👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

• 🦅 An Injured Bald Eagle Rescued

• 🥇 Local Olympians Shine in Paris

• 🍗 Last Chance for Cane's Teacher Giveaway

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

Top Stories

🏥 Bald Eagle Receives Care at World Bird Sanctuary

The World Bird Sanctuary in Valley Park is providing care for a bald eagle that was shot, resulting in the loss of part of its beak. Despite the injury and lead poisoning, the eagle has shown increased energy and weight gain. The sanctuary is collaborating with the Missouri Department of Conservation and local law enforcement to identify the person responsible for the shooting.

🥇 St. Louis Athletes Shine in Paris Olympics

St. Louis athletes left their mark on the 2024 Paris Olympics, with basketball stars Jayson Tatum and Napheesa Collier leading the charge by winning gold medals. Siblings Aaron and Alex Shackell also impressed in the pool, with Alex bringing home gold and silver. Other local Olympians, such as soccer goalkeeper Patrick Schulte and discus thrower Jayden Ulrich, demonstrated the region's athletic diversity and talent on the global stage.

🏳️ County Calls for Creative Flag Concepts

In a bid to showcase its dynamic character and welcoming atmosphere, St. Louis County is inviting residents to participate in crafting a new flag design. The county has partnered with the Kranzberg Arts Foundation to host workshops today and tomorrow where attendees can contribute their ideas and insights to the design process.

🐉 Dragons Set to Blaze Across Creve Coeur Lake

The 18th Annual Gateway Dragon Boat Festival is set to take place at Creve Coeur Lake this Saturday. Teams will compete in exciting dragon boat races, while attendees can enjoy traditional Chinese dances, taiko drumming, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. The event raises funds for Operation Family Health, a nonprofit that assists local families with medical expenses.

Business

🍗 Last Chance: Cane's $500 Teacher Giveaway

Teachers have until tomorrow to enter Raising Cane's contest for a chance to win up to $500 for their supply wish list. Entries can be submitted at any participating Cane's location. Additionally, Raising Cane's is hosting a school supply drive through August 31st in partnership with KidSmart, benefiting 90,000 local students in need.

🚀 Schnucks Launches Accelerator for Diversity

Schnucks has selected the first 10 diverse-owned businesses for its new accelerator program, Schnucks Springboard. The chosen companies will receive business development classes, networking opportunities, $5,000 in funding, and the chance to trial their products in select Schnucks stores in 2025, as part of the grocery retailer's commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

🍕 Panera Bread Taps Papa Johns Exec as CMO

Panera Bread is serving up a fresh face in its marketing department. Mark Shambura, previously the CMO at Papa Johns and a key player in Chipotle's "Real Ingredients" campaign, has been named Panera's new Chief Marketing Officer. As the company undergoes a brand transformation, Shambura will be responsible for guiding Panera's marketing efforts and helping to shape its next chapter.

🛍️ Bidders Snag Pieces of Chesterfield Mall History

As Chesterfield Mall prepares for its October demolition, nostalgic buyers flocked to its auction featuring items from the shopping center's storied past. From movie theater signs to mall blueprints, bidders seized the opportunity to own a piece of local history before the mall's final closure on August 31st, making way for a new mixed-use development.

City Highlights

Ballwin

🚗 Vlasis Park Lots Closed for Festival Fun

In preparation for the Ballwin Days festivities, the city of Ballwin has announced the temporary closure of the Vlasis Park tennis court parking lot and the upper parking lot.

Des Peres

🚓 DPPD Roundup: Lost Dogs, Cars, & People

The Des Peres Department of Public Safety recently shared a rundown of their busy week, which included responding to a music-loving suspicious person, construction crews striking gas lines, and forgetful drivers. The department also handled shoplifters and located a missing dementia patient attending a seminar.

Manchester

🎸 Schroeder Park Rocked With Rides & Rhythms

Last Friday, car enthusiasts and music lovers alike gathered at Schroeder Park for an unforgettable evening at the Rumble in Manchester Car Show and Concert. The event showcased a diverse array of classic and modern vehicles, including a 1932 Ford V8 and a 1963 Chevy Impala, while Rockin' Chair kept the audience grooving with their renditions of favorite tunes.

Valley Park

🎸 Almost Famous to Rock Valley Park Friday

This Friday, Almost Famous will be taking the stage at Brignole Park in Valley Park for an epic night of live entertainment. From 6pm to 10pm, the park will come alive with the band's energetic performance.

Upcoming Events

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

📆 Next 7 Days

THANKS!

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