👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

• 🍁 Fall Hues Arrive Early

• 🚒 More Pics From Chesterfield Mall Rescue Training

• 🧀 A New Mac & Cheese Spot

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

Top Stories

🍁 Fall Hues Arrive Early in St. Louis

Fall colors are arriving earlier than usual in our area this year. The recent dry weather has prompted trees to begin changing colors. While St. Louis itself remains mostly green, surrounding areas are already showing signs of autumn. Expect peak colors to arrive in late October for most of the Midwest.

🚒 More Details on Mall Rescue Training

Expanding on Monday's mention, Councilman Mark Harder has shared a photo collage of rescue training that recently took place at the now-vacant Chesterfield Mall. First responders practiced cutting through floors and extracting victims, gaining valuable experience for large-scale emergency scenarios.

🗳️ St. Louis County Needs Election Judges

The St. Louis County Election Board has announced a need for election judges. They're looking to fill 2,000 positions to help manage local polling places. Responsibilities include assisting voters and overseeing the voting process. The pay starts at $250 for a full day of work.

🏈 County Considers Rams Settlement Funds for Environment

St. Louis County is exploring options for its Rams settlement funds. The County Council is considering allocating $765,000 towards environmental and planning initiatives. This potential investment would aim to address local concerns about extreme weather events and their impact on the community.

Business

🧀 New Mac & Cheese Restaurant in Ellisville

I ❤️ Mac & Cheese has officially opened in Ellisville, marking the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by the West St. Louis Chamber of Commerce. The new restaurant offers a range of comfort food favorites, including creative mac & cheese dishes, grilled cheese sandwiches, and flatbreads.

🍕 Katie's Pizza Expands Operations

Katie's Pizza and Pasta Osteria in Town & Country is entering a new phase of development. Owner Katie Lee has gained full ownership of the company and assembled a team of experienced chefs to guide the brand's expansion. The restaurant has launched a new brunch menu and is planning to grow its consumer packaged goods line.

🍖 Smokee Mo's Closes Manchester Location

The Manchester branch of Smokee Mo's barbecue restaurant has ceased operations. Owned by Frank Imo, son of the founder of Imo's Pizza, the restaurant was located at 110 Old Meramec Station Road. The closure was announced without specifying a reason.

🦋 Free Flutter Fun at Butterfly House

Flutter on over to the Butterfly House today (Wednesday) for a day of free exploration! In honor of Evelyn E. Newman Founder's Day, admission is complimentary from 10am to 4pm today. Immerse yourself in a world of vibrant wings and lush greenery without spending a dime.

School District Highlights

🏅 Rockwood Debate Team Earns Prestigious Award

Marquette High's Speech and Debate team is making headlines. They've been honored with the Leading Chapter Award for Eastern Missouri by the National Speech and Debate Association. This recognition places them among an exclusive group of 107 schools nationwide.

City Highlights

Ballwin

🚦 Slow Your Roll on Ballpark and Seawind Drives

On Monday the City of Ballwin announced a weeklong road improvement project on Ballpark and Seawind Drives. This week crews are working to enhance the roadways with traffic limited to one lane throughout the duration of the project. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternative routes if possible.

Eureka

📰 West Newsmagazine Spotlights Eureka Days

The West Newsmagazine has released a comprehensive preview of Eureka Days. The local publication's article details the upcoming community celebration, scheduled for September 27-29. The report outlines the event's highlights, including the parade theme, carnival rides, and live performances, giving residents a clear picture of what to expect.

Manchester

🔌 Manchester Hosting E-Waste Recycling Day This Weekend

Manchester is promoting environmental responsibility this weekend. Schroeder Park will host an electronics and metal recycling event on Saturday from 8 to 11am. Residents are encouraged to bring their outdated gadgets and scrap metal for proper disposal, supporting the city's sustainability efforts. Get more details about the event here.

🎖️ Salute to Sacrifice at Stoecker Park This Friday

Manchester is hosting a significant event to honor service members this week. The MIA/POW Remembrance Day Ceremony will take place on Friday (September 20th) at Stoecker Park, starting at 10am. Residents are invited to participate in this important occasion, which will feature the Missing Man Table and Flags of Valor displays.

Town & Country

🚔 T&C Cops Crack Down on Boozy Drivers

The Town & Country Police Department recently participated in Missouri's Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. From August 16th to September 2nd, officers made 7 DWI arrests and 2 other alcohol-related offense arrests. Additionally, they issued over 200 speeding violations, with some drivers caught traveling over 100 miles per hour.

Wildwood

🎉 Celebrate Wildwood Festival Set for Saturday

Wildwood's biggest civic event of the year is just days away. This Saturday, the annual Celebrate Wildwood festival will bring the community together for a day of fun and entertainment. From live performances to a variety of food options, there will be something for everyone. Full details about the festival are available here.

Valley Park

🏫 VP Board Tours School Improvements

Valley Park School District's leadership and board members recently conducted a thorough inspection of ongoing capital improvements. The tour focused on Proposition B projects and sparked discussions about the district's development.

Upcoming Events

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

📆 Next 7 Days

THANKS!

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