⚡️ Canada Smoke Returns, A $46M Facility, ALDI Deals

Author

Jared Michel
May 15, 2024

👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️ West County Pulse newsletter:

  • 🌫️ Canada Smoke Returns

  • 🏗️ A New $46M Public Safety Facility

  • 💸 ALDI's Summer Savings

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

THE DIGEST

🔄 2023 Déjà Vu: Canada Smoke Returns to STL

Our area may soon experience a repeat of last June's hazy skies due to Canada's first major wildfire of 2024. In 2023, the St. Louis Clean Air Partnership issued an "unhealthy for sensitive groups" warning as a result of Canadian wildfire smoke. As the smoke approaches the area once again, word is being put out that residents should stay informed about air quality alerts and take necessary precautions. Read more here.

🚧 New State-of-the-Art Public Safety Facility Coming to Maryland Heights

St. Louis County has hired Wright Construction Services to build a new $46 million, 49,300-square-foot police precinct and intelligence center in Maryland Heights. The facility, funded by federal pandemic relief grants, will enhance the county police department's ability to protect and serve the community. A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for June 5 at the construction site on Schaefer Drive. Learn more here.

🔒 County Considers Rams Money for Cyber Security

The St. Louis County Council is considering allocating $10.3 million from the NFL Rams settlement funds for improved cyber security. County staff have urged for increased defense against cyber attacks. The council recently met with IT staff in a closed meeting to discuss potential threats to the county's information systems.

📣 Parents Appeal Closure of St. Monica School

Parents and parishioners at St. Monica Catholic School in Creve Coeur are fighting to keep their school open after the Archdiocese announced its closure in April. They have filed an appeal with over 100 signatures and held a peaceful Rosary March to pray for reconsideration. Despite the pastor's letter asking families to move on, students and parents remain devastated and hopeful that their efforts will save their beloved school community.

BUSINESS

🏆 Metro West Wins Tug-O-War at Scottish Games

Metro West's team emerged victorious in the tug-o-war event at the St. Louis Scottish Games last weekend. Their win earned a $1,000 donation to The BackStoppers, an organization supporting families of fallen first responders.

🛒 ALDI Slashes Prices on Over 250 Summer Items

ALDI is helping customers fight inflation this summer by reducing prices on more than 250 seasonal products through Labor Day. While some price drops are modest, like 10 cents off French baguettes, others are more significant, such as USDA Choice Black Angus Sirloin Steak down to $6.99 from $8.49. The discount grocer aims to save shoppers an estimated $100 million with this campaign.

🎒 Vantage CU Lends Hand to Little Bit Foundation

Vantage Credit Union recently showed their support for local students by volunteering with The Little Bit Foundation twice in April. Staff members assembled hygiene kits and sorted school supplies to help students in need. Additionally, Vantage CU made a generous $1,000 donation to further assist the organization's efforts.

Source: Vantage CU

WAYBACK WEDNESDAY

The old St. Joseph Church, built in 1893 along Creve Coeur Avenue in Manchester, was a beautiful brick structure that served the community for decades. In 1959, the parish moved to a new location, and the old church, school, and grotto were eventually demolished, leaving only the rectory and cemetery behind. Today, the site of the old parish is now home to a parking lot for Manchester United Methodist Church and graves for the cemetery. Checkout a full collage of photos here.

📷 Blast from the Past: Drewel Appliances 1955

This 1955 photo showcases Drewel Appliance Company trucks on the corner of West 3rd Street and North Central Avenue in Eureka. The building, once owned by the family of Eureka's first mayor and dentist, Dr. Irvin Drewel, now houses Joe Boccardi's restaurant.

CITY HIGHLIGHTS

Chesterfield

🛍️ Chesterfield SEU Busts Shoplifting Ring

The Chesterfield Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) recently cracked down on a group of habitual shoplifters operating in St. Louis and St. Charles. The thieves would scan items in stores, create fake receipts in their vehicle, and then use the bogus receipts to return stolen merchandise. A search warrant at the shoplifters' Chesterfield residence uncovered stolen goods, receipt-making equipment, and drugs.

