballwin

Ballwin Parks & Recreation Department is now accepting letters to Santa Claus through December 16th. Children can drop off their letters at The Pointe at Ballwin Commons or mail them to the Parks Department. For a response from Santa, families should include a self-addressed stamped envelope with their child's full name.

🔌 Electronics Recycling Event Tomorrow

The City of Ballwin is partnering with Adonis Recycling for an electronics collection event tomorrow at the North Pointe Aquatic Center. The event will run from noon to 5pm, accepting most items with cords or batteries. Some items require fees ranging from $2 to $60, and both cash and cards are accepted.

Creve Coeur

🚔 CCPD Welcomes New Officer to Force

Last week the Creve Coeur Police Department welcomed its newest member to the force. Officer Powell, who brings six years of law enforcement experience, has officially begun his duties with the department. Residents can expect to see him patrolling local neighborhoods as he serves the Creve Coeur community.

Eureka

🎄 Santa Returns to Eureka Next Month

The city of Eureka has scheduled several opportunities to meet Santa in December. Families will be able to take photos with Santa from 1-4pm Sunday, Dec. 1, at the Spur. The Parks and Recreation Department also added a fifth session to their popular Pizza with Santa event, running December 5-8 at the Weber Community Center.

Manchester

🌟 Schroeder Park Getting New Playground

Construction crews began removing old playground equipment at Schroeder Park last week, marking the first phase of an important upgrade. Manchester Parks and Recreation is installing new accessible playground equipment to ensure all children can enjoy the park.

🛣️ New LaBonne Parkway Makes Grand Debut

After months of construction and community patience, Manchester's LaBonne Parkway reconstruction project has reached its finish line. Local officials and residents braved the cold weather to celebrate the completed roadway improvements at a special ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event included a gift card giveaway to thank residents for their understanding during construction.

Wildwood

🚛 Holiday Affects Collection Schedule

In its latest newsletter last week, the city of Wildwood reminded residents of delayed trash pickup for the week of Thanksgiving. Residents who receive Thursday and Friday trash collection service in Wildwood should prepare for a schedule change. Republic Services and Gateway Disposal will pick up waste one day later than usual on these days only. The adjustment affects both haulers serving the community.

Valley Park

🏆 VP Hawks Celebrate State Title

Valley Park School District celebrated their state champion Hawks with a special victory parade over the weekend. The community came together to recognize the achievements of the athletes and their coaches. School pride and team spirit were on full display throughout the celebration.

THANKS!

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