👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

🚧 Clarkson Rd Bump-Out Removal
🗳️ County Council Defeats Veto
🏢 A New Autism Center in Ballwin

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

General News

🚧 Clarkson Rd Bump-Out Islands Get The Boot

The controversial curb bump-out islands on Clarkson and Long roads are scheduled for removal by early summer. MoDOT has decided to take them out following significant community feedback. Originally installed last fall as safety measures to address high accident rates, the islands were criticized by local officials who felt MoDOT hadn't properly communicated with stakeholders. MoDOT has now acknowledged this communication gap and is planning future listening sessions.

🗳️ Council Overrides Page's Prop B Vetoes

The St. Louis County Council took decisive action Thursday by overriding County Executive Sam Page's vetoes on two Proposition B-related bills. The 6-0 vote ensures that $520,000 in Rams settlement interest will fund the April 8 ballot measure. Proposition B would expand the Council's authority, including the power to dismiss department heads with or without cause.

🏞️ Queeny Park: 75 Years of County History

This week St. Louis County Parks and Recreation highlighted Queeny Park's remarkable history in their 75th anniversary series. The park was once the estate of Edgar M. Queeny, Monsanto Chemical Company president and noted naturalist who produced nature documentaries and wrote about prairie birds. The property's historic 1854 Jarville House, built by Hyacinth Renard, stands as one of Missouri's finest Greek Revival structures. Sold in 1964 to benefit Barnes Hospital, the county purchased it in 1970 using bond funds.

🐄 New Calves Arrive at Suson Park

Suson Park this week welcomed three new residents to its grounds. The St. Louis County Parks and Recreation department announced that three calves have joined the county’s animal farm, and visitors can see the calves during normal hours, with barn access from 10:30am to 3:00pm.

🚧 Conway Lane Closes Monday

Beginning Monday (3/31), MoDOT will close Conway Road’s westbound lanes under I-270 until fall, while maintaining eastbound hospital access. Plan alternate routes for westbound travel.

Business

🏢 Autism Center Approved in Ballwin

A new autism services provider is coming to West County. Caravel Autism Health received approval from Ballwin's Board of Aldermen to open a facility at 256 Steamboat Lane. The March 10th BoA meeting featured discussion about parking availability, with the site planning for 34 spaces total. This location joins Caravel's existing centers in Chesterfield, St. Charles, and South County.

🛍️ VS Tax Blunder Could Mean Cash for You

Missouri residents who made Victoria's Secret online purchases between 2019-2023 may qualify for a refund. The company settled a class action lawsuit for charging excessive sales tax on out-of-state online orders. If your purchases were shipped from outside Missouri during this period, you could receive an automatic payment based on the correct tax rate. Claims must be submitted by May 16, 2025.

🏥 $48.1M Awarded in Mercy Malpractice Case

After a three-week trial, a St. Louis County jury delivered their verdict: $48.1 million awarded in a medical malpractice case against Mercy Hospital. The lawsuit involved a mother who was instructed to push for 12 hours during childbirth despite warning signs, resulting in her child suffering permanent brain damage. The mother now provides full-time care for her son who required 46 days in the NICU.

School District Highlights

🏆 Eight Honored as 2025 Pillars of Parkway

Parkway has selected eight individuals for the 2025 Pillars of Parkway award. This recognition, established in 1972, honors those who demonstrate exceptional leadership and service to the Parkway community. The diverse group of recipients includes community volunteers from the West Area, education specialists, and district administrators who will be celebrated at an April 28th Appreciation Evening.

🍎 Parkway Names 2025 Albert Award Winners

The Parkway Alumni Association has announced three recipients of the 2025 Albert Award for exceptional teachers in their first through fifth year. Elementary winner Sam Slane teaches fourth grade at Barretts Elementary, while Jamie Brown and Adam McDaniel both teach English Language Arts at Southwest Middle and North High respectively. The award highlights educators who demonstrate outstanding energy and innovation.

Chesterfield

🌱 Eberwein Garden Expansion Approved

Chesterfield is addressing a gardening shortage. The City Council approved a $4,800 budget transfer to add 30 new plots at Eberwein Community Garden after the Parkway Community Garden site was sold for development. While not enough for all 45 displaced gardeners, officials determined expanding the existing site was more practical than developing a completely new location.

🌪️ Storm Cleanup Wraps Up in Chesterfield

Chesterfield's storm debris collection is nearing completion. City crews will continue picking up previously reported debris through Monday, March 31. If your reported debris remains after April 1, the city is asking you email [email protected].

Eureka

🍦 Spooner's Custard Opens Today

Spooner's Frozen Custard returns this weekend. Hours will be from 12-8 pm on both Saturday and Sunday, dependent on weather conditions.

Town & Country

🛡️ T&C Seeks Blue Shield Recognition

Town & Country is working toward becoming a Blue Shield Community. The Board of Aldermen unanimously approved a public safety resolution at their March 24th meeting. Police Chief Daniel Wilkey explained this designation would make the city eligible for state-funded grants aimed at enhancing safety resources for residents, businesses, and visitors.

🚔 T&C's Online Incident Reporting Tool

This week Town and Country Police Department reminded residents about their Citizen Reporting module in the public safety portal. This established system allows community members to document non-emergency incidents online without making phone calls or visits. The portal at frontlinepss.com/town-and-country continues to strengthen communication between residents and law enforcement.

Wildwood

🗳️ Wildwood Voters Set to Meet Candidates

Wildwood residents have an important opportunity this Monday (3/31). The city’s Ward Candidate Forum will introduce those running to represent local neighborhoods. The city will provide a YouTube livestream for residents unable to attend in person, ensuring everyone can learn about their potential representatives before voting.

Upcoming Events

THANKS!

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