👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

🏗️ Chesterfield Mall Demolition Gets Underway
🎅 A New Christmas Decor Store Opens
🛩️ The Lindbergh Foundation Relocates to Creve Coeur

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

Top Stories

🏗️ Chesterfield Mall Demolition Begins

The demolition of the Chesterfield Mall has begun, signaling the start of a major redevelopment project. The Staenberg Group's $2 billion "Downtown Chesterfield" plan aims to create a 90-acre urban hub with housing, offices, and various amenities. The project timeline indicates that demolition will take six months, with new residents expected to move in by fall 2028. To witness the historic first swings of the wrecking ball, check out West Newsmagazine's photo collection of the demolition kickoff here.

🎅 Ho-Ho-Home Decor Hits Chesterfield Outlet Mall

A new Christmas-themed store has arrived in Chesterfield. Christmas at The Foyer, now open at St. Louis Premium Outlet Mall, is set to bring holiday cheer to shoppers. The store features unique home decor items and gifts, along with free design consultations.

🚜 Tractor Trek: 12 Top STL Hayrides

St. Louis Magazine has released a guide to local hayrides, featuring 12 different options that include favorites close to home. The list spotlights Lone Elk Park's wildlife-viewing rides with marshmallow roasts, and Queeny Park's scenic 45-minute tractor-drawn excursions. Des Peres Park offers evening bonfire experiences, while Brookdale Farms provides private hayride and campfire combos. The article details pricing and unique features of each ride, helping readers plan their perfect autumn outing.

🎪 Fox 2 Unearths 1904 Fair Recollections

This story, though not from West County, offers a fascinating glimpse into St. Louis history. Fox 2 has found archival footage from 1995 featuring an interview with a man who witnessed the 1904 World's Fair as a child. The interviewee, Cy Hanson, recalled selling postcards and newspapers at the fair when he was 12 years old. He described The Pike, the fair's main attraction, which featured various shows. Hanson also ended up later managing the well-known Big Chief restaurant that still exists today in Wildwood.

Business

🛩️ Lindbergh Foundation Moves to Creve Coeur

Erik Lindbergh, grandson of renowned aviator Charles Lindbergh, has moved the family foundation to Creve Coeur. The relocation aligns with plans to support sustainable aviation initiatives and commemorate the 100th anniversary of the historic New York-to-Paris solo flight in 2027. The foundation is seeking partnerships with local aerospace industries to further its mission.

🗞️ Post-Dispatch Presses Pause on Local Print

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is making a significant change to its operations. Starting in January, the 146-year-old newspaper will be printed in Columbia, Missouri, instead of locally. This decision will result in the closure of the paper’s Maryland Heights press and the layoff of 72 employees. The paper will still be delivered daily, but with earlier deadlines.

🏪 Local Walgreens' Fate Hangs in Balance

Walgreens is tightening its belt, announcing plans to shutter 1,200 US stores over three years. With about 100 locations in the St. Louis area, it’s possible some of our nearby stores might close. The pharmacy giant is citing regulatory pressures and reimbursement challenges as key factors in this decision.

🐻 Baby Bear's Spooky Cookie Bash

Baby Bear's Bakery is bringing the Halloween spirit to Ballwin this Saturday. Their Family Cookie Decorating event promises a ghoulishly good time for aspiring pastry chefs aged 5 and up. With all materials provided, you'll learn to create cookies that are more treat than trick. Learn more / register here.

School District Highlights

📱 Ring Ring! It's Parkway Calling Today (October 16th)

At 6pm today, Parkway will conduct its yearly emergency alert system test. Parents’ phones will receive calls and texts, and the Parkway Schools mobile app will send notifications.

🏫 State Education Leaders Visit Rockwood

Last Tuesday, Rockwood welcomed important visitors from the state capital. Dr. Karla Eslinger, Missouri's Education Commissioner, and State Board of Education members toured Marquette High School. The guests met with district officials and observed classroom activities, learning about Rockwood's educational programs and achievements.

City Highlights

Creve Coeur

🗺️ Creve Coeur Releases Ward Map

Creve Coeur has introduced new resources to help residents identify their wards. The city's website now features an interactive map and a comprehensive street guide. These tools aim to assist citizens in determining their ward location, which can be useful for understanding local representation and community issues.

Ellisville

🔍 Ellisville's Snowy Park Quest Begins Soonish

Ellisville is organizing a winter-themed scavenger hunt in its parks. Residents can participate by designing wooden snow globes, available for pickup beginning November 1st at the Parks Administration Building. The decorated globes should be returned by November 27th. Once hidden in parks, the city will challenge everyone to find them all, with clues posted on the official Facebook page. Learn more / register here.

Manchester

🎃 Spooky Soiree in Schroeder Park

Manchester Parks and Recreation is hosting a Halloween Festival this Friday. From 5:30 to 7:30pm at Schroeder Park, families can enjoy a variety of activities. The event will feature games, a costume contest, and hayrides. Children can also participate in a hay search to collect candy.

Town & Country

🚓 T&C PD Unveils Digital Hub for Residents

Town and Country Police Department has stepped into the digital age with a new Community Portal. The online platform offers residents convenient access to various police services, including vacation watch requests and non-emergency reporting. The user-friendly system aims to enhance communication between law enforcement and the community they serve. Visit the new portal here.

Wildwood

🌪️ City Highlights Emergency Text Service

Wildwood officials put out a reminder this week reminding residents about the St. Louis County Emergency Management Alert System. The service, which has been operational for some time, sends text messages about severe weather, road closures, and other critical community updates. Text SLCOEM to 78015 to sign up.

Upcoming Events

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

📆 Next 7 Days

THANKS!

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