Eureka

🐶 Tongue-Wagging Fun at Eureka's Dog Park

The Eureka Parks and Rec Department recently put out a reminder about Eureka’s Dog Park in Berry Park where dog owners can enjoy fun times with their furry companions. To join, register at The Timbers with proof of your dog's vaccinations and spay/neuter status. Membership costs $40 for residents and $55 for non-residents, covering up to 3 dogs for a year.

🤸‍♀️ Tot Programs Extended Through Summer Months

Eureka Parks and Recreation has also announced two of their tot programs, Creative Corner and Tumbling Tots, will be offered throughout the summer. Creative Corner will take place at the Eureka Community Center, while Tumbling Tots will be held on the second and third Thursdays of each month. Both programs are scheduled to run from 9:30am to 10:30am, allowing participants to also enjoy Thursday Super Splashers at The Timbers' pool. Learn more here.

Manchester

🇺🇸 Manchester PD Launches Veterans Food Drive

The Manchester Police Department is organizing a Veterans Food Drive from now until May 31st. They are collecting essential items to support veterans in need. Donations can be dropped off at the Justice Center, Parks Building, or City Hall.

Town and Country

🚔 T&C Welcomes New Officer Kyle Mueller!

The Town and Country Police Department has welcomed a new member to their team. Officer Kyle Mueller, who brings 4 years of law enforcement experience, took the oath to serve and protect the community with integrity and dedication. The department looks forward to the contributions he will make in keeping the town safe.

Twin Oaks

🎵 Twin Oaks Unveils Sizzling Summer Concert Lineup

Twin Oaks Park is gearing up to host an exciting summer with Twin Oaks’s recently announced concert series. The lineup features popular cover bands Jukebox Heroes, Laytham & Holmes, and Crossfire, who will take the stage on June 8th, July 3rd, and August 10th, respectively. Residents can look forward to a season filled with great music, good company, and unforgettable summer nights under the stars.

Wildwood

🎶 Free Outdoor Concert in Town Center May 17

Wildwood is hosting a free outdoor concert in Town Center this Friday (May 17) from 6:45-9:15pm. This family-friendly event is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some live music and dancing. Don't forget to bring your chairs and dancing shoes!

Valley Park

🎉 Cheers for Coach Turner, VP's Top Teacher!

Coach Zach Turner, Physical Education teacher at Valley Park Middle School and High School, has been named the final Teacher Proud Tuesday winner for the 2023-2024 school year. Nominated by multiple students, Coach Turner was praised for his engaging teaching style, positive attitude, and ability to connect with students both academically and personally. He is being celebrated for creating a fun and encouraging classroom environment that motivates students to do their best.

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • Today: Manchester’s Conversations with the Mayor @ the Manchester Justice Center at 7:30am

  • Friday: Town & Country Concert @ Town Square at 6pm. Learn more here.

  • Saturday:

    • Manchester Craft Beer Festival @ Schroeder Park from 3pm to 6pm. Learn more here.

    • West County Home & Garden Expo @ Queeny Park from 9am to 2pm. Learn more here.

    • La Salle Retreat Center Bee Dash 5k at 8:30am. Learn more / register here.

    • Rockwoods Rockin’ Horsefest @ Greensfelder Park from 9am to 6pm. Learn more here.

    • Two Chicks Vintage Marketplace’s Warehouse Eggstravaganza from 9am to 4pm. Learn more here.

Next Week

  • Monday May 20: Circle of Concern’s 18th Annual Golf Tournament @ Aberdeen Golf Club. Learn more here.

  • Saturday May 25: 

    • Eureka’s Timbers Outdoor Pool Grand Opening from 12pm to 2pm.

THANKS!

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

Did I miss something? Let me know at [email protected]

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