⚡️ Eureka 🏈 Commit, A Playground Heist

Author

Jared Michel
April 26, 2024

👋 Good Morning, West County!

In today’s ⚡️ West County Pulse newsletter:

  • 🏈 A Eureka HS Lineman Commits

  • 🚔 A Playground Equipment Caper

  • 🛒 Dierbergs Supports AHA

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

— Jared Michel

THE DIGEST

🏈 Eureka's Jack Lange commits to Mizzou football

Eureka High School offensive tackle Jack Lange has verbally committed to play football at Mizzou. The 6-foot-8, 275-pound four-star recruit is considered one of the top prospects in the state for the class of 2025. Lange, who made the Post-Dispatch All-Metro team as a junior, becomes the fifth commitment in Mizzou's 2025 recruiting class.

🚔 Cops Investigate Brignole Park Equipment Caper

In an unusual case that's sure to raise eyebrows, Valley Park police are investigating a peculiar playground heist at Brignole Park. Charles Bergfeld, owner of Playground Equipment Pros, is accused of stealing equipment his company had previously installed, claiming he hadn't been fully paid. However, records show the city paid Bergfeld $150,000 for the project. Bergfeld now faces charges of stealing and property damage.

📰 Parkway Student Launches Online News Magazine

Diego Perez Palomino, a junior at Parkway Central High, is making waves in the St. Louis student journalism scene. He created an online magazine called 314 In Focus, where students from various local high schools can share their published articles. Diego is also organizing the 314 Media Day conference on May 21 at the Missouri History Museum, featuring speakers and fellow student journalists.

🏊 Lions Club Offers Free Swim Classes for Kids 5-12

The Eureka Lions Club is celebrating its 70th year of providing free swimming lessons for children ages 5-12. Registration for the program, held at the Wildwood YMCA from June 3rd to June 13th, opens on May 1, 2024. The program is made possible by proceeds from the club's various fundraising events throughout the year. Learn more here.

LOCAL BUSINESS

🛒 Dierbergs Rounds Up for American Heart Assoc.

Dierbergs is once again supporting the American Heart Association through its "Round Up at the Register" program. Customers can donate by rounding up their purchase, donating $2, $5, or $10 at self-checkout, or using their rewards points. The donations will fund research, improve patient care, and advocate for healthier communities. Dierbergs will also hand out free, fresh produce at the 2024 Metro St. Louis Heart Walk on June 1st.

🍧 Oberweis Expects Sale & Reorg by Late June

Oberweis Dairy, the nearly 100-year-old company known for its milk delivery and ice cream shops, recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Two potential buyers have emerged: Brian Boomsma, co-founder of Dutch Farms, and the Hoffmann Family of Companies, a private equity firm with ties to St. Louis. Oberweis expects to complete a sale and reorganization by late June, hoping to continue operating its 40 Midwest stores (including its Ballwin location) under new ownership.

🎳 Strike a Deal on Bowlero Summer Passes Now

Bowlero Valley Park is offering a 10% discount on their Summer Season Passes until May 15th. Basic passes are $34.19, and Premium passes are $47.68 before tax, with prices increasing after the promotion ends. Purchasing passes in-center also includes a free game of bowling and a $5 arcade card.

😢 Chesterfield to Say Goodbye to Beloved Indian Spot

Khanna's Desi Vibes, a popular Indian restaurant in Chesterfield, will permanently close after lunch service on April 30. The restaurant, known for its regional Indian dishes and fusion fare, opened in October 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and has been a three-time STL 100 honoree.

SCHOOL DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS

Parkway

🚌 97% of Parkway Buses Pass Inspection First Try

It was announced this week that Parkway's fleet of over 140 school buses passed the annual Missouri State Highway Patrol inspections with a 97% first-time pass rate. The district will receive the Exemplary Fleet Maintenance award from DESE and the Missouri Highway Patrol for maintaining a 90% pass rate and having no "out of service" vehicles.

🚔 Police, Schools Sharpen Skills at the Lyceum

The Manchester Police and Parkway School District security recently participated in active threat training at the Lyceum. The program, developed by certified instructors, focused on enhancing room clearing tactics, communication, and decision-making skills to better prepare them for potential crises and ensure a coordinated, swift response.

