👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️West County Pulse newsletter:

🏛️ Election Results
🚨 An Emergency Systems Upgrade
🏥 A New Surgical Robot

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

General News

🏛️ Election Results Reshape West County

The April 8 municipal election results are in, with Dan Hurt winning the Chesterfield mayoral seat by capturing 56.38% of votes against Derek Grier. St. Louis County voters firmly rejected Proposition B with 61.76% voting against giving the council power to fire department heads. Eureka Fire Protection District's Proposition F narrowly failed by just 26 votes. Overall voter turnout was low at 14.15% countywide. View results from St. Louis County online here.

🚨 County Radio System Gets Major Upgrade

The St. Louis County emergency radio system is receiving an $8.9 million upgrade. The project includes replacing 100 dispatch consoles across the county's 13 call centers and updating equipment at 25 radio tower sites. This modernization will improve how dispatchers communicate with first responders serving our communities.

🚧 I-64/Hwy. 141 Work Begins April 14

Construction begins April 14th on the busy I-64/Hwy. 141 interchange. MoDOT has scheduled overnight closures from 9pm to 5am April 14-16, affecting different ramps and lanes each night. The project will widen the westbound outer road ramp, add a dedicated right turn lane, and make several adjustments to improve traffic flow until late 2025. Learn more about the project here.

🌸 Spring Brings Hummingbirds Back

Hummingbird scouts have been spotted throughout Missouri and Illinois as spring temperatures rise. These early arrivals are returning from their winter stay in Mexico, searching for reliable food sources. A local expert shared on Fox 2 to setup feeders with a 1:4 sugar-to-water ratio and to plant tubular flowers like Asclepias to attract them to your garden.

Business

🏥 New Surgical Robot Arrives at St. Luke's

St. Luke's Hospital has introduced a significant advancement to their operating rooms. A new surgical system is now in use which acts as an extension of the surgeon's hands, using robotic arms controlled from a nearby console. Chief Surgeon Dr. John Mason has already completed two successful hernia repairs using the technology. The system will benefit patients across multiple specialties including urology, gynecology, and general surgery.

🦉 Wildlife Open House This Saturday

The Wildlife Rescue Center in Ballwin is opening its doors for a special event this weekend. On Saturday from 11am-4pm, the free family Open House will offer a look at wildlife rehabilitation operations. Visitors will be able to walk nature trails, meet conservation experts, and support the center's mission of caring for local wildlife.

🔨 Chesterfield Mall's Final Month

The Chesterfield Mall demolition is nearing completion. The project will finish within a month, preserving only the Dillard's and Macy's buildings. Following demolition, an 18-month infrastructure phase will begin before construction of the new downtown urban core. The $2 billion development will feature high-rise buildings, luxury condos, retail, restaurants, and a hotel, plus a 3.5-acre central park with a grand staircase offering panoramic views.

School District Highlights

🏫 Parkway Addresses Budget Issues

Parkway is implementing budget adjustments for the 2025-26 school year. Rising healthcare costs have increased expenses by $5.3 million, while purchased services are up 11%. The district will reduce spending on supplies, travel, and meeting expenses while maintaining staffing levels and student programs, and a task force will explore sustainable long-term solutions.

🏆 Local Educator Receives KPLR11 Award

Eureka Elementary first-grade teacher Cassidy Elsner was been named March's Tools for Teachers award recipient. The recognition program, presented by KPLR11, celebrates one outstanding teacher each month in the St. Louis metro area who makes a significant impact on students' lives.

🌟 Rockwood Marks 20 Years of Fiscal Success

For the 20th consecutive year, Rockwood has earned a Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from ASBO International. This achievement reflects the district's commitment to transparency in its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. Rockwood stands as the only Missouri district holding both a AAA rating and multiple financial excellence awards.

Ballwin

🌲 Ballwin Park Program Returns April 16

Registration is still open for Ballwin's outdoor program for preschoolers. The Little Explorers program offers sessions twice monthly from April through October for children ages 2-5. Each 90-minute Wednesday morning session provides structured activities in Ballwin's parks with crafts and snacks included. The program costs $10 per child with a $2 discount for VIP members. Learn more / register here.

Eureka

🏛️ Eureka's New Hub Ready For Its Debut

The wait is finally over for Eureka's new government center. This Saturday (4/12) from 11:30am to 1:30pm, city officials will host an open house. The new government center brings together the Police Station, Municipal Court, and City Hall all under one roof. Residents are invited to tour the facility and celebrate this significant milestone.

🌱 Eureka's Free Trees Sprout at Easter Hunt

Eureka Parks and Recreation is celebrating Arbor Day by distributing free tree seedlings during the Youth Easter Egg Hunt at Kircher Park. Families can select from Shortleaf Pine, Eastern Redbud, or White Oak varieties while supplies last. There will be a limit of one tree per family.

Upcoming Events

THANKS!

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