👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

🚛 Plow Driver Shortage
⚖️ Prosecutor Audit
🍟 Five Guy’s Combo Deal Test

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

Top Stories

🚛 County Details Winter Weather Response

St. Louis County Transportation officials addressed winter weather response concerns Thursday, explaining that a shortage of 40 plow drivers impacted snow removal times across our communities this week. The county itself is responsible for over 3,200 miles of roadway.

🔍 Prosecutor Welcomes State Review

The new St. Louis County Council has approved a state investigation of the prosecutor's office. During Tuesday's county council meeting this week, new Prosecutor Melissa Price Smith supported the resolution requesting the Missouri state auditor examine office operations. The initial investigation will look into financial practices, personnel matters, and compliance with Sunshine Requests at no cost to taxpayers.

📚 Library Extends DNA Program Deadline

The St. Louis County Library has extended the application deadline for their Genealogy University program to January 16th. The program requires attendance at four History and Genealogy sessions between January and March. Participants selected through a lottery system will receive a MyHeritage DNA test kit upon completion.

🐧 Penguins Take Snow Day at STL Zoo

While not in West County, here's a delightful update from our neighbors at the St. Louis Zoo. King and gentoo penguins took advantage of the winter weather for an impromptu outdoor expedition, accompanied by their keepers for a rare snow day adventure outside their usual habitat at Penguin & Puffin Coast.

Business

🍟 Five Guys Brings Combo Meals to Area

The Ellisville Five Guys location on Fountain Plaza Drive is one of just 177 restaurants nationwide testing the chain's first-ever combo meal. For $12.99, customers can now get a Little Burger or Cheeseburger, Little Fry (regular or cajun), and a 16-oz drink. The test is part of the company's 40th-anniversary celebration.

🔌 Ameren Proposes 15% Rate Increase

Ameren Missouri is requesting permission to raise utility rates by 15%. If approved by state regulators, the increase would add approximately $15-$20 to monthly bills. Local residents can share their views at public hearings, including one scheduled for January 27 in Sunset Hills.

📰 Post-Dispatch Ends Local Printing

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch has ended its local printing operations in Maryland Heights. The newspaper's Monday edition this week marked the final local printing after 146 years of St. Louis-based production. Moving forward, daily deliveries will arrive by truck from Columbia, Missouri.

🍽️ Two New Restaurants Coming to Ballwin

St. Louis Magazine's Arch Eats podcast recently announced two new restaurant openings in Ballwin. During their 2025 restaurant preview episode, hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr shared that Meztiza will open at 15939 Manchester Road, while Mi Lupita has selected 100 Holloway Road for their new location.

School District Highlights

📊 Rockwood Earns Top Audit Rating

Independent auditors examined Rockwood’s financial records for the 2023-2024 school year and awarded their highest possible rating. The comprehensive review covered everything from accounting practices to federal program compliance, confirming the district's continued excellence in financial management and transparency.

Creve Coeur

👏 CC Salutes Its Snow Warriors

Creve Coeur recognized their Public Works teams this week for exceptional service during this week's winter storms. The crews worked 12-hour shifts to clear city streets, while also going above and beyond by assisting with snow removal on state-maintained roads including Olive, Lindbergh, and Ladue Roads.

Manchester

🎨 Bottle Caps Wanted for Manchester Art

Manchester's latest public art project is turning everyday bottle caps into extraordinary art. The Manchester Arts organization is collecting clean, dry plastic bottle caps at the Park Office for an upcoming community mosaic installation. Metal caps aren't accepted, and collectors are asked to ensure caps are free of residue.

Upcoming Events

Will return for 2025 soonish 🥳 

THANKS!

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