Rockwood

📻 KEZK's Julie Tristan Surprises Fairway Students

Wednesday students at Fairway Elementary received a special treat when Julie Tristan from 102.5 KEZK radio stopped by to help out in the cafeteria. Over the coming months, Tristan will be showcasing various job opportunities available in the Rockwood School District, such as positions in school cafeterias. The district is actively seeking dedicated individuals to join their Child Nutrition team.

CITY HIGHLIGHTS

Ballwin

🚓 Ballwin Police to Upgrade Body and Dash Cams

The Ballwin Board of Aldermen approved the purchase of new body cameras, dash cameras, and Tasers for the Ballwin Police Department at their April 22 meeting. The department will acquire equipment from Axon, a well-known brand in the field, with costs spread over a 5-year payment plan. The upgrades include cloud-based storage, software licenses, and training for the new Taser 10 devices.

🏛️ New and Re-elected Aldermen Take Oath of Office

The City of Ballwin held a swearing-in ceremony for its newly elected and re-elected Aldermen at this week’s Board of Aldermen meeting. Aldermen Michael Finley, Pamela Haug, Frank Fleming, and David Siegel took their oaths of office, marking the beginning of their new terms serving the Ballwin community.

Source: City of Ballwin

🏆 Ballwin Public Works Wins 5th Spire Award

The Ballwin Public Works Department has been awarded the Spire Silver Shovel award for the fifth consecutive year. This award recognizes the department's commitment to gas safety, as they have had no "at fault" damages on gas facilities and consistently use the Missouri One Call System.

Creve Coeur

🤖 Citizens Learn About Police Drones

Officer MacKeen from the Creve Coeur Police Department gave a fascinating presentation and demonstration on drones at Ladue City Hall this week. The event was part of the West County Citizen's Police Academy, which aims to educate the public about modern policing techniques.

Ellisville

🏊‍♂️ Ellisville Gators Swim Team: Registration Open!

The Ellisville/Wildwood Gators Swim Team is ready to welcome new members for the upcoming season. Register your kids / learn more here.

Eureka

🚚 Big Truck & Safety Day to Roll into Eureka

The Eureka Parks and Recreation Department is teaming up with the Eureka Police Department for a day of fun and learning. Explore various vehicles and gain valuable safety tips this tomorrow from 10am to 1pm.

Manchester

Town & Country

🔋 T&C Police Sharpen Skills in Taser Training

On Tuesday the Town and Country Police Department held its yearly taser training session, emphasizing safety and proper use. Officers approached the training with dedication and professionalism, honing their skills to ensure community safety.

Source: T&C Police Department

Twin Oaks

🌳 Twin Oaks Earns 17th Tree City USA Title

At the latest Twin Oaks Board of Aldermen meeting, it was announced that the city has been recognized as a Tree City USA for the 17th year in a row. The Tree City USA program, run by the Arbor Day Foundation, the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Association of State Foresters, recognizes communities that meet four key standards for maintaining and expanding their urban forests. Twin Oaks has consistently met these standards, which include having a tree board, a tree ordinance, investing in urban forestry, and celebrating Arbor Day.

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • Tomorrow: 

    • Big Truck and Safety Day @ Eureka HS from 10am to 1pm. Learn more here.

    • DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Confirmed participating cities:

      • Ballwin

      • Clarkson Valley from 10am to 2pm. Learn more here.

      • Wildwood from 10am to 2pm. Learn more here.

      • Valley Park from 10am to 2pm. Learn more here.

Next Week

  • Tuesday April 30: Manchester Blood Drive @ the Manchester Justice Center from 10am to 3pm. Learn more here.

  • Thursday May 2 - Sunday May 5: 2024 Greater St. Louis Book Fair @ Queeny Park. Learn more / buy tickets here.

  • Friday May 3:

    • St. Louis County Park Foundation’s Cinco De Kilometer 5k Fun Walk @ Creve Coeur Lake. Learn more / register here.

    • Glow Golf at the Ballwin Golf Course from 7:30pm to 10pm. Learn more / register here.

  • Saturday May 4: Vantage Credit Union’s Shred Day 2024 @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheater from 9am to 12pm. Learn more here.

THANKS!

Thanks for reading this edition of the ⚡️ West County Pulse newsletter. If you found something useful, please share it with a friend!

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