👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

🔬 An E. Coli Update
🐢 Local Turtle Rescue
🏗️ Chesterfield’s Downtown Vision

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

Top Stories

🔬 Health Officials Track E. Coli Cases

St. Louis County health officials have expanded their investigation of a local E. coli outbreak. Officials have confirmed 69 cases linked to four events catered by Andre's Banquets and Catering South. The outbreak, which began at Rockwood Summit High School events, has resulted in twelve hospitalizations, with most patients now recovered.

🐢 Wildlife Center Needs Winter Supplies

The Wildlife Rescue Center in Ballwin is preparing for a busy winter season with 40 injured turtles in their care. The non-profit facility, which helps 3,500 wild animals annually, needs heat bulbs and full-spectrum lights to maintain proper healing conditions. These specialized supplies will help the turtles recover until they can be released in spring.

🔨 MoDOT Seeking Local Input for Clarkson / Long Rd Islands

Local officials met with MoDOT representatives last week to discuss recently installed concrete curb bump-out islands on Long Road and Clarkson Road. MoDOT's district engineer Tom Blair apologized for the surprise implementation while explaining the safety measures are designed to reduce crashes by encouraging slower speeds.

🏛️ County to Name New Prosecutor Soon

After receiving no response from state officials by Friday's deadline, St. Louis County is proceeding with its search for Wesley Bell's replacement as County Prosecutor. The Attorney General's office, which had challenged the county's appointment authority, did not answer calls, emails, or texts seeking comment on the county's decision to move forward.

Business

🏗️ Chesterfield's New Downtown Plan Ready

Development plans for the former Chesterfield Mall site are moving through city approval processes. The Staenberg Group's proposal includes a 3.3-acre park, street grid with roundabouts, and extensive pedestrian features. The 96-acre project will offer more than 1,400 parking spaces through a combination of garage and street parking.

🦅 World Bird Sanctuary Heals Eagle

A severely injured bald eagle found on the roadside has completed its recovery at the World Bird Sanctuary in Valley Park. The bird received treatment for exposed skull injuries and lead poisoning. After weeks of medical care and rehabilitation, sanctuary staff confirmed its successful return to health. WBS posted a video of the eagle’s release here.

School District Highlights

🎓 Parkway Teachers Win Excellence Award

Three Parkway teachers have received recognition for their exceptional work in education. Tyra Hall (Ross Elementary), Morgan Schneider (Parkway Central Middle), and Jennifer Bannecker (Parkway North High) are among 100 St. Louis area educators selected for the 2024 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award.

🏆 Rockwood Honors Support Staff Heroes

Rockwood recognized ten outstanding support staff members during a special two-day celebration across West St. Louis County. The Cornerstone Award winners, chosen from more than 100 nominees, represent various essential roles including special education, transportation, and administrative support. A formal ceremony will honor the recipients at the spring ROSE Awards.

City Highlights

Ballwin

🏆 Ballwin Officers Honored for Crisis Work

At the beginning of November the St. Louis Area CIT Council recognized two Ballwin police officers for their work with residents experiencing mental health challenges. Officers George Boswell and Jenna Christian received the honors at the annual Officer Appreciation Banquet for their successful crisis intervention efforts.

Creve Coeur

💰 Council Approves Street Finance Plan

Creve Coeur City Council has approved a new framework for using Neighborhood Improvement Districts. The policy update, passed on November 12th last week, allows subdivisions to finance private street repairs through special assessments. For projects under $500,000, the city can now provide direct funding instead of requiring bonds.

Eureka

🏫 Geggie Elementary's Historical Origins

Over the weekend the Eureka Historical Society shared that the history of Geggie Elementary began with a farming family in Eureka. Robert Geggie, born in 1891, worked his family's land while dedicating three decades to the Rockwood School Board. When the district built a new elementary school on his farmland in 1965, they named it in recognition of his long-term educational service.

Manchester

🎁 Manchester Toy Drive Needs Donations

West County EMS & Fire Protection District has begun their annual toy drive to support local families. The collection period runs through December 15, with all donations staying within the community. Residents can bring new, unwrapped toys to three locations in Manchester: the Parks Building, Justice Center, and City Hall.

🎨 Lyceum Building May Become Arts Center

Manchester officials are considering a new purpose for the vacant Lyceum building on Manchester Road. Parks & Recreation Director Kat Schien has proposed converting the historic structure into a community arts center, potentially offering art camps, classes, and maker spaces by spring 2025. The project aims to provide local access to arts programs.

Wildwood

💰 Wildwood Sets Major 2025 Budget Plans

Wildwood's 2025 budget discussions have revealed significant upcoming expenditures. City Administrator Thomas Lee presented plans for $10 million in capital projects against $3.2 million in expected revenue. Major investments include $500,000 for watershed erosion control and continuation of the Internet Access Project using ARPA funds. While some revenue sources like cigarette and cable taxes have declined, the city has seen increases in sales tax and utility tax revenue to help offset costs.

🌳 Wildwood Plants 200 New Trees

Wildwood is expanding its tree coverage this fall. The city's new planting project will add 200 trees throughout local neighborhoods, including Eastern redbuds, Willow oaks, and American elms. Each tree stands between 7-10 feet tall and will contribute to neighborhood shade coverage and improved air quality.

THANKS!

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