👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

• 🌮 Ballwin’s Mi Lupita on America’s Best Restaurants

• 🍂 Fall hayrides at Queeny Park

• 🎈 Brookdale Farm’s Balloon Glowdeo returns this weekend

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

Top Stories

🌮 Ballwin’s Mi Lupita Featured on National Food Show

Mi Lupita in Ballwin has earned a spot on America's Best Restaurants. The popular TV show recently featured the family-run Mexican eatery, highlighting its authentic dishes and welcoming atmosphere. Watch the full episode here.

🍂 Fall Hayrides Available at Queeny Park

Queeny Park is now offering group hayrides for the fall season. These 45-minute tractor-drawn rides take visitors along park trails, followed by an hour at a cook fire. Available on Friday and Saturday evenings through November 2nd, each wagon accommodates up to 20 people. Reservations are required. Learn more here.

🥅 Soccer Nets Pose Danger to Local Birds

The World Bird Sanctuary in Valley Park has observed an increase in bird entanglements in soccer nets around St. Louis. Great horned owls are particularly affected, with eight incidents reported in the past two months. The transparent nature of the nets makes them difficult for birds to see, leading to potentially fatal encounters.

🚔 County Hires Homicide Reduction Coordinator

St. Louis County has taken a step towards addressing violent crime by hiring Thomas Crees as coordinator for the Save Lives Now! initiative. Crees, a former police officer with experience in homeless outreach, will work with the East-West Gateway Council of Governments. The program's goal is to reduce homicides in the metro area by 20% over three years.

Business

🎈 Up, Up and Away in Eureka!

Brookdale Farms in Eureka is hosting its annual Balloon Glowdeo this upcoming Friday and Saturday. As evening falls, a dozen hot air balloons will illuminate the night sky. The event will feature rodeo activities, a petting zoo, and live music. Local food trucks will also be on-site, offering a variety of dining options for attendees.

🎃 Six Flags Readies for Fright Fest

Halloween season is approaching at Six Flags St. Louis. The park has been enhancing its scare zones and haunted houses with creepy details for the upcoming Fright Fest. Guests can look forward to the event's kickoff this Friday. The park promises a variety of spooky attractions and encounters with costumed characters throughout the venue.

💗 Mercy's Heart-Mending Milestone

Mercy Hospital St. Louis has reached a significant milestone in cardiac care. The Heart and Vascular team has completed 1,000 TAVR procedures - a minimally invasive technique to replace faulty heart valves without open-heart surgery. This achievement highlights Mercy's dedication to providing advanced, patient-friendly cardiac treatments in the St. Louis area.

🏠 Ameren Expands Home Energy Program

Ameren Missouri has added $1 million to their weatherization assistance program. This initiative will provide free energy-saving home improvements to eligible residents. Upgrades include caulking, insulation, and more. Households earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level can apply, potentially reducing their energy bills.

School District Highlights

🔍 Parkway Seeking New Superintendent

The Parkway Board of Education has initiated the process to select a new superintendent. They are aiming to choose the district's new leader by early December. The search will include gathering community input through surveys and focus groups to ensure the new superintendent aligns with the community's educational values and priorities.

🚨 Rockwood Testing Emergency Alert System Tomorrow (Thursday)

Tomorrow (Thursday) Rockwood families can expect a test of the district's emergency alert system. The test will include phone calls, texts, app notifications, and emails. This annual check will help maintain an effective communication channel for urgent school-related information.

City Highlights

Ballwin

🏛️ Ballwin Swears In New Ward 4 Alderman

Ballwin's Board of Aldermen welcomed a new member last night. Jim Lehmkuhl, a longtime resident, was sworn in to represent Ward 4, filling the seat previously held by Ross Bullington. The city also recognized the importance of service animals, declaring September National Service Dog Month and honoring organizations Duo Dogs and Canine Companions.

Chesterfield

☕️ Coffee with Chesterfield Cops

Today the Chesterfield Police Department is inviting residents to Coffee with a Cop. From 7-9am at Mobile on the Run, officers will be available to answer questions and engage in conversation. It's an opportunity for community members to interact with local law enforcement in a casual setting.

Des Peres

🎃 Des Peres Park to Host Annual Pumpkin Glow in Oct.

Des Peres Park is rolling out the orange carpet for fall. The city’s annual Pumpkin Glow on October 11th will turn the park's pond into a canvas of flickering Jack-O'-Lanterns. Locals can bring their carved pumpkins to join the float. Pack a picnic dinner and s'mores fixings for a full evening of autumn fun by the campfire.

Eureka

🐕 Eureka Reminds: Dog Park Open Daily

The Eureka Parks Department put out a note reminding residents that the dog park in Berry Park is a great option for energetic pets. Registration is ongoing at The Timbers of Eureka, with annual memberships available for both residents and non-residents. Proof of vaccinations is required.

Manchester

🕯️ Manchester Hosting 9/11 Memorial Event Today

Manchester is holding a special 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Stoecker Park today (September 11th). The event will feature 9/11 survivor Krista Salvatore sharing her experience escaping the South Tower. A display of 412 flags will honor fallen first responders, alongside photo panels of civilians who perished in the attacks.

🇺🇸 Manchester Honors 9/11 on Local Radio

Manchester's tribute to 9/11 heroes received attention on KMOX Radio yesterday (Tuesday). Mayor Mike Clement and representatives from America's Heartland Remembers discussed the Flags of Valor display at Stoecker Park.

Wildwood

🛣️ Wildwood Completes Street Resurfacing

Wildwood's annual street resurfacing project is complete. The city invested $625,000 to improve Wild Horse Creek Road, Shepard Road, and Center Avenue. This timely completion enhances road safety and infrastructure in Wards 1, 3, 5, and 8.

Upcoming Events

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

📆 Next 7 Days

THANKS!

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