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- ⚡️ County Council Update, Oberweis Bankrupt, Bunge Merger
⚡️ County Council Update, Oberweis Bankrupt, Bunge Merger
Jared Michel
April 19, 2024
👋 Good Morning, West County!
In today’s ⚡️ West County Pulse newsletter:
🏛️ A County Council Update
🥛 Oberweis Goes Bankrupt
📍 Bunge to Merge Soon
Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!
— Jared Michel
THE DIGEST
📅 County Council Meeting Roundup
Here's the latest from Tuesday’s St. Louis County Council meeting:
Resolutions were passed recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, National Animal Therapy Day, National Infant Immunization Week, and Earth Day.
The council debated funding options for a new senior tax credit program, which was established by an ordinance passed six months ago to provide property tax relief to eligible seniors. Two substitute bills were introduced: one proposing $1.38 million in funding for staff, benefits, equipment, and software, and another allocating $930,270 focused solely on the program's implementation. During the debate, council members disagreed on the necessity and accuracy of the proposed funding amounts. Both substitute bills failed to pass with a 4-3 vote, leaving the senior tax credit program unfunded and its implementation timeline uncertain. Related, Tuesday a lawsuit was filed to force the county to immediately open applications for the tax freeze, adding pressure to the ongoing debate.
A resolution was narrowly passed to request bids for installing a sprinkler system in the current county government building to meet fire code requirements.
Ted Sanditz was reappointed to the St. Louis County Library Board of Trustees.
⚾ Ozzie Smith Meet & Greet at Dierbergs Des Peres
Cardinals Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith will be at the Dierbergs Des Peres location next Wednesday, April 24th from 3:30-4:30pm. The first 200 customers will receive an autographed photo, and a portion of every can of Backflip sold will be donated to the PGA REACH Gateway Foundation. Learn more here.
🥛 Oberweis Dairy Files for Ch. 11 Bankruptcy
Oberweis Dairy, a nearly 100-year-old company famous for home milk delivery, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company is seeking a buyer in an effort to keep its 40 stores open, including its Ballwin location. Over 1,100 jobs are at risk. Oberweis has 5 St. Louis area stores in total that could close. Read more here and here.
LOCAL BUSINESS
🐓 Wildwood's Three French Hens in STL Mag
STL Mag recently published an article about Three French Hens, an interior design store in Wildwood. The piece highlights the store's offerings, which include custom furniture, rugs, drapery, artwork, and pet portraits. The article also mentions the availability of their designers for whole-home projects and individual consultations.
💅 Noir Nail Bar Now Open in Des Peres
Noir Nail Bar has opened its doors in Des Peres, offering a luxury nail care experience. The nail bar is celebrating their grand opening with 20% off all services until April 30th.
🤝 Bunge Unveils New Execs Ahead of Merger
Bunge, the Chesterfield-based agribusiness powerhouse, is gearing up for its massive merger with Netherlands firm Viterra Ltd. In preparation, Bunge announced new C-suite roles, including new co-COOs to oversee commercial operations. The merger, expected to close mid-2024, will create an agriculture titan with over $100 billion in annual sales.
🔥 Local Firm Merges to Boost Retirement Services
A Chesterfield-based advisory firm has merged with a subsidiary of Krilogy Financial, aiming to double retirement plan assets under management annually over the next few years. The merger combines Krilogy's wealth management expertise with the retirement plan specialization of Elk Advisory Group.
SCHOOL DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS
Parkway
🌳 Parkway School Students Serve Community
Yesterday over 200 Parkway South High School students participated in South Serves, a community service event. Students volunteered at Schroeder Park in Manchester, performing tasks like weeding, mulching, cleaning pool furniture, and clearing branches. They also offered a free car wash to the community. The event was a great success and showcased the students' commitment to giving back.
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Rockwood
🗞️ Rockwood Extends Super's Contract
The Rockwood School Board recently unanimously extended Superintendent Dr. Curtis Cain's contract for another year, keeping him at the helm through the 2026-2027 school year. Cain started in Rockwood in 2022 after an extensive national search. The board cited his strong leadership, vision, and commitment to excellence in their decision to extend his contract another year. Cain has over 20 years of experience in education, previously serving as a superintendent in Wentzville and holding roles in curriculum, professional development, and administration.
CITY HIGHLIGHTS
Eureka
🌪️ Tornado Rattles Brookdale Farms
Yesterday evening the Eureka Fire Protection District reported a tornado struck Brookdale Farms, causing significant property damage but no reported injuries.
Manchester
💦 Swimmers Wanted for Manchester's Stingrays Swim Team
The Manchester Parks and Recreation Department is encouraging kids to join the Manchester Stingrays swim team this summer. It's a chance to improve swimming skills while bonding with teammates and creating lasting memories in a fun environment. Learn more here.
💪 Local Officers' Courage Saves Life, Nabs Predator
Monday night the Manchester Board of Alderman commended five officers for their courageous actions in two recent critical incidents. Officers Cockrell, Logan, West, and Sgt. Priest de-escalated a potential suicide, saving a life through compassionate dialogue. Sgt. Priest received a rare Meritorious Service Award. Separately, Det. Lang's tenacious work led to the arrest of an online child predator by the FBI in New York. Read more details here.
Five Manchester police officers were honored with commendations during Monday night’s Board of Aldermen meeting. Sgt. Nicole Priest has become only the second Manchester officer to receive the Meritorious Service Award for Exceptional Performance of Duty.
— City of Manchester, MO (@cityofmanmo)
8:30 PM • Apr 16, 2024
Town and Country
🎸 City to Host Music, Food & Drinks
A friendly reminder that tonight from 6-8pm at Town Square Town and Country is throwing a free concert starring the electrifying Hollywood 5. Sip on refreshing craft beers from Steampunk Brew Works and fine wines from Embrace the Grape, while chowing down on mouth-watering BBQ from Pappy's Rollin Smoke and Truck Norris food trucks. Learn more here.
⚠️ Mason Rd Updates to Last Several Months
The Town and Country Police Department put out a reminder that construction will be taking place on Mason Road. For several months, traffic will be reduced to one lane as crews work to improve the roadway. Authorities recommend using South Outer Forty Drive, Ballas Road, or MO-141 to access Clayton Road and I-64 during this period. More information about the construction project can be found here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Next Week
Saturday April 27:
Big Truck and Safety Day @ Eureka High from 10am to 1pm. Learn more here.
DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Confirmed participating cities:
THANKS!
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