👋 Good Morning, West County!

General News

🌊 Erosion Crisis Grows in Wildwood

Repeated flash flooding has caused significant erosion problems in Wildwood. The damage includes compromised bridge supports, exposed utility lines, and residential properties losing substantial portions of their backyards. Mayor Joe Garritano and the city have committed $300,000 to stormwater management projects and are seeking additional state support, with their funding proposal having passed the Missouri House and currently awaiting Senate approval.

📱 Parkway Adopts New Phone Rules

The Parkway School Board recently voted to standardize their cell phone policy across the district. Starting next year, younger students will face an all-day phone ban, while high schoolers must keep devices away during class time. Teachers have spoken out in support of the change, noting that current inconsistent policies make it difficult for students to avoid distractions like notifications, texting, and social media during lessons.

🐺 'Ghost Wolves' Coming to Eureka Soon

Eureka's Endangered Wolf Center will participate in major conservation research starting soon. A $2.1 million National Science Foundation grant is funding studies on Gulf Coast canids from Texas that may contain genetic material crucial for saving Red Wolves. The animals are expected to arrive at the Center in about three years after field research is completed.

🐾 Purina Visitor Center Closed Until 2026

The Purina Farms Visitor Center in Gray Summit will remain closed for the rest of 2025. A category 2 tornado directly hit the facility during March 14th’s storm and caused significant damage to multiple facilities including the Education Bar, Pet Adoption Center, and Incredible Dog Arena. Fortunately, all employees and animals were unharmed during the storm.

🦅 Spring Birds Return to Local Sanctuary

The World Bird Sanctuary in Valley Park is experiencing increased activity as spring temperatures rise. The migration season has brought daily sightings of Bald Eagles and Turkey Vultures joining the sanctuary's resident birds. Great Day St. Louis recently did a spot on the sanctuary- watch here.

Business

🦋 Vote Now for Butterfly House Honor

The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House in Chesterfield has been nominated for USA TODAY's "Best Butterfly Garden" in the United States. Our local butterfly house was selected by a panel of experts and editors who evaluated butterfly gardens across the country. Voting is open now (here) through May 12, with the top 10 winners to be announced on May 21.

🔬 New Cancer Treatment Arrives at Mercy

Mercy Hospital St. Louis has announced an important development for local cancer patients. The hospital is now offering proton beam clinical trials for breast, lung, prostate, and pancreatic cancers through their partnership with the Proton Collaborative Group.

🏪 Ballwin Corner Gas Station Getting Makeover

The Ballwin Board of Aldermen has approved plans to transform the corner at Manchester and New Ballwin Road. Midwest Petroleum will purchase and consolidate properties at 15302 Manchester Road and 105 New Ballwin Road, demolishing both the current ZX gas station and a former utility storage building. The new development will feature the existing canopy plus additional fuel pumps and a new store.

🍛 Indian Cuisine Coming to Dierbergs

Dierbergs is adding Black Salt's modern Indian kitchen to its prepared food lineup. The partnership will feature ready-to-heat authentic meals in stores.

School District Highlights

🏆 Student Wins State Drug Awareness Contest

A Rockwood sixth-grader has earned statewide recognition for her writing. Hannah Rascher's essay on "Throw Away Drugs - Not Your Future" was selected from 300 submissions across Missouri in the Elks Lodge contest. Her work posed the question: "What if one poor choice could cost you your health, friendships, and future?" The Ballwin student received $300 and advances to national competition.

Manchester

🔔 Manchester Rings in America's 250th

The City of Manchester on Friday honored American history with a special tribute to Paul Revere's midnight ride from 250 years ago. Residents gathered for bell ringing, lantern lighting, and a reading of the famous poem about the 1775 event. The celebration marked the beginning of Manchester's participation in America 250 and Civic Season festivities.

🩸 Manchester Blood Drive This Monday

Manchester’s Justice Center will host a blood drive on Monday (4/21) from 10am to 3pm.

Wildwood

🌟 Wildwood Hires Communications Manager

A former tv reporter, Paula Vasan, has joined Wildwood's staff as communications and economic development manager. The new hire previously worked at KSDK St. Louis and has almost two decades of experience in journalism. Paula will implement communications strategies and lead business retention efforts.

🎨 Wildwood's Outdoor Art Contest Returns

Registration is now open for Wildwood's 11th Annual Plein Air Art Event. The competition begins May 3rd at 8am at Wildwood City Hall, where participants will learn this year's secret location. Following last year's event at Rockwoods Reservation, the contest offers $750 for best of show in both traditional media and photography categories, plus $100 student prizes.

Upcoming Events

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