👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️ West County Pulse newsletter:

• 🐻 A Baby Bear Sighting

• 🚨 Trench Rescue Success

• 💖 A Barbie Dreamhouse Event

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

THE DIGEST

🐻 Un-bear-lievable Sighting in Ballwin Yard

A furry visitor has caused paws-itive excitement in Ballwin as a baby bear was spotted roaming through a residential area on Friday afternoon. Police were alerted to the cub's presence near the western edge of Ballwin, and they now suspect it may have moved on to west Kirkwood. Ballwin authorities have advised residents on how to handle potential bear encounters, recommending they ensure the bear has an escape route, back away slowly with arms raised, and speak in a calm, loud voice. Checkout a video of the baby bear here.

🚨 Trench Rescue Training Pays Off in Winchester

In a fortuitous twist of fate, West County EMS and Fire's recent trench rescue training proved invaluable during a real-life emergency in Winchester last Wednesday. Deputy Chief Kelly Grassmuck revealed that the department had chosen to focus on trench training for the second quarter of this year, with two out of three sessions already completed. The rescuers had to adapt their training to the unique challenges of the situation, modifying techniques and equipment on the fly to ensure a successful outcome.

🚓 Cops & Kids Unite at Youth Police Academy!

Aspiring young officers had the time of their lives at the West County Youth Police Academy last week. The action-packed program, organized by local law enforcement agencies, offered a diverse range of experiences, from friendly competitions and drone demonstrations to fingerprinting activities and mock crime scene investigations. As the cadets solved the mystery of the missing donuts and forged new friendships, the academy proved to be an unforgettable summer adventure.

BUSINESS

💖 Barbie Fans Flock to Dreamhouse Truck Event

The Barbie Dreamhouse truck made a stop at West County Mall in Des Peres on Saturday, drawing fans of all ages. The pop-up event celebrated the 60th anniversary of Barbie moving into her iconic dream house. Visitors had the chance to purchase exclusive Barbie-themed merchandise, including clothing, home decor, and glassware. The truck, which began its tour in Orlando, FL, has been traveling across the country to delight Barbie enthusiasts.

🔌 Ameren's $1.50 Charge to Save Customers Cash

In a move to retire the aging Rush Island coal plant, Ameren has devised an inventive plan to save customers $120 million over the next 15 years. It will sell $470 million in ratepayer-backed bonds to cover the plant's outstanding investments. While customers will see a new monthly charge of around $1.50, Ameren states that the revenue will be more than offset by reduced power costs as the company invests in more cost-effective, renewable energy projects.

🦊 Fox & Riley Real Estate Expands to Chesterfield

Fox & Riley Real Estate has set up shop in Chesterfield, bringing their local expertise to the city's thriving real estate market. The new office, situated at 641 Cepi Drive, is one of three locations, with others in Cottleville and Troy. Under the leadership of Cindy Fox and Ken Hill, the firm is poised to make a splash in the community.

CITY HIGHLIGHTS

Chesterfield

🎬 'Elemental' to Ignite Chesterfield's Night Sky

Prepare for a sizzling Wednesday night in Chesterfield! The Parks, Recreation & Arts Department is hosting a free screening of Pixar's "Elemental" at the Chesterfield Amphitheater on June 26 at 6:30pm. Be sure to bring blankets, snacks, and drinks for a cozy outdoor cinema experience.

👮 Chesterfield PD Welcomes Academy Standout

The Chesterfield Police Department recently celebrated the addition of Police Officer Josh Crawford to their ranks. Crawford, a standout graduate from the St. Louis County Police Academy, was sworn in by Chief Funkhouser after earning the awards for Best Overall Academic and Best Overall Academy Recruit. In recognition of his outstanding performance, the Michael Langsdorf Foundation also presented Crawford with a $1,000 check in honor of slain officer Michael Langsdorf.

Creve Coeur

🎨 Artists to Capture Creve Coeur's Charm

In honor of Creve Coeur's 75th anniversary, the Arts Committee is hosting an enchanting Plein Air Art Event this summer. Throughout July 6-10, artists will be scattered across the city, painting the picturesque landscapes that make Creve Coeur so special. On July 11, the community is invited to the Tappmeyer Homestead in Millennium Park for an evening reception showcasing the submitted artwork. Many of these unique pieces, inspired by the city's charm, will be available for purchase, allowing residents to take home a piece of Creve Coeur's beauty.

Wildwood

🏘️ Council Ponders Proposed Rental Project

A proposed 57-unit luxury rental development, Latitude N38, has sparked a debate in Wildwood. Despite the developer's efforts to align the project with the city's Town Center update, residents have expressed concerns about density, traffic, and the potential impact on neighboring property values. The City Council is set to further discuss the project in a July work session after the Planning & Zoning Commission's initial denial and the developer's subsequent appeal.

UPCOMING EVENTS

* indicates an event requiring registration or tickets.

This Week

Wednesday
• Movies Under the Stars: Elemental @ Chesterfield Amphitheater from 6:30pm to 10:00pm

Thursday
• Ellisville Concert: Dr. Zhivegas @ Bluebird Park from 7pm to 9pm

Saturday
• Scavenger Hunt for Kids @ Faust Park beginning at 10am

Next Week

Tuesday July 2nd
• Summer Concert: Spectrum Band @ Faust Park from 7pm to 9pm

Wednesday July 3rd
• Twin Oaks Concert in the Park: Laytham & Holmes @ Twin Oaks Park from 6:30pm to 9pm

Thursday July 4th
• Stars & Stripes 5K, 10K, and Kids Fun Run @ Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex beginning at 8:30am
• Manchester 4th of July Celebration @ Schroeder Park beginning at 6pm

Saturday July 6th
• Creve Coeur Plein Air Art Event @ Millenium Park all day

Sunday July 7th
• Creve Coeur Plein Air Art Event @ Millenium Park all day

THANKS!

Thanks for reading this edition of the ⚡️ West County Pulse newsletter. If you found something useful, please share it with a friend!

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